JP2024047271A - Treatment system, water treatment device, method for estimating state of adjustment mechanism in water treatment device, and method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms attached to multiple flat plates in water treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a treatment system for a water treatment device that makes it easy to maintain the water treatment performance.
According to an embodiment, a treatment system for a water treatment device includes a collection unit and a processor. The collection unit collects information on the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of a plurality of disk-shaped flat plates, each of which has microorganisms that purify raw water attached thereto, a portion of each of which is immersed in the raw water and the remainder of each of which is exposed above the surface of the raw water and rotates together. The processor estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates based on the information, and outputs a state of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates based on the estimated amount of microorganisms.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a treatment system, a water treatment device, a method for estimating the state of an adjustment mechanism in a water treatment device, and a method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms attached to multiple flat plates in a water treatment device.

For example, water treatment equipment that purifies organic wastewater containing organic matter, such as sewage, agricultural wastewater, and industrial wastewater, generally uses biological treatment using microorganisms (hereafter referred to as "microbial treatment"). One water treatment method that utilizes this type of microbial treatment is the rotating disk method, in which microorganisms are attached to a rotating disk-shaped plate. It is known that the rotating disk method can reduce the amount of excess sludge generated in the water treatment process, suppress the generation of odors, provide good organic matter and nitrogen removal performance, and, when a biological reactor using the activated sludge method is placed in the downstream stage, reduce the load on the biological reactor, thereby significantly reducing the power consumption of the blower in the biological reactor.

WO2020/241382

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a treatment system that easily maintains water treatment performance, a water treatment device that easily maintains water treatment performance, a method for estimating the state of an adjustment mechanism in a water treatment device, and a method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms attached to multiple flat plates in a water treatment device.

According to an embodiment, a treatment system for a water treatment device has a processor. The processor estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of a plurality of disk-shaped flat plates, each of which has microorganisms that purify raw water attached thereto, a portion of each of which is immersed in the raw water and the remainder of each of which is exposed above the surface of the raw water and rotates together, based on information regarding the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates. The processor also outputs the state of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates based on the estimated amount of microorganisms.

1 is a schematic diagram of a water treatment device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the water treatment tank of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 1 . Photographs showing examples of levels 1 to 4 of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each plate. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a controller of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between holes in an aeration pipe and a plurality of flat plates of the adjustment mechanism of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 1 . 1 is an example table showing the estimated microbial load levels for each plate versus the target microbial load levels for each plate. 7 is an example of a table different from FIG. 6 showing the estimated microbial load levels for each plate against the target microbial load levels for each plate. 5 is an example of a method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms attached to a plurality of flat plates of a water treatment device using the controller shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . 1 is a table showing an example of the cleaning power at each level of the amount of microorganisms on each plate, compared to level 3, which is the standard level. 5 is an example of a method for estimating a state of an adjustment mechanism in a water treatment device using the controller shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a water treatment device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a top view of the water treatment tank of the water treatment device shown in FIG. 11 .

Below, several embodiments are described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
A water treatment device 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the water treatment device 100 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the inlet side of the raw water (water to be treated) w. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the water treatment device 100 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

The water treatment device 100 includes a water treatment tank 10, a plurality of flat plates 20, a rotating shaft 30, a motor 40, an adjustment mechanism 50, a sludge extraction pipe 60, and a sludge extraction valve 70. The water treatment device 100 includes an information collection unit 80 and a treatment system 110 in the water treatment device 100. The treatment system 110 includes a controller (computer) 90. The treatment system 110 can estimate the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 of the water treatment device 100 and adjust the amount of microbial adhesion to the plurality of flat plates 20 of the water treatment device 100. The microbial film formed differs depending on the raw water w (wastewater to be treated). For this reason, the water treatment device 100 needs to adjust the amount of microbial adhesion to match each microbial film.

As shown in FIG. 1, the water treatment tank 10 is a container that stores introduced raw water w and discharges treated water x that is obtained by purifying the raw water w. The "raw water w" here refers to the water to be treated by the water treatment device 100, and includes water being treated by the water treatment device 100. Furthermore, the "treated water x" refers to water that has been treated by the water treatment device 100. The water treatment tank 10 has an inlet (not shown) through which the raw water w flows in, and an outlet (not shown) through which the treated water x is discharged.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the flat plates 20 are formed, for example, in the shape of a disk with the same diameter and thickness. Each flat plate 20 has a through hole at the center of the circle for passing the rotating shaft 30 through. The rotating shaft 30 is inserted into the through hole at the center of the circle of each flat plate 20 and fixed to each flat plate 20. Each flat plate 20 is arranged parallel to each other at a constant interval L along the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 30. In other words, the multiple flat plates 20 are arranged parallel to each other at a constant interval L in a water treatment tank 10 of an appropriate size. The multiple flat plates 20 rotate together around the axis of a common rotating shaft 30 connected to the rotating shaft of a motor 40.

Microorganisms are attached to the surfaces (both sides) of the multiple flat plates 20 in an appropriate manner. The multiple flat plates 20 are arranged so that at least the lower part (part) is immersed in water and at least the upper part (remainder) is exposed above the water surface. That is, each flat plate 20 is not entirely immersed in raw water, but is installed in the water treatment tank 10 so that a part of the lower side is immersed in the raw water w and the upper side above the part immersed in the raw water w is in the gas phase. It is preferable that the water surface of the raw water w is near the rotation axis 30 of the multiple flat plates 20. As a result, the upper side of each flat plate 20 is in contact with air and the lower side is immersed in the raw water w. Such a configuration is achieved, for example, by arranging the rotation axis 30 horizontally at approximately the same height as the upper edge height of the water treatment tank 10. As a result, even if the water treatment tank 10 is filled with raw water w, the flat plate 20, for example, only the lower half is immersed in the raw water w, so that at least the upper half is in contact with air. A contact body 20a is arranged on the surface of each flat plate 20 to facilitate preferential attachment of microorganisms such as Bacillus bacteria. The contact body 20a can hold the microorganisms. The contact body 20a can be configured as, for example, a fibrous one, but the specific configuration is not particularly limited. The flat plate 20 may also be porous so that it can hold many microorganisms.

Figure 3 shows multiple flat plates 20, each including a contact body 20a on both sides, and microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20 (contact body 20a). The amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 is assumed to correspond to the thickness of the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20. Therefore, as the amount of microorganisms increases, the thickness of the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 increases, and as the amount of microorganisms decreases, the thickness of the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 decreases. Figure 3 shows levels 1, where the amount of microorganisms is small, to level 4, where the amount of microorganisms gradually increases. Note that level 5 is a state where the amount of microorganisms is even greater than level 4, and the contact body 20a of the flat plate 20 is not visible. That is, in this embodiment, the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 is level 1 to level 5, in order from least to most.

The motor 40 shown in FIG. 2 rotates the rotating shaft 30 by the driving force. As a result, each flat plate 20 rotates around the rotating shaft 30 as shown by the arrow R in FIG. 1. The rotation speed of the rotating shaft 30 and each flat plate 20 is set arbitrarily, for example, 10 rpm, during normal operation of the water treatment device 100. In this way, each flat plate 20 rotates at an appropriate rotation speed as shown by the arrow R in FIG. 1 together with the rotation of the rotating shaft 30, so that the microorganisms attached to the contact body 20a take in oxygen from the air and oxidize and decompose the organic components in the raw water w. The nitrogen components in the raw water w are also oxidized at the same time and converted to NOx, and then a denitrification reaction occurs due to the action of the anaerobic microorganisms living inside each flat plate 20, and the nitrogen components are removed. As a result, treated water x from which organic matter and nitrogen components have been removed from the raw water w is discharged from the water treatment tank 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, each flat plate 20 is supported by a support portion 30a in addition to the rotating shaft 30. For example, the multiple support portions 30a are formed as shafts of approximately the same length as the rotating shaft 30, and are provided at appropriate intervals in the circumferential direction of the flat plate 20 so as to penetrate each flat plate 20. Therefore, the support portions 30a can assist the simultaneous rotation of the multiple flat plates 20 as the rotating shaft 30 rotates.

As the purification operation of the water treatment device 100 continues, that is, as the lower parts of the multiple flat plates 20 continue to rotate while immersed in the raw water w, the microorganisms attached to the contact body 20a, that is, the surface of the multiple flat plates 20, grow. If the microorganisms attached to the flat plates 20 grow excessively, sufficient oxygen may not be distributed to the microorganisms attached to the flat plates 20, and the purification performance may decrease. Furthermore, if the supply of oxygen to the microorganisms becomes insufficient, adverse effects such as increased odor due to the progression of anaerobicity of each flat plate 20 and reduced transparency of the treated water x may occur. Therefore, when microorganisms excessively adhere to the flat plates 20, it is necessary to reduce the amount of microorganisms that adhere in excess by removing some of the microorganisms. For example, it can be set appropriately depending on the state and contents of the raw water w to be treated, but in the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that the amount of microorganisms of about level 3 shown in FIG. 3 is appropriate. That is, when operating the water treatment device 100, the target microbial quantity level for each plate 20 is input via the input unit 96 of the controller 90, and the target microbial quantity level is set to, for example, level 3.

The adjustment mechanism 50 shown in Figures 1 and 2 adjusts the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 so that the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 is kept within an appropriate range. The amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 generally increases over time. For this reason, the adjustment mechanism 50 normally removes a portion of the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20. The adjustment mechanism 50 according to this embodiment applies a physical action to the flat plate 20 to remove a portion of the microorganisms.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 50 has a removal section (cleaning mechanism) 51 that removes some of the microorganisms attached to the multiple flat plates 20 by physical action, and a cleaning section 55 for cleaning the air diffuser 53 of the removal section 51, which will be described later.

As described above, if, for example, an excessive amount of microorganisms adhere to the flat plate 20, oxygen cannot be sufficiently supplied to the microorganisms on the inside of the flat plate 20, and contact between the raw water w and the microorganisms on the inside of the flat plate 20 is hindered. This reduces the water purification performance using the microorganisms adhered to the flat plate 20. For this reason, the removal unit 51 is required as a means for removing the microorganisms adhered to the flat plate 20 by peeling or the like. When the raw water w is wastewater rich in organic matter, the microorganisms adhered to the flat plate 20 tend to continue to increase, and it is assumed that the removal unit 51 needs to be operated constantly in order to maintain an appropriate amount of microorganisms.

In this embodiment, the removal unit 51 will be described as an example in which some of the microorganisms attached to the flat plate 20 are removed by air diffusion in the raw water w, i.e., by air bubbles AB. The removal unit 51 includes a blower 52, an air diffusion pipe 53, and an on-off valve 54. The blower 52 is arranged outside the water treatment tank 10. The air diffusion pipe 53 is connected to the blower 52 via an on-off valve 54, and a spaced portion separated from the blower 52 is arranged in the water treatment tank 10. The spaced portion of the air diffusion pipe 53 extends, for example, parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 30, and is arranged below the flat plate 20. A large number of small holes (discharge portions) 53a are provided on the surface of the spaced portion of the air diffusion pipe 53. The air diffusion pipe 53 is installed below a plurality of flat plates 20 in the water treatment tank 10. A plurality of holes 53a are preferably formed below each flat plate 20. When the on-off valve 54 is open, the air supplied from the blower 52 to the aeration pipe 53 becomes air bubbles AB as it passes through the holes 53a of the aeration pipe 53, and rises in the raw water w. When the air bubbles AB collide with the flat plates 20 located above the aeration pipe 53, they exert a physical effect on the microorganisms attached to each of the flat plates 20. Some of the microorganisms attached to the flat plates 20 are removed, for example, by the collision of the air bubbles AB from below or by the upward flow generated by the air bubbles AB. Therefore, the amount of microorganisms attached to the flat plates 20 (thickness of microorganisms) is adjusted by the operation of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50. Therefore, in this embodiment, the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is disposed below the surface of the raw water w, and the amount of microorganisms attached to the multiple flat plates 20 is adjusted by colliding the air bubbles AB with the immersed parts of the multiple flat plates 20.

The removal section 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is constantly in operation. The removal section 51 often removes microorganisms using physical methods. For example, in a cleaning method using aeration, the piping of the aeration pipe 53 and the holes (spouts) 53a may become clogged (clogging C) with impurities during long-term operation, which reduces the cleaning function of the flat plate 20 near the location where the blockage occurred, and as a result, may affect the water treatment performance.

The cleaning section 55 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is used to eliminate blockage of the aeration pipe 53 caused by, for example, impurities. The cleaning section 55 of the adjustment mechanism 50 has a cleaning water tank 56 and a pump 57 connected to the aeration pipe 53. After closing the opening/closing valve 54, the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 56 is sent to the aeration pipe 53 by the pump 57, which eliminates the blockage C in the hole 53a of the aeration pipe 53. At this time, the pressure of the cleaning water on the aeration pipe 53 can be greater than the pressure of the air supplied to the aeration pipe 53 from the blower 52.

Various types of cleaning water can be used in the cleaning water tank 56. Examples of cleaning water that can be used include a solution containing alkaline or acidic chemicals, ozone water in which ozone is dissolved in water, the water to be treated x, and raw water w. Ultrasonic output can also be applied to the hole 53a of the aeration pipe 53 to eliminate blockage C (obstruction).

The use of chemicals, ozone water, etc. may affect the raw water w, the water treatment tank 10, the aeration pipe 53, and microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is preferable to use water that contains almost no impurities, so-called pure water, as the cleaning water. The following description will be given assuming that pure water is used as the cleaning water.

The sludge extraction pipe 60 is connected to, for example, the bottom surface of the water treatment tank 10. The sludge extraction valve 70 is provided on the sludge extraction pipe 60. By opening the sludge extraction valve 70, microorganisms accumulated at the bottom of the water treatment tank 10 are discharged from the water treatment tank 10 via the sludge extraction pipe 60. The sludge extraction valve 70 is opened after the introduction of raw water w into the water treatment tank 10 is stopped. After the excess microorganisms are discharged from the water treatment tank 10, the sludge extraction valve 70 is closed and the introduction of raw water w into the water treatment tank 10 is resumed.

The information collecting unit (collection unit) 80 is fixed to the water treatment tank 10, for example, and collects information on the amount of microorganisms attached to each of the multiple flat plates 20. In this embodiment, the information collecting unit 80 has an imaging unit that captures images of the multiple flat plates 20 individually or together to obtain one or more image data. The imaging unit is, for example, a camera including an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices). One or more imaging units can be arranged in parallel to capture image data of all the flat plates 20. The information collecting unit 80 is connected to a controller 90, and information such as image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80 is acquired by the controller 90. The imaging unit of the information collecting unit 80 is controlled by the controller 90 to capture images at appropriate time intervals.

The information collecting unit 80 may use an imaging unit or, for example, a laser distance meter. The information collecting unit 80 may also use an appropriate sensor such as a photoelectric distance sensor. In this case, multiple sensors may be combined to obtain information on one flat plate 20. Also, one sensor may obtain information on multiple flat plates 20.

In addition, the information collection unit 80 may be movably mounted with respect to the water treatment tank 10 and configured to acquire information on each flat plate 20 in sequence, as long as the positional relationship, such as the distance, with respect to each flat plate 20 can be maintained.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing system 110 including a controller 90 according to an embodiment. The controller 90 includes, for example, a processor 91 (controller), a ROM 92, a RAM 93, an auxiliary storage device 94 (storage unit), and a communication interface 95 (communication unit).

The processor 91 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations and controls required for the processing of the controller 90, and controls the entire controller 90 in an integrated manner. The processor 91 executes control to realize various functions of the controller 90 based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the ROM 92 or the auxiliary storage device 94. The processor 91 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 91 is a combination of two or more of these. The number of processors 91 provided in the controller 90 may be one or more.

ROM 92 corresponds to the main memory device of a computer with processor 91 at its core. ROM 92 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 92 stores the above-mentioned programs. ROM 92 also stores data and various setting values used by processor 91 when performing various processes.

RAM 93 corresponds to the main memory device of a computer with processor 91 at its core. RAM 93 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 93 is used as a so-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when processor 91 performs various processes.

The auxiliary storage device 94 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer with the processor 91 at its core. The auxiliary storage device 94 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) (registered trademark), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 94 may also store the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 94 also stores data used by the processor 91 in performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 91, various setting values, etc.

The programs stored in the ROM 92 or the auxiliary storage device 94 include a program for controlling the controller 90. As an example, the controller 90 is transferred to an administrator of the controller 90 with the program stored in the ROM 92 or the auxiliary storage device 94. However, the controller 90 may be transferred to the administrator without the program being stored in the ROM 92 or the auxiliary storage device 94. The program may then be transferred separately to the administrator and written to the auxiliary storage device 94 under the operation of the administrator or a serviceman. The program may be transferred by recording it on a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading it via a network.

The communication interface 95 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like, either wired or wirelessly, receiving various information transmitted from other devices, and transmitting various information to other devices. The controller 90 acquires images of multiple flat plates 20, each with microorganisms attached to both sides, acquired by the collection unit 80 via the communication interface 95.

The controller 90 preferably includes an input unit 96, such as a keyboard, for inputting a target level. The input unit 96 may be capable of wirelessly inputting various information to the processor 91 via the communication interface 95.

The controller 90 executes processes to perform various functions by having the processor 91 execute programs stored in the ROM 92 and/or the auxiliary storage device 94, etc. It is also preferable that the control program of the controller 90 is not stored in the ROM 92 and/or the auxiliary storage device 94 of the controller 90, but is placed on an appropriate server or cloud. In this case, the control program is executed while communicating with the processor 91 of the water treatment device 100, for example, via the communication interface 95. That is, the controller 90 according to this embodiment may be included in the water treatment device 100, or may be located on the server of the water treatment device 100 or on the cloud, away from the water treatment device 100.

The processor 91 controls the rotation speed of the rotating shaft of the motor 40, the operation of the blower 52 and pump 57 of the adjustment mechanism 50, the timing of opening and closing the sludge extraction valve 70, the timing of acquiring data (image data) from the information collection unit 80, etc.

The controller 90 controls the motor 40 to rotate a plurality of flat plates 20 of the same size around a common rotating shaft 30, for example at the same rotation speed, and brings the raw water w (e.g., organic wastewater such as urban sewage) flowing into the water treatment tank 10 into contact with microorganisms attached to the surfaces of the plurality of flat plates 20, thereby performing water treatment. As described above, the lower parts of the plurality of flat plates 20 are immersed in water and the upper parts are exposed above the water surface, so that when the flat plates 20 are rotated, the microorganisms attached to the flat plates 20 take in oxygen from the air above the water surface and oxidize and decompose the organic matter and nitrogen components in the raw water w. In this manner, the raw water w is purified.
Before the motor 40 is rotated to start water treatment, a target level for the amount of microorganisms adhering to both sides of the flat plate 20 is input, for example, via the input unit 96 .

As the rotation of the multiple flat plates 20 continues, i.e., as water treatment continues, microorganisms in the water treatment tank 10 may grow. At this time, the microorganisms attached to each flat plate 20 grow. If the microorganisms grow excessively, not enough oxygen will be distributed to the microorganisms attached to the flat plates 20, and the raw water w will not be able to come into contact with the microorganisms inside the flat plates 20, which may reduce the water treatment function using the flat plates 20 to which the microorganisms are attached. In addition, anaerobic sludge can cause problems such as odors and reduced transparency of the treated water.

Typically, the water treatment performance of each flat plate 20 can be maximized or stabilized by maintaining an appropriate amount of microorganisms adhering to the surface of each flat plate 20. To maintain an appropriate amount of microorganisms adhering to the surface of each flat plate 20, the water treatment device 100 operates the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50, which detaches excess microorganisms from among the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20.

Next, the operation of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50, which is controlled by the controller 90, will be described.

The blower 52 and the on-off valve 54 of the removal section 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 are operated under the control of the controller 90. The controller 90 operates the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 with the on-off valve 54 open. That is, the blower 52 operates by receiving a command to wash the flat plate 20 from the controller 90. Then, the blower 52 supplies air at an appropriate pressure to the air diffuser 53. As will be described later, it is preferable that the blower 52 introduces a predetermined amount (constant amount) of air per unit time into the air diffuser 53 and discharges it from the hole 53a of the air diffuser 53 into the raw water w. As shown in FIG. 5, the air supplied from the blower 52 to the air diffuser 53 becomes air bubbles AB when passing through the hole 53a of the air diffuser 53 below each flat plate 20, and rises in the raw water w, and collides with the flat plate 20 located above the hole 53a of the air diffuser 53. Therefore, the microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 are subjected to a physical action due to the collision of the air bubbles AB. Some of the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 are removed, such as by being peeled off from the flat plate 20 by the collision of the air bubbles AB from below or by the upward flow generated by the air bubbles AB. Therefore, by operating the removal unit 51 (blower 52) of the adjustment mechanism 50, air bubbles AB are generated from the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53, which appropriately removes the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 and controls the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20. In other words, the adjustment mechanism 50 adjusts the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20 (thickness of microorganisms) by colliding the air bubbles AB with the immersed parts of the multiple flat plates 20 below the surface of the raw water w.

The cleaning of the multiple flat plates 20 with the air bubbles AB (adjustment of the amount of microorganisms) is preferably performed, for example, continuously. Furthermore, the adjustment of the amount of microorganisms is performed while the multiple flat plates 20 are rotating. The number of rotations (rotation speed) per unit time of the multiple flat plates 20 when adjusting the amount of microorganisms is constant and is set arbitrarily, such as the above-mentioned 10 rpm.

The microorganisms detached from the multiple flat plates 20 by the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 are collected in the water treatment tank 10. The microorganisms detached from the multiple flat plates 20 are discharged from the sludge extraction piping 60 by opening the sludge extraction valve 70 based on a command from the controller 90. Furthermore, if the microorganisms detached from the multiple flat plates 20 by the adjustment mechanism 50 are directly hydrolyzed in the water treatment tank 10, no excess sludge is generated. For this reason, there may be cases where it is not necessary to discharge the microorganisms through the sludge extraction piping 60.

The water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment can remove some of the microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20, and by adjusting the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20, it is possible to stabilize the water treatment performance (prevent deterioration of the treated water quality).

When treating raw water w, which is wastewater rich in organic matter, the amount of microorganisms adhering to both sides of each flat plate 20 tends to continue to increase, and in order to maintain an appropriate amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20, the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is constantly operated. On the other hand, operating the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 for a long period of time increases the likelihood of an abnormality occurring in the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50, and as a result, at least one of the multiple (all) flat plates 20 cannot be properly cleaned, which may affect the performance of the entire water treatment device 100.

The controller 90 can operate the pump 57 of the cleaning section 55 of the adjustment mechanism 50 while stopping the blower 52 and closing the on-off valve 54, thereby sending the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 56 to the space where the hole 53a of the aeration pipe 53 is formed. At this time, the water flow and water pressure of the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 56 clears the clog C in the hole 53a of the aeration pipe 53. At this time, the pressure of the cleaning water on the aeration pipe 53 can be greater than the pressure of the air supplied to the aeration pipe 53 from the blower 52.

By flowing pure water as cleaning water into the aeration pipe 53, blockages in the aeration pipe 53 can be gently removed, for example. At this time, the cleaning water does not affect the raw water w, the water to be treated x, or the piping of the water treatment device 100 (such as the aeration pipe 53).

When air bubbles AB are discharged from the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53 to remove some of the microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 and air wash the flat plate 20, there is a possibility that impurities such as salt crystals, lumps of activated sludge, and iron rust may adhere to the inside of the air diffuser 53 or the holes (spouts) 53a of the air diffuser 53, which may cause clogging. If salt crystals, lumps of activated sludge, or iron rust adhere, they are very difficult to remove. Pure water has the property of dissolving impurities very easily. For this reason, if pure water is used as cleaning water, it does not contain impurities, so it is possible to gently dissolve impurities and remove the substances causing clogging in the air diffuser 53 or the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53 without affecting the piping of the raw water w, treated water x, microorganisms, the water treatment tank 10 of the water treatment device 100, the air diffuser 53, etc.

The controller 90 operates the information collecting unit 80 at least periodically to acquire information on the multiple (here, all) flat plates 20. Here, the information collecting unit 80 is operated to photograph each flat plate 20. The controller 90 acquires image data captured by the information collecting unit 80 from the information collecting unit 80, and outputs the thickness of each of the multiple flat plates 20 containing microorganisms based on the acquired image data. The controller 90 outputs the thickness of each of the multiple flat plates 20 containing microorganisms for each flat plate 20, for example, by image processing. Alternatively, the controller 90 outputs the increase or decrease in the thickness of the microorganisms relative to the reference time for the multiple flat plates 20. That is, the controller 90 estimates the amount of adhesion (adhesion thickness) of the microorganisms for each flat plate 20 and determines the level of the amount of the microorganisms.

The processor 91 judges the adhesion state of microorganisms to the contact body 20a of the multiple flat plates 20 based on the image data acquired by the collection unit 80 via the communication interface 95, for example, at three or more levels. In this embodiment, it is judged at five levels. For example, the state in which the adhesion level of microorganisms to the contact body 20a of the flat plate 20 is level 3 in FIG. 3 is set as the reference state (target value) with an appropriate amount of microorganisms (appropriate thickness). That is, here, the target value (level) of the amount of microorganisms adhering to both sides of each flat plate 20 is level 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the target is to make the amount of microorganisms adhering to all flat plates 20 level 3. Then, as the level becomes level 2 and level 1, the amount of microorganisms (thickness of microorganisms) decreases compared to the reference state (level 3) with respect to level 3 of the reference state. Also, as the level becomes level 4 and level 5 with respect to level 3 of the reference state, the amount of microorganisms (thickness of microorganisms) increases compared to the reference state (level 3). Note that levels 1 to 5 are set based on, for example, the total value (total thickness) of the thickness of the flat plate 20 and the adhesion thickness of microorganisms. Alternatively, levels 1 to 5 may be set by setting the thickness of the microorganisms at level 3 without considering the thickness of the flat plate 20, and increasing or decreasing the thickness of the microorganisms relative to level 3. These states (thickness ranges) of levels 1 to 5 are stored, for example, in the ROM 92 or the auxiliary storage device 94. Note that there may be no upper limit to the thickness range of level 5.

The processor 91 compares the microbial adhesion thicknesses for all thicknesses of the plates 20 extracted from the images acquired by the collection unit 80 with the microbial adhesion thicknesses at each level for the thickness of the plates 20 stored in the ROM 92 or the auxiliary storage device 94, and outputs the microbial adhesion level to the plate 20 for each plate 20, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. That is, the processor 91 determines the deviation of each of the plates 20 from the microbial adhesion level 3 (reference state) based on the images of all the plates 20 acquired by the collection unit 80.
In addition, eight flat plates 20 are illustrated in Fig. 2, and five flat plates 20 (flat plates 1 to 5) are illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. It is preferable that the number of these flat plates 20 is essentially the same.

The controller 90 therefore outputs an estimate of the thickness of each of the multiple plates 20 containing microorganisms based on image data captured by the information collecting unit 80. Alternatively, it outputs an estimate of the increase in the thickness of the microorganisms relative to a reference time for the multiple plates 20. The controller 90 then estimates the amount of attached microorganisms (attached thickness) for each plate 20 and determines the level of the amount of microorganisms.

For example, in the previous level determination based on image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80, it is assumed that microorganisms were attached to all of the multiple flat plates 20 in a state of level 3. Then, it is assumed that the standard operation is continued with the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 maintaining the predetermined amount of airflow per unit time. Then, after a predetermined time (suitable time) has elapsed since the previous level determination based on image data (first information) acquired by the information collecting unit 80, the controller 90 outputs that the amount of microorganisms attached to all of the flat plates 20 is level 3, as shown in FIG. 6, based on the level determination based on image data (second information) acquired by the information collecting unit 80 again. At this time, the controller 90 determines that the amount (thickness) of microorganisms attached to all of the flat plates 20 is maintained at or close to the target value. Therefore, the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is controlled by the controller 90 to continue its standard operation.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 90 estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 based on the image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and judges the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20. Then, if the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 is maintained at level 3, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 90 does not change the amount of air blown per unit time by the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50, i.e., controls the cleaning power of the air bubbles AB on the flat plate 20 (cleaning amount per unit time (amount of microorganisms removed)) to remain unchanged.

For example, in the previous level determination based on image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80, it is assumed that microorganisms were attached to all of the multiple flat plates 20 in a state of level 3. After that, it is assumed that standard operation, that is, operation in which the air volume per unit time of the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is maintained at a predetermined amount, is continued. Then, after a predetermined time (appropriate time) has elapsed since the previous level determination based on image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80, it is assumed that the controller 90 outputs that the amount of microorganisms attached to one or more of all the flat plates 20 has reached level 4, as shown in FIG. 7, based on the level determination based on image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80 again. At this time, the controller 90 determines that the amount (thickness) of microorganisms attached to the multiple flat plates 20 is increasing, and/or the momentum of collisions caused by the bubbles AB discharged through the air diffuser 53 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is decreasing. For example, it is estimated that some of the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53 near the flat plate 20 judged to be at level 4 are clogged or tending to be clogged, and the air bubbles AB are not being properly released from the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53. Therefore, the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is controlled by the controller 90 to increase the amount of air blown per unit time and increase the cleaning power on the flat plate 20.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 90 estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 based on the image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and judges the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20. Then, when the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to, for example, one of the multiple flat plates 20 has reached level 4, it estimates that the cleaning power for that flat plate 20 has decreased, for example, by about 10%, as shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, the controller 90 increases the amount of air blown per unit time by the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50, and controls to increase the cleaning power of the bubbles AB for the flat plate 20. Note that a portion of the material blocking or attempting to block the hole 53a of the air diffuser 53 can be removed as the amount of air blown per unit time by the blower 52 increases.

When the controller 90 determines that the amount of microorganisms adhering to, for example, one of the multiple flat plates 20, whose microbial adhesion level on the multiple flat plates 20 was level 3, has become level 5 after an appropriate time has elapsed, such as a predetermined time, the controller 90 estimates that the cleaning power for that flat plate 20 has decreased, for example, by about 20%, as shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, the controller 90 further increases the amount of air blown per unit time by the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 compared to level 4, i.e., controls the controller 90 to increase the cleaning power of the air bubbles AB on the flat plate 20.

By using the information of multiple (all) flat plates 20 acquired by the information collecting unit 80, it is possible to determine the blocked state of the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53 of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50, and further to confirm the blocked locations of the holes in the air diffuser 53.

On the other hand, if the controller 90 determines that the amount of microorganisms adhering to, for example, one of the multiple flat plates 20, which had a microbial adhesion level of level 3, has become level 2 after an appropriate time has elapsed, such as a predetermined time, then, as shown in FIG. 9, it estimates that the cleaning power for that flat plate 20 is too high, for example, by about 10%, compared to the target state. For this reason, the controller 90 controls the air volume per unit time of the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 to be further reduced compared to level 3, i.e., to reduce the cleaning power of the air bubbles AB on the flat plate 20.

Similarly, if the controller 90 determines that the amount of microorganisms adhering to, for example, one of the multiple flat plates 20, which had a microbial adhesion level of level 3 on the multiple flat plates 20, has become level 1 after an appropriate time has elapsed, such as a predetermined time, then, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 90 estimates that the cleaning power for that flat plate 20 is too high, for example, by about 20%, compared to the target state. For this reason, the controller 90 further reduces the amount of air blown per unit time by the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 compared to level 2, i.e., performs control to further reduce the cleaning power of the air bubbles AB on the flat plate 20.

Then, after an appropriate time has passed, the controller 90 judges the level of microorganisms adhering to the contact bodies 20a of all the flat plates 20. If the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to all the flat plates 20 is level 3, it judges that the amount of air blown per unit time from the blower 52 is appropriate, and maintains the air blowing amount as it is. After another appropriate time has passed, the controller 90 judges the level of microorganisms adhering to the contact bodies 20a of all the flat plates 20. If the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to at least one of all the flat plates 20 deviates from level 3, it adjusts the amount of air blown per unit time from the blower 52 so that the amount of microorganisms adhering to all the flat plates 20 becomes level 3.

For example, when the amount of microbial adhesion on at least one of all the flat plates 20 is at level 1, 2, 4, or 5, the controller 90 may acquire information from the information collecting unit 80 more frequently than when the amount is at level 3. This makes it easier for the controller 90 to control the amount of microbial adhesion on all the flat plates 20 to level 3.

The water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment will be described as an example in which the controller 90 performs the control shown in FIG. 8 and then performs the control shown in FIG. 10.

For example, it is assumed that the adhesion level of the amount of microorganisms for each flat plate 20 was determined based on the image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80 last time. The controller 90 again determines the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to all flat plates 20 after an appropriate time has passed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, if the level of microorganisms adhering to the contact body 20a of each flat plate 20 is level 1-3, the controller 90 continues to rotate the rotating shaft of the motor 40 and operate the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50. If the amount of microorganisms adhering to at least one of all flat plates 20 remains at level 4 or level 5, or if there is no improvement trend (a trend toward a decrease in the amount of microorganisms), the controller 90 determines that maintenance is required for the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50, stops the rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor 40, stops the rotation of the flat plates 20, stops the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50, closes the opening and closing valve 54, and then uses the cleaning unit 55 of the adjustment mechanism 50 to clean the air diffuser 53.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 90 estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 based on the image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and judges the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20. Then, when the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 is, for example, level 1 to 3, it controls the blower 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50 to appropriately remove the microorganisms. On the other hand, when the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 is level 4 or level 5, it stops the operation of the blower 52 of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50, and performs maintenance on the removal unit 51. Maintenance of the removal unit 51 includes maintenance of the blower 52 and removal of blockages C in the air diffuser 53. In addition, the blower 52 and the air diffuser 53 may also be replaced.

Here, a case where a clog C in the aeration pipe 53 is removed will be described. The controller 90 operates the pump 57 of the cleaning section 55 of the adjustment mechanism 50 to send cleaning water (e.g., pure water) in the cleaning water tank 56 to the aeration pipe 53. This can clear the clog C in the hole 53a of the aeration pipe 53. In this way, maintenance of the aeration pipe 53, i.e., the removal section 51, can be performed below the surface of the raw water w, so that the maintenance time for the removal section 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 can be kept to a minimum.

In addition, when the on-off valve 54 is closed, the pump 57 of the cleaning section 55 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is operated, preventing raw water w and cleaning water from entering the blower 52.

After the adjustment mechanism 50 has finished cleaning using the cleaning water, the controller 90 stops the operation of the pump 57 of the cleaning unit 55. Thereafter, the controller 90 rotates the rotating shaft of the motor 40 again, opens the opening/closing valve 54 of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50, operates the blower 52, and discharges air bubbles AB from the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53 to clean the flat plate 20. Then, after an appropriate time has elapsed since the rotation shaft of the motor 40 is rotated again, the level of the amount of microorganisms on each flat plate 20 is estimated based on the image data of all the flat plates 20 acquired by the information collecting unit 80. If the level is level 3, the controller 90 continues to operate the blower 52 at the same output, and if it is outside level 3, increases or decreases the output of the blower 52.

After completing the cleaning operation using the cleaning unit 55, the water treatment device 100 starts collecting information about the flat plates 20 at the same time as restarting the rotation of the motor 40 and the operation of the blower 52 of the removal unit 51. After a certain time has elapsed since restarting such operation, the controller 90 judges the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 90. If the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 90 is judged to be level 3, operation in this state is continued. Conversely, if the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 90 deviates from level 3, the rotation of the motor 40 and the operation of the blower 52 of the removal unit 51 are stopped, and the cleaning operation of the cleaning unit 55 is restarted.
When performing the control shown in Figure 10, if variations occur in the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to at least one of the multiple plates 20, other than level 3, such as a plate 20 judged to be level 2 and a plate 20 judged to be level 4, it may be determined that maintenance is required for the removal section 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50.

The controller 90 according to this embodiment may perform the control shown in FIG. 10 after performing the control shown in FIG. 8, or may perform the control shown in FIG. 10 without performing the control shown in FIG. 8.

Most of the causes of clogging of the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53 are that impurities enter the air diffuser 53 through the holes 53a, for example. Although clogging of the air diffuser 53 by impurities rarely occurs suddenly, in many cases, it is expected that the flow path will gradually narrow due to the occurrence of small clogging C, and the environment will become more susceptible to the occurrence of clogging C. For example, it is assumed that the amount of clogging of the many holes 53a varies depending on the position, etc., and in this case, the amount of bubbles AB discharged from each flat plate 20 will differ. Therefore, the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 will tend to differ from the above-mentioned level 3. Then, when the flow path in the air diffuser 53 or the holes 53a is finally completely blocked and clogging occurs, there will be a large difference in the amount of bubbles AB discharged from each flat plate 20, and maintenance will take time. In this embodiment, the controller 90 controls all flat plates 20 to maintain level 3. After the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each plate 20 is determined to be level 4 or level 5, rather than level 3, the controller 90 performs control to increase the amount of air bubbles AB discharged per unit time from the holes 53a of the air diffuser 53. After this control, the controller 90 can determine the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each plate 20 again based on the data acquired by the information collecting unit 80 after an appropriate time has passed, and thereby determine whether to continue operating the removal unit 51 as is, or to perform maintenance on the removal unit 51.

The water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment can therefore grasp the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 earlier and can address the need for maintenance of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 earlier. This allows maintenance of the removal unit 51 to be performed in a shorter time, reducing the downtime of water treatment.

The processor 91 (controller 90) can estimate the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates 20 for each of the plurality of flat plates 20 based on the information acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and output the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 based on the estimated amount of microorganisms. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 according to the present embodiment and the water treatment device 100 having the treatment system 110, the controller 90 can recognize the state of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 (e.g., the degree of clogging of the hole 53a of the air diffusion tube 53) based on the information of each flat plate 20. That is, by using the information of the plurality (all) of flat plates 20 acquired by the information collecting unit 80, the state (blocked state) of the hole 53a of the air diffusion tube 53 of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 can be determined, and further, it becomes possible to identify the hole 53a with a reduced air diffusion function, such as which hole 53a of the air diffusion tube 53 is blocked or close to being blocked. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 and the water treatment device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to quickly avoid problems with the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 and the water treatment device 100 of this embodiment, it is easy to maintain the condition of the adjustment mechanism 50 in a good condition.
For example, a water treatment device 100 is provided in which a controller 90 automatically controls an information collection unit 80, the information collection unit 80 automatically estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to a flat plate 20, the state of an adjustment mechanism is output from the estimated information, and maintenance is automatically performed using a cleaning unit 55 as necessary.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a treatment system 110 and a water treatment device 100 are provided that are easy to maintain the water treatment performance.

The water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment can be used to adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 using the adjustment mechanism 50. At this time, the controller 90 can output the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 by acquiring information on all the flat plates 20, for example, at appropriate time intervals. At this time, the output of the adjustment mechanism 50 can be increased to improve the cleaning function for the flat plates 20, or the output of the adjustment mechanism can be decreased to improve the cleaning function for the flat plates 20, thereby adjusting the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plates 20. In addition, the controller 90 can acquire information on all the flat plates 20 at appropriate time intervals and output whether or not maintenance should be performed on the aeration tube 53 of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 by comparing the information with the previous state of the flat plates 20.

In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a water treatment device 100 capable of detecting the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 of the amount of microorganisms adhering to multiple flat plates 20, and a method for estimating the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 in the water treatment device 100. By detecting the state of the adjustment mechanism 50, the controller 90 can output an abnormality in the adjustment mechanism 50 (occurrence of a blockage C) at an earlier stage. Therefore, for example, the manager of the water treatment device 100 can deal with maintenance of the adjustment mechanism 50 at an earlier stage. Therefore, by using the water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily maintain the water treatment performance of each flat plate 20 at a high level.

The processor 91 (controller 90) can estimate the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple plates 20, for example, based on image data captured by the imaging unit of the information collecting unit 80.

Further, the processor 91 (controller 90) can estimate the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates 20 based on the information acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and control the adjustment mechanism 50 so as to keep the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates 20 within a certain range based on the estimated amount of microorganisms. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 according to this embodiment and the water treatment device 100 having the treatment system 110, the controller 90 can control the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 based on the information of each flat plate 20, and can appropriately increase or decrease the amount of bubbles AB, for example. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 and the water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, the plurality of flat plates 20 can be easily maintained in a good state by controlling the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50.
For example, there is provided a water treatment device 100 in which the controller 90 automatically controls the information collecting unit 80, the information collecting unit 80 automatically estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20, and the output of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is automatically increased or decreased to adjust the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 based on the estimated information. By using this water treatment device 100, the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20 can be automatically brought close to a target level.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a treatment system 110 and a water treatment device 100 are provided that are easy to maintain the water treatment performance.

At this time, the adjustment mechanism 50 can apply a physical action to each of the multiple flat plates 20. More specifically, the adjustment mechanism 50 is placed below the surface of the raw water w, and can adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20 by colliding air bubbles AB with the submerged parts of the multiple flat plates 20.

The processor 91 (controller 90) then estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple plates 20 based on the information acquired by the information collection unit 80, and when the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple plates 20 differs from a target value (e.g., level 3) by a certain amount or more for at least one of the multiple plates 20, it can output that maintenance is required for the adjustment mechanism 50.
In addition, when the processor 91 (controller 90) outputs that maintenance of the adjustment mechanism 50 is necessary, it can operate the cleaning section 55 to remove substances adhering to the adjustment mechanism 50 so as to maintain the function of the adjustment mechanism 50 to adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20.

The cleaning unit 55 can use pure water when removing substances adhering to the adjustment mechanism 50. This makes it possible to effectively remove impurities adhering to parts of the adjustment mechanism 50, such as parts of the aeration tube 53 of the removal unit 51.

The method for estimating the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 in the water treatment device 100 first collects first information on the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the rotating disk-shaped multiple flat plates 20, and estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates based on the first information. Next, when the amount of microorganisms adhering to at least one of the multiple flat plates 20 is out of the target value (e.g., level 3), the adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20 based on the first information so that it is within the range of the target value. Then, after adjusting the adjustment mechanism 50 using the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20, second information on the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20 is collected, and the deviation of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20 from the target value is estimated based on the second information. The state of the adjustment mechanism 50 is output based on this deviation. After adjusting the adjustment mechanism 50, the adjustment mechanism 50 tries to make the amount of microorganisms a target value (e.g., level 3). If the deviation is 0, and the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20, which has deviated from the target value from level 3 to level 2 or level 4, etc., after adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 50, can be set to level 3, then it can be estimated that the condition of the adjustment mechanism 50 is good. If there is a deviation, and the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20, which has deviated from the target value from level 3 to level 4, etc., after adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 50, is determined to be level 4 or level 5 again, then it can be estimated that the condition of the adjustment mechanism 50 is in a state requiring maintenance.
As described above, when wastewater rich in organic matter is treated as raw water w, microorganisms attached to the flat plates 20 tend to continue to increase, and in order to maintain an appropriate amount of microorganisms, it is necessary to operate the adjustment mechanism 50 at all times. For example, when using the aeration pipe 53 disposed under the water surface of the water treatment tank 10, the piping and hole (spout) 53a of the aeration pipe 53 of the removal section 51 may be clogged with impurities due to long-term operation of the water treatment device 100. When clogging occurs, the flat plate 20 near the location where the clogging occurs is not cleaned properly, and as a result, there is a possibility that the water treatment performance of not only the flat plates 20 but also the entire water treatment device 100 is affected. In addition, clogging often occurs locally, and when a type of aeration pipe 53 that is submerged in the water treatment tank 10 is used, it is difficult to find the location of the clogging. By using the above-mentioned method, it is possible to easily locate the location of the clogging by using the information on the amount of microorganisms for each of the flat plates 20 to output the clogging C (clogging) of the hole 53a of the aeration pipe 53, i.e., the state of the adjustment mechanism 50. Therefore, by using the above-mentioned method, the water treatment performance can be easily maintained.

The method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20 of the water treatment device 100 includes first collecting information on the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple rotating flat plates 20. Next, the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20 is estimated based on the information, and the adjustment mechanism 50 is operated to adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20 based on the estimated amount of microorganisms. For example, when the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to a certain flat plate 20 deviates from the target value of level 3 to level 2, the output of the blower 52 of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is reduced. For example, when the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to a certain flat plate 20 deviates from the target value of level 3 to level 4, the output of the blower 52 of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is increased.
The level of the target amount of microorganisms to be attached to both sides of each of the plurality of flat plates 20 is input using the input unit 96 of the controller 90. For example, when the target level of the amount of microorganisms is set to 3, the information collecting unit 80 collects information (image data) for each of the plurality of flat plates 20, and the processor 91 estimates the amount of microorganisms for each of the flat plates 20. When the amount of microorganisms for each of the flat plates 20 matches the target level, it can be determined that there is no need to change the cleaning power. When the estimated level of the amount of microorganisms for at least one of the plurality of flat plates 20 is different from the set target level (level 3), there is a possibility that the cleaning power applied to the flat plate 20 using the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is excessive or insufficient. For example, if the current situation is level 1 or level 2 as shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning power is estimated to be about 10% to 20% too high, and the cleaning power is reduced, and if the current situation is level 4 or level 5, the cleaning power is estimated to be about 10% to 20% too low, and the cleaning power is increased. For example, when the set microbial amount level (level 3) is reached for all the flat plates 20, the cleaning power (for example, the amount of bubbles AB per unit time) is fixed. This operation can be repeated to control the water treatment system so as to maintain the target microbial level (Level 3). Therefore, by using the above-described method, the water treatment system can easily maintain the water treatment performance.

As described above, this embodiment provides a treatment system 110 and a water treatment device 100 that make it easy to maintain water treatment performance, a method for estimating the state of an adjustment mechanism in the water treatment device 100, and a method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms adhering to multiple flat plates 20 of the water treatment device 100.

(Modification)
A brief description will now be given of a modified method for estimating the amount of microorganisms attached to each of the plurality of flat plates 20 using the controller 90.

Based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit of the information collecting unit 80, the processor 91 (controller 90) estimates the amount of microorganisms on each plate 20 and uses the estimated amount to determine the state of the removal unit 51 of the adjustment mechanism 50. There are no particular limitations on the method for quantifying the image data. Examples include a deep learning algorithm based on CNN (Convolutional Neural Network).

For example, images of the amount of microorganisms on the plate 20 at levels 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 3 and level 5 (not shown) are prepared and used as training data. Deep learning of CNN is realized by supervised learning using many pieces of training image data as input data.

By using deep learning according to this modification, the controller 90 can output the level of the amount of microorganisms attached to all of the plates 20 based on image data of each plate 20 with microorganisms attached to both sides, which is acquired by the information collecting unit 80. Therefore, by using the treatment system 110 and water treatment device 100 that use the algorithm according to this modification, and the method described above, it is possible to easily maintain water treatment performance at a high level.

Second Embodiment
A water treatment device 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the same members as those described in the first embodiment or members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The adjustment mechanism 50 according to this embodiment has a removal section (cleaning mechanism) 151. As with the removal section 51 described in the first embodiment, the removal section 151 according to this embodiment has a tendency for the number of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 to continue to increase, and it is assumed that the removal section 151 needs to be operated at all times in order to maintain an appropriate amount of microorganisms.

It is preferable that the removal section 151 is positioned, for example, above the water surface of the raw water w stored in the water treatment tank 10.

The removal section 151 has a water channel 152 through which liquid supplied from a water source (not shown) passes, and multiple discharge sections (nozzles) 153. It is preferable that each discharge section 153 is directed toward a surface of the multiple flat plates 20 on which microorganisms are attached. It is preferable that multiple discharge sections 153 are used for each flat plate 20 in order to spray water on both sides of each flat plate 20.

In this embodiment, tap water is preferably used as the liquid to be sprayed to adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20. The liquid sprayed from the multiple discharge units 153 can adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to both sides of all of the flat plates 20, similar to the air bubbles AB caused by air spraying to adjust the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates 20 described in the first embodiment. For example, the microorganisms adhering to the flat plates 20 can be adjusted by spraying liquid from the discharge units 153, applying it to the flat plates 20, and applying a physical action by causing the liquid to flow down the sides of the flat plates 20.

In addition, depending on the position of the discharge unit 153, the liquid discharged from the discharge unit 153 can be directly applied to the microorganisms at a small angle in a concentrated manner, for example, to peel off the microorganisms. In addition, the discharge amount (flow rate) of the liquid discharged from the discharge unit 153 per unit time can be adjusted, for example, by the output of a pump (not shown). For this reason, when the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50 according to this embodiment is used, it is possible to peel off microorganisms that are difficult to peel off using, for example, the air bubbles (air cleaning) AB described in the first embodiment, such as the water cotton-like biofilm formed by Sphaerotilus natans.

In addition, if the side surface area of the flat plate 20 is of an appropriate size, if the discharge part 153 is fixed, uneven cleaning may occur. For this reason, in order to thoroughly clean the side surface of the flat plate 20, it is desirable to make the discharge part 153 movable or to install it in multiple locations.

In addition, in the adjustment mechanism 50 according to this embodiment, it is preferable to place a valve (not shown) in the water channel 152 to switch between supplying tap water for watering and supplying pure water for cleaning the discharge part 153 to the discharge part 153.

In this embodiment, the controller 90 also performs the control shown in FIG. 8 to determine the level of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20, and adjusts the amount of water discharged from the discharge unit 153 as necessary based on the determination. If the amount of microorganisms adhering to all of the flat plates 20 is determined to be level 3, the controller 90 keeps the amount of water discharged from the discharge unit 153 per unit time unchanged, i.e., keeps the cleaning power unchanged. If the amount of microorganisms adhering to at least one of all of the flat plates 20 is determined to be other than level 3, the controller 90 increases or decreases the amount of water discharged from the discharge unit 153 per unit time depending on the level, i.e., adjusts the cleaning power for the flat plate 20.

The water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment can use the controller 90 to perform the control shown in FIG. 10 after performing the control shown in FIG. 8, or without performing the control shown in FIG. 8.

For example, let us assume that the adhesion level of the amount of microorganisms for each flat plate 20 was determined based on the image data previously acquired by the information collecting unit 80. After an appropriate time has passed, the controller 90 again determines the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to all the flat plates 20. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, if the level of microorganisms adhering to the contact body 20a of each flat plate 20 is level 1-3, the controller 90 continues to rotate the rotating shaft of the motor 40 and operate the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50. If the amount of microorganisms adhering to at least one of all the flat plates 20 remains at level 4 or level 5, or if there is no improvement trend (a trend toward a decrease in the amount of microorganisms), the controller 90 determines that maintenance is required for the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50, stops the rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor 40, stops the rotation of the flat plates 20, and stops the supply of tap water from the water source of the adjustment mechanism 50.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 90 estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 based on the image data acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and judges the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20. Then, when the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 is, for example, level 1 to 3, it controls the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50 to appropriately remove the microorganisms. On the other hand, when the controller 90 judges that the amount of microorganisms adhering to each flat plate 20 is level 4 or level 5, it stops the supply of water from the water source supplied to the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50, and performs maintenance on the removal unit 151. Maintenance of the removal unit 151 includes maintenance of the discharge unit 153 and removal of blockages in the discharge port of the discharge unit 153. It is also possible to replace the discharge unit 153.

If maintenance is performed to clear the blockage of the discharge part 153, various methods can be considered to clear the blockage, such as adding chemicals, injecting ozone, using ultrasonic waves, adding treated water, adding treated water, and temporarily increasing the amount of air and water spray. A water treatment tank 10 is placed below the discharge part 153, and chemicals and other substances flowing into the discharge part 153 are mixed with the raw water w and treated water x. Adding chemicals and ozone can have a significant effect on the microorganisms that contribute to organic wastewater treatment. In addition, if chemicals are mixed into the treated water x, problems may occur with the water quality of the treated water x. When the discharge part 153 is severely blocked, the effect of injecting ozone and temporarily increasing the amount of water spray may be limited. The raw water w and treated water x themselves also contain many impurities, which may further worsen the blockage.

When performing maintenance on the discharge part 153, in this embodiment, water containing almost no impurities, so-called pure water, is flowed into the pipeline of the water channel 152. By flowing pure water into the pipeline of the water channel 152 and discharging it from the discharge part 153, the blockage of the discharge part 153 can be gradually cleared, and there is no impact on the treated water x or the piping of the water treatment device 100.

When tap water is used to spray onto the flat plate 20 from the discharge portion 153 to adjust the amount of microorganisms, impurities that may cause blockages at the nozzle of the discharge portion 153, such as calcium carbonate crystals, silica crystals, and magnesium crystals, are crystalline substances of components contained in tap water. Pure water does not contain these components and has the property of easily dissolving such impurities. By flowing pure water through the water channel 152 into the discharge portion 153, the impurities are slowly dissolved, making it possible to remove the substances that cause blockages without affecting the treated water x, the microorganisms, or the water treatment device 100.

The processor 91 (controller 90) can estimate the amount of microorganisms attached to each of the flat plates 20 based on the information acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and output the state of the adjustment mechanism 50 based on the estimated amount of microorganisms. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 according to this embodiment and the water treatment device 100 having the treatment system 110, the controller 90 can recognize the state of the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50 (for example, the degree of clogging of the hole of the discharge unit 153) based on the information of each flat plate 20. That is, by using the information of the multiple (all) flat plates 20 acquired by the information collecting unit 80, the state (blocked state) of the discharge unit 153 of the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50 can be determined, and further, it is possible to identify the discharge unit 153 with a reduced water sprinkling function, such as which of the multiple discharge units 153 is blocked or close to being blocked. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 and the water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid trouble in the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50 at an early stage. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 and the water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, the condition of the adjustment mechanism 50 can be easily maintained in a good condition.
For example, a water treatment device 100 is provided in which a controller 90 automatically controls an information collection unit 80, the information collection unit 80 automatically estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to a flat plate 20, the state of an adjustment mechanism is output from the estimated information, and, if necessary, maintenance is automatically performed using cleaning water such as pure water.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a treatment system 110 and a water treatment device 100 are provided that are easy to maintain the water treatment performance.

Furthermore, the processor 91 (controller 90) can estimate the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates 20 based on the information acquired by the information collecting unit 80, and control the adjustment mechanism 50 so as to keep the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates 20 within a certain range based on the estimated amount of microorganisms. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 according to this embodiment and the water treatment device 100 having the treatment system 110, the controller 90 can control the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50 based on the information of each flat plate 20, and can appropriately increase or decrease the amount of water spray, for example. Therefore, according to the treatment system 110 and the water treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, the plurality of flat plates 20 can be easily maintained in a good state by controlling the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50.
For example, there is provided a water treatment device 100 in which the controller 90 automatically controls the information collecting unit 80, the information collecting unit 80 automatically estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20, and the output of the removal unit 151 of the adjustment mechanism 50 is automatically increased or decreased to adjust the level of the amount of microorganisms adhering to the flat plate 20 based on the estimated information. By using this water treatment device 100, the amount of microorganisms adhering to the multiple flat plates 20 can be automatically brought close to a target level.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a treatment system 110 and a water treatment device 100 are provided that are easy to maintain the water treatment performance.

Adjusting the amount of microorganisms on the flat plate 20 by physical action such as aeration as described in the first embodiment and water spraying as described in the second embodiment is just an example, and other adjustment means may be used. For example, a bar-shaped object may be placed above the water surface at a predetermined distance from the surface of the flat plate 20 to detach some of the growing microorganisms.

At least one of the embodiments described above can provide a treatment device 110 that is easy to maintain water treatment performance, a water treatment device 100, a method for estimating the state of an adjustment mechanism 50 in the water treatment device 100, and a method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms adhering to multiple flat plates 20 of the water treatment device 100.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

10...water treatment tank, 20...flat plate, 20a...contact body, 30...rotating shaft, 30a...support part, 40...motor, 50...adjustment mechanism, 51...removal part, 52...blower, 53...aeration pipe, 53a...hole, 54...opening/closing valve, 55...cleaning part, 56...cleaning water tank, 57...pump, 60...sludge extraction piping, 70...sludge extraction valve, 80...information collection part, 90...controller, 91...processor, 92...ROM, 93...RAM, 94...auxiliary memory device, 95...communication interface, 100...water treatment device.

Claims (12)

A treatment system for a water treatment device having a processor that estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of a number of disk-shaped flat plates, each of which has microorganisms that purify raw water attached to it, a portion of which is immersed in the raw water and the remainder of which is exposed above the surface of the raw water and rotates together, based on information about the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates, and outputs the state of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates based on the estimated amount of the microorganisms. A treatment system for a water treatment device having a processor that estimates the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of a number of disk-shaped flat plates, each of which has microorganisms that purify raw water attached to it, a portion of which is immersed in the raw water and the remainder of which is exposed above the surface of the raw water and rotates together with the microorganisms, based on information about the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates, and controls an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates based on the estimated amount of the microorganisms so as to keep the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates within a certain range. The processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor estimates the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple plates based on the information, and outputs a message indicating that maintenance is required for the adjustment mechanism when the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple plates differs from a target value by a certain amount or more for at least one of the multiple plates. The processing system according to claim 1 or 2,
and a collection unit that collects information regarding the amount of the microorganisms attached to each of the plurality of flat plates. The collection unit is an imaging unit that images each of the plurality of plates or a plurality of pieces of image data to obtain the plurality of pieces of image data,
The water treatment device according to claim 4 , wherein the processor estimates an amount of the microorganisms adhering to the plurality of flat plates based on the image data captured by the imaging unit. a plurality of disk-shaped flat plates to which the microorganisms that purify the raw water are attached, a portion of each of which is immersed in the raw water and a remainder of each of which is exposed above the surface of the raw water and rotates together;
an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of the microorganisms attached to each of the plurality of flat plates;
The water treatment device of claim 4 further comprising: a cleaning unit that is controlled by the processor and removes substances adhering to the adjustment mechanism;
The water treatment device according to claim 6, wherein when the processor outputs that maintenance of the adjustment mechanism is required, the processor operates the cleaning unit so as to maintain the function of the adjustment mechanism to adjust the amount of the microorganisms adhering to the plurality of flat plates. The water treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the cleaning unit uses pure water when removing substances adhering to the adjustment mechanism. The water treatment device according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism applies a physical action to each of the plurality of flat plates. The water treatment device according to claim 9, wherein the adjustment mechanism is disposed below the surface of the raw water and adjusts the amount of the microorganisms adhering to the plurality of flat plates by colliding air bubbles with the submerged portions of the plurality of flat plates. collecting first information on the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of a plurality of rotating circular plates, each of which has microorganisms that purify raw water attached thereto, a portion of each of which is immersed in the raw water and a remainder of each of which is exposed above the surface of the raw water, and estimating the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of plates based on the first information;
when the amount of the microorganisms adhering to at least one of the plurality of flat plates is outside a target value, adjusting the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates based on the first information using an adjustment mechanism so that the amount is within the range of the target value;
A method for estimating the state of an adjustment mechanism in a water treatment device, comprising: adjusting the adjustment mechanism using the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates, collecting second information regarding the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates, estimating a deviation from the target value for the amount of microorganisms adhering to each of the multiple flat plates based on the second information, and outputting the state of the adjustment mechanism based on the deviation. collecting information on the amount of microorganisms adhering to a plurality of rotating circular plates, each of which has microorganisms that purify raw water attached thereto, a portion of each of which is immersed in the raw water and the remainder of each of which is exposed above the surface of the raw water;
estimating the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates based on the information, and operating an adjustment mechanism to adjust the amount of the microorganisms adhering to each of the plurality of flat plates based on the estimated amount of the microorganisms;
The method for adjusting the amount of microorganisms attached to a plurality of flat plates of a water treatment device, comprising: