DE102011003781B3 - Food waste disposal device used in kitchen of e.g. cafeteria, has plasma sources to clean portion of device casing, ignite plasma in gas and generate reactive gas so that reactive gas is brought into contact with portion of device casing - Google Patents

Abstract

The disposal device (110) has a disposal channel (128) that receives the food waste (112). The plasma sources (160,162,164) clean a portion of the device casing, ignite plasma in gas and generate a reactive gas. The reactive gas is brought into contact with the portion of the device casing. The food waste is fed to a collection container (130) through a vent line (144) by sucking the reactive gas. An independent claim is included for food waste disposal method.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a disposal device and a method for disposing of food particles. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of a reactive gas for cleaning a disposal device. Such disposal devices, methods and uses are used in particular in the field of commercial kitchens, for example, in canteens, government agencies, hospitals and care facilities, schools, restaurants or other facilities in which a public catering takes place. However, other applications are possible in principle.

State of the art

In numerous institutions for catering, for example, the large kitchens described above, incurred in both the preparation of food and in the cleaning of the food waste, which are hereinafter referred to as "leftovers". These food particles, which are usually in the solid state or else in the liquid state, can predominantly comprise organic waste. These food particles are collected in many cases directly at the place of origin in containers and fed into these containers for disposal.

Alternatively, another method now established on the market is to use disposal devices. As a rule, the leftovers are given at the place of their formation in a loading station. From there, they are conveyed to at least one central point in piping systems, which are also referred to below as the disposal channel. At this central point, the food particles are then usually further treated, for example dewatered and / or compacted, and then supplied for proper disposal.

In such disposal devices are usually set up at various points of the operation, for example, directly to one or more dishwashers, feeding stations, in which the food particles can be thrown by an operator. Such systems are commercially available on the market.

At the end of an operating cycle, the feed stations are usually cleaned, for example by spraying them with water. The pipelines of the pipe system are, however, usually only indirectly, by the water, which is discharged from the feed stations, cleaned. In general, many disposal facilities therefore have the disadvantage that, especially at the feed stations, by the food remains an odor nuisance may occur. If the feed stations are insufficiently cleaned, this odor nuisance may increase. The odors can then spread throughout the work environment. In addition, it is conceivable that in adhering food residues that are not completely removed, undesirable germs multiply. These challenges are aggravated by the fact that in many cases the pipelines of the piping systems of the known systems are only insufficiently cleaned, so that odors can also be produced here. These can also escape into the work environment.

As an alternative to cleaning with water, it is therefore also conceivable to disinfect the feed stations and the pipes by chemical means. However, the chemicals used may cause environmental and / or health problems during use and / or disposal. In a further treatment of the organic waste and / or their use, for example in biogas plants, such chemical disinfectants can even disturb the entire process or even bring to a standstill.

Out DE 10 2008 063 052 A1 For example, a device for purifying room air and a container are known. The device can be used in particular to avoid odors. The device comprises a housing, on which at least one opening for sucking in ambient air and at least one outlet opening for blowing out the cleaned air are provided. In this case, a device for generating plasma is arranged in the housing, so that germs or unpleasant odors can be eliminated.

Out DE 101 15 394 A1 are known a machine component and / or a process plant with a cavity and a cleaning method. The process plant has an integrated plasma cleaning device. The cavity is used in particular for receiving movably arranged machine elements and absorbs a fluid or a free-flowing material. The plasma cleaning device consists essentially of a process gas supply and a process gas discharge to the cavity and an electrode arranged in or on the cavity for plasma generation. Deposits in the cavity can be removed or avoided from the outset.

Out DE 20 2008 008 738 U1 a device for cleaning a pipeline is known. This can in particular for cleaning machines for making a beverage such as coffee be used, with a container in which a liquid is provided and at least one pipe through which the liquid is durchleitbar. At least one pipe section, a device for generating plasma is provided.

Out DE 201 03 120 U1 a device for the disposal of biowaste is known, with a crushing mill having a task element and this downstream separation device for solids and liquids. Between the separating device and the task element, an intermediate tank is arranged.

Out US 5,680,821 For example, there is known a method and apparatus for safely transporting hazardous solid waste into a waste treatment system for the purpose of improving subsequent combustion of the waste. The waste is introduced into a discharge chute with a lid. In the apparatus, a crushing device and a transport device are provided. The transport device transports the waste to the combustion process. Furthermore, an exhaust device is provided for the combustion process, which sets damp vapors of the combustion process in rotation and allows the water vapor of the exhaust air to volatilize faster.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disposal apparatus and method for disposing of food debris which at least substantially avoids the disadvantages described above. In particular, a disposal device and a method are to be provided which allow a thorough and reliable, yet environmentally sound cleaning of the disposal device and avoid odor.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a disposal device and a method for disposing of food residues as well as a use according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are shown in the dependent claims.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a disposal apparatus for disposal of food debris is proposed. A disposal device is to be understood to mean a device which is set up to remove food residues from one or more places where they are produced, and preferably to feed them to a collection and / or destruction or other type of disposal. For example, this disposal may also include collection, dewatering, compaction and, in particular, compression or other steps. The food particles can, as stated above, in particular solid and / or liquid substances, which may be predominantly organic in nature and which may be incurred in particular in the preparation of food and / or in the cleaning of dishes, especially in a community catering. The disposal should take place in particular taking into account the applicable regulations. In particular, the disposal device may be arranged to supply the food particles from the place where they fall off, for example in a canteen kitchen, to a collecting container.

The disposal device, which is particularly suitable for use in large kitchens, preferably at least one commercial kitchen in one or more of the above-mentioned facilities, has at least one disposal channel for receiving the food particles. Under a disposal channel is thus a device with one or more lines to understand, which are set up for the reception and transport of food leftovers. The disposal channel can comprise, for example, a pipeline system with at least one pipeline, which in principle can have any desired cross section, for example a round and / or polygonal cross section. The pipeline may for example have a diameter or equivalent diameter of at least 30 mm, in particular at least 50 mm and more preferably at least 70 mm or even at least 100 mm. For example, as further detailed below, the disposal channel may lead from at least one delivery station or system of delivery stations to at least one collection container and may be configured to direct the food particles from this delivery station to the collection container.

To solve the problem described above, it is further proposed that the disposal device comprises at least one plasma source for cleaning at least a part of the disposal device. The plasma source is arranged to ignite a plasma in at least one gas and thereby generate a reactive gas.

A plasma source is therefore generally to be understood as a device which is set up to ignite a plasma in a gas. A plasma is generally understood to mean a gas which consists partly or completely of free charge carriers, in particular ions and / or electrons. As a rule, a plasma is a mixture of neutral and charged particles. The ignition In principle, a plasma can be carried out in numerous different ways, which are basically known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, at least one energy input which comprises gas, for example by the plasma source having at least one device by means of which electrical energy of high energy density is introduced into the gas. For example, the plasma source may be configured to introduce at least one electric and / or magnetic field into the gas, for example an electromagnetic alternating field of high energy density. This can be done for example by peak discharges and / or by special electrode arrangements, which are described in more detail below.

A reactive gas is to be understood as meaning a gas which has one or more reactive species which can carry out a chemical and / or physical and / or biological modification of organic materials, in particular food residues, and / or have a germicidal effect, for example. The gas may comprise one or more pure gaseous media, but may in principle also contain other fluid substances, for example liquid fractions such as hydrogen peroxide in liquid form, in addition to gaseous fractions. In particular, the reactive gas may have a germicidal effect and, for example, be set up to kill microbes such as bacteria in the disposal device. Examples of reactive gases will be explained in more detail below. In particular, as will be explained in more detail below, the reactive gas may comprise the plasma ignited by the plasma source itself or a part thereof and / or one or more reaction products which are generated upon ignition of the plasma or by the presence of the plasma and which previously existed in US Pat the gas, before igniting the plasma, were not present. For example, ozone, atomic oxygen, atomic nitrogen, or other reactive oxygen-containing and / or nitrogen-containing species may be included, or combinations of the foregoing and / or other media.

The disposal device is configured to bring the reactive gas into contact with at least a portion of the disposal device. Preferably, this at least one part is a part which may come into contact or get in contact with the food particles during operation of the disposal device. By way of example, as will be explained in more detail below, this may be the disposal channel which is brought completely or partially into contact with the reactive gas. However, other parts of the disposal device can in principle be brought into contact with the reactive gas, for example, a feeding station, a collecting container or a pressure system of the disposal device. Various examples will be discussed below. In the context of the present invention, contacting is generally to be understood as meaning that the at least one reactive gas can act on at least one surface of the part to be contacted.

The invention can in particular make use of the fact that meanwhile plasma sources are available which can be handled without increased technical effort, in particular also under normal conditions or under conditions which do not deviate significantly from the normal conditions. In particular, the plasma may comprise a so-called "cold plasma". Such a cold plasma is a plasma which exists at low temperatures, for example at temperatures below 300 ° C, preferably temperatures below 200 ° C and especially temperatures below 100 ° C, for example temperatures of 10 ° C to 60 ° C and in particular from 20 ° C to 40 ° C.

Such "cold" plasmas have been variously described in the literature, especially for medical applications. Thus, a corresponding plasma source and its use in medical hygiene is described in GE Morfill et al .: Nosocomial infections - a new approach to preventive medicine using plasma, New Journal of Physics 11 (2009) 115019. Another reference to plasma sources for hygiene can be found in "Contents not washing - a plasma donor simplifies the disinfection of the hands," Physics Journal 9 (2010) No. 1, page 16. The plasma sources described therein, which are also within the scope of the present invention can be used, have an electrode assembly with two electrodes and a sandwich structure. Between a thin copper sheet and a grounded stainless steel mesh electrode is a thin Teflon layer. In the mesh electrode, a plasma is formed by an AC voltage of 18 kV applied to the copper sheet. The power consumption of such devices is usually 0.5 W / cm ² . The resulting plasma is generated in the air and produces a range of reactive molecules and excited molecules, with a ratio of charged particles to uncharged particles of 10 ^-9 in the plasma.

Cold plasmas, produced for example by the devices described in the cited publications, can also be used in disposal devices for the disposal of food residues in order to avoid the problem described above. WO 2010/094304 A1 describes an electrode assembly for generating a cold plasma, in which a surface-area electrode with a closed surface and a surface electrode with a broken surface by means of a Plate of dielectric material are connected. The structure described allows a very simple design of a plasma electrode. EP 2170022 A1 describes a device for applying a plasma z. On human skin, EP 2160081 A1 describes a device for applying a plasma in which additional substances are added to the plasma in order to influence the effect. These plasma sources described in the patent applications would in principle also be usable within the scope of the present invention. In principle, however, it is also possible to use other types of plasma sources for producing the mentioned reactive gases.

In general, it is thus known that plasmas or reaction products produced by plasmas have good germicidal properties, which can lead to a considerable reduction in the odor nuisance due to microbial contaminants in the disposal device. This is used according to the invention in the context of the present invention to solve the above-described problem of conventional disposal devices.

The disposal device may in particular be designed to bring the reactive gas into contact with at least a part of the disposal channel. The disposal device may further comprise, as stated above, at least one collecting container, wherein the collecting container communicates with the disposal channel. For example, as described above, the disposal channel may comprise a piping system by means of which food residues may be led to one or more collection containers from one or more feed stations. The disposal device may in particular be designed to bring the reactive gas into contact with at least one part of the collecting container or, if several collecting containers are provided, with at least one part of at least one of the collecting containers.

The disposal device may further comprise a printing system, wherein the printing system is adapted to generate an overpressure and / or a negative pressure and to convey the food particles by the overpressure and / or the negative pressure through the disposal channel, in particular in the at least one collecting container. For example, the printing system may have at least one suction device, wherein, for example, this suction device may be connected to the at least one collecting container, for example in a lid region of the collecting container. By means of this suction device, for example, a negative pressure in the collecting container can be generated, by means of which the food particles are sucked through the disposal channel into the collecting container. Alternatively or additionally, however, at least one overpressure device may also be provided, wherein the food particles are conveyed, for example, by means of overpressure, in particular into the at least one collecting container.

If at least one pressure system is provided, then it is particularly preferred if the disposal device is set up in order to bring the reactive gas into contact with at least one part of the pressure system. For example, the printing system may have a pressure channel, wherein an overpressure is supplied via the pressure channel. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure system can also have at least one suction channel or vacuum channel via which a part of the disposal device is subjected to the negative pressure, for example a suction line. In this case, it is particularly preferred if the disposal device is set up to bring the pressure channel and / or the vacuum channel into contact with the reactive gas. In the case of a suction channel, for example, this can be done by sucking the reactive gas through the suction channel. For example, the printing device may be configured to suck the reactive gas through a portion of the disposal device, including a portion of the printing device. For example, the printing device may have at least one exhaust duct, which is connected, for example, to at least one collecting container, wherein the negative pressure is generated in the exhaust duct so that the food particles are sucked from the disposal channel into the sump and at the same time exhaust air is discharged from the sump through the exhaust duct For example, to a roof area of a building.

In general, the disposal device can thus be set up such that the reactive gas is sucked through a part of the disposal device, for example the disposal channel and / or optionally at least one collecting container and / or optionally at least one venting line of the collecting container, which is also referred to as exhaust air duct or exhaust air duct.

The optional pressure system can furthermore be designed, in particular, to conduct the reactive gas after contact with at least one part of the disposal device through at least one treatment device, in particular at least one filter and / or at least one catalyst. In this way, in particular harmful gases from an exhaust gas of the disposal device can be at least partially removed. For example, in this way ozone, hydrogen peroxide or other harmful constituents of the exhaust gas of the disposal device can be converted and / or removed from the exhaust gas of the disposal device. For example, such Processing device, in particular at least one filter and / or at least one catalyst to be provided in at least one exhaust duct or vent line of the disposal device, for example, at least one vent line, which leads from a collecting container of the disposal device to an outlet opening, for example on a roof of a building in which Disposal device is arranged.

The disposal device may further comprise at least one comminution device for comminuting the food particles. By way of example, this comminuting device can have at least one chopper, in particular at least one rotating chopper wheel. The at least one shredder can in particular be arranged in a loading station of the disposal device, ie a station in which an operator can bring the food particles into the disposal device. The disposal device may in particular be designed to bring the reactive gas into contact with at least one part of the comminution device.

Further possible embodiments relate to the possible design of the plasma source. In principle, two embodiments are particularly conceivable, which can be implemented individually or in combination. However, other embodiments are conceivable in principle. Thus, in a first embodiment, the plasma source may be located outside a region of the disposal device which comes into contact with the food particles and ignite the plasma in this area. The disposal device may be arranged to subsequently transfer the reactive gas generated by the plasma, which may also comprise the plasma itself, into at least a portion of the disposal device which comes into contact with the food residues. This embodiment is also referred to below as "plasma dispenser". Alternatively or additionally, an embodiment of the at least one plasma source is conceivable in which the plasma is ignited within a region of the disposal device which comes into contact with the food residues.

In particular, the plasma source may have at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode, wherein at least one of the electrodes has a plurality of openings. In particular, at least one of the electrodes can be configured as a grid electrode, with a plurality of grid wires, which are arranged at least partially crossing each other. In this regard, reference may be made, for example, to the literature described above. For example, a first electrode may be configured as a full-surface electrode, and a second electrode may have the plurality of openings and be designed in particular as a grid electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are preferably arranged parallel to each other at least in one section and preferably parallel to one another over the surface of the electrode arrangement. Furthermore, at least one dielectric may be arranged between the electrodes, for example Teflon. Alternatively or additionally, one or more other types of dielectrics may be used, inorganic and / or organic dielectrics may be used. Particular preference is given to dielectrics which have a relative permittivity ∈ _{r of} from 1 to 4, preferably from 1.5 to 3 and particularly preferably from 2. The electrodes may have, for example, an electrode area of from 0.5 cm ² to 10 000 cm ² , in particular one Electrode area of a few thousand cm ² . This described arrangement can also be described as an electrode assembly. A single such electrode assembly, together with electrical drive, can produce the desired plasma. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of electrode assemblies in spatial proximity in order to enrich a larger volume with plasma. Two of these electrode assemblies may, for example, be arranged at a distance of 0.5 mm to 50 mm from one another, in particular from 1 mm to 40 mm.

The plasma source may in particular comprise at least one electrical energy source, in particular an alternating voltage source and / or an alternating current source, wherein the energy source is arranged to apply an alternating voltage to the electrodes, in particular an alternating voltage having a frequency of 0.5 to 100 kHz, preferably of 5 kHz to 20 kHz, and more preferably about 12.5 kHz. A power output may, for example, be 0.1 W / cm ² to 20 W / cm ² , in particular 0.5 W / cm ² .

The gas in which the plasma is ignited may in particular comprise oxygen and may particularly preferably be air. Alternatively or additionally, however, other gases may be used. For example, the air can also be admixed with one or more gaseous or liquid components which influence the ignition of the plasma, the properties of the plasma or the properties of the reactive gas.

The reactive gas may, as stated above, in particular comprise a plasma, in particular the plasma ignited by the plasma source or a part thereof. In particular, the plasma may be a cold plasma having a temperature of less than 100 ° C, preferably less than 80 ° C, and more preferably less than 60 ° C, for example, a cold plasma having the above mentioned temperatures. The plasma may in particular have a ratio of charged particles to neutral particles of 10 ^-8 to 10 ^-11, preferably 10 ^-9 to 10 ^-10. Furthermore, the reactive gas may have a pressure of 500 mbar to 1500 mbar, in particular a pressure of 800 mbar to 1200 mbar and particularly preferably normal pressure. The reactive gas may further comprise at least one chemical compound producible by the plasma, in particular selected from the group consisting of ozone; atomic oxygen, atomic nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively or additionally, further reactive oxygen and / or nitrogen compounds may occur. Hydrogen peroxide may form in particular in a humid environment, which is typically present in disposal facilities.

The plasma source can be configured in various ways. For example, the plasma source may be arranged to ignite the plasma directly in the disposal device, for example in the disposal channel and / or the collection container and / or other parts of the disposal device which may come into contact with the food particles. Alternatively or additionally, however, the plasma source may also have at least one fan, the fan being arranged to convey the reactive gas into at least one part of the disposal device, in particular into the disposal channel, the collection container or the printing system.

The disposal device may further comprise at least one feed station in communication with the disposal channel with at least one feed opening for introducing the food particles, in particular for introduction by a user, in particular a feed chute and / or a hopper. The feed opening can be closed in particular by at least one first closure element, in particular at least one flap and / or at least one slide. The disposal device may in particular be designed to bring the reactive gas into contact with at least one part of the charging station, for example the at least one charging shaft and / or the at least one charging hopper.

The disposal device may further comprise at least one control, for example, a central machine control and / or a decentralized control. The control may in particular comprise at least one data processing device and / or at least one program electronics. In particular, the control can be set up in terms of programming in order to run or control a disposal program in the disposal device. The control can be set up in particular to control the plasma source such that the plasma is ignited only when the first closure element is closed, wherein, for example, the reactive gas is passed exclusively through the disposal device and, for example, can not enter a work environment. In this way, it can be prevented, for example, that an operator gets in contact with the reactive gas.

Between the feeding station, in particular the feed opening, and the disposal channel, at least one second closing element can furthermore be arranged, in particular at least one flap and / or at least one slide. The disposal device, in particular the control, can be set up such that in at least one first operating phase, the first closure element is opened and the second closure element is closed, wherein introduction of the food particles into at least a part of a gap between the first and the second closure element is made possible. The opening and / or closing of the first and second closure element can be automatic, but in principle can also be done manually, in the latter case the control can be set up, for example, to effect a release or locking of the first and / or second closure element, depending on whether this closure element is about to be opened or closed.

The disposal device, in particular the control, can furthermore be set up in such a way that the first closure element is closed and the second closure element is opened in at least one second operating phase, permitting penetration of the food particles into the disposal channel and preferably the food residues into the disposal channel and further preferably be sucked into at least one sump. During this second operating phase and / or another further operating phase in which the first closure element is closed, optionally the at least one comminution device, which can optionally be provided, in particular in the intermediate space between the first closure element and the second closure element, put into operation become. In the second operating phase, in particular, the food particles may enter the disposal channel, in particular by suction, and preferably be sucked into the at least one collecting container. The disposal device and in particular the control can be set up in particular such that the plasma is ignited in the second operating phase. Preferably, no plasma is present in the first operating phase. For example, the control can be set up such that, preferably immediately after closing the first closure element and / or with a time delay, the plasma is ignited. The plasma source is preferably erased when it re-enters a first operating phase and / or with a time offset before this re-entry into the first operating phase, so that no plasma is ignited in the first operating phase.

The disposal device may in particular be configured to initiate the second phase of operation by an event selected from the group consisting of: a user action, in particular an actuation of at least one triggering element, for example a trigger button, a trigger switch, a trigger lever, a foot pedal, the first closure element ( for example, by closing a lid by a user); an occurrence of a temporal condition, in particular after expiration of a time interval, which corresponds, for example, to a customary filling of the intermediate space; an occurrence of a sensor signal, in particular a sensor signal of a level sensor, for example in the intermediate space between the first closure element and the second closure element. Other events may also be set up to initiate the second phase of operation. In particular, the second operating phase can also be triggered automatically by the control.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method of disposing of food debris is proposed. This method can be carried out in particular using at least one disposal device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, so that reference may be made to the above description for possible embodiments of the method as well as definitions of terms. However, other embodiments are possible in principle. In the method, the food particles are taken up in at least one disposal channel of at least one disposal device. At least one plasma source for cleaning at least part of the disposal device is used, wherein the plasma source ignites a plasma in at least one gas and generates at least one reactive gas. The reactive gas is brought into contact with at least a part of the disposal device.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the use of a reactive gas generated by a plasma source of at least one gas for cleaning at least a part of a disposal device is proposed.

The disposal apparatus, method, and proposed use described above have numerous advantages over known disposal apparatus, methods, and uses. In particular, an odor formation in the disposal device, in particular at one or more feed stations, can be effectively prevented, preferably by the disposal device and / or a part thereof, for example a feed chute and / or hopper, continuously and / or regularly, for example cyclically, with at least one Reactive gas, preferably a cold plasma, are filled. The at least one plasma source can be realized in a simple manner in or on the disposal device. For example, one or more electrodes for generating the plasma may be mounted and / or incorporated in and / or on at least one wall of the disposal device, which, for example using electrical energy, at least one gas in the disposal device, for example air, completely or partially into a plasma can convert. This step can be carried out in particular at normal pressure, or even in deviating conditions, for example, a negative pressure. Alternatively, or in addition to a direct integration of the plasma source, for example, the at least one, preferably at least two electrodes in the disposal device, the plasma source may also, as described above, comprise at least one plasma dispenser, which for example by a pipeline to the disposal device, for example, the feed station and / or the disposal channel and / or the collecting container may be connected. During the treatment with the reactive gas, for example, the reactive gas, in particular the plasma and / or reactive, generated by the plasma gases, for example, blown by a blower. A particular property of such a plasma and / or reactive gas is a high reactivity with surrounding substances, so that in particular odors in the disposal device can be effectively degraded. By introducing the plasma into the disposal device, for example, a feed chute and / or another part of the disposal device can be treated in such a way that not only digestive tracts are degraded, but also germs are killed, which corresponds to a disinfection. The formation of undesirable odors can thereby be at least reduced. With regard to the germicidal effect, in particular cold plasmas, reference may be made, for example, to the above-mentioned prior art. There the high reactivity and the germicidal effect of such cold plasmas are described. These effects can be used according to the invention in the field of food waste treatment and disposal.

The generation and / or introduction of the plasma or reactive gas can be carried out, for example, in a relatively dry environment. However, a moist atmosphere may also be present, so that, for example, the gas in which the plasma is ignited and / or the atmosphere within the disposal device may have a comparatively high relative humidity, in particular relative humidity, for example a relative humidity of at least 90 %, preferably at least 95%. It is also conceivable that during the ignition of the plasma one or more additional liquids and / or gases are introduced into the disposal device, for example sprayed or injected, for example in order to specifically influence the composition and / or effect of the reactive gas, in particular of the plasma ,

If the plasma source for generating the plasma is designed accordingly and can generate sufficient plasma, it is also possible to suck the plasma from one or more feed stations into the at least one disposal channel and thereby disinfect the disposal channel, in particular a piping system thereof, from the inside. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable, as stated above, that the plasma source comprises at least one separate plasma dispenser which is connected, for example, to a piping system of the disposal channel, which preferably generates the plasma only for the treatment of the disposal channel and / or a part thereof. The plasma can then be added, for example, continuously or cyclically to a transport air.

Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the plasma source in such a way that the plasma can be introduced, for example, into one or more collecting containers and / or lines in a central unit and / or produced there, thus also preventing, for example, growth of germs and formation of odors becomes.

In food waste disposal systems, in which a transport of food residues, for example, with negative pressure, there is usually at the disposal device for generating the negative pressure at least one exhaust port. This exhaust port can be connected, for example, with the at least one reservoir. In principle, annoying odors and in the worst case germs can also be carried out of the disposal device at this at least one exhaust air connection. By a temporary or permanent treatment of an exhaust air stream with reactive gas and in particular a plasma, for example by an arrangement of one or more plasma sources in and / or at the exhaust pipe, this danger can also be prevented.

As stated above, plasmas can be ignited with comparatively low energy input. The equipment of the disposal device with at least one plasma source thus generates, compared to usually already existing pressure devices for generating a negative pressure and / or overpressure, usually only a slightly increased energy consumption.

In contrast to a chemical disinfection and / or odor avoidance can continue to be dispensed with the use of hazardous substances according to the invention. Thus, by using at least one plasma source according to the invention, for example, the use of chemicals for disinfection can be at least largely avoided. As a result, the environmental compatibility of the disposal device and / or the method is significantly increased.

Furthermore, by means of the reactive gas generated by the plasma source, in particular of the plasma and preferably of the cold plasma, it is also possible to achieve locations and parts of the disposal apparatus which can not generally be cleaned by conventional means. For example, even dead volumes, which are typically difficult to reach by liquids, can be easily cleaned and even disinfected by the reactive gas.

As a further advantage, it can be noted that the action of the reactive gas and in particular of the plasma, preferably of the cold plasma, can also typically change the properties of surfaces with regard to their wettability. This is used industrially, for example, in a surface treatment of plastic parts, in particular before painting. Due to these surface effects, it is conceivable that the effect of the reactive gas and in particular of the plasma sets a positive side effect with regard to the adhesion of soiling or a cleanability of these surfaces.

Brief description of the figure

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. In this case, the respective features can be implemented alone or in combination. The invention is not limited to the embodiments.

It shows:

1 : An embodiment of a disposal device according to the invention.

embodiments

In 1 is a highly schematic representation of an embodiment of a disposal device according to the invention 110 for disposal of food waste 112 which can also serve as an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention and a use according to the invention. The disposal device comprises in the illustrated embodiment by way of example an optional feeding station 114 for the introduction of food particles 112 , with a hopper 116 , in which, for example, a crushing device 118 , For example, in the form of a shredder can be arranged. The feeding station 114 has at its upper end a task opening 120 which, by a first closure element 122 , here exemplified in the form of a flap 124 , lockable. At its lower end is the feed station 114 with a disposal channel 126 connected, for example, at least one piping system 128 having. This flows into one or more collection containers 130 , Between the feeding station 114 and the disposal channel 126 in particular, at least one second closure element 132 be provided here indicated by way of example by a slider 134 , The collection container 130 For example, again at least one discharge opening 136 which, for example, in turn by a closure element 138 is closed, in turn, in turn, a slide 140 , The collection container 130 For example, it can also be equipped with a compacting device and / or a dewatering device in order to compact and / or at least partially dewater received food particles.

Furthermore, the disposal device comprises 110 preferably at least one exhaust pipe 142 , which, for example, as a vent line 144 is designed and / or with a vent line 144 connected is. The exhaust pipe 142 For example, on a lid 146 of the collection container 130 be arranged.

The disposal device 110 can still have at least one printing system 148 have to provide an overpressure and / or a negative pressure in the disposal device 110 and / or a part thereof, for example the disposal channel 126 and / or the collection container 130 , to create. In 1 this is exemplified by the fact that in the vent line 144 at least one pump 150 is arranged, which a negative pressure in the collecting container 130 and / or the disposal channel 126 generated to the leftovers from the loading station 114 in the collection container 130 to suck. The vent line 144 For example, in one or more vents 151 lead, for example, exhaust openings on the roof of a building. Furthermore, in the disposal device 110 , in particular the vent line 144 , one or more treatment devices 152 be provided, for example, one or more filters 154 and / or one or more catalysts 156 , These can be set up, for example, to remove harmful components of the exhaust air, in particular reactive gases, from the exhaust air.

The disposal device 110 can continue at least one control 158 include. This control 158 For example, it can be set up to the closure elements 122 and or 132 to control and / or to control one or more of the plasma sources described below. For example, the drive 158 be set up that during operation of the disposal device 110 always at least one of the closure elements 122 . 132 is closed. For example, if leftovers by the operator in the hopper 116 can be inserted, so for example, the second closure element 132 closed, whereas the first closure element 122 is open. For example, triggered by the operator and / or otherwise, for example, when a certain filling in the feeding station 114 For example, the hopper 116 and / or a feed chute is reached, so for example, the task opening 120 manually and / or by the control 158 getting closed. After closing the first closure element 122 For example, the crushing device 118 be put into operation. Alternatively or additionally, after closing at least one of the plasma sources described below can be ignited. Again alternatively or additionally, after closing the first closure element, the second closure element 132 be opened, for example, automatically, and the food remains, for example, via the piping system 128 be transported away. The removal can be done for example with water and / or with gas, for example with air. The air and food particles are, for example, by a negative pressure, for example, from the pump 150 and / or otherwise generated at a central location. Alternatively or additionally, there are also feeding stations 114 can be used, which only have a closure possibility at the bottom. Here, for example, the emptying of the feeding station 114 For example, the task funnel 116 and / or a feed shaft, thereby be initiated that an operator, for example via a button, a signal to the control 158 gives. The second closure element 132 For example, the slider 134 , can then open, for example, controlled by the control 158 , And the food particles can, for example, from a negative pressure, in the piping system 128 be sucked off.

As variously stated above, the disposal device includes 110 furthermore one or more plasma sources, which in 1 with the reference numbers 160 . 162 and 164 are designated. These can, for example, one or more electrodes 166 include, which in 1 are merely indicated. These electrodes may be, for example, double electrodes, wherein a dielectric may be located between two electrodes, and one of the electrodes may each have a plurality of openings. For the possible design of the electrodes 166 For example, reference may be made to the above cited prior art. In particular, the electrodes can 166 each comprise at least one grid electrode and at least one planar electrode, wherein between the grid electrode and the planar electrode, for example, at least one dielectric is arranged, for example Teflon. The electrodes 166 For example, each with at least one electrical energy source 168 be connected, which in 1 As a common electrical energy source is indicated. However, other embodiments are possible in principle, for example embodiments in which each of the electrodes 166 with at least its own electrical energy source 168 is connected and / or in which several of the electrodes 166 with electrical energy sources 168 are connected. The electrical energy source 168 For example, it can be and / or include an AC voltage source and / or an AC power source. The electrical energy source 168 can also be controlled by the driver 158 be driven and / or in whole or in part with the control 158 and / or be at least partially identical.

The plasma sources 160 - 164 are each configured to ignite a plasma in a gas to produce a reactive gas. The gas in which the plasma is ignited is preferably air or preferably comprises air. Alternatively or additionally, however, other substances in the disposal device 110 introduced, for example, gases and / or liquids in order to influence the plasma formation and / or reaction products of the plasma formation targeted. The plasma can be ignited especially in a humid atmosphere. Alternatively or in addition to the at least one plasma, the reactive gas generated by the plasma comprises one or more gas components or other types of fluid components which may have cleaning and / or disinfecting effects. For example, ozone and / or reactive oxygen or nitrogen compounds may be contained in the reactive gas and / or atomic oxygen and / or atomic nitrogen and / or, in particular upon ignition of the plasma in a humid environment, hydrogen peroxide.

The reactive gas can in various ways the disposal device 110 be supplied. For example, the plasma sources 160 and 162 directly in parts of the disposal device 110 arranged. For example, the plasma source 160 be configured such that its at least one electrode 166 in the disposal channel 126 and / or in the loading station 114 is arranged, for example, the hopper 116 , Alternatively or additionally, at least one electrode 166 the plasma source 162 in the exhaust pipe 142 and / or the vent line 144 be arranged.

As an alternative or additionally feasible possibility is the plasma source 164 configured such that it outside the range of the disposal device 110 , which comes into contact with the food particles, ignites a plasma. The reactive gas formed in this case can, for example, via a connection 170 which is in the disposal device 110 opens, for example, the feeding station 114 and / or the disposal channel 126 and / or the collection container 130 and / or other parts of the disposal device 110 , with the disposal device 110 be connected. To the supply of the reactive gas in the disposal device 110 can, for example, as part of the printing system 148 , at least one fan 172 be provided. By means of the printing system 148 For example, the reactive gas can be driven or sucked into components of the disposal device which may come into contact with the food particles, for example by means of the blower 172 , which, for example, the reactive gas in the feed station 114 and / or the disposal channel 126 and / or the collection container 130 can squeeze. In this way, the plasma source 164 For example, act as a "plasma donor", from which the plasma in other parts of the disposal device 110 emotional.

As stated above, the drive can 158 be set up to one, several or all of the plasma sources 160 - 164 head for. This can be done in different ways. For example, powers and / or times and / or other parameters by which the plasma sources 168 can be controlled in appropriate ways by the control 158 to be influenced. For example, the plasma sources 160 - 164 are always controlled so that an operator does not react with reactive gases, which from the plasma sources 160 - 164 be generated, can come into contact. For example, a control of the plasma sources 160 - 164 such that between the operating personnel and the ignited plasma source always a closed closure element, for example one or more of the closure elements 122 and 132 in a closed state, is arranged.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

110

disposal device

112

leftovers

114

feeding station

116

hopper

118

comminution device

120

loading port

122

first closure element

124

flap

126

exhaust duct

128

Piping

130

Clippings

132

second closure element

134

pusher

136

discharge opening

138

closure element

140

pusher

142

air vent

144

vent line

146

cover

148

printing system

150

pump

151

vent

152

treatment device

154

filter

156

catalyst

158

control

160

plasma source

162

plasma source

164

plasma source

166

electrode

168

electrical energy source

170

Support

172

fan

Claims (16)

Disposal device ( 110 ) for the disposal of food waste ( 112 ), in particular for use in commercial kitchens, having at least one disposal channel ( 126 ) for receiving the leftovers ( 112 ), further comprising at least one plasma source ( 160 . 162 . 164 ) for cleaning at least a part of the disposal device ( 110 ), the plasma source ( 160 . 162 . 164 ) is arranged to ignite a plasma in at least one gas and to generate at least one reactive gas, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) is arranged to the reactive gas with the at least a part of the disposal device ( 110 ), the disposal device ( 110 ) is arranged to at least the reactive gas through at least one collecting container ( 130 ) of the disposal device ( 110 ), which the leftovers ( 112 ) can be fed, and at least one vent line ( 144 ) of the collecting container ( 130 ) to suck. Disposal device ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) is adapted to the reactive gas with at least a portion of the disposal channel ( 126 ). Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting container ( 130 ) with the disposal channel ( 126 ), the disposal device ( 110 ) is adapted to the reactive gas with at least a part of the collecting container ( 130 ). Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) at least one printing system ( 148 ), wherein the printing system ( 148 ) is arranged to generate an overpressure and / or a negative pressure and the food particles ( 112 ) by the overpressure and / or the negative pressure through the disposal channel ( 126 ), in particular into the collecting container ( 130 ), the disposal device ( 110 ) is adapted to the reactive gas with at least a part of the printing system ( 148 ). Disposal device ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the printing system ( 148 ) is arranged to the reactive gas after contact with at least a part of the disposal device ( 110 ) by at least one processing device ( 152 ), in particular at least one filter ( 154 ) and / or at least one catalyst ( 156 ). Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) is further configured to supply the reactive gas through the disposal channel ( 126 ) to suck. Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) at least one crushing device ( 118 ) for comminuting the leftovers ( 112 ), in particular in a loading station ( 114 ), the disposal device ( 110 ) is adapted to the reactive gas with at least a part of the comminution device ( 118 ). Disposal device ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas comprises oxygen and in particular is air. Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reactive gas comprises at least one plasma-producible compound selected from the group consisting of: ozone; atomic oxygen, atomic nitrogen; Hydrogen peroxide. Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plasma source ( 160 . 162 . 164 ) at least one blower ( 172 ), wherein the blower ( 172 ) is adapted to the reactive gas in at least a part of the disposal device ( 110 ), in particular in the disposal channel ( 126 ), the collecting container ( 130 ) or the printing system ( 148 ). Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) at least one with the disposal channel ( 126 ) associated feeding station ( 114 ) with at least one feed opening ( 120 ) for introducing the food particles ( 112 ), in particular for introduction by a user, wherein the feed opening ( 120 ) by at least one first closure element ( 122 ) is closable, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) is adapted to the reactive gas with at least a part of the feeding station ( 114 ) Disposal device ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) at least one control ( 158 ), wherein the control ( 158 ) is adapted to the plasma source ( 160 . 162 . 164 ) such that the plasma is only in the closed first closure element ( 122 ) is ignited. Disposal device ( 110 ) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein between the loading station ( 114 ) and the disposal channel ( 126 ) at least one second closure element ( 132 ), wherein the disposal device ( 110 ), in particular the control ( 158 ), is arranged such that in at least a first operating phase, the first closure element ( 122 ) and the second closure element ( 132 ) is closed, with an introduction of the food particles ( 112 ) in at least a part of a space between the first closure element ( 122 ) and the second closure element ( 132 ), the disposal device ( 110 ), in particular the control ( 158 ), is further arranged such that in at least a second operating phase, the first closure element ( 122 ) and the second closure element ( 132 ), whereby penetration of the food particles ( 112 ) in the disposal channel ( 126 ) and preferably wherein the food particles ( 112 ) in the disposal channel ( 126 ) and further preferably in at least one collecting container ( 130 ) are sucked. Disposal device ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the disposal device ( 110 ) and in particular the control ( 158 ) are set up such that the plasma is ignited in the second operating phase. Method for disposing of leftovers ( 112 ), in particular using at least one disposal device ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the food particles ( 112 ) in at least one disposal channel ( 126 ) at least one disposal device ( 110 ), wherein at least one plasma source ( 160 . 162 . 164 ) for cleaning at least a part of the disposal device ( 110 ), the plasma source ( 160 . 162 . 164 ) ignites a plasma in at least one gas and generates at least one reactive gas, wherein the reactive gas with the at least one part of the disposal device ( 110 ) is brought into contact, wherein the reactive gas at least by at least one collecting container ( 130 ) of the disposal device ( 110 ), which the leftovers ( 112 ) can be supplied, and at least one vent line ( 144 ) of the collecting container ( 130 ) is sucked. Use of a through a plasma source ( 160 . 162 . 164 ) from at least one gas generated reactive gas for cleaning at least a portion of a disposal device ( 110 ), wherein the cleaning takes place in such a way that the reactive gas is at least through at least one collecting container ( 130 ) of the disposal device ( 110 ), which the leftovers ( 112 ) can be fed, and at least one vent line ( 144 ) of the collecting container ( 130 ) is sucked.

Images