Separation apparatus and separation method

Abstract

This invention relates to a separation apparatus and separation method that can achieve the separation of target materials at a low cost. [Solution] A separation device for separating a material to be separated, comprising a separation 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 fluid space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or an inner fluid space formed inside the inner cylinder, wherein the inner fluid space and the outer fluid 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 material to be separated and bubbles, and the upward flow generating unit is configured to stop the circulation of the material to be separated and bubbles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation device and a separation method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a pressurized flotation device is known that generates bubbles in a liquid to be treated stored in a flotation tank, attaches suspended substances in the liquid to be treated to the generated bubbles, and separates the liquid to be treated from the suspended substances (Patent Document 1, etc.). The pressurized flotation device described in Patent Document 1 generates mixed water by mixing raw water pressurized by a pressurized pump and air supplied from a compressor, and discharges the generated mixed water from the outlet part in the flotation tank, thereby generating bubbles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the pressurized flotation device described in Patent Document 1, in order to generate bubbles in the liquid to be treated, a pressurized pump for pressurizing raw water is required, so there is a problem that the manufacturing cost and running cost are high.

[0005] The present invention relates to a separation device and a separation method capable of realizing separation of a separation target at low cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The separation device according to the present invention is a separation device for separating a material to be separated, comprising a separation 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 fluid space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or in an inner fluid space formed inside the inner cylinder, wherein the inner fluid space and the outer fluid 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 material to be separated and bubbles, and the upward flow generating unit is configured to stop the circulation of the material to be separated and bubbles.

[0007] In the separation apparatus according to the present invention, the upward flow generating section may include at least one gas release section located below the vertical middle section of the separation container, which releases gas into the outer flow space or the inner flow space.

[0008] The separation device according to the present invention includes 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.

[0009] The separation 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.

[0010] In the separation 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.

[0011] In the separation device according to the present invention, the blade portion may be configured to be non-rotatable.

[0012] The separation method according to the present invention is a separation method for separating a target to be separated, comprising: an inflow step of introducing the target to be separated into a separation container including an outer cylinder extending vertically and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder; a circulation step of circulating the target to be separated and the 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; and a stopping step of stopping the circulation of the target to be separated and the bubbles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the separation apparatus and separation method of the present invention, it becomes possible to separate the target material at a low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the separation apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged view showing a part of the separation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view showing a part of the separation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view showing the lower wing portion according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic bottom view showing the upper wing portion according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the separation process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Furthermore, in these embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0016] [Overall Structure of the Separation Device] The separation device according to this embodiment is a separation device that separates a separation target. Examples of the separation target include, for example, solid-liquid mixtures. When the separation target is a solid-liquid mixture, the separation device separates the solid-liquid mixture into a solid and a liquid. Examples of the solid-liquid mixture include, for example, liquids containing sludge, liquids mixed with powders, and liquids in general containing sand or gravel, but are not limited thereto.

[0017] Note that the separation device according to this embodiment may be used in combination with other separation methods, devices, etc. Other separation methods include, for example, methods of capturing solid components with filters, methods of precipitating or floating solid components, methods of adsorbing solid components onto adsorbents, etc. Examples of the method of precipitating solid components include, for example, the static precipitation method, the coagulation precipitation method of adding a coagulant, the electrocoagulation method of charging and aggregating, etc. Examples of the method of floating solid components include, for example, the atmospheric pressure flotation method by adding a foaming agent or a foam aid, the pressurized flotation method by injecting fine bubbles, etc. Also, these methods can be appropriately combined.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the separation device 1 includes a separation container 10 that separates a separation target, an upward flow generation unit 20 that generates an upward flow containing bubbles inside the separation container 10, a discharge unit 30 that discharges the discharge in the separation container 10, a lower swirling flow generation unit 40 provided below an inner cylinder 12 described later, and an upper swirling flow generation unit 50 provided above the inner cylinder 12 described later.

[0019] [Structure of the Separation Container] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the separation container 10 has an outer cylinder 11 extending along the vertical direction and an inner cylinder 12 provided inside the outer cylinder 11.

[0020] 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 operational effects of the separation device 1.

[0021] The outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 are formed in a cylindrical shape with their upper and lower ends open, respectively. The outer diameter of the inner cylinder 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 11. Also, the vertical length of the inner cylinder 12 is shorter than the vertical length of the outer cylinder 11. In this embodiment, only one inner cylinder 12 is provided, but it is not limited to this, and two or more may be provided.

[0022] The shapes of the outer cylinder 11 and inner cylinder 12 are not limited to cylindrical shapes, but may be, for example, rectangular, conical, or pyramidal. Furthermore, a convex or concave portion may be formed in a part of the vertical direction, or it may be formed in a bellows-like shape.

[0023] The separation container 10 has a bottom portion 13 that closes the lower end of the outer cylinder 11 and a top portion 14 that closes the upper end of the outer cylinder 11. The bottom portion 13 is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder with an open top. The bottom portion 13 is configured to close the lower end of the outer cylinder 11 by fitting the lower end of the outer cylinder 11 into it. The top portion 14 is formed in the shape of a toped cylinder with an open bottom. The top portion 14 is configured to close the upper end of the outer cylinder 11 by fitting the upper end of the outer cylinder 11 into it.

[0024] Furthermore, the separation container 10 has an outer fluid space 15 formed between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12, and an inner fluid space 16 formed inside the inner cylinder 12. The outer fluid space 15 and the inner fluid space 16 are in communication on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder 12, and are configured to form a circulation channel CP for circulating the material to be separated and bubbles.

[0025] [Configuration of the upward flow generation section] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upward flow generation unit 20 includes a gas generation unit 21 that generates gas, a gas release unit 22 that releases the gas generated in the gas generation unit 21 into the outer flow space 15 or the inner flow space 16, a gas supply unit 23 that supplies the gas generated in the gas generation unit 21 to the gas release unit 22, and a connecting unit 24 that connects the gas release unit 22 and the gas supply unit 23. In this embodiment, only one upward flow generation unit 20 is provided, but it is not limited to this, and two or more may be provided.

[0026] The gas generation unit 21 is, for example, a fan or a blower. The gas generation unit 21 has a switch 21a for starting or stopping the generation of gas. In other words, the switch 21a is configured to start or stop the release of gas by the gas release unit 22.

[0027] The gas release section 22 is, for example, a tube and is configured to allow gas to flow. One end of the gas release section 22 is connected to the connecting section 24, and the other end of the gas release section 22 is connected to the mounting section 43c of the support section 43, which will be described later. Therefore, the gas release section 22 according to this embodiment is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 16. Specifically, the gas release section 22 is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 16 via the support section 43, which will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, the other end of the gas release section 22 only needs to be located below the vertical midpoint of the separation container 10 from the viewpoint of generating an upward flow, and may be connected to, for example, the outer cylinder 11 or the inner cylinder 12. When the other end of the gas release section 22 is connected to the outer cylinder 11, the gas release section 22 is configured to release gas into the outer flow space 15.

[0029] The gas supply unit 23 is, for example, a tube and is configured to allow gas to flow. One end of the gas supply unit 23 is connected to the gas generation unit 21, and the other end of the gas supply unit 23 is connected to the connection unit 24. The connection unit 24 is, for example, a tube joint and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top 14.

[0030] The upward flow generating unit 20, having the above configuration, is configured to generate an upward flow containing bubbles in the inner flow space 16 by releasing gas into the inner flow space 16 through the gas release unit 22. When the gas release unit 22 releases gas into the outer flow space 15, the upward flow generating unit 20 generates an upward flow containing bubbles in the outer flow space 15.

[0031] Furthermore, the upward flow generation unit 20 is configured such that the switch 21a stops the release of gas by the gas release unit 22, thereby stopping the circulation of the separation target and bubbles in the circulation channel CP at any or predetermined timing. The stopping by switch 21a may be performed manually or automatically. Examples of methods for automatically stopping by switch 21a include, but are not limited to, a method in which the switch 21a is turned on and then turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed, or a method in which the switch 21a is turned on and then turned off after a predetermined flow rate has been released.

[0032] [Configuration of the discharge section] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the discharge section 30 has a cylindrical section 31 for discharging waste from the separation container 10 and a holding section 32 for holding the cylindrical section 31. Examples of waste include excess material (e.g., gas or liquid) that exceeds the volume of the separation container 10.

[0033] The cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top portion 14. That is, the upper end of the cylindrical portion 31 is located outside the separation container 10, and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31 is located inside the separation container 10. The cylindrical portion 31 may be formed by connecting two or more tubes, as shown in Figure 1, or it may be composed of a single tube. The cylindrical portion 31 also has a plurality of inlet holes 31a for allowing gas from inside the separation container 10 to flow into the cylindrical portion 31. The inlet holes 31a are provided in the portion of the cylindrical portion 31 located inside the separation container 10 (in this embodiment, below the axial middle portion of the cylindrical portion 31), and are provided along the axial and circumferential directions of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0034] The holding portion 32 is formed in a disc shape and has a mounting hole 32a in its center for attaching the cylindrical portion 31. The holding portion 32 also has insertion holes 32b at both radial ends for inserting projections 51c formed on the upper end of the top plate portion 51, which will be described later. The holding portion 32 is configured to hold the cylindrical portion 31 by inserting the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31 into the mounting hole 32a. The holding portion 32 is also configured to be attached to the upper end of the top plate portion 51 by inserting the projections 51c into the insertion holes 32b. By attaching the holding portion 32 to the upper end of the top plate portion 51, the inner cylinder 12 can be prevented from floating up. Note that the holding portion 32 is optional, or it may be formed integrally with the upper swirling flow generating portion 50, which will be described later.

[0035] The discharge section 30, having the above configuration, is configured to discharge waste that has flowed into the cylindrical section 31 from the lower end of the cylindrical section 31 and the inlet hole 31a of the cylindrical section 31 to the outside of the separation container 10. The waste discharged from the discharge section 30 can be supplied to, for example, any storage tank. Alternatively, the separation container 10 may be depressurized by suction from the discharge section 30 side. This can increase the flow velocity of the material to be separated and bubbles circulating in the circulation channel CP.

[0036] [Configuration of lower swirl flow generation section] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the lower swirling flow generation unit 40 has a weight unit 41 placed on the bottom surface of the bottom unit 13, a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) blade units 42 (lower blade units) provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 12, and a support unit 43 capable of supporting the inner cylinder 12.

[0037] The blade portion 42 is provided on the upper surface of the weight portion 41 and is configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade portion 42 extends along the radial direction of the inner cylinder 12 and has a curved shape in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 12. In other words, the blade portions 42 are arranged radially around the axis of the inner cylinder 12.

[0038] The inner end of each blade 42 in the direction of extension is located within the region of the inner cylinder 12 in a plan view. On the other hand, the outer end of each blade 42 in the direction of extension is located within the region between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 in a plan view. Furthermore, each blade 42 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 15 or the flow from the inner flow space 16.

[0039] The support portion 43 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 43 has an insertion groove 43a at its upper end into which the lower end of the inner cylinder 12 can be inserted. The insertion groove 43a is formed in a concave shape that recesses downward from the upper end of the support portion 43. The support portion 43 is configured to support the inner cylinder 12 by inserting the lower end of the inner cylinder 12 into the insertion groove 43a.

[0040] The support portion 43 has an annular tube portion 43b at its lower end that surrounds the vane portion 42. The support portion 43 also has a mounting portion 43c to which the gas release portion 22 is attached.

[0041] The tube section 43b is formed in a tubular shape having an internal space that allows the gas supplied from the gas outlet 22 to flow. An outlet hole 43d is formed on the inner circumference of the tube section 43b (the end on the vane section 42 side) to allow the gas supplied from the gas outlet 22 to flow out. In this embodiment, the outlet hole 43d is a plurality of openings formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the tube section 43b. The outlet hole 43d may be a single opening, or it may be an annular opening extending along the circumferential direction of the tube section 43b.

[0042] The mounting portion 43c is formed extending upward from a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe portion 43b, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower ends open. Therefore, the gas supplied from the gas opening portion 22 flows through the mounting portion 43c and is supplied to the pipe portion 43b. The support portion 43 is configured to connect with the gas opening portion 22 by inserting the mounting portion 43c into the other end of the gas opening portion 22.

[0043] The support portion 43 having the above configuration is provided between the upper surface of the weight portion 41 and the lower end of the inner cylinder 12, and is configured to connect the outer flow space 15 and the inner flow space 16 between the lower end of the support portion 43 and the upper surface of the weight portion 41. Specifically, the support portion 43 is attached to the weight portion 41 by fixing a plurality of fixing parts (not shown) extending from the outer circumference of the pipe portion 43b (the end on the outer cylinder 11 side) to the outer edge of the weight portion 41. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the support portion 43 includes a pipe portion 43b and a mounting portion 43c has been described, but it is not limited to this, and a configuration without these parts is also possible.

[0044] [Configuration of the upper swirling flow generation section] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the upper swirling flow generation unit 50 has a top plate portion 51 provided opposite the upper opening 12a of the inner cylinder 12, a plurality of (six in this embodiment) blade portions 52 (upper blade portions) provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 12, and a mounting portion 53 that can be attached to the inner cylinder 12.

[0045] The top plate portion 51 has a circular planar shape. Furthermore, the top plate portion 51 has an inclined surface 51a that slopes downwards from its central point in the planar direction. That is, the top plate portion 51 has a shape where the central point in the planar direction is concave downwards, and as a whole, it is formed in a substantially conical shape. From the viewpoint of efficiently circulating the material to be separated and the bubbles, it is sufficient that at least the lower surface of the top plate portion 51 has an inclined surface 51a.

[0046] A communication hole 51b is formed in the center of the top plate portion 51 in the planar direction, which communicates with the inner fluid space 16 and the internal space of the cylindrical portion 31. In addition, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) protrusions 51c are formed at the upper end of the top plate portion 51, which are inserted into the insertion hole 32b of the holding portion 32.

[0047] The blade portion 52 is provided on the lower surface of the top plate portion 51. Specifically, the blade portion 52 is formed extending downward from the lower surface of the top plate portion 51 and is configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade portion 52 extends along the radial direction of the inner cylinder 12 and has a curved shape in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 12. That is, the blade portions 52 are arranged radially around the axis of the inner cylinder 12.

[0048] The curvature direction of the blade portion 52 may be the same as or different from the curvature direction of the blade portion 42, but it is preferable that they be the same from the viewpoint of efficiently swirling the object to be separated and the air bubbles.

[0049] The inner end of each blade 52 in the direction of extension is located within the region of the inner cylinder 12 when viewed from the bottom. On the other hand, the outer end of each blade 52 in the direction of extension is located within the region between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 when viewed from the bottom. Furthermore, each blade 52 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 15 or the flow from the inner flow space 16.

[0050] The mounting portion 53 is formed in an annular shape that surrounds the lower end of the blade portion 52. In other words, the upper swirling flow generation portion 50 according to this embodiment is configured to connect the outer flow space 15 and the inner flow space 16 between the lower surface of the top plate portion 51, the surface of the blade portion 52, and the inner circumference of the mounting portion 53 (the end on the blade portion 52 side).

[0051] The mounting portion 53 has a mounting groove 53a at its lower end into which the upper end of the inner cylinder 12 can be inserted. The mounting groove 53a is formed in a concave shape that is recessed upward from the lower end of the mounting portion 53. The mounting portion 53 is configured to be attached to the inner cylinder 12 by inserting the upper end of the inner cylinder 12 into the mounting groove 53a.

[0052] [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 40 or the upper swirling flow generation unit 50 functions as an inner swirling flow generation unit 60 that converts the flow in the inner flow space 16 into a swirling flow. The other of the lower swirling flow generation unit 40 or the upper swirling flow generation unit 50 functions as an outer swirling flow generation unit 70 that converts the flow in the outer flow space 15 into a swirling flow.

[0053] Whether the lower swirling flow generation unit 40 and the upper swirling flow generation unit 50 function as an inner swirling flow generation unit 60 or an outer swirling flow generation unit 70 depends on the position where the upward flow generation unit 20 generates an upward flow. Specifically, when the upward flow generation unit 20 generates an upward flow in the inner flow space 16, the lower swirling flow generation unit 40 functions as an inner swirling flow generation unit 60, and the upper swirling flow generation unit 50 functions as an outer swirling flow generation unit 70. On the other hand, when the upward flow generation unit 20 generates an upward flow in the outer flow space 15, the lower swirling flow generation unit 40 functions as an outer swirling flow generation unit 70, and the upper swirling flow generation unit 50 functions as an inner swirling flow generation unit 60.

[0054] [Separation method] Next, a separation method using the separation device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The separation method according to this embodiment includes an inflow step of introducing the material to be separated into the separation container 10, a circulation step of circulating the material to be separated and bubbles B, and a stopping step of stopping the circulation of the material to be separated and bubbles B. In the following explanation, a case in which a solid-liquid mixture is separated will be described as an example.

[0055] [Inflow process] The solid-liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into the separation container 10. The introduction of the solid-liquid mixture may be done by removing the top portion 14 and entering from the upper end of the outer cylinder 11, or by providing an inlet (not shown) in the outer cylinder 11 and entering from that inlet.

[0056] [Circulation process] As shown in Figure 6, an upward flow containing bubbles B is generated in the inner fluid space 16 (see arrow F1 in Figure 6). Specifically, first, gas generation is started by the switch 21a of the gas generation unit 21, and the generated gas is supplied to the gas release unit 22 via the gas supply unit 23 and the connection unit 24. Next, the gas release unit 22 releases the gas into the inner fluid space 16 via the support unit 43. This generates an upward flow containing bubbles B in the inner fluid space 16. The gas released into the inner fluid space 16 flows between each vane unit 42 and swirls, so a swirling upward flow is generated in the inner fluid space 16. That is, the solid-liquid mixture and bubbles B in the inner fluid space 16 rise up the inner fluid space 16 while swirling.

[0057] As the solid-liquid mixture in the inner flow space 16 rises, the solid-liquid mixture in the outer flow space 15 is drawn into the inner flow space 16 (see arrow F2 in Figure 6), and a downward flow is generated in the outer flow space 15 (see arrow F3 in Figure 6). The solid-liquid mixture drawn from the outer flow space 15 into the inner flow space 16 flows between each vane 42, and, combined with the swirling force from the gas released from the gas release section 22, rises in the inner flow space 16 while swirling.

[0058] Meanwhile, the solid-liquid mixture and bubbles B rising in the inner flow space 16 rise to the top plate 51, then flow along the inclined surface 51a of the top plate 51 into the outer flow space 15, and descend through the outer flow space 15 (see arrow F4 in Figure 6). As the solid-liquid mixture and bubbles B flowing into the outer flow space 15 swirl between each blade 52, a swirling downward flow is generated in the outer flow space 15. In other words, the solid-liquid mixture and bubbles B in the outer flow space 15 descend through the outer flow space 15 while swirling.

[0059] The solid-liquid mixture and bubbles B circulate through the circulation channel CP as described above. During this circulation process, the flow velocity increases (pressure decreases) as the solid-liquid mixture and bubbles B are drawn from the outer flow space 15 into the inner flow space 16, causing the bubbles B to become finer. Furthermore, bubbles B circulating through the circulation channel CP become even finer as they swirl between the inner flow space 16 and the outer flow space 15, and as they are sheared by the blades 42 and 52. In other words, the longer bubbles B circulate through the circulation channel CP, the finer they become.

[0060] As described above, the separation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured to generate microbubbles. By generating microbubbles, the total surface area of ​​the bubbles generated within the separation apparatus 1 is increased, thereby improving the separation performance. Microbubbles refer to microbubbles (bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm) and ultrafine bubbles (bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm).

[0061] [Stopping process] The gas generation unit 21 can be stopped at any time or at a predetermined timing by the switch 21a of the gas generation unit 21. When this is done, the release of gas by the gas release unit 22 is stopped, and the circulation of the solid-liquid mixture and bubbles B in the circulation channel CP is stopped.

[0062] When circulation stops, bubbles B rise through the inner fluid space 16 and the outer fluid space 15 while adsorbing suspended solids in the solid-liquid mixture. This allows the solid-liquid mixture to be separated into solid and liquid.

[0063] [Advantages of the separation apparatus according to this embodiment] The separation device 1 according to this embodiment is a separation device for separating a material to be separated, and comprises a separation container 10 including an outer cylinder 11 extending in the vertical direction and at least one inner cylinder 12 provided inside the outer cylinder 11, and at least one upward flow generating unit 20 that generates an upward flow containing bubbles in an outer flow space 15 formed between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 or an inner flow space 16 formed inside the inner cylinder 12, wherein the inner flow space 16 and the outer flow space 15 are in communication on the upper and lower sides of the inner cylinder 12 and are configured to form a circulation channel CP for circulating the material to be separated and bubbles, and the upward flow generating unit 20 is configured to stop the circulation of the material to be separated and bubbles.

[0064] The separation device 1, with this configuration, has the advantage that after stopping the circulation of the material to be separated and the bubbles, the bubbles rise through the inner fluid space 16 and the outer fluid space 15 while adsorbing suspended matter in the material to be separated, thereby enabling the separation of the material. Furthermore, since there is no need to use a pressure pump to pressurize the raw water to generate bubbles, the separation of the material can be achieved at a low cost, and it also has the advantages of high reliability and durability. In addition, since there is no need to use a pressure pump, there is no need to use a nozzle, which also has the advantage of eliminating the need to replace nozzles due to wear.

[0065] Furthermore, the separation device 1 according to this embodiment can efficiently and inexpensively clean the inside of the separation container 10. That is, for example, even if a highly viscous substance adheres to the inside of the separation container 10 and manual cleaning is difficult, simply supplying liquid (tap water, etc.) into the separation container 10 and performing the circulation process described above will cause the adhered substance inside the separation container 10 to float on the liquid surface or settle in the liquid, making it possible to remove it from the separation container 10. Similarly, by placing a substance to be cleaned (a dirty container, etc.) into the separation container 10 and supplying liquid (tap water, etc.) into the separation container 10 and performing the circulation process described above, it is possible to separate the dirt from the object to be cleaned and clean it. Due to these functions, the separation device 1 according to this embodiment can also be used as a cleaning device that can be easily cleaned. In particular, since there is no need to use chemicals for cleaning, it can be used as equipment related to food and beverages. Also, since there is no need to provide a narrowing section in the outer cylinder 11 and inner cylinder 12, cleaning can be performed without clogging.

[0066] In the separation device 1 according to this embodiment, the upward flow generation unit 20 is provided with at least one gas release unit 22 located below the vertical midpoint of the separation container 10, which releases gas into the outer flow space 15 or the inner flow space 16. With a separation device 1 having such a configuration, an upward flow containing gas bubbles can be generated simply by releasing gas from the gas release unit 22, and the object to be separated and the gas bubbles can be circulated, thus enabling low-cost separation of the object to be separated, as well as having the advantages of high reliability and durability.

[0067] The separation device 1 according to this embodiment includes a top plate portion 51 provided opposite the upper opening 12a of the inner cylinder 12, and the lower surface of the top plate portion 51 has an inclined surface 51a that is inclined downwards and is located in the center in the planar direction. With a separation device 1 having such a configuration, the rising material to be separated flows along the inclined surface 51a, which has the advantage of efficiently circulating the material to be separated.

[0068] The separation device 1 according to this embodiment includes at least one of an inner swirling flow generation unit 60 that converts the flow in the inner flow space 16 into a swirling flow, and an outer swirling flow generation unit 70 that converts the flow in the outer flow space 15 into a swirling flow. The separation device 1 with such a configuration has the advantage that the swirling flow makes it easier to circulate the material to be separated and the bubbles. In addition, because the bubbles swirl, there is also the advantage that the bubbles can be made finer. As the bubbles become finer, the total surface area of ​​the bubbles increases, and thus the separation performance can be improved.

[0069] In the separation device 1 according to this embodiment, the inner swirling flow generation unit 60 and the outer swirling flow generation unit 70 are equipped with a plurality of blades 42 (or blades 52) provided at predetermined intervals, and the plurality of blades 42 (or blades 52) have a shape that is curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 12. The separation device 1 with such a configuration has the advantage that a swirling flow can be generated simply by flowing the material to be separated between each blade 42 (or blades 52). In addition, since the bubbles are sheared by the blades 42 (or blades 52), there is also the advantage that the bubbles can be made finer. As the bubbles are made finer, the total surface area of ​​the bubbles increases, so the separation performance can be improved. Furthermore, since not only bubbles but also solids are sheared by the blades 42 (or blades 52), there is also the advantage that the solids are made finer and easier to float.

[0070] In the separation device 1 according to this embodiment, the blade portion 42 (or blade portion 52) is configured to be non-rotatable. With a separation device 1 having such a configuration, a swirling flow can be generated without rotating the blade portion 42 (or blade portion 52), 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 42 (or blade portion 52) does not rotate, there is also the advantage that foreign matter does not get caught on the blade portion 42 (or blade portion 52).

[0071] [Differentiation] The separation apparatus and separation 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.

[0072] In the embodiments described above, the upper swirling flow generation unit 50 was described as having a top plate portion 51, but it is not limited to this, and it does not have to have a top plate portion 51. Also, the top plate portion 51 does not have an inclined surface 51a and may be formed in a flat shape.

[0073] In the embodiments described above, the separation device 1 was described as comprising a lower swirling flow generation unit 40 and an upper swirling flow generation unit 50, but it is not limited to this, and may comprise only one of them, or neither.

[0074] In the embodiments described above, the separation device 1 was described as comprising a top portion 14 that closes the upper end of the outer cylinder 11 and a discharge portion 30 that discharges the gas inside the separation container 10. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and it may also be configured as an open-to-the-air type with the upper ends of the outer cylinder 11 and inner cylinder 12 open, without the top portion 14 and the discharge portion 30.

[0075] In the embodiments described above, the outer cylinder 11 and the bottom portion 13 were described as being formed independently, but the invention is not limited to this, and the outer cylinder 11 and the bottom portion 13 may be formed integrally. Also, for example, the outer cylinder 11, bottom portion 13, weight portion 41 and blade portion 42 may be formed integrally, or the bottom portion 13, weight portion 41 and blade portion 42 may be formed integrally, or the weight portion 41 and blade portion 42 may be formed integrally. Furthermore, the weight portion 41 may not be provided.

[0076] It is clear from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1: Separation device 10: Separation container 11: Outer cylinder 12: Inner cylinder 12a: Upper opening 13: Bottom 14:Top 15:Outer flow space 16:Inner flow space 20: Upward flow generation section 21: Gas generation unit 21a: Switch 22: Gas release section 23: Gas supply unit 24: Connection part 30: Discharge section 31:Cylinder part 31a:Inflow hole 32: Holding part 32a: Mounting hole 32b: Insertion hole 40: Lower swirl flow generation section 41: Weight section 42: Feather part 43: Support part 43a: Insertion groove 43b: Pipe section 43c: Attached part 43d:Outflow hole 50: Upper swirl flow generation section 51: Top panel 51a: Inclined surface 51b:Communication hole 51c:Protrusion 52: Feather part 53: Mounting part 53a: Mounting groove 60: Inner swirling flow generation section 70:Outer swirl flow generation section B: Air bubbles CP: Circulation channel

Claims

1. A separation device for separating objects to be separated, A separation 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 object to be separated and the bubbles. The upward flow generating unit is configured to stop the circulation of the separation target and the bubbles. Separation device.

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

3. 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 separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 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 separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. 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 separation apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned blade portion is configured to be non-rotatable. The separation apparatus according to claim 5.

7. A separation method for separating objects to be separated, An inflow step of introducing the material to be separated into a separation container which includes an outer cylinder extending vertically and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder, A circulation step in which the object to be separated and the 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, A stopping step to stop the circulation of the object to be separated and the bubbles, including Separation method.

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