Fine particle separator

Abstract

To provide a technique that easily simplifies such a structure as to discharge fluid from which fine particles are separated to outside of a flow channel.SOLUTION: A fine particle separator 10 separates fine particles 91 contained in fluid 90 flowing in a flow channel FP by ultrasonic waves. The fine particle separator 10 includes a wall part 20, and an ultrasonic wave generation part 30. The wall part 20 has a cylindrical shape extending in a first direction and constitutes the flow channel FP therein. In the ultrasonic wave generation part 30, the wall part 20 for generating ultrasonic waves in the flow channel FP has a filtration part 26. The filtration part 26 filters the fluid 90 flowing in the flow channel FP and discharges the fluid 90 to the outside of the wall part 20, in at least one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The ultrasonic wave generation part 30 generates ultrasonic waves so that the fine particles 91 are separated from the filtration part 26 in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a microparticle separator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a solid-liquid separator. This solid-liquid separator includes a flow path through which a stock solution flows. In this flow path, a stationary standing wave generation means and a moving standing wave generation means are provided in order from the upstream side. Particles in the stock solution are captured at nodes of the stationary standing wave generated by the stationary standing wave generation means to form a particle group. The particle group moves to the other flow path wall side along with the periodic displacement of the moving standing wave generated by the moving standing wave generation means from one flow path wall side to the other flow path wall side. The particle group that has moved to the other flow path wall side is taken out from the concentrated particle outlet and separated from the clarified liquid led to the downstream side of the flow path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the flow path is branched into a flow path for taking out the particle group and a flow path for guiding the clarified liquid. In the case of a flow path including such a branching structure, there is a problem that the structure tends to become complicated.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that easily simplifies the structure for discharging the fluid from which microparticles have been separated to the outside of the 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, It has a cylindrical shape extending along a first direction, a wall portion forming the flow path inside, and an ultrasonic generating portion that generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path, wherein the wall portion has a filtering portion on at least one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the filtering portion filtering the fluid flowing through the flow path and discharging it to the outside of the wall portion, and the ultrasonic generating portion generates ultrasonic waves so that the fine particles move away from the filtering portion in the second direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology that easily simplifies the structure for discharging the fluid from which the fine particles have been separated to the outside of the flow path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and exemplified.

[0010] 〔1〕A fine particle separator that separates fine particles contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, It has a cylindrical shape extending along a first direction, and a wall portion that forms the flow path inside, and an ultrasonic generating unit that generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path, wherein the wall portion has a filtering portion that filters the fluid flowing through the flow path on at least one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and discharges it to the outside of the wall portion, and the ultrasonic generating unit generates ultrasonic waves so that the fine particles move away from the filtering portion in the second direction Fine particle separator.

[0011] In the above fine particle separator, the wall portion constituting the flow path has a filtering portion. Fine particles in the flow path are separated from the filtering portion by ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generating unit. Then, the fluid from which the fine particles have been separated is discharged from the filtering portion to the outside of the flow path. According to this configuration, the fluid from which the fine particles have been separated can be discharged from the filtering portion, which is a part of the wall portion constituting the flow path. Therefore, according to this configuration, the structure for discharging to the outside of the flow path can be easily simplified compared to a branch structure.

[0012] 〔2〕The flow path includes a first flow path and a second flow path arranged downstream of the first flow path, wherein the wall portion includes a first wall portion constituting the first flow path, a second wall portion constituting the second flow path, and a connecting portion connecting the first wall portion to the second wall portion, [[ID=X]] the cross-sectional area of a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the second flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the first flow path, and the filtering portion is provided at the connecting portion The fine particle separator according to 〔1〕.

[0013] Due to a decrease in the flow rate at the filtering portion, a decrease in the flow velocity is a concern in the second flow path downstream of the filtering portion. According to this configuration, since the cross-sectional area of the second flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first flow path, a decrease in the flow velocity in the second flow path can be suppressed.

[0014] 〔3〕The connecting portion extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction The particulate separation device according to [2].

[0015] According to this configuration, the size of the connecting portion in the first direction can be suppressed.

[0016] (4) The connecting portion has an inclined portion inclined such that the length of the flow path in the second direction becomes smaller as it goes downstream. The particulate separation device according to [2].

[0017] According to this configuration, since the fluid easily flows along the inclined portion, turbulent flow is less likely to occur in the connecting portion.

[0018] (5) The flow path includes a first flow path and a second flow path arranged downstream of the first flow path. The wall portion includes a first wall portion constituting the first flow path, a second wall portion constituting the second flow path, and a connecting portion connecting the first wall portion to the second wall portion. The cross-sectional area of the cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the second flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the first flow path. The ultrasonic generating unit includes a first ultrasonic generating unit that generates ultrasonic waves in the first flow path and a second ultrasonic generating unit that generates ultrasonic waves in the second flow path. Furthermore, a driving unit is provided that applies a first driving voltage to the first ultrasonic generating unit and applies a second driving voltage having a frequency different from that of the first driving voltage to the second ultrasonic generating unit. The particulate separation device according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0019] According to this configuration, ultrasonic waves having frequencies suitable for the first flow path and the second flow path can be generated.

[0020] (6) At least a part of the ultrasonic generating unit is arranged upstream of the filtering unit. The particulate separation device according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0021] According to this configuration, it is easy to keep the fine particles away from the filtration unit before the fine particles reach the filtration unit.

[0022] 〔7〕The ultrasonic generator includes a piezoelectric body made of ceramics, The piezoelectric body is formed of potassium sodium niobate. The fine particle separation device according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔6〕.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 〔8〕A receiving unit that receives the filtrate discharged from the filtration unit and discharges it from the discharge port is provided. The fine particle separation device according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔7〕.

[0025] According to this configuration, the filtrate discharged from the filtration unit can be collected by the receiving unit and discharged from the discharge port.

[0026] [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 oils and fats.

[0027] <First Embodiment> 1-1. Configuration of the Fine Particle Separation Device 10 FIG. 1 discloses a particulate separator 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the particulate separator 10 is a device that separates particulates 91 contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path FP by ultrasonic waves. The particulates 91 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.

[0028] The particulate separator 10 includes a wall portion 20 that forms the flow path FP inside, an ultrasonic generator 30 that generates ultrasonic waves in the flow path FP, a drive unit 40 (see FIG. 3), and a receiving unit 50.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wall portion 20 has a cylindrical shape extending along a first direction. In this embodiment, the wall portion 20 is a rectangular tube shape. The wall portion 20 is not limited to a rectangular tube shape and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape. The first direction is a direction parallel to the direction of gravity in this embodiment. The first direction is not limited to a direction parallel to the direction of gravity and may be, for example, a direction inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. One side portion of the wall portion 20 in the first direction constitutes the upstream side of the flow path FP. The other side portion of the wall portion 20 in the first direction constitutes the downstream side of the flow path FP.

[0030] The wall portion 20 has filtration portions 26 on both sides in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The filtration portions 26 filter the fluid flowing through the flow path FP and discharge it to the outside of the wall portion 20. The filtration portions 26 are constituted by, for example, a mesh, a porous body, or the like. The flow rate of the fluid in the flow path FP is adjusted according to the ability of the filtration portions 26 to discharge the fluid, and as a result, the flow velocity of the fluid is adjusted. The ability of the filtration portions 26 to discharge the fluid is determined by, for example, the size of the holes (e.g., the diameter of the holes) of the filtration portions 26. That is, by adjusting the size of the holes of the filtration portions 26, it is possible to easily adjust the flow velocity of the fluid.

[0031] The length of the flow path FP in the second direction gradually decreases toward the other side in the first direction. The length of the flow path FP in the third direction is constant in the first direction. The third direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0032] The flow path FP includes a first flow path FP1, a second flow path FP2, and a third flow path FP3. The second flow path FP2 is arranged on the downstream side of the first flow path FP1. The cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the second flow path FP2 orthogonal to the first direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the first flow path FP1 orthogonal to the first direction. The third flow path FP3 is arranged on the downstream side of the second flow path FP2. The cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the third flow path FP3 orthogonal to the first direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the second flow path FP2 orthogonal to the first direction.

[0033] The length of the first flow path FP1 in the second direction is constant in the first direction. The length of the first flow path FP1 in the third direction is constant in the first direction. The length of the second flow path FP2 in the second direction is constant in the first direction. The length of the second flow path FP2 in the third direction is constant in the first direction. The length of the third flow path FP3 in the second direction is constant in the first direction. The length of the third flow path FP3 in the third direction is constant in the first direction.

[0034] The length of the second flow path FP2 in the second direction is smaller than the length of the first flow path FP1 in the second direction. The length of the second flow path FP2 in the third direction is the same as the length of the first flow path FP1 in the third direction. The length of the third flow path FP3 in the second direction is smaller than the length of the second flow path FP2 in the second direction. The length of the third flow path FP3 in the third direction is the same as the length of the second flow path FP2 in the third direction.

[0035] The wall portion 20 includes a first wall portion 21, a second wall portion 22, a third wall portion 23, a first connecting portion 24, and a second connecting portion 25. The first wall portion 21 forms a first flow path FP1. The first wall portion 21 is cylindrical. The second wall portion 22 forms a second flow path FP2. The second wall portion 22 is cylindrical. The third wall portion 23 forms a third flow path FP3. The third wall portion 23 is cylindrical. The first connecting portion 24 corresponds to an example of a connecting portion. The first connecting portion 24 is disposed between the first wall portion 21 and the second wall portion 22. The first connecting portion 24 connects the first wall portion 21 to the second wall portion 22. The first connecting portion 24 is cylindrical. The first connecting portion 24 has a first inclined portion 24A that is inclined such that the length of the flow path FP in the second direction decreases as it goes downstream. The first inclined portion 24A corresponds to an example of an inclined portion. The first inclined portion 24A is disposed on both sides of the first connecting portion 24 in the second direction. The second connecting portion 25 is disposed between the second wall portion 22 and the third wall portion 23. The second connecting portion 25 connects the second wall portion 22 to the third wall portion 23. The second connecting portion 25 is cylindrical. The second connecting portion 25 has a second inclined portion 25A that is inclined such that the length of the flow path FP in the second direction decreases as it goes downstream. The second inclined portion 25A is disposed on both sides of the second connecting portion 25 in the second direction.

[0036] The above-described filtering portion 26 includes a first filtering portion 27 and a second filtering portion 28. The first filtering portion 27 is provided on the first connecting portion 24. The first filtering portion 27 is provided on both sides of the first connecting portion 24 in the second direction. The first filtering portion 27 is provided on the first inclined portion 24A. A plurality of the first filtering portions 27 are arranged along the direction in which the fluid flows. The plurality of first filtering portions 27 are arranged at intervals from each other in the direction in which the fluid flows. The second filtering portion 28 is provided on the second connecting portion 25. The second filtering portion 28 is provided on both sides of the second connecting portion 25 in the second direction. The second filtering portion 28 is provided on the second inclined portion 25A. A plurality of the second filtering portions 28 are arranged along the direction in which the fluid flows. The plurality of second filtering portions 28 are arranged at intervals from each other in the direction in which the fluid flows.

[0037] The size (e.g., maximum diameter) of the holes in the second filtering section 28 may be the same as or different from the size (e.g., maximum diameter) of the holes in the first filtering section 27. The size (e.g., maximum diameter) of the holes in the second filtering section 28 may be smaller or larger than the size (e.g., maximum diameter) of the holes in the first filtering section 27. By adjusting the size of the holes in the first filtering section 27, it is possible to easily adjust the flow velocity of the fluid flowing through the second flow path FP2. By adjusting the size of the holes in the second filtering section 28, it is possible to easily adjust the flow velocity of the fluid flowing through the third flow path FP3.

[0038] When a voltage of a specific driving frequency is applied to the ultrasonic generating section 30, the ultrasonic generating section 30 generates ultrasonic waves so that the fine particles 91 move away from the filtering section 26 in the second direction. The specific driving frequency is, for example, a frequency capable of generating a standing wave so that nodes are generated at positions away from the filtering section 26. When a voltage of the specific driving frequency is applied to the ultrasonic generating section 30, the fine particles gather near the nodes, and as a result, the fine particles move away from the filtering section 26 in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the specific driving frequency is a frequency at which the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave is twice the length of the flow path FP in the second direction. In this case, a node is generated at the center of the flow path FP, and the fine particles gather at the center of the flow path FP in the second direction. When the fine particle separator 10 is structured to generate a node near the center in the third direction, the fine particles are also gathered at the center of the flow path FP in the third direction.

[0039] The ultrasonic generating section 30 is constituted by, for example, a piezoelectric element. The ultrasonic generating section 30 includes a first ultrasonic generating section 31 and a second ultrasonic generating section 32.

[0040] The first ultrasonic generating unit 31 includes a piezoelectric body 31A, and electrodes 31B and 31C disposed on both sides of the piezoelectric body 31A. The piezoelectric body 31A is made of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 31A is formed of potassium sodium niobate. The first ultrasonic generating unit 31 generates ultrasonic waves when a driving voltage is applied between the electrodes 31B and 31C. The first ultrasonic generating unit 31 generates ultrasonic waves in the first flow path FP1. The first ultrasonic generating unit 31 generates ultrasonic waves such that the fine particles 91 move away from the first filtering unit 27 in the second direction when the first driving voltage is applied. The first driving voltage is, for example, a voltage of a driving frequency that generates a standing wave so that nodes are generated at positions away from the first filtering unit 27. When a voltage of a specific driving frequency is applied to the ultrasonic generating unit 30, the fine particles 91 gather near the nodes, and as a result, the fine particles 91 move away from the first filtering unit 27 in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the first driving voltage is a voltage of a driving frequency such that the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave is twice the length in the second direction in the first flow path FP1. In this case, a node is generated at the center of the first flow path FP1, and the fine particles 91 gather at the center of the first flow path FP1. At least a part of the first ultrasonic generating unit 31 is disposed upstream of the first filtering unit 27.

[0041] The second ultrasonic generating unit 32 includes a piezoelectric body 32A, and electrodes 32B and 32C disposed on both sides of the piezoelectric body 32A. The piezoelectric body 32A is made of ceramics. The piezoelectric body 32A is formed of potassium sodium niobate. The second ultrasonic generating unit 32 generates ultrasonic waves when a driving voltage is applied between the electrodes 32B and 32C. The second ultrasonic generating unit 32 generates ultrasonic waves in the second flow path FP2. The second ultrasonic generating unit 32 generates ultrasonic waves such that the fine particles 91 move away from the second filtering unit 28 in the second direction when the second driving voltage is applied. The second driving voltage is, for example, a voltage having a driving frequency that generates a standing wave so that nodes are formed at positions away from the second filtering unit 28. When a voltage of a specific driving frequency is applied to the ultrasonic generating unit 30, the fine particles 91 gather near the nodes, and as a result, the fine particles 91 move away from the second filtering unit 28 in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the second driving voltage is a voltage having a driving frequency such that the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave is twice the length of the second flow path FP2 in the second direction. In this case, a node is formed at the center of the second flow path FP2, and the fine particles 91 gather at the center of the second flow path FP2. The frequency of the second driving voltage is different from the frequency of the first driving voltage. At least a part of the second ultrasonic generating unit 32 is disposed upstream of the second filtering unit 28.

[0042] The driving unit 40 applies a driving voltage to the ultrasonic generating unit 30. The driving unit 40 includes a first power source 41 and a second power source 42. The first power source 41 generates the first driving voltage. The first power source 41 applies the first driving voltage to the first ultrasonic generating unit 31. The second power source 42 generates the second driving voltage. The second power source 42 applies the second driving voltage to the second ultrasonic generating unit 32.

[0043] The receiving unit 50 receives the filtrate discharged from the filtering unit 26. The receiving unit 50 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the outer periphery of the wall portion 20. A discharge port 51 is formed on the downstream side of the receiving unit 50. The receiving unit 50 receives the filtrate discharged from the filtering unit 26 (specifically, the first filtering unit 27 and the second filtering unit 28) and discharges it from the discharge port 51.

[0044] 1-2. Operations and Effects of the Fine Particle Separation Device 10 As shown in Fig. 2, liquid 90 flows into the inlet EN of the flow path FP. The liquid 90 contains fine particles 91. The first ultrasonic generator 31 generates ultrasonic waves in the first flow path FP1. The fine particles 91 in the first flow path FP1 gather at the center of the first flow path FP1 due to the ultrasonic waves generated by the first ultrasonic generator 31. That is, the fine particles 91 move away from the first filter 27 in the second direction. As a result, the liquid 90A from which the fine particles 91 have been separated is discharged from the first filter 27 to the outside of the flow path FP. Further, the second ultrasonic generator 32 generates ultrasonic waves in the second flow path FP2. The fine particles 91 in the second flow path FP2 gather at the center of the second flow path FP2 due to the ultrasonic waves generated by the second ultrasonic generator 32. That is, the fine particles 91 move away from the second filter 28 in the second direction. As a result, the liquid 90B from which the fine particles 91 have been separated is discharged from the second filter 28 to the outside of the flow path FP. The receiving part 50 receives the liquid 90A discharged from the first filter 27 and the liquid 90B discharged from the second filter 28, and discharges them from the discharge port 51. The liquid 90C containing the fine particles 91 that have reached the third flow path FP3 is discharged from the outlet EX provided at the downstream end of the flow path FP.

[0045] According to this configuration, the liquid 90A from which the fine particles 91 have been separated in the first flow path FP1 can be discharged from the first filter 27. Also, the liquid 90B from which the fine particles 91 have been separated in the second flow path FP2 can be discharged from the second filter 28. Therefore, according to this configuration, the structure for discharging to the outside of the flow path FP can be easily simplified compared to a branch structure.

[0046] Due to the decrease in the flow rate in the first filter 27, there is a concern about a decrease in the flow velocity in the second flow path FP2 on the downstream side of the first filter 27. According to this configuration, since the cross-sectional area of the second flow path FP2 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first flow path FP1, a decrease in the flow velocity in the second flow path FP2 can be suppressed. Similarly, since the cross-sectional area of the third flow path FP3 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second flow path FP2, a decrease in the flow velocity in the third flow path FP3 can also be suppressed.

[0047] Further, in the particulate separation device 10, since the liquid 90 easily flows along the first inclined portion 24A, turbulent flow hardly occurs at the first connecting portion 24. In the particulate separation device 10, since the liquid 90 easily flows along the second inclined portion 25A, turbulent flow hardly occurs at the second connecting portion 25.

[0048] The first ultrasonic generator 31 and the second ultrasonic generator 32 are applied with drive voltages having different frequencies. Therefore, the particulate separation device 10 can generate ultrasonic waves having frequencies suitable for the first flow path FP1 and the second flow path FP2, respectively.

[0049] A part of the first ultrasonic generator 31 is disposed upstream of the first filtering portion 27. Therefore, the particulate separation device 10 can easily move the particulates 91 away from the first filtering portion 27 before the particulates 91 reach the first filtering portion 27. A part of the second ultrasonic generator 32 is disposed upstream of the second filtering portion 28. Therefore, the particulate separation device 10 can easily move the particulates 91 away from the second filtering portion 28 before the particulates 91 reach the second filtering portion 28.

[0050] The piezoelectric bodies 31A and 32A are formed of 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.

[0051] The particulate separation device 10 can collect the filtrate discharged from the first filtering portion 27 and the second filtering portion 28 in the receiving portion 50 and discharge it from the discharge port 51.

[0052] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the connecting portion extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction 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.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the particulate separation device 210 according to the second embodiment includes a wall portion 220, an ultrasonic generator 30, a drive portion 40 (see FIG. 3), and a receiving portion 50.

[0054] The wall portion 220 forms a flow path FP inside. The wall portion 220 includes a first wall portion 21, a second wall portion 22, a third wall portion 23, a first connecting portion 224, and a second connecting portion 225. The first connecting portion 224 corresponds to an example of a connecting portion. The first connecting portion 224 is disposed between the first wall portion 21 and the second wall portion 22. The first connecting portion 224 connects the first wall portion 21 to the second wall portion 22. The first connecting portion 224 is annular. The first connecting portion 224 extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction. A first filtering portion 27 is provided in the first connecting portion 224. The second connecting portion 225 is disposed between the second wall portion 22 and the third wall portion 23. The second connecting portion 225 connects the second wall portion 22 to the third wall portion 23. The second connecting portion 225 is annular. The second connecting portion 225 extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction. A second filtering portion 28 is provided in the second connecting portion 225.

[0055] According to this configuration, the size of the first connecting portion 224 and the second connecting portion 225 in the first direction can be suppressed.

[0056] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the ultrasonic generating portion is disposed on one side in the third direction with respect to the wall portion has been described. In contrast, in the third embodiment, an example in which the ultrasonic generating portion is disposed on one side in the second direction with respect to the wall portion 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.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the fine particle separator 310 according to the third embodiment includes a wall portion 20, an ultrasonic generating portion 330, a driving portion 40 (see FIG. 3), and a receiving portion 50.

[0058] The ultrasonic generating unit 330 is disposed on one side in the second direction with respect to the wall portion 20. The ultrasonic generating unit 330 is constituted by, for example, a piezoelectric element. The ultrasonic generating unit 330 includes a first ultrasonic generating unit 331 and a second ultrasonic generating unit 332. The first ultrasonic generating unit 331 generates ultrasonic waves in the first flow path FP1 in the same manner as the first ultrasonic generating unit 31 described in the first embodiment. The second ultrasonic generating unit 332 generates ultrasonic waves in the second flow path FP2 in the same manner as the second ultrasonic generating unit 32 described in the first embodiment.

[0059] Also in the fine particle separator 310 of the third embodiment, the fine particles 91 can be brought closer to the center of the flow path FP.

[0060] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the filtering unit is disposed only on one side in the second direction will be described. Also, in the fourth embodiment, an example in which the filtering unit is disposed on the first wall portion and the second wall portion 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 description thereof is omitted.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the fine particle separator 410 of the fourth embodiment includes a wall portion 420, an ultrasonic generating unit 430, a driving unit 40 (see FIG. 3), and a receiving unit 50.

[0062] The wall portion 420 forms a flow path FP inside. The wall portion 420 includes a first wall portion 21, a second wall portion 22, a third wall portion 23, a first connecting portion 24, and a second connecting portion 25.

[0063] The wall portion 420 has a filtering unit 426 only on one side (specifically, the other side) in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The filtering unit 426 filters the fluid flowing through the flow path FP and discharges it to the outside of the wall portion 420. The filtering unit 426 is constituted by, for example, a mesh, a porous body, or the like. The filtering unit 426 is provided on the first wall portion 21, the first connecting portion 24, the second wall portion 22, and the second connecting portion 25.

[0064] The ultrasonic generating unit 430 is disposed on one side in the second direction with respect to the wall portion 420. The ultrasonic generating unit 430 is constituted by, for example, a piezoelectric element. The ultrasonic generating unit 430 includes a first ultrasonic generating unit 431 and a second ultrasonic generating unit 432. The first ultrasonic generating unit 431 generates ultrasonic waves in the first flow path FP1, similarly to the first ultrasonic generating unit 31 described in the first embodiment. The second ultrasonic generating unit 432 generates ultrasonic waves in the second flow path FP2, similarly to the second ultrasonic generating unit 32 described in the first embodiment.

[0065] Also in the fine particle separator 410 of the fourth embodiment, the liquid 90D from which the fine particles 91 have been separated can be discharged from the flow path FP.

[0066] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with the above description and 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 later may be combined in any combination as long as they are not contradictory.

[0067] (1) In each of the above embodiments, both sides in the second direction were formed in a stepped shape from the first flow path FP1 to the second flow path FP2. In contrast, only one side in the second direction may be formed in a stepped shape from the first flow path FP1 to the second flow path FP2, or the entire circumference may be formed in a stepped shape.

[0068] (2) In each of the above embodiments, both sides in the second direction were formed in a stepped shape from the second flow path FP2 to the third flow path FP3. In contrast, only one side in the second direction may be formed in a stepped shape from the second flow path FP2 to the third flow path FP3, or the entire circumference may be formed in a stepped shape.

[0069] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the flow path FP had a configuration in which it narrowed in two stages. In contrast, the flow path FP may have a configuration in which it narrows in only one stage, or a configuration in which it narrows in three or more stages. Further, the flow path FP may have a configuration in which it does not narrow.

[0070] 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, but is intended to include all modifications within the scope shown by the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 10... Particle separation device 20... Wall portion 21... First wall portion 22... Second wall portion 23... Third wall portion 24... First connecting portion (connecting portion) 24A... First inclined portion (inclined portion) 25... Second connecting portion 25A... Second inclined portion 26... Filtering portion 27... First filtering portion 28... Second filtering portion 30... Ultrasonic generating portion 31... First ultrasonic generating portion 31A... Piezoelectric body 31B... Electrode 31C... Electrode 32... Second ultrasonic generating portion 32A... Piezoelectric body 32B... Electrode 32C... Electrode 40... Driving portion 41... First power source 42... Second power source 50... Receiving portion 51... Discharge port 90... Liquid 90A... Liquid 90B... Liquid 90C... Liquid 90D... Liquid 91... Particles 210... Particle separation device 220... Wall portion 224... First connecting portion (connecting portion) 225... Second connecting portion 310... Particle separation device 330... Ultrasonic generating portion 331…First ultrasonic generator 332…Second ultrasonic generator 410…Particle separator 420…Wall part 426…Filter part 430…Ultrasonic generator 431…First ultrasonic generator 432…Second ultrasonic generator EN…Inlet EX…Outlet FP…Flow path FP1…First flow path FP2…Second flow path FP3…Third flow path

Claims

1. A particulate separation device for separating particulates contained in a fluid flowing through a flow path by ultrasonic waves, comprising: a cylindrical portion extending along a first direction, with a wall portion forming the flow path inside; an ultrasonic generation unit for generating ultrasonic waves in the flow path; and the wall portion has a filtering portion on at least one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction for filtering the fluid flowing through the flow path and discharging it to the outside of the wall portion; the ultrasonic generation unit generates ultrasonic waves such that the particulates move away from the filtering portion in the second direction Particulate separation device.

2. The flow path includes a first flow path and a second flow path disposed downstream of the first flow path; the wall portion includes a first wall portion forming the first flow path, a second wall portion forming the second flow path, and a connecting portion connecting the first wall portion to the second wall portion; the cross-sectional area of a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the second flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the first flow path; the filtering portion is provided at the connecting portion The particulate separation device according to claim 1.

3. The connecting portion extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction The particulate separation device according to claim 2.

4. The connecting portion has an inclined portion inclined such that the length of the flow path in the second direction becomes smaller toward the downstream side The particulate separation device according to claim 2.

5. The flow path includes a first flow path and a second flow path disposed downstream of the first flow path; the wall portion includes a first wall portion forming the first flow path, a second wall portion forming the second flow path, and a connecting portion connecting the first wall portion to the second wall portion; the cross-sectional area of a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the second flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction in the first flow path; the ultrasonic generation unit includes a first ultrasonic generation unit for generating ultrasonic waves in the first flow path and a second ultrasonic generation unit for generating ultrasonic waves in the second flow path; further comprising a driving unit for applying a first driving voltage to the first ultrasonic generation unit and a second driving voltage having a frequency different from that of the first driving voltage to the second ultrasonic generation unit The particulate separation device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. At least a part of the ultrasonic generation unit is disposed upstream of the filtering portion The particulate separation device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The ultrasonic generating unit includes a piezoelectric body made of ceramics, The piezoelectric body is formed of potassium sodium niobate The fine particle separation device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. A receiving unit that receives the filtrate discharged from the filtering unit and discharges it from the discharge port is provided. The fine particle separation device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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