JP3733751B2

JP3733751B2 - Ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment equipment

Info

Publication number: JP3733751B2
Application number: JP20144998A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 源一片桐; 禎浩柳沼
Original assignee: Fuji Electric Systems Co Ltd
Current assignee: Fuji Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-03-02
Filing date: 1998-07-16
Publication date: 2006-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2018-07-16
Also published as: JPH11314080A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、廃棄物として生じるイオン交換樹脂の減容処理装置に係わり、特に酸素含有雰囲気中の放電により生じる活性酸素を利用して灰化減容処理を行う装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図９は、特願平９−３７４７８号に出願されているμ波を利用したイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。本装置では、放電容器５１に備えたガス導入口５５より酸素を供給し、反応容器５２の排気配管５７に組み込んだ減圧ポンプ５６により排気して放電容器５１と反応容器５２の内部を減圧酸素含有雰囲気とし、ソレノイドコイル５９を励磁し、導波管５８よりμ波を投入すると、放電容器５１の内部の電子はサイクロトロン運動を行い、減圧下でも効果的にμ波放電が形成され、活性酸素が生成される。さらにソレノイドコイル５９は反応容器５２に向かって発散磁界を形成するので、荷電粒子は磁界の傾きによって放電容器５１から反応容器５２の方向へと向かう流れを形成し、これに伴って、活性酸素が反応容器５２の処理皿５４に搭載されたイオン交換樹脂５３の方向へと導かれ、イオン交換樹脂５３の活性酸素による酸化反応が生じて、灰化減容処理が進行することとなる。
【０００３】
図１０は、同じく特願平９−３７４７８号に出願されている高周波誘導コイルを利用したイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。本装置では、上記の装置と同様の操作により放電容器６０と反応容器６１の内部を減圧酸素含有雰囲気とし、高周波発生器６９により高周波誘導コイル６８に高周波電流を通電すると、放電容器６０の内部に高周波磁界が発生し、電磁誘導によって放電が形成、維持され、活性酸素やイオンが生成する。このとき、放電と高周波誘導コイル６８の高周波とは誘導的に結合し、放電内部に発生する旋回方向に交番する誘導電界が電子を加速するので、放電内部に高周波電力が供給される。したがって、効果的に電子の加熱が行われ、高密度の活性酸素やイオンが生成される。生成されたこれらの活性酸素やイオンは、ガス流や温度上昇による体積膨張によって開放端６６から反応容器６１の内部へと吹き出し、処理皿６３に搭載されたイオン交換樹脂６２へと達して作用し、効果的に灰化減容処理が進行することとなる。
【０００４】
これらの装置は、いずれも、放電によって生成した活性種を直接被処理物のイオン交換樹脂へ作用させ、酸化させて灰化、減容するもので、すすの発生や処理材の損傷等の恐れがないのでメンテナンスが簡単であり、また、排出ガスが少なく、原子力設備からの廃棄物として生じるイオン交換樹脂を減容処理する場合にあっても、放射性核種の飛散が少ないという長所を備えている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記のごとく従来の装置は優れた特性を備えており、特に原子力設備からの廃棄物のイオン交換樹脂の減容処理に有効である。しかしながら、これらの装置においても、なお以下のごとき問題点が残っている。
すなわち、これらの装置は、放電により生成した活性種を被処理物のイオン交換樹脂に接触させて反応させるものであり、反応はイオン交換樹脂の表面において進行することとなる。これに対して、これらの装置では、いずれも反応容器の内部に備えた処理皿に搭載したイオン交換樹脂に上方から活性種を吹き付ける方式を採っているため、活性種に接するイオン交換樹脂は上層面にあるものに限られ、下方に位置するイオン交換樹脂は上層のイオン交換樹脂に遮られて活性種と接触できず、減容処理反応の進行速度が極めて遅くなるという難点がある。
【０００６】
本発明の目的は、イオン交換樹脂が放電により生成した活性種と効果的に接触し、早い処理速度で減容処理できるイオン交換樹脂の減容処理装置を提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために、本発明においては、
被処理用のイオン交換樹脂を内蔵する円筒状の処理容器、処理容器に酸素または酸素を含むガスを導入するガス導入手段、処理容器を減圧状態に保持する減圧手段、ならびに処理容器の外側に配された高周波誘導コイルを備え、ガス導入手段と減圧手段により処理容器の内部を減圧酸素含有雰囲気とし、高周波誘導コイルの生じる高周波磁界の作用によって放電を発生させ、放電により生じた活性酸素を処理容器に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂に作用させて灰化し、減容処理するイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置において、
（１）上記の処理容器を、回転軸支持機構と回転運動伝達機構によって回転可能に組み込み、かつ回転軸気密機構によって回転状態においても減圧状態を保持できるよう組み込むこととする。
【０００８】
（２）また、この処理容器の回転軸方向の一方の側端に上記のガス導入手段を、もう一方の側端に上記の減圧手段を組み込むこととする。
（３）さらに、上記の（１）あるいは（２）に加えて、処理容器の内面を、回転方向に対して凹凸を備えるものとする。
（４）さらに、上記の（１）〜（３）に加えて、処理容器の回転軸方向の端部に、貫通孔を有する導電性のシールド部材を備えることとする。
【０００９】
（５）さらに、上記の（１）〜（４）に加えて、処理容器の外側に、処理容器に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂を加熱する輻射加熱手段を備えることとする。
（６）また、上記の（１）〜（５）に加えて、処理容器の回転軸方向の一方の側端にイオン交換樹脂の供給手段を配し、もう一方の側端に減容処理により生じた残さを排出する排出手段を備えることとする。
【００１０】
（７）さらに、上記の（６）において、処理容器の内面に回転軸を中心軸とする螺旋状の溝を備えることとする。
既に述べたように、減圧酸素含有雰囲気にある処理容器の内部に、高周波誘導コイルの生じる高周波磁界を作用させて放電を発生させ、生じた活性酸素を処理容器に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂に作用させると、イオン交換樹脂は、活性酸素と直接接触する表面において酸化反応を生じて灰化し、減容される。しかしながら、酸化反応の進行は表面層にあるイオン交換樹脂に限られ、直接活性酸素に触れない部分では反応が進行しないので、反応の効率を上げるには、活性酸素に触れる表面積を増大することが必要となる。これに対して、上記の（１）のごとく、イオン交換樹脂を内蔵した処理容器を回転軸支持機構と回転運動伝達機構によって回転可能に組み込み、回転軸気密機構により回転状態においても減圧酸素含有雰囲気が保持できるよう構成して、回転させれば、内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂は、処理容器の内面との摩擦により回転方向へと引き上げられ、重力により落下するサイクルを繰り返して攪拌されるので、放電により生じた活性酸素と触れるイオン交換樹脂の表面積が大幅に増大することとなり、灰化、減容処理が急速に進行することとなる。
【００１１】
さらに、上記の（２）のごとく、処理容器の一方の側端に上記のガス導入手段を、もう一方の側端に上記の減圧手段を組み込むこととすれば、処理容器に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂は、一端から他端まで全体にわたって活性酸素に直接接触するので、灰化、減容処理が急速に進行することとなる。
さらに、上記の（３）のごとく、処理容器の内面を回転方向に対して凹凸を備えたものとすれば、処理容器の内面と内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂との摩擦係数が増大し、処理容器の回転に伴ってイオン交換樹脂はより高く回転方向へと引き上げられるので、より効果的に攪拌され、活性酸素に触れる表面積が増大する。したがって、灰化、減容処理の速度は一層早くなる。
【００１２】
また、上記の（４）のごとく、処理容器の回転軸方向の端部に、貫通孔を有する導電性のシールド部材を備えれば、放電により生じたプラズマが処理容器の端部から外部に漏れ出すのを抑制できる。したがって、処理容器の端部に組み込まれる回転軸気密機構のプラズマによる加熱が防止され、所要耐熱性能が低く抑えられるので、低コストの回転軸気密機構を適用できることとなる。
【００１３】
さらに、上記の（５）のごとく、処理容器の外側に、処理容器に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂を加熱する輻射加熱手段を備えれば、イオン交換樹脂の温度を上昇させて活性酸素による酸化反応を行わせることができるので、反応速度が上昇し、より一層効果的に、灰化、減容処理が進行することとなる。
また上記の（６）のごとく、処理容器の一端にイオン交換樹脂の供給手段を配し、もう一方の側端に減容処理により生じた残さを排出する排出手段を備えることとすれば、イオン交換樹脂の灰化、減容処理を連続的に行うことができる。
【００１４】
さらに、上記の（７）のごとく、処理容器の内面に回転軸を中心軸とする螺旋状の溝を備えることとすれば、螺旋状の溝へ導入されたイオン交換樹脂は、処理容器の回転とともに、内面との摩擦による上昇と重力による落下を繰り返して攪拌されながら、螺旋状の溝に沿って回転軸方向へと移動することとなる。すなわち、処理容器に導入されたイオン交換樹脂は処理容器を回転させると自動的に搬送されるので、イオン交換樹脂の灰化、減容処理を連続的に行う際に極めて効果的である。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
＜実施例１＞
図１は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第１の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
図に見られるごとく、本実施例のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置は、両端にくびれを備えた円筒状の処理容器１、ガス導入口３ａを備え、内部に処理容器１へ導入するガスの流路を備えた円筒状の固定ガス導入ブロック３、処理容器１より排出されるガスを取り出す固定排気配管２、回転する処理容器１と固定排気配管２との間を内部を気密に保持して連結する回転軸気密機構４Ａ、回転する処理容器１と固定ガス導入ブロック３との間を内部を気密に保持して連結する回転軸気密機構４Ｂ、固定排気配管２および回転軸気密機構４Ａを介して回転する処理容器１の一端を支持する回転軸支持機構６Ａ、固定ガス導入ブロック３および回転軸気密機構４Ｂを介して回転する処理容器１の他端を支持する回転軸支持機構６Ｂ、回転軸気密機構４Ｂの外側円筒に連結され、処理容器１を回転させる機能を果たす回転運動伝達機構５、ならびに処理容器１の外側に配された高周波誘導コイル１０とこれを支持するコイル支持機構９により構成されている。
【００１６】
このうち、処理容器１は、高周波を通し活性酸素に耐性を有する電気絶縁材料である石英ガラスにより形成されており、その両端は、それぞれ接続ピース８Ａ，８Ｂを介して回転軸気密機構４Ａ，４Ｂの外側円筒に連結されている。回転軸気密機構４Ａ，４Ｂはいずれも磁気流体式で、内側円筒と外側円筒との間に軸受とともに磁気流体を介在させて回転時も気密に保持する方式のものである。また、回転軸気密機構４Ｂの外側円筒に連結された回転運動伝達機構５は、図示しない回転駆動源からの回転力をプーリ―とベルトを用いて伝達するもので、この回転運動伝達機構５によって、処理容器１とその両端に連結された接続ピース８Ａ，８Ｂならびに回転軸気密機構４Ａ，４Ｂの外側円筒が回転することとなる。
【００１７】
本装置において、処理容器１の内部に被処理用のイオン交換樹脂２０を挿入して本図のごとく組み立てたのち、回転運動伝達機構５により処理容器１を回転させ、ガス導入口３ａより酸素を含むガスを導入し、固定排気配管２に接続した減圧ポンプ７により吸引して処理容器１の内部を減圧酸素含有雰囲気とし、高周波発生器１１により高周波コイル１０に高周波電流を通電すると、高周波コイル１０の電圧や高周波磁界による電磁誘導作用による電界で、処理容器１の内部に放電が形成、維持され、活性酸素やイオンを生成する。生成された活性酸素は、処理容器１に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂２０に作用して酸化し、灰化、減容処理する。本構成では、処理容器１の回転とともに内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂２０が攪拌されるので、従来の装置に比べて活性酸素に接触する表面積が極めて大きくなり、生成された活性酸素の利用効率が高くなるので、短い時間で灰化、減容処理ができる。また、このため、処理のエネルギー効率が大幅に改善されることとなる。
【００１８】
＜実施例２＞
図２は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第２の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
本実施例の構成の実施例１の構成との相違点は、処理容器１の内壁に、回転軸方向と平行に延びる複数の攪拌用フィン１２が備えられている点にある。したがって、本実施例の処理容器１の内面は、回転方向に対して凹凸を有することとなり、処理容器１を回転させると、内蔵された図示しないイオン交換樹脂は、攪拌用フィン１２によって高い位置まで引き上げられ、そののち重力により落下するサイクルを繰り返すこととなるので、処理容器１の内部で効果的に攪拌されることとなる。したがって、処理容器１の内部を減圧酸素含有雰囲気とし、放電を形成、維持して活性酸素を生成し、生成された活性酸素をイオン交換樹脂に作用させて酸化させる際に、活性酸素に直接接触するイオン交換樹脂の表面積が飛躍的に増大するので、酸化反応が急速に進行し、短時間で灰化、減容処理を行うことができる
なお、本実施例では、回転軸方向と平行に延びる複数の攪拌用フィン１２を備えることにより、処理容器１の内面を回転方向に対して凹凸を有するものとしているが、処理容器１の厚みを変化させて、内面に凹凸を備えるものとしても同様の効果が得られ、また、攪拌用フィンの場合も、回転軸方向と平行に配するものに限らず、回転方向に対して角度を備えて延伸するものであればよい。
【００１９】
＜実施例３＞
図３は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第３の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
本実施例の構成の実施例１の構成との相違点は、処理容器１の回転軸方向の両端部に、貫通孔を有する導電性のシールド部材としてシールド板１３Ａ，１３Ｂが備えられている点にある。図１に示した実施例１の構成では、放電によって生成されたプラズマが処理容器１の内部から回転軸気密機構４Ａ，４Ｂの内部まで拡散し、高周波電流の大きさ如何によっては、回転軸気密機構４Ａ，４Ｂに発生する高周波電界によってこの部分にプラズマが発生し、回転軸気密機構４Ａ，４Ｂが加熱される可能性があるが、本実施例のごとく導電性のシールド板１３Ａ，１３Ｂを備えれば、電界やプラズマ流の侵入が抑制されるので、回転軸気密機構４Ａ，４Ｂの所要耐熱性能は低くてよく、低コストの回転軸気密機構を用いることができる。また、シールド板１３Ａ，１３Ｂには貫通孔が備えられているので、実施例１あるいは２と同様に、ガス導入口３ａより導入された酸素を含むガスは滞ることなく処理容器１の内部へと導かれ、固定排気配管に接続された減圧ポンプによって減圧状態に維持される。
【００２０】
＜実施例４＞
図４は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第４の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
本実施例の構成の特徴は、実施例３のごとく構成したイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置に、さらに、処理容器１に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂２０を加熱する輻射加熱手段としての加熱ランプ１４を備えた点にある。本構成のごとく加熱ランプ１４を備えてイオン交換樹脂２０を加熱すれば、含水したイオン交換樹脂２０の乾燥時間が短縮されるとともに、温度が高いほど活性酸素によるイオン交換樹脂２０の酸化反応の反応速度が上昇するので、短時間でイオン交換樹脂２０の灰化、減容処理が行えることとなる。さらに、酸素の導入量と高周波電流を増加させ、活性酸素やイオンの供給量を十分に維持して運転すれば、加熱ランプ１４でイオン交換樹脂２０の温度を上げ、積極的に分解揮発させ、気相で酸化分解させることが可能となるので、処理速度が早く、かつ炭化水素排ガスの少ない安全な処理装置となる。
【００２１】
＜実施例５＞
図５は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第５の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
本構成の特徴は、第一に、回転可能に組み込まれた処理容器１Ａの内面に、螺旋状の突起４１で区画された螺旋溝４０が形成されていること、第二に、処理容器１Ａの一方の端部に回転軸気密機構４Ｃを介して取り付けられた回転軸支持機構６Ｃに、投入口２１、切出弁２２、供給室２３、投入弁２４ならびに搬送機構室２５を備えたイオン交換樹脂の供給手段が連結されていること、第三に、処理容器１Ａのもう一方の端部に、回転軸気密機構４Ｄを介して、冷却室３１、仕切弁３２、回収準備室３３、回収弁３４、回収室３５を備えた生成残さの排出手段が連結されていることにある。
【００２２】
本構成においては、ベルトコンベアあるいはホッパー等によってイオン交換樹脂が投入口２１に搬送装入される。投入口２１の下部には、供給室２３を大気から遮断して気密に保持するための切出弁２２が設けられており、装入されたイオン交換樹脂はこの切出弁２２によって支持、閉止される。供給室２３には、真空排気装置に連結された図示しない真空排気用配管と、遮断弁を介してガス供給手段に連結された図示しない大気圧復帰用配管が接続されている。また、供給室２３の下部には、搬送機構室２５を大気から遮断して気密に保持するための投入弁２４が設けられており、切出弁２２を通って供給室２３へと送られたイオン交換樹脂はこの投入弁２４によって支持、閉止される。搬送機構室２５には図示しないガス供給用の配管が接続されており、遮断弁を介して前記のガス供給手段に連結されている。また、搬送機構室２５には、イオン交換樹脂を搬送機構室２５から処理容器１Ａの所定位置へと移送する移送手段２５ａが付設されている。
【００２３】
搬送機構室２５が連結された回転軸支持機構６Ｃには、排気口６ａが備えられており、図示しない真空排気手段により処理容器１Ａ内の処理ガスを均等に排気することができる。処理容器１Ａは、接続ピース８Ｃおよび磁性流体式の回転軸気密機構４Ｃを介して回転軸支持機構６Ｃに取り付けられており、回転運動伝達機構５Ａを用いることにより回転運動される。なお、本図では簡略化して表示しているが、回転軸気密機構４Ｃおよび回転運動伝達機構５Ａの構成は図１の構成と基本的に同一である。
【００２４】
円筒型の処理容器１Ａの内面には螺旋溝４０が形成されている。移送手段２５ａによって搬送機構室２５から処理容器１Ａの内部へと移送されたイオン交換樹脂は、処理容器１Ａの回転とともに螺旋状の突起４１で区画された螺旋溝４０に沿って移動する。すなわち、図のごとく右ネジ状の螺旋溝４０の場合には搬送機構室２５の側から見て反時計回りの方向に処理容器１Ａを回転させることによって、導入したイオン交換樹脂を搬送機構室２５の側から冷却室３１の側へと移送することができる。
【００２５】
冷却室３１は、処理容器１Ａに回転軸気密機構４Ｄと接続ピース８Ｄとを介して連結されており、処理容器１Ａを回転可能に保持している。また、冷却室３１には処理ガスを導入するためのガス導入口３１ａが備えられている。ガス導入口３１ａは遮断弁を介して図示しないガス供給手段へと連結されている。ガス導入口３１ａから導入された処理ガスは、冷却室３１から処理容器１Ａへと入り、処理容器１Ａを通流したのち、回転軸支持機構６Ｃに備えられた排気口６ａより取り出され真空排気手段により排気される。
【００２６】
冷却室３１の下部には、冷却室３１と隣接する回収準備室３３との間の気密を保持し、処理容器１Ａで減容処理されたイオン交換樹脂の残さを冷却室３１に貯留するための開閉可能な仕切弁３２が設けられている。回収準備室３３には、真空排気装置に連結された図示しない真空排気用配管と、遮断弁を介してガス供給手段に連結された図示しない大気圧復帰用配管が接続されている。回収準備室３３の下部には、回収準備室３３と回収室３５の間の気密を保持し、かつ回収準備室３３に落下したイオン交換樹脂の残さを貯留するための開閉可能な回収弁３４が設けられている。回収室３５には容器３６が配されており、回収準備室３３より落下したイオン交換樹脂の残さが収納される。また容器３６の収納量が所定値に達すると、図示しない密閉手段により容器３６は密閉処理される。また、回収室３５には真空排気装置に連結された図示しない真空排気用配管と、遮断弁を介してガス供給手段に連結された図示しない雰囲気ガス置換用配管が接続されている。さらに、回収室３５には取出弁３７が付設されており、この取出弁３７を開閉することにより、イオン交換樹脂の残さが容器３６に密閉されて取出されることとなる。
【００２７】
本構成のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の運転操作は次のごとく行われる。
まず、回収室３５に容器３６を蓋を開けて配置し、切出弁２２、投入弁２４、仕切弁３２、回収弁３４、ならびに各室に連結した配管の遮断弁を閉じ、次いで、排気口６ａを介して処理容器１Ａ内を真空に排気する。次に、ガス導入口３１ａより酸素を含む処理ガスを導入して、処理容器１Ａ内の圧力を所定の処理圧力に設定する。同時に、搬送機構室２５への酸素、活性酸素、イオン等の混入を防止するために、付設のガス供給用の配管を通して搬送機構室２５に不活性ガスを導入し、処理容器１Ａ内の圧力より搬送機構室２５の圧力が高くなるよう調整する。次に、高周波発生器１１により高周波誘導コイル１０に高周波電流を通電して処理容器１Ａ内に放電を形成、維持させ、活性酸素やイオンを生成する。
【００２８】
次に、切出弁２２を開いて所定の処理量のイオン交換樹脂を投入口２１から供給室２３へと落下させ、その後切出弁２２を閉じる。次いで、付設の配管系を用いて供給室２３を真空に排気し、その後不活性ガスを導入して、供給室２３の圧力が搬送機構室２５の圧力と等しくなるよう調整する。次いで、投入弁２４を開いてイオン交換樹脂を搬送機構室２５に投入し、その後投入弁２４を閉じる。なお、このとき、供給室２３は、一度真空に排気したのち不活性ガスを導入して大気圧とし、切出弁２２を開けて所定量のイオン交換樹脂を投入口２１から供給室２３へと落下させ、次段階の処理に供する。
【００２９】
次いで、処理容器１Ａを回転状態へと移行させたのち、移送手段２５ａによって搬送機構室２５内のイオン交換樹脂を処理容器１Ａ内の螺旋溝４０へと移送する。イオン交換樹脂は処理容器１Ａの回転によって上下なく攪拌され、放電により形成された活性酸素やイオンに接触する表面積が増加し、効率的に減容処理される。また、イオン交換樹脂およびその減容処理により生じた残さは、処理容器１Ａの回転にともなって、螺旋溝４０内を冷却室３１の方向へと自動的に移送される。
【００３０】
減容処理されたイオン交換樹脂の残さは、回転によって自動的に移送されたのち、処理容器１Ａより冷却室３１の内部へと落下する。残さが所定量に達すると仕切弁３２を開き、真空排気と不活性ガス導入により冷却室３１と等しい圧力に予め調整された回収準備室３３へと落下させる。回収準備室３３へ所定量のイオン交換樹脂の残さが堆積すると、仕切弁３２を閉じ、配管系の遮断弁を開けて大気圧へと戻す。次いで、回収弁３４を開き、回収準備室３３に堆積したイオン交換樹脂の残さを回収室３５の容器３６内へと落下させる。これらの操作を繰り返して容器３６内へ堆積したイオン交換樹脂の残さが所定量に達すると、取出弁３７を開けて容器３６を外部へと取出し、新たに空の容器３６を取り付けて次段階の減容処理に対処する。
【００３１】
このように、本構成のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置では、導入されたイオン交換樹脂が攪拌されることにより活性酸素やイオンに接触する表面積が増加し、効率的に減容処理されるばかりでなく、処理容器１Ａ内に導入されたイオン交換樹脂が自動的に移送されるので、連続的な減容処理が可能となる。
＜実施例６＞
図６は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第６の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
【００３２】
本実施例の構成の第５の実施例との相違点は、処理容器１Ａの内面に設けられた螺旋溝の中に、処理容器１Ａの回転軸と平行に延伸する処理容器１Ａと同一材料よりなる複数の攪拌用フィン１２Ａが備えられている点にある。移送手段２５ａによって搬送機構室２５から処理容器１Ａ内の螺旋溝へと移送されたイオン交換樹脂は、処理容器１Ａの回転に伴って、攪拌用フィン１２Ａによって高い位置まで持ち上げられたのち落下することとなるので、より効果的に攪拌されることとなり、活性酸素やイオンに曝される表面積が大きくなって、減容処理がより促進されることとなる。
【００３３】
なお、本実施例では、回転軸方向と平行に延びる複数の攪拌用フィン１２Ａを備えることとしているが、既に第２の実施例で述べたごとく、処理容器１Ａの厚みを変化させて、内面に凹凸を備えるものとしても同様の効果が得られ、また、攪拌用フィンの場合も、回転方向に対して角度を備えて延伸するものであればよい。
【００３４】
＜実施例７＞
図７は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第７の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
本実施例の構成の第５の実施例との相違点は、処理容器１Ａの回転軸支持機構６Ｃ側の端部に、貫通孔を有する導電性のシールド部材としてアルミニウム製のシールド板１３Ｃが備えられている点にある。したがって、第３の実施例の場合と同様に、回転軸気密機構４Ｃへの高周波電界やプラズマ流の侵入が抑制され、加熱量が低減されるので信頼性の高い装置が得られる。また、このため回転軸気密機構４Ｃの所要耐熱性能は低くてよく、低コストの回転軸気密機構を用いることができる。
【００３５】
なお、本構成では小孔を多数開けたアルミニウム製のシールド板１３Ｃを用いているが、細線を組み合わせたメッシュや、ハンチング加工の板を使用しても同等の効果が得られる。
＜参考例＞図８は、本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の参考例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図である。
【００３６】
本参考例の構成の第５の実施例との相違点は、処理容器１Ｂに導入されたイオン交換樹脂を加熱するための加熱ランプ１４Ａが、処理容器１Ｂの外周の高周波誘導コイル１０の前段に配されている点にある。活性酸素による酸化反応は、温度が高いほど反応速度が速くなるので、本構成のごとく、導入したイオン交換樹脂を予め加熱して乾燥し、温度を高くして灰化、減容処理することとすれば、処理速度の早い装置が得られる。さらに、温度を上げてイオン交換樹脂を積極的に分解、揮発させることとすれば、酸素ガス量や高周波電流を増加させて活性酸素やイオンの供給量を十分に維持することによって、イオン交換樹脂を気相で酸化分解することが可能となり、処理速度が速く、炭化水素の排ガスが少ない安全な処理装置が得られることとなる。
【００３７】
上述のごとく、本発明によれば、
（１）イオン交換樹脂減容処理装置を請求項１に記載のごとく構成することとしたので、処理容器の回転により内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂が攪拌され、放電により生成した活性酸素と効果的に接触することとなったので、早い処理速度で減容処理できるイオン交換樹脂の減容処理装置が得られる。（２）さらに請求項１のごとく構成したので、処理容器に内蔵されたイオン交換樹脂は、一端から他端まで全体にわたって活性酸素に直接接触して灰化、減容処理されるので、処理速度の速い装置が得られる。
（３）請求項２に記載のように構成すれば、処理容器に内臓されたイオン交換樹脂がより効果的に攪拌され、処理速度の速い装置として好適である。
（４）請求項３に記載のように構成すれば、放電により生成したプラズマ流の侵入や、高周波磁界の侵入により生じるプラズマによる回転軸気密機構の加熱が抑制され、低コストの回転軸気密機構が適用可能となり装置のコストダウンとともに、信頼性の高い装置が得られる。
（５）請求項４に記載のように構成すれば、含水したイオン交換樹脂の乾燥時間が短縮され、処理速度もさらに上昇するので、処理速度の速い装置として好適である。
（６）請求項５に記載のように構成すれば、イオン交換樹脂の灰化、減容処理を連続的に行うことができるので、処理速度の速い装置として好適である。
（７）請求項６に記載のように構成すれば、イオン交換樹脂は、処理容器の回転とともに螺旋状の溝に沿って回転軸方向に自動的に搬送されるので、イオン交換樹脂の灰化、減容処理を連続的に行う上で、特に効果的である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第１の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図２】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第２の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図３】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第３の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図４】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第４の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図５】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第５の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図６】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第６の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図７】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の第７の実施例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図８】本発明のイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の参考例の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図９】μ波を利用したイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【図１０】高周波誘導コイルを利用したイオン交換樹脂減容処理装置の基本構成を模式的に示す断面図
【符号の説明】
１処理容器
１Ａ，１Ｂ処理容器
２固定排気配管
３固定ガス導入ブロック
３ａガス導入口
４Ａ，４Ｂ回転軸気密機構
４Ｃ，４Ｄ回転軸気密機構
５，５Ａ回転運動伝達機構
６Ａ，６Ｂ，６Ｃ回転軸支持機構
７減圧ポンプ
８Ａ，８Ｂ接続ピース
８Ｃ，８Ｄ接続ピース
９コイル支持機構
１０高周波誘導コイル
１１高周波発生器
１２，１２Ａ攪拌用フィン
１３Ａ，１３Ｂ，１３Ｃシールド板
１４，１４Ａ加熱ランプ
２０イオン交換樹脂
２１投入口
２３供給室
２５搬送機構室
２５ａ移送手段
３１冷却室
３１ａガス導入口
３３回収準備室
３５回収室
３６容器[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the volume of ion exchange resin produced as waste, and more particularly to an apparatus for carrying out an ashing volume reduction process using active oxygen generated by discharge in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of an ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus using μ waves, which is applied for in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-37478. In this apparatus, oxygen is supplied from a gas inlet 55 provided in the discharge vessel 51 and is exhausted by a decompression pump 56 incorporated in an exhaust pipe 57 of the reaction vessel 52 so that the inside of the discharge vessel 51 and the reaction vessel 52 contains reduced-pressure oxygen. When the atmosphere is energized, the solenoid coil 59 is excited, and a μ wave is input from the waveguide 58, electrons inside the discharge vessel 51 perform a cyclotron motion, and a μ wave discharge is effectively formed even under reduced pressure. Generated. Further, since the solenoid coil 59 forms a divergent magnetic field toward the reaction vessel 52, the charged particles form a flow from the discharge vessel 51 toward the reaction vessel 52 due to the inclination of the magnetic field, and accordingly, active oxygen is The ion exchange resin 53 is guided in the direction of the ion exchange resin 53 mounted on the treatment dish 54 of the reaction vessel 52, and an oxidation reaction of the ion exchange resin 53 with active oxygen occurs, and the ashing volume reduction process proceeds.
[0003]
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of an ion exchange resin volume reducing apparatus using a high frequency induction coil, which is also filed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-37478. In the present apparatus, when the inside of the discharge vessel 60 and the reaction vessel 61 is made into a reduced-pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere by the same operation as the above-described device, and a high-frequency current is passed through the high-frequency induction coil 68 by the high-frequency generator 69, A high frequency magnetic field is generated, and discharge is formed and maintained by electromagnetic induction, and active oxygen and ions are generated. At this time, the discharge and the high frequency of the high frequency induction coil 68 are inductively coupled, and the induction electric field alternating in the turning direction generated inside the discharge accelerates the electrons, so that high frequency power is supplied inside the discharge. Therefore, electrons are effectively heated, and high-density active oxygen and ions are generated. The generated active oxygen and ions are blown out from the open end 66 into the reaction vessel 61 due to volume expansion due to gas flow and temperature rise, and reach the ion exchange resin 62 mounted on the processing plate 63 to act. As a result, the ashing and volume reduction process proceeds effectively.
[0004]
All of these devices act on the active species generated by the discharge directly on the ion-exchange resin to be treated and oxidize it to ash and reduce the volume, which may cause soot and damage to the treated material. Maintenance is easy because there is no emission, and there is an advantage that there is little scattering of radionuclides even when reducing the volume of ion exchange resin generated as waste from nuclear facilities. .
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the conventional apparatus has excellent characteristics, and is particularly effective for reducing the volume of ion exchange resin of waste from nuclear facilities. However, these devices still have the following problems.
That is, in these apparatuses, the active species generated by the discharge are brought into contact with the ion exchange resin of the object to be treated, and the reaction proceeds on the surface of the ion exchange resin. On the other hand, in these apparatuses, since the active species are sprayed from above on the ion exchange resin mounted on the processing dish provided inside the reaction vessel, the ion exchange resin in contact with the active species is the top. The ion exchange resin located below is limited to those on the layer surface, and the upper layer ion exchange resin is blocked by the upper layer and cannot contact the active species, so that there is a problem that the progress of the volume reduction reaction becomes extremely slow.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to provide a volume reduction treatment apparatus for an ion exchange resin that can effectively come into contact with an active species generated by discharge of the ion exchange resin and can perform volume reduction treatment at a high treatment speed.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention,
A cylindrical processing container containing an ion exchange resin for processing, a gas introducing means for introducing oxygen or oxygen-containing gas into the processing container, a decompressing means for maintaining the processing container in a reduced pressure state, and an outer side of the processing container. The high-frequency induction coil is provided, the inside of the processing vessel is made into a reduced-pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere by the gas introduction means and the pressure-reducing means, discharge is generated by the action of the high-frequency magnetic field generated by the high-frequency induction coil, and active oxygen generated by the discharge is treated In the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment equipment that acts on the ion exchange resin built in the ash to ash and reduce the volume,
(1) The processing container is incorporated so as to be rotatable by the rotation shaft support mechanism and the rotation motion transmission mechanism, and is incorporated by the rotation shaft hermetic mechanism so that the reduced pressure state can be maintained even in the rotation state.
[0008]
(2) Further, the gas introducing means is incorporated at one side end in the rotation axis direction of the processing vessel, and the pressure reducing means is incorporated at the other side end.
(3) Further, in addition to the above (1) or (2), the inner surface of the processing container is provided with unevenness in the rotation direction.
(4) Further, in addition to the above (1) to (3), a conductive shield member having a through hole is provided at the end in the rotation axis direction of the processing container.
[0009]
(5) Further, in addition to the above (1) to (4), radiation heating means for heating the ion exchange resin incorporated in the processing container is provided outside the processing container.
(6) Further, in addition to the above (1) to (5), an ion exchange resin supply means is arranged at one side end in the rotation axis direction of the processing container, and volume reduction processing is performed at the other side end. A discharging means for discharging the generated residue is provided.
[0010]
(7) Furthermore, in the above (6), a spiral groove having a rotation axis as a central axis is provided on the inner surface of the processing container.
As described above, a high-frequency magnetic field generated by a high-frequency induction coil is applied to the inside of a processing vessel in a reduced-pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere to generate a discharge, and the generated active oxygen acts on the ion exchange resin incorporated in the processing vessel. Then, the ion exchange resin undergoes an oxidation reaction on the surface that is in direct contact with the active oxygen, and is ashed and reduced in volume. However, the progress of the oxidation reaction is limited to the ion exchange resin in the surface layer, and the reaction does not proceed in the part that does not directly contact the active oxygen. Therefore, to increase the reaction efficiency, the surface area that contacts the active oxygen may be increased. Necessary. On the other hand, as described in (1) above, the processing vessel containing the ion exchange resin is rotatably incorporated by the rotation shaft support mechanism and the rotation motion transmission mechanism, and the reduced-pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere is also rotated by the rotation shaft airtight mechanism. Since the built-in ion exchange resin is pulled up in the rotation direction by friction with the inner surface of the processing vessel and stirred by repeating the cycle of dropping by gravity, the discharge is performed. As a result, the surface area of the ion exchange resin that comes into contact with the active oxygen generated by the process greatly increases, and ashing and volume reduction proceed rapidly.
[0011]
Further, as described in (2) above, if the gas introducing means is incorporated in one side end of the processing vessel and the pressure reducing means is incorporated in the other side end, the ion exchange incorporated in the processing vessel is performed. Since the resin is in direct contact with the active oxygen from one end to the other, the ashing and volume reduction process proceeds rapidly.
Further, as described in (3) above, if the inner surface of the processing container is provided with irregularities in the rotational direction, the friction coefficient between the inner surface of the processing container and the ion exchange resin incorporated therein increases, and the processing container As the ion exchange resin rotates, the ion exchange resin is pulled higher in the rotation direction, so that it is more effectively stirred and the surface area in contact with the active oxygen is increased. Therefore, the speed of ashing and volume reduction processing is further increased.
[0012]
Further, as described in (4) above, if a conductive shield member having a through hole is provided at the end of the processing vessel in the rotation axis direction, plasma generated by discharge leaks from the end of the processing vessel to the outside. It can be suppressed from taking out. Therefore, the heating by the plasma of the rotating shaft hermetic mechanism incorporated in the end of the processing vessel is prevented, and the required heat resistance performance is kept low, so that a low cost rotating shaft hermetic mechanism can be applied.
[0013]
Further, as described in (5) above, if a radiant heating means for heating the ion exchange resin incorporated in the processing container is provided outside the processing container, the temperature of the ion exchange resin is increased to oxidize the active oxygen. As a result, the reaction rate increases, and the ashing and volume reduction treatment proceed more effectively.
Further, as described in (6) above, if the ion exchange resin supply means is arranged at one end of the processing container and the other side end is provided with a discharge means for discharging the residue generated by the volume reduction treatment, The ashing and volume reduction treatment of the exchange resin can be performed continuously.
[0014]
Furthermore, as described in (7) above, if the inner surface of the processing vessel is provided with a spiral groove having the rotation axis as the central axis, the ion exchange resin introduced into the spiral groove is rotated by the rotation of the processing vessel. At the same time, it is moved in the direction of the rotation axis along the spiral groove while being repeatedly stirred and raised by friction with the inner surface and dropped by gravity. That is, since the ion exchange resin introduced into the processing container is automatically transported when the processing container is rotated, it is extremely effective when the ashing and volume reduction processing of the ion exchange resin is continuously performed.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<Example 1>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a first embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
As seen in the figure, the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with a cylindrical treatment container 1 having constrictions at both ends and a gas introduction port 3a, and a gas flow introduced into the treatment container 1 inside. A cylindrical fixed gas introduction block 3 provided with a passage, a fixed exhaust pipe 2 for extracting gas discharged from the processing container 1, and a rotating processing container 1 and the fixed exhaust pipe 2 are connected while being kept airtight. Through the rotating shaft hermetic mechanism 4A, the rotating processing chamber 1 and the fixed gas introduction block 3 being held in an airtight manner and connected to each other, the fixed exhaust pipe 2 and the rotating shaft airtight mechanism 4A. A rotary shaft support mechanism 6A that supports one end of the rotating processing container 1, a rotary shaft support mechanism 6B that supports the other end of the rotating processing container 1 via the fixed gas introduction block 3 and the rotary shaft airtight mechanism 4B, and a rotary shaft airtight. Mechanism 4B Is connected to the outer cylinder is composed of a coil supporting mechanism 9 for supporting the the rotary motion transmission mechanism 5 and the high-frequency induction coil 10 disposed outside the processing container 1, it serves the function of rotating the processing chamber 1.
[0016]
Among these, the processing container 1 is formed of quartz glass, which is an electrically insulating material that is resistant to active oxygen through high frequencies, and both ends thereof are respectively connected to the rotary shaft hermetic mechanisms 4A and 4B via connection pieces 8A and 8B. Connected to the outer cylinder. The rotary shaft hermetic mechanisms 4A and 4B are both of a magnetic fluid type, and are of a type in which a magnetic fluid is interposed between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder together with a bearing so as to be kept airtight during rotation. The rotational motion transmission mechanism 5 connected to the outer cylinder of the rotary shaft hermetic mechanism 4B transmits rotational force from a rotational drive source (not shown) using a pulley and a belt. The processing container 1 and the connecting pieces 8A and 8B connected to both ends thereof and the outer cylinders of the rotary shaft hermetic mechanisms 4A and 4B rotate.
[0017]
In this apparatus, after the ion-exchange resin 20 to be processed is inserted into the processing container 1 and assembled as shown in the figure, the processing container 1 is rotated by the rotational motion transmission mechanism 5, and oxygen is supplied from the gas inlet 3a. When the containing gas is introduced and sucked by the decompression pump 7 connected to the fixed exhaust pipe 2 to make the inside of the processing vessel 1 have a reduced pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere, and the high frequency current is supplied to the high frequency coil 10 by the high frequency generator 11, the high frequency coil 10 A discharge is formed and maintained in the processing chamber 1 by an electric field due to electromagnetic induction action due to the voltage and high-frequency magnetic field, and active oxygen and ions are generated. The generated active oxygen acts on the ion exchange resin 20 incorporated in the processing vessel 1 to be oxidized and incinerated and reduced in volume. In this configuration, since the ion exchange resin 20 incorporated therein is agitated with the rotation of the processing container 1, the surface area in contact with the active oxygen is extremely large compared to the conventional apparatus, and the use efficiency of the generated active oxygen is high. Therefore, ashing and volume reduction treatment can be performed in a short time. For this reason, the energy efficiency of the process is greatly improved.
[0018]
<Example 2>
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the basic configuration of the second embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
The difference of the configuration of the present embodiment from the configuration of the first embodiment is that the inner wall of the processing container 1 is provided with a plurality of stirring fins 12 extending in parallel with the rotation axis direction. Therefore, the inner surface of the processing container 1 of the present embodiment has irregularities in the rotation direction. When the processing container 1 is rotated, the built-in ion exchange resin (not shown) is moved to a higher position by the stirring fins 12. The cycle of being pulled up and then dropping due to gravity is repeated, so that the processing vessel 1 is effectively stirred. Therefore, when the inside of the processing vessel 1 has a reduced-pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere, discharge is formed and maintained to generate active oxygen, and when the generated active oxygen is allowed to act on the ion exchange resin to be oxidized, it directly contacts the active oxygen. Since the surface area of the ion exchange resin to be greatly increased, the oxidation reaction proceeds rapidly, and ashing and volume reduction can be performed in a short time.
In the present embodiment, the inner surface of the processing container 1 has irregularities with respect to the rotation direction by providing a plurality of stirring fins 12 extending in parallel with the rotation axis direction. The same effect can be obtained even if the inner surface is provided with unevenness, and the stirring fin is not limited to the one arranged in parallel to the rotation axis direction, and has an angle with respect to the rotation direction. What is necessary is just to extend | stretch.
[0019]
<Example 3>
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a third embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reducing apparatus of the present invention.
The difference of the configuration of the present embodiment from the configuration of the first embodiment is that shield plates 13A and 13B are provided as conductive shield members having through holes at both ends in the rotation axis direction of the processing container 1. It is in. In the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the plasma generated by the discharge diffuses from the inside of the processing vessel 1 to the inside of the rotary shaft hermetic mechanisms 4A and 4B, and depending on the magnitude of the high-frequency current, the rotary shaft hermetic is sealed. There is a possibility that plasma is generated in this portion by the high frequency electric field generated in the mechanisms 4A and 4B, and the rotary shaft hermetic mechanisms 4A and 4B may be heated. However, as in this embodiment, the conductive shield plates 13A and 13B are provided. Then, since the penetration of the electric field and the plasma flow is suppressed, the required heat resistance performance of the rotary shaft hermetic mechanisms 4A and 4B may be low, and a low cost rotary shaft hermetic mechanism can be used. Further, since the shield plates 13A and 13B are provided with through holes, the gas containing oxygen introduced from the gas introduction port 3a enters the inside of the processing vessel 1 without stagnation, as in the first or second embodiment. The pressure is reduced and maintained by a pressure reducing pump connected to the fixed exhaust pipe.
[0020]
<Example 4>
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus of the present invention.
The feature of the configuration of the present embodiment is that the ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus configured as in Embodiment 3 is further provided with a heating lamp 14 as a radiant heating means for heating the ion exchange resin 20 incorporated in the processing container 1. It is in the point prepared. If the ion exchange resin 20 is heated with the heating lamp 14 as in this configuration, the drying time of the ion exchange resin 20 containing water is shortened, and the reaction of the oxidation reaction of the ion exchange resin 20 with active oxygen increases as the temperature increases. Since the speed increases, the ion exchange resin 20 can be ashed and reduced in a short time. Furthermore, if the amount of oxygen introduced and the high-frequency current are increased and the operation is performed while maintaining the supply amount of active oxygen and ions sufficiently, the temperature of the ion exchange resin 20 is increased by the heating lamp 14 to actively decompose and volatilize, Since it can be oxidatively decomposed in the gas phase, it becomes a safe treatment apparatus with a high treatment speed and less hydrocarbon exhaust gas.
[0021]
<Example 5>
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a fifth embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus of the present invention.
The feature of this configuration is that, first, a spiral groove 40 defined by a spiral projection 41 is formed on the inner surface of a process vessel 1A rotatably incorporated, and secondly, the process vessel 1A An ion exchange resin comprising a rotary shaft support mechanism 6C attached to one end via a rotary shaft hermetic mechanism 4C, and having an inlet 21, a cutout valve 22, a supply chamber 23, a supply valve 24, and a transport mechanism chamber 25. And thirdly, the cooling chamber 31, the gate valve 32, the recovery preparation chamber 33, and the recovery valve 34 are connected to the other end of the processing vessel 1A via the rotary shaft hermetic mechanism 4D. The generation residue discharging means including the recovery chamber 35 is connected.
[0022]
In this configuration, the ion exchange resin is conveyed and charged into the charging port 21 by a belt conveyor or a hopper. A cut-out valve 22 for keeping the supply chamber 23 airtight by blocking the supply chamber 23 from the atmosphere is provided below the input port 21, and the charged ion exchange resin is supported and closed by the cut-out valve 22. Is done. The supply chamber 23 is connected to a vacuum exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the vacuum exhaust apparatus and an atmospheric pressure return pipe (not shown) connected to the gas supply means via a shut-off valve. In addition, at the lower part of the supply chamber 23, there is provided a closing valve 24 for keeping the transfer mechanism chamber 25 from the atmosphere and keeping it airtight, and sent to the supply chamber 23 through the cut-off valve 22. The ion exchange resin is supported and closed by the charging valve 24. A gas supply pipe (not shown) is connected to the transfer mechanism chamber 25 and is connected to the gas supply means via a shut-off valve. Further, the transfer mechanism chamber 25 is provided with transfer means 25a for transferring the ion exchange resin from the transfer mechanism chamber 25 to a predetermined position of the processing container 1A.
[0023]
The rotary shaft support mechanism 6C to which the transfer mechanism chamber 25 is connected is provided with an exhaust port 6a, and the processing gas in the processing container 1A can be exhausted uniformly by a vacuum exhaust means (not shown). The processing container 1A is attached to the rotary shaft support mechanism 6C via the connection piece 8C and the magnetic fluid type rotary shaft airtight mechanism 4C, and is rotated by using the rotary motion transmission mechanism 5A. Although shown in a simplified manner in this figure, the configurations of the rotary shaft hermetic mechanism 4C and the rotary motion transmission mechanism 5A are basically the same as the configurations of FIG.
[0024]
A spiral groove 40 is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical processing container 1A. The ion exchange resin transferred from the transfer mechanism chamber 25 to the inside of the processing container 1A by the transfer means 25a moves along the spiral groove 40 defined by the spiral protrusion 41 with the rotation of the processing container 1A. That is, in the case of the right-handed spiral groove 40 as shown in the drawing, the introduced ion exchange resin is transferred to the transport mechanism chamber 25 by rotating the processing container 1A in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the transport mechanism chamber 25 side. It can be transferred from the side to the cooling chamber 31 side.
[0025]
The cooling chamber 31 is connected to the processing container 1A via the rotary shaft hermetic mechanism 4D and the connection piece 8D, and holds the processing container 1A rotatably. The cooling chamber 31 is provided with a gas inlet 31a for introducing a processing gas. The gas inlet 31a is connected to a gas supply means (not shown) through a shutoff valve. The processing gas introduced from the gas introduction port 31a enters the processing container 1A from the cooling chamber 31 and flows through the processing container 1A, and then is taken out from the exhaust port 6a provided in the rotary shaft support mechanism 6C and is evacuated. Is exhausted.
[0026]
In the lower part of the cooling chamber 31, airtightness between the cooling chamber 31 and the adjacent recovery preparation chamber 33 is maintained, and the residue of the ion exchange resin subjected to volume reduction treatment in the processing container 1 </ b> A is stored in the cooling chamber 31. A gate valve 32 that can be opened and closed is provided. The recovery preparation chamber 33 is connected to a vacuum exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the vacuum exhaust apparatus and an atmospheric pressure return pipe (not shown) connected to the gas supply means via a shut-off valve. Under the recovery preparation chamber 33, an openable and closable recovery valve 34 for maintaining the airtightness between the recovery preparation chamber 33 and the recovery chamber 35 and storing the residue of the ion exchange resin that has dropped into the recovery preparation chamber 33. Is provided. A container 36 is arranged in the recovery chamber 35 and the remainder of the ion exchange resin dropped from the recovery preparation chamber 33 is stored. When the storage amount of the container 36 reaches a predetermined value, the container 36 is sealed by a sealing means (not shown). The recovery chamber 35 is connected to a vacuum exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the vacuum exhaust apparatus and an atmospheric gas replacement pipe (not shown) connected to the gas supply means via a shut-off valve. Further, an extraction valve 37 is attached to the recovery chamber 35. By opening and closing the extraction valve 37, the remainder of the ion exchange resin is taken out with the container 36 sealed.
[0027]
The operation of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment device of this configuration is performed as follows.
First, the container 36 is placed in the recovery chamber 35 with the lid open, the cut-off valve 22, the input valve 24, the gate valve 32, the recovery valve 34, and the shutoff valve of the pipe connected to each chamber are closed, and then the exhaust port The inside of the processing container 1A is evacuated to vacuum through 6a. Next, a processing gas containing oxygen is introduced from the gas inlet 31a, and the pressure in the processing container 1A is set to a predetermined processing pressure. At the same time, in order to prevent mixing of oxygen, active oxygen, ions and the like into the transport mechanism chamber 25, an inert gas is introduced into the transport mechanism chamber 25 through an attached gas supply pipe, and the pressure in the processing container 1A is increased. It adjusts so that the pressure of the conveyance mechanism chamber 25 may become high. Next, a high frequency current is passed through the high frequency induction coil 10 by the high frequency generator 11 to form and maintain a discharge in the processing vessel 1A, thereby generating active oxygen and ions.
[0028]
Next, the cut-off valve 22 is opened to drop a predetermined amount of ion exchange resin from the inlet 21 to the supply chamber 23, and then the cut-off valve 22 is closed. Next, the supply chamber 23 is evacuated to vacuum using an attached piping system, and then an inert gas is introduced to adjust the pressure in the supply chamber 23 to be equal to the pressure in the transport mechanism chamber 25. Next, the closing valve 24 is opened to load the ion exchange resin into the transport mechanism chamber 25, and then the closing valve 24 is closed. At this time, the supply chamber 23 is once evacuated and then introduced with an inert gas to atmospheric pressure, and the cut-off valve 22 is opened to supply a predetermined amount of ion exchange resin from the inlet 21 to the supply chamber 23. Drop it for the next stage of processing.
[0029]
Next, after the processing container 1A is shifted to the rotation state, the ion exchange resin in the transport mechanism chamber 25 is transferred to the spiral groove 40 in the processing container 1A by the transfer means 25a. The ion exchange resin is stirred up and down by the rotation of the processing container 1A, and the surface area in contact with the active oxygen and ions formed by the discharge is increased, so that the volume reduction treatment is efficiently performed. Further, the residue generated by the ion exchange resin and its volume reduction process is automatically transferred in the direction of the cooling chamber 31 in the spiral groove 40 as the processing container 1A rotates.
[0030]
The remainder of the ion exchange resin subjected to the volume reduction treatment is automatically transferred by rotation, and then falls from the treatment container 1 </ b> A into the cooling chamber 31. When the remaining amount reaches a predetermined amount, the gate valve 32 is opened and dropped into the recovery preparation chamber 33 that has been adjusted in advance to a pressure equal to that of the cooling chamber 31 by evacuation and introduction of inert gas. When a predetermined amount of ion-exchange resin residue accumulates in the recovery preparation chamber 33, the gate valve 32 is closed and the piping system shut-off valve is opened to return to atmospheric pressure. Next, the recovery valve 34 is opened, and the residue of the ion exchange resin accumulated in the recovery preparation chamber 33 is dropped into the container 36 of the recovery chamber 35. When the remaining amount of ion exchange resin accumulated in the container 36 by repeating these operations reaches a predetermined amount, the extraction valve 37 is opened to take out the container 36 to the outside, and a new empty container 36 is attached to the next stage. Deal with volume reduction.
[0031]
Thus, in the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment device of this configuration, the surface area in contact with the active oxygen and ions is increased by stirring the introduced ion exchange resin, so that the volume reduction treatment can be efficiently performed. Since the ion exchange resin introduced into the processing container 1A is automatically transferred, continuous volume reduction processing becomes possible.
<Example 6>
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a sixth embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
[0032]
The difference of the configuration of the present embodiment from the fifth embodiment is that the same material as that of the processing container 1A extending in parallel with the rotation axis of the processing container 1A in the spiral groove provided on the inner surface of the processing container 1A. A plurality of stirring fins 12A are provided. The ion exchange resin transferred from the transfer mechanism chamber 25 to the spiral groove in the processing container 1A by the transfer means 25a is dropped to a high position by the stirring fin 12A as the processing container 1A rotates. Therefore, the agitation is more effectively performed, and the surface area exposed to active oxygen and ions is increased, and the volume reduction treatment is further promoted.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of stirring fins 12A extending in parallel with the rotation axis direction are provided. However, as already described in the second embodiment, the thickness of the processing vessel 1A is changed to the inner surface. The same effect can be obtained even if the projections and depressions are provided, and the stirring fins may be extended as long as they have an angle with respect to the rotation direction.
[0034]
<Example 7>
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the basic configuration of the seventh embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reducing apparatus of the present invention.
The difference of the configuration of the present embodiment from the fifth embodiment is that an aluminum shield plate 13C is provided as a conductive shield member having a through hole at the end of the processing vessel 1A on the rotating shaft support mechanism 6C side. It is in the point. Therefore, as in the case of the third embodiment, the high-frequency electric field and the plasma flow are prevented from entering the rotary shaft hermetic mechanism 4C, and the amount of heating is reduced, so that a highly reliable device can be obtained. For this reason, the required heat resistance of the rotary shaft hermetic mechanism 4C may be low, and a low-cost rotary shaft hermetic mechanism can be used.
[0035]
In this configuration, the aluminum shield plate 13C having a large number of small holes is used, but the same effect can be obtained by using a mesh combined with fine wires or a hunting plate.
< Reference example > FIG. 8 shows the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention. Reference example It is sectional drawing which shows typically the basic composition of this.
[0036]
Book Reference example The difference from the fifth embodiment of the configuration is that a heating lamp 14A for heating the ion exchange resin introduced into the processing vessel 1B is arranged in front of the high frequency induction coil 10 on the outer periphery of the processing vessel 1B. There is in point. Since the reaction rate of the oxidation reaction with active oxygen increases as the temperature increases, the introduced ion exchange resin is preheated and dried, and the ashing and volume reduction treatment are performed at a higher temperature as in this configuration. Then, a device with a high processing speed can be obtained. Furthermore, if the ion exchange resin is actively decomposed and volatilized by raising the temperature, the amount of oxygen gas and high-frequency current is increased to maintain a sufficient supply amount of active oxygen and ions, thereby allowing the ion exchange resin to be sufficiently maintained. Can be oxidatively decomposed in the gas phase, and a safe processing apparatus with a high processing speed and a small amount of hydrocarbon exhaust gas can be obtained.
[0037]
As mentioned above, according to the present invention,
(1) Since the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus is configured as described in claim 1, the ion exchange resin built in by the rotation of the treatment container is agitated, and effectively with the active oxygen generated by the discharge. Since it comes in contact, a volume reduction treatment apparatus for ion exchange resin capable of volume reduction treatment at a high treatment speed can be obtained. (2) Since it is further configured as in claim 1, the ion exchange resin incorporated in the processing vessel is in contact with active oxygen from one end to the other end in direct contact with ash and volume reduction treatment, so that the processing speed Can be obtained.
(3) If comprised as described in Claim 2, the ion exchange resin built in the processing container will be stirred more effectively, and it is suitable as an apparatus with a high processing speed.
(4) According to the third aspect of the present invention, the invasion of the plasma flow generated by the discharge and the heating of the rotary shaft hermetic mechanism by the plasma caused by the penetration of the high frequency magnetic field are suppressed, and the cost-effective rotary shaft hermetic mechanism is reduced. As a result, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced and a highly reliable apparatus can be obtained.
(5) If constituted as in claim 4, the drying time of the ion-exchange resin containing water is shortened and the processing speed is further increased, so that it is suitable as an apparatus having a high processing speed.
(6) Since the ashing and volume reduction treatment of the ion exchange resin can be continuously performed if configured as described in claim 5, it is suitable as a device having a high treatment speed.
(7) According to the sixth aspect, the ion exchange resin is automatically conveyed in the direction of the rotation axis along the spiral groove along with the rotation of the processing container. It is particularly effective for continuously performing the volume reduction treatment.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a first embodiment of an ion exchange resin volume reducing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a second embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a third embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reducing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reducing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a fifth embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a sixth embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a seventh embodiment of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of a reference example of the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of an ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus using μ waves.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a basic configuration of an ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus using a high frequency induction coil.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Processing container
1A, 1B processing container
2 Fixed exhaust piping
3 Fixed gas introduction block
3a Gas inlet
4A, 4B Rotary shaft airtight mechanism
4C, 4D rotary shaft airtight mechanism
5,5A Rotational motion transmission mechanism
6A, 6B, 6C Rotating shaft support mechanism
7 Pressure reducing pump
8A, 8B connection piece
8C, 8D connection piece
9 Coil support mechanism
10 High frequency induction coil
11 High frequency generator
12,12A Stirring fin
13A, 13B, 13C Shield plate
14,14A Heating lamp
20 Ion exchange resin
21 slot
23 Supply room
25 Transport mechanism room
25a Transfer means
31 Cooling room
31a Gas inlet
33 Collection preparation room
35 Collection room
36 containers

Claims

A cylindrical processing container containing an ion exchange resin for processing, a gas introducing means for introducing oxygen or oxygen-containing gas into the processing container, a decompressing means for maintaining the processing container in a reduced pressure state, and an outer side of the processing container. The generated high-frequency induction coil has a reduced-pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere inside the processing vessel by the gas introduction means and the decompression means, and a discharge is generated in the entire processing vessel by the action of the high-frequency magnetic field generated by the high-frequency induction coil. In an ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment device that causes oxygen to act on the ion exchange resin built in the processing vessel to ash and reduce the volume,
The processing container is incorporated so as to be rotatable by a rotary shaft support mechanism and a rotary motion transmission mechanism, and is incorporated so that a reduced pressure state can be maintained by the rotary shaft airtight mechanism .
The gas introduction means is arranged at one side end in the rotation axis direction of the processing container, and the decompression means is arranged at the other side end in the rotation axis direction of the processing breath. Exchange resin volume reduction equipment.

The ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing container includes an inner surface having irregularities with respect to a rotation direction.

The ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a shield member having a through hole is provided at an end of the processing container in the rotation axis direction.

The ion exchange resin volume reduction processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a radiant heating unit that heats an ion exchange resin built in the processing container outside the processing container.

A supply means for supplying the ion exchange resin to the processing container is arranged at one side end in the rotation axis direction of the processing container, and a discharging means for discharging the residue generated by the volume reduction processing in the processing container is a rotation of the processing container. 5. The ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the ion exchange resin volume reduction treatment device is disposed on the other side end in the axial direction.

6. The ion exchange resin volume reducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processing container includes a spiral groove formed in a spiral shape with a rotation axis as a central axis on an inner surface.