JP7467128B2 - Waste treatment system and waste treatment method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a waste treatment device for treating organic waste such as livestock waste, food waste, and sludge.

Conventionally, organic waste such as livestock waste and food residues have been composted and recycled as circulative resources. Composting methods are broadly classified into "open type," in which the organic waste is piled up on a site and composted by switching it over, and "closed type," in which the organic waste is placed in a container and composted therein. As an example of the closed type, a method of composting using a closed fermentation and drying treatment device (also called "compo") that utilizes the fermentation action of microorganisms is known. This compo is a composting treatment device with a cylindrical vertical container (including a treatment chamber) and a closed vertical structure that makes it difficult for the waste placed in the treatment chamber to come into contact with the outside air.

For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a processing device for fermenting food waste through the action of aerobic microorganisms while aerating and stirring the inside of a container. In this processing device, multiple upper and lower tiers of stirring blades extend radially around a rotating shaft installed upright in a vertical container. The bottom tier of stirring blades has multiple ventilation holes at the bottom, which allow ventilation into the container.

JP 2010-69477 A

Incidentally, a treatment device such as that described in Patent Document 1 is generally operated under the supervision of an operator using a control panel installed near the treatment device. After the operator puts organic waste into the treatment chamber of the waste treatment device, he or she visually checks the inside of the treatment chamber at regular intervals. Depending on the progress of the composting that he or she has observed, the operator decides whether to continue operation, put in organic waste, or remove the composted organic waste.

Experienced operators use their five senses to obtain information such as the appearance of the organic waste in the treatment room, the smell, the sound of the equipment operating, and the amount of exhaust (steam) generated. Experienced operators grasp the progress of composting by making a comprehensive judgment of this information based on past experience and intuition. Inexperienced operators have difficulty operating using their experience and intuition, so they are less accurate than experienced operators in judging the progress of composting. As a result, the quality of the compost is likely to deteriorate and the efficiency of compost production (waste treatment) is likely to decrease. In addition, even experienced operators cannot easily grasp the progress of composting due to various conditions such as weather conditions and seasons, and over-drying or over-adding may occur. Once the balance of composting is lost due to over-drying or over-adding, it is necessary to remove all the compost from the treatment room or continue operation for a while with a reduced amount of compost added. This may cause problems in the treatment of organic waste.

The present invention has been made to address these problems, and aims to provide a waste treatment device that allows the progress of composting in the treatment chamber to be monitored and produces compost of consistent quality, as well as a treatment system and treatment method that utilize this waste treatment device.

The waste treatment device of the present invention is a waste treatment device that includes a container with a large, airtight treatment chamber, and composts organic waste by fermenting and drying the organic waste while stirring it in the treatment chamber, and is characterized in that the container includes a weight sensor that directly or indirectly calculates the weight of the organic waste in the treatment chamber.

The weight sensors are characterized by having at least three on the outside of the container.

The weight sensors are arranged evenly around the circumference of the circular bottom surface of the container.

The waste treatment system of the present invention is a waste treatment system comprising a storage facility for storing organic waste, two or more waste treatment devices of the present invention, and a transport means for transporting the organic waste from the storage facility to the waste treatment devices, characterized in that the organic waste in the storage facility is transported to each of the waste treatment devices based on weight information of the organic waste in the treatment chamber calculated by the weight sensor provided in each of the waste treatment devices.

The waste treatment method of the present invention is a waste treatment method in which organic waste is transported by a transport means from a storage facility that stores the organic waste to two or more waste treatment devices of the present invention, and composted by the waste treatment devices, and is characterized in that the organic waste in the storage facility is transported to each of the waste treatment devices based on weight information of the organic waste in the treatment chamber calculated by the weight sensor provided in each of the waste treatment devices.

The waste treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a container having a large, airtight treatment chamber, and composts organic waste by fermenting and drying the organic waste while stirring it in the treatment chamber. The container is equipped with a weight sensor that directly or indirectly calculates the weight of the organic waste in the treatment chamber, so that the progress of composting in the treatment chamber can be understood from changes in the weight of the waste being treated. This makes it possible to determine the appropriate time to remove compost and add new organic waste, and therefore to obtain compost of consistent quality regardless of weather conditions, season, or the skill level of the operator.

At least three weight sensors are installed on the outside of the container, allowing accurate measurement of changes in the weight of the waste inside the container and enabling the progress of the composting process to be grasped with high precision. This allows the compost to be removed and new organic waste to be added at more appropriate times.

The weight sensors are evenly spaced around the circumference of the container's circular bottom surface, so the waste treatment device can be easily installed on the foundation without the need for a separate support stand to support the weight of the device.

The waste treatment system of the present invention is composed of a storage facility for storing organic waste, two or more waste treatment devices of the present invention, and a transport means for transporting the organic waste from the storage facility to the waste treatment devices. The organic waste from the storage facility is transported to each waste treatment device based on weight information of the organic waste in the treatment chamber calculated by a weight sensor installed in each waste treatment device, so that multiple waste treatment devices can operate in cooperation with each other. This makes it easier to operate continuously, making it possible to treat a larger amount of waste. In addition, the operating load can be kept constant between each treatment device, preventing breakdowns in only a specific device.

The waste treatment method of the present invention is a method in which organic waste is transported by a transporting means from a storage facility that stores the organic waste to two or more waste treatment devices of the present invention, and composted by these waste treatment devices. The organic waste from the storage facility is transported to each waste treatment device based on weight information of the organic waste in the treatment chamber calculated by a weight sensor installed in each waste treatment device, so that multiple waste treatment devices can be operated in cooperation with each other. This makes it easier to operate continuously, making it possible to treat more waste. In addition, the operating load can be kept constant between each treatment device, preventing failure of only a specific device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waste treatment device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the installation position of a weight sensor. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other installation positions of the weight sensor. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waste treatment system and treatment method of the present invention.

An example of the waste treatment device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the waste treatment device. The waste treatment device 1 is a sealed fermentation and drying treatment machine (compo) that composts organic waste. As shown in FIG. 1, the waste treatment device 1 includes a container 2, a weight sensor 3 provided in the container 2, and a control panel 12. The waste treatment device 1 also includes a large airtight treatment chamber 4 inside the container 2, a rotating shaft 5 provided vertically in the treatment chamber, a plurality of stirring blades 6 fixed around the rotating shaft 5, an air supply means 7 into the treatment chamber, an exhaust means 11 to the outside of the treatment chamber, and an inlet 4a for supplying organic waste into the treatment chamber. The lower part of the lowest stirring blade 6 has an air vent 6a, which is connected to the air supply means 7. Outside air (air blown) is introduced into the treatment chamber 4 from the air vent 6a. The stirring blade provided with the air vent is not limited to the lowest stirring blade, but may be a middle or upper stirring blade.

The waste treatment device of the present invention is a large-scale device for commercial use. Therefore, the treatment chamber is also large, with an internal volume of, for example, ⁵ m3 or more, preferably 15 ^m3 or more. There is no particular upper limit to the internal volume of the treatment chamber, but it is usually ¹²⁰ m3 or less. The present invention is characterized in that such a large-scale waste treatment device is provided with a weight sensor 3, which will be described later, and that operation is optimized based on information from the weight sensor.

The treatment chamber 4, which is a fermentation tank, is an insulated chamber having a metallic outer layer and an insulating layer. The treatment chamber 4 is also a highly airtight space that is unlikely to come into contact with outside air other than that introduced through the air vent. The treatment chamber 4 has an inlet 4a for organic waste at the top and an outlet 4c for gas and the like. The treatment chamber 4 has an outlet 4b for compost (organic waste after treatment) at the bottom. The outlet 4c is connected to an exhaust means. The inlet 4a and outlet 4b are provided with an openable lid or the like to ensure the airtightness of the treatment chamber 4.

The agitating blades 6 are provided in a predetermined number at each stage, spaced apart at a predetermined interval from the bottom to the top of the rotating shaft 5 in the treatment chamber. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there are five stages, and from the bottom, there are nine agitating blades in total: three at the first stage (one of which is not shown), two at the second stage, one at the third stage, one at the fourth stage, and two at the fifth stage. The number of stages of the agitating blades 6 and the number of agitating blades at each stage are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a machine room 8 is provided below the treatment chamber 4 inside the container 2. In this machine room, a hydraulic unit 9, which is a drive means for the rotating shaft 5, an air supply means 7, and a heater 10 for heating the outside air are provided. The rotating shaft 5 penetrates into the machine room 8 and is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by the hydraulic unit 9. The air supply means 7 is composed of an air blower 7a and an air pipe 7b. The outside air (air supply) sent from the air blower 7a is sent into the treatment chamber via the heater 10 and the air pipe 7b provided in the rotating shaft 5. In addition, an air supply means may be connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 5, and air may be ventilated from the top and bottom of the container. Furthermore, an air supply valve may be provided between the air blower 7a and the heater 10 as a valve for adjusting the amount of air introduced into the treatment chamber.

Gases and water vapor generated inside the treatment chamber 4 are exhausted to the outside air through the exhaust port 4c via the exhaust means 11. The exhaust means 11 is composed of an exhaust blower 11a, an exhaust pipe 11b, and a water-washing scrubber 11c. The exhaust blower 11a forcibly exhausts gases and the like from inside the treatment chamber. The water-washing scrubber 11c is a deodorizing device that captures odorous components by contacting gases and the like with water as a cleaning liquid. Examples of odorous components include lower fatty acids such as propionic acid, normal acetic acid, and isovaleric acid, and ammonia. The exhaust means 11 may also be provided in the machine room 8.

Organic waste (hereinafter simply referred to as "waste" or "processed material") is fed into the processing chamber 4 through the inlet 4a located above the processing chamber 4. The method of transporting the organic waste to the inlet 4a may involve lifting and lowering a bucket containing the organic waste with a rope or the like, or transporting the organic waste with a belt conveyor. For example, when lifting and lowering with a rope or the like, the waste processing device 1 includes a bucket for transporting the organic waste and a lifting platform for lifting and lowering the bucket. The bucket and the lifting platform are connected by a rope. The bucket is normally located at the foot of the lifting platform, and is raised and lowered when waste is fed. When the waste is fed, the rope is wound by driving the winding tube, and the bucket is raised. The bucket rises to the top of the lifting platform and tilts, allowing the waste to be fed through the inlet 4a.

When transporting waste by belt conveyor, the waste is transported from a storage facility that stores organic waste to the waste treatment device using a belt conveyor connected to the waste treatment device, and is loaded into the treatment chamber 4 through the loading port 4a. The belt conveyor is normally stopped, and is operated when waste is to be loaded into the waste treatment device. The belt conveyor may be operated manually, or may be configured to operate automatically, as described below.

The organic waste to be treated by the waste treatment device 1 includes livestock waste, food waste, sludge from septic tanks, etc., which contain a large amount of organic components, and mixtures of these. Livestock waste includes chicken manure, pig manure, cow manure, horse manure, etc. Food waste includes food waste, food manufacturing by-products, etc.

Organic waste is composted by aerobically fermenting the waste in a container with aeration in the presence of aerobic fermentation bacteria. Fermentation bacteria that are activated at about 30 to 90°C are preferred. Examples of aerobic fermentation bacteria include Geobacterium and Bacillus. Aerobic fermentation is performed by aerating and stirring the waste by rotating each stirring blade 6 at a low speed while introducing outside air into the treatment chamber from the ventilation hole 6a. This aeration and stirring dries the waste as it ferments. The fermented, dried, and composted waste (compost) is then removed from the outlet 4b at the bottom of the treatment chamber 4.

The control panel 12 is a control device that controls the operation of the waste treatment device 1 during the composting of organic waste. The control panel 12 is installed in the waste treatment device 1. The control panel 12 controls, for example, the ON/OFF of the blower 7a and the ON/OFF of the hydraulic unit 9 (hydraulic motor). The control panel 12 also has a display unit that displays the weight inside the treatment chamber 4 calculated by the weight sensor 3, which will be described later. The operation of the waste treatment device 1 is generally performed by an operator operating the control panel 12. The operator manages the operation of the waste treatment device 1 according to the composting situation.

The waste treatment device 1 of the present invention is characterized by the provision of a weight sensor 3 that directly or indirectly calculates the weight of the organic waste inside the treatment chamber 4. As a result, the changes in the organic waste due to fermentation and drying can be quantitatively and constantly confirmed as weight changes, making it easier to grasp the progress of the composting of the waste. This makes it possible to obtain compost of consistent quality even if the season, weather conditions, operator, etc. differ.

As shown in FIG. 1, the waste disposal device 1 is equipped with a weight sensor 3 on the outside bottom surface of the container 2. The weight sensor 3 is also called a load cell and is a sensor for measuring load. A load cell is composed of a strain body that deforms in proportion to the force and a strain gauge that measures the amount of deformation (strain). One end of the strain body to which the strain gauge is attached is fixed and the other end is a free end. When a load is applied to the free end, the strain body deforms, so the amount of deformation of the strain body is measured as a voltage signal by the strain gauge and the load (weight) is calculated. It is preferable to use a stable power supply for the strain amplifier and load cell indicator, which are components of the load cell.

The weight sensor 3 used in the present invention is preferably installed on a highly rigid, horizontal foundation with little vibration in order to calculate the weight accurately. When installing in an outdoor environment, it is preferable to install it on a foundation made of concrete, steel plate, etc. Also, measures may be taken to protect against wind and rain, sudden temperature changes, sunlight, etc.

Next, the installation position of the weight sensor 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the installation position of the weight sensor (bottom surface of the container), and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the installation position of the weight sensor (side surface of the container).
As shown in Figure 2, the weight sensors 3 can be evenly arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer bottom surface of the circumference of the vertical cylindrical container 2. Three weight sensors 3 are provided in Figure 2(a) to support the load of the container 2 and maintain the stability of the container 2. The number of weight sensors to be installed may be four or more if it is desired to increase the stability of the container or to improve the accuracy of the calculated weight. For example, four weight sensors 3 are installed in Figure 2(b). By providing multiple weight sensors in this way, the load applied to each weight sensor is not excessive, and the weight of the waste inside the treatment chamber 4 can be accurately calculated.

As shown in FIG. 3, the weight sensor 3 may be provided on the side of the container 2 (illustration of equipment outside the container 2, such as exhaust means, is omitted). The container 2 has at least three mounting parts 13 on its side, and these mounting parts 13 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the container 2. A support base 14 for supporting the container 2 is provided below the mounting parts 13. The container 2 is supported by fixing the mounting parts 13 and the support base 14 via the weight sensor 3. The support base 14 is preferably a highly rigid support base that vibrates little. By providing the weight sensor 3 on the side of the container 2, the waste treatment device can be installed even in cases where it is difficult to provide the weight sensor 3 on the bottom of the container 2, such as on a slope.

In the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3, the multiple gravity sensors 3 are all arranged on the same horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of the container 2. That is, the multiple gravity sensors 3 are arranged at the same height on the horizontal bottom surface of the container 2 in the configuration of Figure 2, and on the side positions of the container 2 in the configuration of Figure 3. This allows for more accurate measurement of changes in the weight of the waste inside the container.

In the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3, the weight sensor 3 can measure the total weight of the container 2, including the treatment chamber 4 and the machine chamber 8, and the weight of the organic waste in the treatment chamber can be indirectly calculated from the total weight of these when there is no organic waste in the treatment chamber. Also, by providing a weight sensor at the bottom inside the treatment chamber, the weight of the organic waste in the treatment chamber can be directly calculated.

Next, a specific method of operating the waste treatment device will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As described above, multiple weight sensors 3 are installed in the container 2. The weights calculated from the voltage signals detected by each weight sensor 3 are added together and displayed as the weight inside the treatment chamber 4 on the display unit (not shown) of the control panel 12. The operator grasps the progress of composting based on the weight inside the treatment chamber 4 displayed on the control panel 12. When the operator determines that the organic waste has been composted, he or she removes the compost inside the treatment chamber 4 from the removal port 4b. At this time, it is preferable to leave a part of the compost inside the treatment chamber 4. The amount of compost left in the treatment chamber 4 is preferably within the range of 10 to 80 volume % of the volume of the treatment chamber 4, and more preferably within the range of 20 to 50 volume %. After that, new organic waste is introduced into the treatment chamber 4 from the introduction port 4a. The total amount of the newly introduced organic waste and the compost left at the time of removal is preferably 20 volume % or more of the volume of the treatment chamber 4, and more preferably 60 volume % or more.

In this way, the efficiency of the composting process is improved by continuously operating the compost removal and input of organic waste, which is the raw material for the compost, while leaving some of the compost inside the processing chamber 4. In addition, the quality of the compost is similar before and after the compost is removed, so the quality is stable. Note that in cases where the organic waste cannot be prepared in time and input, the entire amount of the completed compost can be removed and only the new organic waste prepared thereafter is composted, in which case operation can be performed in a batch mode.

The waste treatment device 1 may also be provided with a detector other than the weight sensor 3. In that case, information obtained from that detector can also be displayed on the display unit of the control panel 12. Based on the information obtained from the various detectors, the operator can make more accurate judgments about the progress of composting.

This type of waste treatment device is used on livestock farms and the like. In farms larger than a certain size, multiple devices (e.g., 3 to 10 devices) are used simultaneously. Conventionally, in such cases, it has been difficult to operate all the devices evenly, resulting in differences in operating rates and processing volumes between devices. In contrast, the waste treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a weight sensor, which makes it possible to grasp the progress of composting in the treatment chamber of each device, allowing for efficient waste treatment and making it easier to distribute the load.

An example of a waste treatment system and a waste treatment method utilizing a plurality of waste treatment devices will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the waste treatment system and the waste treatment method.
The waste treatment system 15 comprises a storage facility 16 for storing organic waste, two or more waste treatment devices 1, and a belt conveyor 17. The belt conveyor 17 is a transport means for transporting the organic waste stored in the storage facility 16 to each waste treatment device 1. The operator operates the belt conveyor 17 by operating a control panel 18 of the system. The control panel 18 can also perform various operations of each waste treatment device 1.

The organic waste is transported by the belt conveyor 17 to above the waste treatment device 1 where it is to be fed. The organic waste transported to above the waste treatment device 1 is then fed into the treatment chamber by the operator. Feeding into the treatment chamber can be done remotely by operating the control panel 18, by providing a separate feeding means for feeding the organic waste on the belt conveyor into an inlet above the treatment chamber.

The weight inside the treatment chamber of each waste treatment device 1 is displayed on the control panel 18. The operator operates the control panel 18 to operate the waste treatment device 1 to proceed with composting. The progress of composting can be checked by checking the weight inside the treatment chamber of each waste treatment device 1 displayed on the control panel 18 and the actual situation inside the treatment chamber at appropriate times. As composting progresses, the completed compost is removed from the waste treatment device 1 that is ready for removal. New organic waste is put into the waste treatment device 1 from which the compost has been removed, and composting is resumed. Additionally, a signal that can be seen from the outside can be provided in each waste treatment device 1, and the internal situation based on the weight sensor can be ascertained by the color of the signal, etc.

By using such a treatment system or method, each piece of equipment can be operated based on the amount of processing, allowing for continuous composting. In addition, because the amount of organic waste in the processing chamber of each waste treatment device can be ascertained, the compost can be replaced at the appropriate time after composting is complete. This makes it easier to operate continuously, making it possible to treat more waste. In addition, because the operating rate, processing amount, and operating load can be kept constant between each treatment device, it is possible to prevent breakdowns in specific equipment.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may have the following exemplary configurations. For example, the waste treatment system may be a system that operates automatically without human judgment or operation, by processing information obtained from various sensors and past data by a program. Specifically, the system may be configured so that the machine itself can determine the progress of composting, transport and feed organic waste into the treatment chamber, rotate the agitator blades, ventilate the treatment chamber, and optimize operation between each waste treatment device according to a program.

The waste treatment device of the present invention can grasp the progress of composting in the treatment chamber and can obtain compost of stable quality, so it can be widely used as a treatment device for composting livestock waste, food waste, sludge, etc., and is particularly suitable for use in configurations in which multiple waste treatment devices are used simultaneously.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Waste treatment device 2 Container 3 Weight sensor 4 Treatment chamber 5 Rotating shaft 6 Mixing blade 7 Air supply means 8 Machine room 9 Hydraulic unit 10 Heater 11 Exhaust means 12 Control panel 13 Mounting portion 14 Support base 15 Waste treatment system 16 Storage 17 Belt conveyor 18 Control panel

Claims (4)

A waste treatment system comprising a storage facility for storing organic waste, two or more waste treatment devices, and a transport means for transporting the organic waste from the storage facility to the waste treatment devices,
The waste treatment device is a waste treatment device that includes an airtight container having a treatment chamber with an internal volume of 5 m3 ^or more , and that ferments and dries the organic waste while stirring it in the treatment chamber , thereby composting livestock excrement or sludge as the organic waste ,
the container is provided with a weight sensor that directly or indirectly calculates the weight of the organic waste in the treatment chamber ;
The organic waste in the storage facility is transported to each of the waste treatment devices based on weight information of the organic waste in the treatment chamber calculated by the weight sensor provided in each of the waste treatment devices,
A waste treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the waste treatment device is provided with a signal that can be seen from the outside, the signal indicating an internal condition by a different color based on the weight sensor . 2. The waste treatment system according to claim 1, wherein at least three of said weight sensors are provided on the outside of said container. 3. The waste treatment system according to claim 2, wherein the weight sensors are disposed evenly around the circumference of the circular bottom surface of the container. A waste treatment method in which organic waste is transported by a transport means from a storage facility for storing the organic waste to two or more waste treatment devices, and composted by the waste treatment devices, comprising:
The waste treatment device is airtight and has an internal volume of 5 m ³ A waste treatment device comprising a container having the above-mentioned treatment chamber, and fermenting and drying the organic waste in the treatment chamber while stirring, thereby composting livestock excrement or sludge as the organic waste,
the container is provided with a weight sensor that directly or indirectly calculates the weight of the organic waste in the treatment chamber;
The organic waste in the storage facility is transported to each of the waste treatment devices based on weight information of the organic waste in the treatment chamber calculated by the weight sensor provided in each of the waste treatment devices,
A waste disposal method according to claim 1, wherein the waste disposal device is provided with a signal that can be seen from the outside, the signal indicating an internal condition by a different color based on the weight sensor.

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