JP2007204564A - Carbonization treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a carbonization treatment apparatus which safely carbonizes and sterilizes the dead bodies of experimental animals or the like, and reduces the volume without costing money and without taking time, particularly makes the handling of a treating tank easy, and minimizes the influence of thermal stress. <P>SOLUTION: A treating tank 2 is constituted of a treating tank body 7 and an openable door 8. The treating tank body 7 has an inner oven 9 and an outer oven 10 detachably housing this inner oven 9. A disposable inner container 25 is placed on the inner side of the inner oven 9, and organic substances 3 to be subjected to carbonization treatment are housed in this inner container 25. The inner oven 9 and the outer oven 10 are containers with bottom which are open upward, respectively, and the inner oven 9 is housed with a space 24 between the inner oven 9 and the outer oven 10. Superheated steam from a steam supplying opening 34 provided on the door 8 is jetted towards the inner oven 9 from jetting openings 35, and the steam and the gas from organic substances are discharged to a discharge line 26 through the space 24 between the inner oven 9 and the outer oven 10. Whether the door 8 is opened or closed is controlled based on the operating process or the temperature of the treating tank 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention mainly relates to a carbonization apparatus capable of detoxifying laboratory animals such as mice and rats used for genetic manipulation and bacterial research even in a laboratory.

Various animals such as mice, rats, dogs and monkeys may be used for experiments and research. Conventionally, these experimental animal carcasses have been transported from the laboratory to a specialized treatment facility where they are incinerated as disclosed in the following patent documents.
JP 2001-50517 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-281419

  However, it is not preferable in view of cost and safety at the time of transportation that laboratory animals used for genetic manipulation, bacterial research, etc. are taken out from the office having the laboratory. Although it is conceivable to incinerate experimental animals in the office, a dedicated facility is required and there is a concern about the influence on the surrounding environment due to odors and smoke. In addition, taking it out of the laboratory is the same, leaving a problem in terms of ensuring safety. On the other hand, incineration in the laboratory is not practical in terms of equipment.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the labor and cost of treatment and to ensure safety by mainly detoxifying laboratory animals on site. It is also an object of the present invention to facilitate handling of the treatment tank and to minimize the influence of thermal stress.

  This invention was made in order to solve the said subject, and invention of Claim 1 is equipped with the processing tank in which organic substance is accommodated, and superheated steam is supplied in this processing tank, and the carbonization process of organic substance The carbonizing apparatus is characterized in that the processing tank includes an inner pot in which an organic substance is accommodated and an outer pot in which the inner pot is detachably accommodated. is there.

  According to invention of Claim 1, the organic substance in a processing tank can be safely carbonized with the superheated steam supplied in a processing tank. In this way, laboratory animals can be treated safely, simply and at low cost. Moreover, since it processes not with incineration but with vapor | steam, the process in a laboratory etc. is also attained. Furthermore, since the inner tank can be attached to and detached from the outer pot for the treatment tank in which the organic substance is stored, it is easy to care for and to carry in and out the organic substance. Moreover, the influence of thermal stress can be minimized by not fixing the inner hook to the outer hook.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the carbonization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a disposable inner container is laid on the inner side of the inner pot, and an organic substance is accommodated in the inner container. .

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a pot-shaped inner container made of, for example, aluminum foil can be laid on the inner side of the inner pot, and an organic substance can be put in the inner container for processing. Since the inner container is disposable, after the carbonization treatment of the organic substance, the remaining carbide can be rounded and discarded.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the inner hook and the outer hook are each a bottomed container that opens upward, and the inner hook is accommodated with a gap between the inner hook and the inner hook. 3. The carbonization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein steam is supplied from above the pot while gas is discharged from a side wall of the outer pot. 4.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, superheated steam is supplied from above the inner pot toward the organic matter, and the steam and gas from the inner pot pass through the gap between the inner pot and the outer pot, It is discharged from the side wall. Therefore, during the carbonization treatment of the organic matter, exudate liquid, condensed liquid and the like are prevented from being directly discharged from the treatment tank, and only gas and vapor from the organic matter can be exhausted. In this way, safety can be further enhanced by preventing the discharge of untreated materials.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the door that covers the upper openings of the inner pot and the outer pot includes a hollow portion to which steam is supplied, and steam is injected onto the bottom wall of the hollow portion toward the organic matter. The carbonization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of outlets are provided.

  According to invention of Claim 4, it is the structure which ejects superheated steam from the upper direction of organic substance through a some jet nozzle. Supplying steam from above prevents clogging of the spout and facilitates maintenance. Moreover, the processing capability can be improved by the nozzle serving as the nozzle.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the carbonization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the door can be opened by a foot switch or a non-contact sensor without manual operation.

  According to invention of Claim 5, a door can be opened automatically irrespective of manual operation. Therefore, even when the hands are not usable, for example, when holding the inner hook with both hands and setting it in the outer hook or when the hands are dirty, the work can be easily performed.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the carbonization apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein whether the door can be opened or closed is switched based on the operation process or the temperature of the treatment tank.

  According to invention of Claim 6, it can be set as the structure which does not open a door at the time of the high temperature of a processing tank, or driving | operation, and can ensure an operator's safety.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 7, the door covering the upper opening of the inner hook and the outer hook holds the lid for closing the upper opening of the outer hook, and the central portion of the lid so as to be swingable. The carbonization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a lid holding unit configured to perform a compression spring provided between the lid body and the lid holding unit.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the lid is provided on the lid holding means so as to be able to swing while the center portion of the lid is being pressed by the spring, thereby forming a door. As a result, the door can be easily opened and closed, and the influence of thermal stress can be suppressed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor and cost of processing and ensure safety by mainly detoxifying laboratory animals on site. In addition, the treatment tank can be easily handled and the influence of thermal stress can be minimized.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The carbonization apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for carbonizing, sterilizing, and reducing the volume of various organic substances using superheated steam. The organic matter to be treated is not particularly limited, but is typically a carcass of animals or plants or an extract from animals or plants. Further, organic medical waste or infectious waste may be used. Specific examples of organic substances to be treated include laboratory animals such as mice, rats, dogs and monkeys used for genetic manipulation and bacterial research, genetically modified plants, or isolated organs and gauze that are generated by surgery, etc. Can be mentioned.

  The organic matter to be treated is accommodated in the treatment tank and carbonized. A treatment steam supply line and a discharge line are connected to the treatment tank. The processing steam supply line is a pipeline for supplying steam from the steam generator into the processing tank. In the middle of this processing steam supply line, a processing steam superheater that uses saturated steam from the steam generator as superheated steam is provided. On the other hand, the discharge line is a pipe line for discharging the gas in the processing tank to the outside. The exhaust line is preferably provided with exhaust gas heating means for heating the exhaust gas from the treatment tank to a sterilization detoxification temperature (a temperature at which the exhaust gas can be sterilized or detoxified) or higher. Here, the sterilization and detoxification temperature is appropriately set, but usually a set temperature selected from a temperature range of 150 ° C. to 1000 ° C. is employed.

  The steam generator is typically composed of a boiler. This steam generator may be configured separately from the carbonization apparatus, or may be built in the carbonization apparatus itself. The steam generator is connected to the processing tank via a processing steam supply line. Therefore, the steam from the steam generator is supplied (steamed) into the processing tank through the processing steam supply line.

  The processing steam superheater is provided in the middle of the processing steam supply line, that is, between the processing tank and the steam generator. This superheater for process steam uses the saturated steam from the steam generator as superheated steam, and is typically composed of a heater.

  The exhaust gas heating means is means for sterilizing or detoxifying the exhaust gas by supplying heat into a gas exhaust line from the inside of the treatment tank. The exhaust gas heating means maintains the entire cross-sectional area of the part at a set temperature or higher in at least a part of the extending direction of the exhaust line. Specifically, the exhaust line is provided with a heater in the vicinity of the outlet of the processing tank, so that the exhaust gas from the processing tank is heated to a certain temperature or more to be sterilized or rendered harmless. However, considering that oil and fat generated from organic matter may cause inconveniences due to maintenance or fire due to adhesion to the heater, superheated steam is supplied to the discharge line and the exhaust gas from the treatment tank exceeds the set temperature. Is preferably maintained.

  The said processing tank is a can-shaped hollow container in which the organic substance of a process target is accommodated. Typically, it is comprised from the processing tank main body opened upwards, and the door which can be opened and closed which closes the upper opening of this processing tank main body.

  The processing tank main body includes an inner pot in which an organic substance is accommodated and an outer pot in which the inner pot is detachably accommodated. By holding the inner hook detachably with respect to the outer hook, it is easy to clean, and it is easy to carry in and out the organic matter to and from the carbonization apparatus. Moreover, the influence of thermal stress can be minimized by not fixing the inner hook to the outer hook.

  The outer hook has a bottomed cylindrical shape opened upward. This outer hook is provided with a heat insulating material on its outer surface, and the outside thereof is air-cooled when desired. Alternatively, the outer hook may be configured to be water-cooled when desired as a jacket structure or a pipe winding structure. On the other hand, the inner hook has a bottomed cylindrical shape opening upward, and is accommodated in the outer hook with a gap between the inner hook and the outer hook. Specifically, a leg is provided on the bottom surface of the bottom wall of the inner hook, and the bottom wall of the inner hook floats from the bottom wall of the outer hook at the leg, and the side walls of the inner hook and the outer hook There is a gap between the inner pot and the inner pot.

  Although an organic substance may be put into the inner pot as it is, it is preferable to arrange an inner container along the inner surface of the inner pot and store the organic substance in the inner container. Although the structure of an inner container is not ask | required in particular, In this embodiment, what was formed in the pan shape with aluminum foil, for example is used. In this case, after the carbonization treatment, the remaining carbide can be rounded and discarded as combustible waste.

  The discharge line is connected to the side wall of the outer hook. And it is good to open and connect in the position spaced apart upward from the bottom wall of the outer hook. This prevents the exudation liquid and condensed liquid from being discharged directly into the discharge line during carbonization, with the double structure of the inner and outer pots. Only gas can be discharged.

  On the other hand, the processing steam supply line is preferably connected to the upper part of the processing tank. In this case, superheated steam is supplied from above the inner pot toward the organic matter. And only the gas and vapor | steam which arise from the vapor | steam and organic substance are discharged | emitted to a discharge line through the clearance gap between an inner hook and an outer hook from the upper opening of an inner hook. If liquid is temporarily generated at the bottom of the outer pot, it will be evaporated and then discharged to the discharge line.

  In this embodiment, a processing steam supply line is connected to the door of the processing tank. The door of the present embodiment includes a lid that closes the upper opening of the outer hook, and lid holding means that holds and closes the lid. At this time, the lid body is preferably held at the center of the lid holding means so as to be swingable while being pressed by a compression spring. As a result, the door can be easily opened and closed, and the influence of thermal stress can be prevented. When the door is closed, it is arranged so that the bottom wall of the lid faces the upper opening of the inner hook. The lid holding means can be constituted by a case (container) mold or the like.

  The lid body includes a hollow portion, and steam supplied from the processing steam supply line to the hollow portion is ejected from a plurality of ejection ports formed in the bottom wall of the hollow portion. That is, the steam supplied into the hollow portion is ejected from the ejection port into the lower inner pot. Once the steam supplied to the hollow portion is ejected from the ejection port, the ejection speed of the steam can be increased. In addition, by supplying superheated steam from above the organic matter, clogging of the spout is prevented and maintenance is facilitated.

  The door is rotatable around the hinge with respect to the treatment tank body. Further, the door is urged by the urging means in a direction that is always opened with respect to the treatment tank body, and the door is closed by the lock mechanism by pushing the door by hand against the urging force of the urging means. It is preferable to maintain the configuration. In this case, once the door is pushed into the closed state, the door is maintained in the closed state by the lock mechanism even if the hand is released thereafter, and when the lock by the lock mechanism is released, the door is driven by the biasing force of the biasing means. Is automatically released. Release of the lock by the lock mechanism is performed by a non-contact proximity sensor or a foot switch. In such a configuration, the door can be easily opened even when both hands hold the inner hook and try to set it in the outer hook or when the hands are dirty.

  By the way, it is preferable that the door controls whether the door can be opened or closed based on the operation process of the carbonization apparatus, the temperature of the treatment tank, and the like. For example, since the treatment tank becomes hot during the carbonization process or the like, it is preferable that the input of the foot switch or the like is not accepted and the lock mechanism is made unreleasable. Such control can further enhance safety.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are views showing an embodiment of the carbonization apparatus 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram. Moreover, FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the processing tank 2 of the carbonization processing apparatus 1 of a present Example, and has shown the use condition.

  The carbonization treatment apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an apparatus that carbonizes, sterilizes, and reduces the volume of various organic substances using superheated steam. In the present embodiment, an example in which a test animal (dead body) 3 such as a mouse is carbonized as shown in FIG. 3 will be described. However, the carbonization apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to the experimental animal 3 and can be used similarly for the treatment of other organic substances such as genetically modified plants.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the carbonization processing apparatus 1 is configured by covering each structure described later with a panel 4. In addition, an operation panel 5 including a touch panel, various operation buttons, and the like is provided at the upper front portion. Furthermore, green, yellow, and red lamps 6 are provided at the top. The state of the carbonizing apparatus 1 can be easily grasped by the blinking or lighting color of these lamps 6.

  The carbonization treatment apparatus 1 includes a treatment tank 2 that houses a laboratory animal 3 to be treated. In order to improve workability, as shown in FIG. 1, the treatment tank 2 is preferably arranged on the front side of the carbonization treatment apparatus 1 and at a position lower than the height of a person's chest. The processing tank 2 of the present embodiment includes a processing tank main body 7 that opens upward, and a door 8 that opens and closes the upper opening of the processing tank main body 7.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the treatment tank body 7 includes an inner hook 9, an outer hook 10, and a hook case 11. The hook case 11 is constituted by the panel 4 or the like, and has a substantially rectangular hollow box shape opened upward. A bed 12 that holds the outer pot 10 is provided in the upper opening of the hook case 11. A horizontal piece 13 of the panel 4 is held on the upper surface of the bed 12, and a circular outer pot holding hole 14 is formed at the center of the horizontal piece 13.

  The outer hook 10 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward, and a flange 15 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end. The outer hook 10 is dropped into the outer hook holding hole 14 of the horizontal piece 13 and accommodated in the hook case 11. At that time, the flange portion 15 of the outer hook 10 is held on the upper surface of the horizontal piece 13 via the packing 16 along the outer hook holding hole 14. In this way, the outer hook 10 is held in a state in which the bottom wall 17 floats upward from the bottom wall 18 of the hook case 11. In this state, a continuous separation portion 19 is formed between the outer surface of the outer hook 10 and the inner surface of the hook case 11 at the peripheral side portion and the bottom portion. By the way, the outer pot 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a heat insulating material 21 on each outer surface of the peripheral side wall 20 and the bottom wall 17.

  The inner hook 9 has a bottomed cylindrical shape opened only upward, and has a size capable of being accommodated with a gap between the inner hook 9 and the outer hook 10. That is, the outer diameter of the inner hook 9 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer hook 10, and the height of the inner hook 9 is lower than the height of the outer hook 10. Further, a plurality of leg portions 23 are provided on the bottom surface of the bottom wall 22 of the inner hook 9. By the legs 23, the inner hook 9 is held horizontally with its bottom wall 22 floating from the bottom wall 17 of the outer hook 10. As a result, a continuous ventilation portion 24 is formed between the outer surface of the inner hook 9 and the inner surface of the outer hook 10 at the peripheral side portion and the bottom portion.

  As described above, the processing tank body 7 of the present embodiment includes the inner hook 9 and the outer hook 10, and the inner hook 9 can be attached to and detached from the outer hook 10. Therefore, it is easy to clean, and it is easy to carry the experimental animal 3 into and out of the carbonizing apparatus 1. That is, in order to carry the experimental animal 3 into the carbonization apparatus 1, the inner pot 9 that has been removed in advance may be put into the inner pot 9 instead of a trash box at the site, and if it is set in the outer pot 10 during the carbonization process. Good. In addition, if a plurality of inner pots 9 are prepared, when one inner pot 9 is set in the outer pot 10 and carbonization is performed, the experimental animal 3 newly generated in the other inner pot 9 is removed. It can be thrown away and prepared for the next carbonization treatment. Furthermore, separating the inner hook 9 from the outer pot 10 contributes to measures against thermal stress during carbonization.

  Although the experimental animal 3 may be put into the inner pot 9 as it is, in this embodiment, the inner container 25 is arranged along the inner surface of the inner pot 9 and the experimental animal 3 is accommodated in the inner container 25. The inner container 25 of the present embodiment is formed in a pan shape with thin aluminum foil, and after the carbonization treatment, the remaining carbide can be rounded and discarded as combustible waste.

  A discharge line 26 for discharging the gas in the outer hook 10 to the outside is connected to the outer hook 10. The discharge line 26 is connected to the peripheral side wall 20 of the outer hook 10 and is opened and connected to a position separated upward from the bottom wall 17 of the outer hook 10. This prevents the exudation liquid or the condensed liquid from being directly discharged to the discharge line 26 during the carbonization process, with the double structure of the inner pot 9 and the outer pot 10. Only gas can be discharged from within 10. That is, superheated steam is supplied to the inner pot 9 from above so that the superheated steam hits the experimental animal 3, and only the steam and the gas and vapor generated from the experimental animal are passed through the upper opening of the inner pot 9 from the inner pot 9 and the outer pot 10. It is discharged to the discharge line 26 through the ventilation part 24 between the two. Even if liquid is temporarily generated at the bottom of the outer pot 10, it is evaporated and then discharged to the discharge line 26.

  The door 8 includes a lid body 27 and a lid case 28. Among them, the lid body 27 includes an outer lid 29 and an inner lid 30. The outer lid 29 has a disk shape and is formed to gently bulge upward in a spherical shape. Further, a downwardly extending portion 31 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the outer lid 29. The diameter of the outer lid 29 is larger than the inner diameter of the flange portion 15 and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 15. The inner lid 30 has a bottomed short cylindrical shape opened upward, and its bottom wall 32 gently bulges downward in a spherical shape. The inner lid 30 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the outer hook 10, is disposed on the same axis as the outer lid 29, and an upper end portion is fixed to the lower surface of the outer lid 29. At that time, in consideration of thermal stress, a plurality of locations are fixed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction by spot welding or the like. In this way, a hollow portion 33 is formed between the outer lid 29 and the inner lid 30.

  The lid body 27 having such a configuration is such that the extension portion 31 of the outer lid 29 is the upper surface of the flange portion 15 of the outer hook 10 with the inner lid 30 fitted into the upper opening of the outer hook 10 with a gap. Is held in contact with. When the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced, outside air can be introduced into the outer pot 10 from this contact portion. In this state, the bottom wall 32 of the inner lid 30 is disposed to face the upper opening of the inner hook 9. Incidentally, a steam supply port 34 for supplying steam into the hollow portion 33 is provided on the peripheral side wall of the inner lid 30. The bottom wall 32 of the inner lid 30 is provided with a plurality of steam outlets 35. Accordingly, the steam supplied from the steam supply port 34 into the hollow portion 33 is ejected from the ejection ports 35, 35... Once the steam supplied to the hollow portion 33 is ejected from the ejection port 35, the ejection speed of the steam can be increased, and the carbonization time can be shortened.

  The lid case 28 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and opens and closes the upper opening of the hook case 11 by rotating around the hinge 36 disposed in the rear part. A lid body 27 including an outer lid 29 and an inner lid 30 is held at the center of the lid case 28. At this time, a shaft member 37 protruding upward from the center portion of the outer lid 29 is held in a slightly large-diameter hole (not shown) in the center portion of the lid case 28 so as to be movable up and down. A (coil spring) 38 is fitted. Thereby, the lid 27 can swing with respect to the lid case 28, and the door 8 can be easily opened and closed with respect to the treatment tank body 7, and the influence of thermal stress can be suppressed. In a state where the door 8 is closed, the spout 35 of the inner lid 30 is arranged toward the inner hook 9. If steam is supplied from the lower side of the inner hook 9, the jet outlet 35 may be clogged. However, in this embodiment, since steam is supplied from the upper side of the inner hook 9, there is no such inconvenience. Further, the shaft member 37 and the compression spring (coil spring) 38 are provided at one place as shown in FIG. 3, but a plurality of places may be provided. By providing a plurality of shaft members 37 and compression springs (coil springs) 38, the lid 27 and the hook-side contact surface are in good contact when the door 8 is opened and closed, and the lid 27 is opened when the door 8 is opened. It is possible to prevent dripping. Thereby, the lid body 27 can be moved up and down with good balance, and even if the pressure in the treatment tank 2 becomes high, the pressure can be released well, and the safety can be further enhanced.

  As described above, the door 8 can be rotated around the hinge 36 with respect to the processing tank body 7. Further, the door 8 is urged by the urging means 39 in a direction to always open with respect to the processing tank body 7. The urging means 39 may be a coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like, but is constituted by a gas spring in this embodiment. The biasing means 39 composed of the gas spring is connected at one end to the processing tank body 7 so as to be rotatable around the first pin 40, and at the other end to the door 8 around the second pin 41. To be pivotally connected. By this urging means 39, the door 8 is constantly urged in the opening direction with respect to the treatment tank body 7, and the door 8 can be pushed and closed by hand against the urging force.

  In this embodiment, once the door 8 is pushed into the closed state, the door 8 is maintained in the closed state by the lock mechanism 42 even if the hand is released thereafter. The release of the closed state may be performed mechanically, but is electrically performed in this embodiment. When electrically performed, the door 8 can be controlled not to be opened when the treatment tank 2 is at a high temperature or during carbonization. For example, during the carbonization process, control may be performed in which an input such as a foot switch 43 described later is not accepted.

  The configuration of the lock mechanism 42 is not particularly limited, but an electromagnetic snatch lock is used in this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the door 8 is provided with a lock mechanism main body 45 having an engagement piece 44, while the upper portion of the processing tank main body 7 protrudes upward, and the engagement piece An engaged portion 46 to 44 is provided. When the door 8 is closed, the engaging piece 44 is automatically engaged with the engaged portion 46, while the solenoid 49 of the lock mechanism main body 45 is energized to engage with the engaged portion 46. The engagement of the piece 44 is released, and the door 8 is automatically opened by the urging force of the urging means 39.

  The unlocking operation of the lock mechanism main body 45 may be performed based on a non-contact proximity sensor or the like, but is performed by the foot switch 43 in this embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the solenoid 49 is energized by kicking the foot switch 43 shown in the lower right of FIG. 1, and the door 8 can be opened automatically. Because of such a configuration, the door 8 can be easily opened even when, for example, holding the inner hook 9 with both hands and setting the outer hook 10 or when the hand is dirty. As shown in FIG. 2, the processing tank body 7 is provided with a door open / close confirmation proximity switch 47, while the door 8 is provided with a lock confirmation proximity switch 48 by a lock mechanism 42. Using the detection signals from the proximity switches 47 and 48 and the foot switch 43, the opening and closing of the door 8 is controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the processing tank 2 includes a processing tank atmosphere temperature sensor 50 for detecting the processing tank temperature, an outer pot temperature sensor 51 for detecting the outer pot temperature, and a pressure sensor for detecting the processing tank pressure. 52 is provided. In the present embodiment, both the treatment tank atmosphere temperature sensor 50 and the outer pot temperature sensor 51 are constituted by thermocouples.

  Further, the treatment tank 2 is provided with a fire extinguishing means 53 for supplying water or a fire extinguishing agent (including an inert gas such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas) to the treatment tank 2 in case of an emergency fire. In the present embodiment, a gas tank 54 filled with carbon dioxide is connected into the processing tank 2 via a fire extinguishing valve 55 constituted by an electromagnetic valve. Therefore, in the event of a fire, the fire extinguishing operation can be performed by supplying carbon dioxide from the gas tank 54 into the treatment tank 2. In this case, it is easy to clean up after extinguishing the fire by not supplying water. Further, the fire extinguishing means is not limited to the above, and a perforating device (not shown) is provided, and the gas tank 54 is manually or at the time of ignition using power such as a solenoid 49 or a motor (not shown). A configuration in which the carbon dioxide is supplied into the treatment tank 2 by being perforated by a perforation apparatus (not shown) can be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, steam from the steam generator 56 can be supplied into the processing tank 2. Specifically, a steam generator 56 is connected to the steam supply port 34 (FIG. 3) provided in the door 8 of the processing tank 2 through a processing steam supply line 57. In the processing steam supply line 57, in order from the steam generator 56, the original steam valve 58, the steam separator 59, the pressure reducing valve 60, the processing steam valves 61 and 62, the processing steam pressure switches 63 and 64, and the processing steam orifice. 65, 66 and superheaters 67, 68 for process steam are provided.

  In the present embodiment, in consideration of the performance of a commercially available general heater used as the process steam superheaters 67 and 68, the process steam supply line 57 is branched into two branches in the downstream of the pressure reducing valve 60. , Processing steam valve (first processing steam valve 61, second processing steam valve 62), processing steam pressure switch (first processing steam pressure switch 63, second processing steam pressure switch 64), processing steam Orifices (first process steam orifice 65, second process steam orifice 66) and process steam superheaters (first process steam superheater 67, second process steam superheater 68) are provided. However, depending on the performance of the heater, these may be combined into one, or conversely, may be branched into three or more.

  In the present embodiment, the steam generator 56 is constituted by a boiler. As shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 56 is configured separately from the carbonization apparatus 1. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the steam generator 56 is configured to be built in the carbonization processing apparatus 1 itself, so that it is easy to install and transfer the carbonization processing apparatus 1 itself without the need to separately provide a boiler. .

  The original steam valve 58 is composed of an electromagnetic valve. By opening and closing the original steam valve 58, it is possible to switch whether steam is supplied from the steam generator 56 to the carbonizing apparatus 1. Therefore, the original steam valve 58 is kept open during operation of the carbonization apparatus 1.

  The steam separator 59 improves the dryness of the steam from the steam generator 56. The steam separator 59 is connected to a steaming line 71 having a steam trap 69 and a first check valve 70. Further, a dehumidifying device (not shown) is provided downstream of the exhaust steam line 71. Then, the pressure of the steam whose degree of dryness has been increased by the steam separator 59 is adjusted through the pressure reducing valve 60.

  Each processing steam valve 61, 62 is composed of an electromagnetic valve. In addition, each of the process steam pressure switches 63 and 64 detects whether or not the steam pressure at a position where the process steam pressure switch is provided has reached a predetermined value. The flow rate of the processing steam is controlled by the processing steam orifices 65 and 66 together with the pressure reducing valve 60, and the presence or absence of the flow of the steam is detected from the pressure switches 63 and 64 or the processing steam orifices 65 and 66. The

  Each process steam superheater 67, 68 is constituted by a heater. The processing steam superheaters 67 and 68 use the saturated steam from the steam generator 56 as superheated steam. The superheaters 67 and 68 for the process steam are controlled not only for on / off control but also for supplied power in this embodiment. As a result, it is easy to adjust the degree of superheat of the process steam, and it is possible to extend the life of each of the process steam superheaters 67 and 68.

  Further, the processing steam supply line 57 is provided with processing steam temperature sensors 72 and 73 that measure the temperature of the processing steam passing therethrough downstream of the processing steam superheaters 67 and 68. Specifically, a first processing steam temperature sensor 72 is provided at the outlet of the first processing steam superheater 67, and a second processing steam temperature sensor is provided at the outlet of the second processing steam superheater 68. 73 is provided. Each process steam temperature sensor 72, 73 is formed of a thermocouple in this embodiment.

  Further, the processing steam supply line 57 is provided with an air supply valve 75 via a second check valve 74 between the first processing steam valve 61 and the first processing steam superheater 67. The air supply valve 75 is composed of an electromagnetic valve. The air supply valve 75 functions as an air supply port, and the outside air can be introduced into the processing steam supply line 57 by opening it. By the way, when the outside air is introduced from the upstream side of the first processing steam orifice 65, in consideration of the disadvantage that the inflow air is throttled by the first processing steam orifice 65, It is preferable to provide an air supply valve 75 via a second check valve 74 in a branch line provided between the first processing steam superheater 67.

  The gas can be discharged from the inside of the processing tank 2 through the discharge line 26. Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the discharge line 26 is connected to the peripheral side wall 20 of the outer pot 10 of the processing tank 2. The discharge line 26 is provided with a first heat exchanger 76, a second heat exchanger 77, and a water seal vacuum pump 78 in order from the treatment tank 2, and the waste water from the vacuum pump 78 is supplied with a third check. The liquid is discharged from the drainage line 80 through the valve 79. Therefore, the gas in the processing tank 2 is sucked and discharged by the vacuum pump 78 while being condensed and liquefied by the heat exchangers 76 and 77, and the condensed liquid is discharged to a sewer pipe or the like.

  In order to sterilize or detoxify the exhaust gas from the inside of the processing tank 2, the exhaust line 26 is provided with an exhaust gas heating means 81 in the vicinity of the outlet of the processing tank 2. When the temperature of the exhaust gas from the inside of the treatment tank 2 is low, the exhaust gas heating means 81 of the present embodiment supplies superheated steam to the exhaust gas to a temperature at which the exhaust gas can be sterilized and harmless (sterilization and detoxification) This is a means for raising the temperature to a temperature or higher. Thereby, during a carbonization process, a process tank wake is maintained above a fixed temperature.

  Specifically, the middle of the discharge line 26 connecting the processing tank 2 and the first heat exchanger 76 and the middle of the processing steam supply line 57 connecting the pressure reducing valve 60 and the processing steam valves 61 and 62. Are connected by a sterilization steam supply line 82. The sterilization steam supply line 82 is provided with a sterilization steam valve 83, a sterilization steam pressure switch 84, a sterilization steam orifice 85, and a sterilization steam superheater 86 in order from the pressure reducing valve 60.

  The sterilization steam valve 83 is composed of an electromagnetic valve. Further, the sterilization steam pressure switch 84 detects whether or not the steam pressure at a place where the sterilization steam is provided has reached a predetermined value. The flow rate of the sterilizing steam is controlled by the sterilizing steam orifice 85, and the presence or absence of the steam flow is detected from the differential pressure of the sterilizing steam pressure switch 84 or the sterilizing steam orifice 85.

  The sterilization steam superheater 86 includes a heater. The superheater 86 for sterilizing steam also uses the saturated steam from the steam generator 56 as superheated steam, similar to the superheaters 67 and 68 for process steam. The sterilization steam superheater 86 is controlled not only in on / off control but also in the present embodiment. By the way, the inside of each of the superheaters 67, 68, 86 for generating superheated steam has a configuration in which a constriction is provided at the inlet / outlet of the steam, and therefore, condensed water may accumulate in the constriction. When condensed water accumulates in each of the superheaters (heaters) 67, 68, 86, an electric circuit is formed between the lead wire in the vicinity of the constricted portion located on the steam inlet side and the metal outer cylinder of the superheater. There is a possibility of leakage. Therefore, each of the superheaters 67, 68, 86 preferably has a vertical arrangement with the steam inlet side up, and allows the steam to flow downward from above. By discharging the condensed water so that it does not accumulate, leakage is prevented. Can be configured.

  The sterilization steam supply line 82 is provided with a sterilization steam temperature sensor 87 for measuring the temperature of the sterilization steam passing through the sterilization steam superheater 86 downstream. The sterilization steam temperature sensor 87 is constituted by a thermocouple in this embodiment.

  With such a configuration, the saturated steam from the steam generator 56 is converted to superheated steam by the sterilizing steam superheater 86 and can be supplied to the discharge line 26. Thereby, the exhaust gas from the processing tank 2 and the superheated steam from the sterilization steam supply line 82 are mixed in the sterilization / detoxification processing section 88 at the connection portion between the discharge line 26 and the sterilization steam supply line 82. Is done. And in this sterilization detoxification process part 88, after heating up the exhaust gas from the inside of the processing tank 2 more than predetermined sterilization detoxification temperature, after sterilizing or detoxifying the exhaust gas from the inside of the processing tank 2, It will flow to the downstream of the discharge line 26. In the present embodiment, the exhaust gas from the processing tank 2 and the superheated steam from the sterilization steam supply line 82 are configured to flow from below to above. That is, the gas flowing into the sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88 flows in from the lower part of the sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88 and is mixed and sterilized or detoxified, and then is discharged from the upper part of the sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88 through the discharge line 26. Is discharged through. According to this configuration, even if a liquid containing virus or the like is discharged from the treatment tank 2 to the discharge line 26, the liquid is settled by the gravity in the discharge line 26, reheated in the discharge line 26, And flows into the sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88. Thereby, sterilization or detoxification can be further ensured without discharging the liquid downstream from the sterilization detoxification processing unit 88.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88 does not need to be provided separately in the middle of the discharge line 26, but simply connects the sterilization steam supply line 82 in the middle of the discharge line 26 to perform processing. A configuration in which superheated steam is mixed with the exhaust gas from the tank 2 is sufficient. By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, a treatment tank outlet temperature sensor 89 that measures the temperature of the exhaust gas at the treatment tank outlet is provided between the treatment tank 2 and the sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88. In addition, a sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88 or an outlet thereof is provided with a processing unit temperature sensor 90 that measures the temperature of the part. The processing tank outlet temperature sensor 89 and the processing section temperature sensor 90 are each constituted by a thermocouple in this embodiment.

  The first heat exchanger 76 condenses the gas in the discharge line 26, and the second heat exchanger 77 cools the condensate. Thus, in the present embodiment, the heat exchanger is divided into two stages for vapor condensation and for cooling the condensate, and the second heat exchanger 77 in the second stage can discharge noncondensable gas. Fill the condensate to a certain extent. Thereby, while maintaining the pressure in the processing tank 2 to a negative pressure, cooling property can be improved and water saving can be aimed at. However, according to circumstances, the first heat exchanger 76 and the second heat exchanger 77 may be constituted by a single common heat exchanger.

  Each of the heat exchangers 76 and 77 is drained by flowing cooling water such as tap water. At this time, the cooling water of the heat exchangers 76 and 77 is caused to flow in parallel with the flow in the discharge line 26. That is, the cooling water flows from the upstream side of the discharge line 26 toward the downstream side of the cooling water pipes of the heat exchangers 76 and 77. Specifically, the cooling water from the water supply tank 91 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 76 via the water supply pump 92, the heat exchange flow setter 93, the cooling water amount adjusting valve 94, and the heat exchange water supply valve 95, It is supplied to the second heat exchanger 77 and drained together with the drainage of the vacuum pump 78 at the downstream of the vacuum pump 78. By making the cooling water of the heat exchangers 76 and 77 parallel to the flow of the discharge line 26, the temperature of the condensate in the heat exchangers 76 and 77 is not lowered excessively, and trouble due to sticking of fat Can be prevented. Further, depending on the capability of the heat exchanger, the cooling water of the first heat exchanger 76 can be made to flow in an opposing flow, and the cooling water of the second heat exchanger can be made to flow in a parallel flow.

  Here, the flow setter is a ball valve (not shown) incorporating a visual flow meter, and is a component whose flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the ball valve while looking at the position of the float. Further, in this embodiment, the cooling water amount adjustment valve 94 is configured by a valve (such as a motor valve) whose opening degree can be adjusted, and the heat exchange water supply valve 95 is configured by a valve (electromagnetic valve) that can be opened and closed. By the way, the drainage line 80 from the vacuum pump 78 is provided with a drainage temperature sensor 96 that measures the temperature of each drainage (mixed liquid) from the vacuum pump 78 and the heat exchangers 76 and 77. The drainage temperature sensor 96 is constituted by a thermocouple in this embodiment.

  Cooling water is supplied to the water supply tank 91 via a water supply line 98 having an original water supply valve 97. The water supply tank 91 is provided with a ball tap 99, and the amount of stored water is maintained at a predetermined level. The water supply tank 91 is provided with a float switch 100 as a backup when the ball tap 99 is broken. The overflow water in the water supply tank 91 is drained to the drainage line 80 via the fourth check valve 101.

  The water-sealed vacuum pump 78 is supplied with the water in the water supply tank 91 as sealed water via the sealing water flow setter 102 and the sealed water supply valve 103. It is discharged to the drainage line 80 through the stop valve 79. The sealed water supply valve 103 for supplying water to the vacuum pump 78 is composed of an electromagnetic valve and is opened in conjunction with the vacuum pump 78. In order to measure the temperature of the vacuum pump 78, a pump temperature sensor 104 made of a thermocouple is provided. By the way, in order to save water, the cooling water of the heat exchangers 76 and 77 may be used for sealing the vacuum pump 78.

  A leakage line 105 capable of introducing outside air is connected to the discharge line 26 at a midway position between the second heat exchanger 77 and the vacuum pump 78. The leak line 105 is provided with a fifth check valve 106, a leak adjustment valve 107, and a leak valve 108 from the end side which is the outside air side. Here, the leak adjustment valve 107 is configured by a manual valve that adjusts the amount of outside air introduced. In addition, the leak valve 108 is composed of an electromagnetic valve, and predetermined open air can be introduced into the discharge line 26 by opening the leak valve 108. Further, the leak line 105 has a branch portion on the downstream side of the leak valve 108, and a sixth check valve 109 is provided at the branch portion. The sixth check valve 109 functions as a safety device by introducing outside air into the discharge line 26 when the pressure on the inlet side of the vacuum pump 78 falls below a predetermined level.

  During the carbonization treatment, the vacuum pump 78 is operated so that the inside of the treatment tank 2 is maintained at a slightly lower negative pressure than the atmospheric pressure. However, since the exhaust capability of the vacuum pump 78 is high, the leak valve 108 is opened. The vacuum pump 78 is activated. This prevents the inside of the processing tank 2 from being damaged due to excessive negative pressure, and prevents the amount of air flowing from the door 8 of the processing tank 2 into the processing tank 2 from being excessively increased. Moreover, an air flow is formed by the air flowing into the leak valve 108, and the carbonization apparatus 1 can be cooled by this air flow. By keeping the inside of the treatment tank 2 at a slight negative pressure at all times, it is possible to prevent outflow of high temperature gas into the atmosphere, to prevent outflow of viruses and the like, and to cool the sealing surface and the outer pot 10.

  In the carbonization apparatus 1, each of the above-described components is disposed on the waterproof pan 110, and catches a water leak. The waterproof pan 110 is provided with a float switch or a water leakage sensor 111, and the presence or absence of water leakage is detected. If water leakage is detected, the operation of the carbonizing apparatus 1 is stopped and the sealed water supply valve 103, the heat exchange water supply valve 95, and the main water supply valve 97 are closed. Further, the carbonization apparatus 1 is provided with an apparatus temperature sensor 112 for measuring the atmospheric temperature in the apparatus. In this embodiment, the device temperature sensor 112 is constituted by a thermocouple.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a cooling fan 113 is provided in the door 8, that is, in the center portion in the lid case 28. During the operation of the carbonization processing apparatus 1, the cooling fan 113 is rotated to prevent abnormal temperature rise in the carbonization processing apparatus 1. In particular, it is preferable to cool the door 8, the solenoid 49, the fire extinguishing means 53, and the controller 114 of the processing tank 2 by the air flow by the cooling fan 113. Further, in the processing tank 2, air is allowed to flow through the separation portion 19 between the outer hook 10 and the hook case 11, so that the outer pot 10 can be cooled.

  Incidentally, FIG. 5 is a view showing a modified example of the treatment tank 2 of the carbonization treatment apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the outer pot 10 is used as a jacket structure or a pipe winding structure, and the jacket or pipe is used. You may comprise so that the processing tank 2 after carbonization processing may be cooled rapidly by flowing water in 115. FIG. At this time, in order to prevent cracking due to thermal stress, water cooling may be performed after the temperature falls to a predetermined temperature. In the case of the structure in which the outer pot 10 is water-cooled in this manner, the water from the water supply tank 91 can be used as the cooling water for cooling the water. It can also be used.

  The controller 114 includes an operation panel 5, a solenoid 49 of the lock mechanism main body 45, a lock confirmation proximity switch 48, a door open / close confirmation proximity switch 47, a foot switch 43, a main steam valve 58, a main water supply valve 97, and steam for each processing. Valves 61 and 62, steam valve for sterilization 83, air supply valve 75, leak valve 108, sealed water supply valve 103, heat exchange water supply valve 95, cooling water amount adjustment valve 94, fire extinguishing valve 55, superheater 67 for each process steam, 68, sterilization steam superheater 86, vacuum pump 78, feed water pump 92, cooling fan 113, temperature sensors 50, 51, 72, 73, 87, 89, 90, 96, 104, 112, pressure sensor 52, etc. These valves, superheaters, pumps, and the like are controlled based on switches, sensors, elapsed time, and the like. Specifically, the following carbonization method can be executed.

  Next, the carbonization processing method using the carbonization processing apparatus 1 of a present Example is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the carbonization processing method using the carbonization processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, typically, a power-on process ST1, a standby process ST2, a preparation process ST3, a carbonization process ST4, a cooling process ST5, and an end process ST6 are sequentially performed.

  In the power-on process ST1, first, all variables and flags used for the control of the carbonization apparatus 1 are reset. Further, the cooling water amount adjusting valve 94 to the heat exchangers 76 and 77 is closed, while the original water supply valve 97 to the water supply tank 91 is opened. In addition, the operation of the cooling fan 113 is started. The cooling fan 113 is always operated while the carbonization apparatus 1 is powered on. Then, it is confirmed by the outer pot temperature sensor 51 whether or not the outer pot temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined cooling completion temperature, and only when the temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling completion temperature, the process proceeds to the standby step ST2 of the next process. If the temperature is higher than the cooling completion temperature, a predetermined interruption process is performed. At that time, the door opening / closing confirmation proximity switch 47 confirms whether or not the door 8 of the processing tank 2 is closed. When the door 8 is opened, an output to a buzzer or a touch panel is performed.

  Also in the standby step ST2, first, all variables and flags used for the control of the carbonization apparatus 1 are reset. In addition, a valve to be controlled, a superheater, and the like are set to a predetermined initial state. Specifically, the original steam valve 58 and the original water supply valve 97 are opened, and each processing steam valve 61, 62, sterilization steam valve 83, air supply valve 75, leak valve 108, sealed water supply valve 103, heat exchange. The water supply valve 95, the cooling water amount adjustment valve 94, and the fire extinguishing valve 55 are closed, respectively, the energization of each of the process steam superheaters 67 and 68 and the sterilization steam superheater 86 is interrupted, and the vacuum pump 78 and the water feed pump 92 are The operation is stopped.

  In this standby process ST2, the door 8 can be opened and closed, and the experimental animal 3 is put into the treatment tank 2. As described above, the door 8 is opened by operating the foot switch 43 in this embodiment. When the foot switch 43 is operated, the controller 114 energizes the solenoid 49 of the lock mechanism main body 45 for a predetermined time and pulls the engagement piece 44 to engage with the engaged portion 46 of the processing tank main body 7. Is released. Since the door 8 is urged by the urging means 39 in a direction to be always opened, the door 8 is automatically opened when the engagement between the engagement piece 44 and the engaged portion 46 is released. After the door 8 is opened and the experimental animal 3 to be carbonized is set in the treatment tank 2, the door 8 may be closed. Once the door 8 is closed, the engaging piece 44 and the engaged portion 46 are automatically engaged, and the door 8 maintains the closed state. The closing of the door 8 is confirmed by a door open / close confirmation proximity switch 47 and a lock confirmation proximity switch 48. And if this confirmation is made, it will transfer to preparation process ST3 of the next process.

  In the preparation step ST3, the water supply pump 92 is operated, the sealed water supply valve 103 is opened, and the vacuum pump 78 is operated. And in that state, cooling water control and exhaust gas heating control are performed in parallel.

  The cooling water control refers to control for adjusting the opening degree of the cooling water amount adjusting valve 94 in a state where the heat exchange water supply valve 95 is opened. The opening degree adjustment of the cooling water amount adjusting valve 94 will be described. First, the cooling water amount adjusting valve 94 is fully opened. When the drainage temperature by the drainage temperature sensor 96 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined drainage set temperature lower limit value, the time (drainage low temperature time) is integrated. At this time, when the temperature at which the drainage temperature is equal to or lower than the lower limit value of the drainage set temperature becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit value, the drainage low temperature time is reset. In this way, the drainage cold time is integrated. If the drainage cold time reaches a predetermined cooling water reduction set time, the cooling water amount adjusting valve 94 is moved in the closing direction for the set operation time, and Reset the drainage cold time. On the other hand, if the drainage temperature is equal to or higher than the drainage set temperature upper limit, the cooling water amount adjusting valve 94 is fully opened. Thus, in cooling water control, water saving can be achieved by detecting the drainage temperature and controlling the amount of cooling water. In addition, during the carbonization step ST4 to be described later, it is possible to prevent solidification of the fat due to excessive cooling of the condensate of the exhaust gas from the processing tank 2.

  The exhaust gas heating control refers to control for sterilizing or detoxifying the exhaust gas by setting the exhaust gas from the treatment tank 2 to a predetermined sterilization detoxification temperature or higher. Specifically, the leak valve 108 is first opened, but here, as described above, the vacuum pump 78 is in operation. Therefore, the vacuum pump 78 evacuates the gas in the processing tank 2 while the outside air is introduced in front of the vacuum pump 78 and the pressure reduction capability is suppressed. When the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure sensor 52 falls within a predetermined negative pressure range, the sterilization vapor supply control described below is started.

  In the sterilization steam supply control, first, the sterilization steam valve 83 is opened. When the sterilization steam pressure switch 84 detects the steam pressure, the sterilization steam superheater 86 is controlled as follows. That is, first, the power of the superheater 86 for sterilization steam is controlled (PID control) such that the steam temperature by the sterilization steam temperature sensor 87 becomes a predetermined sterilization steam upper limit temperature (for example, 700 ° C.). Thereafter, <b> when the processing unit temperature sensor 90 reaches a predetermined switching temperature (for example, 500 ° C.) or higher, the sterilization steam superheater 86 is set so that the processing unit temperature sensor 90 reaches the sterilization control temperature (for example, 400 ° C.). Is controlled (PID control). Here, if the <C> sterilization steam temperature sensor 87 exceeds the sterilization steam upper limit temperature, the control is switched to the control <A>. Further, during the control of <a> to <c>, if the sterilization steam pressure switch 84 detects a pressure pear, the sterilization steam superheater 86 is turned off.

  By the way, if the processing tank outlet temperature sensor 89 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined sterilization control stop temperature (for example, 400 ° C.) during the exhaust gas heating control, the sterilization steam supply control is stopped after the set time has elapsed. Conversely, when the processing tank outlet temperature sensor 89 becomes lower than the sterilization control stop temperature, the sterilization steam supply control is resumed.

  In the above preparation step ST3, when it is confirmed that the processing section temperature sensor 90 has reached a predetermined sterilization guarantee temperature (for example, 300 ° C. as the sterilization detoxification temperature), the process proceeds to the next carbonization step ST4.

  In the carbonization step ST4, the water supply pump 92 is operated, the sealed water supply valve 103 is opened, and the vacuum pump 78 is operated. In this state, the cooling water control, the exhaust gas heating control, and the carbonization control are performed in parallel. Since the cooling water control and the exhaust gas heating control have already been described, the carbonization control will be described here.

  Carbonization control refers to control for supplying superheated steam into the treatment tank 2 to carbonize and reduce the volume of the experimental animal 3 accommodated in the treatment tank 2. Specifically, the leak valve 108 is first opened, but here, as described above, the vacuum pump 78 is in operation. Therefore, the vacuum pump 78 evacuates the gas in the processing tank 2 while the outside air is introduced in front of the vacuum pump 78 and the pressure reduction capability is suppressed. Then, when the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure sensor 52 falls within a predetermined negative pressure range, the processing steam supply control described below is started. In the present embodiment, since the superheated steam is supplied into the processing tank 2 from the two paths using the two processing steam superheaters 67, 68, the processing steam supply control is independent for each processing steam superheater 67, 68. It is done.

  The processing steam supply control will be described. First, the processing steam valve 61 (62) is opened. When the process steam pressure switch 63 (64) detects the steam pressure, the process steam superheater 67 (68) is controlled as follows. That is, first, the power of the processing steam superheater 67 (68) is controlled (PID control) so that the steam temperature by the processing steam temperature sensor 72 (73) becomes a predetermined processing steam set temperature (for example, 700 ° C.). . Then, the processing steam temperature sensor 72 (73) integrates the time above the processing steam lower limit temperature (for example, 600 ° C.) as the processing steam supply time. During such processing, if the processing steam pressure switch 63 (64) detects a pressure pear, the power supply to the processing steam superheater 67 (68) is cut off.

  Such process steam supply control is independently performed in parallel for each of the process steam superheaters 67 and 68, and the end of carbonization control is detected based on the sum of the process steam supply times. Here, if one of the process steam superheaters 67 (68) is stopped due to a failure or the like, the time is adjusted by multiplying by a predetermined coefficient. If the carbonization process is performed only with one of the process steam superheaters 67 (68), the process time may be lengthened. Thus, after supplying superheated steam into the processing tank 2 for a desired time and carbonizing the experimental animal 3 in the processing tank 2, the superheaters 67 and 68 for the processing steam are stopped, and a predetermined delay is caused. After the elapse of time, the processing steam valves 61 and 62 are closed. Thus, when carbonization process ST4 is complete | finished, it transfers to cooling process ST5 of the next process.

  In the cooling step ST5, the water supply pump 92 is operated, the sealed water supply valve 103 is opened, and the vacuum pump 78 is operated. In that state, cooling water control and cooling control are performed. Since the cooling water control has already been described, the cooling control will be described here.

  Cooling control is control which cools the processing tank 2 and the carbide | carbonized_material (the experimental animal 3 after carbonization process) in it. If air is suddenly introduced into the high-temperature treatment tank 2 for this cooling, there is a risk of ignition. In this embodiment, first, saturated steam is supplied and the temperature is lowered to the desired temperature (first cooling). Then, air is introduced for further cooling (second cooling).

  Specifically, the leak valve 108 is first opened, but here, as described above, the vacuum pump 78 is in operation. Therefore, the vacuum pump 78 evacuates the gas in the processing tank 2 while the outside air is introduced in front of the vacuum pump 78 and the pressure reduction capability is suppressed. When the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure sensor 52 falls within a predetermined negative pressure range, each processing steam valve 61 and 62 is opened to supply saturated steam into the processing tank 2. Thereby, the processing tank 2 is first cooled with saturated steam (first cooling step).

  When the outer pot temperature by the outer pot temperature sensor 51 becomes equal to or lower than the cooling switching temperature (for example, 200 ° C.), the processing steam valves 61 and 62 are closed, the air supply valve 75 is opened, and the leak valve 108 is closed. Thereby, the processing tank 2 is cooled by introducing and discharging outside air (second cooling step). In addition, by providing a cooling air intake on the upstream side of the process steam superheater 67, the process steam superheater 67 can be cooled. Then, when the outer pot temperature becomes equal to or lower than the cooling target temperature (for example, 60 ° C.), the cooling control is finished. When the cooling process ST5 is completed in this way, the process proceeds to an end process ST6 of the next process.

  In the end step ST6, the end of the example work described above is notified by a buzzer, a touch panel, or the like, and the door 8 can be opened and closed. Then, when the open state of the door 8 is detected by the door open / close confirmation proximity switch 47, the process proceeds to the standby step ST2, and if necessary, a new experimental animal is put into the treatment tank 2 and the carbonization process is repeated.

  When the door 8 is opened after the carbonization treatment, the feed pump 92 is started after the foot switch 43 is input to open the door 8, and the vacuum pump 78 is activated after a predetermined delay time has elapsed. The operations of the water supply pump 92 and the vacuum pump 78 are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. Such control prevents the soot from rising when the door 8 is opened after carbonization. In addition, since the vacuum pump 78 is operated after the door 8 is slightly opened from the processing tank body 7, the inconvenience that the door 8 is sucked to the processing tank body 7 and does not open is also avoided. However, such a treatment is not performed in order to prevent the untreated product from flowing downstream if the completion of the carbonization treatment is not confirmed.

  By the way, the completion | finish of carbonization process ST4 can be set as the structure which monitors and detects the property of a condensate instead of or in addition to the elapsed time mentioned above. As the properties, the turbidity and electrical conductivity of the condensate are employed. Specifically, for example, on the front side of the vacuum pump 78 (the discharge line 26 between the second heat exchanger 77 and the vacuum pump 78) or the rear side (drainage line 80), the turbidity sensor or the electrical conductivity sensor 116 is used. (117) may be provided, and the carbonization step ST4 may be performed while monitoring the detection signal of the sensor 116 (117). For example, when the turbidity or electrical conductivity falls below the set value after the set time has elapsed, the end of the carbonization step ST4 is detected.

  Further, by utilizing the fact that the weight is about 5/100 due to carbonization, for example, the weight change of the workpiece 3 may be monitored to detect the end of the carbonization process. In this case, for example, a weight sensor (not shown) for detecting the weight of the inner hook 9 may be provided in the processing tank 2. Furthermore, the treatment tank 2 or the exhaust temperature from the treatment tank 2 may be monitored to control the set time for the carbonization treatment.

  The carbonization treatment apparatus and the carbonization treatment method of the present invention are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, FIG. 7 is a view showing a modified example of the carbonization treatment apparatus 1 of the above embodiment. As shown in this figure, a plurality of treatment tanks 2 are provided, and each treatment tank 2 is set by a common controller 114. It may be controllable. In this case, the components other than the treatment tanks 2, 2,. In the illustrated example, in addition to the exhaust gas heating means 81, the components (heat exchangers 76, 77, vacuum pump 78, etc.) on the downstream side of the processing tank 2 are shared.

  When the configuration of FIG. 7 is specifically described, steam from a common steam generator 56 can be supplied to each processing tank 2 via a processing steam supply line 57. Each processing steam supply line 57 is provided with processing steam superheaters 67, 68 and the like, respectively, as in the above-described embodiment, and the saturated steam from the steam generator 56 can be used as superheated steam. The presence / absence of steam supply to each processing tank 2 is determined by controlling the opening / closing of the processing steam valves 61 and 62 of the processing steam supply line 57 corresponding to each processing tank 2 by the controller 114. .

  On the other hand, the gas discharge lines 26 from the treatment tanks 2 are made common and unified, and the common discharge line 26 is connected to the sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88, the heat exchanger as in the above embodiment. 76, 77 and a vacuum pump 78 are provided in sequence. A sterilization steam supply line 82 is connected to the common sterilization / detoxification processing unit 88, and the exhaust gas heating means 81 is shared by the plurality of treatment tanks 2 and 2. Incidentally, in FIG. 7, only two processing tanks 2, 2 are shown, but more processing tanks 2, 2,. Then, the controller 114 enables the plurality of treatment tanks 2, 2... To be operated alternately or sequentially. Alternatively, in some cases, the plurality of treatment tanks 2, 2,.

  Further, instead of or in addition to the configuration of FIG. 7, the processing steam superheaters 67 and 68 may be shared by the processing tanks 2. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the configuration of the processing steam supply line 57 such as the processing steam superheaters 67 and 68 in addition to the configuration of FIG. In this case, the processing steam supply line 57 is branched and connected to each processing tank 2 downstream of the processing steam superheaters 67 and 68. Whether or not superheated steam is supplied into each treatment tank 2 is determined by controlling the opening and closing of each steam supply operation valve 121 provided after the branching by the controller 114.

  In the carbonization step ST4, saturated steam is first flowed to raise the workpiece 3 to, for example, about 100 ° C., and then the processing steam superheaters 67 and 68 are operated to generate superheated steam into the processing tank 2. You may supply. Thereby, depending on the to-be-processed object 3, when superheated steam is suddenly supplied, it can prevent that only the surface carbonizes and heat transfer is inhibited. Further, the superheat degree of the superheated steam supplied into the treatment tank 2 may be changed by controlling the superheaters 67 and 68 for the treatment steam according to the progress of the carbonization treatment.

  Furthermore, an air-burning mode may be provided in the operation of the carbonization treatment apparatus 1 to burn off the carbide adhering to the inner pot 9, the outer pot 10, the lid 27, and the like. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides a washing | cleaning mode, pumps water with the water supply pump 92, and wash | cleans the inside of the processing tank 2. FIG. Further, the heat exchangers 76 and 77 may be cleaned by supplying hot water or steam to the side through which the exhaust gas from the processing tank 2 passes. After such cleaning, the cleaning water can be drained by the vacuum pump 78.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid discharged from the drain line 80 is separated into volatile gas, air, and liquid by a gas-liquid separator 118, and the gas phase is deodorized such as an activated carbon layer. It is desirable to deodorize by means 119 and discharge the liquid phase part after cooling by cooling means 120 from the viewpoint of preventing malodor.

  Furthermore, in the said Example, although pressure reduction capability was adjusted by whether external air was introduce | transduced through the leak valve 108, the adjustment method of pressure reduction capability is not restricted to this. For example, a valve (not shown) such as a motor valve capable of adjusting the opening degree may be provided immediately before the vacuum pump 78, and the pressure reducing capacity may be configured to be variable by adjusting the opening degree. Further, when the vacuum pump 78 can be controlled by an inverter, the pressure reduction capability may be changed by controlling the rotation speed.

  In addition, the configuration of the decompression means is not limited to the vacuum pump 78, and a water ejector can be used instead, and a steam ejector is provided at the outlet of the processing tank 2 (before the first heat exchanger 76). May be. In this case, the gas from the treatment tank 2 can be sucked and discharged by supplying steam from the sterilization steam supply line 82 to the steam ejector.

  Moreover, in order to prevent the to-be-processed object 3 from being thrown into the processing tank 2 exceeding the processing capacity of the carbonization apparatus 1, the weight of the to-be-processed object 3 is measured by a weight sensor (not shown), and it is fully loaded. You may comprise so that determination may be performed. Alternatively, the full load may be determined by attaching an upper limit indicator (scale) to the inner hook 9.

  Further, sterilization is performed from the sterilization steam supply line 82 while observing the temperature of the exhaust gas from the processing tank 2 by the processing tank outlet temperature sensor 89 and the temperature of the mixed gas after the sterilization detoxification process by the processing section temperature sensor 90. It is good also as a structure which adjusts the vapor | steam amount supplied to the detoxification process part 88. FIG.

  Furthermore, the cooling water of the heat exchangers 76 and 77 may be configured to be maintained at a desired temperature by a chiller (not shown). In this case, the cooling water is an independent path that circulates between the heat exchangers 76 and 77 and the chiller, and is caused to flow in the counterflow in the heat exchangers 76 and 77.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows one Example of the carbonization processing apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the carbonization apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the processing tank of the carbonization processing apparatus of FIG. 1, and has shown the use condition. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the modification of the carbonization processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the processing tank of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the carbonization processing method using the carbonization processing apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the modification of the carbonization processing apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows another modification of the carbonization processing apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the carbonization processing apparatus of FIG. 1, and has shown only the part of the drainage line.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Carbonization processing apparatus 2 Processing tank 3 Organic substance (Extracted thing from dead animal or plant or animal and plant)
8 Door 9 Inner pot 10 Outer pot 24 Ventilation part (gap)
25 Inner container 26 Discharge line 27 Lid body 28 Lid case 32 Bottom wall of the inner lid (bottom wall of the hollow part)
33 Hollow part 34 Steaming port 35 Spout 38 Compression spring 43 Foot switch 56 Steam generator 57 Steaming line for processing 67 Superheater for first processing steam 68 Superheater for second processing steam 81 Exhaust gas heating means

Claims (7)

A carbonization treatment apparatus comprising a treatment tank in which organic matter is stored, and superposing steam into the treatment tank to perform carbonization treatment of the organic matter,
The said processing tank is equipped with the inner pot in which organic substance is accommodated, and the outer pot in which this inner pot is accommodated so that attachment or detachment is possible. The carbonization processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A disposable inner container is laid inside the inner pot,
The carbonization processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an organic substance is accommodated in the inner container. Each of the inner pot and the outer pot is a bottomed container opened upward,
The inner hook is accommodated with a gap between the outer hook and the outer hook;
The carbonization apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein steam is supplied from above the inner hook, and gas is discharged from a side wall of the outer pot. The door that covers the upper opening of the inner pot and the outer pot has a hollow portion to which steam is supplied,
The carbonization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of steam jets directed toward the organic matter are provided on the bottom wall of the hollow portion. The carbonization processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the door can be opened using a foot switch or a non-contact sensor without manual operation. The carbonization processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein whether the door can be opened or closed is switched based on an operation process or the temperature of the processing tank. The door that covers the upper opening of the inner hook and the outer hook includes a lid that closes the upper opening of the outer hook, a lid holding means that swingably holds a central portion of the lid, the lid, A carbonization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a compression spring provided between the lid holding means.

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