Dewatering Apparatus

Abstract

A dewatering apparatus having a size reduction portion adapted to reduce the size of one or more items to be dewatered, and a separation portion in fluid communication with the size reduction portion, the separation portion adapted to substantially separate the liquid and solid components of the one or more items.

Claims

1. A personal care item dewatering apparatus for the disposal of personal care items, the apparatus comprising: a size reduction portion adapted to reduce the size of one or more of the items to be dewatered; a separation portion in fluid communication with said size reduction portion, the separation portion adapted to substantially separate the liquid and solid components of the one or more items, the separation portion including a chamber of gradually decreasing cross-sectional area for squeezing liquid from the items as they are transported to a solids outlet; and a seal which seals the solids outlet during processing of the items to remove liquid, and an actively controlled actuator for directly removing the seal to pass the solids through the solids outlet.

2. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mixer for mixing an agent to be added to the size reduction portion, the agent preferably facilitating processing of gel polymer or absorbent material in the item, the mixer including a valve to facilitate the mixing prior to adding to the size reduction portion.

3. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mixer includes a basket for receiving an agent block, and a reservoir for receiving the basket.

4. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mixer further includes a pump or agitator submersed within the reservoir and to circulate water therein to dissolve a mineral block and form an aqueous solution.

5. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further including a water reservoir for supplying water to the size reduction portion.

6. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the size reduction portion includes a macerator, the macerator preferably being electrically powered.

7. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separation portion includes a conical separator with a tapered screw having a bearing at one end and the separator being open at the other end.

8. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separation portion includes a perforated wall through which liquid can pass, and gel polymer or absorbent material in the item substantially does not pass through the perforated wall.

9. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separation portion includes a pulp inlet for receiving pulp from the size reduction portion and a liquid outlet for supplying liquid to a waste pipe.

10. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solids outlet includes a tube through which the solids can be passed to a container for disposal.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further including a bagger for bagging solids from the separation portion.

14. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bagger includes a tubular holder for holding a bag.

15. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further including a cap for releasably capping the holder, the bag extending above the holder for tying when full, and the cap being released to remove the full bag from the base of the holder.

16. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bagger includes a sensor for sensing that the bag is full.

17. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bagger includes an unfolder with fingers for unfolding an end of the bag as it is removed from the apparatus.

18. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is portable and/or self-contained.

19. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is automatically actuated responsive to closing a lid of the size reduction portion.

20. A method of separating liquid and solid components of personal care items comprising the steps of: a) providing one or more personal care items to a size reduction portion of a dewatering apparatus; b) reducing the size of the one or more items; c) transferring the one or more items to a separation portion of the dewatering apparatus, the separation portion including a chamber of gradually decreasing cross-sectional area for squeezing liquid from the items as they are transported; and d) substantially separating the liquid and solid components of the items by: sealing a solids outlet of the separation portion during processing of the items to remove liquid, and actively controlling to directly remove the seal to pass the solids through the solids outlet.

21. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bagger includes an inhibitor for inhibiting operation of the size reduction portion and/or separation portion when sensing that the bag is full.

22. A dewatering apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bagger includes an indicator for indicating that a bag is full.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0077] FIG. 1 illustrates the dewatering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dewatering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dewatering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dewatering apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dewatering apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a separation portion of a dewatering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a separation portion of a dewatering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a dewatering apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the dewatering apparatus of FIG. 6A;

[0086] FIG. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view of the dewatering apparatus of FIG. 6B;

[0087] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the internal components of the apparatus of FIG. 6A;

[0088] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a separator and bagger of the dewatering apparatus of FIG. 6A;

[0089] FIG. 10 is a sectional perspective view of the separator and bagger of FIG. 9;

[0090] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the separator of FIG. 9;

[0091] FIG. 12 is a closeup sectional view of the separator and bagger interface of FIG. 9;

[0092] FIG. 13A is a sectional view of a separator and bagger of the dewatering apparatus of FIG. 9;

[0093] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the separator and bagger of FIG. 13A showing the removal of the bag holder; and

[0094] FIGS. 13C-E show the steps in removing the bag from the bag holder of FIG. 13B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings.

[0096] In FIG. 1 there is shown a dewatering apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a size reduction portion 11 into which disposable incontinence pads (not shown) may be loaded. Once the disposable incontinence pads are loaded, an aqueous sodium/calcium chloride solution is added to the size reduction portion 11. Impellers (not shown) inside the size reduction portion 11 may then be actuated by a compressor 12 and air cylinder 27, causing the incontinence pads to be disintegrated.

[0097] Once the incontinence pads have been sufficiently disintegrated, the resulting slurry flows under gravity through a pipe 13 to a pump 14, from where the slurry is transferred through a pipe 17 to the separation portion 15 of the apparatus 10. A timer 16 may be used to control the operation of both the compressor 12 and the pump 14. In this way, the length of time for which the impellers (not shown) are actuated may be set at a predetermined period and controlled by the timer 16.

[0098] In the separation portion 15, excess water is allowed to filter through perforations 18 of the separation vessel 21. The excess water is discharged through a valve 19 to a sewer or drain (not shown). After a predetermined period of time has elapsed (as measured by a second timer 20), the valve 19 closes.

[0099] The slurry in the separation vessel 21 is then contained within the separation vessel 21 for a predetermined period of time controlled by the timer 20 to allow the sodium/calcium chloride in the slurry to dissolve any acrylic in the incontinence pads (not shown). After this, the valve 19 opens and compression means in the form of a pneumatic cylinder 22 is actuated, thereby compressing any solids in the slurry against a wall 23 of the separation vessel 21. The compression of the solids forces liquid out of the solids. The liquid passes through the perforations 18 and flows through valve 19 and into a sewer or drain (not shown). The length of time for which the pneumatic cylinder 22 compresses the solids is controlled by a third timer 24.

[0100] At the completion of the compression cycle, the pneumatic cylinder 22 returns to its home position, and a gate 25 is opened, thereby allowing the compressed solids (not shown) to be ejected from the separation vessel 21 and into a bag 26 for collection.

[0101] In FIGS. 2A and 2B there are shown cross-sectional views of the apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a size reduction portion 11 and a separation portion 15 interconnected with a pipe 13. The size reduction portion 11 is housed within a first housing 28 while the separation portion 15 is housed within a second housing 29.

[0102] The size reduction portion 11 comprises a chamber 30 into which incontinence pads (not shown) may be placed. Sodium chloride solution may also be added to the chamber 30. The incontinence pads (not shown) may then be disintegrated using one or more impellers (not shown).

[0103] Once sufficient size reduction has taken place, the resulting slurry is transferred under gravity through pipe 13 to a pump 14, from where is it pumped to a separation vessel 21 through an inlet 31 in the vessel 21. A pneumatic cylinder 22 is used to compress the slurry within the separation vessel, thereby forcing liquid out through perforations 18 in a wall 23 of the vessel 21. This removed liquid exits the apparatus 10 through a valve 19 and drain pipe 32.

[0104] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the housing 29 for the separation portion 15 houses the control system (timers, etc.) 33, as well as an air cylinder 27 and compressor 12.

[0105] Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B there are shown cross-sectional views of an apparatus 40 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0106] The apparatus 40 comprises a size reduction portion 41 and a separation portion 42. Both the size reduction portion 41 and the separation portion 42 are housed within a single housing 43.

[0107] In use, compressor 44 is actuated causing the mixing chamber 45 to fill with water to the level indicated by dotted line 46. Sodium chloride may also be added to the mixing chamber 45. If desired, agitation of the water and sodium chloride may be achieved by opening the air valve 47.

[0108] The lid 48 of the apparatus 40 is opened to allow a user to place incontinence pads (not shown) into the apparatus 40 through opening 49. Once the incontinence pads (not shown) are in place the cutter drive 50 is actuated, causing the cutter 51 to begin operation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cutter drive 50 will only operate when lid 48 is closed. Preferably, the cutter 51 only operates for a relatively short period of time (for instance, 15 seconds).

[0109] The cut incontinence pads (not shown) fall under gravity into mixing chamber 5. Here, the chloride in the water will dissolve the acrylic in the incontinence pads (not shown) in a relatively short space of time (e.g., 1 to 2 minutes).

[0110] Once this step of the process is complete, valve 52 opens, allowing all water including all dissolved matter to drain out of the apparatus 42 to the sewer. The remaining solid matter falls under gravity into compression chamber 53 wherein pneumatic cylinder 54 actuates a ram 55 compresses the solid material against a wall 56 of the compression chamber 53, thereby forcing liquid out through perforations 57 in the wall 56.

[0111] Once liquid has been removed from the solid material, the ram 55 withdraws, and the compressed material drops into a bag 58. This procedure will repeat until the bag 58 is full.

[0112] Once the bag 58 is full, a vacuum may be applied to the bag 58 in order to seal the bag 58. A user may then remove the bag 58 from the apparatus 40 and insert a new empty bag.

[0113] In FIGS. 4 and 5, an isometric view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a separation portion 100 of a dewatering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The separation portion 100 includes a treatment chamber 101 in which an Archimedes screw conveyor 102 is located co-axial therewith. The screw conveyor 102 is adapted for rotation about its longitudinal axis relative to the treatment chamber 101, and the rotation of the screw conveyor 102 is actuated by motor 103. The screw conveyor includes a shaft 102A about which is positioned a screw flight 102B. A drive shaft 108 extends through an end wall 109 of the treatment chamber 101 to connect the screw conveyor 102 to the motor 103.

[0114] Slurry is introduced to the treatment chamber 101 through inlet 104 located in a side wall 105 of the treatment chamber 101. Liquid in the slurry exits the treatment chamber 101 through a plurality of liquid outlets 106 in the side wall 105 of the treatment chamber 101 and is collected in a collection chamber 107 surrounding the treatment chamber 101 and located substantially co-axial therewith. Liquid collected in the collection chamber 107 may be removed through openings 110. Liquid removed through the openings 110 may be discarded, treated or recycled as required.

[0115] Solids entering the treatment chamber 101 through the inlet 104 are carried by the screw conveyor 102 towards the solids outlet 111 in an end wall 112 of the treatment chamber 101. As can be seen particularly in FIG. 5, the diameter of the shaft 102A of the screw conveyor 102 increases from the inlet 104 to the solids outlet 111 such that, as the solids are carried towards the solids outlet 111, they are compressed or compacted between the shaft 102A and the inner surface of the side wall 105, thereby removing liquid from the solids.

[0116] At the end of the treatment chamber 101 adjacent the solids outlet 111, the treatment chamber 101 tapers towards the solids outlet 111. Similarly, the screw conveyor 102 is provided with a conical portion 113 adjacent the solids outlet 111. As solids are carried towards the solids outlet 111, they are further compressed between the conical portion 113 and the inner surface of the tapered portion of the treatment chamber 101, thereby removing further liquid from the solids. Thus, relatively dry solids are then discharged from the separation portion 100 through the solids outlet 111.

[0117] FIGS. 6A and 6B shows a be portable, self-contained dewatering apparatus 600 for the disposal of personal care items, as before. The apparatus 600 comprises a top-loading size reduction portion 602 adapted to reduce the size of the items to be dewatered. The size reduction portion 602 includes and electrically powered macerator.

[0118] A separation portion 604 is in fluid communication with the size reduction portion 602. The separation portion 604 is adapted to substantially separate the liquid and solid components of the one or more items, as before. The apparatus 600 is automatically actuated responsive to closing a lid 606 of the size reduction portion 602.

[0119] Turning to FIG. 7, the apparatus 600 comprises a mixer 700 for mixing a processing mineral agent to be added to the size reduction portion 602. The mixer 700 includes a removable perforated basket 702 for receiving an agent block 704. The mixer 700 also includes a reservoir 706 for receiving the basket 702.

[0120] The mixer 700 further includes a pump 708, submersed within the mixing reservoir 706, to circulate water therein to dissolve the mineral block 704 and form an aqueous solution for passing, via mineral solutions reservoir 710, to the size reduction portion 602. The mineral agent facilitates processing of the gel polymer in the item, and in particular deactivating the super absorbent gel polymer in the sanitary pad item. The salt arrests the absorbent nature of the gels and allows them to be broken down more easily in the separator. Without the mineral additive these gel pellets become large and difficult to manage.

[0121] The apparatus 600 also includes a water reservoir 712 for supplying water to the size reduction portion 602. The mixing reservoir 706 and the water reservoir 712 are supplied via mains water and regulated by electronic float levels. The separation portion 604 includes a conical separator 714 which is more efficient that a cylindrical separator. The separation portion 604 also includes a rear cover 716 for covering the separator 714.

[0122] FIG. 8 shows key hose connections of the apparatus 600. Fresh water pipes 800 supply water to the water reservoir 712 and the mixing reservoir 706. Once mixed, a solenoid valve 802 is opened to release the aqueous solution from the mixing reservoir 706 to the mineral solutions reservoir 710. The mineral solutions reservoir 710 has a low set outlet 804 to stop the accumulation of any mineral granules, before passing the mineral solution to the macerating size reduction portion 602.

[0123] A solenoid valve 806 is used to switch from mineral solution to fresh water provided to the macerating size reduction portion 602, once the mineral solution is delivered. The liquids enter the size reduction portion 602 through top filler line 808. Once the fluids are delivered to the size reduction portion 602, the maceration process occurs. Then a ball valve 810 is opened to release macerated pulp from the size reduction portion 602 to the separation portion 604.

[0124] As previously mentioned, the mixer 700 further includes a pump 708 to circulate water within the mixing reservoir 706 to dissolve the mineral block 704 and form an aqueous solution for passing, via mineral solutions reservoir 710, to the size reduction portion 602.

[0125] FIG. 9 shows the separation portion 604 with conical separator 714, and a bagger 900 for bagging solids from the separation portion 604.

[0126] The separator 714 includes a solids outlet 902 for supplying solids to the bagger 900. The separator 714 also includes a blade seal 904 which seals the solids outlet 902 during processing of the pulp to remove liquid, and an actuator 906 for removing the seal 904 to pass the solids through the solids outlet 902 to a bag in the bagger 900. A waste collector 908 collects solid and liquid waste that escapes the blade seal 904 and diverts it into a waste pipe. Similarly, a waste hole 910 of the bagger 900 collects solid and liquid waste that escapes the bag and diverts it into the waste pipe.

[0127] The bagger 900 includes a tapered tubular holder 912 for holding the internal bag receiving the solids. The bagger 900 further includes a releasable cap 914 for releasably capping the base of the holder 912. A face plate 916 is also provided. End flex panels 918 of the holder 912 allow a user to hold the bag within the holder 912 prior to releasing in the bin.

[0128] The bagger 900 includes a collection housing 920, mounted to face plate 916, for housing the holder 912 and collecting overflow solids and liquids from the bag and directing them to the waste hole 910. Furthermore, the bagger 900 includes a sensor 922 for sensing that the bag is full, an inhibitor for inhibiting operation of the separation portion 604 when sensing that the bag is full, and a visual light indicator and audible alarm for indicating that the bag is full.

[0129] The bagger 900 further includes an unfolder 924, with four fingers, for automatically unfolding an end of the bag as it is removed from the apparatus 600.

[0130] FIG. 10 shows the internal bag 1000 within the bagger 900, and that receives the solids from the separation portion 604. The separation portion 604 includes a drive motor 1002 that drives a tapered screw 1004 of the conical separator 714. When the collection bag 1000 is full, the user turns the lid 914 anticlockwise to remove the lid 914, and holder 912 holding the bag 1000.

[0131] As can best be seen in FIG. 11, the conical separator 714 includes an internal perforated conical wall 1100, within an outer housing 1102, through which liquid can pass and drain into the waste pipe 1106. The separator may include an upper pulp inlet 1104 for receiving pulp from the size reduction portion 602 and a lower liquid outlet 1106 for supplying liquid to the waste pipe. The tapered screw 1004 drives the remaining solids through the outlet 902 and into the bag 1000.

[0132] As can best be seen in FIG. 12, the outlet 902 includes an extrusion nozzle 1200 for being received in the bag 1000.

[0133] Removal of the bag 1000 is now described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0134] The user turns the lid 914 anticlockwise to remove the lid 914, and holder 912 holding the bag 1000 (FIG. 13B). During removal, the unfolder 924 automatically unfolds an end of the bag 1000.

[0135] As can be seen in FIG. 13C, the full bag 1000 extends above the holder 912 for tying. Snap fit lid retainers 1300 are pressed to remove the lid 914 from the holder 912.

[0136] As can be seen in FIG. 13D, the end flex panels 918 of the holder 912 are pressed together to hold the bag 1000 without the need for the user to touch the bag 1000.

[0137] As can best be seen in FIG. 13E, the flex panels 918 are released to discard the tied bag 1000 in the bin.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.