Pipe cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a piping cleaning method and a piping system capable of cleaning the inside of piping even if there is no process such as paint application in the piping, and maintaining the state.SOLUTION: A pipe cleaning method according to a positional aspect of the present invention is a pipe cleaning method for cleaning insides of a water supply pipe and a water discharge pipe arranged in a building, the pipe cleaning method including the steps of installing a nanobubble generator upstream of the water supply pipe, causing the nanobubble generator to add nanobubbles to water in the water supply pipe to generate nanobubble water, and supplying the nanobubble water from a faucet connected to the water supply pipe to clean the inside of the water supply pipe, nanobubble water is taken into a drain pipe from a drain port and passed through the inside of the drain pipe to wash the drain pipe, and a nanobubble generator has a Venturi tube and a nanobubble generation promoting member arranged in the Venturi tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe cleaning method and a pipe system. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, buildings such as condominiums and houses have piping systems with water supply and drainage pipes. Scale and biofilm formation are important issues in piping systems. These biofilms can reduce the efficiency of the piping system and increase maintenance costs.

[0003] In response to this, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique relating to a method for rehabilitating hot water supply copper pipes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-40063 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is a method for removing and restoring scale and other buildup when it occurs, and has the problem that preventing the buildup of scale and other buildup requires a process such as applying paint to the inside of the pipes.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a pipe cleaning method and a piping system that can clean the inside of a pipe and maintain that state without requiring a process such as applying paint to the inside of the pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into the above-mentioned problems and have noticed that the use of nanobubble technology makes it possible to efficiently clean and maintain the inside of piping, which has led to the completion of the present invention.

[0008] That is, a pipe cleaning method according to one aspect of the present invention is a pipe cleaning method for cleaning the insides of water supply pipes and drainage pipes arranged within a building, comprising: installing a nanobubble generator upstream of the water supply pipe; using the nanobubble generator to make nanobubble water by adding nanobubbles to the water in the water supply pipe; supplying the nanobubble water from a plumbing fixture connected to the water supply pipe to clean the inside of the water supply pipe; taking the nanobubble water into a drain pipe through a drain outlet and passing the nanobubble water through the drain pipe to clean the drain pipe; and the nanobubble generator has a Venturi tube and a nanobubble generation-promoting member arranged within the Venturi tube.

[0009] Furthermore, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the anti-microbial growth effect be exerted in the water supply pipe, and that the biofilm removal effect and the scale removal effect be exerted in the drainage pipe.

[0010] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the building is a hot spring facility and the water supply pipe supplies hot spring water.

[0011] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the nanobubble generation promoting member contains a silicone polymer.

[0012] Furthermore, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the Venturi tube has a narrowed portion where the inner diameter is reduced, that a gas introduction pipe is connected to the narrowed portion, and that a gas injector that introduces gas into the Venturi tube is connected to the gas introduction pipe.

[0013] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to provide a water pressure auxiliary device in the water supply pipe.

[0014] A piping system according to another aspect of the present invention is a piping system including a water supply pipe and a drainage pipe arranged in a building, and a nanobubble generator installed upstream of the water supply pipe, the nanobubble generator including a Venturi tube and a nanobubble generation-promoting member arranged in the Venturi tube. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, the present invention can provide a pipe cleaning method and a piping system that can clean the inside of a pipe and maintain that state without requiring a process such as painting the inside of the pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a piping system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a nanobubble generator in this system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the specific examples in the following embodiments.

[0018] (Piping System) Fig. 1 shows an outline of a piping system S according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this system"), and Fig. 2 shows an outline of a nanobubble generator 3 in this system S. As shown in the figure, this system S is a piping system comprising a water supply pipe 1 and a drainage pipe 2 arranged in a building B, and a nanobubble generator 3 installed upstream of the water supply pipe 1, and the nanobubble generator 3 has a Venturi tube 31 and a nanobubble generation promoting member 32 arranged in the Venturi tube 31.

[0019] As described above, this system S is designed to clean the inside of the water supply pipes 1 and drainage pipes 2 that are laid throughout the building B and maintain the cleaned state, and can provide a pipe cleaning method and piping system that can clean the inside of the pipes and maintain that state even if there is no process such as applying paint to the inside of the pipes.

[0020] Furthermore, the buildings that can be maintained by this system S are not limited as long as they have water supply pipes 1 and drainage pipes 2 laid throughout, and can be detached buildings, condominiums, apartment complexes, office buildings, etc., and the structural materials can be wood or concrete, and there are no limitations. The building uses are also not limited, and the system can be suitably applied to accommodation facilities such as hot spring facilities and hotels. In the case of hot spring facilities, the system can be applied to hot spring pipes, etc.

[0021] As described above, in this system S, water supply pipes 1 and drainage pipes 2 are laid throughout the building B.

[0022] Here, "water supply piping" refers to piping for supplying water to residents, employees, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "users") in the building, and more specifically, piping connected to a water supply system (tap water supply) installed outside the building.

[0023] "Drainage piping" refers to the piping used to discharge water (wastewater) outside the building after users have used it, and refers to the piping connected to the sewer system that runs outside the building.

[0024] The system S also includes a nanobubble generator 3 installed upstream of the water supply pipe 1. The nanobubble generator 3 makes it possible to generate nanobubbles in the water in the water supply pipe, thereby producing nanobubble water. In other words, the "nanobubble water" in the system S refers to water containing nanobubbles.

[0025] Furthermore, in the present system S, the nanobubble generator 3 has a configuration for generating nanobubbles as described above, specifically, a Venturi tube 31 and a nanobubble generation promoting member 32 disposed within the Venturi tube 31. The present system S is characterized by generating nanobubbles within piping using almost no electricity, utilizing the Venturi effect and cavitation. This suppresses the formation of scale and biofilm within the piping, thereby extending the life of the piping and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, flowing nanobubble water is also effective for drainage pipes and hot water supply pipes.

[0026] Here, the Venturi tube 31 has a narrowed portion (throat) 311, to which a gas inlet pipe 312 is attached. By introducing gas through the gas inlet pipe 312, nanobubbles can be introduced into the water. Specifically, the narrowed portion 311 reduces the diameter, accelerating the water flow and reducing the water pressure in this portion. As the pressure decreases, gas is introduced into the water. The gas inlet pipe 312 is also attached to the narrowed portion 311. This portion preferably functions as a gas injector. By installing a gas injector in the narrowed portion 311 and injecting air into the low-pressure portion, it becomes possible to introduce gas, specifically air, into the water as fine nanobubbles.

[0027] The material of the Venturi tube 31 is not particularly limited, and it can be made of metal, but it may also be made of silicone polymer, which has excellent durability and heat resistance.

[0028] The word "gas" used here means gas, and it can be a special gas such as oxygen, but generally includes air (a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen). By using air, it is possible to incorporate it at a very low cost without using a special gas.

[0029] It is also preferable that a gas injector that introduces gas into the Venturi tube is connected to the gas introduction tube 312. The gas injector is a component for introducing gas, and by attaching the gas injector, there is an advantage that more efficient gas introduction is possible.

[0030] Furthermore, the inside of the Venturi tube 31 of the present system S is preferably provided with a nanobubble generation-promoting member 32. By providing the nanobubble generation-promoting member 32, the nanobubbles generated in the Venturi tube can be stabilized as finer bubbles and dissolved in water. The material of this nanobubble generation-promoting member 32 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a silicone polymer, which has excellent durability and heat resistance.

[0031] In addition, in the present system S, one nanobubble generator 3 may be provided, but it is preferable to provide multiple nanobubble generators 3, and when multiple nanobubble generators 3 are provided, it is preferable to arrange them in parallel. When arranging them in parallel, one water supply pipe is branched and a nanobubble generator 3 is provided in each branch, which distributes the load and makes it possible to prevent a drop in pressure.

[0032] In addition, in this system S, nanobubbles are generated by introducing gas from the outside using the Venturi tube 31 as described above, but to prevent a drop in pressure from affecting the water supply function, it is preferable to introduce an auxiliary pump or balance tank as necessary to maintain stable water pressure.

[0033] It is also preferable to install cavitation chambers in water supply and drainage pipes at sharp bends or narrow sections within the pipes.

[0034] In the present system S, it is also preferable to install swirl vanes in the nanobubble generator 3. The installation of swirl vanes can increase the efficiency of nanobubble generation. The installation position of the swirl vanes can improve the efficiency of fluid movement and bubble generation. Effective installation positions include the inlet, narrow section 311, and outlet of the Venturi tube 31. However, installing the swirl vanes at the inlet of the narrow section 311 swirls the fluid, making the flow rate uniform before entering the narrow section and promoting the generation and dispersion of bubbles. This also minimizes fluctuations in flow rate and improves the efficiency of bubble generation. Installing the swirl vanes in the narrow section 311, where the flow rate is fastest, swirls the fluid, promoting bubble generation and optimizing nanobubble generation. In particular, the high flow rate has the advantage of promoting bubble fragmentation and generating finer nanobubbles. Furthermore, by placing the swirl vanes behind the narrow section, at the outlet, specifically at the point where the fluid expands after passing through the narrow section, it is possible to promote recirculation of the fluid and increase the stability of the bubbles. Furthermore, it is possible to stabilize the bubbles and extend their duration within the piping. While any of these locations is acceptable, it is preferable to install the swirl vanes at the point within the narrow section where the flow velocity is fastest. At this location, the swirling of the fluid promotes the fragmentation of bubbles, allowing for the efficient generation of finer nanobubbles. Furthermore, the high flow velocity maximizes the efficiency of bubble generation.

[0035] (Pipe cleaning method) As is clear from the above description, this system can provide a method for cleaning pipes in building B (hereinafter referred to as "this method").

[0036] That is, this method is a pipe cleaning method for cleaning the inside of water supply pipes and drainage pipes located within a building, and includes the steps of: (S1) installing a nanobubble generator upstream of the water supply pipe, and using the nanobubble generator to make the water in the water supply pipe contain nanobubbles to produce nanobubble water; (S2) supplying the nanobubble water from a plumbing fixture connected to the water supply pipe to clean the inside of the water supply pipe; and (S3) taking the nanobubble water from a drain outlet into a drain pipe and passing it through the drain pipe to clean the drain pipe, and the nanobubble generator has a Venturi tube and a nanobubble generation promoting member placed in the Venturi tube.

[0037] Furthermore, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the method exhibits an effect of preventing microbial proliferation in water supply pipes and an effect of removing biofilms and scales in drainage pipes.

[0038] In addition, in this method, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the building is a hot spring facility and the water supply pipe supplies hot spring water.

[0039] In this method, the nanobubble generation promoting member preferably contains a silicone polymer, although this is not a limitation.

[0040] In addition, in this method, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the Venturi tube has a narrowed portion where the inner diameter is reduced, that a gas inlet pipe is connected to the narrowed portion, and that a gas injector that introduces gas into the Venturi tube is connected to the gas inlet pipe.

[0041] In this method, it is preferable, but not limited to, to provide a water pressure assist device in the water supply pipe.

[0042] As described above, the present system S and method can provide a pipe cleaning method and a piping system that can clean the inside of pipes and maintain that state without the need for processes such as painting the inside of the pipes. More specifically, nanobubble water can effectively remove biofilm and scale inside drainage pipes and prevent clogging, thereby reducing the frequency of drainage pipe maintenance and enabling efficient drainage. Furthermore, in the case of hot water supply pipes where high-temperature water flows through the water supply pipe, high-temperature nanobubble water can remove scale and biofilm inside the hot water supply pipe and improve efficiency, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the hot water supply pipe and potentially reducing energy costs. Furthermore, the antibacterial effect of nanobubbles has the effect of suppressing the growth of microorganisms inside the hot water supply pipe. [Industrial Applicability]

[0043] The present invention has industrial applicability as a pipe cleaning method and a piping system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] S...Piping system 1...Water supply pipe 2...Drainage pipe 3...Nanobubble generator 31...Venturi tube 32...Nanobubble generation promoting material

Claims

1. A pipe cleaning method for cleaning water supply pipes and drainage pipes arranged in a building, comprising: a nanobubble generator is installed upstream of the water supply pipe, and the nanobubble generator causes the water in the water supply pipe to contain nanobubbles, thereby producing nanobubble water; The nanobubble water is supplied from a faucet connected to the water supply pipe to clean the inside of the water supply pipe; The nanobubble water is taken into a drain pipe through a drain outlet and passed through the drain pipe to clean the drain pipe, The nanobubble generator includes a Venturi tube and a nanobubble generation promoting member disposed in the Venturi tube.

2. The effect of preventing microbial growth in the water supply pipe is 2. The pipe cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the method exerts a biofilm removal effect and a scale removal effect within the drainage pipe.

3. The building is a hot spring facility, 2. The pipe cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the water supply pipe supplies hot spring water.

4. 2. The pipe cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the nanobubble generation promoting member contains a silicone polymer.

5. the Venturi tube has a narrowed portion where the inner diameter is narrowed, a gas introduction pipe is connected to the narrow portion; 2. The pipe cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein a gas injector for introducing gas into the Venturi tube is connected to the gas introduction tube.

6. The pipe cleaning method according to claim 1, further comprising a water pressure assist device in the water supply pipe.

7. Water supply and drainage piping located within the building; A nanobubble generator installed upstream of the water supply pipe, The nanobubble generator is a piping system having a Venturi tube and a nanobubble generation promoting member disposed in the Venturi tube.

Images