Defoaming device for sucking and defoaming foam generated at upper part of processing liquid in processing tank, processing device provided with defoaming device, and defoaming method using defoaming device

Abstract

The invention provides a defoaming device, a processing device provided with the defoaming device, and a defoaming method using the defoaming device. The problem of the invention is to provide the defoaming device which can guarantee cleanliness and sanitation, is not easy to break down, and can efficiently defoam foams generated at the upper part of a processing liquid in a processing tank. The invention also discloses a processing device provided with the defoaming device and a defoaming method using the defoaming device. One mode of the defoaming device used as a solution is characterized by the following 1)-4): 1) the defoaming device is arranged outside a cover part or an upper sealing head part at the upper part of a processing tank; 2) the defoaming device is provided with: a) a defoaming pipe through which a high-speed gas flow passes; the gas supply pipe is used for supplying high-speed gas flow to the defoaming pipe; and c) a suction pipe, one end of the suction pipe is connected with the defoaming pipe, the other end of the suction pipe is connected with the cover part or the upper sealing head part, and the suction pipe is used for sucking foam from the processing tank. And (3) the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the defoaming pipe is connected with a gas discharge pipe and a return pipe, the gas discharge pipe is used for discharging gas to the outside, and the return pipe is used for returning the defoaming treatment liquid to the treatment tank. And 4) the flow rate of the high-speed gas flow in the defoaming pipe is 10 m / s to 130 m / s, and the ratio (a / b) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming pipe to the inner diameter b of the gas supply pipe is 1.1 to 4.5. And 5) sucking foams from the treatment tank through a suction pipe under the jet action of the high-speed gas flow passing through the interior of the defoaming pipe, and defoaming the sucked foams under the shearing action of the high-speed gas flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a defoaming device for sucking and defoaming foam generated on the upper part of a treatment liquid in a treatment tank, a treatment device provided with the defoaming device, and a defoaming method using the defoaming device. The treatment tank of the present invention performs reaction treatment such as processing of a dispersion liquid containing protein, culturing of microorganisms or cells such as aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, and yeast. Background Art

[0002] In a treatment tank for processing a dispersion containing protein such as milk or soy milk, or culturing aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms or cells, foam is generated on the upper part of the treated liquid due to gas generated in the treatment process, gas blown into the treated liquid, stirring by a stirrer, etc. For example, there are also the following periods: in milk processing or soy milk processing, foam is generated in the processing tank (treatment tank) due to stirring and aeration, protein is adsorbed on the interface between air and water to form a film, and foam is formed on the surface; in aerobic bacteria cultivation, foam is generated in the culture tank (treatment tank) due to air being blown into the aerobic bacteria culture liquid; and in the fermentation of beer using yeast as an anaerobic bacterium, foam is generated in the fermentation tank (treatment tank) up to 30% of the internal volume of the fermentation tank due to carbon dioxide generated by fermentation.

[0003] If a large amount of foam is generated, the foam will fill the treatment tank and leak out of the culture tank from the sealing part of the rotating shaft of the mixer, the exhaust pipe, etc., and may cause contamination in the treatment process performed simultaneously in the surrounding area of ​​the treatment tank, in the adjacent treatment tank, and in the next batch of culture in the same treatment device. In addition, if the amount of treatment liquid loaded into the treatment tank is reduced to prevent the foam from reaching the cover or upper head (upper mirror) at the upper part of the treatment tank, the treatment efficiency will be reduced.

[0004] Conventionally, defoaming of a treatment tank has been performed by adding a defoaming agent such as a silicon-based reagent into the culture tank or by using a mechanical defoaming blade. However, the addition of the defoaming agent has the problems of hindering the treatment and reaction, difficulty in controlling the defoaming corresponding to the foaming, and impurities being mixed into the treatment liquid. In addition, mechanical defoaming has the problems of complicating and enlarging the equipment and reducing productivity.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are cited as documents that disclose defoaming of a treatment tank by ultrasonic irradiation.

[0006] In the culture device of Patent Document 1 (refer to Fig.10 ), the foam 32 generated on the liquid surface of the aerobic bacteria culture tank 30 is defoamed in the following manner.

[0007] 1) The foam 32 generated on the liquid surface of the aerobic bacterial culture solution 31 in the culture tank 30 is discharged from the exhaust pipe 33 connected to the upper part of the culture tank 30 .

[0008] 2) When the foam sensor 34 attached to the exhaust pipe 33 detects the foam and the ultrasonic horn 35 excites the ultrasonic wave, the foam 32 is hit by the ultrasonic wave and breaks.

[0009] 3) The foam whose liquid density increases due to rupture is separated into gas and liquid in the cyclone separator 38, and the liquid returns to the culture tank 30 through the reflux liquid pipe 36.

[0010] However, in the defoaming device of patent document 1, the foam 32 of the aerobic bacterial culture solution 31 may leak out from the sealing portion between the rotating shaft of the stirrer 37 and the culture tank 30 and the exhaust pipe 33 connected to the upper part of the culture tank 30, and contaminate the periphery of the culture tank 30 and the sealing portion that is difficult to sterilize, thereby possibly causing contamination in the culture carried out simultaneously in the adjacent culture device or in the next batch of culture in the same culture device.

[0011] In the microorganism culture device of Patent Document 2 (refer to Fig.11 ), although an ultrasonic irradiation mechanism 45 for irradiating ultrasonic waves to the foam 44 generated on the liquid surface of the microbial culture liquid 42 is provided on the cover or upper end portion 41a of the culture tank 41, since the defoaming range of the ultrasonic irradiation mechanism 45 is narrow and the defoaming ability is not high, it is impossible to fully defoam when a large amount of highly viscous foam is generated.

[0012] Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose technologies for sucking and discharging foam generated in a steel strip washing tank by using the force of a high-pressure fluid.

[0013] The defoaming device of Patent Document 3 (refer to Fig.12 ) is a device for defoaming by sucking the foam 518 generated in the cleaning tank 55 of the strip steel 51 through the steam ejector 59 and discharging the foam 518 from the cleaning tank 55, and spraying the discharged foam 518 to the defoaming plate 511 in the defoaming box 510 to collide with the foam plate 511 to liquefy it. However, regarding the cleaning of the strip steel 51 of Patent Document 3, a) cleanliness and sanitation are not required as in the treatment of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank; b) the foam 518 is an easily broken foam generated by the alkaline cleaning liquid; and c) since a defoaming mechanism is used to defoam by spraying the discharged foam 518 to the defoaming plate 511 in the defoaming box 510 to collide with the foam plate 511 to liquefy it, the equipment becomes large-scale, and there are problems with cleanliness and sanitation.

[0014] The defoaming device of Patent Document 4 (refer to Fig.13) is a device for defoaming the foam 617 generated in the cleaning tank 613 of the steel strip 612 by a defoaming device 6101 disposed in the cleaning tank 613, and the foam is sucked, sheared, broken and liquefied by the suction pipe 63 through a high-speed gas flow blown from the gas supply pipe 61 into the defoaming pipe 64, and the gas and liquid are separated in the gas-liquid separation section. However, regarding the cleaning of the steel strip 612 of Patent Document 4, a) cleanliness and sanitation are not required like the treatment liquid in the treatment tank of the present invention; b) the foam 617 is an easily broken foam generated by the saponification of rolling oil and alkali solution (sodium hydroxide, sodium orthosilicate, etc.); and c) since the defoaming device 6101 is disposed in the cleaning tank 613, there are also problems with cleanliness and sanitation.

[0015] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-51763

[0016] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-130078

[0017] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-36090

[0018] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-319790 Summary of the invention

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a defoaming device for sucking and defoaming foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank, a treatment device provided with the defoaming device, and a defoaming method using the defoaming device (hereinafter respectively referred to as "the defoaming device of the present invention", "the treatment device of the present invention" and "the defoaming method of the present invention"), which can ensure cleanliness and hygiene, not easily cause malfunctions, and efficiently defoam even if stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank includes proteins, sugars, lipids, etc.

[0020] [1] A defoaming device for sucking and defoaming foam generated on the upper part of a treatment liquid in a treatment tank, characterized in that:

[0021] The defoaming device is arranged on the upper cover or the outside of the upper sealing head of the treatment tank.

[0022] The defoaming device comprises: a) a defoaming pipe, a high-speed gas flow passes through the interior of the defoaming pipe; b) a gas supply pipe for supplying a high-speed gas flow to the defoaming pipe; and c) a suction pipe, one end of which is connected to the defoaming pipe, and the other end of which is connected to the cover or the upper end cap, and the suction pipe is used to suck foam from the treatment tank.

[0023] The flow rate of the high-speed gas flow in the defoaming tube is 10 m / s or more and 130 m / s or less, and the ratio (a / b) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube is 1.1 or more and 4.5 or less,

[0024] A gas discharge pipe and a reflux pipe are connected to the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the defoaming pipe. The gas discharge pipe is used to discharge the gas to the outside, and the reflux pipe is used to return the defoamed treatment liquid to the treatment tank.

[0025] The defoaming device utilizes the jetting effect of the high-speed gas flow passing through the interior of the defoaming tube to suck the foam from the processing tank through the suction tube, and utilizes the shearing effect of the high-speed gas flow to defoam the sucked foam.

[0026] [2] The defoaming device according to [1] is characterized in that the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the gas supply pipe is arranged to protrude further toward the downstream side of the high-speed gas flow than the connection opening of the suction pipe with the defoaming pipe.

[0027] [3] A defoaming device for sucking and defoaming foam generated on the upper part of a treatment liquid in a treatment tank, characterized in that:

[0028] The defoaming device is arranged on the upper cover or the outside of the upper sealing head of the treatment tank.

[0029] The defoaming device comprises: a) a defoaming pipe, a high-speed gas flow passes through the interior of the defoaming pipe; b) a gas supply pipe for supplying a high-speed gas flow to the defoaming pipe; and c) a suction pipe, one end of which is connected to the defoaming pipe, and the other end of which is connected to the cover or the upper end cap, and the suction pipe is used to suck foam from the treatment tank.

[0030] A gas discharge pipe and a reflux pipe are connected to the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the defoaming pipe. The gas discharge pipe is used to discharge the gas to the outside, and the reflux pipe is used to return the defoamed treatment liquid to the treatment tank.

[0031] The central portion of the connection portion of the defoaming pipe and the suction pipe is formed into a cylindrical shape along the flow direction of the high-speed gas flow, and the two outer sides of the connection portion are formed into a conical shape that gradually expands toward the upstream side and the downstream side of the high-speed gas flow.

[0032] The flow rate of the high-speed gas flow in the defoaming tube is greater than or equal to 10 m / s and less than or equal to 130 m / s, and the ratio (a / c) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube to the inner diameter c of the connecting portion is greater than or equal to 1.1,

[0033] The defoaming device utilizes the jetting effect of the high-speed gas flow passing through the interior of the defoaming tube to suck the foam from the processing tank through the suction tube, and utilizes the shearing effect of the high-speed gas flow to defoam the sucked foam.

[0034] [4] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that an extension tube is connected to the suction tube, and the extension tube extends the suction tube toward the liquid surface of the treatment liquid.

[0035] [5] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that a mist separation device is provided on the gas exhaust pipe, and the mist separation device is used to prevent droplets from being discharged to the outside.

[0036] [6] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that an impurity discharge pipe is connected to the reflux pipe, and the impurity discharge pipe is used to discharge impurities to the outside.

[0037] [7] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [6] is characterized in that a separator for separating impurities from the treated liquid after defoaming is provided on the reflux pipe, and a second reflux pipe and an impurity discharge pipe are connected to the separator, the second reflux pipe is used to return the treated liquid after separation and defoaming of impurities to the treatment tank, and the impurity discharge pipe is used to discharge impurities to the outside.

[0038] [8] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the treatment liquid is a culture medium for culturing microorganisms or cells.

[0039] [9] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the treatment liquid is a culture liquid for culturing aerobic bacteria, and the high-speed gas flow includes oxygen.

[0040]

[10] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [7] is characterized in that the treatment liquid is a culture liquid for culturing anaerobic bacteria, and the high-speed gas flow has a low oxygen content.

[0041]

[11] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [7] is characterized in that the treatment liquid is a culture liquid for culturing yeast to produce beer, and the high-speed gas flow includes carbon dioxide.

[0042]

[12] The defoaming device according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the treatment liquid is a dispersion containing protein, and the high-speed gas flow has a low oxygen content.

[0043]

[13] A treatment device comprising a treatment tank for receiving and treating a treatment liquid, wherein a defoaming device as described in any one of [1] to

[12] is provided outside a cover or an upper cover portion of the treatment tank.

[0044]

[14] The processing device according to

[13] is characterized in that the processing tank is equipped with a stirrer for stirring the processing liquid.

[0045]

[15] The treatment device according to

[13] or

[14] is characterized in that the treatment device comprises: a) an extraction pipe for extracting the treatment liquid from the treatment tank and supplying the treatment liquid to the filter; b) a recovery pipe for recovering the filtrate separated in the filter; and c) a reflux pipe for returning the concentrated liquid separated in the filter after removing the filtrate to the treatment tank.

[0046]

[16] A treatment device comprising: a primary treatment tank for receiving and treating a treatment liquid; and a secondary treatment tank for treating a filtrate obtained by extracting and filtering the treatment liquid from the primary treatment tank, wherein a defoaming device as described in any one of [1] to

[12] is provided on the outside of the cover or upper cover portion of the secondary treatment tank.

[0047]

[17] The processing device according to

[16] is characterized in that the primary processing tank is equipped with a stirrer for stirring the processing liquid.

[0048]

[18] A defoaming method for defoaming foam generated on the upper part of a treatment liquid in a treatment tank, characterized in that:

[0049] The foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid is defoamed using the defoaming device described in any one of [1] to

[12] provided outside the cover or upper end cover of the treatment tank.

[0050] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the defoaming device of the present invention for sucking and defoaming foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank has the following features 1) to 4).

[0051] 1) The defoaming device is arranged on the outside of the cover or upper end cover of the treatment tank.

[0052] 2) The defoaming device comprises: a) a defoaming tube, a high-speed gas flow passes through the interior of the defoaming tube; b) a gas supply pipe, which is used to supply a high-speed gas flow to the defoaming tube; and c) a suction pipe, one end of which is connected to the defoaming tube, and the other end of which is connected to the cover or upper end portion, and the suction pipe is used to suck foam from the treatment tank.

[0053] 3) A gas exhaust pipe and a reflux pipe are connected to the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the defoaming pipe. The gas exhaust pipe is used to discharge the gas to the outside, and the reflux pipe is used to return the defoamed treatment liquid to the treatment tank.

[0054] 4) The foam is sucked from the treatment tank through the suction pipe by the jet effect of the high-speed gas flow passing through the inside of the defoaming tube, and the sucked foam is defoamed by the shearing effect of the high-speed gas flow.

[0055] The defoaming device, the treatment device and the defoaming method of the present invention exert the excellent effects described in the following 5) to 7) by the defoaming device.

[0056] 5) By installing the defoaming device outside the treatment tank as described in 1) above, the cleanliness and sanitation required for the treatment of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank can be ensured.

[0057] 6) By setting the defoaming device outside the treatment tank as described in 1) and 2) above, and using a suction pipe connected to the cover or upper head portion on the upper part of the treatment tank to suck the foam from the treatment tank, the foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank can be completely sucked out instead of locally.

[0058] 7) By utilizing the jetting effect of the high-speed gas flow passing through the interior of the defoaming tube as described in 2) and 4) above, the foam is sucked from the treatment tank through the suction tube, and the sucked foam is defoamed by utilizing the shearing effect of the high-speed gas flow, thereby providing a defoaming device that has no mechanically moving parts and is not prone to malfunction.

[0059] Furthermore, by setting the flow rate of the high-speed gas airflow in the defoaming tube to 10 m / s or more and 130 m / s or less, and the ratio (a / b) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube to 1.1 or more and 4.5 or less, as in the method of claim 1 (first method), and by setting the flow rate of the high-speed gas airflow in the defoaming tube to 10 m / s or more and 130 m / s or less, and the ratio (a / c) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube to the inner diameter c of the connecting portion to 1.1 or more, even if the foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank is a stubborn foam (a foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including protein, sugar, lipid, etc., the foam can be sucked out of the treatment tank through the suction tube by the jet effect of the high-speed gas airflow passing through the inside of the defoaming tube, and the sucked foam can be immediately defoamed by the shearing effect of the high-speed gas airflow. Therefore, even without using the "defoaming plate 511" as in Patent Document 3 or the "gas-liquid separation unit" as in Patent Document 4, the treatment liquid after defoaming by the high-speed gas flow can be separated, and the gas can be discharged to the outside through the gas discharge pipe, and the defoamed treatment liquid can be refluxed into the treatment liquid through the reflux pipe. In addition, without providing an auxiliary device such as the defoaming box in Patent Document 3 or the gas-liquid separation unit in Patent Document 4, by setting the high-speed gas flow in the defoaming pipe to a specific range and setting the ratio of the inner diameter of the defoaming pipe to the inner diameter of the gas supply pipe to a specific range, sufficient defoaming can be performed even if the structure of the defoaming device is simplified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the defoaming device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed in a culture tank.

[0061] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an enlarged defoaming device.

[0062] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the defoaming device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is installed in a culture tank.

[0063] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an enlarged defoaming device.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a schematic external view showing a state in which a foreign matter discharge pipe is connected to a reflux pipe of the defoaming device of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 6 It is a schematic external view showing a state in which a separator, a second reflux pipe, and an impurity discharge pipe are connected to the reflux pipe of the defoaming device of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 7 The figure is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a beer fermentation tank which can be suitably applied to the defoaming device of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the processing device of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the processing device of the present invention.

[0069] Fig.10 Patent Document 1 Figure 2 .

[0070] Fig.11 Patent Document 2 Figure 1 .

[0071] Fig.12 Patent Document 3 Figure 1 .

[0072] Fig.13 Patent Document 4 Figure 1 and Figure 2 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, as the treatment tank in which the defoaming device is installed, the following mainly describes a culture tank (treatment tank) for culturing microorganisms such as aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, and yeast, and a processing tank (treatment tank) for processing milk, soy milk, etc., but the defoaming device of the present invention can also be installed in a conventional treatment tank for a reaction treatment accompanied by foam generation.

[0074] <Basic structure of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0075] First, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 4 , the conventional defoaming device of the present invention is described.

[0076] like Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the defoaming device 1 of the present invention is arranged outside the cover or upper end cap 5 of the upper part of the treatment tank 2. Although cleanliness and hygiene are required in the cultivation of microorganisms such as aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, yeast, and the processing of milk, soy milk, etc., the cleanliness and hygiene of the treatment liquid 3 can be ensured by arranging the defoaming device 1 outside the treatment tank 2. In addition, by using the suction pipe 8 connected to the cover or upper end cap 5 of the upper part of the treatment tank 2 to suck the foam 4 from the treatment tank 2, the foam 4 generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid 3 in the treatment tank 2 can be fully and effectively sucked instead of locally sucked.

[0077] In addition, as in Figure 2and Figure 4 The figure shows in enlargement that in the defoaming device 1 of the present invention, a high-speed gas flow A is supplied from the gas supply pipe 7 to the defoaming pipe 6 and is passed through the inside of the defoaming pipe 6, and the foam 4 is sucked from the processing tank 2 by the jet action, and the sucked foam 4 is sheared by the shear action to defoam, thereby providing a defoaming device without mechanical moving parts and not prone to failure. In order to smoothly suck and defoam the foam 4, the defoaming device 1 is preferably arranged horizontally on the outside of the cover or upper sealing head 5 on the upper part of the processing tank 2.

[0078] In addition, if Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the defoaming device 1 of the present invention is connected to a gas exhaust pipe 9 and a reflux pipe 10 at the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow A of the defoaming pipe 6, and the gas exhaust pipe 9 is used to discharge the high-speed gas flow A to the outside, and the reflux pipe 10 is used to return the treated liquid 3 after defoaming to the treatment tank 2.

[0079] In addition, the cross-sectional shape, diameter expansion and diameter reduction of the suction pipe 8, defoaming pipe 6, gas supply pipe 7, etc. can be appropriately designed and set so as to properly and appropriately perform the suction of the foam 4 from the treatment tank 2, the defoaming of the sucked foam 4 under shearing action, etc.

[0080] <First embodiment of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0081] In the first embodiment of the defoaming device of the present invention, Figure 1-2 As shown, in the defoaming tube 6, the downstream end of the high-speed gas airflow A of the gas supply tube 7 is set to protrude further toward the downstream side of the high-speed gas airflow A than the connecting opening 8-1 of the suction tube 8 with the defoaming tube 6, thereby preventing the high-speed gas airflow A from being blown into the suction tube 8.

[0082] In addition, the flow rate of the high-speed gas airflow A in the defoaming tube 6 (i.e., the flow rate of the high-speed gas airflow A blown into the gas supply tube 7 and passing through the defoaming tube 6 with an inner diameter a) is greater than 10 m / s and less than 130 m / s, and the ratio (a / b) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube 7 is greater than 1.1 and less than 4.5.

[0083] From the viewpoint of immediately defoaming even stubborn foams including proteins, sugars, lipids, etc., the lower limit of the flow rate of the high-speed gas flow A in the defoaming pipe 6 is set to 10 m / s or more, preferably 15 m / s or more, and more preferably 30 m / s or more. From the viewpoint of preventing the defoamed treated liquid from becoming droplets and being entrained in the high-speed gas flow A, the upper limit of the flow rate of the high-speed gas flow A in the defoaming pipe 6 is set to 130 m / s or less, preferably 90 m / s or less, and more preferably 70 m / s or less.

[0084] From the viewpoint of fully aspirating even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including proteins, sugars, lipids, etc., the lower limit value of the ratio (a / b) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube 7 is set to 1.1 or more, preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 1.7 or more, further preferably 1.8 or more, and particularly preferably 2.0 or more.

[0085] In addition, from the viewpoint of sufficiently sucking even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including proteins, sugars, lipids, etc., the upper limit value of the ratio (a / b) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube 7 is set to 4.5 or less, preferably 4.0 or less, more preferably 3.5 or less, and further preferably 3.0 or less. By setting a / b to a value below the upper limit value, the high-speed gas flow A can be sufficiently expanded in diameter in the defoaming tube 6, thereby generating sufficient negative pressure in the vicinity of the suction tube 8, and stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including proteins, sugars, lipids, etc. can be sufficiently sucked.

[0086] In addition, by setting the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the gas supply pipe 7 to be located on the downstream side of the high-speed gas flow than the upstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the opening of the suction pipe 8 connected to the defoaming pipe 6, the foam 4 can be sufficiently sucked from the treatment tank 2. Figure 1-2 In the process, the downstream end of the high-speed gas airflow of the gas supply pipe 7 is set to protrude further toward the downstream side of the high-speed gas airflow than the connection opening of the suction pipe 8 with the defoaming pipe 6. However, by setting the downstream end of the high-speed gas airflow in the gas supply pipe 7 to be located on the downstream side of the high-speed gas airflow than the upstream end of the high-speed gas airflow in the connection opening of the suction pipe 8 with the defoaming pipe 6, the foam 4 can be fully sucked out of the treatment tank 2 by utilizing the injection effect of the high-speed gas airflow passing through the inside of the defoaming pipe 6.

[0087] <Second Embodiment of the Defoaming Device of the Present Invention>

[0088] In the second embodiment of the defoaming device of the present invention, Figure 3-4 As shown, the central portion of the connection portion 11 of the defoaming tube 6 and the suction tube 8 is formed into a cylindrical shape along the flow direction of the high-speed gas flow A, and the two end portions of the connection portion 11 are formed into a conical shape that gradually expands toward the upstream and downstream sides of the high-speed gas flow, and the flow velocity of the high-speed gas flow A in the defoaming tube 6 (that is, the flow velocity of the high-speed gas flow A in the defoaming tube 6 with an inner diameter expansion of a after passing through the connection portion 11) is greater than 10 m / s and less than 130 m / s, and the ratio (a / c) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter c of the connection portion 11 is greater than 1.1.

[0089] From the viewpoint of immediately defoaming even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including proteins, sugars, lipids, etc., the lower limit of the flow rate of the high-speed gas flow A in the defoaming pipe 6 is set to 10 m / s or more, preferably 15 m / s or more, and more preferably 30 m / s or more. From the viewpoint of preventing the defoamed treated liquid from becoming droplets and being entrained in the high-speed gas flow A, the upper limit of the flow rate of the high-speed gas flow A in the defoaming pipe 6 is set to 130 m / s or less, preferably 90 m / s or less, and more preferably 70 m / s or less.

[0090] From the viewpoint of fully aspirating even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including proteins, sugars, lipids, etc., the lower limit value of the ratio (a / c) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter c of the connecting portion 11 is set to 1.1 or more, preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 1.7 or more, further preferably 1.8 or more, and particularly preferably 2.0 or more.

[0091] In addition, from the viewpoint of fully aspirating even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including proteins, sugars, lipids, etc., the upper limit value of the ratio (a / c) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter c of the connecting part 11 is preferably set to 4.5 or less, more preferably to 4.0 or less, further preferably to 3.5 or less, and particularly preferably to 3.0 or less.

[0092] <Variation 1 of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0093] like Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the first mode and the second mode of the defoaming device of the present invention are achieved by setting the defoaming device 1 at a position outside the treatment tank 2, and sucking the foam 4 reaching the cover or upper head portion 5 from the suction pipe 8 connected to the central part of the cover or upper head portion 5 at the upper part of the treatment tank 2, so that the foam 4 generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid 3 in the treatment tank 2 can be completely sucked instead of locally sucked.

[0094] On the other hand, when the foam 4 needs to be sucked before reaching the cap or upper end cap 5 , such a situation can be dealt with by connecting an extension tube (not shown) to the suction tube 8 to extend the suction tube 8 toward the liquid surface of the treatment liquid 3 .

[0095] In addition, in the process of treating the treatment liquid 3, a large amount of foam 4 is temporarily or stably generated, and in the case where the defoaming device 1 installed at a location outside the treatment tank 2 cannot fully defoam, such a situation can be dealt with by installing a plurality of defoaming devices 1 at a plurality of locations of the cover or upper end cap 5. For these plurality of defoaming devices 1, the necessary locations and the necessary number of defoaming devices 1 can be operated according to the degree and condition of the generation of the foam 4.

[0096] <Variation 2 of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0097] like Figure 5-6 As shown, in the defoaming device of the present invention, a gas discharge pipe 9 for discharging the high-speed gas flow A to the outside and a reflux pipe 10 for returning the defoamed treatment liquid 3 to the treatment tank 2 are connected to the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow A of the defoaming pipe 6, and in order to prevent the droplets of the defoamed treatment liquid 3 entrained in the high-speed gas flow A from being discharged to the outside, a mist separation device (not shown) is preferably provided on the gas discharge pipe 9. By removing the droplets of the defoamed treatment liquid 3, it is possible to protect the surrounding environment, prevent pollution, and reuse gas. As the mist separation device, a demister such as a wire mesh, a centrifugal separation device such as a cyclone separator, etc. can be used.

[0098] <Variation 3 of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0099] like Figure 5-6 As shown in FIG. 1 , it is preferred that an impurity discharge pipe 12 is connected to the return pipe 10 of the defoaming device of the present invention, and the impurity discharge pipe 12 is used to discharge the impurities included in the treated liquid 3 after defoaming to the outside. The impurities such as slag included in the treated liquid 3 adhere to the surface of the foam 4 and are sucked by the defoaming device 1, so as to be included in the treated liquid 3 after defoaming (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 to Figure 4 ).

[0100] Generally speaking, since a large amount of impurities are included in the defoamed treatment liquid 3 in the initial stage of the treatment, Figure 5 As shown, impurities can be removed from the treatment liquid 3 by discharging the defoamed treatment liquid 3 to the outside through the impurity discharge pipe 12 in the initial stage of the treatment, and by returning the defoamed treatment liquid 3 to the treatment tank 2 through the reflux pipe 10 in the subsequent step. In order to supply the defoamed treatment liquid 3 to either the impurity discharge pipe 12 or the reflux pipe 10, a switching valve may be provided at a branch portion of the impurity discharge pipe 12 and the reflux pipe 10, or an opening and closing valve may be provided at the downstream side of the branch portion of the impurity discharge pipe 12 and the reflux pipe 10, respectively.

[0101] In addition, if it is necessary to continue to remove impurities, such as Figure 6As shown, a separator 13 (filter, cyclone separator, etc.) for separating impurities from the defoamed treatment liquid 3 is provided on the reflux pipe 10, so that the defoamed treatment liquid 3 from which impurities are separated and removed flows back into the treatment tank 2 through the second reflux pipe 14, and the defoamed treatment liquid 3 including impurities is discharged to the outside through the impurity discharge pipe 12.

[0102] <Preferred application example 1 of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0103] The defoaming device of the present invention can be suitably used in a culture tank (treatment tank) for culturing microorganisms such as aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria or culturing cells.

[0104] Although enzymes, fermented foods, biochemical products, biofuels, etc. are produced by culturing microorganisms, and biopharmaceuticals, cultured meat, etc. are produced by culturing cells, a large amount of foam is generated on the upper part of the culture solution during the culturing process of microorganisms or cells. Moreover, since the culture solution contains sugars, proteins, etc., the foam generated during the culturing process of microorganisms or cells is a stubborn foam (a foam with high viscosity, elasticity, and low fluidity) different from the foam of surfactants such as detergents, and it is difficult to defoam easily.

[0105] As described above, due to the large amount of stubborn foam generated on the upper part of the culture solution, the following problems a) to c) occur in the culture process of microorganisms or cells.

[0106] a) In order to carry out smooth culture while taking into account the generation of foam, the culture solution can only be filled to about 60% of the culture tank, so the productivity decreases.

[0107] b) Even if a bubble-cutting blade is provided in the culture tank for the purpose of defoaming, a sufficient defoaming effect cannot be obtained.

[0108] c) If a defoaming agent (silicone, oil, etc.) is added for the purpose of defoaming, it will greatly hinder the cultivation of microorganisms or cells.

[0109] If the defoaming device of the present invention is applied to a culture tank for culturing microorganisms or cells, defoaming can be performed efficiently while ensuring cleanliness and hygiene without hindering the culture of microorganisms or cells.

[0110] Furthermore, in the culture of microorganisms or cells, impurities that are unnecessary or unfavorable to the growth and reproduction of microorganisms or cells are generated in the culture solution due to substances derived from the culture raw materials and by-products (proteins, etc.) produced by the culture reaction and adhere to the foam. However, if the defoaming device of the present invention is used, such impurities can also be removed from the culture solution.

[0111] In addition, when the defoaming device of the present invention is applied to the cultivation of aerobic bacteria, from the viewpoint of not hindering the activity of aerobic bacteria, an oxygen-containing gas flow can be used as the high-speed gas flow, specifically, air can be used, and preferably air with an increased oxygen content can be used. From the viewpoint of not hindering the activity of aerobic bacteria, the lower limit of the oxygen concentration is set to 20% or more, preferably 25% or more, and more preferably 30% or more. In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing oxidation and deterioration of the treatment liquid, the upper limit of the oxygen concentration is preferably set to 50% or less.

[0112] In addition, when the defoaming device of the present invention is applied to the culture of anaerobic bacteria, from the viewpoint of not hindering the activity of anaerobic bacteria, as the high-speed gas flow, a gas with a low oxygen content, specifically, air with a reduced oxygen content, is used, more preferably a gas with carbon dioxide or nitrogen as a main component, and more preferably a gas composed of carbon dioxide or nitrogen is used. From the viewpoint of not hindering the activity of anaerobic bacteria, the upper limit of the oxygen concentration is set to 10% or less, preferably 8% or less, and more preferably 0.5% or less.

[0113] <Preferred application example 2 of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0114] The defoaming device of the present invention can be suitably used in a culture tank (treatment tank) for culturing yeast, and can be particularly suitably used in a beer fermentation tank (treatment tank). The internal volume of the beer fermentation tank varies, but for example, a tank with an internal volume of 100m 3 Large fermentation tank.

[0115] As in Figure 7 It is also shown that in the fermentation process of beer, wort, yeast, etc. are placed in a fermentation tank, and the wort is decomposed into ethanol and carbon dioxide by the action of yeast during 7 to 8 days, but there is a period when the foam formed by the generated carbon dioxide reaches 30% of the internal volume of the fermentation tank. Moreover, the foam formed in the fermentation tank becomes a stubborn foam (a foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) because the culture solution includes sugar and protein. Therefore, a defoaming device 1 such as the defoaming device of the present invention can be applied, and the defoaming device 1 can be set on the upper cover of the treatment tank 2 or the outside of the upper head 5, and has excellent suction and defoaming effects.

[0116] Furthermore, during the fermentation of beer, dregs of hops, resins, etc., called Deke yeast, adhere to the foam surface from the fermented liquid due to foaming, and adhere to and remain in a ring shape inside the fermentation tank, so it is best to remove Deke yeast from the fermented liquid. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, by discharging the Dekkera included in the fermented liquid after defoaming to the outside through the impurity discharge pipe 12, the Dekkera can be removed from the fermented liquid together with the defoaming of the fermentation tank.

[0117] Furthermore, since Dekker's yeast is a bitter component and affects the taste of beer, the degree to which Dekker's yeast is attached to the inner side of the fermentation tank and removed is conventionally determined by the craftsman's sense. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The defoaming device 1 shown can quantitatively adjust the amount of Dekkera yeast removed from the fermentation liquid without relying on the feeling of the craftsman.

[0118] In addition, when the defoaming device of the present invention is applied to yeast culture, it is preferred to use a gas including carbon dioxide as the high-speed gas flow from the viewpoint of not hindering the activity of yeast. As the carbon dioxide contained in the high-speed gas flow, from an economical viewpoint, it is preferred to extract the carbon dioxide expelled during yeast fermentation and reuse it. If a high-speed gas flow with a high oxygen concentration is used, the metabolism of the yeast will change, affecting the flavor of the beer, so it is preferred to maintain a high carbon dioxide concentration in the high-speed gas flow. Specifically, the lower limit of the carbon dioxide concentration of the high-speed gas flow is set to 80% or more, preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 99% or more. In addition, the upper limit of the carbon dioxide concentration is preferably set to 100%.

[0119] <Preferred application example 3 of the defoaming device of the present invention>

[0120] The defoaming device of the present invention can be suitably used in the processing of a dispersion containing protein.

[0121] In the processing of protein-containing dispersions such as milk and soy milk, proteins are adsorbed on the interface between the protein-containing dispersions such as milk and soy milk and air to form a film, and stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) is formed on the surface through stirring or ventilation. In the case where the defoaming device of the present invention is applied to the processing of protein-containing dispersions such as milk and soy milk, from the viewpoint of preventing oxidation and deterioration of protein-containing dispersions such as milk and soy milk, as the high-speed gas flow, a gas with a low oxygen content can be used, more specifically, air can be used, preferably air with a reduced oxygen content can be used, and more preferably a gas composed of nitrogen can be used. From the viewpoint of preventing oxidation and deterioration of protein-containing dispersions such as milk and soy milk, the upper limit of the oxygen concentration is set to less than 21%, preferably less than 15%, and more preferably less than 1%.

[0122] <First Embodiment of the Processing Device of the Present Invention>

[0123] The processing apparatus of the present invention uses the defoaming device of the present invention, and exhibits the same excellent effects as the defoaming device of the present invention.

[0124] As a first embodiment of the processing device of the present invention, Figure 8 As shown, a treatment device having a treatment tank 2 can be exemplified, which contains and treats a treatment liquid 3. In the treatment device, a defoaming device 1 of the present invention is provided outside a cover portion or an upper end portion 5 of the treatment tank 2, and the foam 4 generated on the upper portion of the treatment liquid 3 in the treatment tank 2 is sucked and defoamed.

[0125] When the treatment apparatus is used particularly for culturing aerobic bacteria, it is preferred that a stirrer (not shown) for stirring the treatment liquid 3 is provided in the treatment tank 2 so that oxygen can be sufficiently supplied to the aerobic bacteria.

[0126] In addition, in the first embodiment, there may be provided: a) an extraction pipe 15 for supplying the treated liquid 3 extracted from the treatment tank 2 by the culture tank pump 19 to the filter 16; b) a recovery pipe 17 for recovering the filtrate separated in the filter 16; and c) a reflux pipe 18 for returning the concentrated liquid separated in the filter 16 after removing the filtrate to the treatment tank 2. The filter membrane of the filter 16 may be an organic membrane or an inorganic membrane, and the shape of the filter membrane may be any shape such as a flat membrane, a hollow yarn membrane, or a spiral type, among which a hollow yarn membrane assembly is preferred.

[0127] <Second Embodiment of the Processing Device of the Present Invention>

[0128] As a second embodiment of the processing device of the present invention, there can be mentioned the following Fig. 9 The treatment device shown in the figure comprises: a primary treatment tank 2-1 for receiving and treating a treatment liquid 3-1; and a secondary treatment tank 2-2 for treating a filtrate 3-2 filtered after the treatment liquid 3-1 is extracted from the primary treatment tank 2-1. In the treatment device, a defoaming device 1 of the present invention is provided outside the cover or upper cover 5-2 of the secondary treatment tank 2-2, and the foam 4-2 generated on the upper part of the filtrate 3-2 of the secondary treatment tank 2-2 is sucked and defoamed. For the filtrate 3-2 of the secondary treatment tank 2-2, as also described in the first embodiment above, the treatment liquid 3-1 is extracted from the primary treatment tank 2-1 using a culture tank pump 19 and is supplied to the filter 16 through the extraction pipe 15, and the filtrate 3-2 separated in the filter 16 is supplied to the secondary treatment tank 2-2 through the recovery pipe 17. Furthermore, the concentrated liquid separated in the filter 16 from which the filtrate 3 - 2 is removed flows back into the primary treatment tank 2 - 1 through the reflux pipe 18 .

[0129] When the treatment apparatus is used particularly for culturing aerobic bacteria, it is preferred that the primary treatment tank 2 - 1 be provided with a stirrer 20 for stirring the treatment liquid 3 - 1 so that oxygen can be sufficiently supplied to the aerobic bacteria.

[0130] <Defoaming method of the present invention>

[0131] The defoaming method of the present invention uses the defoaming device of the present invention, and exhibits excellent effects similar to the defoaming device of the present invention.

[0132] Examples 1 to 19 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5

[0133] use Figure 1 and Figure 2 The defoaming device shown was used to evaluate the suction effect, defoaming effect and droplet entrainment through experiments.

[0134] The treatment solutions used in the experiments are as follows.

[0135] <Processing liquid 1> Soy milk (water containing 0.4% by mass of protein, 0.1% by mass of carbohydrates, 0.3% by mass of lipids, etc.)

[0136] <Treatment liquid 2> Bacterial culture liquid (a culture medium containing bacteria, 5% by mass of sugar, a nitrogen source such as soybean protein, ammonium sulfate, minerals, etc.)

[0137] The evaluation criteria of the suction effect, defoaming effect, and droplet entrainment are as follows.

[0138] <Suction effect>

[0139] ○: The foam 4 is fully sucked into the defoaming tube 6 through the suction tube 8

[0140] △: Foam 4 is not sufficiently sucked into the defoaming tube 6

[0141] ×: The foam 4 is not sucked into the defoaming tube 6

[0142] <Defoaming effect>

[0143] ○: The foam 4 is completely defoamed at the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow A of the defoaming pipe 6

[0144] △: Some foam 4 remains at the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow A of the defoaming tube 6.

[0145] ×: The foam 4 is not defoamed at all at the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow A of the defoaming pipe 6

[0146] <Foam Entrainment>

[0147] ○: There is no splash of the defoaming post-treatment liquid above the branching portion of the gas exhaust pipe 9

[0148] △: There is some splashing of the defoaming post-treatment liquid above the branching portion of the gas exhaust pipe 9.

[0149] ×: There is obvious splashing of the defoaming post-treatment liquid above the branching portion of the gas exhaust pipe 9

[0150] In addition, the flow velocity (m / s) is the flow velocity of the high-speed gas airflow A in the middle between the downstream end of the high-speed gas airflow A of the gas supply pipe 7 and the downstream end of the high-speed gas airflow A of the defoaming pipe 6 and on the center line of the defoaming pipe 6.

[0151] The results of Examples 1 to 19 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 are summarized and shown in Table 1 below.

[0152] [Table 1]

[0153]

[0154] In addition, in the above Table 1, “not observable” indicates that the <defoaming effect> and <foam entrainment> could not be observed because the foam 4 was not sucked into the defoaming tube 6 through the suction tube 8 .

[0155] As shown in Table 1 above, in the first mode of the defoaming device of the present invention, by setting the lower limit of the flow rate of the high-speed gas airflow A in the defoaming tube 6 to 10 m / s or more, preferably to 15 m / s or more, and more preferably to 30 m / s or more, even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including protein, sugar, lipid, etc. can be immediately defoamed.

[0156] In addition, by setting the upper limit of the flow rate of the high-speed gas airflow A in the defoaming tube 6 to less than 130 m / s, preferably to less than 90 m / s, and more preferably to less than 70 m / s, it is possible to prevent the treated liquid after defoaming from becoming droplets and being entrained in the high-speed gas airflow A.

[0157] In addition, by setting the lower limit of the ratio of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube 7 (a / b) to 1.1 or more, preferably to 1.5 or more, more preferably to 1.7 or more, further preferably to 1.8 or more, and particularly preferably to 2.0 or more, even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including protein, sugar, lipid, etc. can be fully sucked out.

[0158] In addition, by setting the upper limit of the ratio of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube 6 to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube 7 (a / b) to 4.5 or less, preferably to 4.0 or less, more preferably to 3.5 or less, and further preferably to 3.0 or less, even stubborn foam (foam with high viscosity, elasticity and low fluidity) including protein, sugar, lipid, etc. can be fully sucked out.

[0159] The effects of the first mode of the defoaming device of the present invention are confirmed through Examples 1 to 19 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 in Table 1 above. Although the second mode of the defoaming device of the present invention is slightly different from the first mode in structure, the second mode is based on the same principle and action (i.e., utilizing the jet effect of the high-speed gas flow A passing through the interior of the defoaming tube 6 to suck the foam 4 from the treatment tank 2 through the suction tube 8, and utilizing the shearing effect of the high-speed gas flow A to defoam the sucked foam 4), and therefore obviously exerts the same effects as the first mode of the defoaming device of the present invention.

[0160] Description of Reference Numerals

[0161] 1 Defoaming device 2 Treatment tank

[0162] 2-1 Primary treatment tank 2-2 Secondary treatment tank

[0163] 3.3-1 Treatment liquid 3-2 Filtrate

[0164] 4 Foam (of treatment fluid)

[0165] 4-2 Foam (of the filtrate)

[0166] 5. Cover or upper head (on the top of the treatment tank)

[0167] 5-2 Cover or upper end of the secondary treatment tank

[0168] 6 Defoaming pipe 7 Gas supply pipe

[0169] 8 Suction pipe 8-1 Connection opening of the suction pipe and the defoaming pipe

[0170] 9 Gas exhaust pipe 10 Return pipe

[0171] 11 (Defoaming tube and suction tube) connection

[0172] 12 Impurity discharge pipe 13 Separator

[0173] 14 Second reflux pipe 15 Extraction pipe

[0174] 16 Filter 17 Recovery pipe

[0175] 18 Return pipe 19 Culture tank pump

[0176] 20 Mixer A High-speed gas flow

[0177] a Inner diameter of defoaming tube b Inner diameter of gas supply tube

[0178] c Inner diameter of the connection between the defoaming tube and the suction tube

[0179] 30 Culture tank 31 Aerobic bacteria culture solution

[0180] 32 Foam 33 Exhaust pipe

[0181] 34 Foam sensor 35 Ultrasonic horn

[0182] 36 Reflux pipe 37 Mixer

[0183] 38 Cyclone separator 41 Culture tank

[0184] 41a Cover or upper sealing head 42 Microbial culture medium

[0185] 44 Foam 45 Ultrasonic irradiation mechanism

[0186] 51 Strip Steel 55 Cleaning Tank

[0187] 59 Steam ejector 510 Defoaming box

[0188] 511 Defoaming board 518 Foam

[0189] 61 Gas supply pipe 63 Suction pipe

[0190] 64 Defoaming tube 612 Strip steel

[0191] 613 cleaning tank 617 foam

[0192] 6101 Defoaming device

Claims

1. A defoaming device for sucking and defoaming the foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank, characterized in that: The defoaming device is arranged on the upper cover or the outside of the upper sealing head of the treatment tank. The defoaming device comprises: a) a defoaming pipe, a high-speed gas flow passes through the interior of the defoaming pipe; b) a gas supply pipe for supplying a high-speed gas flow to the defoaming pipe; and c) a suction pipe, one end of which is connected to the defoaming pipe, and the other end of which is connected to the cover or the upper end cap, and the suction pipe is used to suck foam from the treatment tank. A gas discharge pipe and a reflux pipe are connected to the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the defoaming pipe. The gas discharge pipe is used to discharge the gas to the outside, and the reflux pipe is used to return the defoamed treatment liquid to the treatment tank. The flow rate of the high-speed gas flow in the defoaming tube is 10 m / s or more and 130 m / s or less, and the ratio (a / b) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube to the inner diameter b of the gas supply tube is 1.1 or more and 4.5 or less, The defoaming device utilizes the jetting effect of the high-speed gas flow passing through the interior of the defoaming tube to suck the foam from the processing tank through the suction tube, and utilizes the shearing effect of the high-speed gas flow to defoam the sucked foam.

2. The defoaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the gas supply pipe is provided so as to protrude further toward the downstream side of the high-speed gas flow than the opening of the suction pipe connected to the defoaming pipe.

3. A defoaming device for sucking and defoaming the foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank, characterized in that: The defoaming device is arranged on the upper cover or the outside of the upper sealing head of the treatment tank. The defoaming device comprises: a) a defoaming pipe, a high-speed gas flow passes through the interior of the defoaming pipe; b) a gas supply pipe for supplying a high-speed gas flow to the defoaming pipe; and c) a suction pipe, one end of which is connected to the defoaming pipe, and the other end of which is connected to the cover or the upper end cap, and the suction pipe is used to suck foam from the treatment tank. A gas discharge pipe and a reflux pipe are connected to the downstream end of the high-speed gas flow of the defoaming pipe. The gas discharge pipe is used to discharge the gas to the outside, and the reflux pipe is used to return the defoamed treatment liquid to the treatment tank. The central portion of the connection portion of the defoaming pipe and the suction pipe is formed into a cylindrical shape along the flow direction of the high-speed gas flow, and the two outer sides of the connection portion are formed into a conical shape that gradually expands toward the upstream side and the downstream side of the high-speed gas flow. The flow rate of the high-speed gas flow in the defoaming tube is greater than or equal to 10 m / s and less than or equal to 130 m / s, and the ratio (a / c) of the inner diameter a of the defoaming tube to the inner diameter c of the connecting portion is greater than or equal to 1.1, The defoaming device utilizes the jetting effect of the high-speed gas flow passing through the interior of the defoaming tube to suck the foam from the processing tank through the suction tube, and utilizes the shearing effect of the high-speed gas flow to defoam the sucked foam.

4. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The suction pipe is connected to an extension tube, and the extension tube extends the suction pipe toward the liquid surface of the treatment liquid.

5. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The gas exhaust pipe is provided with a mist separation device for preventing liquid droplets from being discharged to the outside.

6. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The reflux pipe is connected to an impurity discharge pipe, and the impurity discharge pipe is used to discharge impurities to the outside.

7. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A separator for separating impurities from the treated liquid after defoaming is arranged on the reflux pipe, and a second reflux pipe and an impurity discharge pipe are connected to the separator. The second reflux pipe is used to return the treated liquid after separation and removal of impurities and defoaming to the treatment tank, and the impurity discharge pipe is used to discharge impurities to the outside.

8. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The treatment liquid is a culture liquid for culturing microorganisms or cells.

9. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The treatment liquid is a culture liquid for culturing aerobic bacteria, and the high-speed gas flow includes oxygen.

10. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The treatment liquid is a culture liquid for culturing anaerobic bacteria, and the high-speed gas flow has a low oxygen content.

11. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The treatment liquid is a culture liquid for culturing yeast to produce beer, and the high-speed gas flow includes carbon dioxide.

12. The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The treatment liquid is a dispersion containing protein, and the high-speed gas flow has a low oxygen content.

13. A processing device comprising a processing tank for receiving and processing a processing liquid, characterized in that: The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is arranged outside the cover or upper end portion of the treatment tank.

14. The processing device according to claim 13, characterized in that The treatment tank includes a stirrer for stirring the treatment liquid.

15. The processing device according to claim 13, characterized in that The treatment device comprises: a) an extraction pipe for extracting the treatment liquid from the treatment tank and supplying the treatment liquid to the filter; b) a recovery pipe for recovering the filtrate separated in the filter; and c) a reflux pipe for returning the concentrated liquid separated in the filter after removing the filtrate to the treatment tank.

16. A treatment device comprising: a primary treatment tank for receiving and treating a treatment liquid; and a secondary treatment tank for treating a filtrate obtained by extracting and filtering the treatment liquid from the primary treatment tank, characterized in that: The defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is arranged outside the cover or upper cover of the secondary treatment tank.

17. The processing device according to claim 16, characterized in that The primary treatment tank includes a stirrer for stirring the treatment liquid.

18. A defoaming method for defoaming foam generated on the upper part of a treatment liquid in a treatment tank, characterized in that: The foam generated on the upper part of the treatment liquid is defoamed using the defoaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 which is provided outside the cover or the upper end cover of the treatment tank.

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