JP2015192997A - Biomass recycling device using microwave - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biomass recycling device using microwaves capable of treating massive biomass and besides capable of continuously treating all processes from extraction of the useful components in the biomass to drying.SOLUTION: A biomass recycling device comprises: a tank having a charge port for charging biomass and a discharge port for discharging the biomass; a microwave generator generating microwaves; a waveguide introducing the microwaves generated by the microwave generator into the tank; a cooling condenser cooling and condensing the biomass vapor vaporized from the tank by microwave heating; a collection instrument collecting the useful components condensed by the cooling condenser; and a microwave transmission material at the connection part of the waveguide and the outer peripheral face of the tank. The tank has a screw conveyor conveying the biomass charged in the tank from a charge port side to a discharge port side.

Description

  The present invention includes a biomass such as a crop or wood residue continuously put into a tank by irradiating it with microwaves and keeping the tank at a certain degree of vacuum. It is related with the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which extracts and collects useful components, such as essential oil, and extracts the biomass after extracting a useful component from the inside of a tank.

  Conventionally, many attempts have been made to effectively use biomass consisting of agricultural residue and wood, and as an example, a method of extracting useful components such as essential oil from biomass has been implemented.

  As a method for extracting useful components such as essential oil from biomass, for example, methods such as compression extraction, steam extraction, and hot water extraction are known, but these methods have low extraction efficiency, high energy consumption, etc. Had problems.

Therefore, in recent years, an apparatus for removing moisture from various materials using microwaves or extracting useful components such as essential oils has been proposed.
For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a batch type extraction device using microwaves.
However, although the apparatus of patent document 1 can extract a highly efficient and high quality useful component, since it is a batch type, it cannot process a large amount of biomass continuously.
Moreover, although it is possible to dehydrate biomass to some extent, there is a problem that it is difficult to dry it.
In addition, although it is possible to dry by increasing the irradiation amount of microwaves, there is a possibility that the biomass burns and the quality of useful components is deteriorated.

Patent Document 2 proposes a vacuum drying method and apparatus using microwaves.
Although this device can promote drying by allowing outside air to flow into the chamber, it is a batch type as in Patent Document 1, and therefore cannot process a large amount of biomass continuously. Have.

Patent Document 3 provides a microwave continuous drying apparatus that heats by a microwave while continuously transferring powder particles such as a synthetic resin material and a pharmaceutical material to crystallize or dry the powder.
However, since there is no microwave transmitting material between the waveguide and the microwave generator, the microwave is reflected on the surface of the biomass, and all the energy generated by the microwave generator is used to efficiently heat the biomass. It has a problem that it cannot be used.

Patent Document 4 relates to a vacuum and drying / concentration device that evaporates water components in a liquid, and more specifically, a drying / concentration device that maximizes thermal efficiency and can efficiently remove water components in a liquid is proposed.
However, by installing a reflector to prevent reflection, it is possible to prevent microwaves from being reflected and not being irradiated to the material, or damaging the microwave irradiation device, but the material is continuous because of the batch type. In other words, it cannot be processed in large quantities. In addition, the structure is complicated and the tank is enlarged.

In Patent Document 5, an exhaust device suitable for use in a vacuum heating and drying device for drying raw garbage or the like, or an exhaust device suitable for using a vacuum heating and drying device for drying organic or inorganic substances in a solution. Has been proposed.
However, although it is described that the influence of microwave reflection can be suppressed by increasing the surface area with a double tank structure, the problem is that a large amount of material cannot be processed continuously because of the batch type. Has a point. In addition, the structure is complicated and the tank is enlarged.

In patent document 6, the continuous drying apparatus using a microwave is proposed.
However, although the material can be continuously processed by arranging the screw conveyor in the tank, the structure is complicated and the tank is also enlarged.

Patent Document 7 also proposes a method of efficiently irradiating a plant biomass with microwaves using a material that is hollow and has a low microwave absorption property on the screw shaft of a screw conveyor.
However, this method has a problem that the microwave irradiation part is limited to one end of the screw conveyor, which is disadvantageous in a mass processing apparatus that requires a large amount of heat.

As described above, the conventional apparatus using microwaves has a problem that it is difficult to dry, a large amount of biomass cannot be processed continuously, and heating efficiency is poor.
Although the batch type can be increased in size and processed in large quantities, the batch type apparatus requires biomass replacement and washing operations each time it is used, and if the size is increased, the work efficiency decreases. It has the problem that it is difficult to handle.

Japanese Patent No. 4849578 Japanese Patent No. 4474506 Utility Model No. 2514231 Japanese Patent No. 3955923 Japanese Patent No. 3117170 Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-273712 Japanese Patent No. 4923649

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves capable of continuously processing a large amount of biomass. It is.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes a tank having an inlet for supplying biomass and an outlet for discharging biomass, a microwave generator for generating microwaves, and a microwave generated by the microwave generator. A waveguide that guides waves into the tank, a cooling condenser that cools and condenses the biomass vapor evaporated from the tank by heating by the microwave, and a recovery that recovers useful components condensed by the cooling condenser And a microwave transmitting material that transmits microwaves to a connection portion between the waveguide and the outer peripheral surface of the tank, and the tank transfers the biomass introduced into the tank from the inlet side to the outlet side A screw conveyor for transporting to, and a connection position of the microwave permeable material is located in a filling portion of the biomass in the tank body About biomass recycling apparatus utilizing microwave.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the microwave transmitting material has a curved shape in which the inner surface side of the tank is connected to the inner surface of the tank without unevenness, and the shape increases with increasing distance from the inner surface of the tank to the outer surface. The waveguide has a flange at an end connected to the tank, and the microwave transmitting material is in contact with the flange on the outer surface side of the tank. It relates to a biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave described in 1.

  The invention according to claim 3 relates to the biomass recycling apparatus using microwave according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a vacuum pump for depressurizing the inside of the tank.

  The invention according to claim 4 relates to the biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the screw conveyor has a stirring blade.

  The invention according to claim 5 has a charging path connecting the charging port and the tank, and an openable first shutter and a second shutter are arranged upstream and downstream in the charging path, respectively. A closing side chamber is provided between the shutter and the second shutter, and has a discharge path connecting the discharge port and the tank, and an openable third shutter and a first shutter are provided upstream and downstream of the discharge path, respectively. 5. The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 3, wherein four shutters are arranged, and a discharge side preliminary chamber is provided between the third shutter and the fourth shutter. 6.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a first pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the tank, a second pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the input side preliminary chamber, the vacuum pump and the discharge side preliminary chamber are provided. It has a 3rd piping to connect, It is related with the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave of Claim 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the charging side auxiliary chamber, a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the discharging side auxiliary chamber, and the pressure in the tank. A third pressure sensor for detection, and a solenoid valve disposed in the second piping and the third piping based on the detection results of the first to third pressure sensors, the second piping and the third piping, It has a control means which controls thru | or the opening and closing of a 4th shutter, It is related with the biomass recycling apparatus using a microwave of Claim 6.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the electromagnetic valve includes an atmosphere release valve and a flow path release valve, and the control means closes the first shutter and the second shutter by executing a predetermined program, A first stage in which the input side reserve chamber is opened at a normal pressure by opening the atmosphere release valve of the second pipe and closing the flow path release valve; and a second stage in which the first shutter is opened and closed for a predetermined time. A third stage of closing the atmosphere release valve of the second pipe and opening the flow path release valve to drive the vacuum pump until the input side reserve chamber reaches a predetermined negative pressure, and the second shutter 8. The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 7, wherein control is performed to repeat the fourth stage that opens and closes for a predetermined time.

  In the invention according to claim 9, the electromagnetic valve includes an atmosphere release valve and a flow path release valve, and the control means closes the third shutter and the fourth shutter by executing a predetermined program, A first stage of driving the vacuum pump until the discharge side reserve chamber reaches a predetermined negative pressure by closing the atmosphere release valve of the third pipe and opening the flow path release valve; and the third shutter A second stage that opens and closes for a predetermined time; a third stage that opens the air release valve of the third pipe and closes the flow path release valve to bring the discharge side reserve chamber to normal pressure; and the fourth shutter. 9. The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a control for repeating a fourth stage that opens and closes for a predetermined time is performed.

  The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the microwave generator continuously irradiates the microwave on the upstream side in the biomass conveyance direction and pulse-irradiates the microwave on the downstream side. It relates to the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave in any one of.

  The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the pulse irradiation is performed by arranging a microwave switching machine for switching a microwave irradiation position between the waveguide and the microwave generator. A biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to claim 10.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the microwave generator includes a cooling fan, collects warm air generated by the cooling fan, and exhausts the biomass discharged from the outlet by the warm air. The biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising:

  The invention according to claim 13 has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the tank, and the control means drives the microwave generator and the screw conveyor based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. The present invention relates to a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

  The invention according to claim 14 relates to the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to claim 4, wherein the stirring blade is a scraper provided on an outer peripheral portion of a screw of the screw conveyor. .

  The invention according to claim 15 relates to the biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 14, further comprising a brush for removing biomass attached to the scraper.

  The invention which concerns on Claim 16 is equipped with the actuator for inclining the said tank up and down, It is related with the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 15 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  The invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that the input side preliminary chamber, the discharge side preliminary chamber, and the tank are provided with a viewing window for visually confirming the inside. The present invention relates to a biomass recycling apparatus using waves.

  The invention according to claim 18 is the microwave according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the biomass is selected from the group consisting of citrus peel, cedar, cypress, nut, medicinal herb, and seaweed. The present invention relates to a biomass recycling apparatus using the above.

  The invention according to claim 19 includes an automatic feed pretreatment device that conveys the biomass after being treated using a pretreatment device from the pretreatment device to the inlet, and crushes the biomass during the conveyance. The automatic feed pretreatment device includes an input unit into which the biomass conveyed from the pre-stage treatment device is input, a pulverizer for pulverizing the biomass, and an input unit to the pulverizer. 19. A first automatic feeding device for conveying biomass and a second automatic feeding device for conveying the biomass discharged from the pulverizer to the charging port. It relates to the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave in any one of.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a microwave transmitting material that transmits microwaves is provided at a connection portion between the waveguide and the outer peripheral surface of the tank, and the connection position of the microwave transmitting material is the tank. By being positioned in the biomass filling portion in the main body, all the energy generated by the microwave generator can be efficiently used for heating the biomass without being reflected by the surface of the biomass. Therefore, steam from biomass can be obtained with high energy efficiency.
Moreover, the vapor | steam from this biomass can be collected and cooled by a cooling condenser, and the obtained essential oil can be collect | recovered by an essential oil collection | recovery device.
Furthermore, by having a screw conveyor in the tank of the biomass recycling apparatus, it is possible to transport the biomass charged into the tank from the inlet side to the outlet side. Therefore, a large amount of biomass can be processed continuously.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the surface shape of the inner surface side of the tank of the microwave transmitting material is a curved surface that is connected to the inner surface of the tank without unevenness, thereby eliminating the unevenness in the tank and allowing the screw conveyor to be arranged. In addition, high cleanability can be achieved.
Further, the microwave transmitting material has a shape that becomes larger as it goes from the inner surface to the outer surface of the tank, and the waveguide has a flange at the end connected to the tank, and the microwave transmitting material is on the outer surface side of the tank. Abutting on the flange, connecting the waveguide and microwave transmitting material via the flange, function as an antenna to efficiently irradiate biomass with microwaves, preventing biomass from entering the waveguide And it can have a function as an airtight window at the time of decompression.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 3, processing of the biomass under reduced pressure is enabled, and deterioration and alteration of the useful component of biomass by high temperature can be prevented.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, when the screw conveyor in a tank has a stirring blade, the biomass thrown in in a tank can be conveyed, stirring. Therefore, the biomass can be dried while preventing the burn of the biomass.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, two shutters are provided in each of the charging path and the discharging path, and the charging side preliminary chamber and the discharging side preliminary chamber are provided between the two shutters, so that the biomass is input and discharged. Inflow of air into the tank can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to continuously process biomass while maintaining a constant vacuum in the tank.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first to third pipes are provided between the vacuum pump and the tank, the input side preliminary chamber, and the discharge side preliminary chamber, respectively. The room can be depressurized with a single vacuum pump. Therefore, it becomes what was excellent in controllability by the simple apparatus structure, and biomass can be processed continuously, maintaining the inside of a tank at a fixed vacuum degree.

According to the invention of claim 7, a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the input side reserve chamber, a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the discharge side reserve chamber, A third pressure sensor for detecting the pressure, and based on the detection results of the first to third pressure sensors, driving of the vacuum pump, the solenoid valve disposed in the second pipe and the third pipe, By having the control means for controlling the opening and closing of the first to fourth shutters, it is possible to continuously process the biomass while reliably holding the inside of the tank at a certain degree of vacuum.
In addition, by having a solenoid valve arranged in the second pipe and the third pipe, the degree of vacuum in the inlet side spare chamber and the outlet side spare chamber can be controlled separately even if only one vacuum pump is used. Can do. Therefore, the biomass can be continuously charged and discharged.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the opening and closing of the first and second shutters and the electromagnetic valve is automatically controlled by executing a predetermined program, and the inside of the tank is kept at a certain degree of vacuum while continuously supplying biomass. Can be held in. Therefore, the biomass can be continuously processed efficiently and reliably without the manual operation.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the opening and closing of the third and fourth shutters and the electromagnetic valve is automatically controlled by executing a predetermined program, and the inside of the tank is kept at a certain degree of vacuum while continuously discharging the biomass. Can be held in. Therefore, the biomass can be continuously processed efficiently and reliably without the manual operation.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 10, since a microwave can be pulse-irradiated with respect to biomass of the downstream (discharge side) with a low moisture content, while preventing the burning of biomass and quality deterioration of essential oil, Can be dried.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a microwave switching device for switching a microwave irradiation position is arranged between the waveguide and the microwave generator to perform pulse irradiation, thereby generating microwaves. Compared with the case where pulse irradiation is performed by turning on and off the power supply of the machine, the output of the microwave generator can be effectively used, and pulse irradiation can be performed without applying a large load to the microwave generator. In addition, since a single microwave generator irradiates a plurality of irradiation ports with microwaves, the required number of microwave generators can be reduced compared to when the microwave generator is turned on and off and pulse irradiation is performed. The number is small.

  According to the invention of claim 12, the microwave generator includes a cooling fan, collects warm air generated by the cooling fan, and has an exhaust duct for drying the biomass discharged from the discharge port by the warm air. By providing further, the biomass discharged | emitted from the discharge port using the warm air which generate | occur | produced with the cooling fan can be dried further.

  According to the invention of claim 13, by controlling the driving of the microwave generator and the screw conveyor based on the detection result of the temperature sensor, the temperature in the tank is controlled, and the burning of the biomass due to the temperature rise and the essential oil The biomass can be dried while preventing the deterioration of quality.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 14, the stirring effect of biomass can be improved because the stirring blade of a screw conveyor is equipped with a scraper. Therefore, the biomass can be dried while preventing burning of the biomass and deterioration of the quality of the essential oil.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 15, by providing the brush for removing the biomass adhering to a scraper, biomass can be dried, preventing burning of biomass and quality deterioration of essential oil.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 16, even if it is biomass with low fluidity or high viscosity, it can stir and convey efficiently in a tank by providing the actuator for inclining a tank up and down. Therefore, the biomass can be dried while preventing burning of the biomass and deterioration of the quality of the essential oil.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 17, the preliminary | backup chamber and the inside of a tank can be visually recognized by providing an inspection window, and the state and external appearance of biomass conveyance and stirring can be monitored. Therefore, the biomass can be dried while preventing burning of the biomass and deterioration of the quality of the essential oil.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 18, useful components, such as essential oil, can be extracted in large quantities from citrus peel, cedar, cypress, a nut, a medicinal herb, and seaweed.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 19, the said biomass after processing using a pre-stage processing apparatus is conveyed from the pre-stage processing apparatus to the said inlet, The automatic feed pre-processing apparatus which grind | pulverizes the said biomass during conveyance is provided. By having it, the biomass discharged by the pre-stage treatment apparatus can be continuously treated. Moreover, by pulverizing the biomass before it is introduced into the inlet, it is possible to extract the essential oil from the biomass more efficiently, and it is easier to transport the biomass that is introduced into the tank from the inlet side to the outlet side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a whole block diagram which shows suitable embodiment of the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the screw conveyor used in the tank of the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of the screw conveyor used suitably in the tank of the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which concerns on this invention. (A) A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view and (B) a part of a microwave transmission material, a waveguide, a flange, and a microwave generator connected to a tank of a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention It is a cross-sectional view. (A) In the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which concerns on this invention, it is a figure showing the periphery of an insertion port at the time of using an up-and-down opening-and-closing type shutter, and (B) A figure showing the shape of a shutter. It is a figure which shows an example of the microwave switching machine arrange | positioned between the waveguide of the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which concerns on this invention, and a microwave generator. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the exhaust duct which collects the warm air which generate | occur | produced from the microwave generator of the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the automatic feed pre-processing apparatus used suitably with the biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the technical scope of the present invention should be limited by these descriptions. is not.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention.
A biomass recycling apparatus (1) using microwaves according to the present invention includes a tank (4) having an inlet (2) for charging biomass and an outlet (3) for discharging biomass, A microwave generator (5) for generating microwaves, a waveguide (6) for guiding the microwaves generated by the microwave generator (5) into the tank (4), and a tank ( A cooling condenser (7) for cooling and condensing the biomass vapor evaporated from 4), a recovery unit (8) for recovering useful components condensed by the cooling condenser (7), and a waveguide (6), The tank (4) is provided with a microwave transmitting material (37) that transmits microwaves at the connection portion on the outer peripheral surface, and the tank (4) is configured to transfer the biomass charged into the tank (4) from the inlet side to the outlet side. Transport while stirring to Has Liu conveyor (10), the connection position of the microwave transparent material (37) is located in the filling portion of the biomass of the tank (4) in the body.

  Examples of biomass in the present invention include, but are not limited to, citrus peel, cedar, cypress, tree nut, medicinal herb, seaweed and the like. As a specific example, the peels of citrus juices such as citrus junos, citrus iyo and citrus sudachi can be exemplified.

These biomasses are put into the biomass filling section in the tank (4) alone or together with the extraction solvent.
The extraction solvent is not particularly limited as long as it is appropriately selected depending on the type of biomass. Examples thereof include water, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, ethers, hexane, acetone, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran and the like. it can. In general, in the case of microwave extraction, the extraction ability is excellent, and there are many examples that can be extracted by biomass alone, but when an extraction solvent is used, water is preferably used because it is safe and inexpensive.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of a screw conveyor used in a tank of a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screw conveyor that is suitably used in a tank of a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention.
The tank (4) is a container for containing and transporting biomass, and the shape thereof is substantially cylindrical, U-shaped or the like, but is not particularly limited. The tank (4) has an inlet (2) at one end (upstream end) in the length direction and an outlet (3) at the other end (downstream end). Inside the tank (4), there is provided a screw conveyor (10) that conveys biomass while stirring it from the inlet (2) side to the outlet (3) side. The screw conveyor (10) preferably has a helical stirring blade (11) (see FIG. 2), and the stirring blade (11) is a scraper provided on the outer periphery of the screw of the screw conveyor (10) ( 36) (see FIG. 3). Since the screw conveyor (10) has the stirring blade (11), the biomass can be transported from the inlet (2) side to the outlet (3) side in the tank (4) while stirring the biomass. The biomass can be dried while preventing burnt and deterioration of essential oil quality. Moreover, the stirring effect | action of biomass can be improved because a stirring blade (11) consists of a scraper (36) provided in the outer peripheral part of the screw of a screw conveyor (10), and the burning of a biomass and essential oil are more effective. The biomass can be dried while preventing the deterioration of quality.
Even if the width of the stirring blade (11) is as wide as shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (E), it is narrow as shown in FIGS. 3 (B) to 3 (D) (ribbon screw). However, it is desirable to use a narrower one in terms of less biomass adhering to the stirring blade (11).
The scraper (36) is provided continuously from one end (upstream side) to the other end (downstream side) in the length direction of the screw conveyor (10) as shown in FIG. 3 (A). It may be, and may be provided intermittently between the stirring blades (11) as shown in FIGS. 3 (B) and (D). Moreover, the thing which does not have a scraper like FIG.3 (C) and (E) can also be used.
The shape and width of the scraper (36) are not particularly limited, and the scraper (36) may be a thin flat plate as shown in FIG. 3 (A) or a thin cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3 (B). A thick quadrangular prism shape as shown in FIG.
Examples of the material of the scraper (36) include metals and resins.

  It is preferable to install an extendable actuator (35) such as a hydraulic cylinder at the bottom of the tank (4) on the inlet (2) side. By placing the actuator (35) at the bottom of the tank (4) on the inlet (2) side, the tank (4) is tilted up and down, and the agitation and conveyance from the biomass inlet (2) to the outlet (3) The biomass can be dried while preventing burning and deterioration of the quality of the essential oil even in highly viscous biomass.

  It is preferable to provide a brush (34) on the inner wall surface of the tank (4). By providing the brush (34) on the inner wall surface of the tank (4), the biomass attached to the scraper (36) can be scraped and removed, so that the biomass can be removed while preventing burning of the biomass and deterioration of the quality of the essential oil. Can be dried. The brush (34) may be on the top of the tank (4) as shown in FIG. 1 or on the bottom. The number and shape of the brush (34) are not particularly limited.

  A waveguide (6) for guiding the microwave generated by the microwave generator (5) into the tank (4) is connected to the bottom of the tank (4). In order to prevent burning of biomass, continuous irradiation microwave generator (5a) installed on the upstream side in the biomass transport direction continuously irradiates microwaves and pulse irradiation microwave generator installed on the downstream side It is preferable to irradiate the microwave with a machine (5b). By irradiating the biomass on the discharge side with a low water content with a pulse of microwave, the biomass can be dried while preventing burning of the biomass and deterioration of the quality of the essential oil. However, the arrangement of the microwave generator for continuous irradiation (5a) and the microwave generator for pulse irradiation (5b) may be appropriately changed according to the type and state of biomass.

  The number of the microwave generators (5) may be one each for the continuous irradiation microwave generator (5a) and the pulse irradiation microwave generator (5b), but with respect to the biomass in the tank (4). It is preferable to install a plurality of units (three units in FIG. 1) so that microwaves can be evenly irradiated.

  A magnetron is preferably used as the microwave generator (5), but it amplifies the natural vibrations of an oscillator using an electron tube such as a gyrotron, a klystron, or a traveling wave tube, or a crystal resonator, depending on the biomass. It is also possible to use other known microwave generators such as solid state oscillators.

4A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of (A) a microwave transparent material (37), a waveguide (6), a flange (38) and a microwave generator (5) connected to the tank (4). B) A partial cross-sectional view.
As shown in FIG. 4 (A), the microwave transmission material (37) is disposed at the connection portion between the waveguide (6) and the outer peripheral surface of the tank (4), and the microwave transmission material (37), flange ( 38), the waveguide (6), and the microwave generator (5) are connected to the tank (4) in this order.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the surface shape of the microwave transmitting material (37) on the inner surface side of the tank (4) forms a curved surface that is connected to the inner surface of the tank (4) without unevenness, and from the inner surface of the tank (4). It has a shape that becomes larger toward the outer surface.
The waveguide (6) has a flange (38) at the end connected to the tank (4). The microwave transmitting material (37) is in contact with the flange (38) on the outer surface side of the tank (4). As shown in FIG. 4B, the microwave transmitting material (37) and the waveguide (6) are connected via a flange (38).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a microwave switching device disposed between a waveguide and a microwave generator of a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the microwave generator for pulse irradiation (5b) is a microwave switching machine (39) for switching the irradiation position of the microwave between the waveguide (6) and the microwave generator (5). It is desirable to perform pulse irradiation by arranging in the above. This makes it possible to effectively use the output of the pulse irradiation microwave generator (5b) compared to the case where the pulse irradiation microwave generator (5b) is turned on and off to perform pulse irradiation, and the pulse irradiation Pulse irradiation can be performed without applying a large load to the irradiation microwave generator (5b).
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the waveguide (6) may be branched into two as a single body or as a separate body, or may be branched more than that. A microwave switching machine (39) is arranged between the waveguide (6) branched in this way and the microwave generator (5). Since the waveguide (6) is branched in this way, a single microwave generator irradiates a plurality of irradiation openings with microwaves, so that the microwave generator is turned on and off to perform pulse irradiation. The number of required microwave generators can be reduced compared to the case of
First, microwaves emitted from the microwave generator (5) by the microwave switching machine (39) are irradiated to any branch of the waveguide (6). Thereafter, when a certain period of time has elapsed, the microwave irradiation position is switched by the microwave switching device (39), and the microwave is irradiated to another branch. By repeating this operation, microwave pulse irradiation can be realized without turning the microwave generator on and off. By providing the microwave switching machine (39) in this way, the output of the microwave generator (5) can be used effectively, and the power on / off operation can be performed while the microwave generator is in a continuous operation state. Similarly to the repetition, pulse irradiation can be realized without imposing a large load on the microwave generator (5).
Moreover, there is a known microwave switching machine using a mechanical mechanism. Specifically, a rotary switch etc. are mentioned.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an exhaust duct that collects hot air generated from a microwave generator of a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention. The microwave generator (5) includes a cooling fan (not shown), and hot air from the cooling fan can be collected by an exhaust duct (40) as shown in FIG. The biomass discharged from (3) can be further dried.
Any material may be used for the exhaust duct, and wood, metal, synthetic resin, or a combination thereof may be used. It is desirable that the material has heat resistance.

  In the upper part of the tank (4), steam containing useful components in the biomass heated and evaporated inside the tank (4) by microwave irradiation (steam containing useful components) is taken out of the tank (4), One end of a passage (12) for leading to the cooling condenser (7) is connected. The other end of the passage is connected to the cooling condenser (7).

  The refrigerant flowing in the cooling condenser (7) is once taken out and cooled by the cooling device (13), and then returned to the cooling condenser (7) again. The useful component-containing vapor supplied into the cooling condenser (7) from the upper part of the tank (4) through the passage (12) is cooled and liquefied by the refrigerant supplied from the cooling device (13). It is collected in a collector (8) connected to the bottom of the condenser (7).

  As the refrigerant of the cooling condenser (7), water or an antifreeze liquid can be used. As the antifreeze liquid, an alcohol main component or an ethylene glycol main component may be used. . Although not particularly limited, water is preferably used because it is inexpensive.

  In the recovery unit (8), the recovered liquid is separated by specific gravity, and useful components such as essential oil are stored in the upper layer part, and condensed water such as aromatic distilled water is stored in the lower layer part. The upper part of the collector (8) is connected to the vacuum pump (9) via the first pipe (22). When the vacuum pump (9) is driven, the pressure in the tank (4) is reduced through the first pipe (22), the cooling condenser (7), and the passage (12). By utilizing the fact that the boiling point is lowered by reducing the pressure in the tank (4), the essential oil can be extracted at a low temperature without deteriorating the scent component.

5A and 5B are a diagram showing the vicinity of the inlet when a vertically opened / closed shutter is used in the biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the shape of the shutter. is there.
The input port (2) of the tank (4) is opened upward, and the input port (2) and the tank (4) are connected by an input path (14). An openable first shutter (15) and a second shutter (16) are arranged upstream and downstream in the closing path (14), respectively, and the closing side is between the first shutter (15) and the second shutter (16). A spare room (17) is provided.
The discharge port (3) of the tank (4) opens downward, and the discharge port (3) and the tank (4) are connected by a discharge path (18). An openable and closable third shutter (19) and a fourth shutter (20) are arranged upstream and downstream in the discharge path (18), respectively, and the discharge side is between the third shutter (19) and the fourth shutter (20). A spare room (21) is provided.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first to fourth shutter opening / closing modes include a vertical opening / closing type that rotates in the vertical direction around the rotation shaft (32), a sliding type, a double door opening, etc., but the structure is simple. A vertical opening / closing type is preferably used because it is difficult to clog. The vertically openable / closable rotary shaft (32) is connected to a motor via a speed reducer and rotates by driving the motor. The driving of the motor is controlled by a control means (30) described later. Further, a hydraulic cylinder or the like may be used instead of the motor.

By having the input side auxiliary chamber (17) sandwiched between the two shutters, when the biomass is input, first, the upstream first shutter (15) is opened to enter the input side auxiliary chamber (17). The biomass is supplied, the first shutter is closed and the inside of the input side preliminary chamber (17) is evacuated, and then the second shutter (16) is opened and the biomass in the input side preliminary chamber (17) is stored in the tank (4). It is possible to prevent the atmosphere from flowing into the tank (4) by throwing it into the tank. Further, the input side preliminary chamber (17) may include a level sensor (33) for detecting the biomass capacity as shown in FIG.
By having the discharge side preliminary chamber (21) sandwiched between the two shutters, when discharging biomass, first, the upstream third shutter (19) is opened to the discharge side preliminary chamber (21). After the biomass is discharged, the third shutter (19) is closed and the discharge side auxiliary chamber (21) is brought to normal pressure, and then the fourth shutter (20) is opened to bring the biomass in the discharge side auxiliary chamber (21) to the outside. By discharging, air can be prevented from flowing into the tank (4). Therefore, biomass can be continuously processed while maintaining the inside of the tank (4) at a constant degree of vacuum.

The tank (4) is routed through the first pipe (22), the input side spare chamber (17) is routed through the second pipe (23), and the discharge side spare chamber (21) is routed through the third pipe (24). Each is connected to a vacuum pump (9). When the vacuum pump (9) is driven, the inside of the tank (4), the input side preliminary chamber (17) and the discharge side preliminary chamber (21) is depressurized. The output (degree of vacuum) of the vacuum pump (9) can be changed according to the type of biomass.
Thus, the first pipe (22), the second pipe (23), the third pipe are respectively provided between the vacuum pump (9) and the tank (4), the input side auxiliary chamber (17), and the discharge side auxiliary chamber (21). By providing the pipe (24), the inside of the tank (4), the input side preliminary chamber (17) and the discharge side preliminary chamber (21) can be depressurized by one vacuum pump (9). Therefore, it becomes what was excellent in controllability by simple structure, and biomass can be processed continuously, maintaining the inside of a tank (4) at a fixed vacuum degree.

  Since the biomass recycling apparatus (1) using the microwave according to the present invention detects pressure, each of the first pressure is placed in the input side preliminary chamber (17), the discharge side preliminary chamber (21), and the tank (4). A sensor (25), a second pressure sensor (26), and a third pressure sensor (27) are provided. Although it does not specifically limit as a pressure sensor, A diaphragm type pressure sensor is used suitably from the reason that there is little adhesion of biomass because the surface is flat. Moreover, the biomass recycling apparatus (1) using the microwave which concerns on this invention is based on the detection result of these pressure sensors, drive of a vacuum pump (9), 2nd piping (23), and 3rd piping. The atmospheric release valve (28) and the flow path release valve (29), which are electromagnetic valves arranged in (24), the first shutter (15), the second shutter (16), the third shutter (19), and the fourth shutter Control means (30) for controlling opening and closing of (20). The control means (30) consists of a computer equipped with a CPU and memory (RAM, ROM). The memory includes a vacuum pump (9) drive, an atmospheric release valve (28) and a passage release valve (29), which are electromagnetic valves arranged in the second pipe (23) and the third pipe (24), and a first shutter. (15), a program for automatically controlling opening and closing of the second shutter (16), the third shutter (19), and the fourth shutter (20) is stored, and the control means (30) executes the program. Thus, the automatic control is realized.

Inside the passage (12), there is a temperature sensor (31) for detecting the temperature in the tank (4). The memory of the control means (30) stores a program for automatically controlling the rotation of the screw conveyor (10) and the irradiation of the microwave generator (5). The control means (30) is a temperature sensor (31). The automatic control is realized by executing the program based on the detection result. The temperature in the tank (4) is usually constant when the moisture content of the biomass is high, and increases when the moisture content decreases. When the temperature in the tank (4) exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control means (30) increases the rotation speed of the screw conveyor (10) in order to prevent the burning of the biomass, and the micro means to decrease the temperature in the tank (4). The program is executed so as to reduce the irradiation of the wave generator (5).
The temperature sensor (31) is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, or the like because it is inexpensive and easy to mount. By controlling the temperature in the tank (4) using the temperature sensor (31), it is possible to dry the biomass while preventing the burning of the biomass and the deterioration of the quality of the essential oil due to the temperature rise.

  The input side preliminary chamber (17), the discharge side preliminary chamber (21), and the tank (4) are each provided with a viewing window (not shown) for visually checking the inside. By providing the observation window in this way, it is possible to confirm the state and appearance of the biomass transport and agitation in the input side preliminary chamber (17), the discharge side preliminary chamber (21), and the tank (4).

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of an automatic feed pretreatment apparatus that is preferably used together with a biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention.
In the biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to the present invention, an automatic feed pretreatment apparatus (41) for transporting biomass from the prestage treatment apparatus to the inlet (2) as shown in FIG. 8 is preferably used. It is done. Examples of the pre-treatment device include a squeezing device that squeezes citrus fruits and the like and then discharges the squeezed residue.
Hereinafter, a method of conveying biomass from the pre-stage treatment apparatus to the inlet (2) of the biomass recycling apparatus using the automatic feed pretreatment apparatus (41) illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described.
First, the biomass conveyed by the belt conveyor etc. from the pre-stage processing apparatus is input into the input part (42) of the automatic feed pre-processing apparatus (41). Another mechanism that can convey the biomass may be provided without using the belt conveyor, and the biomass may be directly input from the pre-stage processing apparatus to the input unit (42).
The input biomass is conveyed to the pulverizer (44) by the first automatic feeder (43). Although the screw conveyor, the belt conveyor, etc. are mentioned as a mechanism which conveys the biomass of a 1st automatic feeder (43), It does not specifically limit.
The biomass pulverized by the pulverizer (44) is conveyed to the charging port (2) by the second automatic feeder (45). Examples of the mechanism for conveying the biomass of the second automatic feeder (45) to the inlet (2) include a mono pump and a screw conveyor, but are not particularly limited.

Hereinafter, an extraction method using the biomass recycling apparatus (1) according to the present invention will be described.
First, the vacuum pump (9) is driven, the first shutter (15) and the second shutter (16) are closed, the air release valve (28) of the second pipe (23) is opened, and the flow path release valve is opened. By closing (29), the inside of the charging side auxiliary chamber (17) is brought to normal pressure. Next, with the first shutter (15) opened and the second shutter (16) closed, biomass and, if necessary, extraction solvent (water, etc.) from the inlet (2) to the inlet side preliminary chamber (17) To accommodate. Then, the first shutter (15) is closed, the atmosphere release valve (28) of the second pipe (23) is closed, and the flow path release valve (29) is opened, so that the inside of the charging preliminary chamber (17) has a predetermined negative pressure. To. Thereafter, the second shutter (16) is opened to feed the biomass into the tank (4) having a predetermined negative pressure.

  The microwave generated by the microwave generator (5) is conveyed to the waveguide (6) while rotating the screw conveyor (10) to convey the biomass from the inlet (2) side to the outlet (3) side. ) To the tank (4). Thereby, the biomass in a tank (4) is heated with a microwave, and is conveyed from the inlet (2) side to the outlet (3) side.

  When the biomass in the tank (4) is heated by microwaves, steam (useful component-containing steam) containing useful components (such as essential oils) evaporated from the biomass passes through the passage (12) and is cooled by the condenser (7). Then, it is cooled and liquefied by the refrigerant supplied from the cooling device (13), and is recovered in the recovery device (8). In the recovery device (8), the recovered liquid is separated by specific gravity, and useful components such as essential oil are stored in the upper layer portion, and condensed water such as aromatic distilled water is stored in the lower layer portion.

  The biomass that has reached the discharge port (3) is discharged from the tank (4) by the following procedure. First, in a state where the vacuum pump (9) is driven, the third shutter (19) and the fourth shutter (20) are closed, the atmosphere release valve (28) of the third pipe (24) is closed, and the flow path release valve ( By opening 29), the inside of the discharge side auxiliary chamber (21) is set to a predetermined negative pressure. Next, the third shutter (19) is opened, the biomass in the tank (4) is put into the discharge side spare chamber (21), and the third shutter (19) is closed. Thereafter, the atmosphere opening valve (28) of the third pipe (24) is opened and the flow path opening valve (29) is closed, whereby the inside of the discharge side preliminary chamber (21) is brought to normal pressure. Then, the biomass is discharged outside through the discharge port (3) by opening the fourth shutter (20).

  The biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to the present invention is suitably used when a large amount of biomass is processed for the purpose of extracting useful components such as essential oils. Moreover, the dry biomass discharged | emitted after useful component extraction is utilized suitably for feed, fertilizer, etc., such as a chicken and a pig.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Biomass recycling apparatus 2 Input port 3 Discharge port 4 Tank 5 Microwave generator 5a Microwave generator for continuous irradiation 5b Microwave generator for pulse irradiation 6 Waveguide 7 Cooling condenser 8 Collector 9 Vacuum pump 10 Screw conveyor 11 Stirring blade 12 Passage 13 Cooling device 14 Input path 15 First shutter 16 Second shutter 17 Input side preliminary chamber 18 Discharge path 19 Third shutter 20 Fourth shutter 21 Discharge side preliminary chamber 22 First pipe 23 Second pipe 24 3rd piping 25 1st pressure sensor 26 2nd pressure sensor 27 3rd pressure sensor 28 Atmospheric release valve 29 Flow path release valve 30 Control means 31 Temperature sensor 32 Rotating shaft 33 Level sensor 34 Brush 35 Actuator 36 Scraper 37 Microwave transmission Material 38 Flange 39 Microwave switching machine 40 Exhaust duct 4 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic feed pretreatment apparatus 42 Input part 43 1st automatic feed apparatus 44 Crusher 45 2nd automatic feed apparatus

Claims (19)

A tank having an inlet for supplying biomass and an outlet for discharging biomass;
A microwave generator for generating microwaves;
A waveguide for guiding the microwave generated by the microwave generator into the tank;
A cooling condenser for cooling and condensing the biomass vapor evaporated from the tank by heating with the microwave;
A recovery unit for recovering useful components condensed by the cooling condenser;
A microwave transmitting material that transmits microwaves is provided at a connection portion between the waveguide and the outer peripheral surface of the tank,
The tank has a screw conveyor that conveys the biomass charged into the tank from the inlet side to the outlet side,
The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves, wherein the connection position of the microwave transmitting material is located in the biomass filling portion in the tank body. The microwave transmitting material has a curved shape in which the surface shape on the inner surface side of the tank is connected to the inner surface of the tank without unevenness, and has a shape that becomes larger toward the outer surface from the inner surface of the tank,
The waveguide has a flange at an end connected to the tank,
The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 1, wherein the microwave transmitting material is in contact with the flange on the outer surface side of the tank.   The biomass recycling apparatus using a microwave according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a vacuum pump for depressurizing the inside of the tank.   The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 1, wherein the screw conveyor has a stirring blade. A charging path connecting the charging port and the tank; an openable first shutter and a second shutter are arranged upstream and downstream of the charging path, respectively; and between the first shutter and the second shutter Is equipped with a spare room on the input side,
A discharge path connecting the discharge port and the tank, and an openable and closable third shutter and a fourth shutter are arranged upstream and downstream of the discharge path, respectively, and the third shutter and the fourth shutter The biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a discharge side preliminary chamber.   A first pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the tank; a second pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the input side auxiliary chamber; and a third pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the discharge side auxiliary chamber. A biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to claim 5. A first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the input side reserve chamber, a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the discharge side reserve chamber, and a third pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the tank When,
Based on the detection results of the first to third pressure sensors, the driving of the vacuum pump, the solenoid valves disposed in the second pipe and the third pipe, and the opening and closing of the first to fourth shutters are controlled. It has a control means, The biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The solenoid valve includes an atmosphere release valve and a flow path release valve,
The control means executes a predetermined program,
Closing the first shutter and the second shutter, opening the atmosphere release valve of the second pipe and closing the flow path release valve, thereby bringing the input side preliminary chamber to normal pressure;
A second step of opening and closing the first shutter for a predetermined time;
A third stage in which the vacuum pump is driven until the atmosphere opening valve of the second pipe is closed and the flow path opening valve is opened so that the input side reserve chamber has a predetermined negative pressure;
A fourth step of opening and closing the second shutter for a predetermined time;
The biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to claim 7, wherein the control is repeated. The solenoid valve includes an atmosphere release valve and a flow path release valve,
The control means executes a predetermined program,
By closing the third shutter and the fourth shutter, closing the air release valve of the third pipe and opening the flow path release valve, the vacuum pump is adjusted until the discharge side reserve chamber reaches a predetermined negative pressure. The first stage to drive,
A second step of opening and closing the third shutter for a predetermined time;
A third step of opening the atmosphere release valve of the third pipe and closing the flow path release valve to bring the discharge side reserve chamber to normal pressure;
A fourth step of opening and closing the fourth shutter for a predetermined time;
The biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control is repeated.   The microwave according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the microwave generator continuously irradiates microwaves on the upstream side in the biomass conveyance direction and pulsed microwaves on the downstream side. Biomass recycling equipment using   11. The micro irradiation according to claim 10, wherein the pulse irradiation is performed by arranging a microwave switching machine for switching a microwave irradiation position between the waveguide and the microwave generator. Biomass recycling equipment using waves.   The microwave generator includes a cooling fan, and further includes an exhaust duct for collecting hot air generated by the cooling fan and drying the biomass discharged from the discharge port by the hot air. The biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11.   It has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the tank, and the control means controls the drive of the microwave generator and the screw conveyor based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. A biomass recycling apparatus using the microwave according to claim 1.   The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 4, wherein the stirring blade is a scraper provided on an outer peripheral portion of a screw of the screw conveyor.   The biomass recycling apparatus using microwaves according to claim 14, further comprising a brush for removing biomass attached to the scraper.   The biomass recycling apparatus using a microwave according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an actuator for tilting the tank up and down.   The biomass recycling using microwaves according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the input side preliminary chamber, the discharge side preliminary chamber and the tank are provided with a viewing window for visually recognizing the inside. apparatus.   The biomass recycling apparatus using microwave according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the biomass is selected from the group consisting of citrus peel, cedar, cypress, tree nut, medicinal herb, and seaweed. . The biomass after being processed using a pre-stage treatment apparatus is conveyed from the pre-stage treatment apparatus to the inlet, and has an automatic feed pre-treatment apparatus that pulverizes the biomass during conveyance,
The automatic feed pre-processing device includes an input unit into which the biomass conveyed from the pre-stage processing device is input, a pulverizer for pulverizing the biomass, and the biomass from the input unit to the pulverizer. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first automatic feeder for conveying and a second automatic feeder for conveying the biomass discharged from the pulverizer to the charging port. Biomass recycling equipment using the microwave of crab.