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 fluid flowing in 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 an ultrasonic wave generating part 40. The ultrasonic wave generating part 40 has a piezoelectric body 41 composed of ceramic, a first electrode 42 and a second electrode 43. When an AC voltage is applied between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43, the ultrasonic wave generating part 40 generates ultrasonic waves in the flow channel FP. At least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow channel FP is composed of the piezoelectric body 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a microparticle separator 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, the red blood cells move to the center of the microchannel by the acoustic force. As a result, cell-free plasma remains in the region near 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, when an acoustic transducer that generates an acoustic wave vibrates, the temperature of the acoustic transducer rises. When the temperature of the acoustic transducer rises, a change occurs in the characteristics (for example, natural frequency) of the acoustic transducer, which may have an adverse effect on the performance of separating particles. Such a problem is common in a configuration including an ultrasonic generation unit that generates ultrasonic waves in a flow path.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for easily releasing the heat of an ultrasonic generation unit to a fluid flowing in a flow path.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The microparticle separator of the present disclosure is a microparticle separator that separates microparticles contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, A piezoelectric body made of ceramics, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and an ultrasonic generating unit that generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path when an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path is constituted by the piezoelectric body.

[0007] The fine particle separation and recovery device of the present disclosure is The fine particle separation device of the present disclosure, A filter provided upstream of the fine particle separation device, A recovery unit provided downstream of the fine particle separation device, A guide flow path for guiding the fine particles separated by the fine particle separation device to the recovery unit, And a discharge flow path for discharging the fluid after the fine particles are removed.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique for easily dissipating the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit to the fluid flowing in the flow path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

Figure 9

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 for separating fine particles contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, comprising a piezoelectric body made of ceramics, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and an ultrasonic generating unit that generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path when an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path is constituted by the piezoelectric body Fine particle separator.

[0012] According to this configuration, since the piezoelectric body, which is a heat source, directly contacts the fluid, it is easy to release the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit to the fluid flowing in the flow path.

[0013] 〔2〕The flow path is formed by a through hole penetrating the ultrasonic generating unit The fine particle separator according to 〔1〕.

[0014] According to this configuration, since the contact area between the ultrasonic generating unit and the fluid is likely to increase, it is easier to release the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit.

[0015] 〔3〕The wall surface constituting the flow path is further constituted by at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode The fine particle separator according to 〔1〕.

[0016] According to this configuration, it is easier to reduce the thickness of the piezoelectric body compared to the configuration in which the through hole penetrates the piezoelectric body.

[0017] 〔4〕The piezoelectric body and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed by an adhesive. 〔1〕The fine particle separation device according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔3〕.

[0018] According to this configuration, the contact state between the piezoelectric body and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is likely to be stable.

[0019] 〔5〕The through hole penetrates the piezoelectric body. 〔2〕The fine particle separation device according to 〔2〕.

[0020] According to this configuration, since the contact area between the piezoelectric body and the fluid becomes larger, it is easier to release the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit.

[0021] 〔6〕The piezoelectric body is formed of potassium sodium niobate. 〔1〕The fine particle separation device according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔5〕.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 〔7〕A plurality of the flow paths are formed in the ultrasonic generating unit. 〔1〕The fine particle separation device according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔6〕.

[0024] According to this configuration, since fine particles can be separated in each flow path, it is possible to improve the performance of separating fine particles while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0025] 〔8〕The fine particle separation device according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔7〕, a filter provided upstream of the fine particle separation device, a recovery unit provided downstream of the fine particle separation device, a guide flow path for guiding the fine particles separated by the fine particle separation device to the recovery unit, A particulate separation and recovery device comprising a discharge channel for discharging the fluid after the particulates have been removed.

[0026] 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 into 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.

[0027] [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, etc.

[0028] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 disclose a particulate separation and recovery device 1 including a particulate separation device 10. The particulate separation and recovery device 1 separates particulates contained in the fluid flowing through the 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.

[0029] 1-1. Configuration of Particulate Separation and Recovery Device 1 The particulate separation and recovery device 1 includes an introduction unit 20, a filter 21, a branch unit 22, a recovery unit 23, a guide channel 24, and a discharge channel 25.

[0030] The introduction unit 20, the filter 21, the branch unit 22, and the particulate separation device 10 constitute the flow path FP. The introduction unit 20, the filter 21, the branch unit 22, and the particulate separation device 10 are arranged in order from the upstream side of the flow path FP.

[0031] 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 fine particle separator 10 separates fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through each of the branched branch flow paths FPB.

[0032] The recovery part 23 is provided on the downstream side of the fine particle separator 10. The guide flow path 24 guides the fine particles separated by the fine particle separator 10 to the recovery part 23. The guide flow path 24 is constituted by, for example, an elongated cylindrical (for example, cylindrical) member. The discharge flow path 25 is provided for discharging the fluid after the fine particles have been removed by the guide flow path 24.

[0033] 1-2. Configuration of the fine particle separator 10 The fine particle separator 10 separates fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. As shown in FIG. 3, the fine particle separator 10 includes an ultrasonic generator 40.

[0034] The ultrasonic generator 40 has 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 are made of metal. 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 first electrode 42 is fixed to the piezoelectric body 41 by an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive). 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. The second electrode 43 is fixed to the piezoelectric body 41 by an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive).

[0035] The piezoelectric body 41 is formed with through holes 50. The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the through holes 50 is circular. The through holes 50 penetrate the piezoelectric body 41 in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the piezoelectric body 41, the first electrode 42, and the second electrode 43. A plurality of through holes 50 are provided. The plurality of through holes 50 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the penetrating direction of the through holes 50 and the stacking direction. Each through hole 50 constitutes a branched flow path FPB branched at the branch portion 22. That is, at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path FP (specifically, FPB) is constituted by the piezoelectric body 41.

[0036] 1-3. Operation and Effect of the Fine Particle Separation and Recovery Apparatus 1 The suspension introduced into the introduction section 20 has large foreign matters removed by the filter 21 and is supplied to each branched flow path FPB.

[0037] An AC voltage based on the power supply P is applied between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 of the ultrasonic generation section 40. The power supply P may use a general commercially available high-frequency generation power supply. The power input to the power supply P may be commercial power or power supplied from a battery. When an AC voltage is applied between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43, the piezoelectric body 41 vibrates. The ultrasonic generation section 40 generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path FP (specifically, the branched flow path FPB) due to the vibration of the piezoelectric body 41. The ultrasonic generation section 40 generates ultrasonic waves (specifically, standing waves) so as to focus fine particles in a predetermined region (the center in this embodiment) of the branched flow path FPB. In this embodiment, the width of the branched flow path FPB is set to be equal to the half wavelength of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generation section 40.

[0038] 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, 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.

[0039] As described above, at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path FP is constituted by the piezoelectric body 41. According to this configuration, since the piezoelectric body 41 which is a heat source directly contacts the fluid, it is easy to release the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit 40 to the fluid flowing in the flow path FP.

[0040] Further, the flow path FP is formed by a through hole 50 penetrating the ultrasonic generating unit 40. According to this configuration, since the contact area between the ultrasonic generating unit 40 and the fluid 90 is likely to increase, it is easier to release the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit 40.

[0041] Further, the piezoelectric body 41, the first electrode 42, and the second electrode 43 are fixed by an adhesive. According to this configuration, the contact state between the piezoelectric body 41, the first electrode 42, and the second electrode 43 is likely to be stabilized.

[0042] Further, the through hole 50 penetrates the piezoelectric body 41. According to this configuration, since the contact area between the piezoelectric body 41 and the fluid 90 becomes larger, it is easier to release the heat of the ultrasonic generating unit 40.

[0043] Further, a plurality of flow paths FP (specifically, branch flow paths FPB) are formed in the ultrasonic generating unit 40. According to this configuration, since fine particles can be separated in each branch flow path FPB, it is possible to improve the performance of separating fine particles while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0044] In addition, before the fine particle separation device 1 separates fine particles in the fine particle separation device 10, large foreign matters in the fluid 90 can be removed by the filter 21. Further, the fine particles separated by the fine particle separation device 10 can be caused to flow through the guide channel 24 and collected by the collection unit 23. Further, the fluid after the fine particles are removed can be discharged from the discharge channel 25.

[0045] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the through-hole penetrated the piezoelectric body. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a configuration in which the through-hole penetrates between the piezoelectric body and the electrode will be described. Note that, in the second embodiment, only the fine particle separation device will be described.

[0046] The fine particle separation device 210 of 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 an ultrasonic generation unit 240.

[0047] The ultrasonic generation 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 are made of metal. The first electrode 242 is provided on one surface of the piezoelectric body 241. The first electrode 242 is fixed to the piezoelectric body 241 with an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive). 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. The second electrode 243 is fixed to the piezoelectric body 241 with an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive).

[0048] The ultrasonic generating unit 240 is formed with a through-hole 250. The through-hole 250 is formed between the piezoelectric body 241 and the first electrode 242. The through-hole 250 is formed by a space formed between the surface of the piezoelectric body 241 and a groove 242A formed in the first electrode 242. The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 250 is rectangular. The through-hole 250 penetrates the ultrasonic generating unit 240 in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the piezoelectric body 241, the first electrode 242, and the second electrode 243. A plurality of through-holes 250 are provided. The plurality of through-holes 250 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the penetrating direction of the through-hole 250 and the stacking direction. Each through-hole 250 constitutes a branched flow path FPB branched at the branch portion 22. That is, at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path FP (specifically, FPB) is constituted by the piezoelectric body 241.

[0049] As described above, the wall surface constituting the flow path FP is constituted by the first electrode 242. According to this configuration, it is easier to reduce the thickness of the piezoelectric body 241 compared to the configuration in which the through-hole 50 penetrates the piezoelectric body 41 as in the first embodiment.

[0050] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, another example in which the through-hole penetrates between the piezoelectric body and the electrode 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 second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0051] The fine particle separator 310 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 separates fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separator 310 includes an ultrasonic generating unit 340.

[0052] The ultrasonic generating unit 340 has a configuration in which the piezoelectric body 241 and the first electrode 242 are alternately stacked on the second electrode 243. According to this configuration, a plurality of flow paths can be formed also in the stacking direction, and the performance of separating fine particles can be further improved.

[0053] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, another example in which the through hole penetrates between the piezoelectric body and the electrode 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.

[0054] 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 an ultrasonic generation unit 440.

[0055] The ultrasonic generation 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 is formed of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 441 is formed of, for example, potassium sodium niobate. The first electrode 442 and the second electrode 443 are made of metal. The first electrode 442 is provided on one surface of the piezoelectric body 441. The first electrode 442 is fixed to the piezoelectric body 441 with an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive). 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. The second electrode 443 is fixed to the piezoelectric body 441 with an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive).

[0056] The ultrasonic generating unit 440 is formed with a through hole 450. The through hole 450 is formed between the piezoelectric body 441 and the first electrode 442. The through hole 450 is formed by a space between a groove 441A formed in the piezoelectric body 441 and the surface of the first electrode 442. The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 450 is rectangular. The through hole 450 penetrates the ultrasonic generating unit 440 in a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction of the piezoelectric body 441, the first electrode 442, and the second electrode 443. A plurality of through holes 450 are provided. The plurality of through holes 450 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the penetrating direction of the through hole 450 and the lamination direction. Each through hole 450 constitutes a branched flow path FPB branched at the branch portion 22. That is, at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path FP (specifically, FPB) is constituted by the piezoelectric body 441.

[0057] As described above, the wall surface constituting the flow path FP is constituted by the first electrode 442. According to this configuration, it is easier to reduce the thickness of the piezoelectric body 441 compared to the configuration in which the through hole 450 penetrates the piezoelectric body 441 as in the first embodiment.

[0058] <Fifth Embodiment> In the fifth embodiment, another example in which the through hole penetrates the ultrasonic generating unit will be described. In the fifth embodiment, only the fine particle separator will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0059] The fine particle separator 510 according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 separates fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separator 510 includes an ultrasonic generating unit 540.

[0060] The ultrasonic generating unit 540 includes a plurality of piezoelectric bodies 541, a plurality of first electrodes 542, and a plurality of second electrodes 543. The piezoelectric body 541 vibrates when a voltage is applied. The piezoelectric body 541 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The piezoelectric body 541 is formed of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 541 is formed of, for example, potassium sodium niobate. The first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543 are made of metal. The contact surfaces of the piezoelectric body 541, the first electrode 542, and the second electrode 543 with each other are fixed by an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive).

[0061] The ultrasonic generating unit 540 has a structure in which the piezoelectric body 541, the first electrode 542, and the second electrode 543 are laminated. The first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543 are alternately arranged in the lamination direction. In the present embodiment, the total number of electrode layers formed by the first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543 is four. Note that the number of electrode layers may not be four, and may be five or more. The piezoelectric body 541 is arranged between the first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543 in the lamination direction. A plate-shaped first electrode 542 is arranged at one end in the lamination direction. A plate-shaped second electrode 543 is arranged at the other end in the lamination direction. Hereinafter, among the first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543, those excluding the first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543 at both ends are referred to as the inner first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543. The inner first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543 each include a plurality of electrode members 544. Each electrode member 544 extends in a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction. The plurality of electrode members 544 are arranged at intervals in the lamination direction and in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the electrode member 544. A through hole 550 is formed by the space formed between the electrode members 544 and between the piezoelectric bodies 541.

[0062] The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 550 is rectangular. The through-hole 550 penetrates the ultrasonic generating section 540 in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the piezoelectric body 541, the first electrode 542, and the second electrode 543. A plurality of through-holes 550 are provided. The plurality of through-holes 550 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the penetrating direction of the through-hole 550. Each through-hole 550 constitutes a branch flow path FPB branched at the branch section 22. That is, at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path FP (specifically, FPB) is constituted by the piezoelectric body 541.

[0063] The second electrode 543 is electrically connected to, for example, ground. A power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode 542, for example. The ultrasonic generating section 540 generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path FP (specifically, the branch flow path FPB) when an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode 542 and the second electrode 543.

[0064] <Sixth Embodiment> In the sixth embodiment, another example in which the through-hole penetrates the ultrasonic generating section will be described. In the sixth embodiment, only the fine particle separator will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0065] The fine particle separator 610 according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 9 separates fine particles contained in the fluid flowing through the flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separator 610 includes an ultrasonic generating section 640.

[0066] The ultrasonic generating section 640 includes a plurality of piezoelectric bodies 641, a plurality of first electrodes 642, and a plurality of second electrodes 643. The piezoelectric body 641 vibrates when a voltage is applied. The piezoelectric body 641 is formed of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 641 is formed of, for example, potassium sodium niobate. The first electrode 642 and the second electrode 643 are made of metal. The contact surfaces of the piezoelectric body 641, the first electrode 642, and the second electrode 643 with each other are fixed by an adhesive (for example, an epoxy-based adhesive).

[0067] The ultrasonic generating unit 640 has a structure in which a first electrode 642, a piezoelectric body 641, a second electrode 643, a piezoelectric body 641, and a first electrode 642 are laminated in this order. A through hole 650 is formed in the ultrasonic generating unit 640. The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 650 is circular. The through hole 650 penetrates the ultrasonic generating unit 640 in a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction of the piezoelectric body 641, the first electrode 642, and the second electrode 643. The through hole 650 penetrates the second electrode 643 and a part of the piezoelectric body 641 disposed on both sides of the second electrode 643. A plurality of through holes 650 are provided. The plurality of through holes 650 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the penetration direction of the through hole 650 and the lamination direction. Further, the through holes 650 are also arranged at intervals in the lamination direction. The through holes 650 adjacent to each other in the lamination direction are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the orthogonal direction. Each through hole 650 constitutes a branch flow path FPB branched at the branch portion 22. That is, at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path FP (specifically, FPB) is constituted by the piezoelectric body 641.

[0068] The second electrode 643 is electrically connected to, for example, ground. A power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode 642, for example. The ultrasonic generating unit 640 generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path FP (specifically, the branch flow path FPB) when an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode 642 and the second electrode 643.

[0069] <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. Further, 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 with each other.

[0070] (1) The ultrasonic generating unit may include a diaphragm. (2) The number of through holes is not limited and may be, for example, one. (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 in the direction of fluid flow. For example, the fine particle separation and recovery device may be configured to further flow the drainage in the guide channel where the fine particles are concentrated to another cylindrical part to concentrate the fine particles. Also, the drainage in the guide channel where the fine particles are concentrated may be temporarily stored and then flowed back into the same cylindrical part again.

[0071] It should be considered that all aspects of the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative 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 are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1... Fine particle separation and recovery device 10... Fine particle separation device 20... Introduction part 21... Filter 22... Branch part 23... Recovery part 24... Guide channel 25... Discharge channel 40... Ultrasonic generator 41... Piezoelectric body 42... First electrode 43... Second electrode 50... Through hole 90... Fluid 91... Fine particle 210... Fine particle separation device 240... Ultrasonic generator 241... Piezoelectric body 242... First electrode 242A... Groove 243... Second electrode 250... Through hole 310... Fine particle separation device 340... Ultrasonic generator 410... Fine particle separation device 440... Ultrasonic generator 441... Piezoelectric body 441A... Groove 442... First electrode 443…Second electrode 450…Through-hole 510…Particle separator 540…Ultrasonic generator 541…Piezoelectric body 542…First electrode 543…Second electrode 544…Electrode member 550…Through-hole 610…Particle separator 640…Ultrasonic generator 641…Piezoelectric body 642…First electrode 643…Second electrode 650…Through-hole FP…Flow path FPB…Branched flow path P…Power supply

Claims

1. A particulate separation device for separating particulates contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, comprising: a piezoelectric body made of ceramics, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and an ultrasonic generation unit that generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path when an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode; at least a part of the wall surface constituting the flow path is constituted by the piezoelectric body Particulate separation device.

2. The flow path is formed by a through hole penetrating the ultrasonic generation unit The particulate separation device according to claim 1.

3. The wall surface constituting the flow path is further constituted by at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode The particulate separation device according to claim 1.

4. The piezoelectric body and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed by an adhesive The particulate separation device according to claim 1.

5. The through hole penetrates the piezoelectric body The particulate separation device according to claim 2.

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

7. A plurality of the flow paths are formed in the ultrasonic generation unit The particulate separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The particulate separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a filter provided upstream of the particulate separation device, a recovery unit provided downstream of the particulate separation device, a guide flow path for guiding the particulates separated by the particulate separation device to the recovery unit, and a discharge flow path for discharging the fluid after the particulates are removed. A particulate separation and recovery device.

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