JP4092430B2

JP4092430B2 - Medical waste treatment equipment and fuel for blast furnace or thermal power generation

Info

Publication number: JP4092430B2
Application number: JP2002300181A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 和夫小島; 浩太郎峯; 清裕古野; 貴智加納
Original assignee: 夏原工業株式会社
Priority date: 2002-10-15
Filing date: 2002-10-15
Publication date: 2008-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-15
Also published as: JP2004129993A; TWI233476B; TW200526902A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は使用済み注射針や、点滴パックのような医療廃棄物の処理装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
医療廃棄物は滅菌して廃棄される。滅菌方法としては、蒸気にあてる、オートクレーブで処理する、ホルマリンガスやエチレンオキサイドガス等のガスで処理することが従来より行なわれている。しかし単に生蒸気にあてただけでは完全な滅菌がなされないおそれがあり、又、蒸気にあてることにより医療廃棄物の一部が分解したり揮発したりして悪臭や有毒成分が発生することがおおく、この悪臭や有毒成分が問題となる。オートクレーブは高圧容器を使用するので、装置が大掛かりでかつ装置の安全管理が大変である。ガス処理は、そのガスが人体にも有毒なのでガスもれに対する対策に装置のうえでも管理の面でも多くの費用がかかる。又、最近の医療廃棄物は形状が千差万別であり、これらのような滅菌処理がなされた後の処置に困ることもある。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明はこれら問題点に鑑み、コンパクトで、悪臭を殆んど発生せず、滅菌処理後の廃棄物の処理が容易な医療廃棄物処理装置を提供しようとする。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の要旨とするところは、医療廃棄物が投入されて加熱される処理室と、水又は蒸気を加熱して過熱水蒸気を発生させるための燃料燃焼手段を備えた燃焼室と、前記燃焼室を備え、該処理室に過熱水蒸気を送り込む過熱水蒸気供給手段と、前記処理室の少なくとも一部を囲み、前記処理室の外壁との間に前記処理室の少なくとも一部を囲むジャケット空間を形成するジャケットと、前記ジャケットと前記燃焼室との間に介在して、前記燃料燃焼手段により発生した燃焼ガスを前記ジャケット空間に導入する燃焼ガス導入路とを含んで成る医療廃棄物処理装置であることにある。特には、医療廃棄物が投入されて加熱される処理室と、水又は蒸気を加熱して過熱水蒸気を発生させる燃料燃焼手段を設けた燃焼室を有し、該処理室に過熱水蒸気導入パイプを介して過熱水蒸気を送り込む過熱水蒸気供給手段と、前記処理室の少なくとも一部を囲み、前記処理室の外壁との間に前記処理室の少なくとも一部を囲むジャケット空間を形成するジャケットと、前記ジャケットと前記燃焼室との間に介在して、前記燃料燃焼手段により発生した燃焼ガスを前記ジャケット空間に導入する燃焼ガス導入路と、前記燃料燃焼手段において発生した過熱水蒸気を前記ジャケット空間へ導入する過熱水蒸気導入路と、を含んで成る医療廃棄物処理装置であり、前記過熱水蒸気供給手段から前記過熱水蒸気導入パイプ及び前記過熱水蒸気導入路に分岐し、該過熱水蒸気導入パイプが、廃棄物処理前において閉じられた状態から前記燃焼室が加熱されて一定温度になると開かれ、廃棄物処理後において閉じられる過熱水蒸気導入バルブを備え、該過熱水蒸気導入路が、廃棄物処理前において開かれた状態から前記燃焼室が加熱されて前記一定温度になると閉じられ、廃棄物処理後において開かれる過熱水蒸気バルブを備えたことにある。また、前記過熱水蒸気供給手段が蛇管中の水を前記燃料燃焼手段によって加熱するように構成され、該蛇管から前記加熱水蒸気導入パイプ及び前記過熱水蒸気導入路に分岐することにある。
【０００５】
前記医療廃棄物処理装置においては、前記処理室と前記燃焼室との間に介在して、前記処理室で前記医療廃棄物が前記過熱水蒸気により加熱されて発生する排気ガスを前記燃焼室に導入する排気ガス導入路を備え得る。
【０００６】
前記医療廃棄物処理装置においては、前記燃焼ガス導入路に、前記排気ガスに接触させて前記排気ガスの燃焼を助長する触媒が設置され得る。
前記過熱水蒸気供給手段は、
前記燃焼室内に設置されて前記燃焼ガスにより加熱される蛇管と、
該管内に水を供給する水供給手段と
を含んで構成され得る。
【０００７】
前記医療廃棄物処理装置においては、前記医療廃棄物の加熱終了後に前記処理室の外壁を冷却する空気を前記ジャケット空間に導入するジャケット空気導入手段が設けられ得る。
【０００８】
前記医療廃棄物処理装置においては、前記医療廃棄物の加熱終了後に、前記処理室内に空気を導入する処理室空気導入手段が設けられ得る。
【０００９】
前記医療廃棄物処理装置は、前記処理室内の前記医療廃棄物を攪拌する攪拌手段と、
前記処理室内で加熱・攪拌された医療廃棄物を、該処理室の底部から排出する排出手段と、
前記処理室から排出された、該処理室内で加熱・攪拌された医療廃棄物が投入される回収コンテナと
を含み得る。
【００１０】
前記医療廃棄物処理装置には、前記医療廃棄物が投入された前記回収コンテナ内に空気を導入する容器空気導入手段が設けられ得る。
【００１１】
前記医療廃棄物処理装置には、前記医療廃棄物の加熱終了後に前記処理室の外壁を冷却する空気を前記ジャケット空間に導入するジャケット空気導入手段が設けられ、前記医療廃棄物の加熱終了後に、前記処理室内に空気を導入する処理室空気導入手段が設けられ、前記医療廃棄物が投入された前記処理室から排出された、該処理室内で加熱・攪拌された医療廃棄物が投入される回収コンテナが設けられ、前記回収コンテナ内に空気を導入する容器空気導入手段が設けられ、前記ジャケット空気導入手段、前記容器空気導入手段及び前記処理室空気導入手段が１の送風機を共有し得る。
【００１２】
又、本発明の要旨とするところは、前記医療廃棄物処理装置により処理された医療廃棄物から成る高炉用又は火力発電用の燃料であることにある。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明に係る態様の一例を図面に基づいて詳しく説明する。図１は本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置の構成の一例を示す構造説明図である。図１において、本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、医療廃棄物２が投入されて加熱処理される処理室４、処理室４に過熱水蒸気を送り込む過熱水蒸気供給手段６を備える。過熱水蒸気供給手段６は、過熱水蒸気を発生させるための燃料燃焼手段８を備えた燃焼室１０を含んで構成されている。更に、医療廃棄物処理装置１には、処理室４を囲み、処理室４の外壁との間に処理室４を囲むジャケット空間１４を形成するジャケット１６が備えられている。
【００１４】
過熱水蒸気供給手段６は、螺旋状に巻かれた蛇管２２を備え、蛇管２２には一端２４から水が供給されている。水は市水に接続された市水バルブ２６を経て軟水機９５を通過して軟水化され、貯留タンク３０を介して給水ポンプ２７から蛇管２２に供給される。市水バルブ２６、軟水機９５、貯留タンク３０、給水ポンプ２７、軟水バルブ２９が蛇管２２に水を供給する水供給手段１７を構成する。蛇管２２中の水は燃料燃焼手段８であるバーナー２８で蛇管２２の管壁を介して加熱され、蒸気となり、更に加熱されて過熱水蒸気となる。蛇管２２の他端３２が処理室４の内部と過熱水蒸気導入パイプ３０を介して導通しており、過熱水蒸気が過熱水蒸気導入パイプ３０の先端で処理室４に設けられた過熱水蒸気噴射口３４から処理室４内に導入される。過熱水蒸気導入パイプ３０は過熱水蒸気バルブ１１１を備えている。
【００１５】
蛇管２２のバーナー２８で加熱される部分は、燃焼室１０に納められている。バーナー２８は燃焼室１０の上壁部４０に設置され、燃料がバーナー２８により燃焼されて、燃焼ガスが燃焼室１０の内部に噴出される。
【００１６】
又、燃焼室１０が、下部で燃焼ガス導入路１８を介して、ジャケット空間１４と導通している。これにより、バーナー２８により発生した燃焼ガスが燃焼ガス導入路１８を通ってジャケット空間１４に導入され、処理室４の外壁を介して処理室４が燃焼ガスの熱により加熱あるいは保温される。
【００１７】
一方、処理室４に導入された過熱水蒸気により加熱された、医療廃棄物２から発生する排気ガスを燃焼室１０に導入する排気ガス導入路１２が、燃焼室１０と処理室４との間に介在している。排気ガスは、排気ガス導入路１２の出口部に設けられた排気ガス用エジェクタ４６により補助されて燃焼室１０に送り込まれ、バーナー２８により燃料とともに燃焼する。この燃焼により、排気ガスの臭気が大幅に減少する。
【００１８】
一方、燃焼室１０には、バーナー２８の燃焼ガスの出口の近傍に、外部の空気を燃焼室１０の中に導入する外部空気導入口１１が設けられ、空気導入エジェクタ４７により、外部の空気が燃焼室１０の中に導入され、燃焼室１０内の燃焼ガス及び処理室４から送られた排気ガスの燃焼が助長される。
【００１９】
ジャケット１６には、ジャケット空間１４に過熱水蒸気を導入する過熱水蒸気導入路１２０が接続されている。過熱水蒸気導入路１２０は過熱水蒸気バルブ１１２を備え、蛇管２２の他端３２の近傍で過熱水蒸気導入パイプ３０と分岐している。
【００２０】
又、ジャケット１６には、ジャケット空間１４に導入された気体を外部に排出する排出ダクト２０が備えられている。更に、ジャケット空間１４に導入された燃焼ガスを再び燃焼室１０に導入する不図示の燃焼ガス再導入路が設けられてもよい。
【００２１】
処理室４には内底部に攪拌翼６２を備える攪拌手段６０が設けられ、加熱処理されている医療廃棄物２や、加熱処理された医療廃棄物が攪拌される。攪拌翼６２は攪拌モータ６４で駆動されて、水平方向に回転する。
【００２２】
処理室４の底には開口６６が設けられている。開口６６は下方に延びる排出ダクト６８と導通している。排出ダクト６８の直下に回収コンテナ７０がセットされる。回収コンテナ７０の中には、運搬用容器７７が必要に応じセットされる。
【００２３】
加熱処理されて減容された医療廃棄物が攪拌翼６２の回転に伴って移動し開口６６から排出ダクト６８を経て回収コンテナ７０内もしくは運搬用容器７７内に落下する。排出ダクト６８の上部には、加熱処理された医療廃棄物を排出するタイミングにあわせて排出ダクト６８を開閉する開閉手段６９が設けられている。開閉手段６９は駆動用のシリンダ１１３を備えたシャッター７２から構成される。開口６６、開閉手段６９、排出ダクト６８が加熱処理された医療廃棄物を回収コンテナ７０に排出する排出手段９３を構成している。
【００２４】
更に、ジャケット１６には外部の空気をジャケット空間１４に導入するための導入口７６が設けられている。医療廃棄物の加熱が終了したときに、導入口７６からジャケット空間１４に空気が導入され、処理室４の外壁が冷却され、それにより、処理室４の内部が冷却される。
【００２５】
空気は送風機８０を備えたジャケット空気導入手段８２によりジャケット空間１４に導入される。医療廃棄物の加熱が終了したときに、導入口７６に導通する導入口ダクト７８に設けられたジャケット冷却口ダンパ８４が開けられる。送風機８０から導入口ダクト７８を介して空気がジャケット空間１４に導入される。このとき、燃焼ガス導入路１８に備えられた燃焼室−ジャケット間ダンパ８６が閉じられる。又、排出ダクト２０に備えられた排出ダクトダンパ８８が開となる。
【００２６】
更に、送風機８０を共有する容器空気導入手段８３により、排出ダクト６８の中間部に設けられた外気導通口９２を経由して回収コンテナ７０内に空気が導入される。導入口７６が下方に分岐する分岐路９４、９６に連なり、分岐路９４は出口Ａを介して、外気導通口９２に通ずる外気導通ダクト９８の入口Ａと連通している。外気導通ダクト９８は、空気が導入されるときに開となる外気導通ダンパ１００を備える。
【００２７】
空気が回収コンテナ７０内に導入されるとき、シャッター７２は閉となる。回収コンテナ７０には導入された空気を排出する空気排出口１１２が設けられ、空気排出口１１２に連通する空気排出ダクト１１４を通って回収コンテナ７０に導入された空気が排出される。この排出される空気には回収コンテナ７０内の医療廃棄物から発生する臭気が混入している。空気排出ダクト１１４は、排気ガス導入路１２に連結されていて、臭気が混入した空気が排気ガス導入路１２を経て燃焼室１０に導入される。
【００２８】
又更に、送風機８０を共有する処理室空気導入手段８５により、処理室４の内部に空気が導入される。処理室４には、空気導入口１０２が設けられ、空気導入口１０２に通ずる空気導入ダクト１０４の入口Ｂと、分岐路９６の出口Ｂが連通している。空気導入ダクト１０４は、空気が導入されるときに開となる空気導入ダンパ１０６を備える。
【００２９】
燃焼ガス導入路１８には触媒１１０が設置されている。触媒１１０は、白金を主体とする金属を含んで構成され、排気ガスに接触して排気ガスの燃焼を助長し、排気ガスに含まれる一酸化炭素、炭化水素、その他の有機ガス等が酸化されて、水や炭酸ガス等の無害な気体になる。触媒１１０としては、そのような機能を有するものであれば市販のものを含めて種類は特に限定されない。
【００３０】
回収コンテナ７０は、切離し部７１で着脱自在に上下に切り離しが可能となっており、処理済みの医療廃棄物が投入された後に下部の可搬容器１１８を本体装置から切り離して他部所へ搬送することが出来る。可搬容器１１８は更に前述の運搬用容器７７を内部に備えた２重壁構造となっており、しかるべき場所で運搬用容器７７のみを取り出して内容物である処理済みの医療廃棄物を排出することが出来る。
【００３１】
なお、符号１１６は、医療廃棄物処理装置１の気体の経路の各所に備えられた上述の各ダンパを開閉駆動するシリンダである。
【００３２】
このような構成の本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１においては、医療廃棄物を過熱水蒸気で加熱するので、バーナー等で医療廃棄物を直接加熱する方式のように加熱により医療廃棄物が燃え出すというトラブルがない。且つ、加熱された医療廃棄物から発生する処理ガスを、過熱水蒸気発生用のバーナーに導いて燃焼させて分解させるので、外部に有毒で臭気のあるガスが大量に放出されることがない。
【００３３】
又、この有毒で臭気のあるガス成分は、燃焼ガス導入路１８に設けられた触媒１１０により効率よく燃焼して分解される。
【００３４】
医療廃棄物処理装置１の各部所を構成する各種の管体や容器はステンレスで作られることが耐久性のうえで好ましい。
【００３５】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１の操作手順の一例を説明する。以下の操作は、シーケンサ等により自動的に行なうことが出来る。なお、操作開始前には全てのダンパ、バルブ等の開閉機器は閉状態であり、バーナー、ポンプ、エジェクタ等の作動用機器は全て停止又はｏｆｆ状態である。医療廃棄物を処理室４に投入し、先ずバーナー２８を高燃焼モードで点火し、空気導入エジェクタ４７をｏｎにし、燃焼室−ジャケット間ダンパ８６を開く。過熱水蒸気バルブ１１２を開にしておき過熱水蒸気バルブ１１１は閉にしておく。センサー１２４で検出される燃焼室温度が設定値に達すると軟水を蛇管２２に供給する経路の軟水バルブ２９が開き、給水ポンプ２７が始動する。
【００３６】
センサー１２６で検出される蛇管２２の他端３２の温度が設定値に達すると、過熱水蒸気バルブ１１２が閉に、過熱水蒸気バルブ１１１が開になり、過熱水蒸気が処理室４に導入開始となる。センサー１２８で検出される処理室４内の温度が設定値に達すると、攪拌翼６２が始動する。攪拌翼６２は一定の時間ごとに正転、逆転を繰り返す。設定値は１４０〜１５０℃であることが好ましい。処理の間、ジャケット空間１４の温度が一定に保たれるように、センサー１６０により検出されるジャケット空間１４の温度に基づき、バーナー２８において高燃焼モードと低燃焼モードの切り替えがなされる。
【００３７】
所定の処理時間、例えば１５分が経過すると、シャッター７２開、過熱水蒸気バルブ１１２が開、過熱水蒸気バルブ１１１が閉となる。
【００３８】
所定の時間を経過させた後、送風機８０が始動する。ジャケット冷却口ダンパ８４が開、軟水バルブ２９閉、バーナー２８が低燃焼モード、シャッター７２閉、排出ダクト２０に設けられたダンパ８８開、燃焼室１０から排気口１５０へ通ずる燃焼室ダクト１５２のダンパ１５４開、空気導入ダクト１０４のダンパ１０６開、燃焼室−ジャケット間ダンパ８６閉、給水ポンプ２７停止となる。
【００３９】
シャッター７２閉の後、外気導通ダンパ１００が開、空気排出ダクト１１４に設けられたダンパ１３０が開となる。
【００４０】
バーナー２８が低燃焼モード運転で所定時間継続された後、バーナー２８が消火され、処理室内が既定の温度まで冷却されると一連の処理操作が完了となり、全てのダンパ、バルブ等の開閉機器は閉状態、バーナー、ポンプ、エジェクタ等の作動用機器は全て停止又はｏｆｆ状態に戻る。なお、処理されて回収コンテナ７０内に投下されている医療廃棄物は、この一連の処理操作後に回収される。
【００４１】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、ジャケット空間１４に燃焼ガスを導入するので、処理室４が保温され医療廃棄物の加熱処理の熱効率がよい。
【００４２】
又、本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、過熱水蒸気により医療廃棄物が加熱されて発生する排気ガスが、燃焼室１０に導入されて燃焼するので、排気ガスの燃焼による分解が行なわれ、排気ガス中の臭気成分や有害成分が、臭気成分や有害成分を除去するための付加的な燃焼装置やろ過装置を用いずとも、効率よく除去される。
【００４３】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、処理後の医療廃棄物を収納する回収コンテナ７０が開放前に中の排気ガスがパージされかつ医療廃棄物が冷却されるので、回収コンテナ７０の搬送や医療廃棄物の取り出しの操作時に異臭が発生することが殆んどない。又、このパージと冷却の操作が、ダンパの自動切換えで容易に行なわれる。
【００４４】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、燃焼ガス導入路１８に、排気ガスに接触させて排気ガスの燃焼を助長する触媒が設置されており、排気ガスが燃焼によりほぼ完全に分解される。
【００４５】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、水を加熱して一段で過熱水蒸気にする過熱水蒸気供給手段を備えているので、大掛りな生蒸気発生装置を必要とせずコンパクトな装置とすることができ、市水の蛇口管に直接接続して使用できるので操作が容易である。
【００４６】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、医療廃棄物の加熱終了後に、処理室４の外壁及び内部が及び処理室４内に空気を導入して冷却されるので、処理後の医療廃棄物に臭いが殆んどのこらず、又、この冷却の操作が、ダンパの自動切換えで容易に行なわれる。
【００４７】
ジャケット空気導入手段、前記処理室空気導入手段及び前記容器空気導入手段が１個の送風機を共有する
【００４８】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、処理室４やジャケット空間１４や回収コンテナ７０への空気の導入が１個の送風機で送路を切り替えてなされるので装置をコンパクトにすることが出来る。
【００４９】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置１は、注射器、点滴パック、輸血セット、チューブ、手術用手袋、治療用手袋、試験管、アンプル等のプラスチック、ゴム類、ガラスを含んで成る医療廃棄物の処理に好適に用いることが出来る。
【００５０】
以上本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置の態様を説明したが、本発明はその趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で、当業者の知識に基づき種々の改良、修正、変形を加えた態様で実施し得るものであり、これらの態様はいずれも本発明の範囲に属するものである。
【００５１】
例えば、蛇管２２はつづら折り状に曲げられた管であってもよい。更に、過熱水蒸気供給手段６として、水蒸気を加熱する加熱手段を備えた公知の過熱水蒸気発生装置が用いられてよい。又、開閉手段６９は、開閉バルブを備えるものであってもよく、排出ダクト６８の通過路に開閉扉型の開閉自在の遮蔽板を備えるものであってもよい。開時に排出ダクト６８の通過路での処理後の医療廃棄物の通過をさまたげないものであれば特には様式を問わない。
【００５２】
更に、例えば、回収コンテナ７０は、切離し部７１で切り離しできなくとも、運搬用容器７７を内部に備えた２重壁構造となっていて、運搬用容器７７を取り出す開閉自在な取り出し口を備える構成であってもよい。
【００５３】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置により処理された医療廃棄物は、減容された固形物となっている。この固形物は高分子物質等の可燃の物質を大量に含んでいるので、燃料として利用される可能性を有している。しかし、比較的低温で燃焼させると、ダイオキシン等の有害物質の発生を伴うので実用化が困難であった。鋭意検討の結果、本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置により処理された医療廃棄物を、高炉用の燃料として他の燃料と混合して好適に利用できることがわかった。又、火力発電用の燃料として他の燃料と混合して好適に利用できることがわかった。いずれの場合も、燃焼後外部に排出されるダイオキシンは皆無に近いものであり、他の発生ガスについては、既存の燃焼装置に付随している排気処理手段で他の燃料による発生ガスとともに有効に処理される。
【００５４】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置により処理された医療廃棄物を高炉用の燃料として、あるいは火力発電用の燃料として使用することにより、高炉用燃料や火力発電用燃料の原料コストを削減でき、更に、本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置により処理された医療廃棄物を埋め立てるための場所と費用が不要となる。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置は、加熱効率がよく、操作が容易で、コンパクトである。又、操作時に臭気や有毒成分が分解されて、外部に発散する臭気や有毒成分が殆んどない。更に、滅菌処理後の廃棄物の処理が容易である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の医療廃棄物処理装置の構成を示す構造説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１：医療廃棄物処理装置
２：医療廃棄物
４：処理室
６：過熱水蒸気供給手段
８：燃料燃焼手段
１０：燃焼室
１１：外部空気導入口
１２：排気ガス導入路
１４：ジャケット空間
１６：ジャケット
１７：水供給手段
１８：燃焼ガス導入路
２０：排出ダクト
２２：蛇管
２８：バーナー
３０：過熱水蒸気導入パイプ
６０：攪拌手段
６８：排出ダクト
７０：回収コンテナ
７２：シャッター
８０：送風機
８２：ジャケット空気導入手段
８３：容器空気導入手段
８５：処理室空気導入手段
９３：排出手段
１１０：触媒[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medical waste treatment apparatus such as a used injection needle or an infusion pack.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Medical waste is sterilized and discarded. As a sterilization method, treatment with a gas such as formalin gas or ethylene oxide gas, which is applied to steam, processed in an autoclave, has been conventionally performed. However, there is a risk that complete sterilization will not be achieved by simply applying it to live steam, and if it is applied to steam, a part of medical waste may be decomposed or volatilized to generate odors or toxic components. Aside, this bad odor and toxic components are a problem. Since the autoclave uses a high-pressure vessel, the apparatus is large and the safety management of the apparatus is difficult. In gas treatment, since the gas is toxic to the human body, it takes a lot of money both in terms of equipment and management to take measures against gas leakage. In addition, recent medical waste has various shapes, and there are cases where treatment after sterilization such as these is difficult.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of these problems, the present invention seeks to provide a medical waste treatment apparatus that is compact, hardly generates odors, and can easily handle waste after sterilization.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gist of the present invention is that a treatment chamber into which medical waste is charged and heated, a combustion chamber having fuel combustion means for heating water or steam to generate superheated steam, and the combustion chamber A jacket space surrounding at least part of the processing chamber is formed between the superheated steam supply means for sending superheated steam to the processing chamber and at least part of the processing chamber. A medical waste treatment apparatus comprising: a jacket; and a combustion gas introduction path which is interposed between the jacket and the combustion chamber and introduces the combustion gas generated by the fuel combustion means into the jacket space. It is in. In particular, it has a treatment chamber in which medical waste is charged and heated, and a combustion chamber provided with fuel combustion means for heating water or steam to generate superheated steam, and a superheated steam introduction pipe is provided in the treatment chamber. A jacket that forms a jacket space that surrounds at least a part of the processing chamber between at least a part of the processing chamber and an outer wall of the processing chamber; And a combustion gas introduction path for introducing combustion gas generated by the fuel combustion means into the jacket space, and superheated steam generated in the fuel combustion means is introduced into the jacket space. A superheated steam introduction passage, and the superheated steam introduction pipe and the superheated steam introduction pipe from the superheated steam supply means. Branches to, superheated steam inlet pipe is, the combustion chamber from the closed state before waste is opened and is heated to constant temperature, comprising a superheated steam inlet valve which is closed after waste treatment, the The superheated steam introduction path is provided with a superheated steam valve which is closed when the combustion chamber is heated to the constant temperature from the state opened before the waste treatment and opened after the waste treatment . Further, the superheated steam supply means is configured to heat water in the serpentine tube by the fuel combustion means, and is branched from the serpentine pipe to the heated steam introduction pipe and the superheated steam introduction path.
[0005]
In the medical waste treatment apparatus, exhaust gas generated by heating the medical waste by the superheated steam in the treatment chamber is introduced into the combustion chamber, interposed between the treatment chamber and the combustion chamber. An exhaust gas introduction path may be provided.
[0006]
In the medical waste treatment apparatus, a catalyst for promoting combustion of the exhaust gas by being brought into contact with the exhaust gas may be installed in the combustion gas introduction path.
The superheated steam supply means includes
A serpentine tube installed in the combustion chamber and heated by the combustion gas;
And water supply means for supplying water into the pipe.
[0007]
The medical waste treatment apparatus may be provided with jacket air introduction means for introducing air into the jacket space for cooling the outer wall of the treatment chamber after the heating of the medical waste.
[0008]
The medical waste treatment apparatus may be provided with a treatment chamber air introduction means for introducing air into the treatment chamber after the heating of the medical waste.
[0009]
The medical waste treatment apparatus comprises a stirring means for stirring the medical waste in the processing chamber;
Discharging means for discharging the medical waste heated and stirred in the processing chamber from the bottom of the processing chamber;
And a collection container into which medical waste heated and stirred in the processing chamber is discharged.
[0010]
The medical waste treatment apparatus may be provided with container air introduction means for introducing air into the collection container into which the medical waste is charged.
[0011]
The medical waste treatment apparatus is provided with jacket air introduction means for introducing air into the jacket space to cool the outer wall of the treatment chamber after the heating of the medical waste, and after the heating of the medical waste, A processing chamber air introduction means for introducing air into the processing chamber is provided, and the recovery of the medical waste heated and stirred in the processing chamber discharged from the processing chamber into which the medical waste has been input is input. A container is provided, container air introduction means for introducing air into the recovery container is provided, and the jacket air introduction means, the container air introduction means, and the processing chamber air introduction means may share one blower.
[0012]
Further, the gist of the present invention is that the fuel is for blast furnace or thermal power generation made of medical waste processed by the medical waste processing apparatus.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An example of an aspect according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a structural explanatory view showing an example of the configuration of the medical waste treatment apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a medical waste treatment apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a treatment chamber 4 into which a medical waste 2 is charged and heat-treated, and superheated steam supply means 6 for feeding superheated steam to the treatment chamber 4. The superheated steam supply means 6 includes a combustion chamber 10 provided with a fuel combustion means 8 for generating superheated steam. Furthermore, the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 includes a jacket 16 that surrounds the treatment chamber 4 and forms a jacket space 14 that surrounds the treatment chamber 4 with the outer wall of the treatment chamber 4.
[0014]
The superheated steam supply means 6 includes a spirally wound serpentine tube 22, and water is supplied to the serpentine tube 22 from one end 24. The water passes through the water softening machine 95 via the city water valve 26 connected to the city water, is softened, and is supplied from the water supply pump 27 to the serpentine tube 22 through the storage tank 30. The city water valve 26, the water softener 95, the storage tank 30, the water supply pump 27, and the soft water valve 29 constitute water supply means 17 that supplies water to the serpentine tube 22. The water in the snake tube 22 is heated by the burner 28 as the fuel combustion means 8 through the tube wall of the snake tube 22 to become steam, and further heated to become superheated steam. The other end 32 of the snake tube 22 is electrically connected to the inside of the processing chamber 4 via the superheated steam introduction pipe 30, and superheated steam is supplied from a superheated steam injection port 34 provided in the processing chamber 4 at the tip of the superheated steam introduction pipe 30. It is introduced into the processing chamber 4. The superheated steam introduction pipe 30 is provided with a superheated steam valve 111.
[0015]
The portion of the snake tube 22 heated by the burner 28 is stored in the combustion chamber 10. The burner 28 is installed on the upper wall portion 40 of the combustion chamber 10, the fuel is burned by the burner 28, and the combustion gas is jetted into the combustion chamber 10.
[0016]
The combustion chamber 10 is electrically connected to the jacket space 14 via the combustion gas introduction path 18 at the lower part. Thereby, the combustion gas generated by the burner 28 is introduced into the jacket space 14 through the combustion gas introduction path 18, and the processing chamber 4 is heated or kept warm by the heat of the combustion gas through the outer wall of the processing chamber 4.
[0017]
On the other hand, an exhaust gas introduction path 12 for introducing the exhaust gas generated from the medical waste 2 heated by the superheated steam introduced into the processing chamber 4 into the combustion chamber 10 is provided between the combustion chamber 10 and the processing chamber 4. Intervene. The exhaust gas is assisted by an exhaust gas ejector 46 provided at the outlet of the exhaust gas introduction path 12 and sent into the combustion chamber 10, and combusted with fuel by the burner 28. Due to this combustion, the odor of the exhaust gas is greatly reduced.
[0018]
On the other hand, the combustion chamber 10 is provided with an external air introduction port 11 for introducing external air into the combustion chamber 10 in the vicinity of the combustion gas outlet of the burner 28, and external air is introduced by the air introduction ejector 47. Combustion of the combustion gas in the combustion chamber 10 and the exhaust gas sent from the processing chamber 4 is promoted.
[0019]
Connected to the jacket 16 is a superheated steam introduction path 120 for introducing superheated steam into the jacket space 14. The superheated steam introduction path 120 includes a superheated steam valve 112 and branches from the superheated steam introduction pipe 30 in the vicinity of the other end 32 of the serpentine tube 22.
[0020]
The jacket 16 is provided with a discharge duct 20 that discharges the gas introduced into the jacket space 14 to the outside. Furthermore, a combustion gas reintroduction path (not shown) for introducing the combustion gas introduced into the jacket space 14 into the combustion chamber 10 again may be provided.
[0021]
The treatment chamber 4 is provided with a stirring means 60 having a stirring blade 62 at the inner bottom thereof, and the heat-treated medical waste 2 and the heat-treated medical waste are stirred. The stirring blade 62 is driven by a stirring motor 64 and rotates in the horizontal direction.
[0022]
An opening 66 is provided at the bottom of the processing chamber 4. The opening 66 is in communication with a discharge duct 68 extending downward. A collection container 70 is set immediately below the discharge duct 68. A transport container 77 is set in the collection container 70 as necessary.
[0023]
The medical waste reduced in volume by heat treatment moves with the rotation of the stirring blade 62 and falls from the opening 66 through the discharge duct 68 into the collection container 70 or the transport container 77. On the upper part of the discharge duct 68, an opening / closing means 69 for opening and closing the discharge duct 68 in accordance with the timing of discharging the heat-treated medical waste is provided. The opening / closing means 69 includes a shutter 72 having a driving cylinder 113. The opening 66, the opening / closing means 69, and the discharge duct 68 constitute a discharge means 93 that discharges the heated medical waste to the collection container 70.
[0024]
Further, the jacket 16 is provided with an introduction port 76 for introducing external air into the jacket space 14. When the heating of the medical waste is finished, air is introduced into the jacket space 14 from the introduction port 76, the outer wall of the processing chamber 4 is cooled, and thereby the inside of the processing chamber 4 is cooled.
[0025]
Air is introduced into the jacket space 14 by a jacket air introduction means 82 having a blower 80. When the heating of the medical waste is completed, the jacket cooling port damper 84 provided in the introduction port duct 78 that conducts to the introduction port 76 is opened. Air is introduced into the jacket space 14 from the blower 80 through the inlet duct 78. At this time, the combustion chamber-jacket damper 86 provided in the combustion gas introduction path 18 is closed. Further, the discharge duct damper 88 provided in the discharge duct 20 is opened.
[0026]
Further, air is introduced into the collection container 70 via the outside air conduction port 92 provided in the intermediate portion of the discharge duct 68 by the container air introduction means 83 sharing the blower 80. The inlet 76 is connected to branch paths 94 and 96 that branch downward, and the branch path 94 communicates with the inlet A of the outside air conduction duct 98 that leads to the outside air conduction port 92 via the outlet A. The outside air conduction duct 98 includes an outside air conduction damper 100 that is opened when air is introduced.
[0027]
When air is introduced into the collection container 70, the shutter 72 is closed. The collection container 70 is provided with an air discharge port 112 for discharging the introduced air, and the air introduced into the collection container 70 is discharged through the air discharge duct 114 communicating with the air discharge port 112. The discharged air is mixed with odor generated from the medical waste in the collection container 70. The air discharge duct 114 is connected to the exhaust gas introduction path 12, and air mixed with odor is introduced into the combustion chamber 10 through the exhaust gas introduction path 12.
[0028]
Still further, air is introduced into the processing chamber 4 by the processing chamber air introduction means 85 sharing the blower 80. In the processing chamber 4, an air introduction port 102 is provided, and an inlet B of the air introduction duct 104 communicating with the air introduction port 102 and an outlet B of the branch path 96 communicate with each other. The air introduction duct 104 includes an air introduction damper 106 that is opened when air is introduced.
[0029]
A catalyst 110 is installed in the combustion gas introduction path 18. The catalyst 110 includes a metal mainly composed of platinum. The catalyst 110 is in contact with the exhaust gas to promote combustion of the exhaust gas, and carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and other organic gases contained in the exhaust gas are oxidized. It becomes a harmless gas such as water and carbon dioxide. The type of the catalyst 110 is not particularly limited as long as it has such a function, including a commercially available one.
[0030]
The collection container 70 can be detached up and down in a detachable manner by the separation part 71. After the treated medical waste is introduced, the lower portable container 118 is separated from the main body device and transported to other parts. I can do it. The portable container 118 further has a double wall structure with the above-described transport container 77 inside, and only the transport container 77 is taken out at an appropriate place to discharge the treated medical waste as the contents. I can do it.
[0031]
Reference numeral 116 denotes a cylinder that opens and closes the above-described dampers provided at various points in the gas path of the medical waste treatment apparatus 1.
[0032]
In the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention having such a configuration, since the medical waste is heated with superheated steam, the medical waste starts to burn out by heating as in the method of directly heating the medical waste with a burner or the like. There is no trouble. In addition, since the processing gas generated from the heated medical waste is guided to the burner for generating superheated steam and burned for decomposition, a large amount of toxic and odorous gas is not released to the outside.
[0033]
Further, this toxic and odorous gas component is efficiently burned and decomposed by the catalyst 110 provided in the combustion gas introduction passage 18.
[0034]
It is preferable in terms of durability that various pipes and containers constituting each part of the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 are made of stainless steel.
[0035]
An example of the operation procedure of the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. The following operations can be automatically performed by a sequencer or the like. Prior to the start of operation, all the open / close devices such as dampers and valves are closed, and all the operation devices such as burners, pumps and ejectors are stopped or off. The medical waste is put into the processing chamber 4, the burner 28 is first ignited in the high combustion mode, the air introduction ejector 47 is turned on, and the combustion chamber-jacket damper 86 is opened. The superheated steam valve 112 is opened and the superheated steam valve 111 is closed. When the combustion chamber temperature detected by the sensor 124 reaches a set value, the soft water valve 29 in the path for supplying soft water to the serpentine tube 22 is opened, and the water supply pump 27 is started.
[0036]
When the temperature of the other end 32 of the serpentine tube 22 detected by the sensor 126 reaches a set value, the superheated steam valve 112 is closed, the superheated steam valve 111 is opened, and the introduction of superheated steam into the processing chamber 4 is started. When the temperature in the processing chamber 4 detected by the sensor 128 reaches a set value, the stirring blade 62 is started. The stirring blade 62 repeats normal rotation and reverse rotation at regular time intervals. The set value is preferably 140 to 150 ° C. During the processing, the burner 28 switches between the high combustion mode and the low combustion mode based on the temperature of the jacket space 14 detected by the sensor 160 so that the temperature of the jacket space 14 is kept constant.
[0037]
When a predetermined processing time, for example, 15 minutes elapses, the shutter 72 is opened, the superheated steam valve 112 is opened, and the superheated steam valve 111 is closed.
[0038]
After a predetermined time has elapsed, the blower 80 is started. The jacket cooling port damper 84 is opened, the soft water valve 29 is closed, the burner 28 is in the low combustion mode, the shutter 72 is closed, the damper 88 provided in the exhaust duct 20 is opened, and the damper of the combustion chamber duct 152 leading from the combustion chamber 10 to the exhaust port 150 154 is opened, the damper 106 of the air introduction duct 104 is opened, the combustion chamber-jacket damper 86 is closed, and the feed water pump 27 is stopped.
[0039]
After the shutter 72 is closed, the outside air conduction damper 100 is opened, and the damper 130 provided in the air discharge duct 114 is opened.
[0040]
After the burner 28 has been operated in the low combustion mode for a predetermined time, the burner 28 is extinguished, and the processing chamber is cooled to a predetermined temperature. Thus, a series of processing operations are completed, and all the open / close devices such as dampers and valves are All the operating devices such as closed state, burner, pump, ejector, etc. are stopped or returned to the off state. The medical waste that has been processed and dropped in the collection container 70 is collected after this series of processing operations.
[0041]
Since the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention introduces combustion gas into the jacket space 14, the treatment chamber 4 is kept warm and the thermal efficiency of the heat treatment of the medical waste is good.
[0042]
Further, in the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention, the exhaust gas generated by heating the medical waste with superheated steam is introduced into the combustion chamber 10 and combusted, so that the exhaust gas is decomposed by combustion, Odor components and harmful components in the exhaust gas can be efficiently removed without using an additional combustion device or filtration device for removing the odor components or harmful components.
[0043]
The medical waste treatment apparatus 1 according to the present invention is configured so that the exhaust gas therein is purged and the medical waste is cooled before the collection container 70 for storing the treated medical waste is opened. There is almost no off-flavor during the operation of taking out medical waste. The purging and cooling operations are easily performed by automatic switching of the damper.
[0044]
In the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention, a catalyst that promotes combustion of exhaust gas by contacting the exhaust gas is installed in the combustion gas introduction path 18, and the exhaust gas is almost completely decomposed by combustion.
[0045]
Since the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention is provided with superheated steam supply means that heats water to form superheated steam in one stage, it is possible to make a compact apparatus without requiring a large live steam generator. It is easy to operate because it can be directly connected to a city water faucet tube.
[0046]
In the medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention, after the heating of the medical waste, the outer wall and the inside of the treatment chamber 4 and the treatment chamber 4 are cooled by introducing air into the treatment waste. There is almost no odor, and this cooling operation is easily performed by automatic switching of the damper.
[0047]
The jacket air introducing means, the processing chamber air introducing means and the container air introducing means share one blower.
The medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention can be made compact because the introduction of air into the treatment chamber 4, the jacket space 14, and the collection container 70 is performed by switching the feeding path with one blower.
[0049]
The medical waste treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention is a treatment of medical waste comprising plastic, rubber, glass such as a syringe, an infusion pack, a blood transfusion set, a tube, a surgical glove, a therapeutic glove, a test tube, and an ampoule. Can be suitably used.
[0050]
Although the aspect of the medical waste treatment apparatus of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be implemented in various modifications, modifications, and modifications based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. These aspects are all within the scope of the present invention.
[0051]
For example, the serpentine tube 22 may be a tube bent in a zigzag manner. Further, as the superheated steam supply means 6, a known superheated steam generator provided with a heating means for heating the steam may be used. The opening / closing means 69 may be provided with an opening / closing valve, or may be provided with an opening / closing door-type opening / closing shielding plate in the passage of the discharge duct 68. Any form may be used as long as it does not obstruct the passage of the treated medical waste in the passage of the discharge duct 68 when opened.
[0052]
Further, for example, even if the collection container 70 cannot be separated by the separation portion 71, the collection container 70 has a double wall structure including the transport container 77 inside, and includes an openable / closable outlet for taking out the transport container 77. It may be.
[0053]
The medical waste processed by the medical waste processing apparatus of the present invention is a reduced solid matter. Since this solid substance contains a large amount of combustible substances such as a polymer substance, it has a possibility of being used as a fuel. However, burning at a relatively low temperature is accompanied by the generation of harmful substances such as dioxins, making it difficult to put it into practical use. As a result of intensive studies, it has been found that the medical waste processed by the medical waste processing apparatus of the present invention can be suitably used by mixing with other fuels as fuel for the blast furnace. It was also found that the fuel for thermal power generation can be suitably used by mixing with other fuels. In either case, there is almost no dioxin discharged outside after combustion, and other generated gases are effectively used together with the generated gas from other fuels by the exhaust treatment means attached to the existing combustion device. It is processed.
[0054]
By using medical waste treated by the medical waste treatment apparatus of the present invention as fuel for blast furnace or as fuel for thermal power generation, raw material costs for blast furnace fuel and thermal power generation fuel can be reduced, and The place and cost for landfilling the medical waste processed by the medical waste processing apparatus of the present invention become unnecessary.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
The medical waste treatment apparatus of the present invention has high heating efficiency, is easy to operate, and is compact. In addition, odors and toxic components are decomposed during operation, and there are almost no odors and toxic components emitted to the outside. Furthermore, it is easy to dispose of waste after sterilization.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a structural explanatory view showing a configuration of a medical waste treatment apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Medical waste treatment device 2: Medical waste 4: Treatment chamber 6: Superheated steam supply means 8: Fuel combustion means 10: Combustion chamber 11: External air inlet 12: Exhaust gas introduction path 14: Jacket space 16: Jacket 17: Water supply means 18: Combustion gas introduction path 20: Exhaust duct 22: Snake pipe 28: Burner 30: Superheated steam introduction pipe 60: Agitation means 68: Exhaust duct 70: Collection container 72: Shutter 80: Blower 82: Jacket air introduction Means 83: Container air introduction means 85: Processing chamber air introduction means 93: Discharge means 110: Catalyst

Claims

A treatment chamber in which medical waste is introduced and heated;
A combustion chamber provided with fuel combustion means for heating water or steam to generate superheated steam, and superheated steam supply means for sending superheated steam to the processing chamber via a superheated steam introduction pipe;
A jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the processing chamber and forms a jacket space that surrounds at least a portion of the processing chamber with an outer wall of the processing chamber;
A combustion gas introduction path that is interposed between the jacket and the combustion chamber and introduces the combustion gas generated by the fuel combustion means into the jacket space;
A superheated steam introduction path for introducing superheated steam generated in the fuel combustion means into the jacket space;
A medical waste treatment device comprising
Branching from the superheated steam supply means to the superheated steam introduction pipe and the superheated steam introduction path,
The superheated steam introduction pipe is provided with a superheated steam introduction valve that is opened when the combustion chamber is heated to a certain temperature from a closed state before the waste treatment, and is closed after the waste treatment ,
The superheated steam introduction path is provided with a superheated steam valve that is closed when the combustion chamber is heated and reaches the constant temperature from a state opened before the waste treatment, and is opened after the waste treatment ,
Medical waste treatment equipment.

An exhaust gas introduction path that is interposed between the processing chamber and the combustion chamber and introduces exhaust gas generated when the medical waste is heated by the superheated steam in the processing chamber into the combustion chamber. The medical waste treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

The medical waste treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a catalyst for promoting combustion of the exhaust gas by contacting the exhaust gas is installed in the combustion gas introduction path.

The superheated steam supply means is
A serpentine tube installed in the combustion chamber and heated by the combustion gas;
The medical waste treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising water supply means for supplying water into the pipe.

The medical waste treatment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising jacket air introduction means for introducing air that cools an outer wall of the processing chamber into the jacket space after the heating of the medical waste is completed. apparatus.

The medical waste processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a processing chamber air introducing means for introducing air into the processing chamber after the heating of the medical waste.

Stirring means for stirring the medical waste in the processing chamber;
Discharging means for discharging the medical waste heated and stirred in the processing chamber from the bottom of the processing chamber;
The medical waste processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a recovery container into which medical waste heated and stirred in the processing chamber is discharged.

The medical waste treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising container air introduction means for introducing air into the collection container into which the medical waste is charged.

Jacket air introducing means for introducing air into the jacket space for cooling the outer wall of the processing chamber after the heating of the medical waste is provided, and processing for introducing air into the processing chamber after the heating of the medical waste A room air introduction means is provided, and a recovery container is provided, into which the medical waste heated and stirred in the processing chamber discharged from the processing chamber into which the medical waste has been input is provided. A container air introducing means for introducing air is provided, and the jacket air introducing means, the container air introducing means, and the processing chamber air introducing means share one blower. Medical waste treatment equipment.

A fuel for blast furnace or thermal power generation, comprising medical waste processed by the medical waste processing apparatus according to claim 1.