LU92859B1 - Hogwheel for truck with organic waste tank - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (2) for storing and / or transporting organic waste, such as food waste, the device comprising a hermetic tank (6) intended to receive the waste; a vacuum pump (16) fluidically connected (18) to the waste tank (6) and configured to suck gas present in said tank (6) and create a vacuum in said tank; and a discharge chute (8) for the waste, fluidically connected by a pipe (10, 10 ') to the waste tank (6). The device (2) further comprises an odor neutralization unit (20) emitted by the gases sucked by the vacuum pump (16). The invention also relates to a method for storing and decomposing waste by means of the device (2) in question

Description

Description

TRUCK FOR TRUCK WITH ORGANIC WASTE TANK

Technical Field [0001] The invention relates to the field of storage and transport of waste, particularly organic waste, such as household or food waste from supermarkets and restaurants or community canteens.

PRIOR ART [0002] The published patent document EP 1 905 703 A1 discloses a vehicle, in this case a truck, specially equipped with a device for storing and transporting organic waste. The truck comprises a waste storage tank, said tank being generally circular elongated disposed horizontally. The truck also includes a discharge chute equipped with a crusher and connected to the contents of the hopper by a pipe. The organic waste, of the kitchen waste type, is deposited in the chute to be ground by a mill and then sucked to the tank by a vacuum in said tank. To make the vacuum, a vacuum pump is connected to the enclosure of the tank. A water tank is provided between the truck cabinet and the waste tank. This tank can be heated. This water is intended for washing the tank. An auxiliary tank for collecting oils and greases is provided in the water tank so that these oils and greases enjoy the warmth of the water and remain liquid and easy to drain.

The device described above is interesting in that it allows to collect and transport food organic waste. Keeping the tank in a vacuum facilitates the transfer of waste from the discharge chute. This also makes it possible to limit the rate of decomposition of the waste in the tank. In practice, such a slowdown is however not particularly useful because the truck, if it is used efficiently during a round of collection, will move from place to place to collect the waste on a reduced time, typically one or more days, until it is full. However, this waste does not decompose in a few days, even in strong heat. Once the tank is full, the truck can then empty its contents to an organic waste treatment center. The depression that is carried out in the tank seems to be used mainly for the transfer of waste from the chute to the tank. The gases contained in the tank and potentially smelly are sucked by the vacuum pump and are expelled directly to the atmosphere. This is not necessarily a problem since the truck usually moves from a collection point to a collection point. The solution of this teaching is interesting in a logic of collection. However, it is not adequate for storing waste.

The published patent document WO 2014/059478 A1 discloses a mobile device for the recovery and treatment of organic waste of the food type. This device is mounted on a vehicle and includes a chute for dumping waste, and a mill provided with a water supply. The water loaded with crushed waste is then transferred to a reservoir. This device has the advantage of neutralizing the odors of waste by their treatment and incorporation into water. It also has the advantage that the water can be used, prior to mixing with the waste, to clean the waste containers dumped in the chute of the device. However, it has the disadvantage that it requires the storage and transport of a large amount of water. In addition, the waste is in the form of sludge, which is not particularly suitable for their recovery, particularly for methanation and composting as a function of the rate of dryness.

The published patent document DE 203 17 332 U1 discloses a device for storing and transporting organic waste of the dead leaf type. The device comprises, essentially, a closed container divided into two chambers, namely a main chamber for the storage of waste and an auxiliary chamber housing a vacuum cleaner whose output is connected to the main chamber to introduce the dust sucked to around the container by means of a hose connected to said vacuum cleaner. Summary of the invention

TECHNICAL PROBLEM [0006] The object of the invention is to overcome at least one drawback of the state of the art, in this case of the state of the art mentioned above. More particularly, the invention aims to promote the recovery of organic waste, particularly the household or food type.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION The subject of the invention is a device for storing and / or transporting organic waste, such as food waste, the device comprising: a sealed tank intended to receive the waste; a vacuum pump fluidically connected to the waste tank and configured to suck gas present in said tank and create a vacuum in said tank; and a waste discharge chute, fluidically connected by a conduit to the waste tank; remarkable in that it comprises, in addition, an odor neutralization unit emitted by the gas sucked by the vacuum pump.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the odor neutralization unit comprises at least one aqueous solution column and is configured to introduce the gases sucked by the vacuum pump into the bottom of said column or columns.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the or each column of aqueous solution has a height greater than or equal to 0.5 m, preferably 1 m.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the or each of the aqueous solution columns has a width or a diameter less than or equal to 0.2 m, preferably 0.1 m.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the aqueous solution or solutions of the column or columns, respectively, comprise an acid solution, preferably of a pH less than or equal to 5 and / or a basic solution, preferably of a pH greater than 9. The aqueous solution (s) may comprise chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and / or ozone.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the odor neutralization unit comprises several columns of aqueous solution, said columns being connected, from a fluid point of view, in series so that the gases having circulated in the aqueous solution of one of the columns exit from the top of said column and are introduced into the bottom of another of said columns so as to flow in the aqueous solution of said column.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gases circulate in the column or columns of aqueous solution in the form of bubbles in an upward direction under the effect of buoyancy.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the or each of the aqueous solution columns comprises means for draining its aqueous solution, especially in the waste tank. These means may comprise one or more valves fluidly connected to a low point of each of the columns and to the waste tank.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a tray supporting the tank, the vacuum pump, the spill chute and odor neutralization unit, said tray being configured to be loaded on a truck gantry carrier equipped with a hydraulic mechanical arm.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plate comprises at one end an orifice adapted to be engaged by a hook of the mechanical arm of the truck cradle.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the discharge chute comprises a movable cover between an open position and a closed position, and the device comprises a solenoid valve located on the pipe connecting the discharge chute to the waste tank, and electrical control means of said solenoid valve, said means being configured to allow the opening of said solenoid valve when the lid is in the closed position.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pipe connecting the discharge chute to the waste tank opens into said tank through a bottom wall of said tank.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pipe connecting the discharge chute to the waste tank selectively opens into said tank through a bottom wall of said tank or an upper wall of said tank.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the discharge chute comprises a waste crusher.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an electrical control unit of the device configured to operate the vacuum pump when the vacuum in the waste tank is less than 0.5 bar, preferably 0.75 bar. The value of depression is expressed here in absolute value, that is to say without negative sign.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a lifting system and tilting waste containers, able to automatically discharge said waste in the spill chute.

The invention also relates to a method of storing organic waste, such as food waste, comprising the following steps: provision of a waste storage device; dumping of waste into the storage device; remarkable in that the device is in accordance with the invention.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage device is held stationary until it is filled, the parking time allowing the waste to decompose.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the parking time of the device is greater than 10 days, preferably 20 days, more preferably more than 30 days.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a step of removing the device when it reaches a predetermined filling level, said removal being carried out by loading on a cradle truck.

Advantages of the invention The measures of the invention are interesting in that they make it possible to conveniently eliminate organic waste, in particular for industries, restaurants, shops or community canteens, the waste being eliminated. as they are produced, thanks to the parking of the device near the place of production of the waste. The dumping of the waste and its transfer by suction into the tank is particularly easy. Odors produced by the decomposition of waste in the tank are effectively neutralized. The principle of washing gases, especially the washing by oxidation and / or acid-base is particularly suitable for operation over an extended period of time corresponding to the parking of the device until it is filled, it being understood that this duration is variable and may in some cases exceed several months. The lid of the discharge chute and the control logic of the suction of the waste conditioned by the closure of the lid, provides an important advantage in terms of safety and comfort of use. The fact of providing the device on a tray type giraffe is particularly interesting for loading and unloading the device. With the device of the invention, the waste can start their anaerobic digestion, making them more interesting for their revalorization, especially for the production of methane or for their spreading as compost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a device for storing and / or transporting organic waste according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the odor neutralization unit of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the filling of the tank of the device of Figure 1 and in an alternative configuration.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the device of Figure 1 during its loading or unloading on a truck cradle.

Description of an Embodiment [0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a device for storing and / or transporting organic waste, such as food waste. The device 2 comprises a plate 4 with a main portion 41 generally horizontal and intended to receive the various components of the device, and a front portion generally vertical and equipped with a hooking means, such as a ring or orifice 43, with a hook of a mechanical arm of a truck rocks to unload and load the device.

The device 2 also comprises a tank 6 for receiving the waste. The tank 6 comprises a main envelope 61, in this case generally cylindrical and horizontal. However, it is understood that the tank may have other forms. The tank 6 also comprises a cover at its rear end. The latter is pivotally mounted by means of pivoting and control of the pivot 63. It may be a hinge and a hydraulic cylinder, well known to those skilled in the art. The lid 62 and the main casing 61 of the tank may comprise means for closing and pressurizing the lid against the casing to form a sealed enclosure. The tank 6 may also comprise at its top an access hatch 65 also provided with closure and sealing means. A valve (not shown) may also be provided for venting the chamber of the vessel. The tank 6 may also include one or more windows 66 arranged vertically, to allow to visualize the level of filling of the tank.

The device 2 also comprises a waste discharge chute 8. This comprises a chute 81 as such, optionally equipped in its lower part with a grinder 82. The chute 81 is surmounted by a cover 83 mobile, preferably pivoting between an open position and a closed position. The discharge chute is connected, from a fluidic point of view, to the enclosure of the waste tank 6 via the pipe 10. A solenoid valve 12 is arranged, from a fluid point of view, along the pipe. question. The pipe 10 opens at a high point 14 of the wall of the tank 6. Alternatively, optionally selectively, or additionally, the pipe 10 can also lead to a low point 14 'of the wall of the tank 6. The interest of this measure will be detailed in relation to Figure 3.

Still with reference to Figure 1, the device 2 also comprises a vacuum pump 16 connected, from a fluid point of view, with the chamber of the vessel 6 via a pipe 18. A non-return valve ( not shown) can be provided in the pipe 18, in particular at the wall of the tank and / or at the pump 18.

The output of the pump 16 is connected, from a fluidic point of view, with a unit for neutralizing odors 20. The gases contained in the chamber of the vessel may contain various types of molecules such as, for example, sulphide. hydrogen or mercaptan (organic compound having a thiol group -SH, that is to say a sulfhydryl group attached to a carbon atom) which are particularly malodorous. The output of the vacuum pump 16 is therefore likely to produce a malodorous gas flow particularly troublesome for stationary use. To overcome this problem, the outlet of the vacuum pump is connected, still from a fluid point of view, with the odor neutralization unit. This can operate on the principle of adsorption, consisting in transferring the compound to be removed from the gas phase to a solid phase. The most commonly used material is activated charcoal which comes in different forms: grains, fabrics ... etc. In order to increase the performance, the coal is sometimes impregnated with aldehyde in particular. Alternatively or in a complementary manner, it is possible to carry out a washing of the gases, that is to say that the gas stream is washed with an aqueous solution by transfer of the compounds to be removed from the gas phase to the liquid phase. This technique is often accompanied by a chemical reaction. If the transferred compound undergoes no modification, only physical absorption occurs. If in the liquid phase, to improve the "apparent solubility" of the product to be removed, the pH is used to promote its dissociation, the process is a mass transfer accompanied by an instantaneous chemical reaction. The odor neutralization unit by washing will be detailed in relation to FIG. 2.

The device 2 may comprise a system for gripping, lifting and tilting (not shown) of waste containers to the chute 81 as such. Such a system can be driven by hydraulic cylinders and / or pneumatic. It is intended to facilitate the handling of containers, in particular the rise of waste over the chute 81 and their tilting in said chute.

Still in connection with Figure 1, the device 2 comprises an electrical cabinet 22 with control means of the vacuum pump 16, the mill 82, the solenoid valve 12 and optionally the odor neutralization unit 20. The device 2 is supplied with electricity via its electrical cabinet 22 by a connection to the electrical distribution network. For this purpose, the device, preferably the electrical cabinet 22, comprises an electrical socket (not shown) for receiving a power supply cable connected to a socket of the distribution network. The device 2 is indeed intended to be disposed near buildings, especially industrial or commercial, provided with power supply sockets.

The use of the device 2 can take place as follows: the cover 83 of the spill chute 8 is raised by an operator to discover its opening. The operator can then pour in organic waste, particularly of the food type, for example by means of a container of the bucket type. Once the waste dumped in the chute 8, the cover 83 is brought into the closed position of the chute 8. Alternatively, a container, including wheels, can be engaged to a lifting and tilting system for the automatic discharge of waste in the chute 81. An operator can then actuate the upward movement of the system using a lever action maintained. The lid of the chute being coupled to the action of the tilting system opens to allow the spill of the contents of the container. By keeping the reverse of the control of the tilting system, the container goes down again, causing the lid of the chute [0040] to close. The operator can then actuate any button or control means (not shown) in order to activate the grinding the waste by means of the grinder 82. Grinding can also be activated automatically by a waste detection. Grinding is however optional, so that the grinding operation described above is also optional. The solenoid valve 12 is then actuated to put the chute in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber of the tank 6. Then follows a suction of the waste via the pipe 10 to the inside of the tank 6. The opening the solenoid valve 12 may be subject to a limitation of opening time to avoid putting the chamber of the tank at atmospheric pressure. This duration can be between 2 and 60 seconds.

A pressure sensor (not shown) is provided in the chamber of the vessel. The pressure signal of this sensor is transmitted to the electrical cabinet 22 which will then control the start and stop of the vacuum pump 16 so as to maintain a vacuum (with respect to the atmospheric pressure) between 0.5 and 0.9 bar. A delay, for example of a few seconds, can be provided when the depression decreases to the point of reaching the minimum value. With reference to the aforementioned range, the minimum value is 0.5 bar.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a unit for neutralizing odors 20 of the device of FIG. 1, operating on the principle of washing gases, more specifically on the acid-base washing principle.

The odor neutralization unit 20 comprises a first bubble column 24 of aqueous solution, in this case an acid solution whose pH may be less than 5, preferably 4. The gases at the outlet of the pump. vacuum 16 are introduced down the first column 24 to form bubbles in the acidic aqueous solution and back to the surface. During this journey, the gas is in intimate contact with the solution and some molecules, in particular the mercaptans react with the solution and carry out a mass transfer to the solution. The gaseous flow produced on the surface of the aqueous solution of the first column 24 is guided by a downward duct of a second bubble column 26 to an aqueous solution, this being this time basic, for example with a higher pH at 8, preferably 9. Similar to the first column, the gases will bubble into the basic aqueous solution and will be in intimate contact with it as they travel to the surface. Chemical reactions can take place and carry out mass transfers. The gas leaving the surface of the aqueous solution of the second column 26 can then be vented to the atmosphere.

As part of the neutralization of odors, an oxidation step may be superimposed or follow the acid-base wash described above. The operation is then either an oxidizing wash or an acid-base wash followed by oxidation. Oxidizing the absorbed product allows the wash solution to be regenerated continuously.

Aqueous wash solutions may include chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and / or ozone.

In Figure 2, only two columns are shown. It is understood that more columns can be provided, connected together in series or in parallel.

The columns 24 and 26 may each comprise a valve or a valve 28 for draining the aqueous solution. The outlet of this or these valves can be connected to an evacuation or tank 6. In fact, these aqueous solutions can be added to the waste without disturbing their degradation and fermentation process.

The columns 24 and 26 may have a height greater than or equal to 0.5 m, preferably 1m and have a width or a diameter less than or equal to 0.2 m, preferably 0.1 m.

FIG. 3 illustrates two filling configurations of the tank 3 of the device 2 of FIG. 1.

In the left configuration, the waste is conveyed by the high point of the tank 6, forming a cluster 30 which can form a peak in front of the orifice 14 where leads the pipe 10. During the fermentation of waste, a liquid phase can form and the cluster can then flatten, allowing a satisfactory filling.

In the right configuration, the waste is conveyed by the low point of the tank 6. Depending on the speed of arrival of waste and the thickness of the cluster 30 in front of the orifice 14 ' , waste can be projected, especially on the sides and promote the filling of the sides of the tank 6. It may be interesting to select a waste inlet in the tank from above and / or from below, depending on the profile filling and the nature of the waste. In the case of dry-type waste, it may be advantageous to use the entry of waste from the bottom whereas for the wet-tending waste, entry from above can be advantageous.

FIG. 4 illustrates a truck 32 in a loading or unloading configuration of the device 2 of FIG. 1, illustrating the ease of handling of the device, similarly to the carton compactors.

The device that has just been described is particularly suitable for parking for several weeks or months, with a company, a business or a community canteen (school, hospital, etc.) producing a certain amount organic waste, especially of the food type. This waste can then be regularly dumped into the chute and then sucked without difficulty and without producing foul odors, casting or development of pests (insects, rats ....). In addition, the fact that the tank is permanently in depression ensures a controlled fermentation of waste, preparing them particularly advantageously for their revaluation, in particular by methanation.

For these industries, businesses or communities, simply order the delivery of such a device, especially in the form of rental. Its replacement by another, empty, will be necessary only when the first will be full. The depression in the tank allows to keep and ferment the waste over several months, in the absence of refrigeration of waste, and even in particularly hot summer conditions. Truck trips are therefore reduced and the waste is then naturally prepared for recovery.

Claims (20)

1. Device (2) for storing and / or transporting organic waste, such as food waste, the device comprising: - a hermetic tank (6) intended to receive the waste; - a vacuum pump (16) connected, from a fluid point of view (18), to the waste tank (6) and configured to suck the gases present in said tank and create a vacuum in said tank; and - a spill chute (8) of the waste fluidically connected by a pipe (10, 10 ') to the waste tank; characterized in that it further comprises an odor neutralization unit (20) emitted by the gases sucked by the vacuum pump (16). 2. Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the odor neutralization unit (20) comprises at least one aqueous solution column (24, 26) and is configured to introduce the gases sucked by the pump to empty (16) at the bottom of said at least one column (24, 26). 3. Device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the or each of the aqueous solution columns (24, 26) has a height greater than or equal to 0.5 m, preferably 1 m. 4. Device (2) according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the or each of the aqueous solution columns (24, 26) has a width or a diameter less than or equal to 0.2 m, preferably 0.1 m. 5. Device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the aqueous solution or solutions of the column or columns, respectively, comprise an acid solution, preferably with a pH less than or equal to 5 and / or or a basic solution, preferably with a pH greater than 9. 6. Device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the odor neutralization unit (20) comprises a plurality of columns of aqueous solution (24, 26), said columns being connected in series so that the gases circulating in the aqueous solution of one (24) of the columns exit from the top of said column (24) and are introduced into the bottom of another (26) of said columns so as to flow in the aqueous solution of said column (26). 7. Device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the gases circulate in the column or columns of aqueous solution (24, 26) in the form of bubbles in an ascending direction under the effect of the Archimedes thrust. 8. Device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the or each of the aqueous solution columns (24, 26) comprises means for draining its aqueous solution, in particular in the waste tank. 9. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a plate (4) supporting the tank (6), the vacuum pump (16), the discharge chute (8) and the odor neutralization unit (20), said plate (4) being configured to be loaded onto a gantry truck (32) equipped with a hydraulic mechanical arm. 10. Device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the plate (4) comprises at one end an orifice (43) adapted to be engaged by a hook of the mechanical arm of the cradle truck (32). 11. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the discharge chute (8) comprises a cover (83) movable between an open position and a closed position, and the device (2) comprises a solenoid valve (12) located on the pipe (10, 10 ') connecting the discharge chute (8) to the waste tank (6), and electrical means (22) for controlling said solenoid valve (12), said means (22) being configured to allow the opening of said solenoid valve (12) only when the cover (83) is in the closed position. 12. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the pipe (10, 10 ') connecting the discharge chute (8) to the waste tank (6) opens into said tank (6). ) through (14 ') a lower wall of said vessel. 13. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the pipe (10, 10 ') connecting the discharge chute (8) to the waste tank (6) opens into said tank (6). ) selectively through (14 ') a lower wall of said vessel or through (14) an upper wall of said vessel. 14. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the discharge chute (8) comprises a waste crusher (82). 15. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an electrical unit (22) for controlling the device configured to operate the vacuum pump (16) when the depression in the tank waste (6) is less than 0.5 bar, preferably 0.75 bar. 16. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a system for lifting and tilting waste containers, able to automatically discharge said waste into the discharge chute (8). ). 17. A method of storing organic waste, such as food waste, comprising the following steps: - provision of a waste storage device; - dumping of waste into the storage device; characterized in that the device (2) is according to one of claims 1 to 16. 18. The method of claim 17, characterized in that the storage device (2) is held stationary until it is filled, the parking time for the waste to decompose. 19. The method of claim 18, characterized in that the parking time of the device (2) is greater than 10 days, preferably 20 days, more preferably more than 30 days. 20. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a step of removing the device (2) when it reaches a predetermined filling level, said removal being carried out by loading on a truck door -berce (32).