【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は粉体の空気輸送に使用する空気輸送配管の洗浄方法及び装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
粉体の輸送方法の一つとして、配管中に空気を流通させ、この空気の流れに輸送対象となる粉体を乗せて同伴させることにより、上記輸送対象粉体の移送を行う空気輸送方法が広く一般に知られている。
【０００３】
かかる空気輸送方法を実施する設備は、図３にその一例の概略を示す如く、輸送対象粉体１の移送を望む経路の起点個所に、粉体送出部として、たとえば、頂部にスプリットバタフライ弁３を備えて輸送対象粉体１の収納容器４を着脱自在に接続できるようにしてなる粉末投入ホッパ２と、一端側に空気吸入用のフィルタ６を備え且つ他端部に配管接続部（たとえばフランジ）７を備えて長手方向中間部に上記粉末投入ホッパ２の下端を連通接続してなる粉末送出管５とを設置した構成とし、一方、上記輸送対象粉体１の移送を望む経路の終点個所に、粉体回収部としての空気輸送機８を設置する。該空気輸送機８は、たとえば、円筒型のケーシング９の側壁部所要位置にケーシング９内に接線方向より気体を流入させることができるように流入口１０を設け、且つケーシング９の頂部に排気口１１を備えて該排気口１１に図示しない誘引送風機あるいは真空ポンプの吸入側を接続するようにし、更に、上記ケーシング９の下側に、下端に輸送対象粉体１の充填用容器１２の上端開口部を着脱自在に接続できるスプリットバタフライ弁１３を備えたホッパ１４を設けて、空気１５と一緒に該空気１５の流れに同伴される粉体１を流入口１０よりケーシング９内に受け入れて、該粉体１と空気１５を遠心分離して粉体１を回収できるようにしたサイクロン形式の構成とするか、又は、側壁部所要位置に流入口１０を、頂部に排気口１１をそれぞれ設け、且つ下部に上記と同様のホッパ１４を備えてなるケーシング９内に、図示しない濾過材を上記流入口１０と排気口１１との間を仕切るように配設して、空気１５の流れに同伴される粉体１を流入口１０よりケーシング９内に受け入れると共に、上記濾過材にて濾過処理することにより粉体１を空気１５より分離、回収できるようにしたバグフィルタ形式の構成としてあり、上記粉末送出管５の配管接続部７と、空気輸送機８の流入口１０との間に、空気輸送配管１６を介在させるよう配置すると共に、該空気輸送配管１６の両端部を、上記粉末送出５管の配管接続部７と、空気輸送機８の流入口１０に、それぞれ着脱可能に接続してなる構成としてある。
【０００４】
上記構成としてある空気輸送設備を用いて輸送対象となる粉体１の輸送を行う場合には、上記誘引送風機あるいは真空ポンプを駆動して空気輸送機８の排気口１１側より空気１５を吸引することにより、フィルタ６を通して空気１５を粉末送出管５内に取り込むと共に、該粉末送出管５、空気輸送配管１６を経て空気輸送機８に向かう空気１５の流れを形成させ、この空気１５の流れが粉末送出管５内を流通しているときに、粉末投入ホッパ２より輸送対象粉体１を落下供給して、該輸送対象粉体１を上記空気１５の流れに乗せて同伴させるようにしてあり、この空気１５の流れに同伴される輸送対象粉体１を、空気輸送配管１６を経て空気輸送機８まで移送した後、該空気輸送機８の流入口１０よりケーシング９内へ導入させるようにし、該ケーシング９内にて輸送対象粉体１を空気１５と分離させてホッパ１４へ回収すると共に、該回収された輸送対象粉体１を、自重によりホッパ１４の下端より、スプリットバタフライ弁１３を経て充填用容器１２内に落下供給して、充填させるようにしてある。
【０００５】
上記構成としてある空気輸送設備を、たとえば、製薬設備にて、所要の薬効成分を含む粉体の輸送に使用した後、輸送対象を別の薬効成分を含む粉体に切り替えて使用する等、上記空気輸送設備の運用途中で輸送対象となる粉体１の品種の切り替えを行うことがあり、この種の輸送対象粉体１の品種の切替えを行う場合、それまで輸送していた輸送対象粉体１の付着、残留物を洗浄して除去する必要が生じることがある。
【０００６】
上記のように輸送対象粉体１の付着、残留物の洗浄を行う場合、粉末投入ホッパ２や空気輸送機８には、通常、その内部に、水等の洗浄剤を噴出できるようにしてあるスプレーボール等の洗浄装置１７が設けてあり、該洗浄装置１７より洗浄剤を噴射することにより対応する粉末投入ホッパ２や空気輸送機８の内部をそれぞれ洗浄できるようにしてある。
【０００７】
上記空気輸送配管１６の洗浄を行う場合、従来は、空気輸送配管１６の両端部における粉末投入ホッパ２下端側の粉末送出管５の配管接続部７、及び、空気輸送機８の流入口１０との接続部分をそれぞれ切り離して取り外した（分解した）後、該空気輸送配管１６の内部を水等の洗浄剤により洗浄するようにしている。
【０００８】
ところで、原子力発電プラントの関連施設における高レベル廃液をガラス固化処理してなるガラス固化体の如き成形体を、移送方向を下向きから横向きに変換しながら移送する移送装置にて、上記成形体の移送時に、該成形体の一部が摩擦等によって破損したり剥離することにより生成する破砕粉体を、移送経路の途中に粉体が残ることを防止しつつ、輸送対象となる粉体が粉塵となって飛散することを防止しながら回収できるようにするための装置として、上記移送装置のケーシングの下部に連設したホッパ内に溜められる上記破砕粉体を、ホッパ下端に設けてある落とし込み用シャッタを開くことで、該落とし込み用シャッタの下側に設けてある一時貯留部に落とし込んで一旦貯留し、次に該一次貯留部へ洗浄水を供給した後、一時貯留部下端の落とし込み用シャッタを開放して、上記破砕粉体を、洗浄水と一緒に一時貯留部より移送先となる濾過手段へ向けて排出させるようにしたものが従来提案されている（たとえば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００９】
【特許文献１】
特開平５−１３４０９７号公報
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、図３に示した従来の空気輸送配管１６の洗浄方法では、空気輸送していた輸送対象粉体１の粉末が空気輸送配管１６内に付着、残留したままの状態で該空気輸送配管１６を空気輸送機８及び粉末投入ホッパ２下側の粉末送出管５から切り離すようにしていたため、該空気輸送配管１６の切り離しに伴って、該空気輸送配管１６の内部に付着、残留していた輸送対象粉体１の粉末が大気中に暴露されて飛散する虞があり、特に、上記輸送対象粉体１が、薬効成分を含む等、作業者が該輸送対象粉体１を吸引することにより健康障害が引き起こされる虞が懸念されるような場合には、輸送対象粉体１が空気中に飛散しても作業者が吸い込むことを防止できるように、防護マスクや防護服を着用する等の安全対策が必要になるという問題がある。又、輸送対象粉体１の種類によっては、該輸送対象粉体１の粉末が飛散することにより、環境が汚染される可能性も懸念されるという問題がある。
【００１１】
又、特許文献１に記載された手法は、輸送対象である破砕粉体を移送して回収する際、移送経路となる一次貯留部に洗浄水を注入して、上記破砕粉体を洗浄水と一緒に押し流して移送することにより、上記移送経路である一時貯留部における粉塵を洗い流しながら破砕粉体の移送を行うものであるため、この手法を、輸送対象粉体１の移送時に適用すれば、すなわち、輸送対象粉体１を、所望する輸送経路に沿って配設してある輸送配管内にて移送するときに、洗浄水と一緒に流すようにすれば、輸送対象粉体１の輸送に使用した後の上記輸送配管を、洗浄を行うために取り外したとしても、輸送対象粉体１の粉末が大気中に暴露、飛散する虞を防止できると考えられるが、この場合、輸送対象粉体１を、移送先にて洗浄水から分離回収した後、回収された輸送対象粉体１を乾燥させる必要が生じることがあり、手間が嵩むと共に、粉体乾燥のための機器を要するため設備が複雑化するという問題があり、しかも、輸送対象粉体１が水溶性の場合には適用することが困難であるという問題がある。
【００１２】
そこで、本発明は、空気輸送配管の内面に付着、残留する輸送対象粉体の粉末を、大気中に暴露、飛散させることなく上記空気輸送配管の洗浄を行うことができるようにするための空気輸送配管の洗浄方法及び装置を提供しようとするものである。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、上記課題を解決するために、輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の少なくとも一端側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を注入して他端側より排出させるように流通させるようにして、空気輸送配管内を洗浄する空気輸送配管の洗浄方法、及び、輸送対象粉体を空気の流れに同伴させて送出できるようにしてある粉体送出部から、空気の流れに同伴される輸送対象粉体を受け入れて空気より分離して回収できるようにしてある粉体回収部まで輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管の上記粉体回収部側の一端部側に、開閉弁を設けると共に、上記粉体送出部に接続される他端部側を開閉自在なドレン弁付きのドレン口に連通させ、且つ上記空気輸送配管の上記開閉弁近傍位置又は粉体送出部への接続部寄りの端部位置のいずれか一方に、開閉弁付きの洗浄剤注入口を設けてなる構成を有する空気輸送配管の洗浄装置とする。
【００１４】
輸送対象粉体の空気輸送に使用した空気輸送配管の一端部側を開閉弁にて閉塞させた後、該開閉弁の近傍位置より他端部側までの領域に洗浄剤を注入すると共に、上記領域の他端側に設けたドレン口のドレン弁を開放して上記空気輸送配管内に注入された洗浄剤を排出させるようにすると、空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤が流通させられ、このため該空気輸送配管内に付着、残留していた輸送対象粉体は、上記流通する洗浄剤により除去され、空気輸送配管内は洗浄されるようになる。
【００１５】
又、輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の両端側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を注入して充満させるようにし、しかる後、上記空気輸送配管内から洗浄剤を排出して該空気輸送配管を取り外して洗浄する空気輸送配管の洗浄方法とすると、空気輸送配管内に付着、残留していた輸送対象粉体を、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を満たすことによって濡れた状態とさせることができる。そのため、その後、空気輸送配管を取り外すときに、上記輸送対象粉体の粉末が飛散する虞を未然に防止することができ、したがって、輸送対象粉体の粉末を作業者が吸い込む虞をなくすことができ、作業者の作業環境の向上を図ることができると共に、環境汚染を未然に防止することができる。
【００１６】
更に、輸送対象粉体を空気の流れに同伴させて送出できるようにしてある粉体送出部から、空気の流れに同伴される輸送対象粉体を受け入れて空気より分離して回収できるようにしてある粉体回収部まで輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の上記粉体回収部側の一端部側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を注入し流通させて他端部側より排出させるようにして、上記空気輸送配管内に付着、残留する輸送対象粉体を除去し空気輸送配管内を洗浄するようにすることにより、空気輸送配管を粉体送出部及び粉体回収部より取り外すことなく、該空気輸送配管内に付着、残留していた輸送対象粉体を、洗浄剤にて除去して、空気輸送配管内を洗浄でき、この洗浄の際、粉体回収部側へ洗浄剤が流入する虞を防止できる。
【００１７】
更に又、輸送対象粉体を空気の流れに同伴させて送出できるようにしてある粉体送出部から、空気の流れに同伴される輸送対象粉体を受け入れて空気より分離して回収できるようにしてある粉体回収部まで輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の上記粉体回収部側の一端部側と他端部側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に、洗浄剤を注入して空気輸送配管内に充満させ、次いで、上記空気輸送管内に充満させた洗浄剤を排出させ、しかる後、上記空気輸送配管を、粉体送出部及び粉体回収部より取り外してから該空気輸送配管内に付着、残留する輸送対象粉体を除去し空気輸送配管内を洗浄するようにすることにより、空気輸送配管内に付着、残留していた輸送対象粉体を濡らすべく該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を満たすときに、粉体回収部側へ洗浄剤が流入する虞を防止できる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００１９】
図１（イ）（ロ）は本発明の空気輸送配管の洗浄方法及び装置の実施の一形態を示すもので、図３に示したものと同様の輸送対象粉体１の空気輸送設備において、空気輸送配管１６の空気輸送機８側の一端部側に、開閉弁１８を設けると共に、該開閉弁１８の近傍位置に、外部より空気輸送配管１６内へ水等の洗浄剤１９を注入するための開閉弁２１付きの洗浄剤注入口２０を設けて、該洗浄剤注入口２０に図示しない洗浄剤供給部より洗浄剤１９を導くための洗浄剤供給ライン２２を接続し、更に、空気輸送配管１６の他端側が配管接続部７にて接続してある粉末送出管５の反空気輸送配管側となる他端部に、開閉自在なドレン弁２３を有するドレン口２４を開口して設けて、該ドレン口２４を、図示しない排水ホース等を介して排水口へ接続するようにした構成とする。
【００２０】
２５はフィルタ６と粉末送出管５との間に設けた開閉弁、２６は粉末投入ホッパ２の下端を開閉自在とするための開閉機構である。
【００２１】
その他の構成は図３に示したものと同様であり、同一のものには同一符号が付してある。
【００２２】
上記構成としてあるので、輸送対象粉体１の空気輸送を行う通常時は、図１（イ）に示す如く、開閉機構２６により粉末投入ホッパ２の下端を開状態とすると共に、開閉弁１８と２５を開操作し、且つ洗浄剤注入口２０の開閉弁２１と、ドレン弁２３を閉止させた状態にて、従来と同様に、空気輸送機８の排気口１１の下流側に接続してある誘引送風機あるいは真空ポンプを運転する。これにより、フィルタ６を通して導入された空気１５は、粉末送出管５、空気輸送配管１６を通して空気輸送機８へ向かう流れが形成されるため、粉末投入ホッパ２内の輸送対象粉体１を、粉末送出管５まで落下供給させることにより輸送対象粉体１は、上記空気１５の流れに同伴されて空気輸送機８まで移送され、該空気輸送機８にて空気１５と分離されてから、ホッパ１４より充填用容器１２へ落下供給されて充填される。
【００２３】
その後、輸送対象粉体１の品種の切り替え等に伴って空気輸送配管１６の洗浄が必要とされる場合には、図１（ロ）に示す如く、先ず、開閉弁１８を閉操作して空気輸送機８を遮断すると共に、開閉機構２６により粉末投入ホッパ２の下端を閉止させ、更に、開閉弁２５を閉じて粉末送出管５より空気吸入用のフィルタ６を遮断した後、ドレン弁２３を開操作した状態にて、洗浄剤注入口２０の開閉弁２１を開操作して、洗浄剤供給部より洗浄剤供給ライン２２を通して導かれる洗浄剤１９を、上記洗浄剤注入口２０を通して空気輸送配管１６内へ注入する。これにより、該空気輸送配管１６内へ注入された洗浄剤１９は、空気輸送配管１６内を開閉弁１８の近傍位置より反空気輸送機８側へほぼ全長に亘って流通させられた後、粉末送出管５を経てドレン弁２３の開放されているドレン口２４まで流通させられ、しかる後、該ドレン口２４より、排水ホースを通して排水口へ排出される。この際、上記空気輸送配管１６内に残留、付着していた輸送対象粉体１の粉末は、空気輸送配管１６内を流通される洗浄剤１９により洗浄除去され、該洗浄剤１９と一緒に粉末送出管５、ドレン弁２３、ドレン口２４を経て排出される。なお、上記空気輸送配管１６内の洗浄に供された後にドレン口２３より排水ホースを通して排水口へ排出される輸送対象粉体１６の粉末を含んだ洗浄剤１９は、必要に応じて適宜排水処理を行うようにすればよい。
【００２４】
このように、上記本発明の空気輸送配管の洗浄方法及び装置によれば、空気輸送配管１６を取り外すことなく、その内部を洗浄剤１９にて洗浄できることから、該空気輸送配管１６内に、輸送対象粉体１の粉末が付着、残留していたとしても、該粉末を、大気中に暴露させることなく洗浄でき、したがって、上記輸送対象粉体１の粉末が大気中に飛散する虞を解消できるため、作業者が防護マスクや防護服等を着用する必要をなくすことができて、作業環境の向上を図ることができると共に、輸送対象粉体１の粉末が環境へ排出されて環境汚染が生じる虞を未然に防止することができる。
【００２５】
次に、図２（イ）（ロ）は上記本発明の空気輸送配管の洗浄装置を用いた空気輸送配管の洗浄方法の実施の他の形態における手順を示すもので、図１（ロ）に示したように、空気輸送配管１６内に、洗浄剤注入口２０より洗浄剤１９を注入して流通させることのみでは該空気輸送配管１６の内面に付着した輸送対象粉体１の粉末が十分に洗浄、除去しきれない場合には、図２（イ）に示す如く、開閉弁１８を閉操作して空気輸送機８を遮断すると共に、開閉機構２６により粉末投入ホッパ２の下端部を閉塞させ、更に、開閉弁２５を閉操作してフィルタ６を粉末送出管５より遮断した後、ドレン弁２３を閉状態としたまま、洗浄剤注入口２０の開閉弁２１を開操作して、該洗浄剤注入口２０を通して空気輸送配管１６へ洗浄剤１９を注入することにより、上記空気輸送配管１６内及び粉末送出管５内を洗浄剤１９にて一旦満たすようにし、次いで、図２（ロ）に示す如く、ドレン弁２３を開操作して空気輸送配管１６内に充満されている上記洗浄剤１９をドレン口２４よりすべて排出させ、しかる後、従来と同様に、空気輸送配管１６の両端部を、空気輸送機８の流入口１０との接続部分、及び、粉末投入ホッパ２下端側の粉末送出管５の配管接続部７との接続部分から切り離して取り外し、該取り外された空気輸送配管１６の内側を洗浄するようにする。
【００２６】
この場合、上記空気輸送配管１６内に付着、残留していた輸送対象粉体１の粉末は、空気輸送配管１６内に洗浄剤１９が一旦満たされることに伴って、全面的に濡れた状態とされるため、空気輸送配管１６を取り外す際に上記輸送対象粉体１の粉末が飛散する虞を未然に防止することができ、したがって、輸送対象粉体１の粉末を作業者が吸い込む虞を未然に防止できることから、図１（イ）（ロ）に示した実施の形態と同様に、作業者の作業環境の向上を図ることができると共に、環境汚染の虞を未然に防止することができる。
【００２７】
その後、空気輸送配管１６の洗浄が終了した後は、各部品を乾燥させた後、空気輸送配管１６を取り外した場合は元のように粉末送出管５の配管接続部７及び空気輸送器８の流入口１０に接続し直して、図１（イ）に示す如き初期状態に回復させることにより、以降の輸送対象粉体１の空気輸送に備えさせるようにすればよい。
【００２８】
なお、本発明は上記実施の形態のみに限定されるものではなく、洗浄剤注入口２０より注入した洗浄剤１９をドレン口２４へ向けて流通させることにより、空気輸送配管１６の全長に亘って上記洗浄剤１９を流通させることができるようにすれば、空気輸送配管１６の空気輸送機８側端部に設けた開閉弁１８の近傍位置に、ドレン弁２３を備えたドレン口２４を開口させて設け、且つ空気輸送配管１６の他端側となる反空気輸送機８側端部に、洗浄剤注入口２０を設けてもよく、更には、空気輸送配管１６の長手方向の所要の複数個所に洗浄剤注入口２０やドレン口２４をそれぞれ設けるようにしてもよいこと、空気輸送機８は、流入口１０より空気１５と一緒に輸送対象粉体１を受け入れて、輸送対象粉体１を空気１５より分離した後回収することができれば、空気１５と輸送対象粉体１の分離はいかなる形式で行うものを用いてもよく、又、回収した輸送対象粉体１は、充填用容器１２以外の所要の機器に供給させるようにしてもよいこと、更に、排気口１１の下流側に誘引送風機あるいは真空ポンプを接続することに代えて、輸送対象粉体１の送出部側における空気吸入用フィルタ６の前後位置に送風機を設けて、該送風機にて圧送することにより、粉末送出管５、空気輸送配管１６を経て、空気輸送機８へ送られる空気１５の流れを形成させて、この空気１５の流れに同伴させて輸送対象粉体１の移送を行う形式のものを使用してもよいこと、粉末投入ホッパ２は、空気１５を流通させる粉末送出管５へ輸送対象粉体１を徐々に供給できれば、収納容器４に代えて、所要の供給装置や搬送装置等の出口側から輸送対象粉体１を直接受け入れる形式のものであってもよいこと、更に、送出部を所要の燃焼設備とし、粉体回収部をバグフィルタ等の集塵装置として、上記燃焼設備より排出される飛灰等の焼却ダストを燃焼排ガスの流れに同伴させて上記集塵装置まで空気輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管１６としての排ガスダクトの洗浄にも適用できること、洗浄剤１９は、水以外にも輸送対象粉体１の性状に応じて該輸送対象粉体１の洗浄に適したものを適宜選択すればよいこと、その他本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において種々変更を加え得ることは勿論である。
【００２９】
【発明の効果】
以上述べた如く、本発明によれば、以下の如き優れた効果を発揮する。
（１） 輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の少なくとも一端側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を注入して他端側より排出させるように流通させるようにして、空気輸送配管内を洗浄する空気輸送配管の洗浄方法とし、又、輸送対象粉体を空気の流れに同伴させて送出できるようにしてある粉体送出部から、空気の流れに同伴される輸送対象粉体を受け入れて空気より分離して回収できるようにしてある粉体回収部まで輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の上記粉体回収部側の一端部側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を注入し流通させて他端部側より排出させるようにして、上記空気輸送配管内に付着、残留する輸送対象粉体を除去し空気輸送配管内を洗浄する空気輸送配管の洗浄方法、及び、輸送対象粉体を空気の流れに同伴させて送出できるようにしてある粉体送出部から、空気の流れに同伴される輸送対象粉体を受け入れて空気より分離して回収できるようにしてある粉体回収部まで輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管の上記粉体回収部側の一端部側に、開閉弁を設けると共に、上記粉体送出部に接続される他端部側を開閉自在なドレン弁付きのドレン口に連通させ、且つ上記空気輸送配管の上記開閉弁近傍位置又は粉体送出部への接続部寄りの端部位置のいずれか一方に、開閉弁付きの洗浄剤注入口を設けてなる構成を有する空気輸送配管の洗浄装置としてあるので、空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を流通させることにより、空気輸送配管の内面に付着、残留する輸送対象粉体を洗浄して除去できることから、上記空気輸送配管を取り外すことなく洗浄でき、このため上記輸送対象粉体が大気中に暴露、飛散する虞をなくすことができる。
（２） 輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の両端側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を注入して充満させるようにし、しかる後、上記空気輸送配管内から洗浄剤を排出して該空気輸送配管を取り外して洗浄する空気輸送配管の洗浄方法とし、又、輸送対象粉体を空気の流れに同伴させて送出できるようにしてある粉体送出部から、空気の流れに同伴される輸送対象粉体を受け入れて空気より分離して回収できるようにしてある粉体回収部まで輸送対象粉体を空気とともに輸送するようにしてある空気輸送配管内を洗浄するとき、該空気輸送配管の上記粉体回収部側の一端部側と他端部側を閉塞させた後、該空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を注入して空気輸送配管内に充満させ、次いで、上記空気輸送管内に充満させた洗浄剤を排出させ、しかる後、上記空気輸送配管を、粉体送出部及び粉体回収部より取り外してから該空気輸送配管内に付着、残留する輸送対象粉体を除去し空気輸送配管内を洗浄する空気輸送配管の洗浄方法とすると、空気輸送配管内に付着、残留する輸送対象粉体を、該空気輸送配管内に一旦洗浄剤を満たすことによって濡れた状態とさせることができ、したがって、その後、空気輸送配管を取り外して洗浄するときに、上記輸送対象粉体の粉末が飛散する虞を未然に防止することができる。
（３） したがって、輸送対象粉体の粉末を作業者が吸い込む虞を未然に防止できることから、作業者の作業環境の向上を図ることができると共に、環境汚染が生じる虞を未然に防止することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の空気輸送配管の洗浄方法及び装置の実施の一形態を示すもので、（イ）は輸送対象粉体の空気輸送を行う状態を、（ロ）は空気輸送配管内を洗浄剤にて洗浄する状態をそれぞれ示す概要図である。
【図２】図１の装置を用いて行う空気輸送配管の洗浄方法の実施の他の形態における手順を示すもので、（イ）は空気輸送配管内に洗浄剤を充満させる状態を、（ロ）は空気輸送配管内に充満させた洗浄剤を排出させた状態をそれぞれ示す概要図である。
【図３】従来用いられている空気輸送設備の一例の概要を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 輸送対象粉体
２ 粉末投入ホッパ（粉体送出部）
５ 粉末送出管（粉体送出部）
８ 空気輸送機（粉体回収部）
１５ 空気
１６ 空気輸送配管
１８ 開閉弁
１９ 洗浄剤
２０ 洗浄剤注入口
２１ 開閉弁
２３ ドレン弁
２４ ドレン口[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning a pneumatic transport pipe used for pneumatic transport of powder.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As one method of transporting the powder, an air transport method of transporting the powder to be transported is described in which air is circulated through a pipe, and the powder to be transported is put on the air flow and accompanied by the powder. It is widely known.
[0003]
As shown schematically in FIG. 3, an apparatus for carrying out such a pneumatic transportation method includes a split butterfly valve 3 as a powder delivery unit at a starting point of a path where the powder 1 to be transported is desired to be transported. And a powder input hopper 2 for detachably connecting the storage container 4 for the powder 1 to be transported, and a filter 6 for air suction at one end and a pipe connection portion (for example, a flange) at the other end. 7) and a powder delivery pipe 5 formed by communicating the lower end of the powder input hopper 2 at the middle part in the longitudinal direction with the powder delivery pipe 5 being provided. Then, an air transporter 8 as a powder recovery unit is installed. The pneumatic transport unit 8 is provided with an inlet 10 at a required position on a side wall of a cylindrical casing 9 so that gas can flow into the casing 9 from a tangential direction, and an exhaust port is provided at the top of the casing 9. An exhaust port 11 is connected to a suction side of an unillustrated blower or a vacuum pump, and an upper end opening of a container 12 for filling the powder 1 to be transported is provided at a lower end of the casing 9 at a lower end thereof. A hopper 14 having a split butterfly valve 13 capable of detachably connecting the parts is provided, and the powder 1 entrained in the flow of the air 15 together with the air 15 is received into the casing 9 from the inlet 10, The powder 1 and the air 15 are centrifuged and the powder 1 can be collected in a cyclone-type configuration, or the inlet 10 is provided at a required position on the side wall, and the exhaust port 11 is provided at the top. A filter medium (not shown) is provided in a casing 9 provided with a hopper 14 similar to the above in a lower portion so as to partition between the inlet 10 and the outlet 11 so that the air 15 The bag 1 is provided in a bag filter type in which the powder 1 entrained in the air is received into the casing 9 from the inflow port 10 and the powder 1 can be separated and recovered from the air 15 by filtering through the filtering material. A pneumatic transport pipe 16 is disposed between the pipe connection portion 7 of the powder delivery pipe 5 and the inflow port 10 of the pneumatic transport machine 8, and both ends of the pneumatic transport pipe 16 are It is configured to be detachably connected to the pipe connection part 7 of the five delivery pipes and the inflow port 10 of the air transport unit 8.
[0004]
When the powder 1 to be transported is transported using the air transport facility having the above configuration, the air blower or the vacuum pump is driven to suck the air 15 from the exhaust port 11 side of the air transporter 8. As a result, the air 15 is taken into the powder delivery pipe 5 through the filter 6 and the flow of the air 15 toward the air transporter 8 via the powder delivery pipe 5 and the air transport pipe 16 is formed. When the powder 1 to be transported is dropped and supplied from the powder input hopper 2 while flowing through the powder delivery pipe 5, the powder 1 to be transported is carried along with the flow of the air 15. After the powder 1 to be transported accompanying the flow of the air 15 is transported to the air transporter 8 via the air transport pipe 16, the powder 1 is introduced into the casing 9 through the inlet 10 of the air transporter 8. , The powder 1 to be transported is separated from the air 15 and collected in the hopper 14 in the casing 9, and the collected powder 1 to be transported is filled by its own weight from the lower end of the hopper 14 through the split butterfly valve 13. It is supplied by dropping into the container 12 for filling.
[0005]
The pneumatic transportation equipment having the above configuration, for example, in a pharmaceutical facility, used for transporting a powder containing a required medicinal ingredient, and then switching to another transporting powder containing another medicinal ingredient for use. In some cases, the type of the powder 1 to be transported is switched during the operation of the pneumatic transportation equipment. When the type of the powder 1 to be transported is switched, the powder to be transported that has been transported up to that time is changed. In some cases, it is necessary to wash and remove the adhesion and residue of No. 1.
[0006]
When the adhesion of the powder 1 to be transported and the cleaning of the residue are performed as described above, the powder input hopper 2 and the pneumatic transport machine 8 are usually configured to be able to jet a cleaning agent such as water into the inside thereof. A cleaning device 17 such as a spray ball is provided, and the inside of the corresponding powder input hopper 2 and pneumatic transport device 8 can be cleaned by spraying a cleaning agent from the cleaning device 17.
[0007]
Conventionally, when the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is cleaned, the pipe connection portion 7 of the powder delivery pipe 5 at the lower end side of the powder input hopper 2 at both ends of the pneumatic transport pipe 16 and the inflow port 10 of the pneumatic transport machine 8 are connected. After the connecting portions are separated and removed (disassembled), the inside of the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is cleaned with a cleaning agent such as water.
[0008]
By the way, the transfer of the compact is performed by a transfer device that transfers a compact such as a vitrified product obtained by vitrifying high-level waste liquid in a related facility of a nuclear power plant while changing a transfer direction from downward to horizontal. Sometimes, the crushed powder generated by the breakage or peeling of a part of the molded body due to friction or the like, while preventing the powder from remaining in the middle of the transfer path, the powder to be transported is dust A dropping shutter provided at the lower end of the hopper is a device for collecting the crushed powder accumulated in a hopper connected to a lower portion of a casing of the transfer device as a device for preventing the scattered powder from being scattered. Is opened, the liquid is dropped into a temporary storage section provided below the dropping shutter, temporarily stored, and then, the cleaning water is supplied to the primary storage section, and then temporarily stored. Conventionally, there has been proposed a shutter in which a dropping shutter at a lower end is opened to discharge the crushed powder together with the washing water from a temporary storage section toward a filter means serving as a transfer destination (for example, Patent Reference 1).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-134097
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the conventional method for cleaning the pneumatic transport pipe 16 shown in FIG. 3, the powder of the powder 1 to be transported, which has been transported by air, adheres to the pneumatic transport pipe 16 and remains as it is. Is separated from the pneumatic transport device 8 and the powder delivery pipe 5 below the powder input hopper 2, so that the transport that adheres and remains inside the pneumatic transport pipe 16 with the disconnection of the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is performed. There is a possibility that the powder of the target powder 1 is exposed to the atmosphere and scattered. In particular, when the powder 1 to be transported contains a medicinal component, the worker sucks the powder 1 to be transported, and the health is improved. If there is a concern that an obstacle may be caused, safety such as wearing a protective mask or a protective suit so as to prevent workers from inhaling the powder 1 to be transported even if it scatters in the air. The problem of needing measures A. Further, depending on the type of the powder 1 to be transported, there is a problem that the powder of the powder 1 to be transported may be scattered, thereby causing a possibility of polluting the environment.
[0011]
Further, the method described in Patent Literature 1 is that, when transferring and collecting crushed powder to be transported, washing water is injected into a primary storage unit serving as a transfer path, and the crushed powder is combined with washing water. By flushing and transferring together, the crushed powder is transferred while washing out the dust in the temporary storage section, which is the transfer path, so if this method is applied when transferring the powder 1 to be transferred, That is, when the powder 1 to be transported is transferred together with the washing water when it is transported in the transport pipe arranged along the desired transport route, the powder 1 to be transported can be transported. Even if the transport pipe after use is removed for cleaning, it is considered that the powder of the powder 1 to be transported can be prevented from being exposed to the atmosphere and scattered. 1 was separated and recovered from the wash water at the transfer destination. In some cases, it is necessary to dry the collected powder 1 to be transported, which is troublesome, and requires equipment for drying the powder, which complicates the equipment. There is a problem that it is difficult to apply when 1 is water-soluble.
[0012]
Therefore, the present invention provides an air for cleaning the pneumatic transportation pipe without exposing the powder of the powder to be transported adhered and remaining on the inner surface of the pneumatic transportation pipe to the atmosphere and scattering it. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for cleaning a transport pipe.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention, when cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe that transports the powder to be transported together with air, after closing at least one end side of the pneumatic transportation pipe, the air A cleaning method for pneumatic transportation pipes for cleaning the inside of pneumatic transportation pipes by injecting a cleaning agent into the transportation pipes so as to be discharged from the other end side, and entraining the powder to be transported with the flow of air. The powder to be transported is pneumatically transported from the powder delivery section, which is configured to be able to deliver the powder to be transported, to the powder recovery section, which is configured to receive the powder to be transported accompanying the flow of air and to separate and collect the powder from the air. An open / close valve is provided at one end of the pneumatic transport pipe that is to be transported together with the powder recovery unit, and a drain valve that can open and close the other end connected to the powder delivery unit is provided. Communicate with the drain port And a pneumatic transportation pipe having a configuration in which a cleaning agent inlet with an on / off valve is provided at any one of a position near the on-off valve of the pneumatic transportation pipe or an end position near a connection part to the powder delivery section. Cleaning equipment.
[0014]
After closing one end of the pneumatic transportation pipe used for pneumatic transportation of the powder to be transported with an on-off valve, the cleaning agent is injected into a region from a position near the on-off valve to the other end, and When the drain valve at the drain port provided at the other end of the region is opened to discharge the cleaning agent injected into the pneumatic transportation pipe, the cleaning agent is circulated through the pneumatic transportation pipe. The powder to be transported adhered and remained in the pneumatic transportation pipe is removed by the flowing cleaning agent, and the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe is cleaned.
[0015]
Further, when cleaning the inside of an air transport pipe that is designed to transport the powder to be transported together with air, after closing both ends of the air transport pipe, a cleaning agent is injected into the air transport pipe to fill it. Then, the cleaning agent is discharged from the pneumatic transportation pipe, and the pneumatic transportation pipe is removed and cleaned. The powder can be made wet by filling the air transport pipe with a cleaning agent. Therefore, when the pneumatic transportation pipe is subsequently removed, the risk of the powder of the powder to be transported being scattered can be prevented beforehand, and therefore, the risk of the worker inhaling the powder of the powder to be transported can be eliminated. Thus, the working environment of the worker can be improved, and environmental pollution can be prevented.
[0016]
Furthermore, from the powder delivery section which is capable of sending the powder to be transported together with the flow of air, the powder to be transported accompanying the flow of air is received and separated from the air so that it can be collected. When cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe which is designed to transport the powder to be transported together with air to a certain powder collection part, after closing one end side of the pneumatic transportation pipe on the powder collection part side, The cleaning agent is injected into the pneumatic transportation pipe, circulated and discharged from the other end side, so that the powder to be transported attached to the pneumatic transportation pipe and remaining is removed to clean the pneumatic transportation pipe. By doing so, without removing the pneumatic transport pipe from the powder delivery section and the powder recovery section, the powder to be transported remaining and remaining in the pneumatic transport pipe is removed with a cleaning agent, and pneumatic transport is performed. The inside of the pipe can be cleaned. Thereby preventing the risk of cleaning agent to the body collecting section side flows.
[0017]
Furthermore, the powder to be transported, which is accompanied by the flow of air, can be received and separated from the air to be collected from the powder delivery section, which is capable of discharging the powder to be transported while being accompanied by the flow of air. When cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe that is configured to transport the powder to be transported together with air to the powder collection part, the one end side and the other end side of the pneumatic transportation pipe on the side of the powder collection part are cleaned. After the blockage, a cleaning agent is injected into the pneumatic transportation pipe to fill the pneumatic transportation pipe, and then, the cleaning agent filled in the pneumatic transportation pipe is discharged. After being removed from the powder delivery section and the powder recovery section, it adheres to the pneumatic transportation pipe by removing the remaining powder to be transported and cleaning the interior of the pneumatic transportation pipe. Wet the remaining powder to be transported When meeting the detergent air transport in the pipe in order to prevents the possibility that the cleaning agent flows into the powder recovery unit side.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIGS. 1A and 1B show an embodiment of a method and an apparatus for cleaning a pneumatic transport pipe of the present invention. In the pneumatic transport facility for transporting powder 1 similar to that shown in FIG. An on-off valve 18 is provided at one end of the pneumatic transportation pipe 16 on the side of the pneumatic transport machine 8, and a cleaning agent 19 such as water is externally injected into the pneumatic transportation pipe 16 at a position near the on-off valve 18. And a cleaning agent supply line 22 for leading a cleaning agent 19 from a cleaning agent supply unit (not shown) to the cleaning agent injection port 20 with an on-off valve 21. A drain port 24 having an openable and closable drain valve 23 is provided at the other end of the powder delivery pipe 5 opposite to the pneumatic transport pipe, the other end of which is connected to the pipe connection part 7 at the other end thereof. The drain port 24 is connected to a drain port via a drain hose (not shown). A structure in which so as to continue.
[0020]
Reference numeral 25 denotes an opening / closing valve provided between the filter 6 and the powder delivery pipe 5, and reference numeral 26 denotes an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the lower end of the powder input hopper 2.
[0021]
Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 3, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0022]
With the above configuration, during the normal pneumatic transport of the powder 1 to be transported, the lower end of the powder input hopper 2 is opened by the opening / closing mechanism 26 as shown in FIG. 25 is connected to the downstream side of the exhaust port 11 of the pneumatic transporter 8 in a state where the opening / closing valve 25 of the cleaning agent injection port 20 and the drain valve 23 are closed as in the related art. Operate the induction blower or vacuum pump. As a result, a flow of the air 15 introduced through the filter 6 toward the air transporter 8 through the powder delivery pipe 5 and the air transport pipe 16 is formed, so that the powder 1 to be transported in the powder input hopper 2 is The powder 1 to be transported is dropped and supplied to the delivery pipe 5 to be transported along with the flow of the air 15 to the air transporter 8, separated from the air 15 by the air transporter 8, and then separated from the hopper 14. Then, it is dropped and supplied to the filling container 12 to be filled.
[0023]
Thereafter, when it is necessary to clean the pneumatic transportation pipe 16 in accordance with the switching of the type of the powder 1 to be transported, as shown in FIG. After shutting off the transporter 8 and closing the lower end of the powder input hopper 2 by the opening / closing mechanism 26, further closing the opening / closing valve 25 and shutting off the filter 6 for air suction from the powder delivery pipe 5, the drain valve 23 is closed. In the opened state, the opening / closing valve 21 of the cleaning agent inlet 20 is opened to supply the cleaning agent 19 guided from the cleaning agent supply unit through the cleaning agent supply line 22 to the pneumatic transportation pipe through the cleaning agent inlet 20. Inject into 16. As a result, the cleaning agent 19 injected into the pneumatic transportation pipe 16 flows through the interior of the pneumatic transportation pipe 16 from the position near the on-off valve 18 to the side opposite to the pneumatic transport machine 8 over substantially the entire length. It is circulated through the delivery pipe 5 to the drain port 24 where the drain valve 23 is open, and then discharged from the drain port 24 to the drain port through a drain hose. At this time, the powder of the powder 1 to be transported remaining and adhering in the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is washed and removed by a cleaning agent 19 flowing through the pneumatic transport pipe 16, and is removed together with the cleaning agent 19. It is discharged through the delivery pipe 5, drain valve 23, and drain port 24. The cleaning agent 19 containing the powder of the powder 16 to be transported, which is discharged from the drain port 23 through the drainage hose to the drainage port after being used for cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transport pipe 16, is subjected to drainage treatment as necessary. Should be performed.
[0024]
As described above, according to the method and the apparatus for cleaning the pneumatic transport pipe of the present invention, the inside of the pneumatic transport pipe 16 can be cleaned with the cleaning agent 19 without removing the pneumatic transport pipe 16. Even if the powder of the target powder 1 adheres and remains, the powder can be washed without being exposed to the atmosphere, and therefore, the risk that the powder of the transport target powder 1 scatters in the air can be eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for the worker to wear a protective mask, protective clothing, and the like, thereby improving the working environment and discharging the powder of the powder 1 to be transported to the environment, thereby causing environmental pollution. The fear can be prevented beforehand.
[0025]
Next, FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) show a procedure in another embodiment of the method for cleaning a pneumatic transportation pipe using the above-described apparatus for cleaning a pneumatic transportation pipe of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the powder of the powder 1 to be transported adhered to the inner surface of the air transport pipe 16 is sufficiently obtained only by injecting the detergent 19 from the detergent inlet 20 into the air transport pipe 16 and circulating the same. When cleaning and removal are not completed, as shown in FIG. 2A, the on-off valve 18 is closed to shut off the pneumatic transporter 8 and the opening and closing mechanism 26 closes the lower end of the powder input hopper 2. Further, after the on-off valve 25 is closed to shut off the filter 6 from the powder delivery pipe 5, the on-off valve 21 of the cleaning agent inlet 20 is opened while the drain valve 23 is kept closed to perform the cleaning. The cleaning agent 19 is injected into the pneumatic transport pipe 16 through the agent injection port 20. As a result, the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe 16 and the inside of the powder delivery pipe 5 are once filled with the cleaning agent 19, and then, as shown in FIG. Is discharged from the drain port 24, and then both ends of the pneumatic transport pipe 16 are connected to the inflow port 10 of the pneumatic transport device 8 and The powder feeding hopper 2 at the lower end side of the powder feeding pipe 5 is separated from the connection portion with the pipe connection part 7 and removed, and the inside of the removed air transport pipe 16 is cleaned.
[0026]
In this case, the powder of the powder 1 to be transported adhered and remained in the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is completely wet with the cleaning agent 19 once filled in the pneumatic transport pipe 16. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the powder of the powder to be transported 1 from being scattered when the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is removed, and thus to prevent the worker from inhaling the powder of the powder to be transported 1 beforehand. Therefore, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the working environment of the worker can be improved, and the possibility of environmental pollution can be prevented beforehand.
[0027]
Thereafter, after the cleaning of the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is completed, the respective parts are dried, and when the pneumatic transport pipe 16 is removed, the pipe connection portion 7 of the powder delivery pipe 5 and the pneumatic transporter 8 are removed. By reconnecting to the inflow port 10 and restoring the initial state as shown in FIG. 1A, it is sufficient to prepare for the subsequent pneumatic transport of the powder 1 to be transported.
[0028]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the cleaning agent 19 injected from the cleaning agent injection port 20 is caused to flow toward the drain port 24 so as to cover the entire length of the pneumatic transport pipe 16. If the cleaning agent 19 can be made to flow, a drain port 24 provided with a drain valve 23 is opened at a position near the on-off valve 18 provided at the end of the air transport pipe 16 on the side of the air transport unit 8. The cleaning agent injection port 20 may be provided at an end of the air transport pipe 16 on the side opposite to the pneumatic transport machine 8 which is the other end of the pneumatic transport pipe 16. The pneumatic transporter 8 may receive the powder 1 to be transported together with the air 15 from the inflow port 10 and supply the powder 1 to be transported. Recovery after separation from air 15 If it is possible, any method may be used to separate the air 15 and the powder 1 to be transported, and the recovered powder 1 to be transported is supplied to required equipment other than the container 12 for filling. Alternatively, instead of connecting an induction blower or a vacuum pump to the downstream side of the exhaust port 11, a blower may be provided at the front and rear positions of the air suction filter 6 on the delivery section side of the powder 1 to be transported. The air is sent by the blower through the powder delivery pipe 5 and the pneumatic transport pipe 16 to form a flow of the air 15 sent to the pneumatic transporter 8, and is transported along with the flow of the air 15. The powder transfer hopper 2 may be of a type that transfers the target powder 1. If the powder input hopper 2 can gradually supply the transport target powder 1 to the powder delivery pipe 5 through which the air 15 flows, the powder Instead, It may be of a type that directly receives the powder 1 to be transported from the outlet side of a feeding device or a transport device, etc. Further, the sending unit is a required combustion facility, and the powder collecting unit is a dust filter such as a bag filter. As an apparatus, the present invention is also applied to the cleaning of an exhaust gas duct as an air transport pipe 16 in which incinerated dust such as fly ash discharged from the combustion equipment is accompanied by a flow of the combustion exhaust gas to be pneumatically transported to the dust collector. The cleaning agent 19 may be appropriately selected from those suitable for washing the powder to be transported 1 depending on the properties of the powder to be transported 1 in addition to water, and other conditions that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. It is needless to say that various changes can be made within.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the following excellent effects are exhibited.
(1) When cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe that transports the powder to be transported together with air, after closing at least one end of the pneumatic transportation pipe, a cleaning agent is injected into the pneumatic transportation pipe. The air transport pipe is cleaned so that it is discharged from the other end side to clean the inside of the air transport pipe, and the powder to be transported can be sent out together with the flow of air. Air that transports the powder to be transported together with air from the powder delivery section to a powder recovery section that receives the powder to be transported entrained in the flow of air and can separate and collect the powder from the air. When cleaning the inside of the transport pipe, after closing one end side of the pneumatic transport pipe on the powder recovery section side, a cleaning agent is injected into the pneumatic transport pipe, circulated, and discharged from the other end side. So that the air above A method for cleaning a pneumatic transportation pipe for removing the powder to be transported remaining on the transportation pipe and cleaning the interior of the pneumatic transportation pipe, and a powder capable of sending the powder to be transported along with the flow of air. Pneumatic transportation in which the powder to be transported is transported together with air from the body delivery section to the powder recovery section, which receives the powder to be transported entrained in the flow of air and can separate and collect the powder from the air. An on-off valve is provided at one end of the pipe on the powder recovery section side, and the other end connected to the powder delivery section is communicated with a drain port with a freely openable drain valve, and the air A pneumatic transport pipe cleaning device having a configuration in which a cleaning agent inlet with an open / close valve is provided at any one of a position near the on-off valve of the transport pipe or an end position near a connection portion to the powder delivery section. Inside the air transport pipe By circulating the cleaning agent, the powder to be transported remaining on the inner surface of the pneumatic transport pipe can be washed and removed, so that the powder can be washed without removing the pneumatic transport pipe. Exposure and scattering in the interior can be eliminated.
(2) When cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe that transports the powder to be transported together with air, after closing both ends of the pneumatic transportation pipe, a cleaning agent is injected into the pneumatic transportation pipe. Then, the cleaning agent is discharged from the pneumatic transportation pipe, the pneumatic transportation pipe is removed and the cleaning method is performed for the pneumatic transportation pipe, and the powder to be transported is entrained in the air flow. The powder to be transported is transported together with the air from the powder delivery section, which is configured to be able to deliver the powder to be transported, to the powder recovery section, which is capable of receiving the powder to be transported entrained in the flow of air and collecting it separately from the air. When cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe that is to be transported, after closing one end side and the other end side of the pneumatic transportation pipe on the powder recovery section side, a cleaning agent is provided in the pneumatic transportation pipe. Inject and fill in air transport piping Then, the cleaning agent filled in the pneumatic transport pipe is discharged, and thereafter, the pneumatic transport pipe is detached from the powder delivery section and the powder recovery section, and then adheres and remains in the pneumatic transport pipe. If the pneumatic transportation pipe is cleaned by removing the powder to be transported and cleaning the inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe, the powder to be adhered to and remaining in the pneumatic transportation pipe is once filled with a cleaning agent in the pneumatic transportation pipe. Therefore, when the pneumatic transportation pipe is subsequently removed and washed, it is possible to prevent the powder of the powder to be transported from scattering beforehand.
(3) Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the worker from inhaling the powder of the powder to be transported beforehand, it is possible to improve the working environment of the worker and to prevent the possibility of environmental pollution. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a method and an apparatus for cleaning a pneumatic transportation pipe of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state in which powder to be transported is pneumatically transported, and (b) shows an inside of the pneumatic transportation pipe. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state wash | cleaned by a cleaning agent, respectively.
FIG. 2 shows a procedure in another embodiment of the method for cleaning a pneumatic transportation pipe performed by using the apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein (a) shows a state in which the pneumatic transportation pipe is filled with a cleaning agent; () Is a schematic diagram showing a state where the cleaning agent filled in the air transport pipe is discharged.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of a conventionally used pneumatic transportation facility.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 powder to be transported
2 Powder input hopper (powder sending section)
5 Powder delivery tube (powder delivery section)
8 Pneumatic transporter (powder recovery unit)
15 air
16 Pneumatic transportation piping
18 On-off valve
19 Cleaning agent
20 Cleaning agent inlet
21 On-off valve
23 Drain valve
24 drain port
