Solid-liquid separator and filtration method

Abstract

To provide a solid-liquid separator which satisfies both of an increased filtration area of a filter and sufficient strength of a filter structure, and which is capable of inhibiting deterioration of filtration performance.SOLUTION: A solid-liquid separator 1 includes: a flow path structure 2 including a first flow path 5 and a second flow path 6 separated by a filtration wall 4; a first inlet port 41 that supplies an undiluted solution being a liquid containing solid to be filtered out to the first flow path 5; and a first outlet port 42 that discharges a filtrate passing from the first flow path 5 through the filtration wall into the second flow path 6. The filtration wall 4 has a three-dimensional shape that is regular and continuous in at least one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a solid-liquid separator and a filtration method. [Background technology]

[0002] Solid-liquid separators that remove solids from raw liquids are required to extend the time during which solid-liquid separation can be continued stably, and increasing the filtration area is an effective solution. For example, pleated filters ensure a large filtration area by folding the filter material into pleats, which increases the time it takes for the surface of the filter material to be covered with filtrate, resulting in a filter with a long filtration life. However, a structure with repeated pleat peaks and valleys can cause filter deformation due to increased filtration pressure, reducing the effective filtration surface and resulting in reduced filtration performance. Therefore, efforts have been made to increase the strength of pleated filters (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-80712 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to achieve both an increased filtering area and sufficient filter strength, it is necessary to form a three-dimensional shape in which a flow path for a raw liquid containing solids and a flow path for a filtrate from which a predetermined range of solids has been removed are separated by a filtering wall and arranged without gaps, rather than forming a three-dimensional structure by folding a flat filter material like a pleated filter.Furthermore, it is required to suppress a decrease in the filtering performance of a solid-liquid separation device having this three-dimensional shape by appropriately controlling the flow of the raw liquid or filtrate in the flow path for the raw liquid and the flow path for the filtrate.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to provide a solid-liquid separator that can achieve both an increased filtering area of ​​the filter and sufficient strength of the filter structure, and can suppress a decrease in filtering performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This specification discloses a solid-liquid separator. The solid-liquid separator includes a flow path structure having a first flow path and a second flow path separated by a filtering wall, a first inlet port for supplying a raw liquid, which is a liquid containing solids to be filtered, to the first flow path, and a first outlet port for discharging a filtrate that has passed from the first flow path through the filtering wall and flowed into the second flow path. The filtering wall has a three-dimensional shape that is regular and continuous in at least one direction.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the filtration wall has a regular and continuous three-dimensional shape in at least one direction, which allows for both an increased filtration area and sufficient strength of the filter structure. Furthermore, since the filtration wall has a shape that faces the first flow path on one side and the second flow path on the other side, which makes it difficult for flow stagnation to occur, filtration and backwashing are performed efficiently, thereby preventing a decrease in filtration performance.

[0008] In the solid-liquid separator, the filtering wall preferably has a three-dimensional shape along a triply periodic curved surface.

[0009] In the solid-liquid separator, the flow path structure preferably has a gyroid structure, because the three-dimensional structure increases the filtration area.

[0010] The solid-liquid separator preferably includes a second inlet port for supplying the washing liquid and a second outlet port for discharging the washing liquid.

[0011] The solid-liquid separator preferably includes a second outlet port for discharging the raw liquid while the raw liquid is being supplied from the first inlet port, because this allows for the discharge of deposits by washing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to provide a solid-liquid separator that can achieve both an increased filtering area of ​​the filter and a sufficient strength of the filter structure, and can suppress a decrease in filtering performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a solid-liquid separator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of the flow path structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the flow path structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the filtration of the raw liquid according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions that become possible when the second outlet port is provided in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions that become possible when the second outlet port is provided in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of backwashing and removing filtered material deposited on the first flow path side of the filtration wall. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of backwashing and removing filtered material deposited on the first flow path side of the filtration wall. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the flow path structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a solid-liquid separator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a first flow path provided in a first portion of a solid-liquid separator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a second flow path provided in a second portion of a solid-liquid separator according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each part will be described with reference to the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X axis in a horizontal plane is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Y axis, which is orthogonal to the X axis in a horizontal plane, is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Z axis, which is orthogonal to both the X axis and the Y axis, is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0015] [First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a solid-liquid separator 1 according to this embodiment. The solid-liquid separator 1 filters a raw liquid, which is a liquid containing solids to be filtered out. The solid-liquid separator 1 separates solids (insoluble substances) that do not pass through the filtering wall from the raw liquid. As shown in FIG. 1, the solid-liquid separator 1 includes a flow path structure 2 and a shell 3.

[0017] The flow path structure 2 is a filter that filters the raw liquid. The shell 3 is arranged to cover the flow path structure 2. The shell 3 has a tubular portion 30, a first wall portion 31, and a second wall portion 32. The tubular portion 30 is long in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 30 is cylindrical. The central axis of the tubular portion 30 is parallel to the X-axis. The first wall portion 31 is arranged to cover the end portion of the tubular portion 30 on the +X side. The second wall portion 32 is arranged to cover the end portion of the tubular portion 30 on the -X side.

[0018] The shell 3 has a first inlet port 41, a first outlet port 42, a second inlet port 43, and a second outlet port 44. The first inlet port 41 supplies the raw liquid to the flow path structure 2. The first outlet port 42 discharges the liquid (e.g., filtrate, cleaning liquid) from the flow path structure 2. The second inlet port 43 supplies the cleaning liquid to the flow path structure 2. The second outlet port 44 discharges the liquid containing the filtrate (e.g., cleaning liquid) and the filtrate from the flow path structure 2.

[0019] The first inlet port 41 protrudes from the second wall portion 32 to the -X side. The first inlet port 41 is cylindrical. If the center of the tubular portion 30 is taken as the origin, the first outlet port 42 protrudes from a portion of the tubular portion 30 on the +X side of the origin to the +Z side. The first outlet port 42 is cylindrical. The second inlet port 43 protrudes from a portion of the tubular portion 30 on the -X side of the origin to the +Z side. The second inlet port 43 is cylindrical. The second outlet port 44 protrudes from the first wall portion 31 to the +X side. The second outlet port 44 is cylindrical.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of a part of the flow path structure 2 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an enlargement of a part of the flow path structure 2 according to this embodiment.

[0021] The flow path structure 2 has a first flow path 5 and a second flow path 6 separated by a filtering wall 4. The inner surface of the first flow path 5 includes one surface of the filtering wall 4. The inner surface of the second flow path 6 includes the other surface of the filtering wall 4. The inner surface of the first flow path 5 faces the first flow path 5. The inner surface of the second flow path 6 faces the second flow path 6.

[0022] A raw liquid, which is a liquid containing solids to be filtered, is supplied from the first inlet port 41 to the first flow path 5. The filtering wall 4 filters the raw liquid. The filtrate that passes through the filtering wall 4 from the first flow path 5 flows into the second flow path 6. The filtrate that has been filtered from the raw liquid remains in the first flow path 5. The filtrate that passes through the filtering wall 4 from the first flow path 5 and flows into the second flow path 6 is discharged from the first outlet port 42.

[0023] The filtering wall 4 has a regular and continuous three-dimensional shape in at least one of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the filtering wall 4 has a regular and continuous three-dimensional shape in three directions, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0024] In this embodiment, the filtering wall 4 has a three-dimensional shape that conforms to a triply periodic minimal surface. A triply periodic minimal surface is a surface with a minimum area among surfaces whose boundary is a closed curve given in three-dimensional space. Examples of triply periodic minimal surfaces include Schoen's gyroid surface (G surface), Schwarz's D surface, and Schoen's I-WP surface. In this embodiment, the filtering wall 4 has a three-dimensional shape that conforms to a gyroid surface. The filtering wall 4 has a gyroid structure. The first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 separated by the filtering wall 4 are formed three-dimensionally by repeated branching.

[0025] A gyroid surface is a minimal surface that can be infinitely connected in three different directions and divides space into two regions. In this embodiment, the gyroid surface can be infinitely connected in each of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0026] A gyroid surface is a surface whose area is minimized under given boundary conditions and whose curvature becomes zero when integrated. A gyroid surface can be expressed by the following approximate formula (1) using trigonometric functions.

[0027] sin(X×P1)×cos(Y×P2)+sin(Y×P2)×cos(Z×P3)+sin(Z×P3)×cos(X×P1)=0 …(1)

[0028] In equation (1), X, Y, and Z are real numbers ranging from -n to +n. P1, P2, and P3 are real numbers greater than 0. As shown in equation (1), a gyroid surface has a structure that is infinitely connected in each of the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction. When P1, P2, and P3 are each 1, one period in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction is 2n. When P2 and P3 are each 1 and P1 is 2, one period in the X-axis direction is n, which is half of one period in the Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction.

[0029] The filtration wall 4 is a wall having a center on an imaginary curved surface expressed by formula (1) and having a substantially uniform thickness in the normal direction of the curved surface. In the flow path structure 2, the total area of ​​the inner surfaces of the first flow paths 5 and the total area of ​​the inner surfaces of the second flow paths 6 are substantially equal.

[0030] A first flow path inlet 51 of the first flow path 5 is formed by a first open end of the first flow path 5. A first flow path outlet 54 of the first flow path 5 is formed by a second open end of the first flow path 5. A second flow path inlet 53 of the second flow path 6 is formed by a first open end of the second flow path 6. A second flow path outlet 52 of the second flow path 6 is formed by a second open end of the second flow path 6.

[0031] A first flow path inlet 51 of the first flow path 5 communicates with the first inlet port 41. A second flow path outlet 52 of the second flow path 6 communicates with the first outlet port 42. A second flow path inlet 53 of the second flow path 6 communicates with the second inlet port 43. A first flow path outlet 54 of the first flow path 5 communicates with the second outlet port 44.

[0032] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filtration of a stock solution according to this embodiment. When filtering a stock solution, the first inlet port 41 and the first outlet port 42 are opened, and the second inlet port 43 and the second outlet port 44 are closed. As shown in FIG. 1, the second inlet port 43 and the second outlet port 44 may each be closed by a closing member 10 or a valve.

[0033] The raw liquid is supplied from the first inlet port 41 to the first flow path 5. The raw liquid supplied to the first flow path 5 is filtered from the first flow path 5 by the filtration wall 4 and flows into the second flow path 6. Solids contained in the raw liquid that cannot pass through the filtration wall 4 remain in the first flow path 5 as filtrate. The filtrate that passes through the filtration wall 4 from the first flow path 5 and flows into the second flow path 6 is discharged from the first outlet port 42.

[0034] 4 shows a state in which the first inlet port 41 and the first outlet port 42 are open and the second inlet port 43 and the second outlet port 44 are closed. Filtration may be performed in a state in which the second inlet port 43 and the second outlet port 44 are open and the first inlet port 41 and the first outlet port 42 are closed.

[0035] 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating functions that become possible when the second outlet port 44 is provided in this embodiment. By providing the second outlet port 44, at least a portion of the stock solution supplied from the first inlet port 41 to the first flow path 5 is discharged from the second outlet port 44. At this time, the filtrate deposited on the inner surface of the first flow path 5 and a portion of the filtrate that obstructs the flow in the first flow path 5 are discharged from the second outlet port 44, thereby suppressing a decrease in filtration performance, such as an increase in filtration resistance, that accompanies an increase in the filtration amount.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, a filtration method in which part of the stock solution supplied from the first inlet port 41 is discharged directly from the second outlet port 44, and part of the stock solution is filtered and discharged from the first outlet port 42 is called cross-flow filtration. By flowing the stock solution along the inner surface of the first flow path 5, the stock solution can be filtered while preventing the accumulation of filtered material on the inner surface of the first flow path 5.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, to more effectively discharge the filtrate accumulated on the inner surface of the first flow path 5 and a portion of the filtrate that obstructs the flow within the first flow path 5, the first outlet port 42 may be closed and the entire amount of the stock solution supplied from the first inlet port 41 may be discharged from the second outlet port 44. The process of discharging the stock solution supplied from the first inlet port 41 directly from the second outlet port 44 is called flushing. In flushing, the first inlet port 41 and the second outlet port 44 are opened, and the second inlet port 43 and the first outlet port 42 are closed. Furthermore, the discharge of the filtrate can be more effectively achieved by increasing the flow rate of the stock solution supplied from the first inlet port 41 compared to that in the case of filtration.

[0038] 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating the function of backwashing to remove filtrate deposited on the first flow path 5 side of the filtration wall 4. The process of washing away filtrate deposited on the filtration wall 4 with a cleaning liquid is called backwashing, and is performed when the pressure difference between the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 becomes large. As shown in FIG. 7 , a second inlet port 43 is provided, and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the second flow path 6 through the second inlet port 43. With the first outlet port 42 closed, the cleaning liquid supplied to the second flow path 6 passes from the second flow path 6 through the filtration wall 4, flows into the first flow path 5, and is discharged from the second outlet port 44. The supply of the cleaning liquid from the second flow path 6 to the first flow path 5 via the filtration wall 4 exerts a force that peels off the filtrate deposited on the inner surface of the first flow path 5. The cleaning liquid that passes from the second flow path 6 through the filtration wall 4 and flows into the first flow path 5 is discharged from the second outlet port 44 together with the filtrate. By performing backwashing, filtered matter and the like accumulated in the first flow path are removed, and the pressure difference between the first flow path and the second flow path is reduced.

[0039] This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning liquid containing the filtrate or the filtrate from remaining in the first inlet port 41 and the piping connected to the first inlet port 41. Furthermore, by providing the second inlet port 43, the flow direction of the filtrate is not reversed to supply the cleaning liquid from the first outlet port 42, and mixing of the cleaning liquid and the filtrate when the cleaning liquid is different from the filtrate can be prevented.

[0040] 7, when backwashing the solid-liquid separator 1, the second inlet port 43 and the second outlet port 44 are opened, and the first inlet port 41 and the first outlet port 42 are closed. Each of the first inlet port 41 and the first outlet port 42 may be closed by a closing member 10 or a valve.

[0041] Note that backwashing may be performed by supplying the cleaning liquid from the first outlet port 42 to the second flow path 6 while the second inlet port 43 and the second outlet port 44 are closed and the first inlet port 41 and the first outlet port 42 are open. It is also possible to perform backwashing by supplying the cleaning liquid to the second flow path 6 from both the second inlet port 43 and the first outlet port 42.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is desired to intensify cleaning, for example, when the first flow path 5 is severely blocked, the flow rate of the first flow path 5 may be increased by opening the first inlet port 41 in addition to the second inlet port 43 and the second outlet port 44, and closing the first outlet port 42.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the solid-liquid separator 1 includes a first inlet port 41, a first outlet port 42, a second inlet port 43, and a second outlet port 44. By controlling the opening and closing of each port, filtration, cross-flow filtration, flushing, and backwashing can be performed. This maintains filtration performance and prevents filtration interruptions due to clogging of the filtration device or maintenance of the filtration device. For example, by switching from filtration to cross-flow filtration at predetermined intervals or when the pressure difference between the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 increases, solids and other materials accumulated in the first flow path 5 are discharged from the second outlet port 44, the pressure difference between the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 is restored (reduced), and the filtrate that has passed through the filter wall 4 can be discharged from the first outlet port 42 without interrupting filtration.

[0044] Furthermore, by performing short-time flushing at predetermined intervals or when the pressure difference between the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 is increased, solids and the like accumulated in the first flow path 5 can be discharged from the second outlet port 44, and the pressure difference between the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 can be restored (reduced). Compared to backwashing, there is no need to reverse the direction of the flow passing through the filtering wall, making it possible to perform processing in a short time and to restore filtering performance while minimizing the impact on the filtering amount.

[0045] It is also possible to switch between filtration in which the raw liquid is supplied from the first inlet port 41 to the first flow path 5 and filtration in which the raw liquid is supplied from the second inlet port 43 to the second flow path 6.

[0046] As described above, the solid-liquid separator 1 according to this embodiment includes the flow path structure 2 having the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 separated by the filtering wall 4, the first inlet port 41 for supplying the raw liquid, which is a liquid containing solids to be filtered, to the first flow path 5, and the first outlet port 42 for discharging the filtrate that has passed from the first flow path 5 through the filtering wall 4 and flowed into the second flow path 6. The filtering wall 4 has a three-dimensional shape that is regular and continuous in at least one direction.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the filtration wall 4 has a three-dimensional shape that is regular and continuous in at least one direction, which increases the filtration area per volume and improves the strength of the filtration wall 4. This prevents an increase in the liquid passage resistance on the filtration surface due to the accumulation of filtrate. Furthermore, even when the pressure difference between the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 increases, the three-dimensional shape of the filtration wall 4 is maintained, preventing a decrease in the effective filtration area due to deformation of the filtration wall 4. Consequently, a decrease in the filtration performance of the solid-liquid separator 1 is prevented.

[0048] Furthermore, since the filtration wall 4 has a regular and continuous three-dimensional shape in at least one direction, it is possible to achieve both an increased filtration area and sufficient strength of the filter structure. Furthermore, since the filtration wall 4 has a shape that is less likely to cause flow stagnation, with one side facing the first flow path 5 and the other side facing the second flow path 6, filtration and backwashing are carried out efficiently, and a decrease in filtration performance can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the first flow path 5 and the second flow path 6 are arranged regularly and continuously, and the liquid supplied from the first inlet port and the second inlet port flows along the flow paths from upstream to downstream, local accumulation of filtered material on the filtration surface is suppressed.

[0049] The filtration wall 4 has a three-dimensional shape that follows a triple periodic curved surface. This further improves the strength of the filtration wall 4. In addition, the filtration area of ​​the filtration wall 4 per unit volume increases, increasing the resistance to clogging of the filtration surface. In addition, in the gyro structure, two spaces intersect without contacting each other, making the flow paths less likely to be clogged compared to a honeycomb structure in which columnar flow paths are formed.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the shell 3 integrally includes a first inlet port 41, a first outlet port 42, a second inlet port 43, and a second outlet port 44. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in filtering performance without providing a complex filtering and cleaning mechanism.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, the shell 3 integrally includes the first inlet port 41, the first outlet port 42, the second inlet port 43, and the second outlet port 44. However, each port may be provided depending on the application and purpose of the solid-liquid separator. For example, if it is desired to minimize the number of ports while enabling filtration and backwashing, the first inlet port 41 is provided in the first flow path 5 and the first outlet port 42 is provided in the second flow path 6. As a result, the raw liquid is supplied from the first inlet port 41 to the first flow path 5 for filtration, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first outlet port 42 to the second flow path 6 for backwashing. In this configuration, the first outlet port 42 discharges the filtrate and supplies the cleaning liquid. If flushing is desired in a configuration with the minimum number of ports, the first flow path 5 is provided with a second outlet port 44 in addition to the first inlet port 41. Furthermore, if it is desired to provide a cleaning liquid supply port separate from the first outlet port 42, through which the filtrate is discharged, in a configuration with the minimum number of ports, the second inlet port 43 is provided in the second flow path 6.

[0052] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0053] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a flow path structure 2B according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the flow path structure 2B has a first flow path 5B and a second flow path 6B separated by a filtration wall 4B. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 5B perpendicular to the central axis of the first flow path 5B is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 6B perpendicular to the central axis of the second flow path 6B. In other words, the first flow path 5B is wider than the second flow path 6B. When the space occupied by the first flow path 5B per unit volume is defined as the first flow path space and the space occupied by the second flow path 6B is defined as the second flow path space, the first flow path space has a larger volume ratio than the second flow path space.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, since the first flow path 5B is thicker than the second flow path 6B, even if solids or the like accumulate on the inner surface of the first flow path 5B, the first flow path 5B is prevented from being blocked by the solids or the like.

[0055] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of these components will be simplified or omitted.

[0056] 10 is a perspective view showing a solid-liquid separator 1C according to this embodiment. The solid-liquid separator 1C includes a flow path structure 2C. The flow path structure 2C has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. At least a portion of the first portion 21 is disposed on the -X side of the second portion 22. The first portion 21 and a portion of the second portion 22 overlap with each other.

[0057] Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a first flow path 5C provided in a first section 21 of a solid-liquid separator 1C according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a second flow path 6C provided in a second section 22 of a solid-liquid separator 1C according to this embodiment. The first flow path 5C and the second flow path 6C are separated by a filtration wall 4C.

[0058] The first flow paths 5C and the second flow paths 6C are each provided to extend in the X-axis direction. The filtration wall 4C has a regular and continuous three-dimensional shape in both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. In the overlapping portion between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, the first flow paths 5C and the second flow paths 6C have a honeycomb structure in which they are alternately arranged in both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. In other words, in the overlapping portion between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, the filtration wall 4C in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction describes a plane tessellated shape in which congruent polygons (figures) are laid out without gaps or overlaps.

[0059] The first portion 21 has a flow path structure 2C which is an overlapping portion of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, an upstream first collection portion 23C where a plurality of first flow paths 5C collect on the upstream side of the flow path structure 2C, and an upstream second collection portion 24C located on the +X side of the upstream first collection portion 23C and where a plurality of second flow paths 6C collect.

[0060] The cross-sectional shape of first flow path 5C of flow path structure 2C changes from a polygon to a circle inscribed in the polygon at the +X side end of upstream second collection section 24C, and communicates with upstream first collection section 23C. The -X side end of second flow path 6C of flow path structure 2C is arranged at the +X side end of upstream second collection section 24C, and communicates with upstream second collection section 24C.

[0061] The second portion 22 has a flow path structure 2C which is an overlapping portion between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, a downstream first collection portion 25C where a plurality of second flow paths 6C are collected downstream of the flow path structure 2C, and a downstream second collection portion 26C located on the +X side of the downstream first collection portion 25C where a plurality of first flow paths 5C are collected.

[0062] First flow paths 5C of flow path structure 2C change their cross-sectional shape from a polygon to a circle inscribed in the polygon at the -X side end of downstream first collection section 25C, and communicate with downstream second collection section 26C. The +X side end of second flow paths 6C of flow path structure 2C is disposed at the -X side end of downstream first collection section 25C, and communicates with downstream first collection section 25C.

[0063] The -X side end of the first flow path 5C of the flow path structure 2C does not communicate with the upstream second collecting section 24C. The +X side end of the first flow path 5C of the flow path structure 2C does not communicate with the downstream first collecting section 25C. Furthermore, the -X side end of the second flow path 6C of the flow path structure 2C does not communicate with the upstream first collecting section 23C. The +X side end of the second flow path 6C of the flow path structure 2C does not communicate with the downstream second collecting section 26C.

[0064] A first inlet port 41C is connected to the upstream first collection section 23C. A first outlet port 42C is connected to the downstream first collection section 25C. A second inlet port 43C is connected to the upstream second collection section 24C. A second outlet port 44C is connected to the downstream second collection section 26C.

[0065] The raw liquid is supplied to the upstream first collecting section 23C from the first inlet port 41C. The raw liquid supplied to the upstream first collecting section 23C flows into the first flow path 5C from the -X side end of the first flow path 5C. At the overlapping portion between the first section 21 and the second section 22, the raw liquid flowing through the first flow path 5C is filtered by the filtration wall 4C and flows into the second flow path 6C. The filtrate removed from the raw liquid remains in the first flow path 5C. The filtrate that passes through the filtration wall 4C from the first flow path 5C and flows into the second flow path 6C flows through the second flow path 6C and then flows into the downstream first collecting section 25C from the +X side end of the second flow path 6C. The filtrate that flows into the downstream first collecting section 25C is discharged from the first outlet port 42C.

[0066] As explained above, the flow path structure 2C does not have to have a gyroid structure. In this embodiment, the flow path structure 2C also has a honeycomb structure in which (hollow) square pillars are closely arranged, improving the strength of the filtration wall 4C. Therefore, even if the pressure difference between the inner surface of the first flow path 5C and the inner surface of the second flow path 6C increases, the shape of the filtration wall 4C is maintained. This prevents a decrease in the filtration performance of the solid-liquid separator 1C.

[0067] [Other embodiments] In the first and third embodiments described above, as explained with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 10, the first inlet port (41, 41C), the first outlet port (42, 42C), the second inlet port (43, 43C), and the second outlet port (44, 44C) are shown to have a cylindrical shape (Figs. 1 and 10), but are not limited to this. They may be simple openings as long as they can be connected to the outside to allow the inflow and / or outflow of fluid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...solid-liquid separator, 1C...solid-liquid separator, 2...flow path structure, 2B...flow path structure, 2C...flow path structure, 3...shell, 4...filter wall, 4B...filter wall, 4C...filter wall, 5...first flow path, 5B...first flow path, 5C...first flow path, 6...second flow path, 6B...second flow path, 6C...second flow path, 10...closing member, 21...first portion, 22...second portion, 23C...upstream first collecting portion, 24C...upstream second collecting portion, 25C...downstream second collecting portion First collecting section, 26C...downstream second collecting section, 30...tubular section, 31...first wall section, 32...second wall section, 41...first inlet port, 41C...first inlet port, 42...first outlet port, 42C...first outlet port, 43...second inlet port, 43C...second inlet port, 44...second outlet port, 44C...second outlet port, 51...first flow path inlet, 52...second flow path outlet, 53...second flow path inlet, 54...first flow path outlet.

Claims

1. a flow path structure having a first flow path and a second flow path separated by a filtering wall; a first inlet port for supplying a raw liquid containing solids to be filtered into the first flow path; a first outlet port for discharging filtrate that has passed from the first flow path through the filtering wall and flowed into the second flow path; The filtering wall has a regular and continuous three-dimensional shape in at least one direction. Solid-liquid separator.

2. The filtering wall has a three-dimensional shape that conforms to a triply periodic curved surface. The solid-liquid separator according to claim 1.

3. The flow path structure has a gyroid structure. The solid-liquid separator according to claim 2.

4. The first flow path and the second flow path are each provided to extend in a first direction, the filtering wall has a regular and continuous three-dimensional shape in each of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction, The first flow paths and the second flow paths have a honeycomb structure so as to be alternately arranged in each of the second direction and the third direction. The solid-liquid separator according to claim 1.

5. a cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path perpendicular to a central axis of the first flow path is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path perpendicular to a central axis of the second flow path; The solid-liquid separator according to claim 1.

6. a second inlet port for supplying a cleaning liquid to the second flow path; a second outlet port for discharging the cleaning liquid that has passed through the filtering wall from the second flow path and flowed into the first flow path, The solid-liquid separator according to claim 1.

7. a second outlet port for discharging the concentrate that has flowed through the first flow path while the concentrate is being supplied from the first inlet port to the first flow path; The solid-liquid separator according to claim 1.

8. a second inlet port for supplying a cleaning liquid to the second flow path; a second outlet port for discharging the liquid flowing through the first flow path, a state in which the first inlet port and the first outlet port are opened and the second inlet port and the second outlet port are closed; a state in which the second inlet port and the second outlet port are opened and the first inlet port and the first outlet port are closed; a state in which the first inlet port and the second outlet port are opened and a state in which the second inlet port and the first outlet port are closed; Filtration method.

Images