EP3401088B1 - Device and method for the treatment of slurry, in particular liquid manure - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for treating pulp. The pulp is in particular liquid manure. The liquid manure is dewatered to obtain fibrous material and can be sanitized as bedding or used with a higher dry content for the production of molded fiber parts, such as MDF boards. Other types of turbidity, such as sludge from biogas plants, can also be treated with the device and the method.

DE 20 2012 011 864 U1 shows an example of the structure of a press screw separator for separating solids from a slurry. EP 1 817 532 B1 shows a rotatable drum for heating the solid with flap technology for introducing the solid into the rotating drum. DE 20 2012 001 190 U1 shows the rotatable drum with a fixed end wall and a corresponding seal to the rotating drum wall.

DE 10 2013 219275 A1 shows a pure device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for aerobic microbiological heating of pourable moist organic solids, preferably partially dewatered liquid manure, comprising the following steps: introducing the solid into a drum, rotating the drum about an axis of rotation and simultaneously conveying the solid in the drum, and introducing oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, into the solid via at least one perforated tube, the tube extending in the drum and rotating with the drum, with the solid being fed into the drum and/or during the rotation of the drum or the solids are discharged from the drum.

DE 602 17 183 T2 shows a device for evaporating a liquid. This device comprises a drying chamber, a feed device for the wet particles, a discharge device for the dry particulate product and a rotor, the feed device and the discharge device being arranged at opposite ends of the drying chamber, and the rotor being arranged in the drying chamber, the to raise particulate product from the lower to the upper regions.

DE 24 49 483 A1 shows a counter-pressure device for a screw press, comprising a plurality of flaps which are provided so as to be pivotable in radial planes along the circumference of the screw press outlet and which are provided on a common, ring-shaped bellows element which can be connected to a pressure source.

Furthermore, the prior art knows various production methods for molded fiber parts. In particular, wood fibers are pressed together with a binder into molded parts, for example boards. These boards are referred to as MDF boards, for example. The fibers from wood can be completely or partially replaced by other plant fibers, such as those obtained from fermentation residues from biogas production.

It is the object of the invention to specify a device and a method which make it possible to treat sludge, in particular liquid manure, in an energy-efficient manner in the smallest possible space and with a simple design. In particular, fibrous solids should be separated from the liquid manure and sanitized as bedding or made usable again for the production of molded fiber parts.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims 1 and 10. The dependent claims relate to advantageous configurations of the invention.

The object is thus achieved by a device for treating sludge. As already described, the pulp is in particular liquid manure. The term "slurry" stands for animal excrement, optionally with vegetable additives such as litter. However, other turbidities, such as sludge from biogas plants, can also be treated.

The device includes a press screw separator for separating solids from the slurry. The auger separator typically includes a housing. A worm is rotatably arranged in the housing. A drive, for example with an electric motor and optionally a gear, is flanged to the housing. The screw is set in rotation in the housing by means of the drive. There are also designs in which the auger is fixed and the screen is set in rotation. A plug of solids forms at the end of the screen in the press screw separator. The separated liquid components pass radially outwards through the sieve and flow off.

Furthermore, the device comprises a rotatably driven drum. In particular, the drum comprises a drum wall and two opposing end walls. The axis of rotation of the drum is essentially horizontal. The drum preferably rests on pivot bearings. The drum is preferably driven via the drum wall or via running rail rings on the drum wall.

The solids are fed into the drum via an end wall, referred to here as the entry end wall. The solids are preferably discharged via the opposite end wall, referred to here as the discharge end wall. Within the scope of the present invention, any arrangement, for example a discharge chute, can be used for discharging the solid.

The solids are heated in the drum and the solids are sanitized as a result. The heating in the drum takes place at least in part by aerobic microbiological heating. No external energy needs to be supplied for this microbiological heating. In addition or as an alternative to the microbiological heating, it is also possible to heat the drum using an external energy source. In particular, hot air is blown into the drum for this purpose. Furthermore, it is possible to blow atmospheric oxygen into the drum to support the aerobic microbiological heating. In particular, the drum is operated continuously. In the continuous operation, the drum rotates while solids are being fed into the drum and while solids are being discharged from the drum. That Waste gas containing water vapor can be condensed on the pulp that is still to be separated and the non-condensable gas can be burned in an air heater.

According to the invention, the press screw separator is attached directly to the entry end wall of the drum. As a result, the solids separated in the press screw separator fall directly from the press screw separator into the bowl. In particular, the press screw separator is attached to the entry end wall in such a way that the solid can be conveyed into the drum by the force generated by the press screw separator. The force generated by the press screw separator is generated in particular by the rotating screw or by the rotating screen. According to the invention, there is no need for an additional conveying device with an additional drive for moving the solid matter from the press screw separator or an intermediate storage facility into the drum. This results in a simple and energy-efficient construction of the entire device. Furthermore, this results in a relatively small installation space, since the press screw separator is located directly on the entry end wall of the drum.

Due to the relatively small installation space, it is possible to accommodate the drum and the press screw separator in a standard container. The arrangement in the standard container makes it very easy to transport the device. Furthermore, the standard container can be thermally insulated in a simple manner. The standard container is preferably an ISO container from commercial shipping with a length of 20 feet or 40 feet.

The compact arrangement of press screw separator and drum according to the invention makes it possible for a ratio of the drum length to the container length to be at least 0.6, in particular at least 0.65, particularly preferably at least 0.7.

With a general consideration of the invention, the press screw separator is attached directly to the entry end wall, so that the solids can be conveyed directly from the press screw separator into the drum. Provision is particularly preferably made for the press screw separator to be flanged to the entry end wall. The press screw separator is thus firmly connected to the entry end wall. In particular, the housing of the press screw separator is flanged to the entry end wall.

If the filling level of solids inside the drum is very low, the press screw separator can be attached to the entry end wall coaxially to the axis of rotation of the drum. In a preferred embodiment, however, it is provided that the drum is filled with solids to over its axis of rotation. Accordingly, the press screw separator also starts above the axis of rotation.

Preferably, the entry end wall has a hole eccentric to the axis of rotation. The press screw separator is attached, in particular flanged, to this hole. The entry end wall is a non-rotatable part of the drum. The entry end wall is thus stationary while the drum wall rotates. Such a fixed end wall with a corresponding seal is, for example, in DE 20 2012 001 190 U1 explained.

The screw of the press screw separator preferably comprises a core and at least one helix arranged on the core. A portion of the core on which no coils are arranged preferably extends to the discharge side of the press screw separator. In this area in particular, the solid plug forms in the press screw separator. Provision is preferably made for the worm, at least the discharge-side end of the core without spirals, to protrude into the interior of the drum. The solid plug of the press screw separator thus forms at least partially within the bowl.

The press screw separator includes a discharge controller for the solids.

This discharge controller holds the solid plug in the press screw separator with a corresponding back pressure. Preferably, the ejection regulator is at least partially internal to the drum.

In particular, the ejection regulator comprises at least one flap. The at least one flap is arranged inside the drum and is designed to build up the counter-pressure on the solid matter emerging from the press screw separator. In particular, two flaps are provided. Particularly preferably, the flaps each have a semicircular recess through which the core of the snail extends. Furthermore, the ejection controller preferably comprises a control device which is external to the drum. In particular, a force can be set on the control device and the control device is designed to apply a corresponding closing force to the at least one flap.

Furthermore, the discharge regulator includes a connection mechanism for connecting the control device to the at least one flap. Since the control device is outside the drum and the flaps are inside the drum, the linkage mechanism protrudes through the entry end wall.

The opening in the entry end wall for the connection mechanism should be relatively small, for example to avoid thermal losses. Therefore, it is preferably provided that the connection mechanism in the area of its breakthrough through the Entry end wall only moves linearly or is rotatable about its own axis. The connection mechanism is therefore preferably not pivotable in the area of the opening, so that a simple hole in the entry end wall is sufficient for the connection mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting mechanism comprises a tension element protruding through the entry end wall, preferably designed as a roller chain. As an alternative to the roller chain, a rope, a round rod or a belt can also be used, for example.

The regulating device arranged outside the drum preferably comprises a rotatably arranged rod. This bar can be loaded with weights. In particular, the weights are arranged to be displaceable on the rod, so that a corresponding lever arm can be adjusted. The rod is connected to the traction element.

The tension element is preferably guided over a guide disk. The guide washer preferably includes an arcuate portion. In particular, the axis of rotation of the rod is coaxial with the arcuate portion of the guide washer.

The at least one flap can also be acted upon in other ways. For example, the flap can be moved hydraulically, pneumatically, or with an electric drive, or force can be applied to it. It is preferably provided that the hydraulics, the pneumatics or the electric drive are located outside the drum and are correspondingly connected to the flap inside the drum via the connecting mechanism.

The press screw separator is preferably fastened on a rail arrangement outside of the drum, so that the press screw separator together with the discharge regulator can be moved away from the drum parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum and can therefore be moved out of the drum. This allows easy maintenance of the press screw separator.

Preferably, the auger separator comprises an intermediate flange between the portion that projects into the drum and the portion of the auger separator that is outside the drum. The intermediate flange is attachable to the entry end wall. The housing of the press screw separator is preferably attached to the intermediate flange. The mouthpiece with the at least one flap and in particular also the core of the snail protrudes through a hole in the intermediate flange.

The control device, in particular the guide disk described above, is particularly preferably fastened to the outside of this intermediate flange.

As already described, air can be introduced into the interior of the drum. It is possible to heat the air to promote drying of the solids in the drum. With or without heating, the air in the drum can be used to promote microbiological heating.

Two variants are preferably provided for introducing the air into the interior of the drum: according to a first variant, the air is guided via one of the two end walls onto the surface of the solid rolling inside the drum. In this variant, the hole in the end wall for introducing the air is relatively high and lies above the surface of the solids in the drum.

According to the second variant, a lance protrudes from one of the two end walls into the interior of the drum. This lance is attached to the bulkhead and extends into the solid. Accordingly, the lance is positioned relatively low and lies below the surface of the solids in the drum. The position of the solids surfaces in the drum depends on the degree of filling of the drum and the direction of rotation of the drum. Provision is particularly preferably made for the lance to be arranged lower than the center axis of rotation of the drum. The lance has openings on the end face and/or on its lateral surface, through which the air escapes directly into the solid.

In both variants, the air is introduced via a fixed, non-rotatable end wall, in particular via the discharge end wall. The lance can preferably extend through the entire drum and be attached to both opposite end walls.

The invention also includes a method for treating the pulp. In particular, the device described is used to carry out the method. In the process, solids are separated from the pulp with the press screw separator and the solids are fed into the drum. The solids separated by the press screw separator are conveyed directly into the drum by the force generated by the press screw separator. The drum is rotated and the solid is discharged from the drum.

The advantageous configurations and dependent claims described within the scope of the device according to the invention are correspondingly advantageously applied to the method according to the invention.

The solids removed from the drum are preferably used as bedding. Furthermore, it is possible to dry the solid in the drum to a relatively high dry content and to use the solid obtained as a wood substitute production of molded fiber parts. Thus, the method preferably includes a step of producing the molded fiber parts. Here, the solid, in particular in processed form, is pressed together with a binder to form the fiber molded part. The solids separated from the pulp and dried in the drum can be mixed with other fibers.

Furthermore, as part of the method, it is preferably provided for air to be introduced directly into the solid via the lance described, which is fastened to at least one fixed end wall.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 2

die Trommel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel, und

Fig. 3 bis 6

den Ausstoßregler der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel in verschiedenen Positionen.

Further details, advantages and features of the present invention result from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1

a device according to the invention according to an embodiment,

2

the drum of the device according to the invention according to the embodiment, and

Figures 3 to 6

the ejection regulator of the device according to the invention according to the embodiment in different positions.

the Figures 1 to 6 show a device 1 according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention. figure 1 shows an overview of the entire device 1. figure 2 shows an axial view of the drum 3 of the device 1. Figures 3 , 5 and 6 show an output controller 33 of a press screw separator 2 of the device 1. In addition to figure 3 indicates figure 4 the ejection regulator 33 from a view from inside the drum 3. Referring to the Figures 1 to 6 referenced.

The device 1 comprises the rotatably arranged drum 3 and the press screw separator 2, directly attached to the drum 3. The drum 3 and the press screw separator 2 are located in a container 9.

Outside the container 9, the device 1 comprises, for example, a liquid manure tank 4. In the liquid manure tank 4, an agitator 19 can be arranged. Furthermore, there is a pump 20 in the liquid manure collection container 4 for conveying the liquid manure via a supply line 21 into an inlet 15 of the press screw separator 2. Excess liquid manure can be fed back to the liquid manure collection container 4 via a return flow 22. A vent 23 can be arranged at the inlet 15 .

The press screw separator 2 comprises a housing 17. In the housing 17 there is a screw 30 which is figure 3 is shown purely schematically. The worm 30 includes a core 31. There is at least one helix 32 on the core 31. On the housing 17 is a drive unit 18 flanged. The drive unit 18 includes, for example, an electric motor and a gear. The worm 30 is set in rotation within the housing 17 by means of the drive unit 18 .

In the housing 17 there is a sieve, not shown. Liquid components of the liquid manure pass radially outwards through the sieve and run off via an outlet 16 of the press screw separator 2 . The solids separated in the press screw separator 2 are conveyed directly into the drum 3.

The drum 3 has an entry end wall 5 , a discharge end wall 6 and a drum wall 7 . The two end walls 5, 6 are connected to one another via the drum wall 7. An axis of rotation 14 of the drum 3 extends through the two end walls 5, 6 and is essentially horizontal.

Running rail rings 24 are arranged on the drum wall 7 . The drum 3 rests on pivot bearings 8 via these running rail rings 24 . The drum 3 is driven in particular via at least one running rail ring 24. The drum 3 is rotated according to the direction of rotation 26 in figure 2 put into rotation. As a result, the solid lies within the drum 3 with the in figure 2 angle of repose shown 27.

The solid matter is discharged from the drum 3 via a discharge device 10 on the discharge end wall 6. In the example shown, the discharge device 10 is designed as a discharge chute.

Heated air can be blown into the drum 3 . In particular, air is blown in via a fan 11 and an air heater 12 at the discharge end wall 6 . figure 1 shows a relatively high introduction of the air at the discharge end wall 6, above the surface of the solid rolling in the drum. As an alternative to this, figure 1 a lance 47, shown in dashed lines, which extends from the discharge end wall 6 into the interior of the drum 3. The lance 47 is arranged so that it lies below the surface of the solid and thus the air is blown directly into the solid. This position of the lance 47 is illustrated by the dashed representation in figure 2 .

The exhaust gas from the drum 3 is discharged in particular via the entry end wall 5 . A suction fan 13 can support the discharge of the exhaust gas and, if necessary, forward it to a cleaning treatment.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drum 3 has a stationary entry end wall 5 and a stationary discharge end wall 6 . A corresponding seal 25 is located between the end walls 5, 6 and the drum wall 7.

The representation in figure 2 shows a hole 28 in the entry end wall 5, through which the press screw separator 2 protrudes into the interior of the drum 3. The hole 28 is arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation 14 . Furthermore shows figure 2 a hole 29 for discharging the exhaust gas from the drum 3.

Figures 3 and 4 show in detail how the press screw separator 2 protrudes with its mouthpiece through the entry end wall 5 into the drum 3. The press screw separator 2 includes the output controller 33. An essential part of the output controller 33, namely the two flaps 34 are located inside the drum 3. The flaps 34 are connected to a control device 36 of the output controller 33 via a connecting mechanism 39. The connecting mechanism 39 protrudes through the entry end wall 5 to the outside. The control device 36 is located outside the drum 3.

The flaps 34 are fastened to the mouthpiece of the press screw separator 2 with a flap axis of rotation 35 . The core 31 of the screw 30 protrudes into the interior of the drum 3. The flaps 34 each have semicircular recesses through which the core 31 protrudes.

The connecting mechanism 39 comprises a pull rod 42 rotatably connected to the flaps 34. The pull rod 42 is located inside the drum 3. The pull rod 42 is connected to the flaps 34 via transverse elements 44. Furthermore, the connecting mechanism 39 includes a tension element 41, designed here as a roller chain. The pulling element 41 protrudes through the entry end wall 5 to the outside.

The control device 36 comprises a guide disk 40 with an arcuate portion. The tension element 41 is guided over this guide disk 40 . A rod 37 of the control device 36 is rotatably arranged on the guide disk 40 . The pulling element 41 is connected to the rod 37 . On the rod 37 weights 38 can be slidably arranged. The weights 38 load the rod 37 from below, as a result of which the tension element 41 is subjected to a tensile load. The pulling element 41 in turn applies a closing force to the flaps 34 via the pulling rods 42 . As a result, a counterforce is applied to the solid plug forming in the mouthpiece of the press screw separator 2 .

figure 3 shows the flaps 34 in a closed position. figure 5 12 shows the flaps 34 in a half-open position. figure 6 Figure 12 shows the flaps 34 in a fully open position.

The housing 17 of the press screw separator 2 is attached to an intermediate flange 43 . The mouthpiece of the press screw separator 2 protrudes through the intermediate flange 43 into the drum 3. Furthermore, the guide disk 40 and thus also the rod 37 attached to the intermediate flange 43. The intermediate flange 43 is attached to the entry end wall 5, in particular screwed. By detaching the intermediate flange 43 from the entry end wall 5, the entire press screw separator 2 can be easily dismantled.

figure 1 shows a length 45 of the container 9 and a length 46 of the drum 3. Due to the inventive direct arrangement of the press screw separator 2 on the drum 3, the length 46 of the drum 3 can be relatively large compared to the length 45 of the container 9. As a result, the drum 3 can be dimensioned for a relatively large amount of solids and the press screw separator 3 and the drum 3 can nevertheless be arranged inside the container 9 .

In addition to the above written description of the invention, explicit reference is hereby made to the graphic representation of the invention in the figures for its supplementary disclosure.

Reference List

1

contraption

2

press screw separator

3

drum

4

manure collection tank

5

entry bulkhead

6

discharge front wall

7

drum wall

8th

pivot bearing

9

Container

10

Discharge device, in particular discharge chute

11

fan

12

air heated

13

suction fan

14

axis of rotation

15

Intake

16

process

17

Housing

18

drive unit

19

agitator

20

pump

21

supply line

22

return

23

ventilation

24

track ring

25

poetry

26

direction of rotation

27

angle of repose

28

Hole for press screw separator

29

hole for exhaust gas

30

Snail

31

Soul

32

helix

33

output regulator

34

flap

35

damper axis of rotation

36

control device

37

pole

38

weight

39

connection mechanics

40

guide washer

41

Tension element, in particular roller chain

42

pull rods

43

intermediate flange

44

transverse elements

45

length of the container

46

length of the drum

47

lance

Claims (10)

1. A device (1) for treatment of slurry, in particular liquid manure, comprising

   • a press screw separator (2) for separating solids from the slurry,

   • a rotatably movable driven drum (3) for microbiological heating the solids in the drum (3), and

   • a discharge device (10) at the drum (3) for discharging the solids,

   characterized in that the press screw separator (2) is directly attached, preferably flanged, to a feeding end wall (5) of the drum (3), so that the solids can be conveyed from the press screw separator (2) directly into the drum (3),

   wherein the press screw separator (2) comprises an ejection regulator (33) for the solids, and wherein the ejection regulator (33) is arranged at least partially inside the drum (3).
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the press screw separator (2) comprises a housing (17), a screen arranged in the housing (17) and a rotatably movable driven screw (30) in the screen, wherein the housing (17) is flanged to the feeding end wall (5).
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the screw (30) comprises a core (31) and at least one helix (32) arranged at the core (31), wherein at least the core (31) protrudes through the feeding end wall (5) into the drum (3).
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ejection regulator (33) comprises:

   • at least one flap (34) arranged in the drum (3), which is arranged to provide a counterpressure at the solids leaving the press screw separator (2).
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the ejection regulator (33) comprises:

   • a regulating device (36) arranged outside the drum (3) for applying a closing force to the flap (34), and

   • a connecting mechanism (39) protruding through the feeding end wall (5) for connecting the regulating device (36) to the at least one flap (34).
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the connecting mechanism (39) is only linearly movable in the region of its breakthrough through the feeding end wall (5).
7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the regulating device (36) comprises a loadable, rotatably movable arranged rod (37), and wherein the connecting mechanism (39) comprises a pulling element (41), preferably a roller chain, protruding through the feeding end wall (5), which is connected to the rod (37) and is preferably guided outside the drum (3) via a guiding disc (40).
8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding end wall (5) is formed as a non-rotatably-movable part of the drum (3), and wherein a hole (38) is formed in the feeding end wall (5) eccentrically to the rotation axis (14) of the drum (3), through which the press screw separator (2) protrudes.
9. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the two end walls (5, 6) of the drum (3) is formed as a non-rotatably-movable part of the drum (3), wherein a lance protrudes from this end wall (5, 6) into the interior of the drum (3) for feeding hot air into the solids.
10. A method for treating slurry, in particular liquid manure, using a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

    • separating solids from the slurry with a press screw separator (2),

    • feeding the solids into a drum (3), wherein the solids separated by the press screw separator (2) are conveyed into the drum (3) by the force generated by the press screw separator (2),

    • rotating the drum (3), and

    • discharging the solids from the drum (3).

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