heat exchanger

Abstract

To perform heat exchange efficiently. [Solution] The heat exchanger 5 comprises a container 30 having a liquid phase section 41 at the bottom and a gas phase section 42 above the liquid phase section 41, and a tube 33 arranged in the gas phase section 42 through which a fluid that exchanges heat with the gas phase section 42 flows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a heat exchanger.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field related to heat exchangers, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When heat-exchanging a fluid and an object to be heated, there is a demand for a technology that can efficiently heat the object to be heated even when the type or temperature of the fluid changes.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to perform heat exchange efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a container in which a liquid phase portion is formed at the lower part and a gas phase portion is formed above the liquid phase portion, and a tube disposed in the gas phase portion through which a fluid that exchanges heat with the gas phase portion flows.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, heat exchange can be efficiently performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the steam sterilizer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Processing System] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The processing system 1 cleans and sterilizes the object to be processed. Medical instruments are an example of the object to be processed. Scalpels and forceps are examples of medical instruments. The processing system 1 comprises a washer 2, a steam sterilizer 3, a tank 4, and a heat exchanger 5.

[0010] The cleaning device 2 cleans the object to be treated using a cleaning solution. An example of the cleaning device 2 is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-136843. The cleaning device 2 includes a cleaning tank for containing the object to be treated, a water supply device for supplying water to a storage section located at the bottom of the cleaning tank, a chemical supply device for supplying chemical solution to the storage section, an electric heater for heating the cleaning solution in the storage section which contains water and chemical solution, and a cleaning nozzle for spraying the cleaning solution in the storage section onto the object to be treated.

[0011] The steam sterilizer 3 sterilizes the object to be processed using steam. The steam sterilizer 3 sterilizes the object to be processed after it has been cleaned by the washer 2. An example of the steam sterilizer 3 is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-086332. The steam sterilizer 3 has a sterilization tank 11 and a warming tank 12. The object to be processed is housed inside the sterilization tank 11. The warming tank 12 is arranged around the sterilization tank 11.

[0012] Tank 4 contains water used for at least one of the washing machine 2 and the steam sterilizer 3. At least a portion of the water in Tank 4 may be supplied to a tap and used for manual washing, etc. Examples of water contained in Tank 4 include RO water purified by a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane), tap water, and ion-exchanged water. In this embodiment, the water contained in Tank 4 is RO water. RO water generated in an RO water generator (not shown) including an RO membrane is supplied to Tank 4.

[0013] The heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat between the fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 and the RO water. The RO water in tank 4 is supplied to the heat exchanger 5 via the discharge line 6. The fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 is supplied to the heat exchanger 5 via the discharge line 21. The RO water is heated by heat exchange with the fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3. The RO water is the target of heating in the heat exchanger 5. The RO water heated in the heat exchanger 5 is supplied to tank 4 via the return line 7. At least a portion of the RO water in tank 4 circulates in a circulation system that includes tank 4, the discharge line 6, the heat exchanger 5, and the return line 7. As the RO water circulates in the circulation system, the temperature of the RO water in tank 4 gradually increases. The RO water in tank 4 is heated from its initial temperature to a predetermined heating temperature. The initial temperature is, for example, 15°C to 20°C. The heating temperature is, for example, 50°C.

[0014] The RO water from the heated tank 4 is supplied to the washing machine 2 via the first supply line 8. The water supply device of the washing machine 2 supplies heated RO water (washing water) to the washing tank. The electric heater of the washing machine 2 heats the RO water supplied from the water supply device from the heating temperature to a predetermined washing temperature. The washing temperature is, for example, 80°C. Since RO water heated to the heating temperature is supplied to the washing machine 2 as washing water, the power consumption of the electric heater of the washing machine 2 is reduced.

[0015] The RO water from the heated tank 4 is supplied to the steam generator 10 via the second supply line 9. The steam generator 10 converts the RO water from the tank 4 into steam. Since the RO water supplied to the steam generator 10 is heated to the heating temperature, the energy consumption of the steam generator 10 is reduced.

[0016] Furthermore, at least a portion of the RO water flowing through the second supply line 9 may be supplied to the heat exchanger 5. At least a portion of the RO water in tank 4 may be circulated in a circulation system that includes tank 4, a portion of the second supply line 9, the heat exchanger 5, and the return line 7. If at least a portion of the RO water flowing through the second supply line 9 is supplied to the heat exchanger 5, the outgoing line 6 may be omitted.

[0017] The steam generated in the steam generator 10 can be supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the first steam supply line 13. Steam from a steam supply source (not shown) can be supplied to the heat retention space between the sterilization tank 11 and the heat retention tank 12 via the second steam supply line 14. In the following description, the heat retention space between the sterilization tank 11 and the heat retention tank 12 will be appropriately referred to as the heat retention space of the heat retention tank 12.

[0018] A first steam supply valve 17 is located on the first steam supply line 13. A second steam supply valve 18 is located on the second steam supply line 14. When the first steam supply valve 17 opens, steam is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11. When the first steam supply valve 17 closes, the supply of steam to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is stopped. When the second steam supply valve 18 opens, steam is supplied to the heat-retaining space of the heat-retaining tank 12. When the second steam supply valve 18 closes, the supply of steam to the heat-retaining space of the heat-retaining tank 12 is stopped.

[0019] An air supply line 15 is connected to the first steam supply line 13. The air supply line 15 connects the atmospheric space and the first steam supply line 13. The air in the atmospheric space flows into the air supply line 15 through the sterile filter 16. The sterile filter 16 allows air from which foreign substances have been removed to flow into the air supply line 15. An air supply valve 19 is arranged in the air supply line 15. When the air supply valve 19 opens, air is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11. When the air supply valve 19 closes, the supply of air to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is stopped.

[0020] One end of the first discharge line 20A, one end of the second discharge line 20B, and one end of the third discharge line 20C are connected to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11. The other end of the first discharge line 20A, the other end of the second discharge line 20B, and the other end of the third discharge line 20C are connected to the discharge line 21. The third discharge line 20C is arranged in parallel with at least a part of the second discharge line 20B. Each of one end and the other end of the third discharge line 20C is connected to the second discharge line 20B. One end of the third discharge line 20C is connected to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 through a part of the second discharge line 20B. The other end of the third discharge line 20C is connected to the discharge line 21 through a part of the second discharge line 20B. The fluid in the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is discharged to the discharge line 21 through at least one of the first discharge line 20A, the second discharge line 20B, and the third discharge line 20C. Examples of the fluid in the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 include steam, air, and hot water (drain).

[0021] One end of the fourth discharge line 20D is connected to the heat preservation space of the heat preservation tank 12. The other end of the fourth discharge line 20D is connected to the discharge line 21. The fluid in the heat preservation space of the heat preservation tank 12 is discharged to the discharge line 21 through the fourth discharge line 20D. Examples of the fluid in the heat preservation space of the heat preservation tank 12 include steam, air, and hot water (drain).

[0022] Each of the first discharge line 20A, the second discharge line 20B, the third discharge line 20C, and the fourth discharge line 20D is connected to the discharge line 21. The discharge line 21 is connected to the heat exchanger 5. The fluid discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 and the fluid discharged from the heat preservation space of the heat preservation tank 12 are supplied to the heat exchanger 5 via the discharge line 21.

[0023] A first discharge valve 22 and a vacuum pump 24 are arranged in the first discharge line 20A. The first discharge valve 22 is arranged in the first discharge line 20A between the sterilization tank 11 and the vacuum pump 24. The vacuum pump 24 operates to discharge fluid from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11. The vacuum pump 24 is a water-sealed vacuum pump. Water (sealing water) is supplied to the vacuum pump 24 via a sealing water line 25. A sealing water valve 26 is arranged in the sealing water line 25. The sealing water valve 26 adjusts the flow rate of the sealing water supplied from the sealing water line 25 to the vacuum pump 24.

[0024] A steam trap 27 is arranged in the second discharge line 20B. A second discharge valve 23 is arranged in the third discharge line 20C. A steam trap 28 is arranged in the fourth discharge line 20D. The steam trap 27 is arranged in the second discharge line 20B between one end and the other end of the third discharge line 20C.

[0025] When the pressure in the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is near atmospheric pressure or a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, the vacuum pump 24 operates with the first discharge valve 22 open, so that the fluid in the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is supplied to the heat exchanger 5 via the first discharge line 20A and the discharge line 21.

[0026] When the pressure in the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, the first discharge valve 22 closes and the second discharge valve 23 opens, so that the fluid in the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is supplied to the heat exchanger 5 via the third discharge line 20C and the discharge line 21.

[0027] <000Y09>The fluid in the heat preservation space of the heat preservation tank 12 is supplied to the heat exchanger 5 via the fourth discharge line 20D and the discharge line 21.

[0028] The heat exchanger 5 has a container 30 to which the fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 is supplied. The fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 includes the fluid discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 and the fluid discharged from the heat-insulating space of the heat-insulating tank 12. The fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 also includes the fluid that has passed through the vacuum pump 24. The container 30 has a supply port 31 connected to the discharge line 21. The fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 flows through the discharge line 21 and then flows into the supply port 31. The fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 and passing through the inside of the container 30 is discharged from the discharge port 32 of the container 30.

[0029] [Steam sterilizer operation] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the steam sterilizer 3 according to the embodiment. After the items to be processed are placed in the sterilization tank 11, the steam sterilizer 3 performs air discharge treatment (step S1), sterilization treatment (step S2), steam discharge treatment (step S3), and air supply and exhaust treatment (step S4).

[0030] The air discharge process (step S1) refers to the process of discharging air from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 before the start of the sterilization process (step S2). To discharge air and steam from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, the second discharge valve 23 is opened to bring the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 to atmospheric pressure, and the vacuum pump 24 is operated with the first discharge valve 22 open, thereby reducing the pressure inside the sterilization tank 11. This process is repeated, along with the steam supply process, which supplies steam to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the first steam supply line 13.

[0031] Before the steam sterilizer 3 is started, the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is filled with air. When the vacuum pump 24 is operated with the first discharge valve 22 open, air is discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, and the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is depressurized. The air discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 flows through the first discharge line 20A and the discharge line 21, and then flows into the supply port 31.

[0032] After air is discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, steam is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the first steam supply line 13 while the vacuum pump 24 is stopped. After steam is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, the second discharge valve 23 is opened to bring the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 to atmospheric pressure, and the vacuum pump 24 is operated with the first discharge valve 22 open, thereby discharging steam from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization tank 11. The steam discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 flows through the first discharge line 20A and the discharge line 21 before flowing into the supply port 31.

[0033] After steam is discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, with the vacuum pump 24 stopped, steam is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the first steam supply line 13. Subsequently, a depressurization operation is performed by opening the second discharge valve 23 to bring the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 to atmospheric pressure and operating the vacuum pump 24 with the first discharge valve 22 open, thereby reducing the pressure inside the sterilization tank 11. This depressurization operation and steam supply operation, which supplies steam to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the first steam supply line 13, are repeated a predetermined number of times.

[0034] After the air discharge treatment (step S1) is completed, the sterilization treatment (step S2) is started. The sterilization treatment (step S2) is a process in which the objects to be treated, which are placed in the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, are sterilized using steam. In the sterilization treatment (step S2), steam is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the first steam supply line 13. In the sterilization treatment (step S2), the hot water discharged from the steam trap 27 flows into the supply port 31.

[0035] After the sterilization process (step S2) is completed, the steam discharge process (step S3) is started. The steam discharge process (step S3) is the process of discharging steam from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 after the object to be sterilized with steam.

[0036] Immediately after the sterilization process (step S2) is completed, the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is filled with steam and under positive pressure. When the second discharge valve 23 opens, the steam discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 flows through the third discharge line 20C and discharge line 21 before flowing into the supply port 31. After the second discharge valve 23 opens, the vacuum pump 24 operates with the first discharge valve 22 open, and steam is discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11. The steam discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 flows through the first discharge line 20A and discharge line 21 before flowing into the supply port 31. As steam is discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is depressurized.

[0037] After the steam discharge process (step S3) is completed, the air supply and exhaust process (step S4) is started. With the vacuum pump 24 stopped, air is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the air supply line 15. After air is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, the vacuum pump 24 is activated with the first discharge valve 22 open, causing air to be discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 and the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 to be depressurized. The air discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 flows through the first discharge line 20A and the discharge line 21 before flowing into the supply port 31.

[0038] After air is discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, the vacuum pump 24 is stopped, and air is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the air supply line 15. Subsequently, the depressurization operation, in which the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 24, and the air supply operation, in which air is supplied to the internal space of the sterilization tank 11 via the air supply line 15, are repeated a predetermined number of times.

[0039] [Heat exchanger] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a heat exchanger 5 according to an embodiment. The heat exchanger 5 comprises a container 30, a tube 33, and a stirrer 34.

[0040] The container 30 is capable of containing a fluid. A liquid phase portion 41 and a gas phase portion 42 are formed inside the container 30. The liquid phase portion 41 is formed in the lower part of the container 30. The gas phase portion 42 is formed above the liquid phase portion 41. Due to the action of gravity, the liquid phase portion 41 is formed in the lower part of the container 30, including the bottom. In the vertical direction, the surface of the liquid phase portion 41 (gas-liquid interface) is located below the center of the container 30.

[0041] In this embodiment, the container 30 is elongated in the vertical direction. The vertical dimension of the container 30 is greater than the horizontal and front-to-back dimensions of the container 30. The inside of the container 30 is substantially sealed. However, the inside of the container 30 may be open.

[0042] The container 30 has a supply port 31 through which the fluid supplied to the liquid phase section 41 flows, and a discharge port 32 through which the fluid discharged from at least one of the liquid phase section 41 and the gas phase section 42 flows. The fluid supplied to part or all of the liquid phase section 41 flows through the supply port 31. The fluid discharged from part or all of the liquid phase section 41 flows through the discharge port 32.

[0043] The supply port 31 and the discharge port 32 are each located at the bottom of the container 30. Part or all of the discharge port 32 is immersed in the liquid of the liquid phase portion 41. In this embodiment, one supply port 31 is provided in the container 30, and one discharge port 32 is provided in the container 30. The size of the supply port 31 and the size of the discharge port 32 are substantially equal. In the example shown in Figure 3, the supply port 31 is located on the left side of the bottom of the container 30. The discharge port 32 is located on the right side of the bottom of the container 30.

[0044] The container 30 only needs to have at least one supply port 31. The container 30 may have one supply port 31, or it may have two or more of any number of ports. Also, the supply port 31 does not have to face the discharge port 32. If the discharge port 32 is located on the right side of the container 30, the supply port 31 may be located on the front or rear of the container 30.

[0045] The container 30 only needs to have at least one outlet 32. The container 30 may have one outlet 32, or it may have two or more outlets of any number. Also, the outlet 32 ​​does not have to face the supply port 31. If the supply port 31 is located on the left side of the container 30, the outlet 32 ​​may be located on the front or rear of the container 30.

[0046] The supply port 31 is connected to the sterilization tank 11 and the warming tank 12 of the steam sterilizer 3 via the discharge line 21. The supply port 31 is also connected to the vacuum pump 24 (water-sealed vacuum pump) via the discharge line 21.

[0047] As explained with reference to Figure 2, multiple types of fluids with mutually different temperatures are supplied from the steam sterilizer 3 to the supply port 31 of the heat exchanger 5. The fluid supplied to the supply port 31 includes at least one of hot water, air, and steam from the sterilization tank 11 of the steam sterilizer 3. The fluid supplied to the supply port 31 includes at least one of hot water, air, and steam from the heat retention tank 12 of the steam sterilizer 3. The fluid supplied to the supply port 31 includes at least one of water (seal water), air, and hot water from the vacuum pump 24. The liquid phase 41 is formed by liquid (at least one of hot water and water) supplied from at least one of the steam sterilizer 3 and the vacuum pump 24. The gas phase 42 is formed by gas (at least one of steam and air) supplied from at least one of the steam sterilizer 3 and the vacuum pump 24. The gas phase 42 may also include gas produced by the vaporization of the liquid in the liquid phase 41. The liquid phase portion 41 may contain a liquid produced by the condensation of the gas in the gas phase portion 42.

[0048] Tube 33 carries a fluid that will exchange heat with the gas in the gas phase section 42. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat between the fluid discharged from the steam sterilizer 3 and RO water from the tank 4. One end of tube 33 is connected to the dispatch line 6. The other end of tube 33 is connected to the return line 7. RO water supplied from the dispatch line 6 flows into the internal flow path of tube 33 from one end of tube 33. RO water from the tank 4 flows through the internal flow path of tube 33. As RO water flows through the internal flow path of tube 33, the RO water exchanges heat (indirect heat exchange) with the gas in the gas phase section 42 where tube 33 is located. The RO water is heated by exchanging heat with the gas in the gas phase section 42. The RO water that has flowed through the internal flow path of tube 33 flows out from the other end of tube 33 and is supplied to the tank 4 via the return line 7.

[0049] In this embodiment, the entire tube 33 is placed in the gas phase 42. However, it is sufficient if at least a portion of the tube 33 is placed in the gas phase 42. A portion of the tube 33 may be placed in the liquid phase 41. A portion of the tube 33 may be placed in the gas phase 42, and another portion of the tube 33 may be in contact with the liquid in the liquid phase 41. The lower part of the tube 33 may be in contact with the liquid in the liquid phase 41. The position of the tube 33 may be determined such that an area of ​​the tube 33's surface area that is greater than or equal to the area calculated to be necessary for heat recovery is placed in the gas phase 42.

[0050] In this embodiment, the tube 33 is spiral-shaped. The tube 33 has an inlet-side straight section 33A, an outlet-side straight section 33B, and a spiral section 33C connecting the inlet-side straight section 33A and the outlet-side straight section 33B. The inlet-side straight section 33A extends in the vertical direction. The inlet-side straight section 33A may also extend in the horizontal direction. One end of the inlet-side straight section 33A is connected to the shipping line 6. The other end of the inlet-side straight section 33A is connected to the lower end of the spiral section 33C. The outlet-side straight section 33B extends in the vertical direction. The outlet-side straight section 33B may also extend in the horizontal direction. One end of the outlet-side straight section 33B is connected to the upper end of the spiral section 33C. The other end of the outlet-side straight section 33B is connected to the return line 7.

[0051] RO water supplied from tank 4 to heat exchanger 5 via discharge line 6 flows into the internal flow path of inlet-side straight section 33A from one end of inlet-side straight section 33A. The RO water that has flowed from one end of inlet-side straight section 33A to the other end of inlet-side straight section 33A flows into the internal flow path of helical section 33C from the lower end of helical section 33C. The RO water that has flowed into the lower end of helical section 33C flows through the internal flow path of helical section 33C from the lower end of helical section 33C to the upper end of helical section 33C. The RO water that has flowed from the lower end of helical section 33C to the upper end of helical section 33C flows into the internal flow path of outlet-side straight section 33B from one end of outlet-side straight section 33B to the other end of outlet-side straight section 33B is supplied to tank 4 via return line 7.

[0052] The RO water flow may be in the opposite direction to the flow described above. In this case, it is desirable that tube 33 not be immersed in the liquid phase portion 41.

[0053] The agitator 34 stirs the gas in the gas phase section 42. The agitator 34 is positioned in the gas phase section 42. The agitator 34 includes a fan positioned above the tube 33 inside the container 30. A motor 35 is connected to the agitator 34. The agitator 34 rotates due to the rotational force generated by the motor 35. As the agitator 34 rotates, the gas in the gas phase section 42 is stirred.

[0054] The agitator 34 continues to agitate the gas in the gas phase section 42 for at least the duration that fluid is being supplied to the supply port 31. If the internal temperature of the container 30 is detected by a temperature sensor, the agitator 34 may rotate when the internal temperature of the container 30 exceeds a predetermined temperature and stop rotating when it falls below the predetermined temperature.

[0055] [Heat exchanger operation] Next, the operation of the heat exchanger 5 will be described. Multiple types of fluids with mutually different temperatures are supplied to the supply port 31. As described above, at least one of steam, hot water, air, and water is supplied to the supply port 31 as a fluid. Steam and air are gases, while hot water and water are liquids. The temperature of steam and hot water is higher than the temperature of air and water. The temperature of steam and hot water is higher than the temperature of RO water flowing through tube 33. The temperature of air and water is equal to or lower than the temperature of RO water flowing through tube 33. Note that the temperature of air and water may be higher than the temperature of RO water flowing through tube 33.

[0056] The steam supplied to the supply port 31 forms a gas phase section 42. Alternatively, at least a portion of the steam supplied to the supply port 31 may condense and be converted into hot water before forming a liquid phase section 41. Steam is supplied from the supply port 31 to the lower part of the gas phase section 42. The supplied steam at the lower part of the gas phase section 42 rises naturally because its specific gravity is lower than that of air. Meanwhile, the descending gas phase at the top of the gas phase section 42 creates natural convection, and the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is sufficiently heated through heat exchange with the high-temperature gas in the gas phase section 42. When the fluid supplied to the supply port 31 is steam, the gas phase section 42 may be stirred by the stirrer 34, although the effect of the stirrer 34 is less significant compared to other fluids. The steam mixed with air accumulated in the gas phase section 42 is stirred by the stirrer 34, reducing air obstruction to condensation and increasing condensation heat transfer. Furthermore, because the steam condenses, it becomes less likely for the inside of the container 30 to become positively pressurized. Since the inside of container 30 is less likely to become positively pressurized, the discharge of high-temperature steam from outlet 32 ​​is suppressed. As most of the high-temperature steam condenses inside container 30, the RO water flowing through tube 33 efficiently exchanges heat with the high-temperature steam in the gas phase section 42.

[0057] The hot water supplied to the supply port 31 forms the liquid phase 41. The supply of hot water to the supply port 31 causes the liquid in the liquid phase 41 to reach a high temperature. The upper part of the liquid phase 41 is formed by the hot water. The vapor diffused from the hot water into the gas phase 42 condenses in the tube 33, lowering the humidity and inducing evaporation of the hot water forming the upper part of the liquid phase 41, resulting in continuous heat exchange in the tube 33. Alternatively, the agitator 34 may stir the gas in the gas phase 42 so that the low-humidity gas accumulated at the top of the gas phase 42 descends. The agitation of the gas in the gas phase 42 by the agitator 34 promotes the evaporation of the hot water forming the upper part of the liquid phase 41. The increased evaporation of the hot water increases the humidity in the gas phase 42. As the humidity in the gas phase 42 increases and the humid air is agitated, the heat transfer through steam condensation is enhanced, and the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is sufficiently heated.

[0058] The water supplied to the supply port 31 forms a liquid phase 41. When water is supplied to the supply port 31, the liquid phase 41 is formed by a mixture of hot water and water. Since the tube 33 is located in the gas phase 42, even if water is supplied from the supply port 31 to the liquid phase 41 and the temperature of the liquid in the liquid phase 41 decreases, the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is not cooled by the liquid in the liquid phase 41. The decrease in the temperature of the RO water is suppressed. In addition, when steam or hot water contaminated with food discharged from food processing machinery is connected to the supply port, it is also possible to suppress the deterioration of heat transfer performance due to food or slime adhering to the outer surface of the tube 33.

[0059] The air supplied to the supply port 31 forms a gas phase section 42. When air is supplied to the supply port 31, the specific heat of the air is small, and the amount of heat that can be recovered is small, so there is no need to recover heat. However, when the agitator 34 agitates the gas in the gas phase section 42, the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is heated by forced convection.

[0060] [effect] As described above, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 5 comprises a container 30 having a liquid phase section 41 at the bottom and a gas phase section 42 above the liquid phase section 41, and a tube 33 arranged in the gas phase section 42 through which RO water, which is heat-exchanged with the gas phase section 42, flows. To further enhance heat recovery, the gas in the gas phase section 42 is stirred by a stirrer 34.

[0061] According to this embodiment, even if multiple types of fluids with mutually different temperatures are supplied to the inside of the container 30, the RO water to be heated is efficiently heated. Heat is efficiently exchanged between the fluid supplied to the inside of the container 30 and the RO water flowing through the tube 33. When steam or hot water is supplied to the container 30, the temperature of the gas in the gas phase section 42 rises. Since at least a portion of the tube 33 is located in the gas phase section 42, the RO water flowing through the tube 33 efficiently exchanges heat with the high-temperature gas in the gas phase section 42. Even if water is supplied to the container 30 and the temperature of the liquid in the liquid phase section 41 decreases, the decrease in the temperature of the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is suppressed because at least a portion of the tube 33 is located in the gas phase section 42.

[0062] In this embodiment, when steam is supplied to the container 30, most of the high-temperature steam condenses inside the container 30, so the RO water flowing through the tube 33 efficiently exchanges heat with the high-temperature steam in the gas phase section 42. When hot water is supplied to the container 30, the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is heated by the diffusion of steam into the gas in the gas phase section 42 and its condensation in the tube 33. The agitator 34 stirs the gas in the gas phase section 42, promoting the evaporation of the hot water. The increased evaporation of the hot water increases the humidity in the gas phase section 42. As the humidity in the gas phase section 42 increases and the humid air is stirred, the heat transfer through steam condensation increases, and the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is sufficiently heated. When air is supplied to the container 30, the gas in the gas phase section 42 is stirred by the agitator 34, and the RO water flowing through the tube 33 is heated by forced convection.

[0063] When the processing system 1 is installed in a medical setting, minimizing the installation area of ​​the heat exchanger 5 is required. The fluid discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, the fluid discharged from the heat-insulating space of the heat-insulating tank 12, and the fluid that has passed through the vacuum pump 24 are each supplied to the supply port 31 via the discharge line 21. Since the fluid discharged from the internal space of the sterilization tank 11, the fluid discharged from the heat-insulating space of the heat-insulating tank 12, and the fluid that has passed through the vacuum pump 24 all converge at the supply port 31, heat exchange can be performed efficiently, and a heat exchanger 5 that can minimize its installation area is provided. In addition, in this embodiment, the container 30 is long in the vertical direction. A liquid phase section 41 is formed at the bottom of the vertically long container 30, and a gas phase section 42 is formed above the liquid phase section 41, so a heat exchanger 5 that can perform heat exchange efficiently and minimize its installation area is provided.

[0064] The container 30 has a supply port 31 through which the fluid supplied to the liquid phase section 41 flows, and an outlet port 32 through which the fluid discharged from the liquid phase section 41 flows. Fluid from the steam sterilizer 3 continuously flows into the container 30 via the supply port 31, and fluid inside the container 30 continuously flows out of the container 30 via the outlet port 32. Fluid used for heat exchange with the RO water in the tube 33 flows into the container 30 via the supply port 31. Fluid that has finished heat exchange with the RO water in the tube 33 is discharged from the container 30 via the outlet port 32.

[0065] In this embodiment, the tube 33 is spiral-shaped. This makes it easier for the steam supplied to the lower part of the gas phase 42 to rise. Also, when the agitator 34 agitates the gas in the gas phase 42, the gas is smoothly agitated in the gas phase 42. Since the agitator 34 is positioned above the tube 33 inside the container 30, the gas can flow smoothly in the vertical direction both inside and outside the spiral-shaped tube 33.

[0066] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the steam sterilizer 3 includes a sterilization tank 11 and a heat-retaining tank 12 arranged around the sterilization tank 11. The heat-retaining tank 12 may be omitted. If the heat-retaining tank 12 is not present, the fourth discharge line 20D is also omitted. Fluid from the sterilization tank 11 is supplied to the supply port 31. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1…Processing system, 2…Washer, 3…Steam sterilizer, 4…Tank, 5…Heat exchanger, 6…Shipping line, 7…Return line, 8…First supply line, 9…Second supply line, 10…Steam generator, 11…Sterilization tank, 12…Insulation tank, 13…First steam supply line, 14…Second steam supply line, 15…Air supply line, 16…Sterile filter, 17…First steam supply valve, 18…Second steam supply valve, 19…Air supply valve, 20A…First discharge line, 20B…Second discharge line, 20C…Third Discharge line, 20D...4th discharge line, 21...Discharge line, 22...1st discharge valve, 23...2nd discharge valve, 24...Vacuum pump (water-sealed vacuum pump), 25...Seal water line, 26...Seal water valve, 27...Steam trap, 28...Steam trap, 30...Container, 31...Inlet, 32...Discharge port, 33...Tube, 33A...Inlet straight section, 33B...Outlet straight section, 33C...Spiral section, 34...Agitator, 35...Motor, 41...Liquid phase section, 42...Gas phase section.

Claims

1. A container having a liquid phase at the bottom and a gaseous phase above the liquid phase, The system comprises a tube disposed in the gas phase and through which a fluid that exchanges heat with the gas phase flows, heat exchanger.

2. The container has a supply port through which the fluid supplied to the liquid phase flows, and a discharge port through which the fluid discharged from at least one of the liquid phase and the gas phase flows. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned supply port is connected to the sterilization chamber of the steam sterilizer. The fluid supplied to the supply port includes at least one of the hot water, air, and steam from the steam sterilizer. The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned supply port is connected to a heat-insulating tank positioned around the sterilization chamber of the steam sterilizer. The fluid supplied to the supply port includes at least one of the hot water, air, and steam from the steam sterilizer. The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned supply port is connected to a water-sealed vacuum pump for discharging fluid from the sterilization chamber of the steam sterilizer. The fluid supplied to the supply port includes at least one of water, air, and hot water from the water-sealed vacuum pump. The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

6. The tube has a spiral shape. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

7. The system includes a stirrer for agitating the gas in the gas phase. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

8. The agitator includes a fan positioned above the tube inside the container. The heat exchanger according to claim 7.

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