Plasma functional liquid production apparatus and method, and plant cultivation plant and equipment

Abstract

To provide a plasma functional liquid production apparatus and method, which allow the generation of a plasma functional liquid exhibiting superior sterilization effects, as well as a plant cultivation plant and equipment.SOLUTION: Provided is a plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10A, which includes: a plasma head 20 that generates a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas; a mist chamber 30 that turns a predetermined liquid 31 into mist within the plasma gas, thereby generating a mist functional liquid 35; and a functional liquid generation chamber 40 that introduces the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 into a solvent 42 in bubble form, thereby generating a plasma functional liquid 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasma functional liquid production apparatus and method, as well as a plant cultivation plant and equipment.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, technologies related to various cleaning and sterilization (disinfection) using plasma have been studied. In particular, introducing a plasma-treated gas (plasma gas) into a liquid (solvent) and using active species such as ozone, ions, or radicals generated by the plasma treatment to clean or sterilize the liquid has been considered.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a plasma functional liquid having a bactericidal action is generated by discharging a plasma generation gas in a bubble state into a solvent through a porous member or the like. Further, Patent Document 1 describes that a plasma functional liquid generated by a plasma generation gas having an oxygen concentration of 90% or more and 95% or less exhibits a useful bactericidal effect against strawberry wilt pathogen, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Penicillium griseum.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the invention described in Cited Document 1, there is a problem that there is a possibility that a plasma functional liquid having a sufficient bactericidal effect against spores of highly resistant Bacillus subtilis or the like cannot be provided.

[0006] Therefore, a technical problem to be solved arises in order to provide a plasma functional liquid exhibiting an excellent bactericidal effect, and the present invention aims to solve this problem.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plasma gas generation unit that generates a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, a mist functional liquid generation unit that atomizes a predetermined liquid in the plasma gas to generate a mist functional liquid, and a plasma functional liquid generation unit that introduces the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid into a solvent in a bubble state to generate a plasma functional liquid.

[0008] Also, in order to achieve the above object, the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plasma gas generation unit that generates a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, and a plasma functional liquid generation unit that atomizes a solvent into which the plasma gas in a bubble state is introduced to generate a mist-like plasma functional liquid.

[0009] Also, in order to achieve the above object, the plant cultivation plant according to the present invention includes the above-described plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus, and a cultivation tank that hydroponically cultivates plants and supplies the plasma functional liquid to a solvent that immerses the root part of the plants.

[0010] Also, in order to achieve the above object, the plant cultivation plant according to the present invention includes the above-described plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus, and a cultivation container that cultivates plants and to which the plasma functional liquid is dropped or sprayed onto the plants.

[0011] Also, in order to achieve the above object, the device according to the present invention includes the above-described plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus, and a discharge unit that can discharge the plasma functional liquid into the atmosphere.

[0012] Also, the plasma functional liquid manufacturing method according to the present invention is configured to generate a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, atomize a predetermined liquid in the plasma gas to generate a mist functional liquid, and introduce the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid into a solvent in a bubble state to generate a plasma functional liquid.

[0013] Moreover, the method for producing a plasma functional liquid according to the present invention is configured to generate a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas and atomize a solvent into which the plasma gas in a bubble state is introduced to generate a mist-like plasma functional liquid.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] The present invention can obtain a plasma functional liquid exhibiting a high sterilization effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, when referring to the number of components, numerical values, amounts, ranges, etc., unless otherwise specified or limited to a specific number in principle, it is not limited to that specific number, and it may be more or less than the specific number.

[0017] Also, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., unless otherwise specified or it is considered otherwise in principle, it includes those substantially approximating or similar to the shape, etc.

[0018] Also, the drawings may be exaggerated, such as enlarging characteristic parts for easy understanding of the characteristics, and the dimensional ratios of components are not necessarily the same as the actual ones. Also, in sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted for easy understanding of the sectional structure of the components.

[0019] <First Embodiment> The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10A. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10A manufactures a plasma functional liquid 44 having excellent cleaning and sterilization effects. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10A includes a plasma head 20 as a plasma gas generation unit, a mist chamber 30 as a mist functional liquid generation unit, and a functional liquid generation chamber 40 as a plasma functional liquid generation unit.

[0020] The plasma head 20 includes a first electrode (internal electrode) 23 disposed in a gas flow path 22 connecting a compressor 21 and a mist chamber 30, and a second electrode (external electrode) 24 disposed outside the gas flow path 22 so as to face the first electrode 23.

[0021] A plasma generation gas for generating plasma such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, or air is supplied to the gas flow path 22 by the compressor 21. The oxygen concentration contained in the plasma generation gas is preferably adjusted appropriately according to the object to be sterilized. For example, the oxygen concentration contained in the plasma generation gas is preferably set to 90% or more. This is because when the oxygen concentration contained in the plasma generation gas is less than 90%, there is a risk that sufficient cleaning and sterilization effects cannot be obtained. Further, the oxygen concentration contained in the plasma generation gas is more preferably set to 90% or more and 95% or less. This is because when the oxygen concentration contained in the plasma generation gas is greater than 95%, the ozone concentration in the generated plasma gas becomes high, and although the sterilizing power is high, there is a risk of adverse effects on the human body, plants, etc. Note that the compressor 21 may be an oxygen concentrator or the like.

[0022] The first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 are each connected to a power source 25. The voltage applied to the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 is preferably set to several kV to several tens of kV, and the current is preferably set to an alternating current with a frequency of several kHz to several tens of kHz. Note that the voltage applied to the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 may be a pulse waveform or a direct current. Also, either one of the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 may be grounded, or it may be composed of a single applied electrode.

[0023] When the power source 25 applies a voltage between the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 in a state where the plasma generation gas is supplied from the compressor 21 to the gas flow path 22, a plasma gas containing active species is generated from the plasma generation gas.

[0024] The plasma gas contains active species such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, nitrogen oxides, singlet oxygen, etc., depending on the type of plasma-generating gas. In this specification, the "active species" refers to radicals and the like generated by activating the plasma-generating gas with plasma. The radicals contained in the plasma gas vary depending on the type of plasma-generating gas for generating the plasma gas. For example, when the plasma-generating gas contains an oxygen component, oxygen radicals are generated, and when the plasma-generating gas contains a nitrogen component, nitrogen oxide radicals are generated. Also, nitrate nitrogen (nitrate radicals) is useful for plant growth.

[0025] Note that the plasma head 20 is not limited to the dielectric barrier type atmospheric pressure plasma device described above, and may have any configuration as long as it generates plasma gas. However, an atmospheric pressure plasma device that generates plasma gas at a pressure near atmospheric pressure is preferred.

[0026] The plasma gas generated by the plasma head 20 is sent to the mist chamber 30 through the gas flow path 22. The plasma gas is supplied into the mist chamber 30 from the upper part of the mist chamber 30, which is the end of the gas flow path 22, and stays in the mist generation region 32 above the liquid 31 such as tap water, purified water, deionized water, etc. stored in the mist chamber 30. Although a gas such as air exists in the mist chamber 30 before the plasma gas is supplied, when the supply of the plasma gas starts, the gas such as air existing in the mist chamber 30 is discharged out of the mist chamber 30 through the mist supply path 36 described later, and the mist generation region 32 is almost filled with the plasma gas.

[0027] The mist chamber 30 is provided with an ultrasonic nebulizer 33 immersed in a liquid 31. When the ultrasonic nebulizer 33 is activated to irradiate the liquid 31 with ultrasonic waves, the liquid 31 is atomized and mist liquid 34 is generated from the surface of the liquid 31. The median particle size of the mist liquid 34 varies according to the driving frequency of the ultrasonic nebulizer 33. For example, when ultrasonic waves in the 1.6 - 1.7 MHz band are used, the median particle size of the mist plasma functional liquid 57 is 4 - 5 μm. Note that for the atomization of the liquid 31, an ultrasonic method with a small temperature rise of the liquid 31 is preferred, but other methods may also be used.

[0028] When the mist liquid 34 floats in the plasma gas in the mist generation region 32, the active species in the plasma gas are incorporated into the mist liquid 34, and the mist liquid 34 becomes a mist functional liquid 35 having a bactericidal action and a disinfection action. In this way, the mist functional liquid 35 and the plasma gas are mixed in the mist generation region 32. Note that since the active species gradually lose their function when exposed to high temperatures, a cooling device for cooling the mist liquid 34 may be provided.

[0029] In addition, by introducing the plasma gas generated by the plasma head 20 disposed outside the mist chamber 30 into the mist chamber 30 where the mist liquid 34 floats, it is possible to suppress the loss of the activity of the active species contained in the mist functional liquid 35 due to the heat generation during the generation of the plasma gas, and the lifespan of the active species can be extended.

[0030] The functional liquid generation chamber 40 is connected to the mist chamber 30 via a mist supply path 36. The proximal end of the mist supply path 36 is located within the mist generation region 32, and the distal end of the mist supply path 36 is connected to a bubbling filter 41. The plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 is supplied to the bubbling filter 41 via the mist supply path 36.

[0031] The solvent 42 is stored in the functional liquid generation chamber 40. The functional liquid generation chamber 40 is not provided with a stirring blade or the like for stirring the solvent 42, and the generation of air flow is suppressed in the solvent 42. The solvent 42 is water such as ultrapure water, ion-exchanged water, purified water or distilled water, a solution containing inorganic nutrients, or liquid fertilizer, etc., but is not limited thereto. When liquid fertilizer is used as the solvent 42, the plasma functional liquid 44 can sterilize the fungi contained in the liquid fertilizer and can also contain active species suitable for plant growth in the liquid fertilizer.

[0032] The bubbling filter 41 is immersed in the solvent 42 in the functional liquid generation chamber 40. The bubbling filter 41 is formed, for example, in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape, and a large number of holes are formed on the outer peripheral surface. The bubbling filter 41 allows the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 supplied therein to pass through the holes, so that the bubbles 43 of the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 are introduced into the solvent 42, and the active species are efficiently dispersed in the solvent 42, and the plasma functional liquid 44 is generated.

[0033] Here, the "plasma functional liquid 44" refers to a solution in which the active species held in the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 are gradually dissolved in the solvent 42 after being held in the bubbles 43 in the solvent 42. That is, the plasma functional liquid 44 contains the active species held in the bubbles 43 or the active species dissolved in the solvent 42. When the active species dissolve in the solvent 42, the solvent 42 itself is washed and sterilized, and the plasma functional liquid 44 has a bactericidal action and a sterilizing action.

[0034] The bubble diameter of the bubbles 43 can be arbitrarily changed according to the pore diameter of the bubbling filter 41, and is, for example, 100 μm or less. The finer the bubble diameter of the bubbles 43, the smaller the buoyancy acting on the bubbles 43, so that the bubble state of the bubbles 43 is maintained for a longer time, and the active species are more easily dissolved in the solvent 42. The bubbling filter 41 is preferably a ceramic filter, but any filter can be used as long as the diameter of the bubbles 43 can be made fine, for example, 100 μm or less, and the pressure loss can be reduced.

[0035] In this way, the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10A according to the present embodiment includes a plasma head 20 that generates a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, a mist chamber 30 that atomizes a predetermined liquid 31 in the plasma gas to generate a mist functional liquid 35, and a functional liquid generation chamber 40 that introduces the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 into a solvent 42 in a bubble state to generate a plasma functional liquid 44.

[0036] According to this configuration, the active species of the plasma gas dissolve into the mist liquid 34 with a relatively small particle size to generate the mist functional liquid 35, and the plasma gas containing this mist functional liquid 35 is introduced into the solvent 42 in a bubble state with a relatively large bubble diameter to generate the plasma functional liquid 44. As a result, compared with the case where the plasma gas generated by the plasma head 20 is directly introduced into the solvent 42 in a bubble state with a large bubble diameter, the contact area between the plasma gas and the solvent 42 increases through the mist functional liquid 35 with a small particle size, and the active species are more likely to dissolve in the solvent 42. Therefore, a plasma functional liquid 44 containing a large number of active species and exhibiting a high sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0037] In addition, in order to obtain a plasma functional liquid 44 containing a large number of active species, it may be considered to set the bubble diameter of the plasma gas to be extremely fine. However, in that case, in order to pass the plasma gas through the small holes of the bubbling filter 41, the supply pressure of the plasma gas must be set high, and there is a risk that atmospheric pressure plasma cannot be stably obtained. On the other hand, in the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10A according to the present embodiment, since the mist functional liquid 35 finer than the bubble diameter of the plasma gas comes into contact with the solvent 42 over a wide range, a plasma functional liquid 44 exhibiting a high sterilization effect can be obtained without excessively increasing the supply pressure of the plasma gas.

[0038] <Second Embodiment> Next, the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10B. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10B manufactures a mist-like plasma functional liquid (mist plasma functional liquid 57). Note that the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10B according to the present embodiment is different from the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10A according to the above-described first embodiment in the following points, and the other configurations are common. Therefore, the common configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0039] The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10B includes a plasma head 20 and a functional liquid generation chamber 50 as a plasma functional liquid generation unit.

[0040] When the power supply 25 applies a voltage between the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 in a state where the plasma generation gas is supplied from the compressor 21 to the gas flow path 22 in the plasma head 20, a plasma gas containing active species is generated from the plasma generation gas.

[0041] The functional liquid generation chamber 50 includes a bubbling filter 51 provided at the tip of the gas flow path 22. The plasma gas generated by the plasma head 20 is supplied to the bubbling filter 51 through the gas flow path 22.

[0042] A solvent 52 is stored in the functional liquid generation chamber 50. The solvent 52 is water such as ultrapure water, ion-exchanged water, purified water, or distilled water, a solution containing inorganic nutrients, or a liquid fertilizer, etc., but is not limited thereto. When a liquid fertilizer is used as the solvent 52, the plasma functional liquid 54 described later can sterilize the fungi contained in the liquid fertilizer and can cause the liquid fertilizer to contain active species suitable for plant growth.

[0043] The bubbling filter 51 is immersed in the solvent 52 within the functional liquid generation chamber 50. The bubbling filter 51 is formed, for example, in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape, with a large number of holes formed on its outer peripheral surface. By passing the plasma gas supplied inside through the holes, the bubbles 53 of the plasma gas are introduced into the solvent 52, and the active species are efficiently dispersed in the solvent 52, thereby generating the plasma functional liquid 54. Further, the plasma gas that does not dissolve in the solvent 52 and escapes from the solvent 52 floats within the mist generation region 55 above the solvent 52 within the functional liquid generation chamber 50.

[0044] Here, the "plasma functional liquid 54" refers to a solution in which the active species held in the plasma gas are gradually dissolved in the solvent 52 after being held in the bubbles 53 in the solvent 52. That is, the plasma functional liquid 54 contains the active species held in the bubbles 53 or the active species dissolved in the solvent 52.

[0045] In addition, an ultrasonic nebulizer 56 immersed in the solvent 52 is provided in the functional liquid generation chamber 50. By irradiating the solvent 52 with ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic nebulizer 56 during or after the bubbling of the plasma gas by the bubbling filter 51, the plasma functional liquid 54 is atomized to generate a mist plasma functional liquid 57 which is the mist-like plasma functional liquid 54 from the surface of the solvent 52.

[0046] The median particle size of the mist plasma functional liquid 57 varies according to the driving frequency of the ultrasonic nebulizer 56. For example, when using ultrasonic waves in the 1.6 - 1.7 MHz band, the median particle size of the mist plasma functional liquid 57 is 4 - 5 μm. Note that the atomization of the plasma functional liquid 54 is preferably by an ultrasonic method with a small temperature rise of the plasma functional liquid 54, but other methods may also be used.

[0047] The mist plasma functional liquid 57 stays in the mist generation region 55. Also, the active species contained in the plasma gas that does not dissolve in the solvent 52, escapes from the solvent 52, and floats in the mist generation region 55 dissolve in the fine-particle-size mist plasma functional liquid 57 floating in the mist generation region 55. That is, the mist plasma functional liquid 57 contains not only the active species dissolved in the solvent 52 but also the active species that have escaped from the solvent 52.

[0048] Note that since the active species gradually lose their function when exposed to high temperatures, a cooling device for cooling the mist plasma functional liquid 57 may be provided.

[0049] A mist discharge path 58 is provided on the ceiling of the functional liquid generation chamber 50. Although gas such as air exists in the mist generation region 55 before the plasma functional liquid 54 is atomized, when the atomization of the plasma functional liquid 54 starts, the gas such as air existing in the functional liquid generation chamber 50 is discharged to the outside through the mist discharge path 58, and the mist generation region 55 is almost filled with the mist plasma functional liquid 57. Also, the mist plasma functional liquid 57 floating in the mist generation region 55 is discharged to the outside of the functional liquid generation chamber 50 through the mist discharge path 58.

[0050] In this way, the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 10B according to the present embodiment is configured to include a plasma head 20 that generates a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, and a functional liquid generation chamber 50 that atomizes the solvent 52 into which the plasma gas in a bubble state is introduced to generate a mist plasma functional liquid 57.

[0051] According to this configuration, while introducing the plasma gas in the bubble state into the solvent 52, the plasma functional liquid 54 is atomized by the ultrasonic nebulizer 56. As a result, the active species contained in the plasma gas with a relatively large bubble diameter are incorporated into the solvent 52 to generate the plasma functional liquid 54, and the active species contained in the plasma gas that does not dissolve in the solvent 52 and escapes from the solvent 52 are incorporated into the mist plasma functional liquid 57 with a fine particle size that has been atomized. Therefore, compared with the case where only the plasma gas generated by the plasma head 20 is introduced into the solvent 52 in the bubble state, a mist plasma functional liquid 57 containing more active species and showing a high sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0052] In addition, in order to obtain the plasma functional liquid 54 containing many active species, it is also conceivable to make the bubble diameter of the plasma gas extremely fine. However, in this case, in order to pass the plasma gas through the small holes of the bubbling filter 41, the supply pressure of the plasma gas must be set high, and there is a risk that the atmospheric pressure plasma cannot be stably obtained. On the other hand, in the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10B according to the present embodiment, since the active species contained in the plasma gas that does not dissolve in the solvent 52 and escapes from the solvent 52 are incorporated into the mist plasma functional liquid 57 floating in the functional liquid generation chamber 50, a mist plasma functional liquid 57 showing a high sterilization effect can be obtained without excessively increasing the supply pressure of the plasma gas.

[0053] <Modification> Next, a modification of the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10C according to this modification. The plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10C produces a plasma functional liquid (condensed functional liquid 62) generated by condensing the mist plasma functional liquid 57. The plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10C according to this modification is different from the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10B according to the second embodiment described above in the following points, and the other configurations are common. Therefore, the common configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0054] The plasma functional liquid production device 10C includes a functional liquid recovery chamber 60 as a condensed functional liquid recovery unit connected to the functional liquid generation chamber 50 via a mist discharge path 58.

[0055] The proximal end of the mist discharge path 58 is located within the mist generation region 55 of the functional liquid generation chamber 50, and the distal end side of the mist discharge path 58 extends to the functional liquid recovery chamber 60. As a result, the mist plasma functional liquid 57 is supplied to the functional liquid recovery chamber 60 via the mist discharge path 58.

[0056] A condenser 61 is attached to the mist discharge path 58 so as to cover at least a part of the mist discharge path 58. In the functional liquid generation chamber 50, when the oxygen concentration of the plasma generation gas is excessively high where the plasma gas floats together with the mist plasma functional liquid 57, there is a possibility that the plasma gas contains ozone. By condensing the mist plasma functional liquid 57 flowing through the mist discharge path 58, the plasma functional liquid (condensed functional liquid 62) from which ozone has been separated drips into the functional liquid recovery chamber 60 and is recovered.

[0057] In this way, the condensed functional liquid 62 containing many active species and showing a high sterilization effect can be recovered in a liquid state that is easy to manage. Note that the condenser 61 may be either air-cooled or water-cooled as long as it can condense the mist plasma functional liquid 57.

[0058] <Third Embodiment> Next, the plant plant 1A according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant plant 1A. The plant plant 1A includes a cultivation tank 2 for hydroponically cultivating the plant P and a plasma functional liquid production device 10A.

[0059] The cultivation tank 2 includes a container 2a for storing a solution A containing liquid fertilizer and a support portion 2b for supporting the plant P such that at least a part of the underground part of the plant P is immersed in the solution A of the container 2a.

[0060] The functional liquid generation chamber 40 is provided with a liquid supply path 45 for sending the plasma functional liquid 44 to the container 2a. The liquid supply path 45 has its upstream end connected to the functional liquid generation chamber 40 and its downstream end connected to the container 2a. The plasma functional liquid 44 sent through the liquid supply path 45 is pressure-fed using a pump or the like (not shown) and mixed with the solution A. Note that the solution A does not necessarily have to contain a liquid fertilizer.

[0061] In this way, the plasma functional liquid 44 generated by the plasma functional liquid production device 10A is sent to the cultivation tank 2 via the liquid supply path 45, and the solution A in the cultivation tank 2 is sterilized or disinfected by the plasma functional liquid 44, so that the plant P grows well.

[0062] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the plant plant 1B according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant plant 1B. The plant plant 1B includes three cultivation containers 3 for cultivating the plant P planted in culture soil or the like by soil cultivation, and a plasma functional liquid production device 10B.

[0063] The mist discharge path 58, whose base end is connected to the top surface of the functional liquid generation chamber 50, branches into three in the middle, and spray heads 59 are respectively provided at the respective tips. The mist plasma functional liquid 57 sent through the mist discharge path 58 is pressure-fed using a pump or the like (not shown). The mist discharge path 58 preferably has flexibility.

[0064] The spray heads 59 are positioned above the respective cultivation containers 3 and spray the mist plasma functional liquid 57 toward the cultivation containers 3. Thereby, the flowers, leaves, stems, fruits, etc. of the plant P onto which the mist plasma functional liquid 57 is sprayed are sterilized or disinfected by the active species contained in the mist plasma functional liquid 57. Note that the number of the spray heads 59 can be increased or decreased according to the number of the plant P and the cultivation containers 3 and the range in which the spray heads 59 spray the mist plasma functional liquid 57.

[0065] In addition, a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the spray head 59 may be provided, and the controller may control the timing and amount of the spray head 59 spraying the mist plasma functional liquid 57 according to the temperature acquired by a sensor (not shown) or the like and the growth state of the plant P.

[0066] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, the device (humidifier 4) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the humidifier 4. The humidifier 4 is a vaporizing humidifier, and includes a plasma functional liquid production device 10A, a filter (humidifying material) 5 and a fan 6 as discharge parts, and a housing 7 for housing these.

[0067] The lower part of the filter 5 is immersed in the plasma functional liquid 44 housed in the functional liquid generation chamber 40, and the plasma functional liquid 44 is sucked up.

[0068] The fan 6 sends air toward the filter 5, and after the plasma functional liquid 44 contained in the filter 5 evaporates, it is discharged to the outside of the housing 7 along with the air flow from the exhaust port 8, so that the space around the humidifier 4 and the like is sterilized and disinfected.

[0069] Note that the humidifier 4 is not limited to a vaporizing type, and may be an ultrasonic type, a heating type, or the like. However, when a vaporizing type is adopted, the temperature of the plasma functional liquid 44 does not rise during the vaporization of the plasma functional liquid 44, and it is suitable in that the functions of active species can be maintained for a long time. In addition, generally, mold and various bacteria may be generated in a vaporizing humidifier. In the humidifier 4, the plasma functional liquid 44 itself is washed and disinfected, and the generation of mold and various bacteria can be suppressed.

[0070] In addition, the devices to which the plasma functional liquid production devices 10A to 10C are applied are not limited to the humidifier 4, and may be, for example, an air conditioner for sterilizing a space, a dispenser for sterilizing bacteria and viruses attached to fingers and the body, a device for preventing animal diseases in a pig farm, a ranch, a zoo or an aquarium, a device for sterilizing the surfaces of fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, etc. to maintain freshness, or the like.

Example

[0071] <Experimental Example 1> Regarding the bactericidal effect of the plasma functional liquid (Example 1-1) generated by the plasma functional liquid production device 10A and the condensation functional liquid (Example 1-2) generated by the plasma functional liquid production device 10C against bacteria, a comparative experiment was conducted with deionized water (Comparative Example 1-1) in which the active species of the plasma gas was not dissolved and the plasma functional liquid (Comparative Example 1-2) generated by the plasma functional liquid production device described in JP-A-2023-135597.

[0072] ·Procedure for generating the plasma functional liquid according to Example 1-1 First, using the plasma generation gas with an oxygen concentration of 90% and a flow rate of 5 L / min generated by an oxygen concentrator, the plasma gas was generated by the plasma head 20. As the plasma head 20, a plasma jet (SPJ-02MIN) manufactured by Aqua Co., Ltd. was used. Next, the ultrasonic nebulizer 33 atomized 400 ml of purified water in the plasma gas supplied to the mist chamber 30 to generate the mist functional liquid 35. As the ultrasonic nebulizer 33, an ultrasonic atomization unit (IM1-24) manufactured by Seiko Kogyen Co., Ltd. was used. Then, the bubbling filter 41 bubbled the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 into 20 ml of deionized water in the functional liquid generation chamber 40 for 3 minutes to generate the plasma functional liquid 44. As the bubbling filter 41, a ceramic filter (pore diameter 40 to 50 μm) was used.

[0073] ·Procedure for generating the condensation functional liquid according to Example 1-2 First, using the oxygen concentration 90% and flow rate 5 L / min plasma generation gas generated by an oxygen concentrator, plasma gas was generated by the plasma head 20. Next, while the bubbling filter 51 bubbled the plasma gas into 400 ml of purified water stored in the functional liquid generation chamber 50 for 3 minutes, the ultrasonic nebulizer 56 atomized the purified water to generate the mist plasma functional liquid 57. Subsequently, the condenser 61 condensed the mist plasma functional liquid 57 to generate approximately 2.5 ml of condensate. Note that the plasma head 20, the bubbling filter 51, and the ultrasonic nebulizer 56 were the same as those in Example 1-1.

[0074] ·Procedure for generating the plasma functional liquid according to Comparative Example 1-2 Using the plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus described in FIG. 1 of JP-A-2023-135597, plasma gas was generated from the plasma generation gas with an oxygen concentration of 90% and a flow rate of 5 L / min by the plasma head, and then, using the bubbling filter, the plasma gas was bubbled into 20 ml of purified water for 3 minutes to generate the plasma functional liquid. Note that the plasma head and the bubbling filter were the same as those in Example 1-1.

[0075] ·Procedure for the comparative experiment 990 μL each of the plasma functional liquid according to Example 1-1, the condensed functional liquid according to Example 1-2, deionized water according to Comparative Example 1-1, and the plasma functional liquid according to Comparative Example 1-2 were prepared, and 10 μL of the spore suspension of Bacillus cereus, which shows high resistance, was added to each, stirred, allowed to stand for 10 minutes, stirred again, and then 200 μL was collected and dropped onto an SCD agar medium and cultured at 30°C for 16 hours to compare the colony formation state. Photographs showing the results are shown in FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0076] The colony formation state of Example 1-1 shown in FIG. 7 has a CFU of 3. Note that CFU (Colony Forming unit) is an abbreviation for colony forming unit and is a unit representing the viable cell count (the number of living bacteria). Also, according to FIG. 7, it can be seen that sparse 3 colonies are generated.

[0077] In the colony generation state of Example 1-2 shown in FIG. 8, the CFU is 4. Also, according to FIG. 8, it can be seen that four sparse colonies have occurred.

[0078] In the colony generation state of Comparative Example 1-1 shown in FIG. 9, the CFU is 253, and it can be seen that a large number of connected colonies have occurred at the position where the bacterial solution was dropped.

[0079] In the colony generation state of Comparative Example 1-2 shown in FIG. 10, the CFU is 188. Although it is less than that of Comparative Example 1-1, it can be seen that a large number of connected colonies have occurred at the position where the bacterial solution was dropped.

[0080] According to FIGS. 7 to 9, it can be seen that the plasma functional liquid according to Example 1-1 and the condensation functional liquid according to Example 1-2 exhibit very high bactericidal power against Bacillus cereus showing high tolerance as compared with deionized water without plasma treatment.

[0081] Also, according to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, the plasma functional liquid obtained by mistifying the liquid in the plasma gas and then bubbling the plasma gas into the solvent as in Example 1-1, or the condensation functional liquid obtained after mistifying the plasma functional liquid obtained by bubbling the plasma gas as in Example 1-2, shows high bactericidal power against Bacillus cereus showing high tolerance as compared with the plasma functional liquid obtained by bubbling the plasma gas into the solvent as in Comparative Example 1-2.

[0082] In this experiment, the bactericidal effect of the mist plasma functional liquid 57 generated by the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10B was not evaluated because the mist plasma functional liquid 57 and the ozone gas showing the bactericidal effect could not be separated and the bactericidal effect of the mist plasma functional liquid 57 alone could not be evaluated. However, it is considered that the mist plasma functional liquid generated by the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10B also has a high bactericidal power similar to the condensation functional liquid according to Example 1-2.

[0083] <Experimental Example 2> Next, regarding the bactericidal effect against bacteria of the plasma functional liquid (Example 2-1) generated using the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10A and the plasma functional liquid (Example 2-2) generated with the bubbling filter 41 omitted in the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10A, a comparative experiment was conducted with deionized water (Comparative Example 2-1) in which active species of plasma gas were not dissolved and the condensed functional liquid (Comparative Example 2-2) obtained by condensing the mist functional liquid discharged from the mist chamber 30 in the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10A.

[0084] · Generation procedure of the plasma functional liquid according to Example 2-1 First, using the plasma generation gas with an oxygen concentration of 90% and a flow rate of 5 L / min generated by an oxygen concentrator, the plasma gas was generated by the plasma head 20. Next, the ultrasonic nebulizer 33 atomized 400 ml of purified water in the plasma gas supplied to the mist chamber 30 to generate the mist functional liquid 35. Then, the bubbling filter 41 bubbled the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 into 20 ml of deionized water in the functional liquid generation chamber 40 for 2 minutes to generate the plasma functional liquid 44. Note that the plasma head 20, the ultrasonic nebulizer 33, and the bubbling filter 41 were the same as those in Example 1-1.

[0085] · Generation procedure of the plasma functional liquid according to Example 2-2 First, using the plasma generation gas with an oxygen concentration of 90% and a flow rate of 5 L / min generated by an oxygen concentrator, the plasma gas was generated by the plasma head 20. Next, the ultrasonic nebulizer 33 atomized 400 ml of purified water in the plasma gas supplied to the mist chamber 30 to generate the mist functional liquid 35. Then, without using the bubbling filter 41, the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 was bubbled into 20 ml of deionized water in the functional liquid generation chamber 40 for 2 minutes to generate the plasma functional liquid 44. The bubble diameter of the plasma gas when introduced into the deionized water was larger than 100 μm. Note that the plasma head 20 and the ultrasonic nebulizer 33 were the same as those in Example 1-1.

[0086] · Generation procedure of the condensed functional liquid according to Comparative Example 2-2 First, using the oxygen concentration generator, plasma generation gas with an oxygen concentration of 90% and a flow rate of 5 L / min was used to generate plasma gas with the plasma head 20. Next, the ultrasonic nebulizer 33 atomized 400 ml of purified water in the plasma gas supplied to the mist chamber 30 to generate the mist functional liquid 35. Thereafter, the mist functional liquid 35 recovered from the mist supply path 36 was condensed to obtain the condensed functional liquid. Note that the plasma head and the ultrasonic nebulizer used were the same as those in Example 1-1.

[0087] · Procedure of comparative experiment 990 μL each of the plasma functional liquid according to Example 2-1, the plasma functional liquid according to Example 1-2, deionized water according to Comparative Example 2-1, and the condensed functional liquid according to Comparative Example 2-2 were prepared. 10 μL of the spore solution of Bacillus cereus showing high tolerance was added to each, and after stirring and standing for 10 minutes, it was stirred again, 200 μL was collected, dropped onto SCD agar medium, and cultured at 30 °C for 17 hours to compare the colony formation states. Photographs showing the results are shown in FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0088] Regarding the colony formation state of Example 2-1 shown in FIG. 11, the CFU was zero and no colonies were formed.

[0089] Regarding the colony formation state of Example 2-2 shown in FIG. 12, the CFU was 9. Also, according to FIG. 12, it can be seen that sparse 9 colonies were formed.

[0090] Regarding the colony formation state of Comparative Example 2-1 shown in FIG. 13, the CFU was uncountable, and it can be seen that a very large number of connected colonies were formed at the position where the bacterial solution was dropped.

[0091] Regarding the colony formation state of Comparative Example 2-2 shown in FIG. 14, the CFU was 535. Although it was less than that of Comparative Example 2-1, it can be seen that a large number of connected colonies were formed at the position where the bacterial solution was dropped.

[0092] According to FIGS. 11 to 13, it can be seen that the plasma functional liquids according to Example 2-1 and Example 2-2 exhibit a very high bactericidal power against Bacillus cereus, which shows high resistance, as compared with deionized water that has not been subjected to plasma treatment.

[0093] Further, according to FIGS. 11, 12, and 14, the plasma functional liquids obtained by bubbling plasma gas into a solvent as in Example 2-1 and Example 2-2 exhibit a high bactericidal power against Bacillus cereus, which shows high resistance, as compared with the condensed functional liquid obtained by condensing the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid as in Comparative Example 2-2. In other words, it can be seen that by bubbling the mist functional liquid into a solvent, a plasma functional liquid exhibiting a high bactericidal power can be obtained.

[0094] Further, according to FIGS. 11 and 12, the plasma functional liquid obtained by bubbling plasma gas into a solvent using the bubbling filter 41 as in Example 2-1 exhibits a high bactericidal power against Bacillus cereus, which shows high resistance, as compared with the plasma functional liquid obtained by bubbling plasma gas into a solvent without using the bubbling filter 41 as in Example 2-2. In other words, it can be seen that by bubbling with air bubbles 43 of 100 μm or less using a ceramic filter, a plasma functional liquid exhibiting a high bactericidal power can be obtained.

[0095] <Experimental Example 3> Next, a comparative experiment was conducted between the plasma functional liquid (Example 3) generated using the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10A and physiological saline (Comparative Example 3) with respect to the bactericidal effect (virus inactivation effect) against influenza virus.

[0096] · Generation procedure of the plasma functional liquid according to Example 3 First, using the oxygen-rich gas with an oxygen concentration of 90% and a flow rate of 6 L / min generated by an oxygen concentrator, a plasma gas was generated by a plasma head 20. Next, an ultrasonic nebulizer 33 atomized 400 ml of deionized water in the plasma gas supplied to a mist chamber 30 to generate a mist functional liquid 35. Thereafter, a bubbling filter 41 bubbled the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid 35 into 50 ml of deionized water in a functional liquid generation chamber 40 for 30 seconds to generate a plasma functional liquid 44. Note that the plasma head 20, the ultrasonic nebulizer 33, and the bubbling filter 41 were the same as those in Example 1-1.

[0097] · Procedure of Comparative Experiment 1 mL of a virus solution of influenza virus H1N1 (Iowa strain) was inoculated into 10 mL of the plasma functional liquid (test group) according to Example 3 and 10 mL of physiological saline (control group) according to Comparative Example 3, and the virus titers of the influenza virus at 0 minutes and 3 minutes after inoculation in the test group and the control group were measured.

[0098] The virus titer was measured by inoculating 0.1 mL each of the plasma functional liquid and physiological saline diluted 10-fold at 0 minutes after inoculation and 3 minutes after inoculation into MDCK cells, culturing them at 5% CO2 and 37 °C for 5 days, and then checking for the presence or absence of a cytopathic effect. Note that for 0 minutes after contact, the virus titers of influenza in the test group and the control group were considered equal, and the virus titer of influenza was measured only for the control group, and the measurement of the virus titer of influenza in the test group was omitted. FIG. 15 is a logarithmic graph showing the virus titers of influenza in the test group and the control group.

[0099] According to FIG. 15, it can be seen that in the control group, the virus titer of the influenza virus decreased by about half within 3 minutes after inoculation, while in the test group, the virus titer of the influenza virus decreased to about 1 / 1000 within 3 minutes after contact. That is, it can be seen that the plasma functional liquid according to Example 3 has an excellent bactericidal effect (virus inactivating effect) against the influenza virus.

[0100] <Experimental Example 4> Next, a comparative experiment was conducted between the plasma functional liquid (Example 4) generated using the plasma functional liquid production apparatus 10A and physiological saline (Comparative Example 4) regarding the bactericidal effect (virus inactivating effect) against feline calicivirus. The plasma functional liquid according to Example 4 was generated by the same procedure as the plasma functional liquid according to Example 3.

[0101] ·Procedure of the comparative experiment 1 mL of the virus solution of feline calicivirus H1N1 (F-9 strain) was inoculated into 10 mL of the plasma functional liquid (test group) according to Example 4 and 10 mL of physiological saline (control group) according to Comparative Example 3, and the virus titers of feline calicivirus at 0 minutes and 3 minutes after inoculation in the test group and the control group were measured.

[0102] The virus titer was measured by inoculating 0.1 mL each of the plasma functional liquid and physiological saline diluted 10-fold at 0 minutes and 3 minutes after inoculation into CRFK cells, culturing them at 5% CO2 and 37 °C for 5 days, and then checking for the presence or absence of cytopathic effect. For 0 minutes after contact, the virus titers of feline calicivirus in the test group and the control group were considered equal, and the virus titer of feline calicivirus was measured only for the control group, and the measurement of the virus titer of feline calicivirus in the test group was omitted. Fig. 16 is a logarithmic graph showing the virus titers of feline calicivirus in the test group and the control group.

[0103] According to Fig. 16, it can be seen that in the control group, no significant decrease in the virus titer of feline calicivirus was confirmed within 3 minutes after inoculation, while in the test group, the virus titer of feline calicivirus decreased to about 1 / 1000 within 3 minutes after contact. That is, it can be seen that the plasma functional liquid according to Example 4 has an excellent bactericidal effect (virus inactivating effect) against feline calicivirus.

[0104] In addition, the present invention can be variously modified other than the above as long as it does not depart from the spirit of the present invention, and it is natural that the present invention extends to those modified ones.

[0105] In addition, each of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined with each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1A~1B: Plant 2: Cultivation tank, 2a: Container, 2b: Support part 3: Cultivation container 4: Humidifier, 5: Filter, 6: Fan, 7: Housing, 8: Exhaust port 10A~10C: Plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus 20: Plasma head, 21: Compressor, 22: Gas flow path, 23: First electrode, 24: Second electrode, 25: Power supply 30: Mist chamber, 31: Liquid, 32: Mist generation region, 33: Ultrasonic nebulizer, 34: Mist liquid, 35: Mist functional liquid, 36: Mist supply path 40: Functional liquid generation chamber, 41: Bubbling filter, 42: Solvent, 43: Bubbles, 44: Plasma functional liquid, 45: Liquid supply path 50: Functional liquid generation chamber, 51: Bubbling filter, 52: Solvent, 53: Bubbles, 54: Plasma functional liquid, 55: Mist generation region, 56: Ultrasonic nebulizer, 57: Mist plasma functional liquid, 58: Mist discharge path, 59: Spray head 60: Functional liquid recovery chamber, 61: Condenser, 62: Condensed functional liquid

Claims

1. A plasma gas generation unit that generates a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, A mist functional liquid generation unit that atomizes a predetermined liquid in the plasma gas to generate a mist functional liquid, A plasma functional liquid generation unit that introduces the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid into a solvent in a bubble state to generate a plasma functional liquid, A plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus, characterized by comprising the above.

2. A plasma gas generation unit that generates a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, A plasma functional liquid generation unit that atomizes a solvent into which the plasma gas in a bubble state is introduced to generate a mist-like plasma functional liquid, A plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus, characterized by comprising the above.

3. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a condensed functional liquid recovery unit that condenses the mist-like plasma functional liquid to generate a condensed functional liquid.

4. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen concentration of the plasma generation gas is 90% or more and 95% or less.

5. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cultivation tank for hydroponically cultivating plants, wherein the plasma functional liquid is supplied to a solvent that immerses the root part of the plants, A plant cultivation plant, characterized by comprising the above.

6. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cultivation container for cultivating plants, wherein the plasma functional liquid is dropped or sprayed onto the plants, A plant cultivation plant, characterized by comprising the above.

7. The plasma functional liquid manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A discharge part capable of discharging the plasma functional liquid into the atmosphere, and a device characterized by comprising the same.

8. generating a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, atomizing a predetermined liquid in the plasma gas to generate a mist functional liquid, and a method for producing a plasma functional liquid, characterized by introducing the plasma gas containing the mist functional liquid into a solvent in a bubble state to generate the plasma functional liquid.

9. generating a plasma gas containing active species from a plasma generation gas, and a method for producing a plasma functional liquid, characterized by atomizing a solvent into which the plasma gas in a bubble state is introduced to generate a mist-like plasma functional liquid.

10. The method for producing a plasma functional liquid according to claim 9, characterized by condensing the mist-like plasma functional liquid to generate a condensed functional liquid.

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