Recovery device and recovery system

Abstract

The recovery tool (100) is used for recovering a target substance contained in a discharge liquid discharged from each of a plurality of processing devices (1A, 1B, 1C) for processing a sample. The recovery device is provided with: a plurality of filtration units (110A, 110B, 110C) provided corresponding to each of a plurality of processing devices, the filtration units being for filtering a discharged liquid discharged from the corresponding processing device and extracting a substance to be contained in the discharged liquid; a holder (101) that integrally accommodates the plurality of filter units; and a discharge unit (102) that discharges the waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filtration units. The holder can be removed from the discharge unit together with the plurality of filtration units in which the target substance remains.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recovery tool and a recovery system, and in particular to a recovery tool for recovering a target substance contained in a discharge liquid discharged from each of a plurality of processing devices that process a sample, and a recovery system including the recovery tool. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, processing devices capable of recovering target substances as recovery targets by processing samples collected from the ocean or soil are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a purification device that introduces a decomposition liquid into a container containing a sample to decompose impurities contained in the sample, and introduces a heavy liquid into the container after the impurities have been decomposed to recover target substances having a specific gravity lighter than that of the heavy liquid.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Non-patent literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 003995 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] For example, when it is desired to process multiple samples collected at different locations in the ocean or soil in parallel, when it is desired to process multiple samples collected by different methods in parallel, or when it is desired to increase the number of specimens to be processed despite the samples being collected at the same location or by the same method, it is conceivable to use multiple devices described in Patent Document 1. However, Patent Document 1 does not fully study the method of recovering the target substance when multiple devices are used.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that improves the convenience when a sample is processed using a plurality of processing devices.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] A recovery device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used to recover a target substance contained in a discharge liquid discharged from each of a plurality of treatment devices that process a sample. The recovery device comprises: a plurality of filter parts, the plurality of filter parts are respectively provided corresponding to a plurality of treatment devices, the filter parts are used to filter the discharge liquid discharged from the corresponding treatment device to extract the target substance contained in the discharge liquid; a retainer that integrally houses the plurality of filter parts; and a discharge part that discharges waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter parts. The retainer can be removed from the discharge part together with the plurality of filter parts in which the target substance remains.

[0011] A recycling system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned recycling tool and a plurality of processing devices.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, multiple filter sections integrally housed by a retaining member can be used to filter the discharge liquid discharged from each of the multiple processing devices, and the waste liquid that has passed through each of the multiple filter sections can be discharged. Moreover, by removing the retaining member together with the multiple filter sections, the object substances remaining in the multiple filter sections can be recovered in a collective manner, thereby improving the convenience of using multiple processing devices to process samples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing a processing device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the processing device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a purification process executed by a control device of a processing device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the recovery system involved in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a figure for demonstrating the collection|recovery tool which concerns on embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a figure for demonstrating the recovery tool which concerns on a modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0021] [Structure of processing device]

[0022] Reference Figure 1 A main structure of the processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 Schematically shows a processing device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1As shown, the processing device 1 includes a purifier 10 for purifying a mixed sample and a control device 500 for controlling the purifier 10. The processing device 1 processes the mixed sample by controlling the purifier 10 using the control device 500. Specifically, the processing device 1 purifies the mixed sample and recovers the target substance contained in the mixed sample as the recovery object by controlling the purifier 10 using the control device 500. "Purification" means to remove the target substance from the mixture including using a decomposition liquid and a heavy liquid.

[0023] The "mixed sample" purified by the processing device 1 can be any sample as long as it contains the target substance. For example, as a "mixed sample", seawater and sand collected from the sea or the coast, processed products such as food or cosmetics can be cited. In the embodiment, as a "mixed sample", seawater and sand collected from the sea or the coast are exemplified. In addition, the "mixed sample" is also referred to as a "sample" below.

[0024] The "target substance" to be recovered by the treatment device 1 can be any component that is recovered by the treatment device 1. For example, as the "target substance", microplastics, which are fine plastic particles with a size of 5 mm or less, can be cited. In the embodiment, as the "target substance", microplastics contained in seawater and sand collected from the sea or the coast are exemplified.

[0025] The purifier 10 includes a container 50 for storing a sample, pipes 11 to 22 , pumps 31 to 33 , electromagnetic valves 41 to 43 , ports 61 to 64 , a stirrer 71 , a stirring element 72 , and a discharge pipe 80 .

[0026] The container 50 includes a processing portion 51 for processing a sample and an overflow portion 52 located above the processing portion 51, and the container 50 can be separated into the processing portion 51 and the overflow portion 52. The lower portion of the processing portion 51 is connected to the ports 61 to 64. The user opens the container 50 by removing the overflow portion 52 from the processing portion 51, and introduces the sample into the processing portion 51 in the container 50. In the embodiment, the processing portion 51 is configured to be cylindrical with a circular bottom surface, but the bottom surface of the processing portion 51 is not limited to a circle, and may have other shapes such as a polygon or an ellipse.

[0027] The sample contained in the container 50 includes a doping part, and the dopant is treated with a treatment liquid such as a decomposition liquid in the container 50. The "dopant" is a foreign substance other than the target substance in the sample. In the embodiment, an organic dopant having the properties of an organic substance is exemplified as the "dopant".

[0028] The container 50 has a transmittance that allows visual confirmation from the outside of the status of the decomposition treatment of the dopant contained in the sample contained in the container 50. For example, the processing portion 51 and the overflow portion 52 of the container 50 are formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass) so that the user can visually confirm from the outside the inside of the container 50. Therefore, the user can confirm from the outside the status of the decomposition treatment of the dopant using the decomposition liquid performed in the container 50.

[0029] The pipe 11 connects the decomposition liquid reservoir 210 to the electromagnetic valve 41. The pipe 12 connects the electromagnetic valve 41 to the pump 31. The pipe 13 connects the pump 31 to the port 61 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the container 50. In this way, the decomposition liquid reservoir 210 and the port 61 of the container 50 are connected via the electromagnetic valve 41 and the pump 31 and by the pipes 11, 12, and 13.

[0030] The pipe 14 connects the heavy liquid reservoir 220 to the electromagnetic valve 42. The pipe 15 connects the electromagnetic valve 42 to the pump 32. The pipe 16 connects the pump 32 to a port 62 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the container 50. In this way, the heavy liquid reservoir 220 and the port 62 of the container 50 are connected via the electromagnetic valve 42 and the pump 32 and by the pipes 14, 15, and 16.

[0031] The pipe 17 connects the rinse liquid reservoir 230 to the electromagnetic valve 41. That is, the electromagnetic valve 41 is connected to the decomposition liquid reservoir 210 through the pipe 11, and is also connected to the rinse liquid reservoir 230 through the pipe 14. In this way, the rinse liquid reservoir 230 and the port 61 of the container 50 are connected through the electromagnetic valve 41 and the pump 31 and through the pipes 17, 12, and 13.

[0032] The pipe 18 connects the flushing liquid reservoir 230 to the electromagnetic valve 42. That is, the electromagnetic valve 42 is connected to the heavy liquid reservoir 220 through the pipe 14, and is also connected to the flushing liquid reservoir 230 through the pipe 18. In this way, the flushing liquid reservoir 230 and the port 62 of the container 50 are connected through the electromagnetic valve 42 and the pump 32 and through the pipes 18, 15, and 16.

[0033] The pipe 19 connects the waste liquid reservoir 240 to the electromagnetic valve 43. The pipe 20 connects the electromagnetic valve 43 to the pump 33. The pipe 21 connects the pump 33 to the port 63 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the container 50. In this way, the waste liquid reservoir 240 and the port 63 of the container 50 are connected via the electromagnetic valve 43 and the pump 33 and by the pipes 19, 20, and 21.

[0034] The pipe 22 connects the pump 33 to the port 64 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the container 50. That is, the pump 33 is connected to the port 63 of the container 50 through the pipe 21, and is also connected to the port 64 of the container 50 through the pipe 22. In this way, the waste liquid reservoir 240 is connected to the port 64 of the container 50 via the electromagnetic valve 43 and the pump 33 and through the pipes 19, 20, and 22.

[0035] The pipe 23 connects the waste liquid reservoir 250 to the electromagnetic valve 43. That is, the electromagnetic valve 43 is connected to the waste liquid reservoir 240 through the pipe 19, and is also connected to the waste liquid reservoir 250 through the pipe 23. In this way, the waste liquid reservoir 250 is connected to the port 63 of the container 50 via the electromagnetic valve 43 and the pump 33 and through the pipes 23, 20, and 21. In addition, the waste liquid reservoir 250 is connected to the port 64 of the container 50 via the electromagnetic valve 43 and the pump 33 and through the pipes 23, 20, and 22.

[0036] The decomposition liquid reservoir 210 stores a treatment liquid for treating dopants. The "treatment liquid" may be any liquid as long as it is used to treat organic dopants. In the embodiment, as the "treatment liquid", a decomposition liquid for decomposing organic dopants is exemplified. The "decomposition liquid" is, for example, an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and iron (II) oxide (FeO). When the "sample" is seawater and sand, the "organic dopants" are, for example, wood chips and plankton mixed in seawater or sand.

[0037] The heavy liquid reservoir 220 stores a heavy liquid for separating the sample according to the specific gravity difference. The "heavy liquid" can be any liquid as long as it can separate the sample according to the specific gravity difference. In the embodiment, the "heavy liquid" precipitates an inorganic dopant having the properties of an inorganic substance according to the specific gravity difference. The "heavy liquid" is, for example, sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium iodide (NaI), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), etc. In the case where the "sample" is seawater and sand, the "inorganic dopant" is sand, glass, or gravel. The specific gravity of the "heavy liquid" is set to be greater than the specific gravity of the "target substance" that becomes the recovery object of the processing device 1 and smaller than the specific gravity of the "inorganic dopant". For example, in the case where the "target substance" that becomes the recovery object of the processing device 1 is microplastics and the "inorganic dopant" is sand, glass, or gravel, the specific gravity of the "heavy liquid" is set to be greater than the specific gravity of microplastics and smaller than the specific gravity of sand, glass, gravel, etc. Specifically, the specific gravity of the "heavy liquid" is set to about 1.5 to about 1.7.

[0038] The rinse liquid reservoir 230 stores a cleaning liquid, i.e., a rinse liquid, for cleaning the inside of the container 50. The "rinsing liquid" may be any liquid as long as it is used to clean the inside of the container 50. The "rinsing liquid" is, for example, water. In addition to having the function of cleaning the inside of the container 50, the "rinsing liquid" also has the function of diluting the decomposition liquid introduced into the container 50.

[0039] The waste liquid reservoirs 240 and 250 store waste liquids such as the heavy liquid, the decomposition liquid, the rinse liquid, and the seawater contained in the sample discharged from the container 50 .

[0040] The pump 31 introduces the decomposition liquid in the decomposition liquid reservoir 210 or the flushing liquid in the flushing liquid reservoir 230 into the container 50 through the port 61 according to the control of the control device 500. For example, the pump 31 reduces the pressure on the suction side and increases the pressure on the discharge side according to the control of the control device 500, thereby sucking the decomposition liquid or the flushing liquid through the pipe 12, and discharges the decomposition liquid or the flushing liquid to the port 61 through the pipe 13. The control device 500 can adjust the delivery amount (suction amount, discharge amount) of the pump 31 by controlling the pump 31.

[0041] The pump 32 introduces the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid reservoir 220 or the flushing liquid in the flushing liquid reservoir 230 into the container 50 through the port 62 according to the control of the control device 500. For example, the pump 32 reduces the pressure on the suction side and increases the pressure on the discharge side according to the control of the control device 500, thereby sucking the heavy liquid or the flushing liquid through the pipe 15, and discharges the heavy liquid or the flushing liquid to the port 62 through the pipe 16. The control device 500 can adjust the delivery amount (suction amount, discharge amount) of the pump 32 by controlling the pump 32.

[0042] The pump 33 discharges the unnecessary liquid in the container 50 as waste liquid to the waste liquid reservoir 240 or the waste liquid reservoir 250 through the port 63 or the port 64 according to the control of the control device 500. For example, the pump 33 reduces the pressure on the suction side and increases the pressure on the discharge side according to the control of the control device 500, thereby sucking the waste liquid in the container 50 through the pipes 21 and 22, and discharges the waste liquid to the waste liquid reservoirs 240 and 250 through the pipe 20. The control device 500 can adjust the delivery amount (suction amount, discharge amount) of the pump 33 by controlling the pump 33.

[0043] The solenoid valve 41 switches the path connected to the port 61 of the container 50 between the decomposition liquid reservoir 210 and the rinse liquid reservoir 230 according to the control of the control device 500 .

[0044] The solenoid valve 42 switches the path connected to the port 62 of the container 50 between the heavy liquid reservoir 220 and the rinse liquid reservoir 230 according to the control of the control device 500 .

[0045] The solenoid valve 43 switches the path connected to the ports 63 and 64 of the container 50 between the waste liquid reservoir 240 and the waste liquid reservoir 250 according to the control of the control device 500. For example, the waste liquid containing the heavy liquid is discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 240, and the waste liquid containing the decomposition liquid is discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 250.

[0046] The port 61 is used to introduce the decomposition liquid from the decomposition liquid reservoir 210 or the rinsing liquid from the rinsing liquid reservoir 230 sent by the pump 31 into the container 50. The port 62 is used to introduce the heavy liquid from the heavy liquid reservoir 220 or the rinsing liquid from the rinsing liquid reservoir 230 sent by the pump 32 into the container 50. The ports 63 and 64 are used to discharge the waste liquid in the container 50 toward the pump 33 by driving the pump 33. The waste liquid sent by the pump 33 is discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 240 or the waste liquid reservoir 250.

[0047] The purifier 10 also includes a strainer 300, which supplements the target substance contained in the sample and holds the target substance in the container 50. The filter 300 is arranged inside the processing unit 51 located at the lower side of the container 50 that can be divided into two parts. In addition, the filter 300 generally has a cage shape and has a mesh size that can capture microplastics as the target substance. For example, the filter 300 is made of SUS (Steel Use Stainless Steel) and is formed with a plurality of openings of a size that can capture microplastics as the target substance. When the target substance is microplastics, the size of the mesh of the filter 300 needs to be the size of particles that do not pass through 0.1mm to 5.0mm, preferably about 0.1mm.

[0048] The stirrer 71 is, for example, a constant temperature stirrer, and is disposed below the processing unit 51 in the container 50. The stirrer 71 rotates a stirring member 72 disposed in the container 50 in accordance with the control of the control device 500, thereby stirring the sample in the container 50. Furthermore, the stirrer 71 heats the container 50 from below the container 50, thereby maintaining the temperature of the sample in the container 50 at a constant level.

[0049] The discharge tube 80 is connected to the discharge port 55 at the uppermost portion of the overflow portion 52 provided in the container 50 , and discharges the supernatant of the sample containing the target substance overflowing from the container 50 to the outside.

[0050] The filter unit 110 recovers the target substance contained in the supernatant by filtering the supernatant of the sample discharged from the discharge pipe 80. The supernatant that has passed through the filter unit 110 is recovered by the waste liquid reservoir 260. The filter unit 110 has a mesh of a size that can capture microplastics as the target substance. For example, the filter unit 110 is a metal mesh made of SUS or a membrane filter made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) (Teflon (registered trademark)). In the case where the target substance is microplastics, the size of the mesh of the filter unit 110 needs to be a size that does not pass particles of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm.

[0051] The control device 500 may be implemented by a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer for controlling the purifier 10. For example, the control device 500 may be an information terminal that performs predetermined information processing, such as a desktop PC (personal computer), a laptop PC, a smart phone, a smart watch, a wearable device, and a tablet PC. The control device 500 controls the pumps 31 to 33, the solenoid valves 41 to 43, and the agitator 71 in the purifier 10. The control device 500 is equivalent to an embodiment of the "computer" in the present disclosure.

[0052] [Hardware Structure]

[0053] Reference Figure 2 The hardware structure of the processing device 1 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the processing device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the control device 500 includes a computing device 501, a memory 502, a communication device 503, a display device 504, an input device 505, a data reading device 506, and a storage device 510 as main hardware elements.

[0054] The computing device 501 is a processor that reads out a program (e.g., a control program 511 and an OS (Operating System) 513) stored in the storage device 510 and expands the read program to the memory 502 to execute the program. For example, the computing device 501 executes a process for controlling the purifier 10 (e.g., the following process) by executing the control program 511. Figure 3 and Figure 4Processing). The processor as an example of the computing device 501 is composed of, for example, a microcontroller, a CPU (central processing unit) or an MPU (Micro-processing unit). In addition, the processor has the function of executing various processing by executing a program, but a part or all of these functions can also be installed using a dedicated hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). "Processor" is not limited to a processor in a narrow sense that performs processing in a stored program manner such as a CPU or an MPU, and can include hard-wired circuits such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Therefore, the processor can also be renamed as a processing circuit, which is a circuit in which the processing is predefined by a computer-readable code and / or a hard-wired circuit. In addition, the computing device 501 can be composed of either a single chip or a plurality of chips. Furthermore, the processor and the associated processing circuits can also be composed of a plurality of computers connected to each other by wire or wirelessly via a local area network or a wireless network. The processor and associated processing circuitry may also be formed by a cloud computer that performs remote calculations based on input data and outputs the calculation results to other devices located in remote locations.

[0055] The memory 502 provides a storage area for temporarily storing program codes or working memory when the computing device 501 executes any program. The memory 502 may also be one or more non-transitory computer readable media. The memory 502 is composed of a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory.

[0056] The communication device 503 includes an interface for outputting a control signal for controlling the pumps 31 to 33, the solenoid valves 41 to 43, or the agitator 71 of the purifier 10. In addition, the communication device 503 may also include an interface for transmitting and receiving data with other devices via a network (not shown). In this case, the communication device 503 supports any communication method such as Ethernet (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0057] The display device 504 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays a design screen of a program related to the control of the purifier 10 , a setting screen related to the control of the purifier 10 , an alarm screen in the event of an abnormality, and the like.

[0058] The input device 505 is composed of, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and is operated by the user. In addition, the input device 505 may also be a touch panel provided on the screen of the display device 504. When the user operates the input device 505, an input signal corresponding to the operation is input to the operation device 501. When the operation device 501 receives the input signal from the input device 505, it outputs a control signal based on the user's input to the pumps 31 to 33, the solenoid valves 41 to 43, or the agitator 71 of the purifier 10. The pumps 31 to 33, the solenoid valves 41 to 43, or the agitator 71 operate according to the control signal from the operation device 501.

[0059] The data reading device 506 reads data stored in the recording medium 507. The recording medium 507 may also be a non-transitory and tangible computer readable storage medium. The recording medium 507 may be any medium capable of recording various data, such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0060] The storage device 510 provides a storage area for storing various data required for purification processing, etc. The storage device 510 can also be one or more computer readable storage media. The storage device 510 is composed of a non-volatile memory device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 510 stores a control program 511, control data 512, and an OS 513.

[0061] The control program 511 is a program that describes the contents of the purification process for purifying the sample, and is executed by the computing device 501. The control program 511 may be designed by the user using the input device 505, read from the recording medium 507 by the data reading device 506, or acquired from other devices such as a server by the communication device 503 via a network.

[0062] The control data 512 is data used when the computing device 501 executes the control program 511. For example, the control data 512 includes data such as setting values ​​for controlling the pumps 31 to 33, the solenoid valves 41 to 43, and the stirrer 71. The control data 512 may be input by a user using the input device 505, read from the recording medium 507 by the data reading device 506, or acquired from other devices such as a server by the communication device 503 via a network.

[0063] The OS 513 provides basic functions for executing various processes by the arithmetic device 501 .

[0064] [Purification treatment]

[0065] Reference Figure 3 Next, the purification process of the sample performed by the processing device 1 will be described. Figure 3 It is a flowchart of the purification process performed by the control device 500 of the processing device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 Each of the steps shown is realized by the operation device 501 of the control device 500 executing the OS 513 and the control program 511 .

[0066] First, as a preparation for purification treatment, the user opens the container 50 by removing the processing unit 51 from the overflow unit 52, and introduces a sample into the processing unit 51 in the container 50. Thereafter, the user performs a start operation by using the input device 505 of the control device 500, thereby starting control of the purifier 10 by the control device 500.

[0067] When the control device 500 starts to control the purifier 10, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 on the discharge side to discharge the liquid contained in the sample contained in the container 50 as waste liquid to the waste liquid reservoir 250 via the pipes 20 to 23 and the ports 63 and 64 (S1). In addition, substances other than liquid such as microplastics are captured by the filter 300 provided inside the container 50 and are retained in the container 50.

[0068] The control device 500 performs a decomposition process (S2) for decomposing the organic dopant contained in the sample contained in the container 50 using the decomposition liquid. Specifically, the control device 500 stops the pump 33 on the discharge side, and controls the pump 31 and the electromagnetic valve 41 on the introduction side, thereby introducing the decomposition liquid in the decomposition liquid reservoir 210 into the container 50 via the pipes 11 to 13 and the port 61.

[0069] At this time, the control device 500 introduces a decomposition liquid of a predetermined amount by the user into the container 50 by controlling the delivery amount of the pump 31. For example, the decomposition of the adulterant using the decomposition liquid needs to be performed inside the processing unit 51 provided with the filter 300 so that the microplastics can be captured by the filter 300. Therefore, the introduction amount of the decomposition liquid in S1 is less than the capacity of the processing unit 51, for example, less than 150 ml.

[0070] After the decomposition liquid is introduced, the control device 500 controls the stirrer 71 to heat the container 50 to a certain extent while rotating the stirring member 72 disposed in the container 50 to stir the sample (S3). The temperature in the container 50, the rotation speed of the stirring member 72, and the rotation time are preset by the user. In this way, the control device 500 stirs the sample while heating, thereby promoting the decomposition of the organic dopant using the decomposition liquid. In addition, when stirring the sample, it is not necessarily necessary to heat it, but the temperature of the sample is kept at a certain temperature by heating, thereby promoting the decomposition of the organic dopant.

[0071] After the decomposition treatment, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 on the discharge side to discharge the waste liquid in the container 50, which contains the sample after the decomposition treatment of the organic dopant, to the waste liquid reservoir 250 through the pipes 20 to 23 and the ports 63 and 64 (S4). In addition, the microplastics as the target substance are captured by the filter 300 provided inside the container 50 and are retained in the container 50.

[0072] The control device 500 stops the pump 33 on the discharge side, and controls the pump 31 and the electromagnetic valve 41 on the introduction side, thereby introducing the flushing liquid in the flushing liquid reservoir 230 into the container 50 via the pipes 17, 12, 13 and the port 61, thereby cleaning the container 50 (S5). At this time, the control device 500 introduces the flushing liquid in an amount preset by the user into the container 50 by controlling the delivery amount of the pump 31. The amount of flushing liquid introduced in S4 is less than the capacity of the processing unit 51, for example, less than 150 ml.

[0073] The control device 500 stops the pump 31 on the introduction side, and on the other hand, controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 on the discharge side, thereby discharging the waste liquid after washing with the washing liquid through the pipes 20 to 23 and the ports 63 and 64 to the waste liquid reservoir 250 (S6). Thus, the container 50 is washed with the washing liquid. In addition, the microplastics as the target substance are captured by the filter 300 provided inside the container 50 and are retained in the container 50. Afterwards, the control device 500 can also dry the sample by directly placing the sample for a predetermined period (for example, one day).

[0074] The control device 500 stops the pump 33 on the discharge side, and controls the pump 32 and the electromagnetic valve 42 on the introduction side, thereby introducing the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid reservoir 220 into the container 50 via the pipes 14 to 16 and the port 62 (S7). At this time, the control device 500 controls the delivery amount of the pump 32 to introduce the heavy liquid in the amount preset by the user into the container 50.

[0075] The control device 500 stops the pump 32 on the introduction side and leaves the sample as it is for a predetermined period (e.g., one day) (S8). When the heavy liquid is introduced into the sample in the container 50 and left as it is, the inorganic dopants contained in the sample settle near the bottom of the container 50 according to the specific gravity difference. On the other hand, microplastics, which are the target substances with a specific gravity lighter than that of the heavy liquid, float on the liquid surface of the heavy liquid.

[0076] The control device 500 controls the pump 32 and the electromagnetic valve 42 again, thereby introducing the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid reservoir 220 again into the container 50 via the pipes 14 to 16 and the port 62 (S9). At this time, the control device 500 controls the delivery amount of the pump 32 to introduce the heavy liquid in an amount preset by the user into the container 50. When the heavy liquid is introduced again into the sample in the container 50 in this way, the liquid level of the sample after gravity separation gradually rises in the container 50, and soon the supernatant liquid of the sample reaches the discharge port 55 of the container 50. Then, the supernatant liquid of the sample is discharged to the outside as the discharge liquid through the discharge port 55 and the discharge pipe 80.

[0077] The waste liquid discharged through the discharge pipe 80 is filtered by the filter unit 110, and only the waste liquid that has passed through the filter unit 110 is recovered by the waste liquid reservoir 260. In the filter unit 110, microplastics as components having a specific gravity lighter than that of the heavy liquid remain.

[0078] After the microplastics are recovered by purifying the sample, the control device 500 cleans the container 50 as a post-processing. Specifically, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 on the discharge side to discharge the waste liquid in the container 50 after the microplastics are recovered to the waste liquid reservoir 240 through the pipes 19 to 22 and the ports 63 and 64 (S10).

[0079] The control device 500 stops the pump 33 on the discharge side, and controls the pump 32 and the electromagnetic valve 42 on the introduction side, thereby introducing the flushing liquid in the flushing liquid reservoir 230 into the container 50 via the pipes 18, 15, 16 and the port 62, thereby cleaning the container 50 (S11). At this time, the control device 500 introduces the flushing liquid in an amount preset by the user into the container 50 by controlling the delivery amount of the pump 32.

[0080] The control device 500 stops the pump 32 on the introduction side, and controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 on the discharge side, thereby discharging the waste liquid in the container 50 after the flushing liquid is introduced into the waste liquid reservoir 240 through the pipes 19 to 22 and the ports 63 and 64 (S12). Thus, the flushing liquid is used to clean the container 50. After that, the control device 500 ends the processing involved in this process.

[0081] As described above, according to the processing device 1 involved in the embodiment, the control device 500 automatically introduces the decomposition liquid and the heavy liquid into the sample contained in the container 50 at an appropriate time and an appropriate time, and discharges the waste liquid from the container 50. Therefore, the user does not need to introduce the decomposition liquid and the heavy liquid into the container 50 by himself, and does not need to discharge the waste liquid from the container 50. In addition, according to the processing device 1 involved in the embodiment, the control device 500 automatically cleans the used container 50 after recovering the microplastics. As a result, the user can stably recover the microplastics without relying on his own skills, and can purify the sample with high precision.

[0082] [Recycling equipment]

[0083] As described above, the processing device 1 is configured to introduce a heavy liquid into the container after the decomposition process is performed on the sample contained in the container 50, thereby discharging a liquid containing a target substance whose specific gravity is lighter than that of the heavy liquid as a discharge liquid to the outside through the discharge port 55 and the discharge pipe 80. For example, when it is desired to process a plurality of samples collected at different locations of the ocean or soil in parallel, when it is desired to process a plurality of samples collected by different methods in parallel, or when it is desired to increase the number of specimens to be processed despite the samples collected at the same location or by the same method, it is considered to use a plurality of processing devices 1. If a plurality of processing devices 1 are used, it is possible to purify a plurality of samples in parallel or simultaneously by the plurality of processing devices 1 as a pretreatment for an analysis process of analyzing the samples, thereby improving user convenience.

[0084] However, when purifying a plurality of samples in parallel or simultaneously using a plurality of processing devices 1, the user must prepare a plurality of recovery devices for independently recovering the effluent discharged from each processing device 1 due to the action of the heavy liquid without mixing. Figure 1 In the case of the treatment device 1 shown, the user needs to prepare a number of recovery tools such as the filter unit 110 for filtering the discharge liquid discharged from the discharge pipe 80 and the waste liquid storage tank 260 for receiving the waste liquid passing through the filter unit 110, which corresponds to the number of treatment devices 1. Therefore, the user must ensure a place for installing a plurality of recovery tools corresponding to the plurality of treatment devices 1, and also requires the labor of independently installing a plurality of recovery tools.

[0085] Furthermore, when purifying a plurality of samples in parallel or simultaneously using a plurality of processing devices 1 , if the plurality of filtration units 110 corresponding to the plurality of processing devices 1 are not correctly distinguished, the target substances recovered by the respective filtration units 110 may be mixed.

[0086] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a recovery tool 100 for collectively recovering target substances contained in effluent discharged from each of a plurality of treatment devices 1 , and a recovery system 1000 including the recovery tool 100 .

[0087] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The main structures of the recovery tool 100 and the recovery system 1000 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 4 It is a figure for demonstrating the collection|recovery system 1000 which concerns on embodiment. Figure 5 It is a figure for demonstrating the recovery tool 100 which concerns on embodiment.

[0088] like Figure 4As shown, the recovery system 1000 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of processing devices 1A, 1B, 1C and a recovery device 100. The recovery device 100 is a device for receiving the effluent discharged from the respective discharge pipes 80A, 80B, 80C of the plurality of processing devices 1A, 1B, 1C and recovering the target substance contained in the effluent discharged from each of the processing devices 1A, 1B, 1C.

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, the recovery tool 100 includes a plurality of filter units 110A, 110B, and 110C, a holder 101 , a discharge unit 102 , a slide unit 103 , and a grip unit 104 .

[0090] Multiple filter units 110A, 110B, 110C and use Figure 1 The filter unit 110 described above corresponds to the filter unit 110, which filters the supernatant of the sample discharged from the discharge pipe 80 to recover the target substance contained in the supernatant. The plurality of filter units 110A, 110B, and 110C are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of processing devices 1. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the filter unit 110A is arranged near the outlet of the discharge pipe 80A of the treatment device 1A, and is used to receive the discharge liquid discharged from the discharge pipe 80A. The filter unit 110B is arranged near the outlet of the discharge pipe 80B of the treatment device 1B, and is used to receive the discharge liquid discharged from the discharge pipe 80B. The filter unit 110C is arranged near the outlet of the discharge pipe 80C of the treatment device 1C, and is used to receive the discharge liquid discharged from the discharge pipe 80C.

[0091] The holder 101 accommodates the plurality of filters 110 in one piece. Specifically, a plurality of receiving portions 106 having hole shapes for arranging the plurality of filters 110 are formed inside the holder 101. The user can install the filter 110 on the holder 101 by inserting the filter 110 into the receiving portion 106. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , the filter unit 110A is embedded in the receiving unit 106A, the filter unit 110B is embedded in the receiving unit 106B, and the filter unit 110C is embedded in the receiving unit 106C. The user can store each of the plurality of filter units 110 in the receiving unit 106 at a desired position. The bottom of the receiving unit 106 is open so that the waste liquid passing through the filter unit 110 flows downward and reaches the discharge unit 102.

[0092] A plurality of identification information 107 for identifying each of the plurality of filter units 110 is added to the holder 101. Figure 5In the example, identification information 107A "A" is added near the housing 106A that houses the filter 110A, identification information 107B "B" is added near the housing 106B that houses the filter 110B, and identification information 107C "C" is added near the housing 106C that houses the filter 110C. Thus, the user can correctly distinguish between the plurality of filter units 110 by checking the plurality of identification information 107 corresponding to the plurality of filter units 110 mounted on the holder 101.

[0093] The discharge portion 102 is provided below the holder 101, and is used to receive the waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter portions 110 and discharge the waste liquid to the waste liquid reservoir 260 or the like. The discharge portion 102 includes a receiving portion 1021 and a discharge port 1022. The receiving portion 1021 is provided to cover the lower portion of the plurality of receiving portions 106 formed in the holder 101, and is used to collectively receive the waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter portions 110 accommodated in the holder 101. The receiving portion 1021 is formed in a funnel shape, and the waste liquid collectively received from each of the plurality of filter portions 110 is introduced into the common discharge port 1022. The discharge port 1022 is used to discharge the waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter portions 110 and flowed through the receiving portion 1021 to the waste liquid reservoir 260 or the like.

[0094] The sliding portion 103 is provided below the holder 101 and is configured to operate integrally with the holder 101. When the holder 101 and the sliding portion 103 are mounted above the discharge portion 102, the sliding portion 103 is disposed between the holder 101 and the discharge portion 102. The sliding portion 103 can slide on the discharge portion 102, for example, in a horizontal direction, and can be removed from the discharge portion 102 by sliding over the length of the discharge portion 102. As the sliding portion 103 slides on the discharge portion 102, the holder 101 integrally configured with the sliding portion 103 can also slide on the discharge portion 102, and the holder 101 can also be removed from the discharge portion 102 by sliding over the length of the discharge portion 102.

[0095] The gripping portion 104 is provided on the outer periphery of the holder 101. More preferably, the gripping portion 104 is provided at a position corresponding to the sliding direction on the outer periphery of the holder 101. The user can grip the gripping portion 104 and slide the holder 101 and the sliding portion 103 while holding the gripping portion 104. Figure 5 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the holding portion 104 is provided on the holder 101 , but the holding portion 104 may be provided on the sliding portion 103 .

[0096] If the recovery device 100 configured as described above is used, the user can use the recovery device 100 to recover the target substance contained in the discharge liquid discharged from each of the plurality of treatment devices 1 in parallel or simultaneously. Figure 4 As shown, the user configures the multiple discharge pipes 80 of each of the multiple processing devices 1 in a manner that independently corresponds to the multiple filter sections 110 installed on the recovery device 100. When the multiple processing devices 1 are connected to the recovery device 100, the user uses the multiple processing devices 1 to purify multiple samples in parallel or simultaneously. The discharge liquid discharged from each of the multiple processing devices 1 is filtered by the multiple filter sections 110 corresponding to the multiple processing devices 1. As a result, the object substance purified by the corresponding processing device 1 is recovered in the multiple filter sections 110. The waste liquid passing through each of the multiple filter sections 110 is collected by the receiving section 1021 and discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 260 or the like through the discharge port 1022.

[0097] Figure 5 (A) shows the recovery tool 100 before the holder 101 and the slide portion 103 slide. Figure 5 (B) shows the recovery device 100 after the retaining member 101 and the sliding portion 103 slide. Figure 5 As shown, the user can remove the plurality of filter units 110 integrally housed in the holder 101 from the discharge unit 102 for each holder 101 by sliding the slide unit 103 together with the holder 101. Therefore, the user can collectively obtain the target substances recovered from the processing devices 1 by sliding the holder 101 and removing it from the discharge unit 102 while grasping the gripping unit 104. Then, the user can collectively transfer the target substances housed in the holder 101 to the next analysis process.

[0098] In this way, the user can use one recovery device 100 to collect the target substances obtained by multiple processing devices 1 in a centralized manner without having to ensure a place for setting up multiple recovery devices corresponding to the multiple processing devices 1 or independently setting up multiple recovery devices. For example, the user can use multiple processing devices 1 to purify multiple samples collected from different coasts at the same time, and use one recovery device 100 to collect the target substances such as microplastics obtained by the purification. In this way, the recovery device 100 and the recovery system 1000 involved in the embodiment can improve the convenience of purifying samples using multiple processing devices 1.

[0099] In addition, in the processing device 1, if Figure 4As shown in the figure, the front end of the discharge pipe 80 is connected to the holder 101 from the top of the filter part 110 to the bottom, so that the discharge liquid is discharged by overflow of the heavy liquid. In this regard, the holder 101 is not removed in a manner of being lifted up toward the top of the discharge part 102, but is removed by sliding on the discharge part 102 by the sliding part 103. Thus, the user can easily remove the holder 101 from the discharge part 102 without being hindered by the front end of the discharge pipe 80. In addition, the holder 101 can also be removed in a manner of being lifted up toward the top of the discharge part 102.

[0100] In addition, the user can collect the waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter units 110 using the receiving unit 1021 and discharge the waste liquid collectively to the waste liquid reservoir 260 or the like through the discharge port 1022 .

[0101] Furthermore, the user can distinguish the target substances respectively collected by the plurality of filter units 110 so as not to mix them based on the identification information 107 added to the holder 101 removed from the discharge unit 102 .

[0102] [Recovery tool according to modification example]

[0103] The above description has been given of the recovery device 100 according to the embodiment, but the recovery device of the present disclosure may also be as follows: Figure 6 The recovery tool 600 according to the illustrated modification is configured as above. Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining a recovery tool 600 according to a modification.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 6 , the recovery device 600 includes a plurality of discharge units 102 corresponding to the plurality of filter units 110 . Figure 6 In the example of , the recovery device 600 includes a plurality of discharge units 102A, 102B, and 102C. The discharge unit 102A includes a receiving unit 1021A and a discharge port 1022A, and receives the waste liquid that has passed through the filter unit 110A by using the receiving unit 1021A, and discharges the waste liquid through the discharge port 1022A. The discharge unit 102B includes a receiving unit 1021B and a discharge port 1022B, and receives the waste liquid that has passed through the filter unit 110B by using the receiving unit 1021B, and discharges the waste liquid through the discharge port 1022B. The discharge unit 102C includes a receiving unit 1021C and a discharge port 1022C, and receives the waste liquid that has passed through the filter unit 110C by using the receiving unit 1021C, and discharges the waste liquid through the discharge port 1022C.

[0105] As described above, the recovery device 600 includes the plurality of discharge units 102 corresponding to the plurality of filter units 110 , respectively, and can discharge the waste liquid discharged from each of the plurality of treatment devices 1 to the outside without mixing.

[0106] (Way)

[0107] (Item 1) A recovery device according to one embodiment is used to recover a target substance contained in a discharge liquid discharged from each of a plurality of treatment devices that process a sample. The recovery device comprises: a plurality of filter sections, each of which is provided corresponding to a plurality of treatment devices, and the filter section is used to filter the discharge liquid discharged from the corresponding treatment device to extract the target substance contained in the discharge liquid; a holder that integrally houses the plurality of filter sections; and a discharge section that discharges waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter sections. The holder can be removed from the discharge section together with the plurality of filter sections in which the target substance remains.

[0108] According to the recovery device described in the first item, the discharge liquid discharged from each of the multiple processing devices can be filtered using multiple filter sections integrally housed by the retaining member, and the waste liquid that has passed through each of the multiple filter sections can be discharged. In addition, by removing the retaining member together with the multiple filter sections, the target substances remaining in the multiple filter sections can be recovered in a group, thereby improving the convenience of using multiple processing devices to process samples.

[0109] (Item 2) The collecting tool as described in Item 1 further includes a sliding portion provided between the holder and the discharge portion and capable of being removed from the discharge portion by sliding on the discharge portion together with the holder.

[0110] According to the recovery tool described in the second aspect, the user can easily remove the holder from the discharge portion by sliding the slide portion together with the holder.

[0111] (Item 3) The recovery tool described in Item 2 further includes a gripping portion that can be gripped by a user so that the holder slides on the discharge portion.

[0112] According to the recovery tool described in the third aspect, the user can easily slide the sliding portion together with the holder while grasping the grip portion.

[0113] (Item 4) In the recovery device described in any one of Items 1 to 3, the discharge unit includes a common discharge port for discharging waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter units.

[0114] According to the recovery tool described in the fourth aspect, the user can collectively discharge the waste liquids that have passed through the plurality of filter units through the common discharge port.

[0115] (Item 5) In the recovery tool described in Item 4, the discharge unit includes a funnel-shaped receiving unit that can receive the waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter units and introduce the waste liquid into the discharge port.

[0116] According to the recovery tool described in the fifth aspect, the user can collect the waste liquids that have passed through each of the plurality of filter units using the receiving unit and discharge the waste liquids collectively through the common discharge port.

[0117] (Item 6) In the recovery device described in any one of Items 1 to 3, the discharge unit includes a plurality of discharge ports that independently discharge waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter units.

[0118] According to the recovery tool described in the sixth aspect, the user can discharge the waste liquids that have passed through each of the plurality of filter units through the independently corresponding discharge ports without mixing.

[0119] (Item 7) In the recovery tool described in any one of Items 1 to 6, the holder includes a plurality of housing portions, and the plurality of filters are respectively arranged in the plurality of housing portions.

[0120] According to the recovery tool described in Item 7, the user can accommodate the plurality of filters integrally in the holder by placing the plurality of filters in the plurality of accommodation portions provided in the holder, respectively.

[0121] (Item 8) In the recovery tool described in any one of Items 1 to 7, a plurality of identification information for identifying each of the plurality of filter units is added to the holder.

[0122] According to the recovery tool described in the eighth aspect, the user can distinguish the target substances recovered by each of the plurality of filter units so as not to be mixed based on the identification information added to the holder.

[0123] (Item 9) In the recovery device described in any one of Items 1 to 8, each of the plurality of treatment devices comprises: a container that accommodates a sample and separates the sample using a heavy liquid according to a specific gravity difference; and a discharge pipe that discharges a discharge liquid generated by the separation to the recovery device. The plurality of filters are respectively arranged for the discharge pipes of the corresponding treatment devices.

[0124] According to the recovery tool described in item 9, the user can collectively recover target substances obtained by simultaneously processing a plurality of samples by the plurality of processing devices by using the recovery tool by disposing the discharge pipes of the plurality of processing devices at the corresponding filter units.

[0125] (Item 10) In the recycling equipment described in any one of Items 1 to 9, the target substance is microplastics.

[0126] According to the recovery tool described in the tenth item, microplastics remaining in a plurality of filter parts can be recovered collectively, thereby improving the convenience when processing a sample using a plurality of processing devices.

[0127] (Item 11) A collection system according to one aspect includes: the collection tool according to any one of Items 1 to 9; and a plurality of processing devices.

[0128] According to the recovery system described in the eleventh item, a plurality of filter sections integrally housed by a retaining member can be used to filter the discharge liquid discharged from each of the plurality of treatment devices, and the waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter sections can be discharged. Furthermore, by removing the retaining member together with the plurality of filter sections, the object substances remaining in the plurality of filter sections can be recovered collectively, thereby improving the convenience of using a plurality of treatment devices to process samples.

[0129] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0130] Description of Reference Numerals

[0131] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C: treatment device; 10: purifier; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23: piping; 31, 32, 33: pump; 41, 42, 43: solenoid valve; 50: container; 51: treatment unit; 52: overflow unit; 55: discharge port; 61, 62, 63, 64: port; 71: stirrer; 72: stirring element; 80, 80A, 80B, 80C: discharge pipe; 100, 600: recovery device; 101: holder; 102, 102A, 102B, 102C: discharge unit; 103: sliding unit; 104: gripping unit; 106, 106A, 106B, 106C: storage unit; 107, 107A, 107 B, 107C: identification information; 110, 110A, 110B, 110C: filtering part; 210: decomposition liquid reservoir; 220: heavy liquid reservoir; 230: flushing liquid reservoir; 240, 250, 260: waste liquid reservoir; 300: filter; 500: control device; 501: operation device; 502: memory; 503: communication device; 504: display device; 505: input device; 506: data reading device; 507: recording medium; 510: storage device; 511: control program; 512: control data; 1000: recovery system; 1021, 1021A, 1021B, 1021C: receiving part; 1022, 1022A, 1022B, 1022C: discharge port.

Claims

1. A recovery device for recovering a target substance contained in a discharge liquid discharged from each of a plurality of treatment devices for treating a sample, the recovery device comprising: a plurality of filter units, the plurality of filter units being respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of treatment devices, the filter units being used to filter the effluent discharged from the corresponding treatment device to extract the target substance contained in the effluent; a holder that integrally houses the plurality of filter portions; and a discharge unit for discharging waste liquid having passed through each of the plurality of filter units, in, The holder is removable from the discharge unit together with the plurality of filter units in which the target substance remains.

2. The recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The device further includes a sliding portion that is provided between the holder and the discharge portion and can be removed from the discharge portion by sliding on the discharge portion together with the holder.

3. The recovery device according to claim 2, wherein: A gripping portion is further provided, and the gripping portion can be gripped by a user so as to slide the holder on the discharge portion.

4. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The discharge portion includes a common discharge port configured to discharge waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter portions.

5. The recovery device according to claim 4, wherein: The discharge unit includes a funnel-shaped receiving portion capable of receiving waste liquid having passed through each of the plurality of filter units and introducing the waste liquid to the discharge port.

6. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The discharge portion includes a plurality of discharge ports that independently discharge waste liquid that has passed through each of the plurality of filter portions.

7. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The holder includes a plurality of receiving portions, and the plurality of filters are respectively disposed in the plurality of receiving portions.

8. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A plurality of identification information for identifying each of the plurality of filter units is added to the holder.

9. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of processing devices comprises: a container for accommodating the sample and separating the sample using a heavy liquid according to a specific gravity difference; and a discharge pipe for discharging a discharge liquid generated by the separation to the recovery device, The plurality of filters are respectively arranged corresponding to the discharge pipes of the corresponding processing devices.

10. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The target substance is microplastic.

11. A recycling system comprising: The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2; and The plurality of processing devices.

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