Fluid activation device

Abstract

Provided is a superfine bubble generating device capable of efficiently generating superfine bubbles in a fluid. A fluid activation device includes a cylindrical shaft, a cylindrical body having a hollow portion to house the shaft at a prescribed interval between an inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and a plurality of vanes provided between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body to form a flow path extending in a spiral shape from one end side of the cylindrical body to the other end side and to cause turbulence in a fluid flowing in the flow path, and a plurality of ribs composed of protrusions extending in an axial direction of the shaft are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid activation device for activating fluids. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the technology of generating tiny bubbles known as "ultrafine bubbles" (Japanese: ウルトラファインバブル) in liquids has attracted attention. Ultrafine bubbles (also called "ultrafine nanobubbles") are extremely tiny bubbles with an equivalent sphere diameter of less than 1 μm, and they exist stably in liquids. Ultrafine bubbles are colorless and transparent and cannot be directly observed with the naked eye, but techniques for measuring particle diameter and concentration are being developed. Because generating ultrafine bubbles in liquids can yield a variety of effects, their applications in various fields such as aquaculture, agriculture, medicine, food industry, and chemical industry are being investigated. For example, it has been confirmed that generating ultrafine bubbles in liquids can promote biological growth, sterilize, improve detergency, increase fuel combustion efficiency, and improve the uniformity of coatings, among other benefits.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a structure for generating ultrafine bubbles in a liquid, comprising a blade body having multiple blades on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical shaft housed within a cylindrical housing tube. In Patent Document 1, by providing bent portions on the blades, complex turbulence is generated in the liquid flowing between the blades, thereby improving the efficiency of ultrafine bubble generation.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6490317 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fluid activation device that can efficiently activate fluids.

[0009] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0010] The fluid activation device of the present invention includes: a cylindrical shaft; a cylindrical body having a hollow portion, which houses the shaft by means of a predetermined gap between the inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft; and a plurality of blades disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body, forming a flow path extending spirally from one end of the cylindrical body to the other end, and causing turbulence in the fluid flowing in the flow path, wherein a plurality of ribs consisting of protrusions extending axially along the shaft are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, a fluid activation device that can efficiently activate fluids can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fluid activation device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the constituent units of the fluid activation device shown.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the constituent unit shown.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The back view of the constituent unit shown.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The top view of the constituent units shown.

[0018] Figure 6 It will be along Figure 3 The cross section of line VI-VI shown is unfolded into a plane.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the constituent units of the fluid activation device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The front view of the constituent unit shown.

[0021] Figure 9 It will be along Figure 8 The cross section of the IX-IX line shown is unfolded into a plane.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the constituent units of the fluid activation device in a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The front view of the constituent unit shown.

[0024] Figure 12 It will be along Figure 11 The cross section of line XII-XII shown is unfolded into a plane.

[0025] Figure 13A This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13Byes Figure 13A The cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body shown.

[0027] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13A The cross-sectional view of line XIV-XIV shown.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid activation device according to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 17A This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 17B This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device of Modification Example 1 of the fifth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 17C This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device of Modification Example 2 of the fifth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 17D This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device of Modification 3 of the fifth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid activation device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid activation device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the constituent units of the fluid activation device according to the ninth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the constituent units of the fluid activation device in a modified example of the ninth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid activation device according to the tenth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In this specification, "fluid" is a general term encompassing both liquids and gases. Furthermore, "fluid activation" refers to generating a large number of ultrafine bubbles in a liquid when the fluid is liquid. When the fluid is gas, "fluid activation" refers to reducing the size (number of molecules) of a cluster of multiple (e.g., several to dozens) gas molecules present in the gas phase. When different types of gases are activated using a fluid activation device, the size of each gas cluster decreases, and the gas clusters are uniformly mixed. For example, when fuel gas and air (oxygen in the air) are uniformly mixed at the molecular or cluster level, because the fuel gas clusters and oxygen clusters are uniformly distributed in the gas phase, the combination of fuel gas molecules and oxygen molecules can be efficiently generated, thereby significantly improving combustion efficiency. In the following description, an apparatus for generating ultrafine bubbles in a liquid is used as an example, but the fluid activation apparatuses of the following embodiments can also be applied to the activation of gases.

[0041] (First Implementation)

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fluid activation device according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The fluid activation device 100 is an integrally cylindrical device that activates the supplied fluid. The fluid activation device 100 is... Figure 1 The left end is the upstream side. Figure 1 The right end is connected to the pipeline or other piping in a downstream manner.

[0044] The fluid activation device 100 includes a cylindrical shaft 21, a cylindrical body 22 housing the shaft 21, and multiple blades 3 disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 22. In this embodiment, the fluid activation device 100 is constructed by combining multiple units 10 having the same shape. The shaft 21 is formed by multiple cores 1 of the multiple units 10, and the cylindrical body 22 is formed by multiple peripheral walls 2 of the multiple units 10. The cylindrical body 22 has a hollow portion, in which the shaft 21 is housed. Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of ribs 24, consisting of protrusions extending axially along the shaft 21, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22. The plurality of ribs 24 are composed of a plurality of protrusions 4 of a plurality of units 10.

[0045] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 6 The details of Unit 10 are explained.

[0046] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the constituent units of the fluid activation device. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the constituent unit shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The rear view of the constituent unit shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The top view of the constituent units shown. Figure 6 It will be along Figure 3 The cross-section of line VI-VI shown is unfolded into a planar diagram. Additionally, in later figures, directions are sometimes specified using an xyz coordinate system. The positive z-axis corresponds to the direction of fluid flow.

[0047] Unit 10 includes a core 1, a peripheral wall 2, and a plurality of blades 3. Unit 10 can be formed, for example, by resin injection molding.

[0048] The core 1 is a cylindrical component. A through hole 5, a protrusion 6, and a recess 7 are provided in the core 1. Furthermore, to reduce the amount of resin, recesses 8 and 9 are provided on the upstream and downstream surfaces of the core 1, respectively.

[0049] Through hole 5 is a circular hole that passes through the center of core 1. Through hole 5 is used to insert multiple cores 1 as follows: Figure 1 The hole shown, when used to construct the fluid activation device 100, forms a flow path that runs through the fluid activation device 100 along its central axis. This flow path is configured to supply other liquids or gases to the fluid (containing a large number of ultrafine bubbles) flowing out of the fluid activation device 100. The through-hole 5 can be closed or omitted if it is not necessary to inject other liquids or gases into the fluid.

[0050] The protrusion 6 is disposed on the upstream side of the fluid activation device 100 on both sides of the core 1. Figure 3 Furthermore, the recess 7 is provided on the downstream side of the fluid activation device 100 on both sides of the core 1. Figure 4 The protrusion 6 and the recess 7 have a shape that allows them to fit together, and they are provided for connecting adjacent cores 1. The recess 7 is positioned at a position rotated by a predetermined angle relative to the protrusion 6 about the central axis AX of the core 1. That is, when viewing the core 1 from the upstream or downstream side of the fluid activation device 100, the protrusion 6 is positioned at a rotated position that does not overlap with the recess 7. Alternatively, the recess 7 can be provided on the upstream side surface of the core 1, and the protrusion 6 can be provided on the downstream side surface of the core 1 instead of the structure of this embodiment. Furthermore, as long as adjacent cores 1 can be connected to each other, the fitting portion constituting the fitting structure other than the protrusion 6 and the recess 7 can be provided on the upstream and downstream sides. In addition, when the cores 1 are bonded together by an adhesive or the like, the fitting portion can be omitted.

[0051] The peripheral wall 2 is a cylindrical or annular component coaxial with the core 1. The peripheral wall 2 surrounds the core 1 with a predetermined gap between it and the outer peripheral surface of the core 1. A first positioning part 11 and a second positioning part 12 are provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 2. Figures 3 to 5 The first positioning part 11 and the second positioning part 12 are configured to easily align the relative rotational positions of adjacent core parts 1 when assembling the core parts 1. Details of the first positioning part 11 and the second positioning part 12 will be described later. A plurality of protrusions 4 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2. The protrusions 4 are composed of raised strips extending along the central axis AX direction of the core parts 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cross-section of each protrusion 4 parallel to a plane orthogonal to the central axis AX of the core 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "xy plane") is triangular. Multiple protrusions 4 are arranged without gaps throughout the entire circumference of the peripheral wall 2, and on a plane parallel to the xy plane, the cross-section of the multiple protrusions 4 is serrated. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 4 is provided on both the upstream side (front side) and the downstream side (back side) of the blade 3.

[0052] The height, the size of the apex angle, and the lengths of the two sides other than the base of the protrusion 4 on the cross-section parallel to the xy plane are not particularly limited, and can be set based on the viscosity, flow rate, applied pressure, and allowable pressure loss of the fluid supplied to the fluid activation device 100. Furthermore, the "height of the protrusion 4" refers to the maximum radial height of the protrusion 4 on the cross-section parallel to the xy plane within the peripheral wall 2. Additionally, the size of the apex angle and the lengths of the two sides other than the base are values ​​on the cross-section parallel to the xy plane. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 4 does not have to be triangular. For example, one or both sides of the inclined surface of the protrusion 4 may be curved surfaces.

[0053] Multiple blades 3 cause the fluid flowing in the space between the outer peripheral surface of the core 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 2 to swirl around the central axis AX of the core 1. Furthermore, the multiple blades 3 are components that generate ultrafine bubbles by creating turbulence in the fluid. The blades 3 connect the outer peripheral surface of the core 1 to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 2, respectively. The blades 3 can also be connected to either the outer peripheral surface of the core 1 or the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 2, but by connecting to both, the strength of the blades 3 is increased. The blades 3 are arranged at a certain spacing along the circumference of the core 1. The blades 3 are each configured to be tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis AX of the core 1. Specifically, the blades 3 are tilted in the following manner ( Figure 6That is, as the flow path rotates in the direction of rotation (in this embodiment, when viewed from the upstream side, in a counterclockwise direction centered on the central axis AX of the core 1), the vertical distance from the plane P of the surface including the upstream side of the core 1 to the front surface (upstream side surface) of the blade 3 increases. Each blade 3 has the same tilt angle. The front surface of the blade 3 can be either a plane or a curved surface. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the blade 3 has a flat main surface 13 and a buckled portion 14 provided along the downstream edge of the main surface. The upstream edge of the main surface 13 is preferably formed into a thin blade shape to reduce fluid resistance. The buckled portion 14 generates turbulence (vortex) in the fluid flowing along the downstream surface of the blade 3. It is believed that by utilizing the turbulence generated by the buckled portion 14, ultrafine bubbles are produced. The number and tilt angle of the blades 3 are not particularly limited and can be set based on the viscosity, flow rate, pressure applied to the fluid, allowable pressure loss, etc., of the fluid supplied to the fluid activation device 100.

[0054] Again, refer to Figure 1 The fluid activation device 100 will be further described.

[0055] Figure 1 The fluid activation device 100 shown is constructed by connecting a plurality of units 10 along the central axis AX direction of the core 1. As described above, on the upstream side of the core 1 ( Figure 3 ) and downstream side surface ( Figure 4 Each unit 10 has a protrusion 6 and a recess 7. Therefore, by fitting the protrusion 6 of one unit 10 into the recess 7 of another unit 10, the two units 10 can be connected. By connecting the connected units 10 to other units in succession, a fluid activation device 100 can be constructed. In addition, the number of units 10 constituting the fluid activation device 100 is not particularly limited.

[0056] The recess 7 is positioned at a rotational position relative to the protrusion 6, rotating by a predetermined angle around the central axis AX of the core 1. Therefore, if multiple units 10 are connected by the engagement of the protrusion 6 and the recess 7, the multiple units 10 are arranged sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side of the fluid activation device 100, rotating by a predetermined angle around the central axis AX of the core 1 in a certain rotational direction. For example, in... Figure 1In the example, the downstream unit 10 of two adjacent units 10 can be positioned such that it is rotated 27.5° counterclockwise around the central axis of the core 1 when viewed from the upstream side relative to the upstream unit 10. Thus, if multiple units 10 are connected sequentially from the upstream to the downstream side of the fluid activation device by rotating a certain rotation angle along a certain rotation direction, the rotational positions of the blades 3 provided in each of the multiple units 10 are staggered by a certain rotation angle for each unit 10. By arranging the blades 3 of each unit 10 staggered by a certain rotation angle along the rotation direction, a flow path extending spirally from the upstream to the downstream side of the fluid activation device 100 is formed inside the cylindrical body 22 (peripheral wall 2).

[0057] In addition, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a first positioning part 11 and a second positioning part 12 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 2. The second positioning part 12 is positioned in a rotational position such that, when viewed from the upstream side of the unit 10, it has rotated counterclockwise by a certain angle relative to the first positioning part 11 about the central axis AX of the core part 1. Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, when connecting a pair of adjacent units 10, the second positioning portion 12 of the upstream unit 10 and the first positioning portion 11 of the downstream unit 10 are positioned at the same rotational position. This allows the downstream unit 10 to be positioned at a rotational position that is rotated by a certain angle relative to the upstream unit 10 along a certain rotational direction. Furthermore, the relative rotational angle of the first positioning portion 11 and the second positioning portion 12 about the central axis AX is set to be equal to the relative rotational angle of the recess 7 relative to the protrusion 6 about the central axis AX. Therefore, when the positions of the second positioning portion 12 of the upstream unit 10 and the first positioning portion 11 of the downstream unit 10 are aligned, the recess 7 of the upstream unit 10 and the protrusion 6 of the downstream unit 10 are in a positional relationship that allows them to engage.

[0058] In other words, by aligning the rotational positions of the second positioning part 12 of the upstream unit 10 and the first positioning part 11 of the downstream unit 10, each unit can be arranged in the same direction with a certain designed rotational angle offset, and the positions of the protrusion 6 and the recess 7 can also be aligned. In addition, the connected multiple units 10 can also be fixed by adhesives or fasteners.

[0059] In use, the fluid activation device 100 is installed midway through the piping. Furthermore, when the gas is mixed at the outlet of the fluid activation device 100, a supply pipe for supplying gas is connected to the flow path formed by the through-hole 5 provided in the core 1. When no gas is introduced, the flow path formed by the through-hole 5 is closed.

[0060] Fluid is supplied to the fluid activation device 100 from an upstream pipe. The fluid can be either a liquid or a gas. Furthermore, multiple fluids can be supplied in combination. When multiple fluids are supplied, the fluid activation device can uniformly mix them. When mixing fluids, different types of liquids, different types of gases, or a combination of liquid and gas can be supplied. The following example illustrates a liquid fluid generating ultrafine bubbles within it.

[0061] The fluid supplied to the space between the core 1 and the peripheral wall 2 flows downstream through the unit 10 between adjacent blades 3 in the circumferential direction. At this time, through the... Figure 6 The turbulence generated by the bend 14 of the blade 3, as shown, produces ultrafine bubbles in the fluid. As described above, since the rotational positions of the blades 3 in each unit are staggered by a certain angle from the upstream side to the downstream side in a counterclockwise direction centered on the central axis AX when viewed from the upstream side, the spaces between adjacent blades 3 in the circumferential direction are sequentially connected, thus forming a flow path extending in a counterclockwise spiral. During the flow of the fluid in the spiral flow path, it collides multiple times with the bend 14 of the blade 3, thus repeatedly generating ultrafine bubbles.

[0062] Furthermore, as the fluid flows through the spiral path, a counter-clockwise swirling flow is generated. Since centrifugal force acts on the fluid when this swirling flow occurs, the fluid collides with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2 with a strong force. The fluid activation device 100 of this embodiment has multiple protrusions 4 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2. If the fluid collides with the protrusions 4, turbulence (vortices) will be generated near the edges of the protrusions 4, and through this turbulence, ultrafine bubbles are further generated.

[0063] Thus, in this embodiment, multiple protrusions 4 (ribs 24) are provided on the inner side of the peripheral wall 2 (cylindrical body 22). This allows for the generation of ultrafine bubbles not only through the collision of the fluid with the blades 3, but also through the collision of the fluid with the protrusions 4 (ribs 24). Because the multiple blades 3 generate a swirling flow, centrifugal force acts on the fluid flowing near the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2. By providing multiple protrusions 4 on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2, the centrifugal force acting on the fluid can be utilized, thereby improving the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles.

[0064] In this embodiment, the height of each of the plurality of protrusions 4 (ribs 24) monotonically increases to a predetermined height along the spiral flow path and then decreases sharply at the ridge portion. In other words, the height of each protrusion 4 (rib 24) increases from the connection portion with the rib adjacent to it on the upstream side of the spiral flow path to the connection portion with the rib adjacent to it on the downstream side of the spiral flow path, and a step is formed at the connection portion of each protrusion 4 (rib 24) with the rib adjacent to it on the downstream side of the spiral flow path. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the protrusion 4 (rib 24) along a plane orthogonal to the central axis AX of the core is triangular. The protrusions 4 (ribs 24) are provided without gaps throughout the entire inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2. The shape and arrangement of the protrusions 4 as described above can also improve the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles.

[0065] Furthermore, the protrusion 6 and recess 7 provided on the core 1 are positioned in a rotational relationship. Therefore, if an adjacent pair of units 10 are connected by the engagement of the protrusion 6 and recess 7, the blade 3 of one unit 10 can be arranged at a predetermined angle offset from the blade 3 of the other unit 10. Therefore, the fluid activation device 100 can be easily assembled according to the unit 10 of this embodiment.

[0066] When connecting a pair of adjacent units 10, the second positioning part 12 of the upstream unit 10 and the first positioning part 11 of the downstream unit 10 are arranged in the same rotational position in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 2. This allows the blades 3 of the upstream unit 10 and the downstream unit 10 to be arranged at a predetermined angle offset. Furthermore, the first positioning part 11 and the second positioning part 12 correspond to the relative rotational positions of the protrusion 6 and the recess 7, thus, based on the first positioning part 11 and the second positioning part 12, the protrusion 6 and the recess 7 can be easily aligned to a positional relationship that allows them to fit together. Therefore, the assembly of the fluid activation device 100 can be made easier using the first positioning part 11 and the second positioning part 12.

[0067] (Second Implementation)

[0068] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the constituent units of the fluid activation device according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The front view of the constituent unit shown. Figure 9 It will be along Figure 8 The cross-section of line IX-IX shown is unfolded into a plane. The following description focuses on the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0069] The fluid activation device of this embodiment is composed of a combination of multiple units 20. Each unit 20 includes multiple blades 15 with a shape different from that of the first embodiment. For example... Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a plurality of protrusions 16 extending radially along the unit 20 are provided on the front and back sides of the blade 15. Figure 9 As shown, the protrusions 16 each have a triangular cross-section. By providing multiple protrusions 16 on the front and back sides of the blade 15, the blade has a serrated cross-section. The protrusions 16 can also be provided on one side of the front and back sides of the blade 15, but by providing them on both sides of the blade 15, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be further improved.

[0070] Unit 20, similar to the first embodiment, is connected in multiple ways along the central axis AX to form a fluid activation device. Fluid supplied to the space between the shaft formed by the core 1 and the cylindrical body formed by the peripheral wall 2 flows downstream along the front and back sides of the blade 15. At this time, turbulence is generated near the edges of the protrusions 16 by the collision of the fluid with the protrusions 16 on the front and back sides of the blade 15, and a large number of ultrafine bubbles are generated by this turbulence. By having multiple protrusions 16 on the front and back sides of the blade 15, the efficiency of ultrafine bubble generation achieved by the blade 15 can be improved. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, ultrafine bubbles are also generated by the collision of the fluid with the protrusions 4 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a fluid activation device with excellent ultrafine bubble generation efficiency can be provided.

[0071] Furthermore, in unit 20 of this embodiment, the protrusion 16 provided on the blade 15 is configured such that... Figure 9 The thickness shown increases to a predetermined thickness as it moves toward the spiral flow path formed by the blades 15, and then decreases sharply at the connection with the adjacent protrusion 16. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the protrusions 4 located at any point on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2 are configured such that, after their radial height increases to a predetermined height in the direction of rotation toward the spiral flow path formed by the blades 15, their height decreases sharply at the connection with adjacent protrusions 4. According to this configuration, the fluid flows along the inclined surfaces of the protrusions 4 and 16, but since steps are formed at the locations crossing the ridges of the protrusions 4 and 16, strong turbulence will occur at these stepped portions. Therefore, when using… Figures 7 to 9 When the shapes of the convex portion 4 and convex portion 16 are combined as shown, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles is extremely high.

[0072] (A variation of the second embodiment)

[0073] Figure 10This is a perspective view of the constituent units of the fluid activation device in a modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 11 It constitutes Figure 10 The front view of the constituent unit shown. Figure 12 It will be along Figure 11 The cross section of line XII-XI I shown is unfolded into a plane.

[0074] The fluid activation device in this modified example is composed of a combination of multiple units 30. The unit 30 includes blades 18 with a serrated cross-section, similar to the second embodiment, but the shape of the protrusions 17 provided on the peripheral wall 2 and the shape of the protrusions 19 provided on the blades 18 are different from those in the second embodiment.

[0075] More specifically, in unit 30 of this modified example, a plurality of protrusions 19 extending radially along the peripheral wall 2 are provided on the front and back sides of the blade 18. The protrusions 19 are as follows: Figure 12 The configuration shown is such that the thickness decreases from a predetermined thickness as it moves toward the spiral flow path formed by the blades 18, and then abruptly increases to a predetermined thickness at the connection with the adjacent protrusion 19. Furthermore, the protrusion 17 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 2 is also configured such that its radial height on the peripheral wall 2 decreases from a predetermined height as it moves toward the spiral flow path formed by the blades 18, and then abruptly increases to a predetermined height at the connection with the adjacent protrusion 17. With these protrusions 17 and 19 provided, the fluid generates turbulence by colliding with the steps formed by the protrusions 17 and 19, thus improving the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles compared to the case where the protrusions 17 and 19 are not provided. However, with the combination of protrusion shapes in this modified example, the fluid velocity tends to decrease due to collisions with the steps, therefore, compared to… Figures 7 to 9 Compared to the combination of protrusion shapes in the second embodiment shown, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles is lower. However, the combination of the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion provided on the peripheral wall (cylindrical body) and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion provided on the blade is not particularly limited. For example, the protrusion 4 of the second embodiment can be combined with the protrusion 19 of the modified example, and the protrusion 17 of the modified example can be combined with the protrusion 16 of the second embodiment.

[0076] (Third Implementation)

[0077] Figure 13A This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the third embodiment. Figure 13B yes Figure 13A The cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body shown is shown. Figure 14 It is along Figure 13A The cross-sectional view of line XIV-XIV shown.

[0078] The fluid activation device 200 includes a cylindrical shaft 21, a cylindrical body 22 housing the shaft 21, and a plurality of blades 23 disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 22. The cylindrical body 22 has a hollow portion, in which the shaft 21 is housed. Figure 13B and Figure 14 As shown, a plurality of ribs 24, consisting of protrusions extending axially along the shaft 21, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22. A space for arranging the blades 23 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 21 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22.

[0079] Each blade 23 is arranged, similarly to those in the embodiments described above, at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis of the shaft 21. The blade 23 has a... Figure 6 The blades shown have the same shape, but the blades 23 can also be serrated as in the second embodiment. The blades 23 are arranged with a predetermined interval in the circumferential and axial directions of the shaft 21. Multiple adjacent blades 23 in the axial direction of the shaft 21 are arranged by rotating a certain angle around the central axis of the shaft 21 from the upstream side to the downstream side. This arrangement of the blades 23 forms a flow path extending spirally from the upstream side to the downstream side of the fluid activation device 200.

[0080] Furthermore, the materials of the shaft 21, the cylindrical body 22, and the blades 23 are not particularly limited; for example, they can be formed from resin or metal. The shaft 21 and the blades 23 can be integrally formed by cutting or other methods, or they can be formed as different components and combined with each other.

[0081] Conical flow straighteners 25a and 25b are respectively provided at the upstream and downstream ends of shaft 21. Flow straightener 25a is a component that smoothly guides the supplied fluid into the flow path formed by blades 23. Flow straightener 25b is a component that smoothly guides the fluid flowing out of the flow path formed by blades 23 downstream. Flow straighteners 25a and 25b are not necessarily required and can be omitted.

[0082] In the fluid activation apparatus 200 of this embodiment, for the fluid flowing in the flow path formed by the blades 23, turbulence is generated by providing the buckling portion of the blades 23 to generate ultrafine bubbles. Furthermore, the fluid flowing in the spiral flow path formed by the blades 23 generates centrifugal force, but by providing multiple ribs 24 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be improved.

[0083] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid activation device according to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0084] In the fluid activation device 200, it can also replace Figure 13AThe rectifier component 25a shown is provided with Figure 15 The flow rectifying member 26 is shown. The flow rectifying member 26 has a conical base and helical blades disposed on the conical surface of the base. The rotation direction of the helical blades is the same as the rotation direction of the flow path formed by the blades 23. By setting... Figure 15 The rectifier component 26 shown can more efficiently rectify the fluid flowing into the fluid activation device 200. Furthermore, although in Figure 15 The rectifier is not shown in the middle, but the same rectifier can also be provided on the downstream side.

[0085] (Fourth Implementation)

[0086] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0087] The fluid activation device 300 includes: a conical rectifying member 27 having a shaft portion 28; a plurality of spacers 29; a plurality of blade plates 38 having a plurality of blades 23; and a cylindrical body 22. The plurality of spacers 29 and the plurality of blade plates 38 are integrated with a central opening (not shown) through which the shaft portion 28 passes. In this embodiment, a shaft 21 is formed by integrating a portion of the plurality of spacers 29 and the plurality of blade plates 38. The blade plates 38 can be formed, for example, by stamping a sheet metal. The blades 23 disposed on the blade plates 38 have... Figure 6 The blades shown have the same shape, but blade 23 can also be serrated in the same way as in the second embodiment.

[0088] In this embodiment, multiple ribs (not shown) are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22. The generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be improved by the multiple ribs.

[0089] In this embodiment, the number of ultrafine bubbles generated can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the number of spacers 29 and blades 38.

[0090] (Fifth Implementation)

[0091] Figure 17A This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0092] The fluid activation device 400 also includes a supply pipe 31a for supplying gas. The supply pipe 31a passes through a through hole located at the center of the shaft 21 from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the end of the supply pipe 31a is located near the downstream end of the shaft 21.

[0093] When fluid is supplied to the fluid activation device 400, the supply pipe 31a is depressurized due to the fluid flow, and thus, gas is drawn into the fluid through the supply pipe 31a. The gas drawn in from the supply pipe 31a is entrained in the swirling flow of the fluid near the downstream end of the fluid activation device 400, and is introduced into the fluid, for example, as microbubbles with a diameter in the range of 1 to 100 μm or larger.

[0094] Figures 17B to 17D These are cross-sectional views of the fluid activation apparatus of the fifth embodiment, variations 1 to 3.

[0095] exist Figure 17B In the modified example 1 shown, the supply pipe 31b does not penetrate the shaft 21, but is located downstream of the shaft 21. The end of the supply pipe 31b is positioned near the downstream end of the shaft 21. With this structure, gas supplied from the supply pipe 31b can be drawn into the fluid as microbubbles or bubbles larger than microbubbles as fluid is supplied.

[0096] exist Figure 17C In the modified example 2 shown, an L-shaped flow path is provided on the shaft 21, extending from the upstream end through the central portion of the shaft 21 and reaching the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 21. The end of the supply pipe 31c is disposed within this L-shaped flow path. When fluid is supplied to the fluid activation device 400, the gas drawn in from the supply pipe 31c is entrained in the swirling flow formed by the blades 23 and is introduced into the fluid as ultrafine bubbles. According to this structure, a fluid containing ultrafine bubbles of gas supplied from the supply pipe 31c at a high concentration can be obtained.

[0097] exist Figure 17D In the modified example 3 shown, the end of the supply pipe 31d is positioned upstream of the end of the shaft 21. Gas is supplied to the supply pipe 31d by a pump. The gas supplied from the supply pipe 31d is entrained in the swirling flow formed by the blades 23 and is drawn into the fluid as ultrafine bubbles. With this structure, a fluid containing ultrafine bubbles of gas supplied from the supply pipe 31d at a high concentration can also be obtained.

[0098] exist Figures 17A to 17D The fluid activation device 400 shown also has multiple ribs (not shown) on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22. Therefore, similar to the embodiments described above, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be improved by utilizing the centrifugal force acting on the fluid through the multiple ribs.

[0099] In addition, Figures 17A to 17D The type of gas supplied in the fluid activation device shown is not particularly limited. Furthermore, Figures 17A to 17D The fluid activation device shown can also be any of the structures described in the first to fourth embodiments above.

[0100] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0101] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0102] The fluid activation device 500 also includes a drive device 32 for rotating the shaft 21. The drive device 32 is, for example, an electric motor. When the shaft 21 is rotated while fluid is supplied to the fluid activation device 500, the number of passes of the blades 23 per unit time is increased, thus promoting the generation of ultrafine bubbles. Furthermore, in Figure 18 In the fluid activation device 500 shown, multiple ribs (not shown) are also provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22. Therefore, similar to the embodiments described above, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be improved by utilizing the centrifugal force acting on the fluid through the multiple ribs.

[0103] (Seventh Implementation)

[0104] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid activation device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0105] The fluid activation device 600 includes: a shaft 21; a cylindrical body 22; blades 23; a housing 33 housing these blades; and a motor 34 mounted on the shaft 21. The housing 33 is provided with an inlet pipe 35a for allowing fluid to flow in and an outlet pipe 35b for guiding the fluid to the outside. In this embodiment, rotating the shaft 21 by the motor 34 can also efficiently generate ultrafine bubbles. Furthermore, in Figure 19 In the fluid activation device 600 shown, multiple ribs (not shown) are also provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22. Therefore, similar to the embodiments described above, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be improved by utilizing the centrifugal force acting on the fluid through the multiple ribs.

[0106] (Eighth Implementation Method)

[0107] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid activation device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0108] The fluid activation device 700 includes a shaft 21, a cylindrical body 22, blades 23, a storage tank 36, and a pump 37. Fluid in the storage tank 36 is supplied to the cylindrical body 22 by the pump 37, and fluid discharged from the cylindrical body 22 flows back to the storage tank 36. By circulating the fluid in the storage tank 36 and repeatedly supplying fluid to the cylindrical body 22, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles can be increased. Furthermore, in Figure 20 In the fluid activation device 700 shown, multiple ribs (not shown) are also provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 22. Therefore, similar to the embodiments described above, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be improved by utilizing the centrifugal force acting on the fluid through the multiple ribs.

[0109] (Ninth Implementation)

[0110] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the constituent units of the fluid activation device according to the ninth embodiment.

[0111] Unit 40 has a structure in which unit 10 is nested within the core 1 of unit 10 in the first embodiment.

[0112] Unit 40 includes a core 41, a first peripheral wall 42, a plurality of first blades 43, a plurality of first protrusions 44, a second peripheral wall 45, a plurality of second blades 46, and a plurality of second protrusions 47.

[0113] The core 41 is a cylindrical component. A through hole may also be provided in the center of the core 41, similar to the first embodiment. The first peripheral wall 42 is a cylindrical or annular component coaxial with the core 41. The first peripheral wall 42 surrounds the core 41 with a predetermined gap between it and the outer peripheral surface of the core 41. A plurality of first blades 43 have the same shape as the blades 3 in the first embodiment. Figure 6 The first blades 43 have the same shape and are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the core 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 42. Like the blades 3 described above, the multiple blades 43 form a spirally extending flow path within the first cylindrical body formed by the multiple first peripheral walls 42, causing the fluid flowing between the core 41 and the first peripheral wall 42 to swirl around the central axis AX of the core 41. Furthermore, the multiple first blades 43 generate ultrafine bubbles by creating turbulence in the fluid. The multiple first protrusions 44 are raised strips extending along the central axis AX of the core 1, and are formed similarly to the protrusions 4 in the first embodiment. The multiple first protrusions 44 are arranged without gaps throughout the entire circumference of the first peripheral wall 42.

[0114] The second peripheral wall 45 surrounds the first peripheral wall 42 with a predetermined gap between it and the outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 42. A plurality of second blades 46 have the same characteristics as the blade 3 in the first embodiment. Figure 6 The core 41 has the same shape and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 42 and the inner peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall 45. The plurality of second blades 46, similar to the blades 3 described above, form a spirally extending flow path within the second cylindrical body formed by the plurality of second peripheral walls 45, causing the fluid flowing between the first peripheral wall 42 and the second peripheral wall 45 to swirl around the central axis AX of the core 41. Furthermore, the plurality of second blades 46 generate ultrafine bubbles by creating turbulence in the fluid. The plurality of second protrusions 47 are raised strips extending along the central axis AX of the core 1, and are formed similarly to the protrusion 4 in the first embodiment. The plurality of second protrusions 47 are provided without gaps throughout the entire circumference of the second peripheral wall 45.

[0115] Alternatively, the first positioning part 11 and the second positioning part 12 described in the first embodiment may also be provided in unit 40. Furthermore, the protrusion 6 and the recess 7 described in the first embodiment may also be provided in unit 40.

[0116] The fluid activation device of this embodiment is configured by connecting multiple units 40 in a manner that aligns the central axis AX. The multiple cores 41 of the multiple units 40 constitute the shaft of the fluid activation device, the multiple first peripheral walls 42 of the multiple units 40 constitute a first cylindrical body, and the multiple second peripheral walls 45 of the multiple units 40 constitute a second cylindrical body.

[0117] In the fluid activation apparatus configured using the unit 40 of this embodiment, the interior of the second peripheral wall 45 is divided into concentric circles, and a plurality of first protrusions 44 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 42 (first cylindrical body), and a plurality of second protrusions 47 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall 45 (second cylindrical body). Therefore, the first protrusions 44 on the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 42 and the second protrusions 47 on the inner peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall 45 increase the amount of ultrafine bubbles generated. The unit 40 with the nested structure is particularly suitable for use in large-diameter fluid activation apparatuses, where the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be improved.

[0118] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the constituent units of the fluid activation device in a modified example of the ninth embodiment.

[0119] Figure 22 The unit 50 shown is provided with a plurality of first blades 48 and a plurality of second blades 49 instead. Figure 21 The unit 40 shown includes a plurality of first blades 43 and a plurality of second blades 46. The first blades 48 and second blades 49 are similar to blade 15 in the second embodiment. Figure 9 The first blade 48 and the second blade 49 are of the same shape. That is, a plurality of protrusions 51 and 52 extending radially along the unit 50 are provided on the front and back sides of the first blade 48 and the second blade 49. The protrusions 51 and 52 are the same shape as the protrusion 16 in the second embodiment. Figure 9 The fluid, which flows while swirling inside the fluid activation device, collides with multiple protrusions 51 on the front and back surfaces of the first blade 48 and multiple protrusions 52 on the front and back surfaces of the second blade 49. At this time, turbulence is generated near the edges of the protrusions 51 and 52, and a large number of ultrafine bubbles are produced due to this turbulence. Therefore, if the fluid activation device is configured using the unit 50 of this embodiment, it will be compatible with the use of… Figure 21 Compared to the case of unit 40 shown, the generation efficiency of ultrafine bubbles can be further improved.

[0120] (Tenth Implementation)

[0121] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid activation device according to the tenth embodiment.

[0122] The fluid activation device 800 is an apparatus in which fluid activation devices 100a to 100g, identical to those in the fluid activation device 100 of the first embodiment, are arranged in parallel. The fluid activation devices 100a to 100g are arranged such that their respective central axes are parallel and fixed to each other. The means of fixing the fluid activation devices 100a to 100g are not particularly limited. According to this embodiment, a large-diameter fluid activation device 800 can be realized by combining relatively small-diameter fluid activation devices 100a to 100g. Furthermore, by changing the number of combined small-diameter fluid activation devices, the cross-sectional shape and size of the fluid activation device 800 can be easily changed. Alternatively, multiple fluid activation devices from any of the second, third, and ninth embodiments can be arranged in parallel instead of the fluid activation device of the first embodiment.

[0123] Industrial availability

[0124] This invention can be used in fluid activation devices.

[0125] (Symbol Explanation)

[0126] 1. Core;

[0127] 2. Walls;

[0128] 3 blades;

[0129] 4 ribs;

[0130] 6 protrusions;

[0131] 7 concavity;

[0132] 10 units;

[0133] 11. First Positioning Section;

[0134] 12. Second positioning section;

[0135] 15 blades;

[0136] 16 convex strips;

[0137] 20 units;

[0138] 21 axes;

[0139] 22 cylindrical body;

[0140] 23 leaves;

[0141] 24 ribs;

[0142] 30 units;

[0143] 40 units;

[0144] 41 cores;

[0145] 42. First week wall;

[0146] 43 First blade;

[0147] 44 first convex part;

[0148] 45. Second week wall;

[0149] 46. ​​Second blade;

[0150] 47 second convex part;

[0151] 48. First blade;

[0152] 49. Second blade;

[0153] 51, 52 convex parts;

[0154] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 fluid activation devices.

Claims

1. A fluid activation device, wherein, include: A cylindrical shaft; A cylindrical body having a hollow portion, which houses the shaft by leaving a predetermined gap between the inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft; as well as Multiple blades are disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body, forming a flow path that extends spirally from one end of the cylindrical body to the other end, and causing turbulence in the fluid flowing in the flow path. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body is provided with a plurality of ribs consisting of protrusions extending axially along the axis. The height of each of the plurality of ribs increases from the connection of the rib adjacent to the side opposite to the direction of rotation of the flow path to the connection of the rib adjacent to the side of the direction of rotation of the flow path, and a step is provided at the connection of each of the plurality of ribs to the rib adjacent to the side of the direction of rotation of the flow path.

2. The fluid activation device as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of blades has a plurality of protrusions extending radially along the cylindrical body. The thickness of the plurality of protrusions provided on each of the plurality of blades increases to a predetermined thickness as it rotates toward the flow path, and then decreases sharply at the connection with the adjacent protrusion.

3. The fluid activation device as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of blades has a serrated cross-section.

4. The fluid activation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fluid activation device is composed of multiple units with the same shape. Each of the plurality of units includes: A cylindrical core; A cylindrical peripheral wall, coaxial with the core, and surrounding the core by a predetermined interval between the peripheral wall and the outer peripheral surface of the core; and A plurality of blades connected to the outer peripheral surface of the core and / or the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall and arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the core. Multiple protrusions constituting the multiple ribs are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall.

5. The fluid activation device as described in claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of units is configured to rotate by a certain angle from one end of the fluid activation device to the other end, around the central axis of the core in a certain direction of rotation. A flow path is formed on the inner side of the peripheral wall, extending in a spiral shape from one end of the fluid activation device to the other end.

6. The fluid activation device as described in claim 5, wherein, A first fitting portion is provided on one end side of the fluid activation device on both sides of the core, and a second fitting portion is provided on the other end side of the fluid activation device, which can fit into the first fitting portion. The second fitting portion is disposed at a rotational position relative to the first fitting portion, which has been rotated by a certain rotational angle about the central axis of the core in the specified rotational direction.

7. The fluid activation device as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein, A first positioning part and a second positioning part are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall. When the first positioning part of one of the adjacent pair of units and the second positioning part of the other of the adjacent pair of units are positioned at the same rotational position in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall, the other unit is positioned at a rotational position in which it has rotated by a certain rotational angle relative to the first unit about the central axis of the core along the certain rotational direction.

8. A fluid activation device, wherein, include: A cylindrical shaft; A first cylindrical body has a first hollow portion and houses the shaft by means of a predetermined gap between the inner circumferential surface of the first hollow portion and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. Multiple first blades are disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical body, forming a first flow path that extends spirally from one end of the first cylindrical body to the other end, and causing turbulence in the fluid flowing in the first flow path. Multiple first ribs are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body and are formed by protrusions extending axially along the axis. The second cylindrical body has a second hollow portion and houses the first cylindrical body in such a way that a predetermined interval is left between the inner circumferential surface of the second hollow portion and the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body. Multiple second blades are disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical body and the inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body to form a second flow path that extends spirally from one end of the second cylindrical body to the other end, and to generate turbulence in the fluid flowing in the second flow path. as well as A plurality of second ribs are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body and are formed by protrusions extending axially along the axis. The height of each of the plurality of first ribs increases from the connection portion of the first rib adjacent to the first rib on the opposite side of the rotation direction of the first flow path to the connection portion of the first rib adjacent to the first rib on the rotation direction side of the first flow path, and a step is provided at the connection portion of each of the plurality of first ribs adjacent to the first rib on the rotation direction side of the first flow path. The height of each of the plurality of second ribs increases from the connection portion of the second rib adjacent to the second rib on the opposite side of the rotation direction of the second flow path to the connection portion of the second rib adjacent to the second rib on the rotation direction side of the second flow path, and a step is provided at the connection portion of each of the plurality of second ribs adjacent to the second rib on the rotation direction side of the second flow path.

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