Irradiation device and method for producing product

Abstract

To provide an irradiation device and a method for producing a product that are capable of suitably irradiating a reactant with light.SOLUTION: An irradiation device 1 configured to irradiate a zeolite catalyst 2 with light to induce a reaction in the zeolite catalyst 2, comprises: a light source 20 that emits light; a transparent wall 31 that permits passage of light from the light source 20; and a reflective wall 32 that is provided to form a flow path X allowing flow of the zeolite catalyst 2 between itself and the transparent wall 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique of an irradiation device for irradiating a reactant with light and a method for producing a product.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique of reacting a reactant by irradiating it with light has been known. As the reactant, for example, a granular zeolite catalyst as described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] The zeolite catalyst is activated by being irradiated with light. As a method of irradiating the zeolite catalyst with light, for example, a method of irradiating light from above to the zeolite catalyst placed in a container such as a petri dish can be considered.

[0004] However, in the above method, it is assumed that the zeolite catalyst accumulates in the container. For this reason, since the light is blocked by the zeolite catalyst on the surface layer side, it may be difficult to irradiate the zeolite catalyst other than the surface layer side with light. It is also conceivable to spread the zeolite catalyst in a large container so that the zeolite catalyst does not accumulate, but in this case, it is necessary to secure a large space, and it becomes difficult to irradiate a large amount of zeolite catalyst evenly with light.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide an irradiation device capable of suitably irradiating a reactant with light and a method for producing a product.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem will be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, it is an irradiation device that irradiates a reactant with light to cause the reactant to react, comprising a light source that irradiates the light, a first wall that is permeable to the light from the light source, and a second wall formed so as to be able to form a flow path through which the reactant flows between the first wall.

[0009] In claim 2, the second wall is capable of reflecting the light transmitted through the first wall.

[0010] In claim 3, it comprises an operation-imparting means for moving the reactant flowing in the flow path in a plurality of directions.

[0011] In claim 4, the operation-imparting means includes a wall portion for changing the flow direction of the reactant in the flow path.

[0012] In claim 5, the operation-imparting means includes a gas introduction path for introducing gas into the flow path from the downstream side of the flow direction of the reactant in the flow path, and a gas discharge path for discharging the gas in the flow path introduced by the gas introduction path from the upstream side of the flow direction of the reactant in the flow path.

[0013] In claim 6, the operation-imparting means includes a vibrator for vibrating at least one of the first wall and the second wall.

[0014] In claim 7, the first wall is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the second wall is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed outside or inside the first wall.

[0015] In claim 8, the light source is disposed inside the first wall, and the second wall is disposed outside the first wall.

[0016] In claim 9, the light source is disposed outside the first wall, and the second wall is disposed inside the first wall and has a third wall disposed outside the first wall and capable of reflecting light from the light source.

[0017] In claim 10, the first wall and the second wall are disposed with their axial directions facing horizontally, and it is provided with a rotating means for circulating the reactant by rotating one of the first wall and the second wall around a rotation axis facing horizontally.

[0018] Claim 11 is a method for manufacturing a product using the irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to manufacture the product.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] The present invention has the effect of being able to suitably irradiate light on the reactant.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the configuration of the irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3(a).

[0022] The irradiation device 1 irradiates light onto a reactant to cause the reactant to react. In this embodiment, the zeolite catalyst 2 is employed as the reactant. The zeolite catalyst 2 is a granular (powdered) solid having pores. The zeolite catalyst 2 is activated when irradiated with light. The activated zeolite catalyst 2 is used, for example, as a catalyst in the production of methanol.

[0023] The irradiation device 1 is configured to be able to irradiate light onto the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the reactor 30 between the input section 10 and the recovery section 40, which will be described later. In FIG. 1, the zeolite catalyst 2 stored in the input section 10 and the recovery section 40 is shown filled in. The irradiation device 1 includes an input section 10, a light source 20, a reactor 30, a recovery section 40, a coupling 50, a gas introduction passage 60, a gas discharge passage 70, and a vibrator 80.

[0024] The input section 10 is a part for inputting the zeolite catalyst 2 before irradiation into the reactor 30, which will be described later. The input section 10 constitutes the upper part of the irradiation device 1. The input section 10 is formed to be able to store the zeolite catalyst 2 before irradiation inside. The input section 10 includes a connection section 11 and a cock 12.

[0025] The connection section 11 is a part that is connected to the reactor 30 (the upper connection section 32b, which will be described later) at the lower part of the input section 10.

[0026] The cock 12 is capable of switching the opening and closing of the connection section 11. When the cock 12 is open, the zeolite catalyst 2 in the input section 10 can be input into the reactor 30. On the other hand, when the cock 12 is closed, the zeolite catalyst 2 cannot be input into the reactor 30.

[0027] The light source 20 irradiates light onto the zeolite catalyst 2. In this embodiment, a UV light capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays is adopted as the light source 20. Note that the light source 20 is not limited to the UV light, and various light sources capable of activating the reactants can be adopted. The light source 20 is formed in a long shape in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the light source 20 irradiates light radially in a plan view.

[0028] The reactor 30 activates (reacts) the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing inside by the light of the light source 20. The reactor 30 is formed in a long shape in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the reactor 30 is formed by combining two (double) cylinders, an inner cylindrical portion (transparent wall 31) and an outer cylindrical portion (reflective wall 32). The reactor 30 is arranged with its axial direction oriented in the vertical direction. The reactor 30 includes a transparent wall 31, a reflective wall 32, and a labyrinth portion 33.

[0029] The transparent wall 31 shown in Figs. 2(a) and 3(a) constitutes the inner part of the reactor 30. The transparent wall 31 is formed by a substantially cylindrical portion extending in the vertical direction and substantially conical portions closing the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical portion, respectively. The transparent wall 31 is formed of a material having light transmissivity capable of transmitting the light from the light source 20. The light source 20 is arranged in the space formed inside the transparent wall 31.

[0030] The reflective wall 32 constitutes the outer part of the reactor 30. The reflective wall 32 is arranged radially outside the transparent wall 31 with a predetermined gap (flow path X described later). The reflective wall 32 is formed of a material capable of reflecting the light transmitted through the transparent wall 31. The reflective wall 32 includes a main body portion 32a, an upper connection portion 32b, and a lower connection portion 32c.

[0031] The main body portion 32a is the main structure of the reflective wall 32. The main body portion 32a is formed to be slightly larger than the transparent wall 31 so that a predetermined gap is formed between the main body portion 32a and the transparent wall 31. The main body portion 32a is generally formed in a shape corresponding to the transparent wall 31. More specifically, the main body portion 32a is formed by a substantially cylindrical portion extending in the vertical direction and portions that reduce the diameter at the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical portion so as to correspond to the substantially conical portions of the transparent wall 31.

[0032] The upper connection portion 32b constitutes the upper part of the reflective wall 32. The upper connection portion 32b extends upward from the upper end of the main body portion 32a and is connected to the connection portion 11 of the charging portion 10.

[0033] The lower connection portion 32c constitutes the lower part of the reflective wall 32. The lower connection portion 32c extends downward from the lower end of the main body portion 32a and is connected to the connection portion 41 of the recovery portion 40 described later.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 3(a), a flow path X for flowing the zeolite catalyst 2 is formed between the transparent wall 31 and the main body portion 32a of the reactor 30. In FIG. 3(a), the flow path X is shown filled in. The flow path X is formed in an annular shape in a plan view. Also, the flow path X is formed to extend in the vertical direction. The radial dimension of the flow path X (the dimension of the gap between the transparent wall 31 and the main body portion 32a) is formed to be a dimension such that, for example, the zeolite catalyst 2 can flow through and the radial lamination of the zeolite catalyst 2 can be suppressed to a certain extent.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the upper and lower ends of the flow path X communicate with the flow paths formed by the upper connection portion 32b and the lower connection portion 32c, respectively. The zeolite catalyst 2 introduced into the reactor 30 through the upper connection portion 32b moves downward in the flow path X due to its own weight. Also, the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the flow path X is irradiated with light from the light source 20.

[0036] The labyrinth section 33 changes the flow direction of the zeolite catalyst 2 within the flow path X. The labyrinth section 33 is arranged within the flow path X. The labyrinth section 33 is arranged, for example, in a portion of the flow path X excluding the upper and lower end portions of the transparent wall 31 and the main body portion 32a (a substantially cylindrical portion). Fig. 2(b) schematically shows the labyrinth section 33 as viewed in the radial direction of the flow path X.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2(b), the labyrinth section 33 has a wall portion 33a that complicates the shape of the flow path so that the flow direction of the zeolite catalyst 2 does not become a fixed direction. The labyrinth section 33 is provided, for example, on the outer peripheral surface of the transparent wall 31 or the inner peripheral surface of the reflective wall 32 (main body portion 32a). Also, the labyrinth section 33 may be integrally formed with the reflective wall 32 or the reflective wall 32, or may be a member formed separately from the reflective wall 32 and the reflective wall 32. By providing the labyrinth section 33, the flow path X constitutes a flow path with a labyrinth structure. The zeolite catalyst 2 flowing within the flow path X moves (rolls) while changing its direction along the wall portion 33a of the labyrinth section 33.

[0038] The recovery section 40 shown in Fig. 1 is a portion that recovers the irradiated zeolite catalyst 2 that has flowed through the reactor 30. The recovery section 40 constitutes the lower part of the irradiation device 1. The recovery section 40 is formed so as to be able to store the irradiated zeolite catalyst 2 inside. The recovery section 40 includes a connection portion 41 and a cock 42.

[0039] The connection portion 41 is a portion that is connected to the lower connection portion 32c of the reflective wall 32 at the upper part of the recovery section 40.

[0040] The cock 42 can switch the opening and closing of the connection portion 41. When the cock 42 is open, the zeolite catalyst 2 in the reactor 30 can be discharged into the recovery section 40. On the other hand, when the cock 42 is closed, the zeolite catalyst 2 cannot be discharged into the recovery section 40.

[0041] The coupling 50 connects the upper connection part 32b of the reflection wall 32 and the connection part 11 of the charging part 10, and the lower connection part 32c of the reflection wall 32 and the connection part 41 of the recovery part 40, respectively. The coupling 50 is made of a soft material that has vibration damping properties and can absorb the vibration of the vibrator 80 described later.

[0042] The gas introduction passage 60 introduces gas (a gas) from a predetermined supply source into the flow path X on the downstream side of the flow path X. The gas introduction passage 60 is formed in a tubular shape that forms a flow path for the gas. As the above gas, a gas (such as oxygen) that causes a desired reaction with the zeolite catalyst 2 can be used. The end of the gas introduction passage 60 is connected to the lower connection part 32c of the reflection wall 32. Further, a filter 61 through which the zeolite catalyst 2 cannot pass is provided at the end of the gas introduction passage 60.

[0043] The gas discharge passage 70 discharges the gas in the flow path X introduced from the gas introduction passage 60 to a predetermined discharge destination on the upstream side of the flow path X. The gas discharge passage 70 is formed in a tubular shape that forms a flow path for the gas. The end of the gas discharge passage 70 is connected to the upper connection part 32b of the reflection wall 32. Further, a filter 71 through which the zeolite catalyst 2 cannot pass is provided at the end of the gas discharge passage 70.

[0044] The vibrator 80 vibrates the reactor 30. In the present embodiment, the vibrator 80 is provided so as to apply vibration to the reflection wall 32. By vibrating the reactor 30 with the vibrator 80, it is possible to suppress the clogging of the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X. Further, in the present embodiment, since the charging part 10, the reactor 30, and the recovery part 40 are respectively connected by the coupling 50 having vibration damping properties, the vibration by the vibrator 80 can be absorbed by the coupling 50. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the vibration to the charging part 10 and the recovery part 40 side, and damage due to vibration.

[0045] The irradiation device 1 as described above allows the zeolite catalyst 2 introduced from the input section 10 to flow through the flow path X, irradiates the zeolite catalyst 2 in the middle of the flow with the light from the light source 20, and can recover the activated zeolite catalyst 2 at the recovery section 40.

[0046] Hereinafter, a detailed explanation of the operation of the irradiation device 1 will be given. Note that the operations of each part of the irradiation device 1 shown below may be automatically performed by a control unit capable of controlling the operations of each part, or may be manually performed by an operator.

[0047] When irradiating the zeolite catalyst 2 with light using the irradiation device 1, first, the cock 12 of the input section 10 is opened, and the zeolite catalyst 2 in the input section 10 is introduced into the reactor 30 (see FIG. 1). At this time, the cock 42 of the recovery section 40 is also opened. Also, at this time, gas is introduced into and discharged from the flow path X through the gas introduction path 60 and the gas discharge path 70.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the zeolite catalyst 2 introduced into the reactor 30 through the upper connection portion 32b flows through the flow path X by its own weight. More specifically, the zeolite catalyst 2 that has passed through the upper connection portion 32b spreads radially along the conical portion on the upper end side of the transparent wall 31 and the reflection wall 32 (main body portion 32a), and moves downward along the substantially cylindrical portions of the transparent wall 31 and the reflection wall 32. In the present embodiment, by thinly spreading the zeolite catalyst 2 in the substantially cylindrical portion of the flow path X, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be made to flow in a state where the zeolite catalyst 2 is prevented from laminating in the radial direction of the flow path X.

[0049] Also, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the light irradiated from the light source 20 located inside the reactor 30 (transparent wall 31) passes through the transparent wall 31 and is reflected by the reflection wall 32. By passing the zeolite catalyst 2 with suppressed lamination as described above between the transparent wall 31 and the reflection wall 32 (flow path X), light can be irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2 from both sides in the radial direction of the flow path X. Thereby, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be irradiated with light not only from the light source 20 side but also from the opposite side of the light source 20, and the zeolite catalyst 2 can be efficiently activated. Further, according to the present embodiment, by disposing the light source 20 inside the reactor 30 (transparent wall 31), the zeolite catalyst 2 can be efficiently irradiated with light using one light source 20.

[0050] Also, in the present embodiment, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be circulated while changing the moving direction of the zeolite catalyst 2 by the wall portion 33a (labyrinth portion 33) provided in the flow path X. Thereby, compared with the case where the zeolite catalyst 2 simply moves downward, the moving distance of the zeolite catalyst 2 can be lengthened and the zeolite catalyst 2 can be decelerated. Thereby, the irradiation time (reaction time) of the light of the light source 20 with respect to the zeolite catalyst 2 can be ensured.

[0051] Also, according to the labyrinth portion 33, when the zeolite catalyst 2 collides with the wall portion 33a, the zeolite catalyst 2 makes random movements such as rotation. By providing such a labyrinth portion 33, a plurality of directional movements (movements other than the movement due to its own weight), such as radial movement and rotation, can be imparted to the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the flow path X. Thereby, the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2.

[0052] In addition, in the present embodiment, gas is introduced from the downstream side of the flow path X through the gas introduction path 60, and the gas is discharged from the upstream side of the flow path X through the gas discharge path 70. Thereby, a chemical reaction using the activated zeolite catalyst 2 and the above gas can be performed. Further, by blowing the above gas from the downstream side, the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X is made to dance by the airflow of the gas, and random movements (such as movement in the radial direction of the flow path X and rotation) can be imparted to the zeolite catalyst 2. Thereby, the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2.

[0053] In addition, in the present embodiment, by vibrating the reactor 30 with the vibrator 80, random movements (such as movement in the radial direction of the flow path X and rotation) can be imparted to the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the flow path X. Thereby, the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2. Further, in this case, clogging of the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X is suppressed by the vibration of the vibrator 80.

[0054] The zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the flow path X while being irradiated with the above light moves into the recovery unit 40 through the lower connection portion 32c. Thereby, the activated zeolite catalyst 2 can be recovered. The activated zeolite catalyst 2 is discharged from the recovery unit 40 and used for the production of a predetermined product (for example, methanol or the like).

[0055] Note that the zeolite catalyst 2 recovered by the recovery unit 40 may be supplied to the input unit 10 again so that the zeolite catalyst 2 is circulated in the irradiation device 1. In this case, the input unit 10 and the recovery unit 40 may be connected by a pipe, and the irradiation device 1 may be configured to transport the zeolite catalyst 2 from the recovery unit 40 to the input unit 10 by the operation of a pump or the like.

[0056] In the above-described example, a configuration was shown in which the reactor 30 is opened with respect to the charging unit 10 and the recovery unit 40, and light from the light source 20 is irradiated until the zeolite catalyst 2 flows through the flow path X. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, after enclosing a certain amount of the zeolite catalyst 2 in the reactor 30, the cock 12 of the charging unit 10 and the cock 42 of the recovery unit 40 are closed, and gas from the gas introduction path 60 is introduced into the closed flow path X, and the zeolite catalyst 2 is irradiated with light for a predetermined time in a state where the zeolite catalyst 2 is scattered in the flow path X. According to this, light can be irradiated to the zeolite catalyst 2 for the time required for the reaction.

[0057] As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0058] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3(b) and 4, another embodiment (second to third embodiments) of the present invention will be described. In the description of the following other embodiments, differences between the embodiments will be described, and descriptions of common configurations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] First, with reference to FIG. 3(b), the irradiation device 1A according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0060] The irradiation device 1A is different from the irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the light source 20 is arranged outside the reactor 30A. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (six in the illustrated example) light sources 20 are arranged so as to surround the reactor 30A from the outside in a plan view.

[0061] In the reactor 30A according to the present embodiment, the positions of the transparent wall 31A and the reflective wall 32A are arranged in the reverse positions to those of the transparent wall 31 and the reflective wall 32 of the first embodiment. That is, the transparent wall 31A is arranged on the radially outer side of the reflective wall 32A. The shape of the transparent wall 31A is substantially the same as the shape of the reflective wall 32 of the first embodiment, and the shape of the reflective wall 32A is substantially the same as the shape of the transparent wall 31 of the first embodiment.

[0062] Further, in the present embodiment, a substantially cylindrical outer reflection wall 34 is further provided on the radially outer side of the transparent wall 31A. The plurality of light sources 20 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer reflection wall 34. In the illustrated example, an example in which the light source 20 and the outer reflection wall 34 overlap when viewed in the circumferential direction is shown, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and the light source 20 may be arranged on the radially inner side of the outer reflection wall 34.

[0063] In the irradiation device 1A, the light irradiated from the outer light source 20 passes through the transparent wall 31A and is reflected by the inner reflection wall 32A. The light reflected by the reflection wall 32A passes through the transparent wall 31A again and is reflected by the outer reflection wall 34. Thereby, the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing between the transparent wall 31A and the reflection wall 32A (flow path X) can be effectively irradiated with light from both sides in the radial direction of the flow path X. Further, according to the present embodiment, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be effectively irradiated with light by using the plurality of light sources 20.

[0064] Next, the irradiation device 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0065] The irradiation device 1B is different from the irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the reactor 30B is rotated to allow the zeolite catalyst 2 to flow therethrough. The reactor 30B according to the present embodiment is arranged with its axial direction in the horizontal direction (front-rear direction). That is, the reactor 30B is formed to be long in the front-rear direction. Further, the light source 20 is also arranged with its longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction, similar to the reactor 30B.

[0066] Each part (transparent wall 31B and reflection wall 32B) of the reactor 30B is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. A protruding wall portion 35 protruding in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transparent wall 31B. The protruding wall portion 35 is formed over substantially the entire length of the transparent wall 31B. Further, a plurality of protruding wall portions 35 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the transparent wall 31B.

[0067] Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the reflection wall 32B, a protruding wall portion 36 that protrudes in the radial direction is provided. The protruding wall portion 36 is formed over substantially the entire length of the reflection wall 32B. Further, a plurality of protruding wall portions 36 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the reflection wall 32B.

[0068] In addition, the irradiation device 1B according to the present embodiment includes a rotating means 90 that rotates the reactor 30B around a rotation axis with the axis oriented in the front-rear direction. The rotating means 90 rotates the reactor 30B using the power of a drive source such as a motor.

[0069] Hereinafter, the operation of the irradiation device 1B will be described.

[0070] In the present embodiment, after the zeolite catalyst 2 is introduced from the introduction unit 10 into the flow path X of the reactor 30B, the reactor 30B is rotated by the operation of the rotating means 90. The zeolite catalyst 2 introduced into the flow path X moves in the rotational direction as the reactor 30B rotates.

[0071] At this time, the zeolite catalyst 2 collides with the protruding wall portion 35 and the protruding wall portion 36, and spreads thinly in the front-rear direction along the protruding wall portion 35 and the protruding wall portion 36. Further, as the reactor 30B rotates, the zeolite catalyst 2 moves (flows) relatively in the flow path X with respect to the reactor 30B while making random movements due to collisions with the protruding wall portion 35 and the protruding wall portion 36 and movement due to its own weight. As a result, the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2. Note that the reactor 30B may be rotated in only one direction, or may be rotated in both the normal rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction.

[0072] In the present embodiment, after rotating the reactor 30B for a predetermined time (or a predetermined number of rotations), the zeolite catalyst 2 in the reactor 30 is discharged to the recovery unit 40. Also in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be efficiently activated.

[0073] In the above example, an example in which both the transparent wall 31B and the reflective wall 32B are rotated by the rotating means 90 is shown. However, only one of the transparent wall 31B and the reflective wall 32B may be rotated. In this case, the transparent wall 31B and the reflective wall 32B are formed so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0074] As described above, the irradiation devices 1 to 1B according to the present embodiment are Irradiation devices 1 to 1B that irradiate light on a reactant (zeolite catalyst 2) to react the zeolite catalyst 2, A light source 20 that irradiates the light, A first wall (transparent walls 31 to 31B) that is permeable to the light from the light source 20, A second wall (reflective walls 32 to 32B) disposed outside or inside the transparent walls 31 to 31B and formed so as to be able to form a flow path X for flowing the zeolite catalyst 2 between the transparent walls 31 to 31B, And comprising the same.

[0075] By configuring in this way, light can be suitably irradiated on the zeolite catalyst 2. That is, the light irradiated from the light source 20 and transmitted through the transparent wall 31 can be irradiated on the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the flow path X between the transparent wall 31 and the reflective walls 32 to 32B. Thereby, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be efficiently activated.

[0076] The reflective walls 32 to 32B are Capable of reflecting the light transmitted through the transparent walls 31 to 31B.

[0077] By configuring in this way, light can be more suitably irradiated on the zeolite catalyst 2. That is, the light irradiated from the light source 20 is transmitted through the transparent wall 31 and reflected by the reflective wall 32. By flowing the zeolite catalyst 2 between the transparent wall 31 and the reflective wall 32 (flow path X), the zeolite catalyst 2 can be irradiated with light from both sides in the radial direction of the flow path X. Thereby, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be more efficiently activated.

[0078] In addition, the irradiation devices 1 to 1B according to the present embodiment are provided with an operation-imparting means (wall portion 33a, gas introduction passage 60, gas discharge passage 70, vibrator 80) for moving the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing in the flow path X in a plurality of directions.

[0079] By configuring in this way, the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2.

[0080] In addition, the operation-imparting means includes a wall portion 33a for changing the flow direction of the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X.

[0081] By configuring in this way, while changing the moving direction of the zeolite catalyst 2 by the wall portion 33a, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be made to flow. Thereby, as compared with the case where the zeolite catalyst 2 simply flows (by its own weight), the moving distance of the zeolite catalyst 2 can be lengthened, and the zeolite catalyst 2 can be decelerated, ensuring the irradiation time of the light from the light source 20 on the zeolite catalyst 2. Further, when the zeolite catalyst 2 collides with the wall portion 33a of the labyrinth portion 33, the zeolite catalyst 2 makes random movements such as rotation. Thereby, the lamination of the zeolite catalyst 2 is suppressed, and the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2.

[0082] In addition, the operation-imparting means includes a gas introduction passage 60 for introducing gas into the flow path X from the downstream side in the flow direction of the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X, and a gas discharge passage 70 for discharging the gas in the flow path X introduced by the gas introduction passage 60 from the upstream side in the flow direction of the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X.

[0083] ​By configuring it in this way, the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X can be agitated by the gas flow, and random movement can be imparted to the zeolite catalyst 2. Thereby, the stacking of the zeolite catalyst 2 can be suppressed, and the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2.

[0084] Further, the operation imparting means includes a vibrator 80 that vibrates at least one of the transparent walls 31 to 31B and the reflection walls 32 to 32B.

[0085] By configuring it in this way, by vibrating the reactors 30 to 30B (transparent walls 31 to 31B and reflection walls 32 to 32B) with the vibrator 80, random movement can be imparted to the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the flow path X. Thereby, the stacking of the zeolite catalyst 2 can be suppressed, and the light from the light source 20 can be evenly irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2. Further, at this time, clogging of the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X can be suppressed by the vibration of the vibrator 80.

[0086] Further, the transparent walls 31 to 31B are formed in a cylindrical shape, The reflection walls 32 to 32B are formed in a cylindrical shape and are arranged outside or inside the transparent walls 31 to 31B.

[0087] By configuring it in this way, light can be more suitably irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2. That is, light can be irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2 flowing through the flow path X between the transparent wall 31 and the reflection walls 32 to 32B, each of which is formed in a cylindrical shape. Thereby, the zeolite catalyst 2 can be efficiently activated.

[0088] Further, the irradiation devices 1 and 1B according to the present embodiment The light source 20 is arranged inside the transparent walls 31 and 31B, The reflection walls 32 and 32B It is arranged outside the transparent walls 31 and 31B.

[0089] By configuring in this way, light can be efficiently irradiated onto the zeolite catalyst 2 using one light source 20.

[0090] Also, the irradiation device 1A according to the present embodiment The light source 20 is arranged outside the transparent wall 31A, The reflection wall 32A is arranged inside the transparent wall 31A, and is provided with an outer reflection wall 34 arranged outside the transparent wall 31A and capable of reflecting light from the light source 20.

[0091] By configuring in this way, the light reflected by the reflection wall 32A is transmitted through the transparent wall 31A again and further reflected by the outer reflection wall 34, so that the zeolite catalyst 2 can be efficiently irradiated with light.

[0092] Also, the irradiation device 1B according to the present embodiment The transparent wall 31B and the reflection wall 32B are arranged with their axial directions facing horizontally, and is provided with a rotating means 90 for circulating the zeolite catalyst 2 by rotating one of the transparent wall 31B and the reflection wall 32B around a rotation axis facing in the horizontal direction.

[0093] By configuring in this way, by rotating the reactor 30B (transparent wall 31B and reflection wall 32B) itself, the stacking of the zeolite catalyst 2 can be suppressed, and the zeolite catalyst 2 can be evenly irradiated with light from the light source 20.

[0094] Also, the method for manufacturing a product according to the present embodiment manufactures a product (for example, methanol, etc.) using the irradiation devices 1 to 1B according to the present embodiment.

[0095] By configuring in this way, light can be suitably irradiated onto the reactant (zeolite catalyst 2). As a result, using the zeolite catalyst 2 irradiated with the above light, a product (for example, methanol or the like) can be suitably produced.

[0096] Note that the zeolite catalyst 2 according to the present embodiment is an embodiment of the reactant according to the present invention. Also, the transparent walls 31 to 31B according to the present embodiment are an embodiment of the first wall according to the present invention. Also, the reflection walls 32 to 32B according to the present embodiment are an embodiment of the second wall according to the present invention. Also, the wall portion 33a, the gas introduction path 60, the gas discharge path 70, and the vibrator 80 according to the present embodiment are an embodiment of the operation imparting means according to the present invention.

[0097] As described above, each embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims. For example, the shape and configuration of each part constituting the irradiation device 1 are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0098] Specifically, in each of the above embodiments, an example is shown in which the transparent walls 31 to 31B and the reflection walls 32 to 32B are each formed in a cylindrical shape (substantially cylindrical shape) so as to form the annular flow path X. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. As the shapes of the transparent walls 31 to 31B and the reflection walls 32 to 32B, various shapes that form various flow paths X, such as a substantially planar flow path X and a substantially semi-cylindrical flow path X, can be adopted.

[0099] Also, in each of the above embodiments, an example is shown in which all of the wall portion 33a (the labyrinth portion 33), the gas introduction path 60, the gas discharge path 70, and the vibrator 80 are provided as means for randomly moving the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, some or all of the wall portion 33a, the gas introduction path 60, the gas discharge path 70, and the vibrator 80 may not be provided.

[0100] In addition, although an example in which the wall portion 33a (labyrinth portion 33) is provided as a means for decelerating the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X has been shown, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, instead of the wall portion 33a, a means of providing a spiral slope in the flow path X to decelerate the zeolite catalyst 2 in the flow path X can also be adopted.

[0101] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example in which a gas to react with the zeolite catalyst 2 is supplied into the flow path X using the gas introduction path 60 and the gas discharge path 70 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, an inert gas may be supplied into the flow path X. In this case, the inert gas is supplied not for the purpose of reacting with the zeolite catalyst 2 but for the purpose of randomly moving the zeolite catalyst 2.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which the reactant irradiated with light is the zeolite catalyst 2 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. As the reactant, various reactants that react with light, such as granular activated carbon, can be adopted. In addition, the reactant is not limited to a solid, and for example, a liquid with low permeability can be adopted.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which methanol is produced as the product has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. As the product, various products produced using the reactant (zeolite catalyst 2) reacted in the irradiation devices 1 to 1B can be adopted.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0104] 1 Irradiation device 20 Light source 30 Reactor

Claims

1. An irradiation device that irradiates a reactant with light to cause the reactant to react, comprising: a light source that irradiates the light; a first wall that is transmissive to the light from the light source; a second wall formed to be able to form a flow path for flowing the reactant between the first wall; The irradiation device comprising the above.

2. The second wall is capable of reflecting the light transmitted through the first wall, The irradiation device according to Claim 1.

3. The irradiation device according to Claim 1, further comprising an operation imparting means for moving the reactant flowing in the flow path in a plurality of directions. The irradiation device according to Claim 1.

4. The operation imparting means is including a wall portion in the flow path for changing the flow direction of the reactant, The irradiation device according to Claim 3.

5. The operation imparting means is including a gas introduction path for introducing gas into the flow path from the downstream side of the flow direction of the reactant in the flow path, and a gas discharge path for discharging the gas in the flow path introduced by the gas introduction path from the upstream side of the flow direction of the reactant in the flow path, The irradiation device according to Claim 3, including the above. The irradiation device according to Claim 3.

6. The operation imparting means is including a vibrator for vibrating at least one of the first wall and the second wall, The irradiation device according to Claim 3.

7. The first wall is formed in a cylindrical shape, The second wall is formed in a cylindrical shape and disposed outside or inside the first wall, The irradiation device according to Claim 1.

8. The light source is disposed inside the first wall, The second wall is disposed outside the first wall, The irradiation device according to Claim 7.

9. The light source is disposed outside the first wall, The second wall is disposed inside the first wall, The irradiation device according to Claim 7, further comprising a third wall disposed outside the first wall and capable of reflecting the light from the light source. The irradiation device according to Claim 7.

10. The first wall and the second wall are arranged with the axial direction facing horizontally, The irradiation device according to Claim 7, further comprising a rotating means for flowing the reactant by rotating one of the first wall and the second wall around a rotation axis facing the horizontal direction. The irradiation device according to Claim 7.

11. A method for producing a product, using the irradiation device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10. A method for producing a product.

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