WO2022203499A2

WO2022203499A2 - An extractor for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste

Info

Publication number: WO2022203499A2
Application number: PCT/MY2022/050018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chee Chek CHONG
Original assignee: Chong Chee Chek
Priority date: 2021-03-23
Filing date: 2022-03-22
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: WO2022203499A3

Abstract

The present invention discloses an extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste (30) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) for rotary movement about a horizontal axis, each drum (3) having a pair of spaced end walls (7), wherein the juxtaposed end walls of adjacent drums (3) provide openings (3) for waste 30 communication between the adjacent drums (3), and each drum (3) includes a transfer means (9) including a shaped wall for scooping the waste (30) so that the waste (30) is transferred from one drum (3) to an adjacent successive drum (3) through said openings (3) during rotation of the drums (3), characterised in that wherein the shaped wall of the transfer means (9) comprises an interrupted contact surface (5) to reduce contact time between the waste (30) and the transfer means (9) during waste transfer from drum (3) to drum (3).

Description

AN EXTRACTOR FOR EXTRACTING CHEMICAL THROUGH CLEANING

OF WASTE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an extractor for extracting chemical from waste. More particularly, the invention relates to an extractor for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, renewable energy is one of the most researched and most emphasized issue in order to solve the problem of depleting fossil resources and increasing amount of waste. To reduce the consumption and dependency on the fossil fuel in the transportation and chemical sectors, as well as to mitigate climate change, alternative energy production chains are necessary. One of the alternatives is to shift towards renewable resources as the renewable resources are not finite and can be easily generated. The application of renewable resources can be separated into two categories which are energy economy and materials economy. Energy economy is based on various renewable alternatives such as wind, solar and water while materials economy of substances mainly depends on biomass. Therefore, biorefmeries as bioresource-converting systems are the keys for access to the bioeconomy which is an integrated production of bio-based products and bioenergy. Even though biomass and waste products can be used for energy production, or more precisely to be feedstock to supply or fuel industrial process and it can be considered as valuable resources in the industry if being utilized properly. The waste products contain chemical elements whether it is from its inherent nature or being contaminated. The waste products require to go through a process known as conditioning to remove, extract or wash away such contaminates or unwanted chemical elements. The general practice of industrial methods of conditioning the waste products is by using tanks to fill up with water and then dose with chemical or catalyst to wash away or dissolve or dilute the contaminants or unwanted chemical elements. The addition of steam is also utilized to enhance the conditioning process. The final products of the conditioning process are refined solid waste and liquid solution. The refined solid waste can be used as feedstock for energy fuel for power plant, hydrocarbon compounds for petrochemical production, animal bedding and etc. Furthermore, the washout liquid can be used for power generation and the separated chemical elements which is a disadvantage to one application at the same time can be very useful for other applications.

The current industrial practice of conditioning process for waste products is not environment friendly as it requires a lot of energy and the waste products cannot be reused for other purposes. As a result, the conditioning process is not efficient in a way that the products of the process cannot be utilize efficiently and the process is consuming a lot of resources.

There are a few patented technologies over the prior art relating to the apparatus for treating waste products. Prior art US4236393A discloses a longitudinally extending continuous tunnel batch washer comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned modules with inlet means at one end of the washer for feeding articles to be laundered into the washer and discharge means at the opposite end of the washer, each module including a stationary casing and a rotatably supported drum within the casing with the drum being supported for oscillatory and rotary movement about a horizontal axis, each drum including spaced end walls, each end wall of each drum including a large opening, means forming a connection between the openings to provide communication between adjacent modules, and each drum including a transfer chute mounted therein retaining articles to be laundered during oscillation and transferring the article from one drum to an adjacent successive drum during unidirectional rotation, said chute including an inclined wall having a discharge end connected to a portion of the periphery of the opening in one end wall of the drum and an end wall connecting the opposite end of the inclined wall to the opening in the opposite end wall of the drum with the end wall of the chute occupying a small portion of the opening in the end wall of the drum to reduce interference with incoming articles, said inclined wall of the chute being spirally configured circumferentially of the drum with at least one side edge of the inclined wall being spaced from the periphery of the drum. This prior art did not propose any usage of the alkaline solution.

Another prior art US4020659A discloses an apparatus for treating a textile article with a liquid, said apparatus comprising: at least one drum rotatable about a horizontal axis and provided with an outer wall defining a chamber and with a pair of axially spaced end walls flanking said chamber and each formed at said axis with a respective aperture; scoop means in said drum effective on rotation thereof through more than a predetermined angle for lifting from said outer wall and axially displacing said article out of said chamber through one of said apertures and ineffective on oscillation of said drum through less than said predetermined angle for lifting said article; drive means for oscillating and rotating said drum about said axis, said scoop means being at least partially foraminous and formed from a first generally cylindrical section having an edge attached to said outer wall and extending between said end walls and a second generally frustoconical section forming a continuation of said cylindrical section and having a side edge joined to one of said end walls over a major arc of the periphery of said one aperture, said edge of said cylindrical section lying generally in a plane including said axis and angularly bisecting said major arc where said frustoconical section joins said periphery; a housing means having an inlet end and provided between said ends individual housings forming a succession of upright partitions defining respective compartments and each formed with a thoroughgoing opening, each compartment being provided with one such drum, said drums being coaxial with said axis passing through said openings, each frustoconical section being joined to that end wall of the respective drum turned toward said outlet end; and means for introducing treatment fluids into said compartments, said drums being at least partially foraminous. This prior art did not incorporate a transferring means having a staggered configuration to promote disintegration of the refuse.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus for treating solid refuse via a rotatable cylindrical drum to retrieve an alkali liquid upon cleaning of the refuse for use in power generation. Particularly, the apparatus comprises a transfer means having a staggered configuration to promote disintegration of the refuse and an outlet configured to induce a swirling effect and create a negative pressure in the inner drum to prevent the refuse from clogging the perforation on the peripheral wall.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide an extractor for extracting chemicals from waste through cleaning of the waste. Another object of the invention is to provide improved method for disintegrating the waste and thus transferring the disintegrated waste one end of the extractor. One object of the invention is to provide wall and surfaces configured to prevent surface tension and sticking of waste to the wall for ease of transfer upon wetting of the wall and surfaces. The extractor also provides an outlet for create negative pressure and swirling effect so that the waste is discharged from the extractor with ease and prevent build-ups of contaminants within the outlet. Furthermore, the outlet creates a backwash effect intermittently such that the water is charged into its inner drum to prevent clogging of perforate holes. Furthermore, the invention also provides a system for feeding the waste selectively into any one or more extractors such that the extractor is not overloaded with waste and therefore extend the operating life of the extractor. In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums for rotary movement about a horizontal axis, each drum having a pair of spaced end walls, wherein the juxtaposed end walls of adjacent drums provide openings for waste communication between the adjacent drum, and each drum includes a transfer means including a shaped wall for scooping the waste so that the waste is transferred from one drum to an adjacent successive drum through said openings during rotation of the drums, characterised in that the shaped wall of the transfer means comprises an interrupted contact surface to reduce contact time between the waste and the transfer means during waste transfer from drum to drum.

In this aspect of the invention, the interrupted contact surface may be in the form of a stepped surface, staggered surface, rugged surface, wavy surface, zig-zag profiled surface, perforated surface, laminates surface, treated non-stick surface or in any combination thereof.

In this aspect of the invention, the transfer means may be attached to one of the spaced end walls of each drum temporarily, permanently or in any combination thereof.

In this aspect of the invention, each drum may be fastened to its adjacent successive drum such that the plurality of longitudinally drums are rotated jointly as a unit.

In this aspect of the invention, the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums may be mounted within a stationary chamber for rotation with respect to the stationary chamber.

In this aspect of the invention, both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums may be rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums. In this aspect of the invention, the pair of spaced end walls of each drum may have a hollow cylindrical body there between, the hollow cylindrical body is in the form of perforated wall for allowing chemical extracted from the waste to pass therethrough.

In this aspect of the invention, the hollow cylindrical body may have a plurality of protrusions at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste upon contact with the waste during rotary movement.

In this aspect of the invention, the stationary chamber may provide at least one brush unit attached at its inner wall, such that the brush unit is brought into frictional contact with an outer wall of the hollow cylindrical body and scraps the outer wall during rotary movement of the drum.

In this aspect of the invention, the extractor may further comprise an inlet means for introducing the waste into the extractor and a discharge means for discharging cleaned waste from the extractor.

In this aspect of the invention, at least one of the drums may provide a means for introducing liquid into the drum for submerging the waste into the liquid and a means for discharging the liquid out of the drum to drain the liquid from the drum.

In this aspect of the invention, a heating means may be provided for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste.

In this aspect of the invention, the stationary chamber may further comprise an outer wall configured with U-shape or V-shape longitudinal grooves or ribs to prevent the stationary chamber from collapsing due to differential pressure during its operation. In this aspect of the invention, the heating means may be in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid.

In this aspect of the invention, a bottom half circumference of the outer wall may be configured with rugged surfaces and supported by saddles.

In this aspect of the invention, the drum may be made detachable from the extractor for easy replacement of the transfer means.

In this aspect of the invention, the drums approaching the discharge means may be configured with helix-shaped transfer means connected to a transfer transition after the transfer means.

In this aspect of the invention, the discharge means may provide a discharge chute at to recycle water from the waste.

In this aspect of the invention, the inlet means may be integrated with a splasher for channelling the recycled water from the discharge chute into the drums.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums for rotary movement about a horizontal axis, each drum having an outlet for discharging liquid from the drum, wherein the outlet is shaped to encourage waste washing liquid to be exhausted through the outlet in a vortex motion.

In this aspect of the invention, both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums may be rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums.

In this aspect of the invention, each drum may be provided with a plurality of protrusions at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste upon contact with the waste during rotary movement.

In this aspect of the invention, the outlet may be conical shape, cylindrical shape or any combination thereof.

In this aspect of the invention, the outlet may provide an inner profile to guide the liquid movement on and along the inner profile, such that a centripetal liquid flow that swirls around a longitudinal axis of the outlet is produced.

In this aspect of the invention, each drum may provide a heating means for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste, such that air within the drum is heated and expanded to create pressure for discharging the liquid from the drum through the outlet.

In this aspect of the invention, the outlet may be operable to control the discharge of liquid from the drum at a predetermined rotation angle of the drum.

In this aspect of the invention, the drum may further comprise perforated wall that is made detachable from the drum for easy replacement of a damaged perforated wall.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste comprising a stationary chamber for housing a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums, each for rotary movement about a horizontal axis within the stationary chamber, one of the drums, in use, being supplied with liquid for washing the waste during its rotary movement, the arrangement being such that liquid is passed through a perforated wall of the drum to the stationary chamber and wherein the stationary chamber has an outlet shaped to encourage the waste liquid to be exhausted through the outlet in a vortex motion.

In this aspect of the invention, both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums may be rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums within the stationary chamber.

In this aspect of the invention, each drum may be provided a plurality of protrusions at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste upon contact with the waste during rotary movement.

In this aspect of the invention, the outlet may be a conical shape, cylindrical shape or any combination thereof. In this aspect of the invention, the outlet may provide an inner profile to guide the liquid movement on and along the inner profile, such that a centripetal liquid flow that swirls around a longitudinal axis of the outlet is produced.

In this aspect of the invention, each drum may provide a heating means for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste, such that air within the drum is heated and expanded to create pressure for discharging the liquid from the stationary chamber through the outlet.

In this aspect of the invention, the outlet may be operable to control the discharge of liquid from the stationary chamber.

In this aspect of the invention, the heating means may be in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid such as steam or heated liquid

In this aspect of the invention, the stationary chamber may further comprise an outer wall configured with U-shape or V-shape longitudinal grooves or ribs to prevent the stationary chamber from collapsing due to differential pressure during its operation.

In this aspect of the invention, the heating means may be in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid.

In this aspect of the invention, the perforated wall may be made detachable from the drum for easy replacement of a damaged perforated wall.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an extractor system suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste, the system comprising at least one extractor, each extractor having a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums for rotary movement about a horizontal axis with inlet means at one end of the extractor for feeding waste to be cleaned into the washer system and discharge mean for ejecting the cleaned waste from the extractor, and a distributor for introducing the waste into the extractor, wherein the distributor is arranged and operable such that waste is selectively delivered to any one or more of the extractors.

In this aspect of the invention, the extractor may further comprise a sensing means for measuring the capacity of the waste to prevent waste overload within the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums.

In this aspect of the invention, the extractor may further comprise a processing means for instructing the distributor to feed the waste to any one or more extractors which have not reach waste overload.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the extractor with its drums exposed according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the extractor with its drums exposed according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the extractor with its drums exposed according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the extractor according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the extractor according to the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the extractor according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an top view of the extractor with its drums exposed according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view and assembled view of the transfer means according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the discharge means of the extractor according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outer wall of the drum according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an outlet of the extractor according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings.

For the purpose of description, the term “waste” or “refuse” is defined as a matter thrown away or rejected as worthless, or any discarded material that is abandoned by being disposed of, burned or incinerated, recycled or considered "waste-like." By way of example, the solid waste includes garbage, construction debris, commercial refuse, sludge from water supply or waste treatment plants, or air pollution control facilities, and other discarded materials. Solid waste can come from industrial, commercial, mining, or agricultural operations, and from household and community activities. Preferably, the solid waste can be disintegrated into finer particulates upon mechanical methods such as rotating, impacting, and tearing.

Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste 30. The extractor comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 for rotary movement about a horizontal axis. Each drum 3 is provided with a pair of spaced end walls 7, in which the juxtaposed end walls of adjacent drums 3 provide openings 3 for waste communication between the adjacent drums 3. In this particular embodiment, each drum 3 includes a transfer means 9 including a shaped wall for scooping the waste 30 so that the waste 30 is transferred from one drum 3 to an adjacent successive drum 3 through said openings 3 during rotation of the drums 3. In one advantageous embodiment, the shaped wall of the transfer means 9 comprises an interrupted contact surface 5 to reduce contact time between the waste 30 and the transfer means 9 during waste transfer from drum 3 to drum 3.

Preferably, each drum 3 is fastened to its adjacent successive drum 3 such that the plurality of longitudinally drums 3 are rotated jointly as a unit. By way of example the drums 3 can be temporarily or permanently fastened with its adjacent successive drum 3, such as with the use of rivets, bolts or welding to connect flanges 8 of the drums 3. The drums 3 are aligned concentrically such that the openings 3 of each spaced end walls 7 are aligned with one another to allow for smooth transfer of waste 30 from drum 3 to drum 3. In another preferred embodiment, each drum 3 is not fastened to its adjacent successive drum 3 such that each drum 3 is rotated independently from the adjacent successive drums 3.

In this particular embodiment, the drums 3 are made rotatable by rotatably supporting both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 with means to rotate the drums 3. By way of example, the means to rotate the drums 3 is in the form of gear motor drive chain, in which the gear motor drive chain engages with the drums 3 to rotate the drums 3 at a predetermined angle and interval as instructed by a processing means. In one example, each distal end provides a sprocket 22 for engagement with the gear rollers 20 such that the drums 3 rotate with respect with the gear rollers 20. In another example, a chain 23 is being attached to an outer periphery of the drums 3 which each drum 3 is disposed at distal end of the unit, such that the chain 23 engages with the gear rollers 20 for rotating the drums 3. Yet in another example, a shaft may be disposed through the unit and in engagement with the gear rollers 20 for rotating the unit. In another example, a sprocket 22 is provided at a gearbox to rotate the unit on one end and another end of the unit is freely supported by gear rollers 20. Preferably, the gear motor drive chain is movable by a gear motor 21

Preferably, the drum 3 oscillates repeatedly to create a whiplash effect so that it can agitate the washing process. The drum 3 can be conical shape, cylindrical shape, polygon shape or in any combination. The drum 3 may also be made detachable from the extractor for easy replacement of the transfer means 9.

Preferably, the transfer means 9 is attached to one of the spaced end walls 7 of each drum 3 temporarily or permanently by attaching its flange 10 to the spaced end wall 7. By way of example, the transfer means 9 is attached with non-welding method such as fasteners or adhesive. The transfer means 9 may be welded onto the spaced end walls as long as the transfer means 9 is fabricated substantially thicker to prevent damage on the transfer means 9 during welding process. In one particular embodiment, the transfer means 9 can be attached onto the spaced end wall at an angle such that the waste 30 is transferred to its adjacent successive drum 3 when the transfer means 9 is positioned at a certain position with respect to a midpoint of the spaced end walls to achieve top transfer or bottom transfer; either when the transfer means 9 is positioned above a midpoint of the spaced end walls or when the transfer means 9 is positioned below a midpoint of the spaced end walls during rotary movement of the drums 3. Preferably, the transfer means 9 is attached in proximity with the opening 3 so that the waste 30 can be transferred without slippage of waste 30 from the transfer means 9 back to the drum 3.

For the sake of clarity, top transfer refers to the transfer of waste 30 from one drum 3 to its adjacent successive drum 3 when the transfer means 9 is oriented at a location above the midpoint of the spaced end walls. The bottom transfer refers to the transfer of waste 30 from one drum 3 to its adjacent successive drum 3 when the transfer means 9 is oriented at a location below the midpoint of the spaced end walls. Referring to Fig. 8, the transfer means 9 is detachably attached on any location of the spaced end walls in such a way that allows a user to configure either top transfer or bottom transfer depending on the type of waste 30 to handle.

Preferably, the interrupted contact surface 5 is in the form of a stepped surface, staggered surface, rugged surface, wavy surface, zig-zag profiled surface, perforated surface or in any combination thereof. Such feature prevents the waste 30 to adhere onto the interrupted contact surface 5 as the interrupted contact surface 5 creates gaps therebetween. This also prevents the waste 30 from being adhered onto the interrupted contact surface 5 when the waste 30 is wet during cleaning of the waste 30. Further, the surface between any interrupted profiles may be laminated with non-stick materials shaped as dots to prevent the waste 30 to stick on the surface.

Preferably, the pair of spaced end walls 7 of each drum 3 has a hollow cylindrical body 7 therebetween, the hollow cylindrical body has a plurality of protrusions 12 at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste 30 upon contact with the waste 30 during rotary movement through impacting of the waste 30. By way of example, the protrusions 12 may be in the form of spikes, studs or plates. Preferably, the inner surface that is in contact with liquid is provided with the protrusions 12. Preferably, the protrusions 12 may be steel, plastic or composite. The protrusions 12 may be formed as a unibody with the hollow cylindrical body or may be welded onto the hollow cylindrical body.

Preferably, at least one of the drums 3 provides a means for introducing liquid into the drum 3 for submerging the waste 30 into the liquid and a means for discharging the liquid out of the drum to drain the liquid from the drum. The liquid is introduced into the drum 3 in a counter flow manner, in which the liquid flow opposes the flow of waste 30 within the drums 3 to impact the waste 30 for further disintegration. Preferably, each drum 3 may have its own functions, such as entry of clean water, entry of recuperated water entry of steam or heat via perforation and drainage of waste 30. Therefore, approximately half of the water can be retained in each drum 3 and the drums 3 can be replenished with fresh water up to a desire level. On the successive washing on the adjacent drums 3, each drum 3 will have cleaner water as the fresh water is continuously provided into the drum 3.

Preferably, the drums 3 approaching the discharge means 14 may be configured with helix-shaped transfer means 11 connected to a transfer transition 33 after the transfer means 4. In this preferred embodiment, the transfer means 11 is formed with a full- rotation helix at each drum 3. The helix-shaped transfer means 11 is attached along the circumference of the inner wall of the drums 3. The helix-shaped transfer means 9 can be fully welded to the inner drum wall. Preferably, the drums 3 with helix-shaped transfer means 11 are arranged together to form a unibody helix flange 34 such that the waste 30 can be transferred back and forth together with the water during its operation. During transfer of the waste 30 to the next successive drum 3, the drum 3 rotates fully to complete the transfer cycle. Preferably, each drum 3 that has the helix shaped transfer means 11 may also have its own functions, such as entry of clean water, entry of recuperated water entry of steam or heat via perforation and drainage of waste 30. Therefore, approximately half of the water can be retained in each drum 3 and the drums 3 can be replenished with fresh water up to a desire level. On the successive washing on the adjacent drums 3, each drum 3 will have cleaner water as the fresh water is continuously provided into the drum 3.

Preferably, a heating means 13 is provided on an outer periphery of the unit for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste 30. By way of example, the heating means 13 is in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid such as steam or heated liquid. Preferably, the heat is subjected by injecting steam or other gaseous medium. In another example, cold medium may be subjected to the submerged waste 30. A steam generator 18 may be provided to channel steam to the heating means 13.

In one particular embodiment, the extractor further comprises an inlet means 13 for introducing the waste 30 into the extractor and a discharge means 14 for discharging cleaned waste 30 from the extractor. Referring to Fig. 9, a discharge chute 32 is provided at the discharge means 14 to recycle water from the waste 30 and a splasher 15 is integrated with the inlet means 13 for channelling the recycled water from the discharge chute into the drums 3. A dewatering device 31 may also be provided to remove the waste water from the extractor.

In this particular embodiment, the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 are mounted within a stationary chamber for rotation with respect to the stationary chamber. The pair of spaced end walls 7 of each drum 3 has a hollow cylindrical body 7 therebetween, in which the hollow cylindrical body is preferred to be in the form of perforated wall 4 for allowing chemical extracted from the waste 30 to pass therethrough. The stationary chamber and the longitudinally aligned drums 3 may provide a sliding mechanism in between for rotating the drums 3 with respect to the stationary chamber. For example, a ring 5 may be disposed in between each drum 3, in which the ring 5 is slidably movable along a ring bracket 6 that is disposed on an inner wall of the stationary chamber.

Preferably, the perforated wall 4 is made detachable from the hollow cylindrical body for easy replacement of a damaged perforated wall 4 or to replace with a perforated wall 4 of a different mesh size. Preferably, the stationary chamber comprises an upper housing 1 and a lower housing 2 which are oppositely arranged. The upper housing 1 may be detachable such that the drums 3 can be taken out for maintenance purposes. Dehumidifier 19 may be disposed at the upper housing 1 to discharge humid air from the stationary chamber to the environment.

In one example, the perforated wall 4 is in the form of netting such as a fish net, in which the netting maintains its structure with the use of stiffeners such as a column. By way of example, the netting is made from nylon, plastic, steel or in any combination thereof.

Advantageously, the stationary chamber provides at least one brush unit 16 attached at its inner wall, such that the brush unit 16 is brought into frictional contact with an outer wall of the hollow cylindrical body and scraps the outer wall during rotary movement of the drum 3 This prevents build-up of the waste 30 on the outer wall due to coagulation of the waste 30 Preferably, the brush unit 16 is detachably attached onto the inner wall so that a damaged brush unit 16 can be replaced. Preferably, the brush unit 16 is disposed above the water level. The brush unit 16 may be designed as a spring loaded bi-directional mechanism to compromise clockwise and counter clockwise movement of the drum.

Furthermore, the outer wall of the stationary chamber may be configured U-shape or V-shape longitudinal grooves or ribs to prevent the stationary chamber from collapsing due to differential pressure during its operation. Preferably, the bottom half circumference of the outer wall is configured with rugged surfaces and supported by several saddles.

Alternatively, the hollow cylindrical body provides at least one brush unit 16 attached at its outer wall, such that the brush unit 16 is brought into frictional contact with the inner wall of the stationary chamber and scraps the inner wall during rotary movement of the drum 3. This prevents build-up of the waste 30 on the inner wall due to coagulation of the waste 30. Preferably, the brush unit 16 is detachably attached onto the outer wall so that a damaged brush unit 16 can be replaced. Referring to Fig. 10, the hollow cylindrical body may also provide grooves or ribs 35 to strengthen the structure of the cylindrical body.

Preferably, a heating means 13 is provided on an outer periphery of the stationary chamber for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste 30. By way of example, the heating means 13 is in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid such as steam or heated liquid. A steam generator 18 may be provided to channel steam to the heating means 13.

In one particular embodiment, the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 are categorised into four groups for processing the waste 30 in a sequential order. Preferably, each group consists of at least one drum 3. The first group is for soaking process, where the waste 30 is introduced into the first group and soaked within the liquid. The drums 3 start its rotary movement and oscillate so that the waste 30 comingles with the liquid. The plurality of protrusions 12 impact the waste 30 during the rotary movement, such that the waste 30 is loosen to create more surface contact area between the waste 30 and the liquid for enhancing the effectiveness of the liquid on the waste 30. The waste 30 is then transferred to the second group for conditioning process. The waste 30 is repeatedly raised from and released into the liquid for enhancing the liquid absorption of the waste 30. The waste 30 is then transferred to the third group which is the rinsing process. The drum 3 is filled with liquid and rinsed repeatedly until the waste 30 is transferred to the fourth group, which is the finishing process. The waste 30 is then discharged from the extractor upon separating the liquid from the waste 30. The means for introducing liquid is provided at fourth group such that the liquid can be introduced into the drum 3 counter flow with the direction of the waste 30. During the finishing process, the waste 30 is already disintegrated as finer particulates due to the impacts of the protrusions 12 and the liquid introduced into the drum 3 in finishing process. The liquid is then recycled and discharged to first group as the liquid is purified after several times of discharge from each drum 3 individually. Preferably, the transfer means 9 is perforated so that the liquid is not carried from the drums 3 in first group to its following groups. A waste water recovery tank 24 may be provided to collect the recycled liquid, and the recycled liquid is discharged to the first group via a waste water recovery pipe 25. Saddle 26 may be provided to allow a user to climb over the extractor. Water pipe 27 and liquor pipe 28 are provided at the extractor to channel fresh water and liquor into the extractor. Preferably, the saddle 26 is to hold the outer shell and also designed to be used as jig and fixture during construction and also for drum alignment

Preferably, the extractor comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 for rotary movement about a horizontal axis, where each drum 3 having an outlet 17 for discharging liquid from the drum 3, in which the outlet 17 is shaped to encourage waste washing liquid to be exhausted through the outlet 17 in a vortex motion.

Preferably, each drum 3 is fastened to its adjacent successive drum 3 such that the plurality of longitudinally drums 3 are rotated jointly as a unit. By way of example the drums 3 can be temporarily or permanently fastened with its adjacent successive drum 3, such as with the use of rivets, bolts or welding. The drums 3 may be added with additional drums 3 to extend the length of the unit. In this particular embodiment, both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 are rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums 3. Each drum 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 12 at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste 30 upon contact with the waste 30 during rotary movement.

Preferably, the extractor further comprises an inlet means 13 for introducing the waste 30 into the extractor, a means for introducing liquid in at least one of the drums 3 for submerging the waste 30 into the liquid, and a discharge means 14 for discharging cleaned waste 30 from the extractor.

Referring to Fig. 11, the outlet 17 is conical shape, cylindrical shape or any combination thereof. Advantageously, the outlet 17 provides an inner profile to guide the liquid movement on and along the inner profile, such that a centripetal liquid flow that swirls around a longitudinal axis of the outlet 17 is produced. This prevents build up of the waste 30 on the outlet 17 due to coagulation of the waste 30 such as fine particles or sand. A funnel 36 is provided between the outlet 17 and the stationary chamber to guide the liquid movement to the outlet 17.

Preferably, each drum 3 provides a heating means 13 for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste 30, such that air within the drum 3 is heated and expanded to create pressure for discharging the liquid from the drum 3 through the outlet 17. Advantageously, this feature prevents clogging of waste 30 at the outlet 17.

Preferably, the outlet 17 is operable to control the discharge of liquid from the drum 3 at a predetermined rotation angle of the drum 3. By way of example, the outlet 17 is operable to discharge the liquid when the outlet 17 points downwardly or points towards a spot for receiving the discharged liquid. In another preferred embodiment, the extractor comprises a stationary chamber for housing a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3, each drum 3 for rotary movement about a horizontal axis within the stationary chamber, one of the drums 3, in use, being supplied with liquid for washing the waste 30 during its rotary movement, the arrangement being such that liquid is passed through a perforated wall 4 of the drum 3 to the stationary chamber and in which the stationary chamber has an outlet 17 shaped to encourage the waste liquid to be exhausted through the outlet 17 in a vortex motion. By way of example, the outlet 17 may be disposed at the lower housing 2 of the stationary chamber.

Preferably, each drum 3 is fastened to its adjacent successive drum 3 such that the plurality of longitudinally drums 3 are rotated jointly as a unit. By way of example the drums 3 can be temporarily or permanently fastened with its adjacent successive drum 3, such as with the use of rivets, bolts or welding.

In this particular embodiment, both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 are rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums 3 within the stationary chamber. Each drum 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 12 at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste 30 upon contact with the waste 30 during rotary movement.

Preferably, the outlet 17 is conical shape, cylindrical shape or any combination thereof. Advantageously, the outlet 17 provides an inner profile to guide the liquid movement on and along the inner profile, such that a centripetal liquid flow that swirls around a longitudinal axis of the outlet 17 is produced. This prevents build-up of the waste 30 on the outlet 17 due to coagulation of the waste 30 such as fine particles or sand.

Preferably, each drum 3 provides a heating means 13 for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste 30, such that air within the drum 3 is heated and expanded to create pressure for discharging the liquid from the stationary chamber through the outlet 17. Advantageously, this feature prevents clogging of waste 30 at the outlet 17.

Preferably, the outlet 17 is operable to control the discharge of liquid from the stationary chamber. By way of example, the outlet 17 is operable to discharge the liquid that passes through the perforated wall 4 of the drum 3 when the drums 3 are not in rotary movement.

In another further embodiment, there is provided an extractor system suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste 30. The system comprises at least one extractor, each extractor having a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3 for rotary movement about a horizontal axis with inlet means 13 at one end of the extractor for feeding waste 30 to be cleaned into the washer system and discharge means 14 for ejecting the cleaned waste 30 from the extractor, and a distributor 15 for introducing the waste 30 into the extractor, wherein the distributor 15 is arranged and operable such that waste 30 is selectively delivered to any one or more of the extractors.

In this particular embodiment, the system may further comprise a sensing means for measuring the capacity of the waste 30 to prevent waste overload within the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums 3. The sensing means may measure the volume, weight or pressure within the drums to determine the capacity of the drums 3. This feature prevents wobbling of the longitudinally aligned drums 3 during its rotary motion in an event of waste overload.

Furthermore, the system may comprise a processing means for instructing the distributor 15 to feed the waste 30 to any one or more extractors which have not reach waste overload. This ensures the system to control the distribution of the waste 30 to each extractor.

Preferably, the longitudinal aligned drums 3 and the stationary chamber may be fabricated from plastic, fibre-reinforced plastic or composite. These materials are advantageous due to its light weight which ease the process to align one drum 3 to its adjacent successive drum 3 This also saves the energy to energise the extractor as the drums 3 consume less energy to rotate.

The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste (30) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) for rotary movement about a horizontal axis, each drum (3) having a pair of spaced end walls (7), wherein the juxtaposed end walls of adjacent drums (3) provide openings (3) for waste communication between the adjacent drums (3), and each (3) includes a transfer means (9) including a shaped wall for scooping the waste (30) so that the waste (30) is transferred from one drum (3) to an adjacent successive drum (3) through said openings (3) during rotation of the drums (3), characterised in that the shaped wall of the transfer means (9) comprises an interrupted contact surface (5) to reduce contact time between the waste (30) and the transfer means (9) during waste transfer from drum (3) to drum (3).

2. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein the interrupted contact surface (5) is in the form of a stepped surface, staggered surface, rugged surface, wavy surface, zig zag profiled surface, perforated surface, laminates surface, treated non-stick surface or in any combination thereof.

3. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein the transfer means (9) is attached to one of the spaced end walls of each drum (3) temporarily, permanently or in any combination thereof.

4. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein each drum (3) is fastened to its adjacent successive drum (3) such that the plurality of longitudinally drums (3) are rotated jointly as a unit.

5. The extractor according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) are mounted within a stationary chamber for rotation with respect to the stationary chamber.

6. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) are rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums

(3)·

7. The extractor according to claim 5, wherein the pair of spaced end walls (7) of each drum (3) has a hollow cylindrical body (7) therebetween, the hollow cylindrical body is in the form of perforated wall (4) for allowing chemical extracted from the waste (30) to pass therethrough.

8. The extractor according to claim 7, wherein the hollow cylindrical body has a plurality of protrusions (12) at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste (30) upon contact with the waste (30) during rotary movement.

9. The extractor according to claim 4, wherein the stationary chamber provides at least one brush unit (16) attached at its inner wall, such that the brush unit (16) is brought into frictional contact with an outer wall of the hollow cylindrical body and scraps the outer wall during rotary movement of the drum (3).

10. The extractor according to claim 1 further comprising an inlet means (13) for introducing the waste (30) into the extractor and a discharge means (14) for discharging cleaned waste (30) from the extractor.

11. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the drums (3) provides a means for introducing liquid into the drum (3) for submerging the waste (30) into the liquid and a means for discharging the liquid out of the drum (3) to drain the liquid from the drum (3).

12. The extractor according to claim 5, wherein the stationary chamber provides a heating means (13) for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste (30).

13. The extractor according to claim 5, wherein the stationary chamber further comprises an outer wall configured with U-shape or V-shape longitudinal grooves or ribs to prevent the stationary chamber from collapsing due to differential pressure during its operation.

14. The extractor according to claim 12, wherein the heating means (13) is in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid.

15. The extractor according to claim 13, wherein a bottom half circumference of the outer wall is configured with rugged surfaces and supported by saddles.

16. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein the drum (3) is made detachable from the extractor for easy replacement of the transfer means (9).

17. The extractor according to claim 10, wherein the drums (3) approaching the discharge means (14) is configured with helix-shaped transfer means (11) connected to a transfer transition (33) after the transfer means (4).

18. The extractor according to claim 10, wherein the discharge means (14) provides a discharge chute (32) at to recycle water from the waste (30).

19. The extractor according to claim 10, wherein the inlet means (13) is integrated with a splasher (15) for channelling the recycled water from the discharge chute into the drums (3).

20. The extractor according to claim 1 further comprising a dewatering device (31) to remove the waste water from the extractor.

21. An extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste (30) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) for rotary movement about a horizontal axis, each drum (3) having an outlet (17) for discharging liquid from the drum (3), wherein the outlet (17) is shaped to encourage waste washing liquid to be exhausted through the outlet (17) in a vortex motion.

22. The extractor according to claim 21, wherein each drum (3) is fastened to its adjacent successive drum (3) such that the plurality of longitudinally drums (3) are rotated jointly as a unit.

23. The extractor according to claim 21, wherein both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) are rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums

(3)·

24. The extractor according to claim 21, wherein each drum (3) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (12) at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste (30) upon contact with the waste (30) during rotary movement.

25. The extractor according to claim 21, wherein the outlet (17) is conical shape, cylindrical shape or any combination thereof.

26. The extractor according to claim 25, wherein the outlet (17) provides an inner profile to guide the liquid movement on and along the inner profile, such that a centripetal liquid flow that swirls around a longitudinal axis of the outlet (17) is produced.

27. The extractor according to claim 21 further comprising an inlet means (13) for introducing the waste (30) into the extractor and a discharge means (14) for discharging cleaned waste (30) from the extractor.

28. The extractor according to claim 21, at least one of the drums (3) provides a means for introducing liquid into the drum (3) for submerging the waste (30) into the liquid and a means for discharging the liquid out of the drum (3) to drain the liquid from the drum (3).

29. The extractor according to claim 28, wherein each drum (3) provides a heating means (13) for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste (30), such that air within the drum is heated and expanded to create pressure for discharging the liquid from the drum (3) through the outlet (17).

30. The extractor according to claim 21, wherein the outlet (17) is operable to control the discharge of liquid from the drum (3) at a predetermined rotation angle of the drum (3).

31. The extractor according to claim 21, wherein the drum (3) further comprises perforated wall (4) that is made detachable from the drum (3) for easy replacement of a damaged perforated wall (4).

32. The extractor according to claim 27, wherein the drums (3) approaching the discharge means (14) is configured with helix-shaped transfer means (11) connected to a transfer transition (33) after the transfer means (4).

33. An extractor suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste (30) comprising a stationary chamber for housing a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3), each drum (3) for rotary movement about a horizontal axis within the stationary chamber, one of the drums (3), in use, being supplied with liquid for washing the waste (30) during its rotary movement, the arrangement being such that liquid is passed through a perforated wall (4) of the drum (3) to the stationary chamber and wherein the stationary chamber has an outlet (17) shaped to encourage the waste liquid to be exhausted through the outlet (17) in a vortex motion.

34. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein each drum (3) is fastened to its adjacent successive drum (3) such that the plurality of longitudinally drums (3) are rotated jointly as a unit.

35. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein both distal ends of the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) are rotatably supported by means to rotate the drums (3) within the stationary chamber.

36. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein each drum (3) is provided a plurality of protrusions (12) at its inner surface for disintegrating the waste (30) upon contact with the waste (30) during rotary movement.

37. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein the outlet (17) is conical shape, cylindrical shape or any combination thereof.

38. The extractor according to claim 37, wherein the outlet (17) provides an inner profile to guide the liquid movement on and along the inner profile, such that a centripetal liquid flow that swirls around a longitudinal axis of the outlet (17) is produced.

39. The extractor according to claim 33 further comprising an inlet means (13) for introducing the waste (30) into the extractor and a discharge means (14) for discharging cleaned waste (30) from the extractor.

40. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein at least one of the drums (3) provides a means for introducing liquid into the drum (3) for submerging the waste (30) into the liquid and a means for discharging the liquid out of the drum (3) to drain the liquid from the drum (3).

41. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein the stationary chamber provides a heating means (13) for subjecting heat onto the submerged waste (30), such that air within the drum is heated and expanded to create pressure for discharging the liquid from the stationary chamber through the outlet (17).

42. The extractor according to claim 41, wherein the heating means (13) is in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid such as steam or heated liquid

43. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein the stationary chamber further comprises an outer wall configured with U-shape or V-shape longitudinal grooves or ribs to prevent the stationary chamber from collapsing due to differential pressure during its operation.

44. The extractor according to claim 42, wherein the heating means (13) is in the form of pillow plate jacket, dimple plates or coil jacket for receiving heated fluid.

45. The extractor according to claim 43, wherein a bottom half circumference of the outer wall is configured with rugged surfaces and supported by saddles.

46. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein the outlet (17) is operable to control the discharge of liquid from the stationary chamber.

47. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein the drum (3) is made detachable from the extractor for easy replacement of the transfer means (9).

47. The extractor according to claim 33, wherein the perforated wall (4) is made detachable from the drum (3) for easy replacement of a damaged perforated wall (4).

48. An extractor system suitable for extracting chemical through cleaning of waste (30), the system comprising at least one extractor, each extractor having a plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3) for rotary movement about a horizontal axis with inlet means (13) at one end of the extractor for feeding waste (30) to be cleaned into the washer system and discharge means (14) for ejecting the cleaned waste (30) from the extractor, and a distributor (15) for introducing the waste (30) into the extractor, wherein the distributor (15) is arranged and operable such that waste (30) is selectively delivered to any one or more of the extractors.

49. The extractor system according to claim 48 further comprising a sensing means for measuring the capacity of the waste (30) to prevent waste overload within the plurality of longitudinally aligned drums (3).

50. The extractor system according to claim 48 further comprising a processing means for instructing the distributor (15) to feed the waste (30) to any one or more extractors which have not reach waste overload.