Liquid processing apparatus

Abstract

To enable degassing of various liquids using an apparatus having a simple configuration that requires little maintenance.SOLUTION: A liquid processing apparatus comprises: a flow path which has a water supply port to which a liquid to be processed is supplied and through which the liquid to be processed flows; a pump which is provided in the flow path and discharges the liquid to be processed from the water supply port into the flow path; and a degassing unit which is provided on the upstream side of the pump in the flow path. The degassing unit includes a casing having a tubular portion through which the liquid to be processed flows, and one or more baffles provided inside the tubular portion. The baffles are rod-shaped or plate-shaped. When the casing is cut along a plane including the baffles, an opening through which the liquid to be processed passes is formed in a region surrounded by an inner wall surface of the tubular portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water quality improvement system that includes a filtration treatment section that captures corrosion-promoting components that cause corrosion of non-passivated metal bodies and transmits corrosion-inhibiting components that contribute to inhibiting corrosion, a pump that supplies feedwater to the filtration treatment section, a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the permeated water from the filtration treatment section, an inverter that varies the rotation speed of the pump according to the output frequency, and a control section that outputs a command signal to the inverter based on the flow rate detection signal from the flow sensor.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a continuous degassed water production and supply device that includes a degassing tank that is held at a negative vacuum pressure and a water storage tank downstream of it, and that sends raw water to the degassing tank and degasses the degassed water by jet collision against the wall of the degassed water, which is then degassed through an orifice while being transferred to the water storage tank. Volatile gases that have become mixed in from the atmosphere are removed from the degassed water through an orifice on the water storage tank, and the degassed water is then degassed again and stored. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-296944 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-86984 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses the removal of dissolved gases contained in feedwater by a dissolved gas removal treatment unit located downstream of a filtration treatment unit. This dissolved gas removal treatment unit uses a degassing module in which a hollow fiber gas filtration membrane is housed in a cylindrical housing. However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 requires a hollow fiber gas filtration membrane (hollow fiber membrane), which requires periodic replacement. Furthermore, when using a hollow fiber membrane, it is not possible to degas liquids containing sugar (e.g., juice) or highly viscous liquids (e.g., ink, mayonnaise). Even if a liquid can be degassed using a hollow fiber membrane, the replacement cycle may be short depending on the type of liquid and the usage environment, resulting in significant running costs.

[0006] In the invention described in Patent Document 2, water to be treated is pumped into a degassing tank that has reached a predetermined negative vacuum pressure environment and sprayed at high speed from a nozzle, causing the water to collide with the inner wall of the degassing tank. This causes the gas in the water to rapidly expand in the negative vacuum pressure environment and separate from the water, producing degassed water. However, the invention described in Patent Document 2 requires space for spraying the water to be treated, which results in a large degassing tank. Furthermore, the invention described in Patent Document 2 requires a nozzle for spraying, a pressure pump for high-pressure water supply, and other components, making the device complicated.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a liquid treatment device that can degas a variety of liquids using a device with a simple configuration that requires little maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the liquid treatment device of the present invention comprises, for example, a water supply port through which the liquid to be treated is supplied, a flow path through which the liquid to be treated flows, a pump provided in the flow path and causing the liquid to be treated to flow from the water supply port into the flow path, and a degassing unit provided in the flow path upstream of the pump, wherein the degassing unit has a casing having a cylindrical section through which the liquid to be treated flows, and one or more baffles provided inside the cylindrical section, the baffles being rod-shaped or plate-shaped, and when the casing is cut at a plane including the baffles, an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes is formed in an area surrounded by the inner wall surface of the cylindrical section.

[0009] The liquid treatment device according to the present invention includes a degassing unit having a casing with a cylindrical section through which the liquid to be treated flows and one or more baffles provided inside the cylindrical section. Therefore, it is possible to degas a variety of liquids using a device with a simple configuration that requires little maintenance.

[0010] The degassing unit may have a vacuum source that reduces the pressure inside the casing, thereby enabling more efficient degassing.

[0011] The casing may be provided with a plurality of plate-like members that serve as the baffles, each of which has a plurality of first through holes through which the liquid to be treated passes, and the plurality of plate-like members may be stacked such that the first through hole of a first plate-like member among the plurality of plate-like members partially overlaps with the first through hole of a second plate-like member adjacent to the first plate-like member. The passage of the liquid to be treated through the first through holes promotes negative pressure in the liquid to be treated, further vaporizing gas dissolved in the liquid to be treated. Therefore, degassing can be performed efficiently.

[0012] The casing may have a first end face covering one end of the cylindrical portion, the first end face having an inlet opening through which the liquid to be treated passes, the first plate-shaped member being provided on the first end face and abutting the inlet opening, the peripheral edges of the first and second plate-shaped members not abutting the inner wall surface, and the end faces of the stacked plate-shaped members not abutting the first end face being covered by a third plate-shaped member to prevent the liquid to be treated from passing through. The liquid to be treated passes between the peripheral edges and the inner wall surface of the first and second plate-shaped members and flows below the third plate-shaped member, reducing pressure and generating further bubbles. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0013] The casing is provided with one or more baffles serving as the baffles, and the baffles may not have holes formed therein, and the openings may be formed between the baffles and the inner wall surface, thereby simplifying the structure of the degassing section.

[0014] The casing may be provided with one baffle plate, and the baffle plate may be provided on a first end surface that covers one end of the cylindrical portion via a support member, and the baffle plate and the first end surface may be spaced apart. When the liquid to be treated flows below the baffle plate, pressure decreases and more bubbles are generated. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0015] The casing is provided with a plurality of baffles, the baffles being provided on the inner wall surface, and the plurality of baffles may be provided on a first surface which is any surface perpendicular to the center line of the cylindrical portion, and / or on a second surface which is any surface perpendicular to the center line and different from the first surface, and on the first surface. When the liquid to be treated flows below the baffles, pressure decreases and further bubbles are generated. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0016] The casing is provided with one or more baffles serving as the baffles, and the baffles may have openings through which the liquid to be treated passes. When the liquid to be treated passes through the openings and flows below the baffles, the pressure decreases and more bubbles are generated. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to degas a variety of liquids using a device with a simple configuration that requires little maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid treatment device 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1A is a diagram showing an outline of the degassing section 13, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an outline of the plate-like member 13b. [Figure 3] 1A is a partially enlarged view of plate-shaped member 13b, FIG. 1B is a partially enlarged view of plate-shaped member 13c, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing plate-shaped members 13b and 13c stacked alternately. [Figure 4] Graph (A) is a graph comparing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid to be treated with and without the degassing unit 13, and graph (B) is an enlarged view of a portion of graph (A). [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a degassing section 13A. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a degassing section 13B. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an outline of a degassing section 13C, where (A) is a side view and (B) is a top view. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an outline of a degassing section 13D, where (A) is a side view and (B) is a top view. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an outline of a degassing section 13E, where (A) is a diagram seen from the side and (B) is a diagram seen from above. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an outline of a degassing section 13F, where (A) is a side view and (B) is a top view. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid treatment device 2. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a degassing section 13G. [Figure 13] Graph (A) is a graph comparing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid to be treated with and without the vacuum pump 15, and graph (B) is an enlarged view of a portion of graph (A). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A liquid treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for degassing a liquid to be treated.

[0020] First Embodiment 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid treatment device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Liquid treatment device 1 mainly includes a tank 11, a flow rate control valve 12, a degassing unit 13, a pump 14, and a flow path 20.

[0021] Tank 11 is a container for storing the liquid to be treated. In this embodiment, water is used as the liquid to be treated, but various liquids other than water can be used as the liquid to be treated. For example, benzene (viscosity at 20°C: 0.65 mPa·s), water (viscosity at 20°C: 1 mPa·s), glycerin (viscosity at 20°C: 1,389 mPa·s, glycerin concentration: 100%), etc. can be used as the liquid to be treated.

[0022] The tank 11 is provided with an outlet 111. The flow path 20 is connected to the outlet 111. The end of the flow path 20 connected to the outlet 111 is a water supply port 21d. The liquid to be treated stored in the tank 11 is supplied to the water supply port 21d via the outlet 111.

[0023] In the present invention, tank 11 is not essential. A pipe (not shown) provided in a device other than liquid treatment device 1 may be connected to water supply port 21d, and the liquid to be treated may be supplied from the pipe to water supply port 21d.

[0024] Flow path 20 includes pipes, hoses, joints, etc. through which a fluid (liquid, gas) flows. Flow path 20 constitutes a fluid circulation circuit through which the liquid to be treated flowing out of tank 11 flows and also returns the liquid to be treated to tank 11. Flow path 20 is provided with, in this order from the upstream side, a flow rate adjustment valve 12, a degassing unit 13, and a pump 14.

[0025] A degassing unit 13 and a pump 14 are provided downstream of the flow rate control valve 12. The flow rate control valve 12 adjusts the suction pressure of the pump 14. The upstream side of the flow path 20 relative to the pump 14 is an outflow path 21, and the downstream side is a return path 22.

[0026] The upstream side of the flow rate control valve 12 of the outflow path 21 is referred to as the upstream section 21a, and the downstream side of the flow rate control valve 12 is referred to as the midstream section 21b. The upstream end of the upstream section 21a is the water supply port 21d. Furthermore, the upstream side of the degassing section 13 of the outflow path 21 is referred to as the midstream section 21b, and the downstream side of the degassing section 13 is referred to as the downstream section 21c. A vacuum gauge may be provided in the midstream section 21b or the downstream section 21c.

[0027] The pump 14 causes the liquid to flow out of the tank 11 into the outflow path 21, and also returns the liquid to the tank 11 through the return path 22. A flow meter may be provided in the return path 22. The pump 14 may be a centrifugal pump (a cascade pump, a volute pump, etc.) or a positive displacement pump. In this embodiment, a positive displacement pump is used as the pump 14. A degassing unit 13 is provided upstream of the pump 14.

[0028] Next, we will explain the details of the degassing section 13. Figure 2(A) is a diagram showing an outline of the degassing section 13. The degassing section 13 mainly has a casing 13a and a plurality of plate-like members 13b and 13c (corresponding to baffles of the present invention).

[0029] Casing 13a is cylindrical and is provided in flow path 20 (here, outflow path 21). Casing 13a has a cylindrical side surface 13j, and ends 13h (corresponding to a first end surface of the present invention) and 13i (corresponding to a second end surface of the present invention) that cover both ends of side surface 13j. One end 13h is provided with inflow opening 13e through which the liquid to be treated flows in, and the other end 13i is provided with outflow opening 13f through which the liquid to be treated flows out.

[0030] Plate-shaped members 13b and 13c (corresponding to the plate-shaped members of the present invention) are provided inside the casing 13a. In this embodiment, two plate-shaped members 13b and two plate-shaped members 13c are provided, but the number of plate-shaped members 13b and 13c is not limited to this. The plate-shaped members 13b and 13c are disk-shaped and have the same peripheral size. The plate-shaped members 13b and 13c are alternately stacked.

[0031] Plate-like members 13b and 13c are provided so as to abut against end 13h but not against end 13i. Furthermore, plate-like members 13b and 13c are provided so as not to abut against side surface 13j connecting end 13h and end 13i.

[0032] One (plate member 13b-1) of the plate-shaped members 13b (corresponding to the first plate-shaped member of the present invention) is provided at the end 13h, and the plate-shaped member 13b abuts against the inlet opening 13e. A plate-shaped member 13c (corresponding to the second plate-shaped member of the present invention) is provided downstream of the plate-shaped member 13b-1, in other words, below the plate-shaped member 13b-1 (on the side opposite the end 13h of the plate-shaped member 13b-1).

[0033] The end faces (here, the lower surface of plate-shaped member 13c) that are not in contact with end 13h of the stacked plate-shaped members (plate-shaped members 13b, 13c) are covered by plate-shaped member 13d to prevent the liquid to be treated from passing through.

[0034] 2(B) is a diagram showing an outline of plate-shaped member 13b. Each plate-shaped member 13b is provided with a plurality of through-holes 13g (corresponding to first through-holes of the present invention) through which the liquid to be treated passes. The through-holes 13g are, for example, hexagonal in shape. In this embodiment, the through-holes 13g are provided on the entire surface of plate-shaped member 13b. Although not shown, plate-shaped member 13c is also provided with a plurality of through-holes 13g (on the entire surface) in the same manner as plate-shaped member 13b.

[0035] When casing 13a is cut along a plane including plate-like member 13b or plate-like member 13c, an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes is formed in an area surrounded by the inner wall surface (inner wall surface 13o) of side surface 13j. In this embodiment, through-hole 13g and a gap between the periphery of plate-like members 13b and 13c and inner wall surface 13o are the openings through which the liquid to be treated passes.

[0036] Fig. 3(A) is a partial enlarged view of plate-shaped member 13b, Fig. 3(B) is a partial enlarged view of plate-shaped member 13c, and Fig. 3(C) is a diagram showing plate-shaped members 13b and 13c stacked alternately. In Fig. 3, plate-shaped member 13c is shown by a dotted line for ease of explanation.

[0037] The difference between plate-shaped member 13b and plate-shaped member 13c is the positional relationship between the peripheries of plate-shaped members 13b and 13c and through-holes 13g (the positions of through-holes 13g). For example, the positions of through-holes 13g in plate-shaped member 13b and the positions of through-holes 13g in plate-shaped member 13c are shifted by half the pitch of through-holes 13g in the horizontal direction of Fig. 3 and by ¼ the pitch of through-holes 13g in the vertical direction of Fig. 3. As a result, when plate-shaped member 13b and plate-shaped member 13c are stacked so that their peripheries are aligned, through-holes 13g in plate-shaped member 13b and through-holes 13g in plate-shaped member 13c partially overlap.

[0038] Next, the operation of liquid treatment device 1 will be described. Pump 14 is driven, causing the liquid to be treated (here, water) to flow from tank 11 into flow path 20. The liquid to be treated that has flowed into upstream section 21a passes through flow rate control valve 12 and flows into degassing section 13. Because pump 14 is causing the liquid to be treated to flow into flow path 20, degassing section 13 is at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure (negative pressure). Therefore, in degassing section 13, gases such as oxygen that were dissolved in the liquid to be treated that has flowed into degassing section 13 evaporate, generating bubbles.

[0039] Furthermore, when the liquid to be treated that has flowed into the degassing section 13 from the inlet opening 13e passes through the through-hole 13g, the negative pressure of the liquid to be treated is promoted (further reduced pressure), causing the gas dissolved in the liquid to further vaporize and generate bubbles. The liquid to be treated that has passed through the through-hole 13g flows around the periphery of the plate-like members 13b and 13c (the gap between the plate-like members 13b and 13c and the side surface 13j) and flows into the hollow section of the casing 13a, i.e., below the plate-like member 13d. As a result, the pressure of the liquid to be treated is further reduced, generating more bubbles. The liquid to be treated and the foamed gas then flow into the downstream section 21c from the outlet opening 13f.

[0040] In liquid treatment device 1, flow path 20 constitutes a fluid circulation circuit, and the liquid to be treated that has been degassed in degassing unit 13 returns to tank 11, flows through flow path 20 again, and is treated in degassing unit 13. Therefore, by treating the same liquid to be treated multiple times in degassing unit 13, the liquid to be treated can be degassed efficiently.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a graph comparing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid to be treated with and without the degassing unit 13. Note that FIG. 4(B) is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4(A). In FIG. 4, the square plots indicate the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid to be treated when the flow control valve 12 and pump 14 are provided but the degassing unit 13 is not provided, and the circle plots indicate the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid to be treated when the flow control valve 12, degassing unit 13, and pump 14 are provided. From FIG. 4, it can be seen that when the degassing unit 13 is provided, the amount of dissolved oxygen decreases more quickly than when the degassing unit 13 is not provided, i.e., the liquid to be treated is more degassed. Note that the suction pressure of the pump 14 in FIG. 4 is -0.1 MPa.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the liquid to be treated can be efficiently degassed by the degassing section 13. Furthermore, since the degassing section 13 has a simple configuration, the device can be simplified and made smaller.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since hollow fiber membranes and the like are not used, replacement is not required, and maintenance is not required. Furthermore, degassing unit 13 uses easily washable parts, namely casing 13a and plate-like members 13b, 13c, and 13d, and therefore maintenance is easy.

[0044] In this embodiment, a circulation flow path is used to return the liquid to be treated to tank 11 via reflux path 22, but reflux path 22 returning the liquid to be treated to tank 11 is not essential. For example, the downstream side of pump 14 may be a delivery flow path that delivers the degassed liquid to other devices, etc. Even when a circulation flow path is not used in this way, the liquid to be treated can be efficiently degassed by passing through degassing section 13.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the plate-like members 13b and 13c are disk-shaped, but the shape of the plate-like members 13b and 13c in a plan view (the shape when viewed along the plate thickness direction) is not limited to a disk shape. For example, the shape of the plate-like members in a plan view (the shape when viewed along the plate thickness direction) may be rectangular.

[0046] Although the through-holes 12g are hexagonal in this embodiment, the through-holes 12g are not limited to a hexagonal shape. For example, the through-holes 12g may be polygonal, such as a diamond, rectangle, triangle, or pentagon, or may be circular or elliptical. However, for efficient degassing, it is preferable that the through-holes 12g be polygonal.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, the degassing section 13 has two types of plate-like members 13b and 13c, but the degassing section 13 may have three or more types of plate-like members. In addition, in the degassing section 13, it is sufficient that different types of plate-like members are stacked adjacent to each other.

[0048] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, plate-shaped member 13b and plate-shaped member 13c are stacked (abutted), but plate-shaped member 13b and plate-shaped member 13c do not have to abut on each other. For example, a spacer may be provided between plate-shaped member 13b and plate-shaped member 13c to form a gap between plate-shaped member 13b and plate-shaped member 13c.

[0049] In the present embodiment, plate-shaped members 13b and 13c are arranged to abut against end 13h but not against end 13i and side surface 13j. However, the arrangement of plate-shaped members 13b and 13c within casing 13a is not limited to this. For example, plate-shaped members 13b and 13c may abut against side surface 13j but not against ends 13h and 13i. Even in this case, through-holes 13g of plate-shaped member 13b and through-holes 13g of plate-shaped member 13c partially overlap, allowing the liquid to be treated to repeatedly flow in and out of through-holes 13g, thereby efficiently degassing the liquid. However, by forming gaps between plate-shaped members 13b and 13c and side surface 13j and by providing plate-shaped member 13d at the lower ends of plate-shaped members 13b and 13c, the pressure of the liquid to be treated below plate-shaped member 13d is further reduced, allowing for more effective degassing.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid to be treated is water, but the liquid to be treated is not limited to water. For example, the liquid to be treated may be oil. The liquid to be treated may also be a non-Newtonian fluid. For example, when the liquid to be treated is mayonnaise, which is a non-Newtonian fluid, the shelf life of the mayonnaise can be improved by degassing the oxygen in the mayonnaise using the liquid treatment device 1. Furthermore, when the liquid to be treated is a dairy product such as milk, oxidation can be prevented by degassing the oxygen contained in the dairy product.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, the degassing unit 13 having the plate-like members 13b, 13c, and 13d is used, but the configuration of the degassing unit is not limited to this. The following modified examples are configurations in which the plate-like members 13b and 13c are not used and the structure of the degassing unit is simplified.

[0052] <Modification 1 of the First Embodiment> 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the degassing section 13A provided with one plate-like member 13d. The degassing section 13A mainly includes a casing 13a, a plate-like member 13d (corresponding to the baffle and baffle plate of the present invention), and a support member 13k.

[0053] No holes are formed in plate-like member 13d, and plate-like member 13d is attached to end 13h via support members 13k. Support members 13k are made up of, for example, a plurality of columnar members whose opposite ends are attached to end 13h and plate-like member 13d.

[0054] When the casing 13a is cut along a plane including the plate-like member 13d, an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes is formed in the area surrounded by the inner wall surface 13o. In this modification, the gap between the plate-like member 13d and the inner wall surface 13o is the opening through which the liquid to be treated passes.

[0055] The liquid to be treated that flows into the degassing section 13A through the inlet opening 13e flows through the gaps in the support member 13k toward the periphery of the casing 13a, and then flows into the hollow portion of the casing 13a, i.e., below the plate-like member 13d. As a result, the pressure of the liquid to be treated decreases, and more air bubbles are generated. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0056] 5, one baffle plate (plate-shaped member 13d) without holes is provided, but one or more baffles with holes may be provided. A hole (opening) through which the liquid to be treated passes may be provided near the center of plate-shaped member 13d.

[0057] 5, one baffle plate (plate-shaped member 13d) without holes formed therein is provided, but multiple baffles may be provided. For example, a plate-shaped baffle plate may be provided below the plate-shaped member 13d via a spacer or the like. This baffle plate may have the same shape as the plate-shaped member 13d, or may have a different size or shape. Furthermore, holes may be formed in some of the multiple baffles including the plate-shaped member 13d.

[0058] <Modification 2 of the First Embodiment> 6 is a diagram showing an outline of degassing section 13B provided with one plate-like member 131. Degassing section 13B mainly has casing 13a and plate-like member 131 (corresponding to the baffle and baffle plate of the present invention).

[0059] The plate-like member 13l is provided on the inner wall surface 13o. The plate-like member 13l has holes 13m formed therein. The holes 13m are openings through which the liquid to be treated passes.

[0060] The liquid to be treated that flows into the degassing section 13B from the inlet opening 13e passes through the holes 13m and flows below the plate-like member 13l. As a result, the pressure of the liquid to be treated decreases, and more air bubbles are generated. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0061] 6, one baffle plate (plate-shaped member 13l) is provided, but a plurality of baffles may be provided. For example, a plate-shaped baffle plate may be provided below the plate-shaped member 13l via a spacer or the like. This baffle plate may have the same shape as the plate-shaped member 13l, or may have a different size or shape.

[0062] <Third Modification of the First Embodiment> 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an outline of a degassing section 13C provided with one plate-like member 13n, with (A) being a side view and (B) being a top view. Only the essential parts are shown in Fig. 7. The degassing section 13C mainly has a casing 13a and a plate-like member 13n (corresponding to the baffle and baffle plate of the present invention).

[0063] Plate-shaped member 13n is a flat plate with a rectangular cross section (hereinafter simply referred to as the cross section) when cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. No holes are formed in plate-shaped member 13n, and the edge of plate-shaped member 13n is provided on inner wall surface 13o. Between plate-shaped member 13n and inner wall surface 13o (the shaded area in FIG. 7(B)), there is an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes.

[0064] The liquid to be treated that flows into the degassing section 13C through the inlet opening 13e flows below the plate-shaped member 13n through the gap between the plate-shaped member 13n and the inner wall surface 13o. As a result, the pressure of the liquid to be treated decreases, and more air bubbles are generated. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0065] Although the cross-sectional shape of the plate-shaped member 13n is rectangular, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a rectangular shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the plate-shaped member 13n may be elliptical or polygonal. The size of the plate-shaped member 13n is also not limited to this. Furthermore, although the plate-shaped member 13n is plate-shaped, it is not limited to a plate shape and may be rod-shaped. For example, the plate-shaped member 13n may be a square bar or a round bar.

[0066] <Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment> Figure 8 is a diagram showing an outline of a degassing section 13D provided with a plurality of plate-like members 13p, where (A) is a side view and (B) is a top view. Only the essential parts are shown in Figure 8. The degassing section 13D mainly has a casing 13a and a plurality of plate-like members 13p (corresponding to the baffles and baffle plates of the present invention).

[0067] The plate-shaped member 13p is a flat plate with a rectangular cross section. No holes are formed in the plate-shaped member 13p, and the ends of the plate-shaped member 13p are provided on the inner wall surface 13o. The multiple plate-shaped members 13p are provided on a plane P1 (corresponding to the first plane of the present invention) that is perpendicular to the center line ax of the side surface 13j. The area between the plate-shaped member 13p and the inner wall surface 13o (the shaded area in Figure 8(B)) is an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes.

[0068] The liquid to be treated that flows into the degassing section 13D through the inlet opening 13e flows below the plate-shaped member 13p through the gap between the plate-shaped member 13p and the inner wall surface 13o. As a result, the pressure of the liquid to be treated decreases, and more air bubbles are generated. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0069] Although the cross-sectional shape of the plate-shaped member 13p is rectangular, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a rectangular shape. Furthermore, the size of the plate-shaped member 13p is not limited to this. Furthermore, although the plate-shaped member 13p is plate-shaped, it is not limited to a plate shape and may be a rod shape (for example, a square rod or a round rod).

[0070] <Fifth Modification of the First Embodiment> Figure 9 is a diagram showing an outline of a degassing section 13E provided with a plurality of plate-like members 13p, with (A) being a side view and (B) being a top view. Figure 9 shows only the essential parts. The degassing section 13E mainly has a casing 13a and a plurality of plate-like members 13p (corresponding to the baffles and baffle plates of the present invention).

[0071] The plate-like member 13p has an end provided on the inner wall surface 13o. A plurality of plate-like members 13p are provided on a surface P1 and a surface P2 (corresponding to the second surface of the present invention). The surface P2 is a surface perpendicular to the center line ax and is different from the surface P1. When viewed from the upstream side, i.e., from above, the plate-like member 13p provided on the surface P1 and the plate-like member 13p provided on the surface P2 overlap. Between the plate-like member 13p and the inner wall surface 13o (see the shaded area in Figure 9) is an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes.

[0072] The liquid to be treated that flows into the degassing section 13E through the inlet opening 13e flows below the plate-shaped member 13p through the gap between the plate-shaped member 13p and the inner wall surface 13o. As a result, the pressure of the liquid to be treated decreases, and more bubbles are generated. Because the plate-shaped member 13p is provided in two stages, the operation of reducing the pressure of the liquid to be treated and generating bubbles is repeated twice. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0073] In this modification, the plate-like members 13p are provided on the surfaces P1 and P2, i.e., two stages of the plate-like members 13p, but three or more stages of the plate-like members 13p may be provided. For example, the plate-like members 13p may be provided on a surface P3 (a surface orthogonal to the center line ax and different from the surfaces P1 and P2) in addition to the surfaces P1 and P2.

[0074] <Sixth Modification of the First Embodiment> Figure 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a degassing section 13F provided with multiple plate-like members 13p, with (A) being a side view and (B) being a top view. Figure 10 shows only the essential parts. The degassing section 13F mainly has a casing 13a and multiple plate-like members 13p (corresponding to the baffles and baffle plates of the present invention).

[0075] The plate-shaped member 13p has an end provided on the inner wall surface 13o. Multiple plate-shaped members 13p are provided on surfaces P1 and P2. Surface P2 is a surface perpendicular to the center line of the side surface 13j and is different from surface P1. When viewed from above, the plate-shaped member 13p provided on surface P1 and the plate-shaped member 13p provided on surface P2 do not overlap. An opening is formed between the plate-shaped member 13p and the inner wall surface 13o, through which the liquid to be treated passes.

[0076] The liquid to be treated that flows into the degassing section 13F through the inflow opening 13e flows below the plate-shaped member 13p between the plate-shaped member 13p and the inner wall surface 13o. As a result, the pressure of the liquid to be treated decreases, and more air bubbles are generated. Because the plate-shaped member 13p on the surface P1 and the plate-shaped member 13p on the surface P2 do not overlap, the liquid to be treated flows below the plate-shaped member 13p at a high flow rate. This allows the liquid to be degassed efficiently.

[0077] In this modification, the plate-like members 13p are provided on the surfaces P1 and P2, but the plate-like members 13p may be provided on the surfaces P1, P2, and P3.

[0078] <Second embodiment> In the second embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum source is provided in the degassing section 13. A liquid treatment device 2 of the present invention will be described below. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid treatment device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Liquid treatment device 2 mainly includes tank 11, flow rate control valve 12, degassing unit 13G, pump 14, and flow path 20.

[0080] 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the degassing unit 13G. The degassing unit 13G has the degassing unit 13 and a vacuum pump 15 (corresponding to the vacuum source of the present invention). The vacuum pump 15 is connected to the casing 13a. A flow rate adjustment valve 16 may be provided in the piping between the casing 13a and the vacuum pump 15.

[0081] Next, the operation of liquid treatment device 2 will be described. Pump 14 is driven, causing the liquid to be treated (here, water) to flow from tank 11 into flow path 20. Because pump 14 is causing the liquid to be treated to flow into flow path 20, degassing section 13 is under negative pressure, and gas dissolved in the liquid to be treated vaporizes in degassing section 13, generating bubbles. Furthermore, when the liquid to be treated passes through through-hole 13g, the liquid to be treated becomes under even more negative pressure, causing even more gas dissolved in the liquid to vaporize, generating bubbles. Then, the liquid to be treated flows from the peripheries of plate-like members 13b and 13c into the underside of plate-like member 13d, causing the liquid to become under even more negative pressure, generating bubbles.

[0082] A vacuum pump 15 is connected to the casing 13a, and thus any bubbles generated inside the casing 13a are sucked in by the vacuum pump 15. By sucking out the bubbles generated inside the casing 13a by vacuum, degassing becomes possible in a shorter time and with higher efficiency. The liquid to be treated from which the bubbles have been removed flows into the downstream section 21c and the pump 14. Because the bubbles are sucked in by the vacuum pump 15, no bubbles flow out to the pump 14.

[0083] In liquid treatment device 2, flow path 20 constitutes a fluid circulation circuit, and the liquid to be treated that has been degassed in degassing unit 13G returns to tank 11, flows again through flow path 20, and is treated in degassing unit 13G. Therefore, by treating the same liquid to be treated multiple times in degassing unit 13G, the liquid to be treated can be degassed efficiently.

[0084] Figure 13 is a graph comparing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the treated liquid with and without the vacuum pump 15. Note that Figure 12(B) is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 12(A). In Figure 13, the square plots indicate the amount of dissolved oxygen in the treated liquid when the flow control valve 12, degassing unit 13, and pump 14 are provided but the vacuum pump 15 is not provided, while the circle plots indicate the amount of dissolved oxygen in the treated liquid when the flow control valve 12, degassing unit 13G (with vacuum pump 15), and pump 14 are provided. Figure 12 reveals that when the vacuum pump 15 is provided, the amount of dissolved oxygen decreases more quickly than when the vacuum pump 15 is not provided, i.e., the treated liquid is more degassed. Note that the suction pressure of the pump 14 and vacuum pump 15 in Figure 12 is -0.1 MPa.

[0085] According to this embodiment, by connecting vacuum pump 15 to degassing section 13 and using vacuum pump 15 to collect bubbles generated in degassing section 13, the liquid to be treated can be degassed more efficiently.

[0086] In this embodiment, the vacuum pump 15, which is a vacuum source, is connected to the degassing unit 13, but the vacuum source connected to the degassing unit 13 is not limited to the vacuum pump 15. For example, an ejector can be used as the vacuum source.

[0087] Furthermore, the vacuum pump 15, which is a vacuum source, is not limited to being connected to the degassing unit 13. The vacuum source (for example, the vacuum pump 15) can be connected to any of the degassing units 13A to 13F.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fluid circulation circuit is not essential, as in the first embodiment, and the liquid to be treated is not limited to water.

[0089] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0090] Furthermore, "substantially" is a concept that includes not only cases where something is strictly identical, but also errors or deformations that do not cause loss of identity. For example, "substantially orthogonal" is not limited to cases where something is strictly orthogonal, but also includes cases where something can be regarded as being the same as orthogonal. Furthermore, for example, when simply expressing something as orthogonal, parallel, coincident, etc., it includes not only cases where something is strictly orthogonal, parallel, coincident, etc., but also cases where something is approximately parallel, approximately orthogonal, approximately coincident, etc.

[0091] Furthermore, "vicinity" means including a certain range (which can be arbitrarily determined) near a reference position. For example, "near an edge" is a concept that indicates a certain range near the edge, which may or may not include the edge. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1, 2: Liquid treatment equipment 11: Tank 12: Flow control valve 12g:Through hole 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13G: Degassing section 13a: Casing 13b, 13b-1, 13c, 13d, 13l, 13n, 13p: plate-shaped members 13e:Inflow opening 13f:Outflow opening 13g:Through hole 13h, 13i: Edge 13j: Side 13k: Support member 13m: hole 13o: Inner wall surface 14: Pump 15: Vacuum pump 16: Flow control valve 20: Flow path 21: Outflow route 21a:Upstream part 21b: Middle part 21c: Downstream 21d: Water inlet 22: Reflux route 111: Outlet

Claims

1. a flow path including a water supply port through which the liquid to be treated flows; a pump provided in the flow path for causing the liquid to be treated to flow from the water supply port into the flow path; a degassing unit provided in the flow path upstream of the pump, the degassing unit includes a casing having a cylindrical portion through which the liquid to be treated flows, and one or more baffles provided inside the cylindrical portion; The baffle is rod-shaped or plate-shaped, When the casing is cut at a plane including the baffle, an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes is formed in a region surrounded by an inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion. A liquid treatment device characterized by:

2. The degassing unit has a vacuum source that reduces the pressure inside the casing. The liquid treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. The casing is provided with a plurality of plate-like members that are the baffles, the plate-like member is provided with a plurality of first through holes through which the liquid to be treated passes, The plurality of plate-like members are stacked such that the first through hole of a first plate-like member among the plurality of plate-like members partially overlaps with the first through hole of a second plate-like member adjacent to the first plate-like member.

3. The liquid treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the casing has a first end surface that covers one end of the cylindrical portion, an inlet opening through which the liquid to be treated passes is formed in the first end surface; the first plate-shaped member is provided on the first end surface and abuts against the inlet opening; the peripheral edges of the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member do not come into contact with the inner wall surface, The end faces of the stacked plate-like members that are not in contact with the first end faces are covered by a third plate-like member so that the liquid to be treated does not pass through. The liquid treatment device according to claim 3 .

5. The casing is provided with one or more baffle plates that are the baffles, The baffle plate has no holes formed therein, The opening is between the baffle plate and the inner wall surface.

3. The liquid treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The casing is provided with one baffle plate, the baffle plate is provided on a first end surface that covers one end of the cylindrical portion via a support member, The baffle plate and the first end surface are spaced apart. The liquid treatment device according to claim 5 .

7. The casing is provided with a plurality of the baffle plates, The baffle plate is provided on the inner wall surface, The baffle plates are provided on a first surface which is any surface perpendicular to the center line of the cylindrical portion, and / or on a second surface which is any surface perpendicular to the center line and different from the first surface, and on the first surface. The liquid treatment device according to claim 5 .

8. The casing is provided with one or more baffle plates that are the baffles, The baffle plate is provided with an opening through which the liquid to be treated passes.

3. The liquid treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

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