Growth suppression device, liquid purification system, and growth suppression method

Abstract

This invention relates to a growth inhibition device, a liquid purification system, and a growth inhibition method that can suppress the growth of organisms present in a liquid at low cost. [Solution] A growth suppression device for suppressing the growth of organisms present in a liquid, comprising a growth suppression container including an outer cylinder extending vertically and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, and at least one upward flow generating unit that generates an upward flow containing bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder, wherein the inner flow space and the outer flow space are in communication on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder and are configured to form a circulation channel for circulating liquid and bubbles, and the growth suppression container is configured to burst bubbles by circulating liquid and bubbles in the circulation channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a growth inhibition device, a liquid purification system, and a growth inhibition method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for reducing the volume of sludge, a solubilization treatment for solubilizing sludge is known. As the solubilization treatment, for example, a treatment using a chemical agent, a heat treatment, an ultrasonic treatment, a treatment using a mill, etc. are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for solubilizing sludge using ultrasonic waves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional solubilization treatment, since chemicals, heat, ultrasonic waves, mills, etc. are used, there is a problem that the cost is high.

[0005] The present invention relates to a growth inhibition device, a liquid purification system, and a growth inhibition method capable of suppressing the growth of organisms present in a liquid at low cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The growth suppression device according to the present invention is a growth suppression device for suppressing the growth of organisms present in a liquid, comprising a growth suppression container including an outer cylinder extending vertically and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, and at least one upward flow generating unit that generates an upward flow containing bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder, wherein the inner flow space and the outer flow space are in communication on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder and are configured to form a circulation channel for circulating the liquid and bubbles, and the growth suppression container is configured to burst bubbles by circulating the liquid and bubbles in the circulation channel.

[0007] In the growth suppression device according to the present invention, the upward flow generating unit may be located below the vertical midpoint of the growth suppression container and may include at least one gas release unit that releases gas into the outer flow space or the inner flow space.

[0008] The growth suppression device according to the present invention may include at least one of an inner swirling flow generation unit that converts the flow in the inner flow space into a swirling flow, and an outer swirling flow generation unit that converts the flow in the outer flow space into a swirling flow.

[0009] In the growth suppression device according to the present invention, the inner swirling flow generating unit and the outer swirling flow generating unit are provided with a plurality of blades arranged at predetermined intervals, and the plurality of blades may have a shape that is curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder.

[0010] In the growth suppression device according to the present invention, the blade portion may be configured to be non-rotatable.

[0011] The growth suppression device according to the present invention comprises a top plate portion provided opposite to the upper opening of the inner cylinder, and the lower surface of the top plate portion may have an inclined surface that is central in the planar direction and slopes downward.

[0012] The liquid purification system according to the present invention is a liquid purification system for purifying a liquid, and includes a growth suppression device for suppressing the growth of organisms present in the liquid, the growth suppression device having at least one growth suppression container including an outer cylinder extending vertically and an inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, and at least one upward flow generating unit for generating an upward flow containing bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder, the inner flow space and the outer flow space are in communication on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder and are configured to form a circulation channel for circulating the liquid and bubbles, and the growth suppression container is configured to burst bubbles by circulating the liquid and bubbles in the circulation channel.

[0013] The growth inhibition method according to the present invention is a growth inhibition method for inhibiting the growth of organisms present in a liquid, and includes an inflow step of introducing the liquid into a growth inhibition container which includes an outer cylinder extending vertically and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, and a circulation step of circulating the liquid and bubbles by generating an upward flow containing bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder, wherein in the circulation step, the bubbles are burst in the liquid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the growth suppression device, liquid purification system, and growth suppression method of the present invention, it becomes possible to suppress the growth of organisms present in a liquid at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid purification system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged view showing a part of the growth suppression device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view showing a part of the growth suppression device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4]It is a schematic plan view showing the lower blade part according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic bottom view showing the upper blade part according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic view showing the flow of liquid purification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention. Also, in the present embodiment, there are cases where the scales and dimensions of each component are exaggeratedly shown, and cases where some components are omitted.

[0017] [Overall Configuration of Liquid Purification System] The liquid purification system according to the present embodiment is a liquid purification system for purifying a liquid. Specifically, the liquid purification system 1 is a system for suppressing the growth of organisms present in the liquid (a system for reducing the volume of sludge). The type of liquid is not particularly limited, and for example, it can target any liquid that requires liquid purification, such as wastewater discharged from homes, factories, etc., water in water tanks installed in homes and facilities (aquariums, fish farms, etc.), water in bathtubs installed in homes and facilities (accommodation facilities, etc.), water in ponds, seas, etc.

[0018] In this specification, "suppressing the growth of organisms" means suppressing the growth and proliferation of microorganisms (for example, fungi, algae, etc.) present in the liquid. Specifically, for example, when the suppression target is fungi, it means sterilizing (reducing bacteria), and when the treatment target is a liquid containing sludge such as wastewater, it means reducing the volume of sludge. As a method for suppressing the growth of organisms, for example, a pulverization treatment by bubble defoaming (erosion) or a combination of a pulverization treatment and an ozone treatment using ozone can be used.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid purification system 1 includes a growth inhibition device 100 that suppresses the growth of organisms present in the liquid, a liquid supply mechanism 200 that can supply liquid to the growth inhibition device 100, and a liquid storage mechanism 300 that can store the liquid discharged from the growth inhibition device 100.

[0020] [Configuration of the Growth Inhibition Device] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the growth inhibition device 100 includes a growth inhibition container 110 that suppresses the growth of organisms present in the liquid, an upward flow generation unit 120 that generates an upward flow containing bubbles inside the growth inhibition container 110, a discharge unit 130 that discharges the discharge in the growth inhibition container 110, a lower swirling flow generation unit 140 provided below the inner cylinder 112 described later, and an upper swirling flow generation unit 150 provided above the inner cylinder 112 described later.

[0021] [Configuration of the Growth Inhibition Container] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the growth inhibition container 110 has an outer cylinder 111 extending along the vertical direction and an inner cylinder 112 provided inside the outer cylinder 111.

[0022] In this specification, "vertical" includes both complete vertical and substantially vertical. "Substantially vertical" means a case where it is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, specifically, a case where it is inclined to such an extent that it does not inhibit the action effect of the growth inhibition device 100.

[0023] The outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 are each formed in a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower ends. The outer diameter of the inner cylinder 112 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 111. Also, the vertical length of the inner cylinder 112 is formed shorter than the vertical length of the outer cylinder 111. In the present embodiment, only one inner cylinder 112 is provided, but it is not limited to this, and two or more inner cylinders 112 may be provided.

[0024] Note that the shapes of the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 are not limited to cylindrical shapes, and for example, they may be rectangular tube shapes, conical shapes, or pyramidal shapes. Also, convex portions or concave portions may be formed in a part of the vertical direction, or they may be formed in a bellows shape.

[0025] The growth-inhibiting container 110 has a bottom portion 113 that closes the lower end of the outer cylinder 111 and a top portion 114 that closes the upper end of the outer cylinder 111. The bottom portion 113 is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder with an open top. The bottom portion 113 is configured to close the lower end of the outer cylinder 111 by fitting the lower end of the outer cylinder 111 into it. The top portion 114 is formed in the shape of a toped cylinder with an open bottom. The top portion 114 is configured to close the upper end of the outer cylinder 111 by fitting the upper end of the outer cylinder 111 into it.

[0026] Furthermore, the growth-inhibiting container 110 has an outer fluid space 115 formed between the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112, and an inner fluid space 116 formed inside the inner cylinder 112. The outer fluid space 115 and the inner fluid space 116 are in communication on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder 112, and are configured to form a circulation channel CP for circulating liquid and bubbles.

[0027] <Configuration of the upward flow generation section> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upward flow generation unit 120 includes a gas generation unit 121 that generates gas, a gas release unit 122 that releases the gas generated by the gas generation unit 121 into the outer flow space 115 or the inner flow space 116, a gas supply unit 123 that supplies the gas generated by the gas generation unit 121 to the gas release unit 122, and a connecting unit 124 that connects the gas release unit 122 and the gas supply unit 123. In this embodiment, only one upward flow generation unit 120 is provided, but it is not limited to this, and two or more may be provided.

[0028] The gas generation unit 121 is, for example, a fan, a blower, or an ozone generator. Examples of gases generated by the gas generation unit 121 include air and ozone. When the gas generation unit 121 generates air, pulverization is performed in the growth suppression container 110. On the other hand, when the gas generation unit 121 generates ozone, both pulverization and ozone treatment are performed in the growth suppression container 110. It is preferable that the gas generated by the gas generation unit 121 is ozone from the viewpoint of increasing the efficiency of inhibiting biological growth (sludge volume reduction efficiency). Furthermore, it is preferable that the flow velocity of the gas generated by the gas generation unit 121 be 10 cm / s or more from the viewpoint of generating cavitation (fine bubbles).

[0029] The gas release section 122 is, for example, a tube and is configured to allow gas to flow. One end of the gas release section 122 is connected to the connecting section 124, and the other end of the gas release section 122 is connected to the mounting section 143c of the support section 143, which will be described later. Therefore, the gas release section 122 according to this embodiment is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 116. Specifically, the gas release section 122 is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 116 via the support section 143, which will be described later.

[0030] Furthermore, the other end of the gas release section 122 only needs to be located below the vertical midpoint of the growth suppression container 110 from the viewpoint of generating an upward flow, and may be connected to, for example, the outer cylinder 111 or the inner cylinder 112. When the other end of the gas release section 122 is connected to the outer cylinder 111, the gas release section 122 is configured to release gas into the outer flow space 115.

[0031] The gas supply unit 123 is, for example, a tube and is configured to allow gas to flow. One end of the gas supply unit 123 is connected to the gas generation unit 121, and the other end of the gas supply unit 123 is connected to the connection unit 124. The connection unit 124 is, for example, a tube joint and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top 114.

[0032] The upward flow generating unit 120, having the above configuration, is configured to generate an upward flow containing bubbles in the inner flow space 116 by releasing gas into the inner flow space 116 through the gas release unit 122. When the gas release unit 122 releases gas into the outer flow space 115, the upward flow generating unit 120 generates an upward flow containing bubbles in the outer flow space 115.

[0033] <Configuration of the discharge section> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the discharge section 130 has a cylindrical section 131 for discharging waste from the growth suppression container 110 and a holding section 132 for holding the cylindrical section 131. Examples of waste include excess material exceeding the volume of the growth suppression container 110 (e.g., gas or liquid) and waste generated during the circulation of liquid and bubbles (e.g., bubbles).

[0034] The cylindrical portion 131 is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top portion 114. That is, the upper end of the cylindrical portion 131 is located outside the growth suppression container 110, and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 131 is located inside the growth suppression container 110. As shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical portion 131 may be formed by connecting two or more tubes, or it may be composed of a single tube. The cylindrical portion 131 also has a plurality of inlet holes 131a that allow gas from inside the growth suppression container 110 to flow into the cylindrical portion 131. The inlet holes 131a are provided in the portion of the cylindrical portion 131 located inside the growth suppression container 110 (in this embodiment, below the axial middle portion of the cylindrical portion 131), and are provided along the axial and circumferential directions of the cylindrical portion 131.

[0035] The holding portion 132 is formed in a disc shape and has a mounting hole 132a in its center for attaching the cylindrical portion 131. The holding portion 132 also has insertion holes 132b at both radial ends for inserting projections 151c formed on the upper end of the top plate portion 151, which will be described later. The holding portion 132 is configured to hold the cylindrical portion 131 by inserting the lower end of the cylindrical portion 131 into the mounting hole 132a. The holding portion 132 is also configured to be attached to the upper end of the top plate portion 151 by inserting the projections 151c into the insertion holes 132b. By attaching the holding portion 132 to the upper end of the top plate portion 151, the inner cylinder 112 can be prevented from floating up. Note that the holding portion 132 is optional, or it may be formed integrally with the upper swirling flow generating portion 150, which will be described later.

[0036] The discharge section 130, having the above configuration, is configured to discharge waste that has flowed into the cylindrical section 131 from the lower end of the cylindrical section 131 and the inlet hole 131a of the cylindrical section 131 to the outside of the growth suppression container 110. This has the advantage of suppressing the rise in internal pressure of the growth suppression container 110. The waste discharged from the discharge section 130 can be supplied to, for example, any storage tank.

[0037] <Configuration of lower swirl flow generation section> As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the lower swirling flow generation unit 140 has a weight unit 141 placed on the bottom surface of the bottom unit 113, a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) blade units 142 (lower blade units) provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 112, and a support unit 143 capable of supporting the inner cylinder 112.

[0038] The blade portion 142 is provided on the upper surface of the weight portion 141 and is configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade portion 142 extends along the radial direction of the inner cylinder 112 and has a curved shape in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 112. That is, the blade portions 142 are arranged radially around the axis of the inner cylinder 112.

[0039] The inner end of each blade 142 in the direction of extension is located within the region of the inner cylinder 112 in a plan view. On the other hand, the outer end of each blade 142 in the direction of extension is located within the region between the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 in a plan view. Furthermore, each blade 142 is formed so that its height increases from the outer side in the direction of extension to the inner side. This has the advantage of allowing for efficient swirling without obstructing the flow from the outer flow space 115 or the flow from the inner flow space 116.

[0040] The support portion 143 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower ends open, and has a shape that tapers from the lower end to the upper end. The support portion 143 has an insertion groove 143a at its upper end into which the lower end of the inner cylinder 112 can be inserted. The insertion groove 143a is formed in a concave shape that recesses downward from the upper end of the support portion 143. The support portion 143 is configured to support the inner cylinder 112 by inserting the lower end of the inner cylinder 112 into the insertion groove 143a.

[0041] The support portion 143 has an annular tube portion 143b at its lower end that surrounds the wing portion 142. The support portion 143 also has a mounting portion 143c to which the gas release portion 122 is attached.

[0042] The tube section 143b is formed in a tubular shape having an internal space that allows the gas supplied from the gas outlet section 122 to flow. An outlet hole 143d is formed on the inner circumference of the tube section 143b (the end on the vane section 142 side) to allow the gas supplied from the gas outlet section 122 to flow out. In this embodiment, the outlet hole 143d is a plurality of openings formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the tube section 143b. The outlet hole 143d may be a single opening, or it may be an annular opening extending along the circumferential direction of the tube section 143b.

[0043] The mounting portion 143c is formed extending upward from a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe portion 143b and is formed in a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower ends open. Therefore, the gas supplied from the gas opening portion 122 flows through the mounting portion 143c and is supplied to the pipe portion 143b. The support portion 143 is configured to connect to the gas opening portion 122 by inserting the mounting portion 143c into the other end of the gas opening portion 122.

[0044] The support portion 143 having the above configuration is provided between the upper surface of the weight portion 141 and the lower end of the inner cylinder 112, and is configured to connect the outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116 between the lower end of the support portion 143 and the upper surface of the weight portion 141. Specifically, the support portion 143 is attached to the weight portion 141 by fixing a plurality of fixing parts (not shown) extending from the outer circumference of the pipe portion 143b (the end on the outer cylinder 111 side) to the outer edge of the weight portion 141. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the support portion 143 includes a pipe portion 143b and a mounting portion 143c has been described, but it is not limited to this, and a configuration without these parts is also possible.

[0045] <Configuration of the upper swirling flow generation section> As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the upper swirling flow generation unit 150 has a top plate portion 151 provided opposite the upper opening 112a of the inner cylinder 112, a plurality of (six in this embodiment) blade portions 152 (upper blade portions) provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 112, and a mounting portion 153 that can be attached to the inner cylinder 112.

[0046] The top plate portion 151 has a circular planar shape. Furthermore, the top plate portion 151 has an inclined surface 151a that slopes downwards from its central point in the planar direction. That is, the top plate portion 151 has a shape where the central point in the planar direction is concave downwards, and as a whole, it is formed in a roughly conical shape. From the viewpoint of efficiently circulating liquid and bubbles, it is sufficient that at least the lower surface of the top plate portion 151 has an inclined surface 151a.

[0047] A communication hole 151b is formed in the center of the top plate portion 151 in the planar direction, communicating with the internal fluid space 116 and the internal space of the cylindrical portion 131. In addition, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of protrusions 151c are formed at the upper end of the top plate portion 151, which are inserted into the insertion hole 132b of the holding portion 132.

[0048] The blade portion 152 is provided on the lower surface of the top plate portion 151. Specifically, the blade portion 152 is formed extending downward from the lower surface of the top plate portion 151 and is configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade portion 152 extends along the radial direction of the inner cylinder 112 and has a curved shape in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 112. That is, the blade portions 152 are provided radially around the axis of the inner cylinder 112.

[0049] The curvature direction of the blade portion 152 may be the same as or different from the curvature direction of the blade portion 142, but it is preferable that they be the same from the viewpoint of efficiently swirling the liquid and bubbles while increasing the flow velocity.

[0050] The inner end of each blade 152 in the direction of extension is located within the region of the inner cylinder 112 when viewed from the bottom. On the other hand, the outer end of each blade 152 in the direction of extension is located within the region between the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 when viewed from the bottom. Furthermore, each blade 152 is formed so that its height decreases from the outer side in the direction of extension towards the inner side. This has the advantage of allowing for efficient swirling without obstructing the flow from the outer flow space 115 or the inner flow space 116.

[0051] The mounting portion 153 is formed in an annular shape that surrounds the lower end of the blade portion 152. In other words, the upper swirling flow generation portion 150 according to this embodiment is configured to connect the outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116 between the lower surface of the top plate portion 151, the surface of the blade portion 152, and the inner circumference of the mounting portion 153 (the end on the blade portion 152 side).

[0052] The mounting portion 153 has a mounting groove 153a at its lower end into which the upper end of the inner cylinder 112 can be inserted. The mounting groove 153a is formed in a concave shape that recesses upward from the lower end of the mounting portion 153. The mounting portion 153 is configured to be attached to the inner cylinder 112 by inserting the upper end of the inner cylinder 112 into the mounting groove 153a.

[0053] <Configuration of the inner swirling flow generation unit and the outer swirling flow generation unit> In this embodiment, either the lower swirling flow generation unit 140 or the upper swirling flow generation unit 150 functions as an inner swirling flow generation unit 160 that converts the flow in the inner flow space 116 into a swirling flow. The other of the lower swirling flow generation unit 140 or the upper swirling flow generation unit 150 functions as an outer swirling flow generation unit 170 that converts the flow in the outer flow space 115 into a swirling flow.

[0054] Whether the lower swirling flow generation unit 140 and the upper swirling flow generation unit 150 function as the inner swirling flow generation unit 160 or the outer swirling flow generation unit 170 depends on the position where the upward flow generation unit 120 generates an upward flow. Specifically, when the upward flow generation unit 120 generates an upward flow in the inner flow space 116, the lower swirling flow generation unit 140 functions as the inner swirling flow generation unit 160, and the upper swirling flow generation unit 150 functions as the outer swirling flow generation unit 170. On the other hand, when the upward flow generation unit 120 generates an upward flow in the outer flow space 115, the lower swirling flow generation unit 140 functions as the outer swirling flow generation unit 170, and the upper swirling flow generation unit 150 functions as the inner swirling flow generation unit 160.

[0055] [Configuration of the liquid supply mechanism] As shown in Figure 1, the liquid supply mechanism 200 includes a liquid storage tank 210 (first liquid storage tank) capable of storing liquid, and a liquid supply channel 220 (first liquid supply channel) that supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 210 to the growth suppression container 110. One end of the liquid supply channel 220 in the direction of flow is connected to an outlet (not shown) provided in the liquid storage tank 210, and the other end of the liquid supply channel 220 in the direction of flow is connected to an inlet (not shown) provided in the outer cylinder 111 of the growth suppression container 110. A known valve may be provided in the inlet provided in the outer cylinder 111 of the growth suppression container 110, and this valve may be opened and closed at any time. Note that a detailed explanation of the liquid storage tank 210 and the liquid supply channel 220 is omitted because known configurations can be used.

[0056] [Configuration of the liquid storage mechanism] As shown in Figure 1, the liquid storage mechanism 300 includes a liquid storage tank 310 (second liquid storage tank) capable of storing the liquid discharged from the growth suppression container 110, and a liquid supply channel 320 (second liquid supply channel) that supplies the liquid discharged from the growth suppression container 110 to the liquid storage tank 310. One end of the liquid supply channel 320 in the direction of flow is connected to an outlet (not shown) provided on the outer cylinder 111 of the growth suppression container 110, and the other end of the liquid supply channel 320 in the direction of flow is connected to an inlet (not shown) provided on the liquid storage tank 310. A known valve may be provided at the outlet provided on the outer cylinder 111 of the growth suppression container 110, and this valve may be opened and closed at any time. Note that a detailed explanation of the liquid storage tank 310 and the liquid supply channel 320 is omitted because known configurations can be used.

[0057] [Liquid purification method] Next, a liquid purification method using the liquid purification system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The liquid purification method according to this embodiment includes a first supply step of supplying liquid to a growth suppression container 110, a growth suppression step (growth suppression method) of suppressing the growth of organisms present in the liquid, and a second supply step of supplying liquid to a liquid storage tank 310. The growth suppression step also includes an inflow step of introducing liquid into the growth suppression container 110, a circulation step of circulating the liquid and bubbles B, and a discharge step of discharging the liquid from the growth suppression container 110.

[0058] [First supply process and inflow process] The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 210 is supplied to the growth suppression container 110 via the liquid supply channel 220 (see arrow F1 in Figure 6). The liquid supplied from the liquid storage tank 210 is also allowed to flow into the growth suppression container 110 through an inlet provided in the outer cylinder 111.

[0059] [Circulation process] As shown in Figure 6, an upward flow containing bubbles B is generated in the inner fluid space 116 (see arrow F2 in Figure 6). Specifically, first, the gas generation unit 121 supplies gas to the gas release unit 122 via the gas supply unit 123 and the connection unit 124. Next, the gas release unit 122 releases the gas into the inner fluid space 116 via the support unit 143. This generates an upward flow containing bubbles B in the inner fluid space 116. Since the gas released into the inner fluid space 116 flows and swirls between each vane unit 142, a swirling upward flow is generated in the inner fluid space 116. That is, the liquid and bubbles B in the inner fluid space 116 rise up the inner fluid space 116 while swirling.

[0060] As the liquid in the inner flow space 116 rises, the liquid in the outer flow space 115 is drawn into the inner flow space 116 (see arrow F3 in Figure 6), and a downward flow is generated in the outer flow space 115 (see arrow F4 in Figure 6). The liquid drawn from the outer flow space 115 into the inner flow space 116 flows between each vane section 142, and, combined with the swirling force from the gas released from the gas release section 122, rises in the inner flow space 116 while swirling.

[0061] Meanwhile, the liquid and bubbles B rising in the inner flow space 116 rise to the top plate portion 151, and then flow along the inclined surface 151a of the top plate portion 151 into the outer flow space 115, and descend through the outer flow space 115 (see arrow F5 in Figure 6). As the liquid and bubbles B flowing into the outer flow space 115 swirl between each vane portion 152, a swirling downward flow is generated in the outer flow space 115. In other words, the liquid and bubbles B in the outer flow space 115 descend through the outer flow space 115 while swirling.

[0062] The liquid and bubbles B circulate through the circulation channel CP as described above. Here, bubbles B dissolve in the liquid while circulating through the circulation channel CP. In particular, the growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment generates a swirling flow in the outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116, which increases the dissolution efficiency of bubbles B. If the gas dissolved in the liquid is ozone, ozone treatment is performed. In addition, the dissolution of gas in the liquid makes it easier for cavitation (microbubbles), which will be described later, to occur.

[0063] Furthermore, bubbles B are further refined by swirling in the outer fluid space 115 and the inner fluid space 116, and by being sheared by the blades 142 and 152. Bubbles B become finer the more they circulate in the circulation channel CP. In other words, the growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate fine bubbles. By generating fine bubbles, the dissolution efficiency of bubbles B can be increased.

[0064] Microbubbles refer to microbubbles (bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more but less than 100 μm) and ultrafine bubbles (bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm).

[0065] Furthermore, during the circulation process of the liquid and bubbles B, bubbles B burst (B' in Figure 6). In other words, the growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to burst bubbles B by circulating the liquid and bubbles B in the circulation channel CP. The bursting of bubbles B suppresses the growth of organisms present in the liquid (the sludge is pulverized). Note that if bubbles B are fine bubbles, the impact force generated when bubbles B burst will be greater.

[0066] Furthermore, cavitation (microbubbles) occurs in the liquid during the circulation process. Specifically, when the liquid is drawn from the outer flow space 115 into the inner flow space 116, the flow velocity increases (the liquid pressure decreases), and gases dissolved in the liquid are released, generating microbubbles. In particular, as the liquid is drawn from the outer flow space 115 into the inner flow space 116, it flows between each blade 142, causing the flow velocity to increase further and making cavitation more likely to occur. This cavitation also leads to erosion (bubble bursting), which causes pulverization.

[0067] In other words, the growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate erosion by cavitation by circulating liquid and bubbles B in the circulation channel CP.

[0068] Furthermore, the growth suppression device 100 is configured to control the size of bubbles by controlling the pressure of the liquid circulating in the circulation channel CP, thereby controlling the impact force generated when bubbles burst. Methods for controlling the liquid pressure include, for example, controlling the flow velocity of the gas supplied to the growth suppression container 110, or controlling the water depth (vertical distance from the liquid surface to the bottom) by controlling the amount of liquid inflow.

[0069] [Discharge process and second supply process] After stopping circulation in the circulation channel CP, the liquid is discharged from the outlet of the growth suppression container 110. The liquid discharged from the growth suppression container 110 is then supplied to the liquid storage tank 310 via the liquid supply channel 320 (see arrow F6 in Figure 6). The liquid storage tank 310 stores the liquid supplied from the growth suppression container 110.

[0070] [Advantages of the growth suppression device according to this embodiment] The growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment is a growth suppression device for suppressing the growth of organisms present in a liquid, and comprises a growth suppression container 110 including an outer cylinder 111 extending in the vertical direction and at least one inner cylinder 112 provided inside the outer cylinder 111, and at least one upward flow generating unit 120 that generates an upward flow containing bubbles in an outer flow space 115 formed between the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 or an inner flow space 116 formed inside the inner cylinder 112, wherein the inner flow space 116 and the outer flow space 115 are in communication on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder 112 and are configured to form a circulation channel CP for circulating liquid and bubbles, and the growth suppression container 110 is configured to burst bubbles by circulating liquid and bubbles in the circulation channel CP.

[0071] The growth suppression device 100, with its configuration, has the advantage of being able to suppress the growth of organisms because the impact force generated when bubbles burst can pulverize them. Furthermore, since it does not require the use of chemicals, heat, ultrasound, mills, etc., it can suppress the growth of organisms present in liquids at low cost while reducing the environmental burden, and it also has the advantages of high reliability and durability. In addition, since it does not require the use of chemicals, it has the advantage of being suitable for use in liquids such as aquariums and bathtubs (hot springs) where the use of chemicals is not permitted.

[0072] In the growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment, the upward flow generation unit 120 is provided with at least one gas release unit 122 located below the vertical midpoint of the growth suppression container 110, which releases gas into the outer flow space 115 or the inner flow space 116. With a growth suppression device 100 having such a configuration, bubbles can be burst simply by releasing gas from the gas release unit 122, thus enabling low-cost suppression of the growth of organisms present in the liquid, and also offering the advantages of high reliability and durability.

[0073] The growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment includes at least one of an inner swirling flow generation unit 160 that converts the flow in the inner flow space 116 into a swirling flow, and an outer swirling flow generation unit 170 that converts the flow in the outer flow space 115 into a swirling flow. The growth suppression device 100 with such a configuration has the advantage that it can generate a swirling flow, thereby improving the dissolution efficiency of bubbles. In addition, because the bubbles swirl, it has the advantage that the bubbles can be made finer. By making the bubbles finer, the dissolution efficiency of the bubbles can be further improved.

[0074] In the growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment, the inner swirling flow generation unit 160 and the outer swirling flow generation unit 170 are equipped with a plurality of blades 142 (or blades 152) provided at predetermined intervals, and the plurality of blades 142 (or blades 152) have a shape that is curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 112. The growth suppression device 100 with such a configuration has the advantage that a swirling flow can be generated simply by flowing liquid between each blade 142 (or blade 152). In addition, since the bubbles are sheared by the blades 142 (or blades 152), there is also the advantage that the bubbles can be made finer. By making the bubbles finer, the bubble dissolution efficiency can be further improved.

[0075] In the growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment, the blade portion 142 (or blade portion 152) is configured to be non-rotatable. With a growth suppression device 100 having such a configuration, a swirling flow can be generated without rotating the blade portion 142 (or blade portion 152), which has the advantage of lower costs (for example, the number of parts, power costs, costs associated with parts replacement, etc.). In addition, since the blade portion 142 (or blade portion 152) does not rotate, there is also the advantage that foreign objects do not get caught on the blade portion 142 (or blade portion 152).

[0076] The growth suppression device 100 according to this embodiment includes a top plate portion 151 provided opposite the upper opening 112a of the inner cylinder 112, and the lower surface of the top plate portion 151 has an inclined surface 151a that is inclined downwards and is located in the center in the planar direction. With a growth suppression device 100 having such a configuration, the rising liquid flows along the inclined surface 151a, which has the advantage of efficiently circulating the liquid.

[0077] [Differentiation] The growth suppression device, liquid purification system, and growth suppression method according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0078] In the embodiments described above, the upper swirling flow generation unit 150 was described as having a top plate portion 151, but it is not limited to this and may not have a top plate portion 151. Also, the top plate portion 151 may not have an inclined surface 151a and may be formed in a flat shape.

[0079] In the embodiments described above, the growth suppression device 100 was described as comprising a lower swirling flow generation unit 140 and an upper swirling flow generation unit 150, but it is not limited to this, and may comprise only one of them, or neither.

[0080] In the embodiments described above, the growth suppression device 100 was described as comprising a top portion 114 that closes the upper end of the outer cylinder 111 and a discharge portion 130 that discharges gas from inside the growth suppression container 110. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and it may also be an open-type configuration without the top portion 114 and discharge portion 130, in which the upper ends of the outer cylinder 111 and inner cylinder 112 are open. Furthermore, such an open-type growth suppression device may be dropped into a pond or the sea and used to purify the water in the pond or the sea. In addition, the top portion 114 may be opened and closed periodically.

[0081] In the embodiments described above, the liquid supply mechanism 200 was described as comprising a liquid storage tank 210, but it is not limited to this, and the liquid storage tank 210 may be a biological treatment tank. Similarly, the liquid storage mechanism 300 was described as comprising a liquid storage tank 310, but it is not limited to this, and the liquid storage tank 310 may be a biological treatment tank.

[0082] In the embodiments described above, the outer cylinder 111 and the bottom portion 113 were described as being formed independently, but the invention is not limited to this, and the outer cylinder 111 and the bottom portion 113 may be formed integrally. Also, for example, the outer cylinder 111, bottom portion 113, weight portion 141 and blade portion 142 may be formed integrally, or the bottom portion 113, weight portion 141 and blade portion 142 may be formed integrally, or the weight portion 141 and blade portion 142 may be formed integrally. Furthermore, the weight portion 141 may not be provided.

[0083] It is clear from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1: Liquid purification system 100:Growth suppression device 110:Growth suppression container 111: Outer cylinder 112: Inner cylinder 112a: Upper side opening 113: Bottom 114:Top 115:Outer flow space 116:Inner flow space 120: Upward flow generation section 121: Gas generation unit 122: Gas release section 123: Gas supply unit 124: Connection part 130: Discharge section 131:Cylinder part 131a:Inflow hole 132: Holding part 132a: Mounting hole 132b: Insertion hole 140: Lower swirl flow generation section 141: Weight section 142: Feather part 143: Support part 143a: Insertion groove 143b: Pipe section 143c: Attached part 143d:Outflow hole 150: Upper swirl flow generation section 151: Top panel 151a: Inclined surface 151b:Communication hole 151c:Protrusion 152: Feather part 153: Mounting part 153a: Mounting groove 160: Inner swirling flow generation section 170:Outer swirl flow generation section 200:Liquid supply mechanism 210: Liquid storage tank 220: Liquid supply channel 300: Liquid storage mechanism 310: Liquid storage tank 320: Liquid supply channel B: Air bubbles CP: Circulation channel

Claims

1. A growth inhibitor that suppresses the growth of organisms present in a liquid, A growth-inhibiting container comprising an outer cylinder extending vertically and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, At least one upward flow generating unit that generates an upward flow containing bubbles in the outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or in the inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder. Equipped with, The inner fluid space and the outer fluid space are connected on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder, and are configured to form a circulation channel for circulating the liquid and bubbles. The growth-inhibiting container is configured to circulate the liquid and bubbles in the circulation channel, thereby causing the bubbles to burst. Growth suppression device.

2. The upward flow generating section includes at least one gas release section located below the vertical midpoint of the growth suppression container, which releases gas into the outer flow space or the inner flow space. The growth suppression device according to claim 1.

3. An inner swirling flow generation unit that converts the flow within the inner flow space into a swirling flow, An outer swirling flow generation unit that converts the flow in the outer flow space into a swirling flow, comprising at least one of the following The growth suppression device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inner swirling flow generating unit and the outer swirling flow generating unit are equipped with a plurality of blades arranged at predetermined intervals. The plurality of fin portions have a shape that is curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder. The growth suppression device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned blade portion is configured to be non-rotatable. The growth suppression device according to claim 4.

6. It is equipped with a top plate portion that is provided opposite the upper opening of the inner cylinder, The lower surface of the top plate portion has an inclined surface that is central in the planar direction and slopes downward. The growth suppression device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A liquid purification system for purifying liquids, Equipped with a growth inhibitor that suppresses the growth of organisms present in liquid, The growth suppression device is A growth-inhibiting container comprising an outer cylinder extending vertically and an inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, At least one upward flow generating unit that generates an upward flow containing bubbles in the outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or in the inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder. It has, The inner fluid space and the outer fluid space are connected on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder, and are configured to form a circulation channel for circulating the liquid and bubbles. The growth-inhibiting container is configured to circulate the liquid and bubbles in the circulation channel, thereby causing the bubbles to burst. Liquid purification system.

8. A method for inhibiting the growth of organisms present in a liquid, An inflow step of introducing the liquid into a growth-inhibiting container which includes an outer cylinder extending vertically and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, A circulation process in which the liquid and bubbles are circulated by generating an upward flow containing bubbles in the outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or in the inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder. Includes, In the circulation process, bubbles are burst in the liquid. Growth suppression method.

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