U.S. patent application number 12/823093 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for deodorization module and food waste treatment apparatus having the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to WOONGJIN COWAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Sung Jin Kim, Chan Jung Park, Sang Gu Sim.
Application Number | 20110155567 12/823093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43517780 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110155567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sim; Sang Gu ; et
al. |
June 30, 2011 |
DEODORIZATION MODULE AND FOOD WASTE TREATMENT APPARATUS HAVING THE
SAME
Abstract
The present invention provides a deodorization module and a food
waste treatment apparatus having the same. The deodorization module
includes a heat exchanger and an electrolytic cell. The heat
exchanger conducts heat exchange between exhaust gas discharged
from a drying furnace and cooling air drawn into the heat exchanger
from the outside of the drying furnace. The electrolytic cell
electrolyzes condensate water, formed by the heat exchange process
of the heat exchanger, using bipolar packed bed electrolysis to
remove offensive odors from the condensate water. The heat
exchanger has flow channels therein so that the exhaust gas
discharged from the drying furnace and the cooling air drawn from
the outside flows along the flow channels in directions that cross
each other. The food waste treatment apparatus includes the
deodorization module, an intake and exhaust module and a heat
exchanger having a stacked structure.
Inventors: |
Sim; Sang Gu; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Sung Jin; (Seoul, KR) ; Park; Chan
Jung; (Seoul, KR) |
Assignee: |
WOONGJIN COWAY CO., LTD.
Gongju-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
43517780 |
Appl. No.: |
12/823093 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/274 ;
110/204; 165/166; 165/185 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2257/80 20130101;
C02F 1/283 20130101; B01D 53/323 20130101; Y02P 70/10 20151101;
B01D 53/002 20130101; B01D 53/265 20130101; B01D 2258/0275
20130101; C02F 1/46114 20130101; B01D 2257/90 20130101; B01D 53/005
20130101; C02F 2103/32 20130101; A61L 11/00 20130101; A61L 9/145
20130101; C02F 2001/46161 20130101; C02F 2103/18 20130101; C02F
2303/02 20130101; C02F 1/467 20130101; F26B 25/006 20130101; C02F
2301/02 20130101; F26B 23/002 20130101; C02F 1/281 20130101; C02F
2001/46128 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/274 ;
165/166; 165/185; 110/204 |
International
Class: |
C25B 9/00 20060101
C25B009/00; F28F 3/08 20060101 F28F003/08; F28F 7/00 20060101
F28F007/00; F23C 9/00 20060101 F23C009/00; C25C 7/02 20060101
C25C007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0132057 |
Jan 27, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0007550 |
Claims
1. A deodorization module, comprising: a heat exchanger conducting
heat exchange between an exhaust gas discharged from a drying
furnace and cooling air drawn into the heat exchanger from an
outside of the drying furnace; and an electrolytic cell
electrolyzing condensate water, formed by the heat exchange process
of the heat exchanger, using bipolar packed bed electrolysis to
remove offensive odors from the condensate water, wherein the heat
exchanger has a plurality of flow channels therein so that the
exhaust gas discharged from the drying furnace and the cooling air
drawn from the outside flow along the flow channels in directions
that cross each other.
2. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
electrolytic cell comprises: a cell housing; an electrode casing
installed in the cell housing; and a conductive porous filler
charged into the electrode casing, the conductive porous filler
being bipolarized by electricity applied to an interior of the
electrode casing.
3. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
electrolytic cell further comprises: cell electrodes comprising an
anode cell and a cathode cell which are disposed in the electrode
casing and face each other, with the conductive porous filler
provided between the cell electrodes.
4. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
heat exchanger comprises a plurality of unit heat exchange panels,
wherein the flow channels are formed by stacking the unit heat
exchange panels one on top of another.
5. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 4, wherein each
of the unit heat exchange panels comprises first heat transfer fins
extending from a first surface of the unit heat exchange panel, and
second heat transfer fins extending from a second surface of the
unit heat exchange panel, wherein the first heat transfer fins and
the second heat transfer fins are oriented in directions that cross
each other.
6. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 4, wherein when
the unit heat exchange panels are coupled to each other, heat
transfer fins of each of the unit heat exchange panels are inserted
between heat transfer fins of the adjacent unit heat exchange panel
such that the heat transfer fins of one heat exchange panel
alternate with the heat transfer fins of the other unit heat
exchange panel.
7. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
heat exchanger comprises: a main body having a plurality of flow
channels formed through the main body in a first direction; and a
pair of cover plates coupled to respective opposite ends of the
main body with respect to the first direction, wherein the flow
channels comprise a plurality of first flow channels through which
a first fluid flows in the first direction, the first fluid passing
through the cover plates, and a plurality of second flow channels
being open through opposite sidewalls of the main body.
8. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 7, wherein the
first flow channels and the second flow channels are alternately
formed through the main body.
9. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 7, wherein the
first and second flow channels are formed through the main body in
the first direction by extruding.
10. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 7, wherein heat
exchange fins having predetermined shapes are provided in the first
and second flow channels.
11. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 10, wherein the
heat exchange fins are alternately disposed on opposite sides in
each of the first and second flow channels.
12. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
electrolytic cell comprises a water level sensor attached to the
cell housing below the electrode casing, and a discharge pump
connected to an outlet formed in a lower end of the cell housing,
wherein operation of the discharge pump is controlled depending on
a water level detected by the water level sensor.
13. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 12, wherein the
water level sensor comprises a first water level sensor and a
second water level sensor disposed below the first water level
sensor, wherein the operation of the discharge pump begins when the
water level is detected by the first water level sensor, and the
operation of the discharge pump is stopped when the water level is
detected by the second water level sensor.
14. The deodorization module as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
exhaust gas condensed in the heat exchanger is re-supplied into the
drying furnace.
15. A food waste treatment apparatus, comprising: a deodorization
module according to any one of claims 1 through 14.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of Korean Application No. 10-2009-0132057, filed Dec.
28, 2009 and Korean Application No. 10-2010-0007550, filed Jan. 27,
2010, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to deodorization
modules and food waste treatment apparatuses having the same and,
more particularly, to a deodorization module which can effectively
remove offensive odors from high temperature and humidity exhaust
gas, generated during a food waste treatment process in a drying
furnace, in such a way as to cool the exhaust gas by heat exchange
and electrolyze condensate water formed by the cooling, and a food
waste treatment apparatus having the deodorization module.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, food waste treatment apparatuses discharge high
temperature and humidity odorous exhaust gas during the food waste
treatment process. It is very difficult to remove offensive odors
from exhaust gas because water and gas are discharged quickly.
Particularly, as free-standing type food waste treatment
apparatuses are recently gaining in popularity, there is an
increased interest in treating a large amount of high temperature
and humidity gas. Presently, a method of treating exhaust gas using
activated carbon and impregnated activated carbon and a method of
deodorizing exhaust gas with a high temperature catalytic reaction
using platinum are mainly being used. However, these conventional
techniques cannot fulfill the requirement that a large amount of
high temperature and humidity exhaust gas generated from food waste
be able to be treated in a short amount of time. Typically, a large
amount of high temperature vapor is generated when food waste is
treated. For example, if the dryness factor of a food waste
treatment apparatus is 80%, there is about 800 cc of high
temperature vapor generated from per kilogram of food waste.
Furthermore, high temperature exhaust gas of about 60.degree. C. to
80.degree. C. is treated by a filter, although the temperature of
the exhaust gas may vary depending on the method of pulverizing and
drying. A large amount of odorous gas is discharged in mere one to
five hours. Due to such operating conditions of the food waste
treatment apparatus, the method of deodorizing exhaust gas using
activated carbon cannot satisfactorily treat a large quantity of
gas. Offensive odors may still be present in the exhaust gas even
after it passes through the filter. In addition, although the
initial performance of the conventional food waste treatment
apparatus may be satisfactory, there is a problem in that the
lifetime thereof is short. Moreover, when the activated carbon is
impregnated with water, pores of the activated carbon are clogged,
resulting in the deodorization performance being deteriorated.
Furthermore, because of a separation phenomenon wherein gas which
has been held by the activated carbon is re-separated from the
activated carbon when the temperature is over 70.degree. C., there
is a limitation of the use. In addition, the filter is required to
be replaced with a new one once every two to four months, thus
inconveniencing a user. A filter using a high temperature catalyst
increases the temperature of gas discharged at a temperature over
200.degree. C. and removes odorous gas using a platinum catalyst
reaction. In this filter, power consumption is comparatively high.
Because the temperature of air passing through the filter is very
high, even though it is diluted, high temperature air is
discharged. Furthermore, the filter increases the temperature of
the surroundings of the food waste apparatus and the catalyst
reaction generates fine dust. Moreover, the filter must be replaced
with a new one at least once per year. In addition, the production
cost of the filter using a high temperature catalyst is three to
ten times more expensive than the activated carbon filter.
[0006] In an effort to overcome the problems of high temperature
and humidity and the discharge of a large quantity of water in a
short time, a circulation-condensation type food waste treatment
method was proposed. In this method, exhaust gas is condensed by
heat exchange to remove moisture therefrom, and then dried exhaust
gas is re-supplied into a pulverizing and drying furnace which
pulverizes and dries food waste. Water removed from food waste and
exhaust gas is drained into a sewer pipe. However, condensate water
generated from the exhaust gas contains odorous gas. When
condensate water is drained into the sewer pipe, there is the
problem of backflow of offensive odors. Furthermore, because
discharge of water is not smooth, it takes a longer amount of time
to treat food waste. Meanwhile, to solve the problem of odorous
condensate water, a method of electrolyze condensate water to
deodorize it may be used. However, an electrolyte or electrolytic
filter is required to electrolyze condensate water, thus increasing
maintenance costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a deodorization module in
which a heat exchanger having a stacked structure recovers waste
heat from exhaust gas generated from food waste in the drying
furnace, and condensate water passes through an electrolytic cell
so that offensive odors can be effectively removed from the
condensate water using bipolar packed bed electrolysis, and a food
waste treatment apparatus having the deodorization module.
[0008] To accomplish the above object, in an aspect, the present
invention provides a deodorization module, including a heat
exchanger and an electrolytic cell. The heat exchanger is provided
outside the drying furnace into which food waste is input. In the
heat exchanger, heat is transferred from exhaust gas discharged
from the drying furnace to cooling air drawn into the heat
exchanger from the outside of the drying furnace. The electrolytic
cell electrolyzes condensate water, formed by the heat exchange
process of the heat exchanger, using bipolar packed bed
electrolysis to remove offensive odors from the condensate water.
The heat exchanger has a plurality of flow channels therein so that
the exhaust gas discharged from the drying furnace and the cooling
air drawn from the outside flow along the flow channels in
directions crossing each other.
[0009] The electrolytic cell may include a cell housing, an
electrode casing installed in the cell housing, and a conductive
porous filler charged into the electrode casing. The conductive
porous filler may be bipolarized by electricity applied to the
interior of the electrode casing and thus deodorize condensate
water drawn into the electrode casing.
[0010] The electrolytic cell may further include cell electrodes
comprising an anode cell and a cathode cell which are disposed in
the electrode casing and which face each other. The conductive
porous filler may be provided between the cell electrodes.
[0011] The heat exchanger may comprise a plurality of unit heat
exchange panels, wherein the flow channels may be formed by
stacking the unit heat exchange panels one on top of another.
[0012] Each of the unit heat exchange panels may include first heat
transfer fins extending from a first surface of the unit heat
exchange panel, and second heat transfer fins extending from a
second surface of the unit heat exchange panel. The first heat
transfer fins and the second heat transfer fins may be oriented in
directions that cross each other.
[0013] Furthermore, when the unit heat exchange panels are coupled
to each other, heat transfer fins of each of the unit heat exchange
panels may be inserted between heat transfer fins of the adjacent
unit heat exchange panel such that the heat transfer fins of one
heat exchange panel alternate with the heat transfer fins of the
other unit heat exchange panel.
[0014] The heat exchanger may include a main body having a
plurality of flow channels formed through the main body in a first
direction, and a pair of cover plates coupled to respective
opposite ends of the main body with respect to the first direction.
The flow channels may comprise a plurality of first flow channels
through which a first fluid flows in the first direction, the first
fluid passing through the cover plates, and a plurality of second
flow channels being open through opposite sidewalls of the main
body.
[0015] The first flow channels and the second flow channels may be
alternately formed through the main body.
[0016] The first and second flow channels may be formed through the
main body in the first direction by extruding.
[0017] In addition, heat exchange fins having predetermined shapes
may be provided in the first and second flow channels.
[0018] The heat exchange fins may be alternately disposed on
opposite sides in each of the first and second flow channels.
[0019] The electrolytic cell may include a water level sensor
attached to the cell housing below the electrode casing, and a
discharge pump connected to an outlet formed in a lower end of the
cell housing, wherein operation of the discharge pump is controlled
depending on a water level detected by the water level sensor.
[0020] The water level sensor may comprises a first water level
sensor and a second water level sensor disposed below the first
water level sensor, wherein the operation of the discharge pump
begins when the water level is detected by the first water level
sensor, and the operation of the discharge pump is stopped when the
water level is detected by the second water level sensor.
[0021] The exhaust gas condensed in the heat exchanger may be
re-supplied into the drying furnace.
[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a food
waste treatment apparatus, including: a deodorization module.
[0023] As described above, in a deodorization module and a food
waste treatment apparatus according to the present invention, a
heat exchanger having a stacked structure recovers waste heat from
exhaust gas generated from a drying furnace, and condensate water
passes through a bipolar packed bed electrolysis and deodorization
device. Therefore, offensive odors can be effectively removed from
the condensate water. Furthermore, due to use of the heat exchanger
and the electrolysis and deodorization device, power consumption
can be markedly reduced compared to that of the conventional
technique. Hence, the cost required to maintain the system can be
reduced.
[0024] Furthermore, the present invention uses the intake and
discharge module and the heat exchanger having the stacked
structure, so that the time taken to treat food waste can be
markedly reduced. In addition, heat efficiency can be enhanced by
the operation of re-supplying waste heat into the drying furnace.
Thereby, the frequency of operation of the heater in the drying
furnace can be reduced. Moreover, because condensate water is
treated using bipolar packed bed electrolysis, a separate
electrolyte is not required unlike the conventional technique.
Also, 95% or more of the odorous gas can be removed. Furthermore,
in comparison with the deodorization filter of the conventional
technique which must be replaced with a new one once every two to
four months, the deodorization module of the present invention can
be used semi-permanently, thus reducing the maintenance cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food waste treatment
apparatus, according to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus shown from the
direction indicated by the arrow A of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG.
1;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a heat
exchange unit installed in a heat exchanger according to the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of the heat
exchange unit of FIG. 5;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a unit heat exchange panel
of the heat exchange unit of FIG. 5;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a heat
exchange unit according to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a main body
of the heat exchange unit of FIG. 8, the front and rear surfaces
from which cover plates are separated;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main body of the heat
exchange unit in which second flow channels formed in the main body
are exposed to the outside through the sidewalls of the main body
by cutting portions of the sidewalls of the main body;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 10;
and
[0037] FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the internal
construction of an electrolytic cell according to the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Hereinafter, a deodorization module and a food waste
treatment apparatus having the module according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to the attached drawings.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food waste treatment
apparatus 100, according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a
front view of the apparatus 100 shown from the direction indicated
by the arrow A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along
line B-B of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line C-C
of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
heat exchange unit 150 installed in a heat exchanger 140. FIG. 6 is
a partial exploded perspective view of the heat exchange unit 150
of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a unit heat exchange
panel 155 of the heat exchange unit 150 of FIG. 5.
[0040] The general construction of the food waste treatment
apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention
will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4. The food
waste treatment apparatus 100 includes a drying furnace 120, an
intake and exhaust module 110, the heat exchanger 140, an
electrolytic cell 160 and an exhaust unit 130. The drying furnace
120 stirs, pulverizes and heats food waste therein. The intake and
exhaust module 110 is coupled to an upper end of the drying furnace
120 to exhaust gas out of the drying furnace 120 or draw outside
air into the drying furnace 120. The heat exchanger 140 is
installed at a predetermined position adjacent to the drying
furnace 120 to transfer the heat of gas exhausted from the drying
furnace 120 to cooling air drawn from the outside. The electrolytic
cell 160 is disposed under the heat exchanger 140 and electrolyzes
condensate water formed during the heat exchange process of the
heat exchanger 140 so as to remove offensive odors. The exhaust
unit 130 is provided between the intake and exhaust module 110 and
the heat exchanger 140 to forcibly transfer gas from the intake and
exhaust module 110 into the heat exchanger 140.
[0041] Particularly, the heat exchanger 140 and the electrolytic
cell 160 serve as a deodorization module 170. The deodorization
module 170 cools high temperature and humidity vapor generated from
the drying furnace 120 using a stacked heat exchanger structure so
that cooling rate is increased and condensate water can be rapidly
formed. The condensate water is treated using bipolar packed bed
electrolysis, so that offensive odors can be more effectively
removed from the condensate water.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, the drying furnace 120 generally has a
hollow spherical or elliptical shape. The drying furnace 120
includes a pulverizing screw 121 which extends from a rotating
shaft 121a in a spiral shape, a pulverizing plate 123 which is
disposed on one inner surface of the drying furnace 120, and a food
waste discharge unit 125 which periodically discharges food waste
out of the drying furnace 120. The drying furnace 120 pulverizes
and stirs food waste using interaction between the pulverizing
screw 121 and pulverizing protrusions (not shown) which are
provided on the inner surface of the drying furnace 120.
Furthermore, because the drying furnace 120 has the spherical or
elliptical shape, treated food waste is smoothly collected in the
lower portion of the drying furnace 120, so that removal of the
collected food waste from the apparatus can be facilitated.
[0043] The intake and exhaust module 110 includes a tube 111 having
a hollow ring shape, and a counter-current prevention plate 114
which is provided inside the tube 111 and has a funnel shape which
is reduced in diameter from top to bottom. The counter-current
prevention plate 114 comprises a plurality of members which are
separated from each other. Thus, when food waste is input into an
inlet port 104, the counter-current prevention plate 114 expands in
diameter. When the drying furnace 120 is being operated, the
counter-current prevention plate 114 maintains a
diameter-contracted state to prevent odor gas or food waste from
flowing backwards.
[0044] The tube 111 comprises an intake tube 112 and an exhaust
tube 113. Exhaust gas to be reused, containing waste heat, is drawn
from the heat exchanger 140 into the intake tube 112. Exhaust gas
generated from the drying furnace 120 is exhausted out of the
apparatus 100 through the exhaust tube 113. A separation plate 116
is interposed between the intake tube 112 and the exhaust tube 113.
The separation plate 116 functions to transfer heat from high
temperature and humidity exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust
tube 113 to dry exhaust gas which is supplied from the heat
exchanger 140 and flows through the intake tube 112. The separation
plate 116 is made of an aluminum or stainless steel based material
which has a high heat transfer rate. A guide 115 is provided at a
position spaced apart from the outer surface of the counter-current
prevention plate 114 by a predetermined distance. Dry exhaust gas
drawn into the intake tube 112 is guided by the guide 115 into the
drying furnace 120 without interference.
[0045] Meanwhile, a door 101 is provided above the intake and
exhaust module 110. The door 101 includes an input panel 102
through which a user inputs a control signal, and a protrusion 101a
which is convex downwards. When vapor containing offensive odors
condenses on the door 101, water formed by the condensation is
moved downwards along an inclined surface of the protrusion 101a
and then dried by heat generated from the drying furnace 120. Thus,
contamination on the door 101 attributable to water can be
avoided.
[0046] The exhaust unit 130 includes an exhaust housing 132, an
exhaust fan 133 which is installed in the exhaust housing 132, a
motor 135 which provides power to the exhaust fan 133, and a
connection pipe 131 which connects the exhaust housing 132 to the
exhaust tube 113 of the intake and exhaust module 110.
[0047] The heat exchanger 140 includes a heat exchanger housing
143, a heat exchange unit 150 which is installed in the heat
exchanger housing 143, an upper inlet port 141 which is coupled to
an upper end of the heat exchanger housing 143, and a lower outlet
port 142 which is coupled to a lower end of the heat exchanger
housing 143. The heat exchanger 140 receives high temperature and
humidity exhaust gas from the exhaust unit 130 through the upper
inlet port 141, and heat exchange is conducted in the heat exchange
unit 150. Thereafter, condensate water formed by the heat exchange
moves to the electrolytic cell 160 through the lower outlet port
142. The heat exchanger 140 has a plurality of flow channels
therein. The heat exchange is conducted in such a way that high
temperature and humidity exhaust gas generated from the dry furnace
and cooling air supplied from the outside flow through the flow
channels in directions which cross each other.
[0048] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the heat exchange unit 150
used in the present invention will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 5 through 7. The heat exchange unit 150 includes
a plurality of unit heat exchange panels 153 and 155 which are
stacked one on top of another such that flow channels formed by the
unit heat exchange panels 153 and 155 are oriented in directions
crossing each other. Thus, high temperature and humidity exhaust
gas which is drawn into the heat exchange unit 150 through the
upper inlet port 141 and cooling air which is supplied thereinto
through an outside air inlet 144 can flow through the heat
exchanger 140 in the directions crossing each other so that
efficiency of the heat exchange is enhanced. Preferably, the unit
heat exchange panels 153 and 155 are stacked one on top of another
such that the flow channels thereof are perpendicular to each
other.
[0049] Each unit heat exchange panel 153, 155 may be formed by die
casting. The die casting is a precise casting method in which
molten metal is injected into a steel mold which is formed by a
precise machining process to have a shape corresponding to a shape
of a product to be formed, so that a casting product having the
same shape as that of the mold can be formed. The product formed by
the die casting has the mechanical characteristic of being
precisely measured and requiring no finishing. Furthermore, die
casting as such makes mass production possible.
[0050] Meanwhile, exhaust gas from which water is removed by
condensation while passing through the heat exchange unit 150 is
re-supplied into the drying furnace 120 through a return pipe 147
which is disposed between the lower outlet port 142 and the
electrolytic cell 160.
[0051] The heat exchange unit 150 includes a first outer panel 151,
a second outer panel 152 and unit heat exchange panels 153 and 155
which are stacked one on top of another between the first and
second outer panels 151 and 152. First heat transfer fins 153a,
155a protrude from a first surface of each unit heat exchange panel
153, 155. The first heat transfer fins 153a, 155a have bar shapes
and are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. Second
heat transfer fins 153b, 155b protrude from a second surface of
each unit heat exchange panel 153, 155. The second heat transfer
fins 153b, 155b also have bar shapes and are spaced apart from each
other at regular intervals. Coupling protrusions 153c, 155c are
provided on the respective corners of the first surface of each
unit heat exchange panel 153, 155. Coupling depressions 153d, 155d
corresponding the coupling protrusions 153c, 155c are formed in the
respective corners of the second surface of each unit heat exchange
panel 153, 155, so that the coupling protrusions 153c and 155c are
inserted into the corresponding coupling depressions 153d and 155d
of the adjacent unit heat exchange panel 153 or 155. Furthermore,
the second heat transfer fins 153b of the first unit heat exchange
panels 153 are parallel to the first heat transfer fins 155a of the
second unit heat exchange panels 155, and they are configured in
such a way that each second heat transfer fin 153b is inserted into
the space between the adjacent first heat transfer fins 155a.
[0052] In each unit heat exchange panel 153, 155, the first heat
transfer fins 153a, 155a are oriented in a direction that crosses
the second heat transfer fins 153b, 155b. Preferably, the first
heat transfer fins 153a, 155a and the second heat transfer fins
153b, 155b are oriented perpendicular to each other.
[0053] For example, referring to FIG. 7, the first and second heat
transfer fins 155a and 155b of the second unit heat exchange panel
155 are oriented perpendicular to each other, thus forming flow
channels which are perpendicular to each other on opposite sides of
the panel 155.
[0054] In the heat exchange unit 150 having the above-mentioned
stacked structure, high temperature and humidity exhaust gas passes
through the exhaust unit 130 in a direction indicated by the arrow
D. Cooling air supplied from the outside passes through the exhaust
unit 130 in the direction indicated by the arrow E. The arrows D
and E indicate the flow directions which are perpendicular to each
other. In the heat exchange unit 150, exhaust gas transfers heat
energy to cooling air. In the embodiment, flow channels which are
formed in the heat exchange unit 150 in the direction of the arrow
D are referred to as first flow channels 152. Flow channels which
are formed in the heat exchange unit 150 in the direction of the
arrow E are referred to as second flow channels 154. The first and
second flow channels 152 and 154 are configured in the heat
exchange unit 150 such that they alternate with each other to
increase efficiency of heat exchange between the exhaust gas and
the cooling air.
[0055] The first heat transfer fins 153a, 155a (which have high
heat conductivity and protrude from each heat exchange panel 153,
155) are placed between the second heat transfer fins 153b, 155b of
the adjacent heat exchange panel 153 or 155, so that the distance
between the fins is reduced. Thereby, efficiency of heat exchange
can be increased. In the conventional art, because the area of the
high temperature fluid flowing part is less than that of the
cooling fin, the resistance of fluid is comparatively large. In
addition, a contact area of vapor for condensation is comparatively
small, so that the efficiency of condensation is low. However, in
the present invention, a heat exchange area between the cooling
side and the high temperature side is increased five fold or
greater compared to the conventional technique. Furthermore, the
area of the flow channel is comparatively large, so that flow
resistance and a fluid rate are reduced. As a result, the
efficiency of condensation is increased.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a heat
exchange unit 150' according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is an
exploded perspective view showing a main body 180 of the heat
exchange unit 150' of FIG. 8, the front and rear surfaces from
which cover plates 190 are separated. FIG. 10 is a perspective view
of the main body 180 of the heat exchange unit 150' in which second
flow channels formed in the main body 180 are exposed to the
outside through the sidewalls of the main body 180 by cutting
portions of the sidewalls of the main body 180. FIG. 11 is a
sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 10.
[0057] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the heat exchange unit 150'
according to the present invention will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 8 through 11.
[0058] The heat exchange unit 150' includes the main body 180 which
has a plurality of flow channels 181, and the cover plates 190
which are respectively coupled to the front and rear surface of the
main body 180. Fastening depressions 189 are formed in the
respective corners of the front and rear surfaces of the main body
180. Fastening holes 191 are formed through the respective corners
of the cover plates 190 at positions corresponding to the fastening
depressions 189. The cover plates 190 are coupled to the main body
180 by tightening separate fastening members (not shown) into the
fastening holes 191 and the fastening depressions 189.
[0059] The main body 180 is formed by extruding into a single body,
so that the main body 180 has a similar cross-section over its
entire length. The extruding process can reduce the time it takes
to produce the main body 180.
[0060] The flow channels 181 comprise first flow channels 182 which
function as passages for first fluid passing through the cover
plates 190, and second flow channels 184 which are formed through
the opposite sidewalls of the main body 180. As shown in FIG. 8,
the direction in which the first fluid moves through the front and
rear surfaces of the main body 180 is designated by a first
direction 196. The direction in which second fluid moves through
the upper and lower sidewalls of the main body 180 is designated by
a second direction 198. For example, in rectangular coordinates,
the X-axis denotes the first direction and the Y-axis denotes the
second direction. In the embodiment, the first and second
directions 196 and 198 have been illustrated as being perpendicular
to each other for the sake of description, though they need not be
oriented perpendicular to each other.
[0061] The first fluid is drawn into the rear surface of the main
body 180 in the first direction 196, passes through the first flow
channels 182, and then moves out of the main body 180 through the
front surface of the main body 180. The cover plates 190 do not
interfere with the flow of the first fluid.
[0062] The second fluid is drawn into the upper sidewall of the
main body 180 in the second direction 198, passes through the
second flow channels 184, and then moves out of the main body 180
through the lower sidewall thereof. The second flow channels 184
are open to the outside through the upper and lower sidewalls of
the main body 180 by cutting off portions of the upper and lower
sidewalls of the main body 180. Stepped portions are formed on the
upper and lower sidewalls of the main body 180 by the cutting
process. The stepped portion is formed by a difference in depth
between a base surface 188 which is not involved in the cutting
process and a processed surface 186 which is involved in the
cutting process. The second flow channels 184 are open to the
outside through the upper and lower sidewalls of the main body 180
because of the stepped portions.
[0063] The cover plates 190 prevent the second fluid from being
discharged out of the main body 180 through the front or rear
surface of the main body 180. In other words, the cover plates 190
close openings of the second flow channels 184 which are formed on
the front and rear surfaces of the main body 180. The first fluid
and the second fluid respectively denote exhaust gas discharged
from the exhaust unit 130 and cooling air drawn from the
outside.
[0064] Slots 194 are formed through each cover plate 190 so that
the first fluid can be drawn into and discharged out of the main
body 180 through the slots 194 in the first direction 196. The
slots 194 may be formed through the cover plate 190 by piercing a
metal plate using a press machine. Furthermore, each cover plate
190 has blocking portions 192 which are provided between the slots
194. The blocking portions 192 prevent the second fluid from
leaking out of the front and rear surfaces of the main body 180. In
addition, a sealing member (not shown) is attached to the inner
surface of the cover plate 190, so that when the cover plate 190 is
tightly coupled to the main body 180, the sealing member can
prevent fluid from leaking between the cover plate 190 and the main
body 180.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, the first flow channels 182 and the
second flow channels 184 which are formed in the main body 180
alternate with each other. In other words, the first and second
flow channels 182 and 184 are configured such that two second flow
channels 184 are respectively formed on opposite sides of each
first flow channel 182. Thus, heat exchange can be smoothly
conducted between the first fluid which flows through the first
flow channels 182 and the second fluid which flows through the
second flow channels 184. In the embodiment, heat exchange fins 185
having predetermined shapes are provided between the flow channels
182 and 184 to further enhance heat exchange efficiency between the
first and second fluids.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 11, the second fluid which is drawn into
the second flow channel 184 in the second direction 198 moves in a
streamlined form due to the heat exchange fins 185. In addition,
the second fluid comes into close contact with the surfaces of the
second flow channels 184 when it is moving through the second flow
channels 184. Thereby, heat transfer efficiency between the flow
channels 181 can be enhanced. Preferably, to ensure the streamlined
flow pattern of the second fluid, the heat exchange fins 185 are
arranged along the second direction 198 such that they are
alternately disposed on opposite sides of each second flow channel
184.
[0067] Meanwhile, the flow channels 181 which are formed through
the main body 180 by the extruding process have different lengths
with respect to the second direction 196; in detail, the second
flow channels 184 are longer than the first flow channels 182 with
respect to the second direction 196 so that upper and lower ends of
the second flow channels 184 are closer to the upper and lower
sidewalls of the main body 180 than are the first flow channels
182. Thus, when the process of cutting off the portions of the
upper and lower sidewalls of the main body 180 is conducted, only
the upper and lower ends of the second flow channels 184 are open
to the outside without the upper or lower ends of the first flow
channels 182 being exposed.
[0068] In this state, second fluid which is drawn into the main
body 180 through the upper sidewall thereof passes through the
second flow channels 184 before moving out of the lower sidewalls
of the main body 180. When the second fluid is passing through the
second flow channels 184, it flows in a streamlined zigzag form due
to the protruding shape of the heat exchange fins 185 (refer to
reference numeral 195 of FIG. 11).
[0069] As described above, in the heat exchange unit 150 or 150'
according to the present invention, the flow channels 152 and 154
or 182 and 184 cross each other or are perpendicular to each other,
so that heat exchange efficiency between the exhaust gas and the
cooling air can be enhanced.
[0070] FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the internal
construction of the electrolytic cell 160. Hereinafter, the
construction of the electrolytic cell 160 will be explained with
reference to FIG. 12. The electrolytic cell 160 includes a hollow
cell housing 161, a housing cover 162 which is coupled to an upper
end of the cell housing 161, and an electrode casing 164 which is
installed in the cell housing 161. The electrolytic cell 160
further includes a cell cover 163 which covers an upper end of the
electrode casing 164, a water level sensor 166 which is attached to
the cell housing 161 below the electrode casing 164, and a
discharge pump 168 which is connected to an outlet 167 formed in a
lower end of the cell housing 161.
[0071] In the electrode casing 164, cell electrodes 165 are
arranged such that they face each other. The cell electrodes 165
comprise an anode cell 165a and a cathode cell 165b. A space
between the anode cell 165a and the cathode cell 165b is filled
with conductive porous fillers 169 or a mixture containing
conductive porous fillers 169.
[0072] Condensate water cooled in the heat exchanger 140 is drawn
into the electrode casing 164 and passes through an internal path
which is formed in a zigzag shape to increase a contract area and
the time involved in electrolysis. In this structure, each particle
of conductive porous fillers 169 which are charged in the electrode
casing 164 functions as a bipolar electrode. Therefore, the overall
area of the entire electrode is maximized, and the electrolysis
reaction occurs in the entirety of the electrode casing 164, thus
minimizing the presence of an unreacted odorous substance.
[0073] In the electrolysis method using the bipolar packed bed
electrolytic cell according to the present invention, electricity
is applied only to the cell electrodes 165 having opposite
polarities rather than being directly applied to the conductive
porous fillers 169, so that the conductive porous fillers 169 are
changed into bipolar electrodes, thus increasing the active
electrode area, thereby enhancing the efficiency of
electrolysis.
[0074] Furthermore, fine ionic material is eluted from the
conductive porous fillers 169 during the electrolysis. The ionic
material increases the conductivity of condensate water and
maintains it constant, thus enhancing the efficiency of the
electrolysis, and stabilizing control of the electrolysis.
Moreover, a conductive material, such as activated carbon, alumina
or stainless steel powder, etc., is used as the conductive porous
fillers 169. In addition, the conductive porous fillers 169 exhibit
an adsorptive effect using pores formed therein, thus increasing
deodorization efficiency.
[0075] The operation of the food waste treatment apparatus 100 of
the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1
through 12.
[0076] Food waste is input into the drying furnace 120. The
pulverizing screw 121 stirs and pulverizes the food waste and,
simultaneously, a heater (not shown) provided in the drying furnace
120 dries the food waste. Exhaust gas containing offensive odors
generated from the drying furnace 120 is transferred to the heat
exchanger 140 by the operation of the exhaust unit 130. In the heat
exchanger 140, high temperature and humidity exhaust gas which is
drawn into the heat exchanger 140 through the upper inlet port 141
transfers heat to cooling air which is drawn into the heat
exchanger 140 through the outside air inlet 144. The exhaust gas
that is dried in the heat exchanger 140 is re-supplied into the
drying furnace 120 via the return pipe 147 and the intake tube 112
of the heat exchanger 140. Water formed by condensation of vapor in
the heat exchanger 140 is moved into the electrolytic cell 160.
[0077] The exhaust gas which is reduced in temperature by primary
heat exchange and cooling in the heat exchanger 140 is slightly
increased in temperature by a secondary heat exchange process
wherein the exhaust gas receives heat, in the intake tube 112 of
the intake and exhaust module 110, from high temperature exhaust
gas which flows through the exhaust tube 113. As such, heat
efficiency is enhanced by a multi-step heat exchange process, so
that the efficiency of the condensation process and the heat
recovery process can be enhanced compared to the conventional
technique.
[0078] Condensed odorous water which is drawn into the electrolytic
cell 160 passes through the conductive porous fillers 169 provided
between the cell electrodes 165 including the anode cell 165a and
the cathode cell 165b. In this way, odorous gas ingredients are
removed from the condensed odorous water by the electrolysis and
adsorption operation of the conductive porous fillers 169. Here, an
electrolytic reaction occurs in the entire space inside the
electrode casing 164 containing the conductive porous fillers 169
rather than partially occurring on the surface of the cell
electrodes 165. Meanwhile, although the electrolytic reaction is
insignificant when only condensate water is used, because the gap
between the conductive porous fillers 169 is very small,
electricity is easily transmitted despite low voltage and current.
Hence, electrolysis can be conducted without adding a separate
electrolyte.
[0079] Condensate water treated through the electrode casing 164 is
stored in a buffer space 161a of the cell housing 161. When a first
water level sensor 166a detects that condensate water charged into
the buffer space 161a has reached a predetermined water level, the
discharge pump 168 is operated, so that the condensate water is
discharged out of the cell housing 161 through an outlet 167. When
the level of the condensate water has reached a height
corresponding to a second water level sensor 166b, the discharge
pump 168 is stopped. Due to this structure, air can be prevented
from being drawn into the discharge pump 168, so that the
reliability of operation can be ensured.
[0080] As described above, in the present invention, the heat
exchanger 140 having the stacked structure recovers waste heat from
exhaust gas generated from the drying furnace 120, and condensate
water passes through the electrolytic cell 160 which functions as a
bipolar packed bed electrolysis and deodorization device.
Therefore, offensive odors can be effectively removed from the
condensate water. Furthermore, due to the use of the deodorization
module 170 including the heat exchanger 140 and the electrolytic
cell 160, power consumption can be markedly reduced. Hence, the
cost required to maintain the system can be reduced.
[0081] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention
has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, the present invention
is not limited to the embodiment. Furthermore, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
These modifications, additions and substitutions must be regarded
as falling within the bounds of the claims.
* * * * *