Fine particle separation device, and fine particle separation recovery device

Abstract

To provide a technique of easily releasing heat of an ultrasonic generation part to a cylindrical cylinder part constituting a flow channel.SOLUTION: A fine particle separation device 10 separates fine particles 91 contained in fluid 90 flowing in a flow channel FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separation device 10 includes a cylinder part 30, and an ultrasonic wave generating part 40. The cylinder part 30 has a cylindrical shape, the ultrasonic wave generating part 40 forming the flow channel FP by an inner peripheral surface 31 comes in contact with an outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylinder part 30, and has at least a piezoelectric body 41 and a pair of electrodes 42 and 43. The outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylinder part 30 continuously comes in contact with the ultrasonic wave generating part 40 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder part 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a microparticle separation device and a microparticle separation and recovery device.

Background Art

[0002] FIGS. 4A and 4B of Patent Document 1 disclose an acoustic structure system for separating red blood cells from whole blood and generating a fluid free of red blood cells. In this system, when an acoustic standing wave is introduced into a microchannel, red blood cells move to the center of the microchannel by the acoustic force. As a result, cell-free plasma remains in the region close to the microchannel wall.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, the temperature of the acoustic transducer that generates acoustic waves rises due to the vibration of the acoustic transducer. When the temperature of the acoustic transducer rises, changes occur in the characteristics (e.g., natural frequency) of the acoustic transducer, which may adversely affect the performance of separating particles. Therefore, it is conceivable to release the heat of the acoustic transducer to the microchannel. However, when the member constituting the microchannel is cylindrical, the contact area between the member constituting the microchannel and the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped acoustic transducer becomes small. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to transfer the heat of the acoustic transducer provided on the outer periphery of the microchannel to the microchannel. Such a problem is common in a configuration in which an ultrasonic generating unit is brought into contact with a cylindrical tube portion constituting a flow path.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a technique for easily dissipating the heat of an ultrasonic generating unit to a cylindrical tube portion that constitutes a flow path.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The particulate separation device of the present disclosure is a particulate separation device that separates particulates contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, a cylindrical tube portion that forms the flow path with its inner peripheral surface, and an ultrasonic generating unit that abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion and has at least a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes. The outer peripheral surface of the tube portion is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generating unit in the circumferential direction of the tube portion.

[0007] The particulate separation and recovery device of the present disclosure is the particulate separation device of the present disclosure, a filter provided upstream of the particulate separation device, a recovery unit provided downstream of the particulate separation device, a guide flow path that guides the particulates separated by the particulate separation device to the recovery unit, and a discharge flow path for discharging the fluid after the particulates have been removed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique for easily dissipating the heat of an ultrasonic generating unit to a cylindrical tube portion that constitutes a flow path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and exemplified.

[0011] 〔1〕A fine particle separator that separates fine particles contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, a cylindrical tube portion that forms the flow path by its inner peripheral surface, an ultrasonic wave generating unit that abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion and has at least a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes, the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic wave generating unit in the circumferential direction of the tube portion Fine particle separator.

[0012] According to this configuration, the contact area between the tube portion and the ultrasonic wave generating unit is likely to increase. Therefore, the heat of the ultrasonic wave generating unit is likely to be transmitted to the tube portion, and it is easy to release the heat of the ultrasonic wave generating unit to the tube portion. Note that "being in continuous contact in the circumferential direction" means a state in which 5% or more of the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion is in continuous contact in the circumferential direction.

[0013] 〔2〕A groove curved along the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion is formed in the ultrasonic wave generating unit, the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion is in continuous contact with the groove in the circumferential direction The fine particle separator according to 〔1〕.

[0014] According to this configuration, the contact area between the tube portion and the ultrasonic wave generating unit can be increased without providing a flat surface on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion.

[0015] 〔3〕The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion has a flat surface, and the flat surface is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generating portion in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. The fine particle separation device according to [1].

[0016] According to this configuration, the contact area between the cylindrical portion and the ultrasonic generating portion can be increased without forming a groove in the ultrasonic generating portion.

[0017] 〔4〕A through hole for accommodating the cylindrical portion is formed in the ultrasonic generating portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole over the entire circumference. The fine particle separation device according to [1].

[0018] According to this configuration, since the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion can be brought into contact with the ultrasonic generating portion over the entire circumference, the contact area between the cylindrical portion and the ultrasonic generating portion can be further increased.

[0019] 〔5〕The piezoelectric body is formed of potassium sodium niobate. The fine particle separation device according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0020] Although there is a concern about lead elution in a piezoelectric body formed of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), according to this configuration, there is no concern about lead elution.

[0021] 〔6〕A plurality of the cylindrical portions are provided, and the outer peripheral surface of each of the cylindrical portions is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generating portion in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. The fine particle separation device according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0022] According to this configuration, since fine particles can be separated by each cylindrical portion, it is easy to improve the performance of separating fine particles. Moreover, since a plurality of cylindrical portions are brought into contact with one ultrasonic generating portion, an increase in the number of parts can be easily suppressed.

[0023] 〔7〕A particulate separation device according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔6〕, a filter provided upstream of the particulate separation device, a recovery unit provided downstream of the particulate separation device, a guide channel for guiding the particulates separated by the particulate separation device to the recovery unit, and a discharge channel for discharging the fluid after the particulates have been removed, a particulate separation and recovery device.

[0024] According to this configuration, large foreign matters in the fluid can be removed by the filter at a stage prior to separating the particulates by the particulate separation device. Further, the particulates separated by the particulate separation device can be caused to flow through the guide channel and recovered by the recovery unit. Further, the fluid after the particulates have been removed can be discharged from the discharge channel.

[0025] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] The technology of the present disclosure is used in the environmental industry, food industry, chemical industry, etc. In the environmental industry, it is used for waste treatment and water treatment. Specifically, it is used for the recovery of microplastics, the treatment of sludge, oil separation, etc. In the food industry, it is used for solid-liquid separation to separate excess liquid and solid from raw materials during food processing. Specifically, it is used for squeezing juice of fruits and separating milk fat from dairy products. In the chemical industry, it is used for the purification of reaction products, by-products, raw materials, etc. Specifically, it is used for the purification of fats and oils.

[0026] <First Embodiment> In FIGS. 1 and 2, a particulate separation and recovery device 1 including a particulate separation device 10 is disclosed. The particulate separation and recovery device 1 separates particulates contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path FP by the particulate separation device 10 and recovers the separated particulates. The particulates are not limited to spherical shapes and include, for example, fibrous shapes. The flow path FP extends along the direction of gravity. The fluid in the flow path FP flows in the direction of gravity.

[0027] 1-1. Configuration of Particulate Separation and Recovery Device 1 The microparticle separation and recovery device 1 includes an introduction part 20, a filter 21, a branching part 22, a recovery part 23, a guide channel 24, and a discharge channel 25.

[0028] The introduction part 20, the filter 21, the branching part 22, and the microparticle separation device 10 constitute a flow path FP. The introduction part 20, the filter 21, the branching part 22, and the microparticle separation device 10 are arranged in order from the upstream side of the flow path FP.

[0029] The introduction part 20 is the part where the suspension is introduced. The filter 21 removes larger foreign matters contained in the suspension. The branching part 22 branches the flow path FP. The microparticle separation device 10 separates the microparticles contained in the fluid flowing through the branched flow path FPB in each of the branched flow paths FPB.

[0030] The recovery part 23 is provided on the downstream side of the microparticle separation device 10. The guide channel 24 guides the microparticles separated by the microparticle separation device 10 to the recovery part 23. The guide channel 24 is constituted by, for example, an elongated cylindrical (for example, cylindrical) member. The discharge channel 25 is provided to discharge the fluid after the microparticles are removed by the guide channel 24.

[0031] 1-2. Structure of the microparticle separation device 10 The microparticle separation device 10 separates the microparticles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. As shown in FIG. 3, the microparticle separation device 10 includes a cylindrical part 30 and an ultrasonic generation part 40.

[0032] The cylindrical part 30 has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical part 30 is made of, for example, metal. The cylindrical part 30 constitutes the flow path FP by its inner peripheral surface 31. The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface 31 of the cylindrical part 30 is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylindrical part 30 is circular. A plurality of cylindrical parts 30 are provided. Each cylindrical part 30 constitutes the branched flow path FPB branched by the branching part 22. The plurality of cylindrical parts 30 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the cylindrical part 30.

[0033] The ultrasonic generating unit 40 includes a piezoelectric body 41, a first electrode 42, and a second electrode 43. The piezoelectric body 41 vibrates when a voltage is applied. The piezoelectric body 41 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The piezoelectric body 41 is formed of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 41 is formed of, for example, potassium sodium niobate. Although there is a concern about lead elution in a piezoelectric body formed of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), according to this configuration, there is no concern about lead elution. The first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 correspond to an example of a pair of electrodes. The first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 have a plate shape. The first electrode 42 is provided on one surface of the piezoelectric body 41. The second electrode 43 is provided on the other surface of the piezoelectric body 41. The second electrode 43 is provided on the surface of the piezoelectric body 41 opposite to the first electrode 42 side.

[0034] The ultrasonic generating unit 40 (specifically, the first electrode 42) abuts on the outer peripheral surface 32 of each cylindrical portion 30. The ultrasonic generating unit 40 may or may not be fixed to the cylindrical portion 30. The fixing method is not particularly limited. The fixing method may be, for example, fixing with an adhesive (for example, an epoxy resin adhesive). A groove 40A curved along the outer peripheral surface 32 of each cylindrical portion 30 is formed in the ultrasonic generating unit 40 (specifically, the first electrode 42). The outer peripheral surface 32 of each cylindrical portion 30 is fitted into the groove 40A, so that the outer peripheral surface 32 is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generating unit 40 (specifically, the first electrode 42) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 30.

[0035] 1-3. Operation and Effect of the Fine Particle Separation and Recovery Apparatus 1 The suspension introduced into the introduction unit 20 has large foreign matters removed by the filter 21 and is supplied to each branch flow path FPB.

[0036] An alternating voltage based on the power supply P is applied between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 of the ultrasonic generating unit 40. The power supply P may use a general commercially available high-frequency generating power supply. The power input to the power supply P may be the power supplied from a commercial power supply or the power supplied from a battery. When an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43, the piezoelectric body 41 vibrates. The ultrasonic generating unit 40 generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path FP (specifically, the branch flow path FPB) due to the vibration of the piezoelectric body 41. The ultrasonic generating unit 40 generates ultrasonic waves (specifically, standing waves) so as to focus the fine particles on a predetermined region (the center in this embodiment) of the branch flow path FPB. In this embodiment, the width of the branch flow path FPB is set to be half the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generating unit 40.

[0037] When the ultrasonic generating unit 40 generates ultrasonic waves, as shown in FIG. 4, the fine particles 91 contained in the fluid 90 (for example, a liquid) flowing through the branch flow path FPB are separated to a predetermined region (the center in this embodiment) of the branch flow path FPB. The separated fine particles 91 enter the inlet of the guide flow path 24 arranged in a predetermined region (the center in this embodiment) of the branch flow path FPB and are sent to the recovery unit 23 through the guide flow path 24. Thereby, the fine particles 91 in the fluid 90 are removed. The fluid after the fine particles 91 are removed by the guide flow path 24 is discharged through the discharge flow path 25.

[0038] As described above, the outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylindrical portion 30 is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generating unit 40 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 30. According to this configuration, the contact area between the cylindrical portion 30 and the ultrasonic generating unit 40 is likely to be large. For this reason, the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit 40 is likely to be transmitted to the cylindrical portion 30, and it is easy to release the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit 40 to the cylindrical portion 30.

[0039] Further, a groove 40A curved along the outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylindrical portion 30 is formed in the ultrasonic generating unit 40. And the outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylindrical portion 30 is in continuous contact with the groove 40A in the circumferential direction. According to this configuration, the contact area between the cylindrical portion 30 and the ultrasonic generating unit 40 can be increased without providing a flat surface on the outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylindrical portion 30.

[0040] Also, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of cylindrical portions 30 are provided. The outer peripheral surface 32 of each cylindrical portion 30 is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generating portion 40 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 30. According to this configuration, since fine particles can be separated by each cylindrical portion 30, it is easy to improve the performance of separating fine particles. Moreover, since a plurality of cylindrical portions 30 are brought into contact with one ultrasonic generating portion 40, it is easy to suppress an increase in the number of parts.

[0041] Further, the fine particle separation and recovery device 1 can remove relatively large foreign matters in the fluid 90 by the filter 21 at a stage prior to separating the fine particles by the fine particle separation device 10. Further, the fine particles separated by the fine particle separation device 10 can be caused to flow into the guide channel 24 and recovered by the recovery portion 23. Further, the fluid after the fine particles are removed can be discharged from the discharge channel 25.

[0042] <Second Embodiment> The contact structure between the cylindrical portion and the ultrasonic generating portion is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the cylindrical portion penetrates the first electrode and fits into the piezoelectric body. In the second embodiment, only the fine particle separation device will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The fine particle separation device 210 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 separates fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separation device 210 includes a cylindrical portion 30 and an ultrasonic generating portion 240.

[0044] The ultrasonic generating unit 240 includes a piezoelectric body 241, a first electrode 242, and a second electrode 243. The piezoelectric body 241 vibrates when a voltage is applied. The piezoelectric body 241 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The piezoelectric body 241 is formed of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 241 is formed of, for example, potassium sodium niobate. The first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243 correspond to an example of a pair of electrodes. The first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243 have a plate shape. The first electrode 242 is provided on one surface of the piezoelectric body 241. The second electrode 243 is provided on the other surface of the piezoelectric body 241. The second electrode 243 is provided on the surface of the piezoelectric body 241 opposite to the first electrode 242 side.

[0045] The ultrasonic generating unit 240 abuts on the outer peripheral surface 32 of each cylinder portion 30. The ultrasonic generating unit 240 may or may not be fixed to the cylinder portion 30. A groove 240A curved along the outer peripheral surface 32 of each cylinder portion 30 is formed in the ultrasonic generating unit 240. The groove 240A penetrates the first electrode 242 and is formed up to the piezoelectric body 241. The outer peripheral surface 32 of each cylinder portion 30 is fitted into the groove 240A, so that the cylinder portion 30 is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generating unit 240 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder portion 30.

[0046] According to this configuration, since the contact area between the ultrasonic generating unit 240 and the cylinder portion 30 becomes larger, the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit 240 is more easily dissipated.

[0047] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the configuration of forming a curved groove in the ultrasonic generating unit has been described. In the third embodiment, a configuration of increasing the contact area between the cylinder portion and the ultrasonic generating unit by forming a flat surface on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder portion will be described. In the third embodiment, only the fine particle separator will be described. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] The fine particle separator 310 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 separates the fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separator 310 includes a cylindrical portion 330 and an ultrasonic generation portion 340.

[0049] The cylindrical portion 330 has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 330 is made of, for example, metal. The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface 331 of the cylindrical portion 330 is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface 332 of the cylindrical portion 330 is formed by a straight line and arcs connecting both ends of the straight line. The outer peripheral surface 332 of the cylindrical portion 330 has a flat surface 333 and curved surfaces 334 continuous with both ends of the flat surface 333 in the circumferential direction. The flat surface 333 corresponds to the straight line portion. The curved surfaces 334 correspond to the arc portions. The cylindrical portion 330 constitutes the flow path FP by the inner peripheral surface 331. A plurality of cylindrical portions 330 are provided. Each cylindrical portion 330 constitutes a branched flow path FPB branched at the branch portion 22. The plurality of cylindrical portions 330 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the cylindrical portion 330.

[0050] The ultrasonic generation portion 340 has a piezoelectric body 341, a first electrode 342, and a second electrode 343. The piezoelectric body 341 vibrates when a voltage is applied. The piezoelectric body 341 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The piezoelectric body 341 is formed of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 341 is formed of, for example, potassium sodium niobate. The first electrode 342 and the second electrode 343 correspond to an example of a pair of electrodes. The first electrode 342 and the second electrode 343 have a plate shape. The first electrode 342 is provided on one surface of the piezoelectric body 341. The second electrode 343 is provided on the other surface of the piezoelectric body 341. The second electrode 343 is provided on the surface of the piezoelectric body 341 opposite to the first electrode 342 side.

[0051] The ultrasonic generating unit 340 (specifically, the first electrode 342) abuts against the outer peripheral surface 332 of each cylindrical portion 330. The ultrasonic generating unit 340 may or may not be fixed to the cylindrical portion 330. The flat surface 333 of each cylindrical portion 330 is in continuous contact with the flat surface of the ultrasonic generating unit 340 (specifically, the first electrode 342) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 330. According to this configuration, the contact area between the cylindrical portion 330 and the ultrasonic generating unit 340 can be increased without forming a groove in the ultrasonic generating unit 340.

[0052] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion contacts the ultrasonic generating unit will be described. In the fourth embodiment, only the fine particle separator will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0053] The fine particle separator 410 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7 separates fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separator 410 includes a cylindrical portion 30 and an ultrasonic generating unit 440.

[0054] The ultrasonic generating unit 440 includes a piezoelectric body 441, a first electrode 442, and a second electrode 443. The piezoelectric body 441 vibrates when a voltage is applied. The piezoelectric body 441 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The piezoelectric body 441 is formed of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 441 is formed of, for example, potassium sodium niobate. The first electrode 442 is provided on one surface of the piezoelectric body 441. The first electrode 442 and the second electrode 443 correspond to an example of a pair of electrodes. The first electrode 442 and the second electrode 443 have a plate shape. The second electrode 443 is provided on the other surface of the piezoelectric body 441. The second electrode 443 is provided on the surface of the piezoelectric body 441 opposite to the first electrode 442 side.

[0055] The ultrasonic generating unit 440 is formed with a through hole 444 for accommodating the cylindrical portion 30. The outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylindrical portion 30 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 445 of the through hole 444 over the entire circumference. According to this configuration, since the outer peripheral surface 32 of the cylindrical portion 30 can be brought into contact with the ultrasonic generating unit 440 over the entire circumference, the contact area between the cylindrical portion 30 and the ultrasonic generating unit 440 can be made larger.

[0056] The ultrasonic generating unit 440 may or may not be fixed to the cylindrical portion 30.

[0057] The cylindrical portion 30 is disposed between the first electrode 442 and the second electrode 443. Therefore, when an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode 442 and the second electrode 443, ultrasonic waves are likely to be generated in the flow path FP within the cylindrical portion 30.

[0058] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Also, various features of the above-described embodiments and the embodiments described below may be combined in any combination as long as they do not conflict.

[0059] (1) The ultrasonic generating unit may include a diaphragm. (2) The number of cylindrical portions may be one, two, or four or more. (3) The direction in which the fluid flows may not be the gravitational direction. (4) The fine particle separation and recovery device may be configured to concentrate fine particles in multiple stages with respect to the direction in which the fluid flows. For example, the fine particle separation and recovery device may be configured to further flow the drained liquid in the guide flow path in which the fine particles are concentrated to another cylindrical portion to concentrate the fine particles. Also, the drained liquid in the guide flow path in which the fine particles are concentrated may be temporarily stored and then flowed again into the same cylindrical portion.

[0060] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed this time, and it is intended that all modifications within the scope indicated by the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0061] 1…Fine Particle Separation and Recovery Device 10…Fine Particle Separation Device 20…Introduction Section 21…Filter 22…Branching Section 23…Recovery Section 24…Guide Flow Path 25…Discharge Flow Path 30…Cylindrical Section 31…Inner Peripheral Surface of Cylindrical Section 32…Outer Peripheral Surface of Cylindrical Section 40…Ultrasonic Generator 40A…Groove 41…Piezoelectric Body 42…First Electrode 43…Second Electrode 90…Fluid 91…Fine Particle 210…Fine Particle Separation Device 240…Ultrasonic Generator 240A…Groove 241…Piezoelectric Body 242…First Electrode 243…Second Electrode 310…Fine Particle Separation Device 330…Cylindrical Section 331…Inner Peripheral Surface of Cylindrical Section 332…Outer Peripheral Surface of Cylindrical Section 333…Flat Surface 334…Curved Surface 340…Ultrasonic Generator 341…Piezoelectric Body 342…First Electrode 343…Second Electrode 410…Fine Particle Separation Device 440…Ultrasonic Generator 441…Piezoelectric Body 442…First Electrode 443…Second electrode 444…Through-hole 445…Inner peripheral surface of the through-hole FP…Flow path FPB…Branched flow path P…Power supply

Claims

1. A particulate separation device that separates particulates contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, comprising: a cylindrical portion that forms the flow path by its inner peripheral surface; and an ultrasonic generation unit that abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and has at least a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generation unit in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. A particulate separation device.

2. A groove that is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is formed in the ultrasonic generation unit, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is in continuous contact with the groove in the circumferential direction. The particulate separation device according to Claim 1.

3. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion has a flat surface, and the flat surface is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generation unit in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. The particulate separation device according to Claim 1.

4. A through hole for accommodating the cylindrical portion is formed in the ultrasonic generation unit, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole over the entire circumference. The particulate separation device according to Claim 1.

5. The piezoelectric body is formed of potassium sodium niobate. The particulate separation device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. A plurality of the cylindrical portions are provided, and the outer peripheral surface of each of the cylindrical portions is in continuous contact with the ultrasonic generation unit in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. The particulate separation device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

7. A particulate separation device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, a filter provided upstream of the particulate separation device, a collection unit provided downstream of the particulate separation device, a guide flow path for guiding the particulates separated by the particulate separation device to the collection unit, and a discharge flow path for discharging the fluid after the particulates are removed. A particulate separation and collection device.

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