NO20130626A1 - Organic material processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An organic material processing device (50; 50 '; 50 ") comprises one or more dewatering modules (1), one or more reactor modules (2), and one or more sanitizing modules (3) with respective dewatering, reactor, and hygiene chambers ( 1a, 2a, 3a) and respective processing means (8, 14a, b, 20a, b) for the organic material The modules (1, 2, 3) are arranged along a common longitudinal axis (X) and the processing means (8,14a, b) , 20a, b) are associated with common propellants (5, 51).

Description

Treatment device for organic material

Technical field of the invention

This invention relates to a treatment device and a method for treating organic material, as stated in the introduction to claim 1 and claim 17.

The background of the invention

There are a number of different types of facilities for composting organic material. A challenge in the construction and operation of such facilities is that there can be large variations in the consistency and liquid content of the organic material. While, for example, food waste can be relatively dry and do not require significant drying prior to the composting process, sewage contains large amounts of water that should be separated before composting can begin.

WO 2009/028948 Al describes a system for treating organic waste. The system includes several individual components, such as a grinder, dehumidifier, buffer tank, grease separator and an aerobic composting machine. A transport system, preferably based on vacuum, ensures transport of the mass between the components.

WO2005113469 Al describes a plant for anaerobic fermentation of biological waste, and an associated method. The biological waste is introduced through several inlet openings distributed along the reactor height or length and fermentation product is taken out through several outlet openings.

Known devices for treating organic material are to a small extent designed to treat food waste and sewage (which contain large amounts of liquid) in one and the same process. The known devices are also relatively space-consuming, which is a disadvantage e.g. on board ship. Furthermore, transport systems and intermediate storage stations are needed between the individual components of the known waste treatment systems.

Summary of the invention

The invention is stated in the independent patent claims, while the non-independent patent claims express other characteristics of the invention.

It consequently produced a treatment device for organic material, comprising one or more dewatering modules, one or more reactor modules, and one or more hygienization modules with respective dewatering, reactor, and hygienization chambers and respective treatment bodies for the organic material, characterized in that the modules are arranged along a common longitudinal axis. The treatment organs are preferably associated with common propellants. The modules are preferably connected to one unit.

In one embodiment, the drive means comprise a rotatably supported shaft which is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis and extends through the respective chambers in each module. In one embodiment, the shaft comprises a first, second and third shaft which are releasably connected via shaft couplings.

The treatment device according to the invention comprises in one embodiment an adjustable barrier which is arranged between the reactor module and the hygienisation module and which comprises regulating means for selectively regulating the opening between the reactor chamber and the hygienisation chamber.

In one embodiment, the treatment means comprise a first scraping device arranged for rotatable contact with a sieve device in the dewatering chamber, and/or a second scraping device arranged for rotatable contact with the wall of the reactor chamber, and/or a third scraping device arranged for rotatable contact with the wall of the hygienization chamber.

The treatment device according to the invention comprises in one embodiment an adjustable flow limiter which is provided with means to regulate the flow of organic material between the dewatering module and the reactor module. In one embodiment, the flow restrictor is slidably arranged on a part of the shaft defined in the axial direction.

In one embodiment, the means for regulating the flow of organic material between the dewatering module and the reactor module comprise a spring device which exerts a pressure against the flow restrictor. In one embodiment, the flow limiter is arranged in the reactor chamber and exerts pressure against the opening between the dewatering chamber and the reactor chamber.

The Awanningsmodule comprises an inlet opening for the organic material and a liquid outlet; the hygiene module includes an outlet opening for composted organic material. In one embodiment, the reactor module is a bioreactor and includes air intake and gas outlet and is designed for composting the organic material.

In one embodiment, the treatment device according to the invention comprises a plurality of reactor modules arranged along a common longitudinal axis (X) between a dewatering module and a hygiene separation module.

A method for treating organic material has also been developed, where the method includes feeding organic material into a treatment device that comprises one or more dewatering modules, one or more bioreactor modules, and one or more sanitizing modules with respective dewatering, bioreactor, and sanitizing chambers and respective treatment bodies for the organic material, characterized by

a) remove any liquid from the organic material; b) then feed the organic material along an axis through the reactor module

or the reactor modules and effect a composting process;

c) then pass the organic material through the hygiene separation module or hygiene modules, along an extension of said axis and effect a

sanitization process; and

d) lead sanitized organic material out of the treatment device.

The treatment organs are operated in one embodiment at the same time and by means of the same

propellants. In one embodiment, the treatment means are driven simultaneously and by means of a common rotatable shaft.

The treatment device according to the invention is able to convert organic material into humus and/or fertiliser, and can process both food waste and sewage in one and the same process stream. Likewise, the treatment device is suitable for processing organic material such as e.g. slaughter waste from chicken production, livestock manure and other excrement, and waste from aquaculture facilities. The treatment device takes care of and processes the organic material from toilets and food waste grinders, as well as water from sinks and showers, etc. (after soap, etc. has been removed). Complete homogenized and sanitized humus comes out of the sanitization module. The produced water from the dewatering module must be able to be reused as flushing water in toilets, etc. The treatment device is particularly applicable to installations with limited space, such as on ships and offshore platforms.

The treatment device according to the invention constitutes a complete and hands-free unit for waste management. Although the invention is not to be limited to concrete goals, it will be understood that the treatment device according to the invention can be built more compactly, and thus save space and resources, than the known solutions. As the treatment device according to the invention is one unit, shipping and installation and disassembly are also easier and faster than is the case with the known solutions which consist of independent individual components.

Also from an operational and maintenance perspective, it is advantageous that the three module types (awanning, bioreactor, hygienisation) are driven by one axle. The control of the entire process can be simplified, as there is only one rotating shaft - and in practice one machine - to be controlled. There is no need for transfer systems or buffer tanks between the various modules. Furthermore, the flange couplings and shaft couplings make it easy for an operator to replace modules when necessary. The modularized solution means that several reactor modules can be connected one after the other in a straight process line.

Brief description of the figures

The above-mentioned and other characteristics of the invention will be further elucidated in the following description of a preferred embodiment, presented here as a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures where: Figure 1 is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of the treatment device according to the invention, comprising an assembly of a dewatering module, a reactor module and a sanitization module; Figure 2 shows the treatment device in Figure 1, seen from the side (direction C in Figure 3), and is also provided with arrows indicating the process flow; Figure 3 shows the treatment device in Figure 2, seen from the left end in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a section along the section line B-B in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a section along the section line D-D in Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a section along the section line E-E in Figure 2; Figure 7 shows a section along the section line F-F in Figure 2; Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 2 (the treatment device seen from the side) and shows some of the internal parts of the treatment device as dashed lines; Figure 9 is a section of Figure 8 and shows the dewatering part; Figure 10 is a section of Figure 8 and shows the reactor module; Figure 11 shows the reactor module (as shown in Figure 10) seen from one end; Figure 12 is a split drawing showing a shut-off valve between the reactor module and the hygienisation module; Figure 13 shows a section along the section line A-A in Figure 3 and is also provided with arrows indicating the process flow;

Figure 14 is a perspective drawing of the sectional drawing in Figure 13; and

Figure 15 and Figure 16 are schematic diagrams showing alternative embodiments of the invention.

Description of embodiments of the invention

The treatment device according to the invention basically comprises one or more dewatering modules, one or more reactor modules, and one or more hygienisation modules, which are arranged one after the other along a common axis X and assembled into one unit with a common outer housing.

A first embodiment of the treatment device will now be described with reference to Figures 1-14, where the individual modules will also be described in detail. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the treatment device 50 comprises a dewatering module 1, a reactor module 2, and a hygiene module 3, which are arranged along a common axis X and assembled into one unit with a common outer housing. Each of the three modules has respective chambers 1a, 2a, 3a, as shown in e.g. figure 13 and figure 14. The structure and operation of each of the modules 1, 2, 3 in the treatment device 50 will be described in what follows. In the dewatering module 1, the organic material achieves a sufficient dryness before the composting process begins, Reactor module 2 is, in the embodiment shown, a bioreactor where the organic material is stirred and supplied with heat and air (aerobic composting), while the hygiene module 3 provides for additional stirring and heat treatment of the composted material the organic material. Sanitization is a treatment to remove any carriers of infection in the composted material, where the material is exposed to a relatively high temperature over a period of time.

The treatment device 50 has storage points 23,24 which enable it to be supported by frameworks and/or support stands (not shown) in an otherwise known manner. A drive unit 5 (here: an electric motor and a gearbox) ensures operation of the treatment device 50 in a manner described below. An adjustable barrier 4, with associated drive unit 18) is placed between the reactor module and the hygiene module and can be operated to regulate the process flow between the reactor module 2 and the hygiene module 3, in a manner described below.

The Awanningsmodule 1 is provided with an inlet 25 for organic material which, when the treatment device is in operation, is connected to a supply system known per se (not shown). The organic material w can, for example, comprise waste water, sewage and food waste in various mixing ratios, and is fed into the inlet 25 and into the dewatering chamber la either by natural gravity or under a controlled pressure.

The Awanningsmodule 1 is provided with a liquid outlet 26 which can be connected to a liquid treatment system (not shown) for further cleaning, processing and possible recycling of the flowing liquid /. It is advantageous that the inlet 25 and the liquid outlet 26 are arranged at opposite ends of the dewatering chamber 1a, and that the liquid outlet is arranged close to the reactor module 2 (mao. near the inlet to the reactor chamber 2a). The Awanningsmodule is connected to the reactor module via a flange 31 (see figure 9).

In the illustrated embodiment, the reactor module 2 is provided with an air intake 28 so that air can be supplied to the organic material (aerobic composting) that may be in the reactor chamber 2a. When the processing device 50 is in operation, air a is introduced into the reactor chamber 2a via the air intake 28 in a manner described below. A gas outlet 30 is arranged at the opposite end of the reactor chamber 2a, in relation to the air intake 28), where gas (air and possibly other gases) g flows out when the treatment device is in operation. The gas outlet can advantageously be connected to cleaning devices (not shown).

The sanitization module is provided with an outlet 27 where sanitized organic mass (e.g. humus) h is led out of the sanitization chamber 3a when the treatment device 50 is in operation. Organic matter can also be retrieved through a hatch 6 (see figure 12).

The treatment device 50's internal structure and operation will now be described with reference primarily to figure 13 and figure 14.

As mentioned above, the three modules are arranged along a common axis X, and a shaft 51 (which is driven by the drive unit 5) runs coaxially with the axis X through the dewatering chamber 1a, the reactor chamber 2a and the hygienization chamber 3a and is stored at each end in the previously mentioned storage points 23,24. It should be understood that the drive unit could just as well have been arranged at the other end of the shaft. In the embodiment shown, the shaft 51 comprises three shafts 12, 15, 36 which are connected via two shaft couplings 13 in the reactor chamber 2a.

The first shaft 12 extends through the dewatering chamber la and into the reactor chamber 2a (where it is connected to the second shaft 15). In the dewatering chamber 1a, a strainer 7 is also arranged which is perforated with adapted holes to achieve the desired runoff of water. The strainer 7 is mainly cylindrical, but transitions into a truncated cone shape 9 (which is also provided with holes) at the end of the dewatering chamber that faces the reactor module. This is to create a pressure on the mass w which has been introduced into the dewatering chamber la and to ensure greater runoff of liquid before the mass is fed into the reactor chamber 2a. The strainer's holes are not shown in figures 13 and 14, but in figure 9 these are indicated by dashed lines. Pressed out and drained liquid (e.g. water) will be emptied out of the dewatering module 1 via the liquid outlet 26. The first shaft 12 is provided with scrapers 8 which, when they rotate, lead the mass towards the part of the sieve which has a truncated cone shape 9 and towards the reactor module 2. The scrapers 8 are mounted to the first axle 12 via arms and rest against the strainer 7 (see figure 9).

At the end of the first shaft 12 which projects into the reactor module 2 (and the reactor chamber 2a), a plug 10 designed as a truncated cone is arranged. The plug 10 is arranged with the tapered end directed towards the opening between the dewatering chamber 1a and the reactor chamber 2a, and is mounted so that it can slide a certain distance back and forth on the first shaft 12. A spring device 11 on the first shaft presses against the plug 10 with a predetermined force, so that the plug maintains a certain back pressure against the mass which is pressed from the dewatering chamber 1a into the reactor chamber 2a. In this way, it is ensured that unwanted water does not penetrate into the reactor chamber and that the mass, when it is admitted into the reactor chamber, has a consistency (e.g. not too wet) which is beneficial for the biological degradation processes. The plug 10 also functions as a non-return valve, in that it e.g. during shutdown prevents pulp from seeping from the reactor chamber and back to the dewatering chamber.

The reactor module 2 is provided with heating elements known per se (e.g. cables) 17 and an external insulating jacket 16 (see also Figure 8 and Figure 10) so that the mass in the reactor chamber 2a can be supplied with heat, which is beneficial for the decomposition processes.

The second shaft 15 is provided with stirring arms 14a which ensure stirring of the mass when the shaft rotates. Each stirring arm 14a is provided with a scraping device 14b which rests against the wall of the reactor chamber 2a (see figure 5 and figure 11). The scraper device 14b helps to lead heated (by the heating elements 17) mass from the wall of the reactor chamber (e.g. steel wall) and into the other mass. A person skilled in the art will understand that the number of stirring arms, as well as the size and design of the scraping devices, can be dimensioned as required.

The third shaft 36 is stored at one end in the storage point 23, extends through the sanitizing chamber 3a, and is connected at the other end to the second shaft 15 via a shaft coupling 13. The sanitizing module 3 is equipped with known heating elements (f .eg cables) 21 and an external insulating jacket 22 (see also Figure 8) so that the mass can be supplied with heat, which is beneficial for the decomposition processes. The hygienisation module's 3 heating elements 21 and the reactor module's 2 heating elements 17 are preferably controlled independently of each other, as the processes in the two modules can make different demands on temperature.

Similarly as for the second shaft in the reactor module, the third shaft 36 is provided with stirring arms 20a which ensure stirring of the mass when the shaft rotates. Each stirring arm 20a is provided with a scraping device 20b which rests against the wall of the sanitizing chamber 3a (see figure 7, figure 8 and figure 13). The scraper device 20b helps to lead heated (by the heating elements 21) mass from the wall of the hygienisation chamber (e.g. steel wall) and into the other mass. A person skilled in the art will understand that the number of stirring arms, as well as the size and design of the scraping devices, can be dimensioned as required.

It is desirable that the hygienised organic mass h, when it is led out of the hygienisation module via the outlet 27, is in such a state (among other things with respect to bacterial flora) that it can be safely transported and processed. It is therefore important to be able to have an adjustable barrier between the reactor module 2 and the hygienization module 3 to prevent uncontrolled bacterial transfer between the reactor chamber 2a and the hygienization chamber 3a. Such an adjustable barrier 4 is consequently attached between the reactor module 2 and the hygienization module 3 via a flange 32.

An embodiment of the barrier 4 will now be described with reference mainly to Figure 12. A first plate 33 is adapted for mounting to a flange 32 (see Figure 10) on the reactor module via suitable holes 33' along the circumference of the plate. A second plate 37 is adapted for mounting to the first closing plate 33 via bolts 39 (see figure 13) through suitable holes 37' along the plate's circumference. Between the two plates 33, 37 is arranged a ring 34 with holes 34' along the circumference. In a connected state (by means of the bolts 39) the two plates 33, 37 and the ring 34 therefore form a housing. In this housing there is arranged a closing plate 19 which is rotatably supported on the third shaft 36 and provided with teeth 19' along the circumference. A gear wheel 29 is rotatably supported on a shaft pin 38 which is connected via a transmission to the drive unit 18. The closing plate 19 can thus be rotated when the drive unit 18 is activated. As shown in figure 12, the first plate 33 is provided with a fixed opening 40 (see also figure 6), and the second plate 37 is provided with a fixed opening 41 (see also figure 7). It appears from the respective figure 6 and figure 7 that the opening 40 of the first plate is substantially smaller than the opening 41 of the second plate. The closing plate 19 is provided with an opening 42 which preferably has a size corresponding to the opening 40 of the first plate. A controlled rotation of the closing plate 19 will therefore could regulate the opening (thus the flow through) in the barrier 4, between a completely closed position (when the part of the closing plate 19 which does not have an opening covers the first plate's opening 40) and a completely open position (when the first plate's opening 40 and the closing plate's opening 42 is upper right). The process flow through the treatment device 50 can thus be regulated by a controlled rotation of the closing plate 19.

As mentioned above, air a can be introduced into the reactor chamber 2a via the air intake 28 in a controlled manner, this for (together with the heat treatment and stirring) to accelerate the decomposition of the organic material. From figure 2 and figure 13 it appears that the air intake 28 is arranged in the second plate 37. The holes 28' in the second plate (see figure 12) are each connected to their own air intake 28 (only two holes 28' are shown, but it should be understood that the number of holes can be one or more). Air flowing out of the holes 28' flows in through the gap formed between the ring 34 and the closing plate 19 and further passes through a series of air supply channels 35 in the first plate 33 for further distribution of air into the reactor chamber. This air inflow is illustrated by arrows a in figure 13.

It should be understood that the modules 1,2,3 can be equipped with more inlets and outlets for organic material, and/or more air intakes and gas and liquid outlets, than what is illustrated in the figures. In this way, process flow, aeration, etc. can be regulated as required.

A second embodiment of the treatment device 50' will now be described with reference to Figure 15.1 this embodiment is three reactor modules 2, 2', 2" arranged one after the other between a dewatering module 1 and a hygiene separation module 3; and arranged along a common axis X and assembled into one unit with a common outer housing The structure of the individual modules, and their mode of operation, is as described above (with reference to figures 1-14).

An assembly as shown in Figure 15 facilitates different treatment of the organic material, e.g. in that the temperature in the three reactor modules 2, 2', 2" can be controlled independently of each other. It should be understood that the treatment device according to the invention may comprise a different number of reactor modules than is shown and described here.

Figure 16 shows a third embodiment, with one further dewatering module 1' and one further hygiene module 3'. This facilitates a differentiated treatment of the organic material in both the dewatering module, reactor module and hygienisation module. It should be understood that the treatment device according to the invention may comprise a different number of dewatering modules, reactor modules and hygienisation modules than what is shown and described here.

Although the treatment device according to the invention has been described above with reference to aerobic composting, it should be understood that the treatment device can also be used in anaerobic composting processes, i.a. in that the air intake 28 is kept closed.

Claims (19)

1. Treatment device (50; 50'; 50") for organic material, comprising one or more dewatering modules (1; 1,1'), one or more reactor modules (2; 2,2', 2"; 2,2', 2"), and one or more sanitization modules (3; 3,3') with respective dewatering, reactor, and sanitization chambers (1a, 2a, 3a) and respective treatment devices (8,14a,b, 20a,b) for the organic material, characterized by the fact that the modules are arranged along a common longitudinal axis (X) 2. Treatment device according to claim 1; where the treatment means (8,14a,b, 20a,b) in each module are connected to common propellants (5, 51). 3. Processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, where the modules are connected to one unit. 4. Treatment device as stated in claim 2 or claim 3, where the propellants comprise a rotatably supported shaft (51) which is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis (X) and extends through the respective chambers in each module. 5. Treatment device as stated in claim 4, where the shaft (51) comprises a first (12), second (15) and third shaft (36) which are releasably connected via shaft couplings (13). 6. Treatment device as stated in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustable barrier (4) which is arranged between the reactor module (2) and the hygienisation module (3) and which comprises regulating means (18,19) for selectively regulating the opening between the reactor chamber (2a) and the sanitization chamber (3a). 7. Treatment device as stated in any one of the preceding claims, where the treatment means comprise a first scraper device (8) arranged for rotatable contact with a sieve device (7) in the dewatering chamber (la) 8. Treatment device as stated in any one of the preceding claims, where the treatment means comprise a second scraping device (14b) arranged for rotatable contact with the wall of the reactor chamber (2a). 9. Treatment device as stated in any one of the preceding claims, where the treatment means comprise a third scraping device (20b) arranged for rotatable contact with the wall of the hygienisation chamber (3a). 10. Treatment device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustable flow limiter (10) which is provided with means (11) for regulating the flow of organic material between the dewatering module and the reactor module. 11. Treatment device as stated in claim 10, where the flow limiter (10) is slidably arranged on a part of the shaft (51) defined in the axial direction. 12. Treatment device as stated in claim 10 or claim 11, where the means (11) for regulating the flow of organic material between the dewatering module and the reactor module comprise a spring device (11) which exerts a pressure against the flow restrictor (10). 13. Treatment device as stated in any one of claims 10-12, where the flow restrictor (10) is arranged in the reactor chamber (2a) and exerts a pressure against the opening between the dewatering chamber and the reactor chamber. 14. Treatment device as stated in any one of the preceding claims, where the dewatering module (1) comprises an inlet opening (25) for the organic material and a liquid outlet (26); and the hygiene module (3) comprises an outlet opening (27) for composted organic material. 15. Treatment device as stated in any of the preceding claims, where the reactor module (2) is a bioreactor and comprises air intake (28) and gas outlet (30) and is designed for composting the organic material. 16. Treatment device (50') as indicated in any of the preceding claims, where a plurality of reactor modules (2; 2'; 2") are arranged along a common longitudinal axis (X) between a dewatering module (1) and a hygienization module (3). 17. Method for treating organic material, where the method comprises feeding organic material (w) into a treatment device (50; 50'; 50") which comprises one or more dewatering modules (1; 1,1'), one or more reactor modules (2; 2, 2', 2"), and one or more hygiene isolation modules (3; 3,3') with respective dewatering, reactor, and hygiene isolation chambers (la, 2a, 3a) and respective treatment bodies (8, 14a,b, 20a,b) ) for the organic material, characterized by a) removing any liquid (/) from the organic material; b) then pass the organic material along an axis (X) through the reactor module or reactor modules and effect a composting process; c) then passing the organic material through the hygienisation module or modules, along an extension of said axis (X) and effecting a hygienisation process; and d) lead sanitized organic material (h) out of the treatment device. 18. Method as stated in claim 17, where the treatment means (8, 14a, b, 20a, b) are operated simultaneously and by means of the same propellants (5, 51). 19. Method as stated in claim 17 or claim 18, where the treatment means (8, 14a,b, 20a,b) are operated simultaneously and by means of a common rotatable shaft (51).