CA2122606A1

CA2122606A1 - Process and device for treating liquid-containing, crushable waste

Info

Publication number: CA2122606A1
Application number: CA002122606A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Bernd Heim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-10-31
Filing date: 1991-10-31
Publication date: 1993-05-13
Also published as: EP0611333A1; JPH07502193A; AU8743691A; WO1993008935A1

Abstract

PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR TREATING LIQUID-CONTAINING, CRUSHABLE WASTE

ABSTRACT

A device is disclosed for treating liquid-containing, crushable waste, in particular for treating hospital waste. In order to treat waste in a simple, hygienic and technically economic manner, the device has feeding means (1) in which the waste is introduced, crushing means (2) arranged downstream of the feeding means (1), screening means (3) arranged downstream of the crushing means (2), in order to collect most solid materials and a drip container (4) arranged substantially below the screening means (3) for collecting the liquid. The screening means (3) and possibly the drip container (4) can be removed in order to be emptied.

Description

21 2~`3g PROCESS AND DEVIC~ FOR TREATING LIQUID-CONTAINING, CRUS~ABLE WASTE

The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing reducible waste that contains liquid, in particular for processing clinical waste, with a loading system for introducing the waste and a reducing system that is incorporated after the loading system.

Apparatuses of this kind have been known for many years in practice. As a rule, these are so-called choppers or shredders of the type used for processing or reducing garden waste. Such apparatuses are particularly suitable for reducing dry waste, when this is chopped or cut by means of blades rotating at high speed.

However, the apparatus in ~uestion that is already known, is problematic if the waste contains liquids. Solely as an example, reference is made here to clinical waste, when so-called "A"-class and "B"-class wastes are collected in plastic bags. Such waste originates, for example, from operating theatres and, in addition to plastic bottles, catheters, or the like, also contains organic substances with blood or other body fluids. If such waste is reduced using the known apparatus, this always results in a mixture composed of waste that has been reduced and liquid. Such a mixture presents disposal problems, especially since incineration of the solids is made difficult, or even impossible, because of the high liquid content. For the remainder, handling the mixture is extremely difficult and scarcely reasonable as far as the operating personnel are concerned.

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In addition, there is a further problem in that clinical waste, in particular, must frequently be classified as infectious. Such wastes are the so-called "C"-class wastes. Such waste is collected in closeable plastic containers and must be specially treated with respect to processing and subsequent disposal. This is also impossible using conventional crushing systems, for here, too, the mixture of solids and liquid poses special problems, as in the case of the "A"-class and "B"-class wastes.

For this reason, it is the task of the present invention to describe an apparatus for processing reducible wastes that contain liquid, which makes a simple, clean, and technically economical treatment of waste possible. In addition, it should also be possible to subject infectious "C"-class waste to subsequent processing. Finally, it is intended to describe an appropriate procedure for processing reducible waste that contains liquid.

The apparatus according to the present invention for processing reducible waste that contains liquid solves the problem described above with the distinguishing features set out in patent claim 1.
According to this, the apparatus used to process reducible waste that contains liquid is characterized by a strainer system to catch most of the solids, which is incorporated after the reducing system, and a collecting container for the liquid that is arranged essentially beneath the strainer system in order to catch the liquid. It is also important that the strainer system and, optionally, the collecting container can be removed from the apparatus in order to be emptied.

According to the present invention, first of all it was acknowledged that in order to process reducible waste that contains liquid, in particular from the standpoint of subsequent processing, it is necessary to separate the solids and the liquids from each other. The strainer system that is ~'" ' ' . ' ' ' 2 ~ 2~

incorporated after the reducing system and that is intended to do this catches most of the solids, when more or fewer fine solids can be trapped by the strainer system by the appropriate selection of the mesh size or mesh diameter.

A collecting container is arranged beneath the strainer system so that, in particular, the liquid that is released during the reduction process can pass through the strainer system and into the collecting container. In order to simplify handling of the separated waste, the strainer system can be removed from the apparatus in order to be emptied and, of course, in order to clean the apparatus. Further processing or additional processing of the solids is possible according to the particular class of waste. The collecting container could also be made so as to be removable, so that the liquid can be simply poured out or passed on to a syætem used for carrying subsequent processing.

With respect to the configuration of the loading æystem, it is a particular advantage if this incorporate a shaft that leads to the reducing system. The waste can be loaded through this shaft without any difficulty. This shaft is to be dimensioned such that the containers and waste bags that are used in clinical practice can be loaded into the reducing system as a whole, without the need to empty said containers or bags beforehand. In addition, the loading system has a cover that closes off the shaft at the loading end, i.e., at the end that is remote from the reducing system. ,IThis cover can also be used, for example, as a ram in order to push the waste into the area of the reducing system. In any case, it is preferable that the loading system can be sealed so as to be air-tight by the cover, so that operating personnel are in any case adequately protected against fragments of waste that are expelled from the machine. Finally, the cover forms a reliable spray shield for the event that there is a high liquid content in the waste.

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It is preferred that the reducing system be driven by an electric motor. This can be, for example, in the form of a spur wheel back-geared motor~ Other types of motor can also be used.

With respect to the reducing system, it is particularly advantageous that this incorporate a cutter assembly with preferably two counter-rotating cutter shafts. The cutter shafts could also advantageously be arranged in such a manner that they draw the material that is to be cut from the shaft and into the cutter assembly automatically. If such a configuration is used, it is not necessary to have a special system to push or force-feed the waste into the reducing system.
~ 'The cutter shafts could be so configured that they incorporate splines for blades that are preferably of high-alloy tool steel.
Depending on stress and wear, the blades can be replaced individually and, to the extent that this is possible, it is not necessary to replace the cutter shaft.

In particular, from the standpoint of safety and in order to avoid damage to the cutters, it is advantageous if a flexible coupling be arranged between the cutter shafts and the motor. In a particularly advantageous manner, an electronic torque limiter could be installed as an overload safety device, and this would preferably be fitted with a reversing control.

In order to ensure that the reduced waste passes into the strainer system or the collecting container, respectively, the reducing system is mounted directly on the collecting container.
In other words, the reducing system is mounted on the collecting container in such a manner as to be removable and so as to effectively seal it. The reducing system can be taken off the collecting container for maintenance, repair, and for cleaning, so that the strainer system is similarly accessible and removable.

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In order that the strainer system can be securely positioned within the collecting container, it is preferred that the collecting container incorporate retainers on the inside, said retainers then being used to suspend the strainer system. These retainers could, for example, be in the form of an annular edge that extends approximately radially inwards, the inside diameter of this being slightly smaller than the outside diameter of an outer edge or retaining ring on the strainer system.

If it is desired to remove the waste, trapped by the strainer system in the ~orm of solids, from the apparatus for purposes of disposal, and without any further processing within the apparatus, the strainer system could advantageously be made in the form of a vibration-type conveyor that extends to the outside of the collec'ing container. This vibration-type conveyor could discharge directly into an accumulator tank, from which or with which the waste can be delivered to an incinerator. The strainer system could also incorporate drip-trap ledges that extend downwards within the collecting container, at least in its edge area, in order that any "creep" caused by liquid adhering to the lower side of the strainer system can be effectively prevented.
These drip-trap ledges could enclose the vibration container or the strainer system within the accumulator tank.

Within the context of an alternative configuration that is particularly advantageous with respect to subsequent processing of the liquid that is to be collected, the strainer system could be cup-shaped and extend into the collector container with a conically tapered cross-section. The collector system could extend up to a third or about half into the collector contain~r, in which connection all that has to be ensured is that the strainer system must not extend into the liquid that is contained or has been caught in the collecting container.

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The strainer system could be in the form of a filter bag, for example. Such a configuration would entail the major advantage that the complete filter sac is provided with openings to allow the liquid to escape. In the same way, the strainer system could have rigid walls and a mesh bottom that closes off the walls underneath. Here, too, it would be conceivable that not only the sieve bottom but also the walls be provided with small openings in order to let the liquid drip through at a faster rate.

In order that the liquid that has been collected can be drained from the collecting container or passed on from the collecting container for further processing without any problems, the collecting container has in the lower area an outlet that can be shut off by means of a valve. This could be, for example, a drain cock in the conventional sense. In the same way, it could also be in the form of an appropriate drain line with a mechanical or solenoid-type valve.

In particular with respect to continued processing of the liquid that has collected in the collecting container, it is an additional advantage if the outlet lead to a filtering system through a line and, optionally, through a pump, it being possible to connect the filter system to the sewer system or the like through an outlet and a line that can be connected to the outlet.
Draining the collected liquid in this way is only possible if the waste that has been reduced is "A"-class or "B"-class waste.

The problem of processing "C"-class waste frsm hospitals was addressed in the introduction hereto. This involves infectious waste, liquid from which--body fluids of all kinds--may not be disposed of as such even after repeated filtration. Even in the case of adequate dilution with mains water, such "disposal" is unacceptable, especially since the whole of the waste-water area can become infected by infectious liquid.

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As a consequence, with respect to the teaching of the present invention, it is a particular advantage if extensive processing of infectious waste takes place within the framework of the processing of waste according to the present invention. To this end, it is particularly advantageous if an ozone generator be incorporated outside the collecting container. Within the collecting container, preferably in the area of its bottom, there are nozzles, and the ozone generator is connected to these nozzles by an appropriate gas line. As a consequence, fine bubbles of ozone pass from below through the liquid that has collected in the collecting container, as a result of which all of the liquid is subjected to ozone treatment. Because of this ozonization, body fluids of all kinds are sterilized. Albumen is denatured ancl blood is coagulated. As a consequence, the ozone treatment results in neutralization of the original infectious liquids so that these can then be classified as "A"-class or "B"-class waste.

The ozonization of the liquid that has collected in the collecting container in the manner described heretofore entails the added advantage that ozone rises through the liquid and then escapes from this. As a consequence, ozone passes into the area of the filter system and, on the one hand, disinfects the solids that are trapped in the filter system or in the filter, and on the other, disinfects the filter system itself. Subsequently, the ozone passes through the filtering system into the loading system as far as the closed cover and thus disinfects the whole of the apparatus according to the present invention~ As a result, not only is the waste disinfected or neutralized; the whole of the apparatus that is used to process the waste is also disinfected at the same ti~e.

The nozzles that are provided in the lower area of the collecting container can, in an additionally advantageous manner, be in the form of fine openings or bores in a line that is preferably ~,~s .
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21 22~3,;3 arranged in spiral form. This line could, for example, be provided with the bores in question on a semi-circular upper section and could cover the whole of the bottom of the collecting container in a spiral or helical shape. This would then ensure that ozone or fine bubbles of ozone pass through all the liquid that is in the collecting container.

In order that the ozone produced in the ozone generator can pass into the collectin~ container at a specific pressure or flow out through the jets provided there at a specific velocity, the ozone generator is preceded by or associated with an air compressor that is incorporated in order that the ozone can be acted upon by compressed air. The ozone that has been generated is delivered to the collecting container and forced through the liquid collected therein by the compressor. In addition, the compressor also serves to flush the apparatus according to the present invention with air. A cylinder of compressed air could also be used in place of the compressor.

From the standpoint of the continued purification of the liquid that has been treated with ozone, it is also advantageous if a gas line be led from the ozone generator or from the compressed air cylinder to the outlet from the above-di~cussed filter system. This makes further ozone treatment of the already filtered liquid possible as secondary treatment, in order to achieve 100 per cent disinfection of the liquid. A gas line could also be led ~rom the ozone generator to the filter system itself, when the gas line would then advantageously open out into the lower area of the filter system. Thus, to this extent, once again ozonization could be effected directly in the filter system which would mean that the filter system itself could be disinfected. Here, as in the case of the ozone treatment of the liquid in the collecting container, it is important that the ozone be supplied to the lower area of the filter system in order ~,., ~ . . , - -. .:

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that all the parts and areas of the filter system and the liquid contained therein be effectively ozonized.

In particular with respect to effective disinfection of the whole of the apparatus, it is a particular advantage if, with the cover closed, all the internal spaces of the apparatus of the present invention are hermetically sealed. As a consequence, the ozone can flow through the whole of the apparatus, and cannot pass uncontrolled out of the apparatus. Then, it is preferred that a gas filter with a catalyst, which can be closed off by means of a valve, be arranged in the upper area of the loading system in order to neutralize the ozone. The gas filter could, for example, be an integral component of the cover of the loading system. The catalyst prevents the ozone causing an offensive odour.

The process according to the present invention perform~ the task defined in the introduction hereto by way of the features set out ~ ~ -in patent claim 26. According to this, in the procedure according to the present invention, this preferably involves a procedure to operate an apparatus according to the precedin~
description. This procedure is characterized by the following stages: -First, the waste, if necessary together with the associated containers or packaging material, is reduced or cut up. This reduced waste is then trapped in a strainer system. The small fragments and liquids that pass through the strainer system are collected in a collecting container. If necessary, the waste that has been reduced can be sprinkled with water. The reduced waste that has been trapped can be removed once the li~uid has dripped out of it. The same applies to the liquid separated from the solids, which can be emptied from the collecting container that is located beneath the strainer system.

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With respect to the procedure according to the present invention, it is an added advantage if, prior to the removal of the reduced waste and the solids separated therefrom, an additional treatment measure take place if the waste is infectious waste from clinical practice. For purposes of disinfection, ozone is fed into a lower area of the apparatus that is being used so that both the reduced waste and the separated liquid, as well as the whole of the apparatus comes into contact with the ozone. After the ozone treatment, the separated liquid could be drained off through a filter system, optionally after repeated ozonization, into the waste-water system or into a subsequent filter, since this liquid is then completely disinfe~ted. The reduced waste that is caught in the strainer system can be disposed of as normal household garbage after ozone treatment.

Prior to opening the apparatus that is used for processing the waste, the ozone is driven off in a particularly advantageous way by repeated flushing with air, through an appropriate filter system or over a catalyst, so that the apparatus is only opened after being completely flushed with air.

There are a number of possibilities for configuring and developing the object of the present invention in an advantageous manner. To this end, reference is made, on the one hand, to the secondary claims, and on the other, to the explanation of two embodiments of the present invention that are shown in the drawings appended hereto. Generally preferred configurations of the teaching of the present invention are discussed in connection with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention on the basis of the drawings. These drawings show the following:

Figure 1: a diagrammatic illustration of the principles of an apparatus according to the present invention, this . . : .
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Figure 2: a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic drawing of an apparatus according to -the present invention, in the form of one embodiment, that is used to process reducible infectious clinical waste that contains liquid. This apparatus comprises a loading system 1 for introducing the waste into the apparatus and a reducing system 2 that follows the loading system 1.

According to the present invention, the reducing system 2 is followed by a strainer system 3 that traps most of the solids, and by a collecting container 4 for the liquid, this collecting container being arranged essentially beneath the strainer system 3. The strainer system 3 and the collecting container 4 can be removed from or taken off the apparatus to be emptied.

The loading system 1 incorporates a shaft 5 that leads to a reducing system 2 and a cover 6 that closes off the shaft 5 at the loading end. Figure 1 also shows that the reducing system 2 is driven by means of an electric motor 7, which can be a spur -wheel back-geared motor.

Figure 1 also shows that the reducing system 2 comprises a cutter with two counter-rotating cutter shafts 8. The cutter shafts 8 are arranged or spaced apart such that they draw the material that is to be cut up from the shaft 5 and into the cutter automatically. At this point, it should be noted that the cutter shafts 8 incorporate splines for the cutter blades that are of high-alloy tool steel. It should also be noted that a flexible coupling is arranged between the cutter shafts 8 and the motor 7, and that an electronic torque limiter with a reversing control is incorporated in order to provide overload protection.

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The reducing system 2 is mounted on the collecting container 4 in such a way as to be removable and so as to seal it. The collecting container 4 has on its inside retainers 9 for installing the strainer system 3.

The strainer system is cup-shaped and tapers in cross-section and is installed so as to extend into the collecting container 4, the strainer system 3 extending not quite kalfway into the collecting container. Even though the strainer system 3 can be made in the form of a filter bag or the like, here, in this selected embodiment, it has rigid walls 10 and a mesh bottom 11 that closes off the walls 10 underneath.

The collecting container 4 has in its lower area an outlet 13 that can be closed off by means of a valve 12. The outlet 13 leads to a filter system 16 by way of a line 14 and a pump 15, and this filter system 16 can, in its turn, be connected through a drain 17 and a line 18 to the sewer system or the like (not shown in figure 1).

For treating infectious waste, in particular, it is important that in the embodiment that is shown in figure 1 there be an ozone generator 19 outside the collecting container 4. Within the collecting container 4, in the base area, there are nozzles 20. The ozone generator 19 is connected to the nozzles 20 by way of a gas line 21. Figure 1 shows that the nozzles 20 are in the form of fine outlets or bores in a line 22 that is arranged in the form of a spiral in the base area of the collecting container. Such a configuration for the nozzles 20 is particularly economical and, at the same time, extremely effective.

In addition, an air compressor that is used to produce compressed air that acts on the ozone that has been generated precedes or is associated with the ozone generator 19.

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For purposes of continued ozone treatment, a gas line 24 runs from the ozone generator 19 to the outlet 17 of the filter system 16. An additional gas line 25 runs from the ozone generator 19 to the filter system 16, the gas line 25 opening out in the lower part of the filter system 16. Figure 1 shows that when the cover 6 is closed, all the interior spaces of the apparatus according to the present invention are hermetically sealed. A gas filter (not shown in figure 1) is incorporated in the upper area of the loading system 1, and this filter can be closed off by means of a valve. This gas filter also incorporates a catalyst to neutralize the ozone.

As is shown in figure 2, which illustrates another embodiment, in the apparatus shown therein, the waste that is trapped by the strainer system 3 in the form of solids can be removed from the apparatus for subsequent disposal, without any additional treatment within the apparatus. To this end, the strainer sy-tem 3 is in the form of a vibration-type conveyor 26 that extends outside the collecting container 4. This vibration-type conveyor 26 discharges directly into an accumulator tank 27, with which the waste, separated from the liquid, can be moved to an incinerator, for example. The strainer system 3 also has drip-trap ledges 28 and these extend downwards from its edge area within the collecting container 4, so that any "creep" that is caused by adhesion of liquid on the underside of the strainer system is effectively prevented. These drip-trap ledges 28 enclose the vibration-type conveyor 26 or the strainer system 3, respectively, as a whole within the accumulator tank 27 and thus limit it to the outside. However, at this point, it should be remembered that the embodiment shown in figure 2 is less suited for processing infectious waste ("C"-class waste).

Finally, it is emphasized that the teachings according to the present invention are clarified on the basis of the embodiment ~f~r.

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described heretofore simply as an example and are in no way confined to this.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

1. An apparatus for processing reducible waste that contains liquid, in particular for processing clinical waste, with a system (1) to load the waste and a reducing system (2) that is incorporated after the loading system (1), a strainer system (3) that follows the reducing system (2) and is used to trap most of the solids, and a collecting container (4) for the liquid, this being arranged essentially beneath the strainer system (3), it being possible to remove the strainer system (3) and optionally the collecting container (4) in order to empty them, characterized in that an ozone generator is incorporated, preferably outside the collecting container (4); and in that the ozone generator can be connected to the collecting container so as to permit the flow of gas.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the loading system (1) incorporates a shaft (5) that leads to the reducing system, and a cover (6) that closes the shaft (5) at the loading end, i.e., at the end that is remote from the reducing system (2), preferably so as to produce an air-tight seal.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the reducing system (2) is driven preferably by means of an electric motor (7).

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the motor (7) is a spur-wheel back gear motor.

5. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reducing system (2) incorporates a cutter assembly, with preferably two counter-rotating cutter shafts (8); and in that the cutter shafts (8) are arranged in such a manner that they draw the material that is to be cut from the shaft (5) into the cutter assembly automatically.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the cutter shafts (8) incorporate splines for blades that are preferably of high-alloy tool steel.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that a flexible coupling is arranged between the cutter shafts (8) and the motor (7); and in that an electronic torque limiter, preferably with a reversing control, is incorporated in order to provide overload protection.

8. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reducing system (2) is mounted on the collecting container (4) so as to be removable and to seal this.

9. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the collecting container (4) has, preferably on the inside, retainers (9) for mounting or suspending the strainer system (3).

10. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the strainer system (3) is in the form of a vibration-type conveyor that extends to the outside of the collecting container (4).

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, characterized in that the strainer system (3) incorporates drip-trap ledges (28) that extend downwards within the collecting container (4), at least in its edge area.

12. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the strainer system (3) is cup-shaped and extends into the collector container (4) with a conically tapered cross-section.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, characterized in that the strainer system (3) extends up to one-third, up to about halfway into the collecting container (4).

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that the strainer system (3) is in the form of a filter bag.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that the strainer system (3) has rigid wails (10) and has a mesh bottom (11) that closes off the walls (10) underneath.

16. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the collecting container (4) has in its lower area an outlet (13) that can be closed off by a valve (12).

17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16, characterized in that the outlet (13) leads through a line (14) and optionally through a pump (15) to a filter system (16) which, in its turn, can be connected through an outlet (17) and a line (18) that is connected to this to the sewer system or the like.

18. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 1 to 9, and optionally 12 to 17, characterized in that nozzles (20) are provided within the collecting container (4), preferably in the base area thereof; and in that an ozone generator (19) is connected to the nozzles (20) through a gas line so as to permit the flow of gas.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, characterized in that the nozzles (20) are in the form of fine outlets or bores in a line (22) that is arranged preferably in the form of a spiral in the base area of the collecting container (4).

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 18 or claim 19, characterized in that a compressor that is used to compress air to act on the ozone that is generated precedes or is associated with the ozone generator (19).

21. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 18 to 20, characterized in that a gas line (24) leads from the ozone generator (19) to the outlet (17) of the filter system (16).

22. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 18 to 21, characterized in that a gas line (25) runs from the ozone generator (19) to the filter system (16), it being preferred that the gas line (25) open out in the lower area of the filter system (16).

23. An apparatus as defined in one of the claims 18 to 22, characterized in that when the cover (6) is closed, all of the interior spaces are hermetically sealed.

24. An apparatus as defined in claim 23, characterized in that a gas filter that can be closed off by means of a valve is arranged preferably in the upper area of the loading system (1).

25. An apparatus as defined in claim 24, characterized in that the gas filter incorporates a catalyst.

26. A procedure for processing reducible infectious waste that contains liquid, in particular clinical waste, preferably to operate a device as defined in one of the claims 1 to 9, and optionally 12 to 25, with the following process steps:
reducing or cutting up the waste;
trapping the reduced waste in a strainer system;
trapping the finest particles and liquid that pass through the strainer system in a collecting container;
removal of the reduced waste and the liquid separated therefrom for disposal, characterized in that prior to the removal of the reduced waste and the liquid separated therefrom, ozonisation of the liquid, the trapped and reduced waste, and the whole apparatus is carried out.

27. A procedure as defined in claim 26, characterized in that the waste, including containers and packing material, is reduced.

28. A procedure as defined in claim 27, characterized in that after the ozone treatment the liquid is released as waste-water through a filter system or, optionally, after repeated ozonization.

29. A procedure as defined in claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the reduced waste that is trapped in the strainer system is disposed of as ordinary household garbage after the ozone treatment.