Method and apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water containing ultrafine bubble

Abstract

To provide a method and apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water containing ultrafine bubbles, the drinking or cooking water containing a sufficient amount of ultrafine bubbles, which ensures a better taste and further facilitates extracting rich flavor from antioxidant-containing raw materials while suppressing bitterness.SOLUTION: Provided is a method for producing a drinking or cooking water by using an oxygen-ultrafine-bubble-containing water which is obtained by causing oxygen to be present as ultrafine bubbles in the water. Therein: the oxygen is discharged into the water from a bubble generation medium 21 composed of a porous carbon material; and the oxygen ultrafine bubbles are present in the water at a concentration equal to or greater than 109 bubbles per milliliter. The water containing the oxygen ultrafine bubbles is used for extracting raw materials containing antioxidant substances.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a method and apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water containing ultrafine bubbles. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been known in which a fine bubble generating unit is provided in a humidifier, aroma diffuser, coffee maker, etc. to improve the humidifying effect, deodorizing effect, and fragrance diffusing effect in a room (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Ultrafine bubbles are microbubbles with a diameter of more than 200 nm and smaller than microbubbles of several micrometers or less. These bubbles have a diameter of approximately 200 nm or less and can exist in water for a long time. Because they have a small diameter of approximately 200 nm or less, they have high surface tension and are difficult to burst. In addition, they have low buoyancy and can remain in water for a long time.

[0004] When coffee is extracted using water containing the above-mentioned ultrafine bubbles, the ultrafine bubbles increase the contact area between the water (hot water) and the coffee powder, shortening the extraction time and resulting in a more flavorful coffee. Furthermore, while small bubbles generated in water usually disappear when boiled, ultrafine bubbles persist even when boiled, allowing for sufficient extraction power. By incorporating oxygen into the coffee using ultrafine bubbles, antioxidants such as caffeine and polyphenols are neutralized, resulting in a rich, deep flavor.

[0005] Furthermore, as the concentration and density of ultrafine bubbles increases, the viscosity of the liquid decreases and the infiltration performance improves. This allows water to easily penetrate into the substance to be extracted, improving extraction performance. When the substance to be extracted is a substance with umami, the improved extraction performance has the effect of making it easier to elute the umami flavor into the liquid. For example, when extracting dried bonito flakes or dried sardines using water containing ultrafine bubbles, the viscosity of the liquid decreases, allowing water to easily penetrate into the dried bonito flakes or dried sardines, improving the yield and facilitating the extraction of broth.

[0006] Furthermore, even when extracting soup stock with hot water, the ultra-fine bubbles continue to exist even when boiling, so sufficient extraction power can be maintained.

[0007] Furthermore, when tea is extracted using the above-mentioned ultrafine bubbles, the contact area between the water (hot water) and the tea leaves is increased by the ultrafine bubbles, shortening the extraction time and enabling the extraction of tea with a good flavor. Furthermore, while normal small bubbles generated in water disappear when boiled, ultrafine bubbles continue to exist even when boiled, thereby maintaining sufficient extraction power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-086962 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, conventional methods for generating ultrafine bubbles have not been able to produce a sufficient amount of ultrafine bubbles, resulting in dissatisfaction for users with the taste and aroma of coffee or tea. Additionally, there are methods for generating ultrafine bubbles using the swirling flow method or the ejector method, but in these cases, cavitation occurs and the internal structures can become mixed into the water as nanoparticles.

[0010] In view of the above, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water containing ultrafine bubbles that allows a sufficient amount of ultrafine bubbles to be present, improving the taste of drinking or cooking water, and furthermore, when extracting raw materials containing antioxidants, making it easier to bring out a rich flavor while suppressing bitterness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0012] That is, in the method for producing drinking or cooking water of the present invention, a gas is made to exist in water as ultrafine bubbles having a diameter of 200 μm or less, A method for producing drinking or cooking water using water containing ultrafine bubbles of the gas, The gas is released into the water from a bubble generating medium made of a carbon-based porous material, The ultrafine gas bubbles are present in the water at a density of 10 to the power of 9 / mL or more, The water containing the ultrafine gas bubbles is used for extracting the substance to be extracted.

[0013] In the method for producing drinking or cooking water of the present invention, the gas is oxygen, The water containing the ultrafine oxygen bubbles may be used for extracting or cooking an extract.

[0014] In addition, in the method for producing drinking or cooking water of the present invention, the gas is carbon dioxide, The water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles may be used for extracting or cooking an extract.

[0015] In the method for producing drinking or cooking water of the present invention, the gas is air, The water containing the ultrafine air bubbles may be used for extracting or cooking an extract.

[0016] In addition, in the method for producing drinking or cooking water of the present invention, carbon dioxide is made to exist in the form of ultrafine bubbles in water, A method for producing drinking or cooking water using water containing ultrafine bubbles of carbon dioxide, The carbon dioxide is released into the water from a bubble generating medium made of a carbon-based porous material, The carbon dioxide ultrafine bubbles are present in the water at a density of 10 to the power of 9 bubbles / mL or more, The water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles may be used to wash food.

[0017] The drinking or cooking water producing apparatus of the present invention further comprises a water tank for storing water; A bubble generating medium made of a carbon-based porous material that supplies gas into water as ultra-fine bubbles with a diameter of 200 μm or less; A drinking or cooking water producing apparatus comprising: the gas is a plurality of gases including oxygen and carbon dioxide, a branch valve is provided in a supply passage for supplying gas to the bubble generating medium; providing a control means for switching the branch valve; The apparatus is provided with an operating means for outputting information on the selected gas to the control means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The present invention has the following effects.

[0019] In the present invention, the presence of a sufficient amount of ultrafine bubbles makes drinking or cooking water taste better, and furthermore, when extracting raw materials containing antioxidants, it becomes possible to easily bring out a rich flavor while suppressing bitterness. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a bubble generation medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Next, an embodiment of the invention will be described. First, an apparatus 10 for producing drinking or cooking water according to the present invention will be described.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an apparatus 10 for producing drinking or cooking water according to the present invention includes a water tank 11 for storing raw water A, a first water tank 12 for storing and cooling raw water A, and a second water tank 13 for heating and storing a portion of the first water tank 12. A bubble generator 20 is attached to the first water tank 12. The bubble generator 20 has a bubble generation medium 21 made of a carbon-based porous material that supplies gas into water as ultrafine bubbles. The production apparatus 10 also includes a housing 14 for housing the first water tank 12 and the second water tank 13.

[0023] The water tank 11 is attached to the outside of the manufacturing apparatus 10. The raw water A stored in the water tank 11 is distilled water or mineral water. The water tank 11 is connected to a first water passage 15 for supplying the raw water A to the first water tank 12. A three-way valve 15a is provided in the first water passage 15. When the three-way valve 15a is opened, the raw water A in the water tank 11 flows from the first water passage 15 into the first water tank 12.

[0024] A circulation path 17 is provided below the first water tank 12 to circulate the water to the first water passage 15. A check valve 17a for rectifying the water in the circulation path 17 and a circulation pump 18 are provided midway through the circulation path 17.

[0025] Circulation pump 18 is a pump for returning raw water A inside first water tank 12 to first water passage 15 via circulation path 17. When circulation pump 18 is driven to return the water in the lower part of first water tank 12 to first water passage 15, check valve 17a straightens the flow of water in one direction, preventing backflow.

[0026] The first water tank 12 is a tank for cooling raw water A. A cooling device 24 is provided around the first water tank 12. The cooling device 24 is, for example, an electronic cooling device using a Peltier element or a compressor-type cooling device that cools by circulating compressed refrigerant gas. An outlet passage 12a is connected to the first water tank 12. A faucet 12b is provided in the outlet passage 12a, and when the faucet 12b is opened, the cooled water in the first water tank 12 is discharged from the faucet 12b.

[0027] An air bubble generation medium 21 is provided inside the supply outlet 15b of the first water passage 15. The air bubble generation medium 21 is arranged so as to be parallel to the flow of water inside the supply outlet 15b, as shown in Fig. 2. An internal space 21a is provided inside the air bubble generation medium 21.

[0028] The bubble-generating medium 21 is made of a carbon-based porous material and has a large number of fine pores 21A with diameters of several micrometers to several tens of micrometers, as shown in FIG. 3. The bubble-generating medium 21 is a conductor, and the bubbles generated from the bubble-generating medium 21 are negatively charged. In other words, free electrons are added to ultrafine bubbles as they pass through the conductive bubble-generating medium 21, causing them to become negatively charged. This negative charge prevents the bubbles from repelling each other and merging to form larger bubbles. This allows ultrafine bubbles to be efficiently present in the liquid. When ultrafine bubbles are contained using the bubble-generating medium 21, the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is 10 to the power of 9 bubbles / mL or more.

[0029] Carbon-based porous materials are inorganic materials that are composed of only carbon or a composite material containing carbon and ceramic. A film several nanometers thick is formed on the surface of the carbon-based porous material. The film is made of an inorganic film containing silicon. Carbon-based porous materials are oxidation-resistant, do not rust, and do not deteriorate due to oxidation even when placed in water for a long period of time. Furthermore, the surface is made of an inorganic film containing silicon, making them resistant to dirt adhesion.

[0030] A gas supply unit 25 is connected to the bubble generation medium 21. The gas supply unit 25 is a device that supplies gas to the bubble generation medium 21 placed in the first water tank 12. The gas supplied by the gas supply unit 25 is, for example, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, air, nitrogen, ozone, etc.

[0031] 2, in this embodiment, gas supply unit 25 includes oxygen storage container 26, carbon dioxide storage container 27, and branch valve 28. The gas supplied from gas supply unit 25 is oxygen stored in oxygen storage container 26 or carbon dioxide stored in carbon dioxide storage container 27, and branch valve 28 allows either to be selectively supplied. The gases in oxygen storage container 26 and carbon dioxide storage container 27 are stored under high pressure, and the selected gas is pressure-fed to gas supply passage 29 by opening and closing branch valve 28.

[0032] The branch valve 28 is a switching valve that adjusts the pressure of the high-pressure gas in the oxygen storage container 26 and the carbon dioxide storage container 27 and discharges or stops the gas, and is a valve that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure gas in the oxygen storage container 26 and the carbon dioxide storage container 27 and supplies it into the gas supply passage 29.

[0033] In addition, the gas supply unit 25 may have a configuration other than that including the oxygen storage container 26, the carbon dioxide storage container 27, and the branch valve 28, as long as it is capable of pressurizing and sending gas, and for example, it can be configured by a compressor that compresses the atmosphere and sends it out.

[0034] The gas supply passage 29 is a passage for pressure-feeding gas from the gas supply unit 25 to the bubble generation medium 21 provided in the first water tank 12. The upstream end of the gas supply passage 29 is connected to the branch valve 28, and the downstream end is connected to the internal space 21a of the bubble generation medium 21.

[0035] A second water passage 16 is provided at the bottom of the first water tank 12, connecting to the second water tank 13. An opening / closing valve 16a is provided in the second water passage 16, and when the opening / closing valve 16a is opened, the cooled water in the first water tank 12 flows from above downward due to gravity and enters the second water tank 13 through the second water passage 16.

[0036] Second water tank 13 is a tank for producing hot water. A heating device 31 is provided around second water tank 13. Heating device 31 is, for example, a heater or a heating device that uses electromagnetic waves. In addition, second water tank 13 is connected to outlet passage 13a. A faucet 13b is provided in outlet passage 13a, and when faucet 13b is opened, heated water in second water tank 13 is discharged from faucet 13b.

[0037] The control configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a control device 40 that controls the opening and closing of the three-way valve 15a, the on-off valve 16a, the circulation pump 18, and the branch valve 28. The control device 40 is also connected to a first water volume sensor 32 and a second water volume sensor 33, which measure the amount of water in the first water tank 12. The first water volume sensor 32 and the second water volume sensor 33 transmit information to the control device 40 as to whether the amount of water in the first water tank 12 and the second water tank 13 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The control device 40 is also connected to the operation means 34. The operation means 34 is a means for outputting information regarding the supply or stop of ultrafine bubbles and information regarding the selected gas, and is configured, for example, by an operation panel provided outside the housing 14.

[0038] Next, a method for producing drinking or cooking water using the production apparatus 10 will be described. When the amount of water in the first water tank 12 detected by the first water volume sensor 32 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the control device 40 opens the three-way valve 15a of the water tank 11. As a result, the raw water A stored in the water tank 11 is supplied into the first water tank 12.

[0039] Furthermore, when the amount of water in first water tank 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, three-way valve 15a of water tank 11 is set to the "open" state, and the valve of circulation path 17 is also set to the "open" state. Circulation pump 18 is also driven. This causes the water in first water tank 12 to return to first water passage 15 through circulation path 17. Furthermore, check valve 17a is provided in circulation path 17, so the flow of circulating water is regulated.

[0040] When a predetermined amount of raw water A has accumulated in the first water tank 12, the type of ultrafine bubbles is selected and supply start is selected using the operating means 34, and one of the branch paths of the branch valve 28 opens. For example, water containing oxygen as ultrafine bubbles is suitable for extracting coffee, which is an ingredient containing antioxidants such as caffeine and polyphenols, so oxygen is selected as the gas to be supplied.

[0041] When oxygen is supplied as a gas, it is supplied from oxygen storage container 26 to gas supply passage 29 via branch valve 28. Then, oxygen flows into internal space 21a connected to gas supply passage 29 and is released into the water as ultrafine bubbles from fine pores 21A. Because bubble generation medium 21 is arranged parallel to the flow of water in supply outlet 15b, the flow of water at supply outlet 15b causes ultrafine bubbles on the surface of bubble generation medium 21 to separate and be released into the water. In other words, by incorporating oxygen as ultrafine bubbles into raw water A, oxygen-rich water is produced.

[0042] Water containing ultrafine bubbles produced in this way does not contain impurities.For example, with conventional methods of producing ultrafine bubbles using a swirling flow or an ejector, cavitation occurs, causing the internal structures of the ultrafine bubbles to turn into nanoparticles.

[0043] Furthermore, in conventional methods for producing ultrafine bubbles using a swirling flow, shear forces are applied to the water, causing changes in the physical properties of the water. In the method for producing ultrafine bubbles of this embodiment, no shear forces are applied to the liquid during production, and the physical properties of the water are not changed. Therefore, the permeability of the water is not reduced.

[0044] When the density of the ultrafine bubbles produced by the production method of this embodiment is measured by DLS (Dynamic Laser Scanning), the data before measurement is the same as the data after the bubbles have been eliminated by the freeze-thaw method. This demonstrates that no foreign matter is present in the water containing ultrafine bubbles produced by the production method of this embodiment.

[0045] Furthermore, the ultra-fine bubbles produced by the conventional pressure dissolution method have almost no surface potential, so the bubbles coalesce and dissolve again, disappearing. In contrast, the ultrafine bubbles produced by the production method of this embodiment have a zeta potential of minus 20 to 40 mV in a neutral solvent (water), and can adsorb or diffuse with various components. Furthermore, bubbles with a zeta potential repel each other, so they do not coalesce and can exist while maintaining their size.

[0046] In addition, some of the oxygen present in the ultra-fine bubbles reacts with water to generate OH radicals, which have a mild antibacterial effect. The generation of OH radicals also helps maintain the quality of coffee for a long period of time.

[0047] The oxygen-rich water is constantly cooled by the cooling device 24 and is discharged from the faucet 12b when the faucet 12b is opened. The presence of oxygen in the form of ultrafine bubbles increases the contact area with the coffee ingredients when brewing coffee. Oxygen neutralizes antioxidants such as caffeine and polyphenols, reducing bitterness while adding a rich, full-bodied flavor, making it easier to bring out a rich flavor. It should be noted that not only the cooled drinking water in the first water tank 12 but also the heated drinking water in the second water tank 13 can be used to brew coffee.

[0048] For example, by pouring water containing ultrafine bubbles onto coffee ingredients placed in a coffee dripper, the contact area with the coffee ingredients inside the coffee dripper is increased. This neutralizes the tannins, flavonols, caffeine, and other substances in the coffee ingredients, resulting in a rich, deep flavor. Furthermore, by reducing the astringency and bitterness of the coffee ingredients, the sweetness of theanine and other ingredients can be more strongly perceived.

[0049] When carbon dioxide is supplied as a gas, it is supplied from carbon dioxide storage container 27 to gas supply passage 29 via branch valve 28. Then, carbon dioxide flows into internal space 21a connected to gas supply passage 29 and is released into the water as ultrafine bubbles from fine pores 21A. That is, by incorporating carbon dioxide as ultrafine bubbles into raw water A, water rich in carbon dioxide is produced.

[0050] The water enriched with carbon dioxide is constantly cooled by the cooling device 24 and is discharged from the faucet 12b when the faucet 12b is opened.

[0051] The water containing ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles is used to extract tea, which is the subject of extraction. The presence of carbon dioxide as ultrafine bubbles increases the contact area with the tea surface, neutralizing the tannins, flavonols, caffeine, etc. of the tea, resulting in a rich, deep flavor. For tea extraction, not only cooled drinking water from the first water tank 12 but also heated drinking water from the second water tank 13 can be used.

[0052] Water containing ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles may also be used to wash leafy vegetables. The presence of carbon dioxide as ultrafine bubbles can efficiently remove manganese and magnesium from the leaf surface and dirt from the surface of fish when washing leafy vegetables or fish, improving the taste.

[0053] When air is supplied as a gas, the air is supplied to gas supply passage 29 via a compressor (not shown). Then, the air flows into internal space 21a connected to gas supply passage 29 and is released into the water as ultrafine bubbles through minute holes 21A. That is, by incorporating carbon dioxide as ultrafine bubbles into raw water A, water containing a large amount of air is produced.

[0054] Water containing ultrafine air bubbles is used to extract dashi stock ingredients to be extracted. The dashi stock ingredients are, for example, dried goods such as dried bonito flakes and dried small sardines. The presence of air as ultrafine bubbles reduces the viscosity of the liquid and improves infiltration performance. This makes it easier for water to penetrate into the material to be extracted, improving extraction performance. When the material to be extracted is a substance with umami flavor, improved extraction performance has the effect of making it easier to elute the umami flavor into the liquid. For example, when water containing ultrafine bubbles is used to extract dried bonito flakes or dried small sardines, the viscosity of the liquid decreases, making it easier for water to penetrate into the interior of the dried bonito flakes or dried small sardines, improving yield and facilitating extraction of dashi stock.

[0055] Furthermore, even when extracting soup stock with hot water, the ultra-fine bubbles continue to exist even when boiling, so sufficient extraction power can be maintained.

[0056] Furthermore, when the supply of hot water is selected by the operating means 34, the on-off valve 16a is opened. When the on-off valve 16a is opened, the cooled water in the first water tank 12 flows downward by gravity and enters the second water tank 13 through the second water passage 16. At this time, water containing ultrafine bubbles in the first water tank 12 flows in. The ultrafine bubbles remain even when the water becomes hot, so sufficient extraction power can be maintained even when extracting coffee, etc.

[0057] As described above, the method for producing drinking or cooking water according to this embodiment involves introducing oxygen into water as ultrafine bubbles, thereby producing drinking or cooking water using water containing the ultrafine oxygen bubbles. The oxygen is released into the water from bubble-generating medium 21 made of a carbon-based porous material, and the ultrafine oxygen bubbles are present in the water at a concentration of 10^9 / mL or more. The water containing the ultrafine oxygen bubbles is used to extract an extract. The extract contains antioxidants, such as coffee. This configuration increases the contact area with the coffee ingredients when brewing coffee, making it easier to extract a rich flavor while suppressing bitterness.In addition to coffee, ingredients containing antioxidants such as caffeine and polyphenols may also be used.

[0058] Also, there is a method for producing drinking or cooking water by causing carbon dioxide to exist in water as ultrafine bubbles and using the water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles to produce drinking or cooking water, in which the carbon dioxide is released into the water from a bubble-generating medium 21 made of a carbon-based porous material, the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles are present in the water at a concentration of 10 to the power of 9 bubbles / mL or more, and the water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles is used to extract an extract. The extract is tea. By configuring the tea in this way, when tea is extracted, the carbon dioxide exists as ultrafine bubbles, which increases the area that comes into contact with the surface of the tea, neutralizing the tannins, flavonols, caffeine, etc. in the tea and giving it a rich, deep flavor.

[0059] Also, there is provided a method for producing drinking or cooking water, in which carbon dioxide is made to exist in the water as ultrafine bubbles, and water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles is used to produce drinking or cooking water, in which the carbon dioxide is released into the water from a bubble-generating medium 21 made of a carbon-based porous material, and the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles are present in the water at a concentration of 10 to the power of 9 bubbles / mL or more, and the water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles is used to wash food. By configuring it in this way, when washing leafy vegetables or fish, manganese and magnesium on the leaf surface and dirt on the surface of fish can be efficiently removed, improving the taste.

[0060] Furthermore, air can be present in the water as ultrafine bubbles, and the water containing the ultrafine air bubbles can be used to extract soup stock. This configuration increases the concentration of ultrafine bubbles, resulting in a high density, which reduces the viscosity of the liquid and improves its infiltration performance. This allows water to more easily penetrate into soup stock ingredients such as dried bonito flakes and dried sardines, improving extraction performance. When the substance being extracted is a substance with umami flavor, the improved extraction performance has the effect of making it easier for the umami flavor to be dissolved into the liquid.

[0061] Furthermore, the drinking or cooking water manufacturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is a drinking or cooking water manufacturing apparatus 10 comprising a first water tank 12 for storing water and a bubble generating medium 21 made of a carbon-based porous material that supplies gas into the water as ultrafine bubbles, wherein the gas is a plurality of types of gas including oxygen and carbon dioxide, a branch valve 28 is provided in a gas supply passage 29 that supplies gas to the bubble generating medium 21, a control device 40 is provided for switching the branch valve 28, and an operating means 34 is provided that outputs information about the selected gas to the control device 40. With this configuration, the water containing ultrafine bubbles produced by the production apparatus 10 does not contain impurities. Therefore, ultrafine bubbles of a selected gas can be present in the water at a concentration of 10^9 / mL or more, which can be used for extracting substances to be extracted or washing foods.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus 10 for producing drinking or cooking water according to the present invention may be provided with the first water passage 15 and the circulation passage 17 independently.

[0063] The water tank 11 is attached to the outside of the manufacturing apparatus 10. The raw water A stored in the water tank 11 is distilled water or mineral water. The water tank 11 is connected to a first water passage 15 for supplying the raw water A to the first water tank 12. A raw water valve 15c is provided in the first water passage 15. When the raw water valve 15c is opened, the raw water A in the water tank 11 flows from the first water passage 15 into the first water tank 12.

[0064] Further, a circulation path 17 is provided below the first water tank 12 for circulating the water to the first water passage 15. A circulation pump 18 is provided midway through the circulation path 17. The circulation pump 18 is a pump for returning the raw water A in the first water tank 12 back into the first water tank 12 via the circulation path 17 .

[0065] The first water tank 12 is a tank for cooling raw water A. A cooling device 24 is provided around the first water tank 12. The cooling device 24 is, for example, an electronic cooling device using a Peltier element or a compressor-type cooling device that cools by circulating compressed refrigerant gas. An outlet passage 12a is connected to the first water tank 12. A faucet 12b is provided in the outlet passage 12a, and when the faucet 12b is opened, the cooled water in the first water tank 12 is discharged from the faucet 12b.

[0066] An air bubble generation medium 21 is provided inside the supply outlet 17b of the circulation path 17. As shown in Fig. 5, the air bubble generation medium 21 is arranged so as to be parallel to the flow of water inside the supply outlet 17b. An internal space 21a is provided inside the air bubble generation medium 21.

[0067] The bubble-generating medium 21 is made of a carbon-based porous material and has a large number of fine pores 21A with diameters of several micrometers to several tens of micrometers, as shown in FIG. 3. The bubble-generating medium 21 is a conductor, and the bubbles generated from the bubble-generating medium 21 are negatively charged. In other words, free electrons are added to ultrafine bubbles as they pass through the conductive bubble-generating medium 21, causing them to become negatively charged. This negative charge prevents the bubbles from repelling each other and merging to form larger bubbles. This allows ultrafine bubbles to be efficiently present in the liquid. When ultrafine bubbles are contained using the bubble-generating medium 21, the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is 10 to the power of 9 bubbles / mL or more.

[0068] Carbon-based porous materials are inorganic materials that are composed of only carbon or a composite material containing carbon and ceramic. A film several nanometers thick is formed on the surface of the carbon-based porous material. The film is made of an inorganic film containing silicon. Carbon-based porous materials are oxidation-resistant, do not rust, and do not deteriorate due to oxidation even when placed in water for a long period of time. Furthermore, the surface is made of an inorganic film containing silicon, making them resistant to dirt adhesion.

[0069] A gas supply unit 25 is connected to the bubble generation medium 21. The gas supply unit 25 is a device that supplies gas to the bubble generation medium 21 placed in the first water tank 12. The gas supplied by the gas supply unit 25 is, for example, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, air, nitrogen, ozone, etc.

[0070] 5, in this embodiment, gas supply unit 25 includes oxygen storage container 26, carbon dioxide storage container 27, and branch valve 28. The gas supplied from gas supply unit 25 is oxygen stored in oxygen storage container 26 or carbon dioxide stored in carbon dioxide storage container 27, and branch valve 28 allows either to be selectively supplied. The gases in oxygen storage container 26 and carbon dioxide storage container 27 are stored under high pressure, and the selected gas is pressure-fed to gas supply passage 29 by opening and closing branch valve 28.

[0071] The branch valve 28 is a switching valve that adjusts the pressure of the high-pressure gas in the oxygen storage container 26 and the carbon dioxide storage container 27 and discharges or stops the gas, and is a valve that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure gas in the oxygen storage container 26 and the carbon dioxide storage container 27 and supplies it into the gas supply passage 29.

[0072] In addition, the gas supply unit 25 may have a configuration other than that including the oxygen storage container 26, the carbon dioxide storage container 27, and the branch valve 28, as long as it is capable of pressurizing and sending gas, and for example, it can be configured by a compressor that compresses the atmosphere and sends it out.

[0073] The gas supply passage 29 is a passage for pressure-feeding gas from the gas supply unit 25 to the bubble generation medium 21 provided in the first water tank 12. The upstream end of the gas supply passage 29 is connected to the branch valve 28, and the downstream end is connected to the internal space 21a of the bubble generation medium 21.

[0074] A second water passage 16 is provided at the bottom of the first water tank 12, connecting to the second water tank 13. An opening / closing valve 16a is provided in the second water passage 16, and when the opening / closing valve 16a is opened, the cooled water in the first water tank 12 flows from above downward due to gravity and enters the second water tank 13 through the second water passage 16.

[0075] Second water tank 13 is a tank for producing hot water. A heating device 31 is provided around second water tank 13. Heating device 31 is, for example, a heater or a heating device that uses electromagnetic waves. In addition, second water tank 13 is connected to outlet passage 13a. A faucet 13b is provided in outlet passage 13a, and when faucet 13b is opened, heated water in second water tank 13 is discharged from faucet 13b.

[0076] Next, a method for producing drinking or cooking water using the production apparatus 10 will be described. When the amount of water in the first water tank 12 detected by the first water volume sensor 32 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the control device 40 opens the raw water valve 15c. As a result, raw water A stored in the water tank 11 is supplied into the first water tank 12.

[0077] Furthermore, when the amount of water in the first water tank 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the circulation pump 18 is driven, causing the water in the first water tank 12 to return to the first water passage 15 via the circulation path 17.

[0078] When a predetermined amount of raw water A has accumulated in the first water tank 12, the type of ultrafine bubbles is selected and supply start is selected using the operating means 34, and one of the branch paths of the branch valve 28 opens. For example, water containing oxygen as ultrafine bubbles is suitable for extracting coffee, which is an ingredient containing antioxidants such as caffeine and polyphenols, so oxygen is selected as the gas to be supplied.

[0079] When oxygen is supplied as a gas, it is supplied from oxygen storage container 26 to gas supply passage 29 via branch valve 28. Then, oxygen flows into internal space 21a connected to gas supply passage 29 and is released into the water as ultrafine bubbles from fine pores 21A. Because bubble generation medium 21 is arranged parallel to the flow of water in supply outlet 17b, the flow of water at supply outlet 17b causes ultrafine bubbles on the surface of bubble generation medium 21 to separate and be released into the water. In other words, by incorporating oxygen as ultrafine bubbles into raw water A, oxygen-rich water is produced.

[0080] By circulating the raw water A using the circulation pump 18, the bubble concentration can be increased, and a large amount of water containing ultrafine bubbles can be produced.

[0081] 6, a bubble-generating medium 21 can be provided on the faucet 12b of the first water tank 12. When the faucet 12b is opened, cooled water in the first water tank 12 is discharged from the faucet 12b. The flow of this discharged water causes ultrafine bubbles on the surface of the bubble-generating medium 21 to separate and be released into the water. In other words, by incorporating oxygen as ultrafine bubbles into the raw water A, oxygen-rich water is produced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Manufacturing equipment 21 Bubble generating medium 28 Branch valve 29 Gas supply passage 34 Operating means 40 Control device

Claims

1. The gas is made to exist in water as ultrafine bubbles with a diameter of 200 μm or less, A method for producing drinking or cooking water using water containing ultrafine bubbles of the gas, The gas is released into the water from a bubble generating medium made of a carbon-based porous material, The ultrafine gas bubbles are present in the water at a density of 10 to the power of 9 / mL or more, Water containing ultrafine gas bubbles is used for extracting the extractable material. A method for producing drinking or cooking water, comprising:

2. the gas is oxygen; The water containing the ultrafine oxygen bubbles is used for extracting or cooking the extracted material.

2. The method for producing drinking or cooking water according to claim 1.

3. the gas is carbon dioxide; The water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles is used for extraction or cooking of the extracted material.

2. The method for producing drinking or cooking water according to claim 1.

4. the gas is air, The water containing the ultrafine air bubbles is used for extracting or cooking an extract.

2. The method for producing drinking or cooking water according to claim 1.

5. Carbon dioxide is present in the water as ultra-fine bubbles, A method for producing drinking or cooking water using water containing ultrafine bubbles of carbon dioxide, The carbon dioxide is released into the water from a bubble generating medium made of a carbon-based porous material, The carbon dioxide ultrafine bubbles are present in the water at a density of 10 to the power of 9 / mL or more, The water containing the ultrafine carbon dioxide bubbles is used to wash food. A method for producing drinking or cooking water, comprising:

6. a tank for storing water; A bubble generating medium made of a carbon-based porous material that supplies gas into water as ultrafine bubbles with a diameter of 200 μm or less; A drinking or cooking water producing apparatus comprising: the gas is a plurality of gases including oxygen and carbon dioxide, a branch valve is provided in a supply passage for supplying gas to the bubble generating medium; providing a control means for switching the branch valve; and an operation means for outputting information on the selected gas to the control means.

1. An apparatus for producing drinking or cooking water, comprising:

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