A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water and an apparatus used in the said method.

Abstract

To provide a method for changing the physical properties of water in an extremely simple manner, and for obtaining an excellent emulsified or emulsion product using the "water with altered physical properties," and to provide a processing method that utilizes the emulsion effect. [Solution] A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water, characterized by attaching a reflector 12 that reflects electromagnetic waves around a transparent container 11, filling the inside of the portion of the transparent container 11 to which the reflector 12 is attached with water at a temperature of 0°C to 80°C, and irradiating the water with sound waves or ultrasonic waves while irradiating the water with light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm"; a method for producing an emulsified liquid, cosmetics or quasi-drugs, cleaning solutions, preservatives, drinking water, water for hydroponics, tissue culture solutions, or extraction solvents using this method; and an apparatus for imparting an emulsion effect to water used in this method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water, and an apparatus used in said method, as well as a method for producing water with an emulsion effect using said method, and for producing an emulsified solution, a washing solution, a preservative, drinking water, or water for watering plants or hydroponics using said water, and an apparatus used in said method. [Background technology]

[0002] It was believed that water, regardless of its state or condition, does not absorb visible light or light with wavelengths between 490 nm and 550 nm. Therefore, irradiating water with such light would not cause any chemical reactions or physical changes, and consequently, the physical properties of water would not change.

[0003] Since it was believed that irradiating water with light of the above wavelengths would not change its physical properties, it was also believed that a type of change in water's physical properties—the ability to easily emulsify oil with water (hereinafter abbreviated as "emulsion effect")—would not change even when irradiated with light of the above wavelengths.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology relating to a transparent gel-like oil-in-water emulsion composition, which states that it is essential to include nicotinamide, a nonionic emulsifier, and an anionic emulsifier in relation to water and oil.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes an apparatus for improving the penetration power of an emulsion-like substance, which does not require chemical substances necessary for emulsification to achieve an emulsion effect, and comprises a housing with an electrically insulated substance housing section for containing the emulsion-like substance, and a space potential generating means for forming an electric field with a predetermined frequency in the internal space thereof.

[0006] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 describes that when visible light is irradiated onto water impregnated in a sponge-like hydrogel, the clusters formed by the water molecules dissolve, the state in which evaporation was suppressed by these clusters is resolved, and the water evaporates.

[0007] It is not known that the emulsion effect of water is enhanced by subtle changes in the morphology of water aggregates. Furthermore, there is no known method for imparting an emulsion effect to water without adding emulsifiers or other "chemical substances necessary for emulsification." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-149692 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-179223 [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] Yaodong Tu, et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2023; 120 (45) e2312751120. DOI: 10.1073 / pnas.2312751120; arXiv: 2201.10385v1 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned background art, and its objective is to provide a method for changing the physical properties of water in an extremely simple manner; a method for obtaining an excellent emulsified product or emulsion product using the "water with altered physical properties"; a processing method, improvement method, etc. that utilizes the excellent emulsifying ability (emulsion effect); and an apparatus used to produce the "water with altered physical properties" (capable of producing the water); etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] As a result of diligent research to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that by placing water in a specific container and irradiating it with light containing a specific wavelength while simultaneously applying sound waves or ultrasound, an emulsion effect can be imparted to the water in the container, thus completing the present invention.

[0012] In particular, we discovered that the emulsion effect is significantly enhanced when the water being irradiated with light is water that has passed through a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, and this discovery led to the completion of the present invention.

[0013] In other words, the present invention provides a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water, characterized by attaching a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves around a transparent container, filling the inside of the portion of the transparent container to which the reflector is attached with water having a temperature of 0°C to 80°C, and irradiating the water with sound waves or ultrasonic waves while simultaneously irradiating the water with light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm."

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention provides the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" as described above, characterized by winding a conductive wire around a transparent container and / or attaching a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves around the transparent container, filling the inside of the portion of the transparent container around which the conductive wire is wound and / or the inside of the portion of the transparent container to which the reflector is attached with water at a temperature of 0°C to 80°C, and irradiating the water with sound waves or ultrasonic waves while irradiating the water with light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm".

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" wherein the sound wave or ultrasonic wave is generated by a "piezoelectric element, speaker, ultrasonic generator, or the light source used when irradiating the light".

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention provides the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" wherein the water that is the object of light irradiation is water that has passed through a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane).

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention provides a "method for producing an emulsion", a "method for producing an emulsion-type cosmetic or quasi-drug", a "method for producing a cleaning liquid", a "method for producing a preservative", and a "method for producing a tissue culture solution", characterized by using water imparted with an emulsion effect by using the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water".

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention provides a "method for producing drinking water" and a "method for producing water for spraying on plants or for hydroponics", characterized by using the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water".

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention provides an extraction method characterized by using water imparted with an emulsion effect by using the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" as an extraction solvent.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention provides an "oil treatment method" characterized by using water imparted with an emulsion effect by using the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" and emulsifying oil in the water.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention provides a "method for improving the water quality of water in a pond, river, or lake", characterized by using the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water".

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention provides an apparatus for use in the above-mentioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water," characterized in that a conductive wire is wound around the periphery of a transparent container, and / or a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves is attached around the periphery of the transparent container, and water can be filled into the inside of the portion of the transparent container in which the conductive wire is wound, and / or the inside of the portion of the transparent container in which the reflector is attached, and that the apparatus is equipped with a light source that irradiates the water with sound waves or ultrasonic waves while irradiating the water with light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm." [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The present invention's "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" allows for extremely simple imparting of an emulsion effect to water. Therefore, by using "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using this method," excellent products such as emulsifiers, emulsion-type cosmetics or quasi-drugs, cleaning solutions, preservatives, and tissue culture solutions can be easily and simply manufactured.

[0024] According to the present invention, an emulsion effect can be imparted to water without adding "chemical substances necessary for emulsification or chemical substances that provide an emulsion effect" to the water. Therefore, it can be particularly suitably applied to and used in "compositions containing water or uses of water" where such chemical substances are harmful or undesirable. The "chemical substances necessary for emulsification and chemical substances that provide an emulsion effect" specifically include surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, etc. Hereinafter, the "substance or agent" may be simply abbreviated as "other components."

[0025] When using "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the method of the present invention" for various purposes, the emulsion effect will be achieved without the need to separately include "other components" from external sources. Furthermore, since "other components" may have adverse effects on people and the environment, it is preferable to substantially omit them. Here, "effectively not containing" means that the total amount contained in the product for each "use" is 10 ppm or less. Preferably, the concentration should be 3 ppm or less, more preferably 1 ppm or less, and most preferably 0.3 ppm or less. Most preferably, it should not be present at all, and at the very least, it is desirable that it not be added from an external source. Furthermore, this invention does not exclude the inclusion of the "other components."

[0026] Furthermore, since the method of the present invention can impart an emulsion effect to water in an extremely simple manner, it is possible to provide excellent "washing methods," "extraction methods," "oil treatment methods" including waste oil treatment methods, and "methods for improving the water quality of ponds, rivers, or lakes" using this method.

[0027] The method of the present invention can lower the oxidation-reduction potential of water, specifically bringing the positive oxidation-reduction potential of water closer to 0mV, and also increase the pH. Therefore, the method of the present invention can impart an emulsion effect to water, as well as a cleaning effect, preservative effect, extraction effect, and water-suitability effect to plants. Thus, it is suitable for applications requiring such effects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an apparatus used in the method of the present invention. The configuration consists of a rectangular prism-shaped transparent container with rod-shaped light sources installed inside each of the four edges at the four corners. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an apparatus used in the method of the present invention. The configuration consists of multiple LEDs, which serve as light sources, installed at the bottom of a cylindrical transparent container. [Figure 3] This photo was taken immediately after adding 20g of sesame oil and 30g of tap water to the container. [Figure 4]20g of sesame oil in a container was mixed with 30g of tap water. After letting it stand for 1-2 minutes, the mixture was stirred with a fingertip while touching the bottom of the container for 3 minutes to observe the emulsion effect. The photo shows that it did not become an emulsion. [Figure 5] This photograph shows the process of adding 30g of "Water 2 of the present invention" obtained in Production Example 2 to 20g of sesame oil in a container, letting it stand for 1-2 minutes, then stirring with a fingertip while touching the bottom of the container for 3 minutes to form an emulsion, and finally rinsing the emulsion with running tap water. [Figure 6] This is a photograph of the bottom surface of the container after the sesame oil inside has been emulsified with the water of the present invention and then rinsed with running water. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The present invention will be described below, but it is not limited to the following specific forms and can be modified as desired within the scope of the technical idea.

[0030] The present invention's "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" is characterized by attaching a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves to the perimeter of a transparent container, filling the inside of the portion of the transparent container to which the reflector is attached with water having a temperature of 0°C to 80°C, and irradiating the water with sound waves or ultrasonic waves while simultaneously irradiating the water with light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm."

[0031] <Definition and measurement method of "emulsion effect"> Here, "emulsification effect" refers to the "change in the properties and physical characteristics of water" that makes it easier to emulsify oil with "water itself" without the need to add an emulsifier from an external source. Measurements of emulsion effect, level of emulsification, and changes in the properties of water are performed using the methods described in the examples and are defined as measurements taken using such methods. Specifically, in a petri dish with a diameter of 7 cm, "3 parts by mass of water and 10 parts by mass of rice oil to be evaluated" are placed to a depth of 5 mm (hereinafter, this mixture of water and rice oil will be simply referred to as "the liquid"), and the surface area of ​​the dish at the tip is 1 cm². 2 Using a spatula, with the bottom surface (convex side) of the dish positioned approximately parallel to the bottom of the petri dish, the bottom surface (convex side) of the dish is lightly pressed against the bottom of the petri dish, and the bottom surface (convex side) of the dish is rotated horizontally for 3 minutes at a rotational speed of 1 revolution / second, with the approximate center of the petri dish as the center of rotation, thereby stirring the entire liquid.

[0032] Next, the degree of emulsification of the liquid is visually assessed, and the "emulsion effect" of the water is determined by comparing it with the results of a similar evaluation (visual assessment) using "distilled water obtained by distilling tap water according to conventional methods." The degree of emulsification is determined by an increase in the viscosity of the liquid (an increase in viscosity indicates that emulsification has progressed), an increase in turbidity (for example, an increase in turbidity indicates that emulsification has progressed), and an increase in the visual uniformity of the liquid (when the liquid becomes uniform, emulsification is determined to have progressed).

[0033] <Irradiation with light> This invention requires that water be irradiated with light containing wavelengths within the range of 490 nm to 550 nm. The irradiated light only needs to contain "light with wavelengths within the range of 490nm to 550nm". This can be single wavelength light within the range of 490nm to 550nm, i.e., monochromatic light, or all wavelengths within the range of 490nm to 550nm, or it can contain light of other wavelengths in addition to light within the range of 490nm to 550nm.

[0034] It is preferable that the light containing "light with wavelengths in the range of 490nm to 550nm" is white light because it is harmless even if other wavelengths of light are mixed in, and that it is green light in the range of 490nm to 550nm because it is efficient, and that such "light sources such as LEDs" exist, among other reasons.

[0035] The light source 14 is not particularly limited, but LEDs, lasers, xenon lamps, fluorescent lamps, etc. are preferable. Among them, LEDs are preferable in terms of no power waste, high energy efficiency, easy wavelength selection, small size, long lifespan, etc.

[0036] There are no particular limitations on the (relative) position, irradiation direction, number, etc. of the light source 14 with respect to "water" or "the transparent container 11 containing water". An example is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the position of the light source 14 may be on the "side surface including the edge" of the transparent container 11, or as shown in FIG. 2, it may be on the bottom of the transparent container 11. The bottom surface of the transparent container 11 may or may not be transparent. In FIG. 2, LEDs are spread and installed on the bottom of the transparent container 11, and a transparent plate having substantially the same shape as the bottom surface shape is installed above the LEDs for waterproofing against the LEDs.

[0037] The irradiation energy is such that "light of all wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm or more and 550 nm or less" is 3 mJ / cm 2 or more and 100000 mJ / cm 2 (100 J / cm 2 ) or less is preferable, 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 30000 mJ / cm 2 (30 J / cm 2 ) or less is more preferable, 30 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 (10 J / cm 2 ) or less is even more preferable, 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 3000 mJ / cm 2 (3 J / cm 2 ) or less is particularly preferable. The irradiation energy means the energy of light irradiated per unit area. Therefore, the "cm 2 " in the irradiation energy (mJ / cm 2 ) indicates the irradiation area and has no relation to the optical path length, that is, "the depth of water". Thus, the above range is desirable regardless of the optical path length.

[0038] While there are no particular limitations on the irradiation time, for still water, it is preferably 1 second to 600 seconds, more preferably 2 seconds to 200 seconds, even more preferably 3 seconds to 60 seconds, and particularly preferably 5 seconds to 30 seconds.

[0039] The irradiation energy per unit time, i.e., illuminance, is the value obtained by dividing the above-mentioned (more, even, especially) preferred irradiation energy by the above-mentioned (more, even, especially) preferred irradiation time.

[0040] When performed continuously, that is, when irradiating flowing water, the (more, even, especially) preferred irradiation energy, irradiation time, and illuminance should ideally fall within the above range when converted to the "values ​​for still water," i.e., batch-type (per batch) values.

[0041] <Irradiation with sound waves or ultrasound> This invention requires the irradiation of water with sound waves or ultrasound. Of these, irradiation with ultrasound is preferred. The frequency of the sound wave is not particularly limited as long as it is within the audible range. Furthermore, the frequency of the ultrasound is not particularly limited as long as it falls within the range defined as "ultrasound." It may be ultrasound from the ultrasound generator 15, or ultrasound emitted from the light source 14 used to irradiate the light. Many light sources are known to emit ultrasound simultaneously with light emission.

[0042] It is preferable that the sound waves or ultrasonic waves are emitted by the "piezoelectric element, speaker, ultrasonic generator" 15, or by the "light source used when irradiating the light" 14. The "generator such as a transducer" portion of the sound wave or ultrasonic generator 15 may be installed on the outside of the transparent container 11, or it may be immersed in the water inside the transparent container 11. There are no particular limitations on the intensity or duration of the ultrasound, but it is preferable to keep it irradiated continuously during the light irradiation.

[0043] <Transparent container> In the present invention, "transparent" means the property of transmitting light with wavelengths that are at least in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm. Therefore, the transparent container 11 in the present invention refers to a container made of a material that transmits light with wavelengths that are at least in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm. For reasons such as versatility and ease of availability, the transparent container 11 is particularly preferably colorless and transparent.

[0044] The material of the transparent container 11 is not particularly limited, but examples include glass such as borosilicate glass, quartz glass, and soft glass; polymers such as polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene; and so on. The transparent container 11 may have non-transparent parts, but it is preferable that the parts to which the reflector 12 described later is attached and the parts filled with water are transparent.

[0045] The shape of the transparent container 11 is not limited, but examples include triangular prism, rectangular prism (see Figure 1), pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, and cylindrical (see Figure 2). There are no particular restrictions on size or the ratio of length, width, and height.

[0046] The bottom of the transparent container 11 may be made into a tube shape by making a hole in the bottom or opening the bottom, so that water flows continuously through the transparent container 11 from the "top opening" to the "bottom with a hole or opening". The "tubular transparent container 11" can be installed in the middle of a water pipe, at a faucet, or in the flow of drinking water, or in the flow of a pond, river, or lake, to improve water quality.

[0047] <Reflector attached to a transparent container> It is essential that a reflector 12 that reflects electromagnetic waves is attached around the transparent container 11 containing water. Preferably, the reflector 12 reflects light, and it is particularly preferable that it reflects at least "light with wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm".

[0048] There are no particular limitations on the material, thickness, or presence or absence of a coating on the outermost surface of the reflector 12. The reflection may be diffuse or specular, but specular reflection is preferred. The reflector 12 may be a metal plate itself, or it may be a polymer film with metal vapor-deposited onto it. Alternatively, its outermost surface may be coated with a transparent material.

[0049] The material of the reflector 12 is preferably, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, tin, copper, or silver.

[0050] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a configuration in which a reflector 12 is attached to the perimeter of a transparent container 11. There are no particular limitations on the size of the portion to which the reflector 12 is attached, but it is essential that the portion of the transparent container 11 to which the reflector 12 is attached is filled with water. The portion of the transparent container 11 to which the reflector 12 is attached may be filled with water, or the portion of the transparent container 11 to which the reflector 12 is not attached may be filled with water.

[0051] <Conductive wire wrapped around the transparent container> In the present invention, the reflector 12 described above is essential, but it is preferable that the conductive wire 13 is present together with the reflector 12, that is, that both the reflector 12 and the conductive wire 13 are present. In other words, it is preferable that the reflector 12 is installed in the transparent container 11 and the conductive wire 13 is wound around the transparent container 11.

[0052] When a conductive wire 13 is wrapped around a transparent container 11 containing the "water to be treated," the conductive wire 13 is not particularly limited as long as it has electrical resistance as low as that of a metal and current flows through it. Preferably, it is a metal wire such as copper wire, gold wire, silver wire, brass wire, or carbon fiber wire, or a carbon fiber wire, with copper wire being particularly preferred. It is also preferable that the conductive wire 13 is coated with an insulating material.

[0053] Examples of the insulating materials mentioned above include rubber, enamel, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Enameled wire, in which copper wire is coated with enamel, is preferably used.

[0054] The above metal wire may be stranded or solid, and there are no particular limitations on its thickness, but it is preferably 0.1 mm to 2 mm, more preferably 0.13 mm to 1.3 mm, and particularly preferably 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0055] When the conductive wire 13 is wound around the transparent container 11, there is no particular limit to the size of the portion in which the conductive wire 13 is wound, but it is preferable that the portion of the transparent container 11 in which the conductive wire 13 is wound is also filled with water to be treated. The water may be filled only in a portion of the transparent container 11 in which the conductive wire 13 is wound, or the water may be filled in the portion of the transparent container 11 in which the conductive wire 13 is not wound.

[0056] It is also preferable that the surface of the multiple wound conductive wires 13 reflects "light with wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm" in order to make the conductive wires 13 act as reflectors as described below.

[0057] Figure 2 shows an example of a configuration in which a conductive wire 13 is wound around the transparent container 11. In Figure 2, the coated copper wire is wound around the center of the transparent container 11 in the height direction.

[0058] Although not limited to this, it is also preferable to connect the conductive wire 13 to an AC or DC power source and pass AC or DC current through it (not shown). Doing so generates a magnetic field in the water in the transparent container 11.

[0059] <Water> The water that is the target of light irradiation in this invention is not particularly limited, and examples include distilled water, water that has passed through a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane), ion-exchanged water, tap water, well water, mineral water, and hot spring water. In particular, water that has passed through a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane is preferred because it is easier to impart an emulsion effect and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0060] When using water that has passed through a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, there are no particular limitations on the type of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane used; any type such as a hollow fiber membrane, spiral membrane, or tubular membrane may be used. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the material of the membrane; it can be cellulose acetate, aromatic polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, or any other material.

[0061] Operating conditions such as pressure, time / speed, and direction of passage are determined according to the form and material of the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, and are set to the most suitable operating conditions.

[0062] <Device for imparting an emulsion effect to water> The present invention is an apparatus used in the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, The apparatus is characterized by having a conductive wire wrapped around the perimeter of a transparent container, and / or having a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves attached to the perimeter of the transparent container, allowing water to be filled inside the portion of the transparent container where the conductive wire is wrapped, and / or inside the portion where the reflector is attached, and by being equipped with a light source that irradiates the water with sound waves or ultrasonic waves while irradiating the water with light containing "light with wavelengths in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm".

[0063] Furthermore, the present invention is preferably an apparatus for use in the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, characterized in that a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves is attached to the periphery of a transparent container, water with a temperature of 0°C to 80°C is filled inside the portion of the transparent container to which the reflector is attached, and light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm" is irradiated onto the water while sound waves or ultrasonic waves are irradiated onto the water.

[0064] The electromagnetic waves reflected by the reflector are preferably visible light, and are particularly preferably "light with wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm." Therefore, a particularly preferred embodiment of the "apparatus for imparting an emulsion effect to water" of the present invention is as follows.

[0065] The apparatus used in the aforementioned "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water," An apparatus for imparting an emulsion effect to water, characterized in that a reflective plate that reflects "light with wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm" is attached to the perimeter of a transparent container, the part of the transparent container to which the reflective plate is attached can be filled with water, and the apparatus is equipped with a light source that irradiates the water with sound waves or ultrasound while irradiating the water with light containing "light with wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm".

[0066] <Uses of water with an emulsion effect> <<Emulsion>> The present invention is also a method for producing an emulsified liquid, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted". Hereinafter, "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the method of the present invention" may be simply abbreviated as "water of the present invention."

[0067] The water of the present invention has the ability to emulsify and finely disperse oily components in the dispersion medium when used as such, so an emulsion can be produced using the water of the present invention as a raw material. When emulsifying and dispersing oily components in water, small amounts of alcohols such as ethanol, glycerin, and ethylene glycol are sometimes used. However, with the water of the present invention, there is no need for the presence of such alcohols, nor is there any need to add such alcohols from outside.

[0068] The present invention is also a dispersion medium for emulsions containing the aforementioned water of the present invention. Preferably, the present invention is also a dispersion medium for emulsions consisting of the aforementioned water of the present invention.

[0069] Therefore, the water of the present invention is suitably used as an emulsifying solution for removing oily cosmetic components from the skin of the face or lips as an emulsion, and as a medium for said emulsifying solution. Furthermore, the water of the present invention is also suitably used as a cleaning agent in factories and homes to emulsify oily components and dissolve them in an aqueous medium, as well as a general water-based cleaning agent.

[0070] Furthermore, the water of the present invention is also suitably used as a dispersion medium for emulsion paints and water-based paints.

[0071] The above-mentioned emulsified solution exhibits emulsion functionality even without separately containing "other components" such as surfactants, dispersants, or emulsifiers in addition to the water of the present invention; however, this does not preclude the inclusion of such "other components."

[0072] <<<Emulsion-type cosmetics or quasi-drugs>>> The present invention is also a method for producing an emulsion-type cosmetic or quasi-drug, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

[0073] Examples of "emulsion-type cosmetics" include lotions and creams. They are suitably used as a medium for cosmetics that replenish moisturizers and oils to the skin, maintaining skin moisture and flexibility. Furthermore, the water of the present invention can also be suitably used as a "lotion (or ingredient) primarily for makeup removal."

[0074] An "emulsion-type quasi-drug" refers to an "agent or chemical in an emulsion state" that is not a pharmaceutical or cosmetic as defined by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. Examples include mouth fresheners, medicated toothpastes, insecticides, beauty serums, disinfectants for soft contact lenses, hair dyes, hair growth products, permanent wave solutions, medicated shampoos, medicated lotions, cosmetic soaps, stomachic and refreshing agents, physiological treatment agents, vitamins, agents to prevent heat rash, sores, rough skin, acne, blemishes, and freckles, and skin disinfectants.

[0075] Particularly preferably, the present invention relates to a method for producing an emulsion-type cosmetic or quasi-drug, wherein the cosmetic or quasi-drug is a beauty serum, shampoo, hair growth agent, or cosmetic soap. The cosmetic soaps include, for example, facial soaps, bath soaps, and body washes.

[0076] The above-mentioned "emulsion-type cosmetic or quasi-drug" may contain active ingredients in addition to the water of the present invention, depending on the intended use. Although the emulsion function will be achieved in each product for its intended use without the inclusion of the aforementioned "other ingredients," this does not mean that the inclusion of these "other ingredients" is excluded.

[0077] The above-mentioned "emulsion-type cosmetics or quasi-drugs" may contain alcohols such as ethanol, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, and glycerin; various thickeners; etc. However, with the water of the present invention, it is not necessary to have alcohols or various thickeners in the coexistence. Even without their coexistence, oily components can be emulsified. Therefore, by using the water of the present invention, an "emulsion-type cosmetic or quasi-drug" that does not burden the skin, scalp, or skin can be obtained.

[0078] <<Cleaning solution>> The present invention is also a method for producing a cleaning solution, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

[0079] When the water of the present invention is used as a cleaning solution or a solvent for a cleaning solution, it may be possible to reduce the amount of the aforementioned "other components" added to the cleaning solution, or in some cases, use the cleaning solution without adding any of these components. Therefore, when washing with bare hands, it reduces the burden on the skin of the hands. Furthermore, it is safe even if accidentally swallowed by the elderly or children. Furthermore, since it can be used as a solvent for cleaning solutions that previously required the inclusion of alcohols such as ethanol, it is particularly useful as a cleaning solution for mucous membranes.

[0080] <<Preservatives>> The present invention is also a method for producing a preservative, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

[0081] When the water of the present invention is used as a preservative or a solvent for a preservative, it may be possible to reduce the amount of preservative components added to the preservative, or it may be possible to use it as a preservative without adding any preservatives at all. Therefore, when this preservative is used, especially in food and beverages, it can be used with confidence because it is safe.

[0082] <<Drinking water>> The present invention is also a method for producing drinking water, characterized by using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above. The water of this invention can be usefully used as beverages such as juices, sports drinks, water, and carbonated water.

[0083] <<Water for watering plants or for hydroponics>> The present invention is also a method for producing water for watering plants or for hydroponics, characterized by using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above.

[0084] When the water of the present invention is used for watering plants or for hydroponic cultivation, it is effective in improving the water absorption capacity of plants, promoting growth, improving soil, improving root development, reducing the need for (especially nitrogen-based) fertilizers, and increasing the resistance of plants to diseases, pests, and pathogens. Furthermore, it can be used in aquariums.

[0085] <<Tissue culture medium>> The present invention is also a method for producing tissue culture medium, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

[0086] When using water obtained by passing it through a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) as the raw material (hereinafter abbreviated as "RO water"), the electrical conductivity of the present invention decreases to the same level as that of ultrapure water compared to the RO water. Furthermore, it tends to have a higher pH compared to the desalinated water or RO water used as raw materials. These are favorable directions for tissue culture.

[0087] Therefore, the water of the present invention is suitable as a tissue culture medium (solvent), and is more convenient and inexpensive than using ultrapure water as a tissue culture medium (solvent).

[0088] <<Extraction method>> The present invention is also an extraction method characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted" as an extraction solvent.

[0089] Due to its emulsion effect, the water of the present invention can be suitably used as an extraction solvent in factories and manufacturing plants such as chemical plants and pharmaceutical plants. It can also be suitably used in households as extraction water (hot water) or decoction water (hot water) for coffee, malt, green tea, black tea, etc., and the water of the present invention is particularly suitable for water extraction.

[0090] <<How to dispose of oil>> The present invention is also a method for treating oil, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above, and emulsifying oil in the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

[0091] The water used in this invention has an emulsifying effect, making it easy to emulsify oils, and therefore suitable for oil treatment. Furthermore, since the emulsified liquid contains little to no "other substances," the emulsified oil can be easily separated after processing and reused.

[0092] <<Methods for improving the water quality of ponds, rivers, or lakes>> The present invention is also a method for improving the water quality of ponds, rivers, or lakes, characterized by using the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" described above.

[0093] Oily components can be emulsified and separated from household and industrial wastewater. By recovering the separated material, the negative impact on the ecosystem can be reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the transparent container 11 can be made into a tube shape and installed in the flow of a "pond, river, or lake" to improve water quality. [Examples]

[0095] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to manufacturing examples, evaluation examples, implementation examples, comparative examples, and reference examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto unless it exceeds the gist of the invention.

[0096] Manufacturing Example 1 <Production of the present invention's water (raw material: desalinated water), apparatus shown in Figure 1> In the apparatus shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 1, a transparent container 11 was filled with desalinated water at 20°C, and light was shone on it for one hour from four rod-shaped light sources 14, each containing four green LEDs, which were placed at the four corners of the container. During this time, ultrasonic waves were continuously irradiated from the ultrasonic generator 15 towards the transparent container 11.

[0097] The transparent container 11 in Figure 1 is made of borosilicate glass, and aluminum foil was wrapped around the outside of the transparent container 11 to serve as the reflector 12.

[0098] The water obtained as described above shall be referred to as "Water 1 of the present invention."

[0099] Manufacturing Example 2 <Production of the present invention's water (raw material: RO water), apparatus shown in Figure 1> The desalted water used as a raw material in Production Example 1 was subjected to reverse osmosis (RO) membrane treatment. The reverse osmosis (RO) membrane used a hollow fiber membrane formed into a thread-like shape with a hollow interior, and "RO water" was obtained by filtering from the outside to the inside of the thread. Hereafter, the water obtained in this manner will be abbreviated as "RO water". In the reverse osmosis membrane treatment, pressure, flow rate (flow rate), and treatment time were carried out according to the standard methods recommended by the manufacturer and distributor of the reverse osmosis membrane.

[0100] "Inventive Water 2" was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that "desalinated water" used as a raw material in Production Example 1 was replaced with "RO water" obtained in Production Example 2.

[0101] Manufacturing Example 3 <Production of the present invention's water (raw material: RO water), apparatus shown in Figure 2> "Water 3 of the present invention" was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 2, except that the apparatus shown in Figure 2 was used instead of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 used in Production Example 2.

[0102] The transparent container 11 in Figure 2 is made of colorless, transparent tempered glass, and the two reflectors 12 were both made by wrapping aluminum foil around the outside of the transparent container 11. Furthermore, as the conductive wire 13, a general-purpose enameled wire (with a copper core) was used, wrapped around the outside of the transparent container 11 as shown in Figure 2.

[0103] The water obtained as described above will be referred to as "Water 3 of the present invention."

[0104] Evaluation Example 1 In a 7cm diameter petri dish, add 10g of rice oil and 3g each of water, desalted water, and RO water obtained in production examples 1, 2, and 3, and place the dish surface area 1cm². 2 Using a spatula, the bottom surface of the dish, i.e., the convex part of the dish, was positioned approximately parallel to the bottom of the petri dish. While lightly pressing the bottom surface of the dish (the convex side of the dish) against the bottom of the petri dish with a hand, the bottom surface of the dish (the convex side) was rotated horizontally for 3 minutes at a rotational speed of 1 revolution / second, with the approximate center of the petri dish as the center of rotation, thereby stirring the entire liquid and measuring the emulsion effect.

[0105] The emulsion effects of the Water of the Invention 1 obtained in Production Example 1, the Water of the Invention 2 obtained in Production Example 2, the Water of the Invention 3 obtained in Production Example 3, and the prepared "desalted water from raw materials" and "RO water from raw materials" were evaluated by visual observation.

[0106] [Table 1]

[0107] As shown in Table 1, the water samples 1, 2, and 3 obtained by treatment with the method of the present invention all showed an emulsion effect, but the demineralized water and RO water that were not treated with the method of the present invention did not show an emulsion effect.

[0108] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned "rice oil / water of the present invention = 10 / 3 (mass ratio)" of water 2 and 3 of the present invention was changed to rice oil / water of the present invention = 10 / 1 (mass ratio), the whole mixture became mayonnaise-like, meaning the shear rate was 0 [sec]. -1 The viscosity (static viscosity) at ] is infinite, and the shear rate is 0 [sec -1 When this condition is not met, the viscosity becomes finite, and in all cases, the emulsion effect was observed even when the water content ratio of the present invention was reduced during evaluation.

[0109] Example 1 <Rice oil> Using the water 2 of the present invention obtained in Production Example 2, the mixture evaluated in Evaluation Example 1 was further stirred (revolving) with a spatula for 17 minutes in the same manner as described above (total stirring time of 20 minutes) to prepare emulsion 1.

[0110] Example 2 <Sesame oil> Emulsion 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that sesame oil was used instead of rice oil.

[0111] Example 3 <Olive oil> Emulsion 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that olive oil was used instead of rice oil.

[0112] Reference example 1 <Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil> Emulsion 4 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil (commercially available "MCT oil") was used instead of rice bran oil in Evaluation Example 1.

[0113] The emulsion effects of emulsions 1, 2, 3, and 4 were evaluated by visual observation.

[0114] [Table 2]

[0115] As shown in Table 2, the water treated by the present invention using the present invention method exhibited an emulsifying effect with rice oil, sesame oil, olive oil, and MCT oil. However, while rice oil, sesame oil, and olive oil, which contain a large amount of long-chain fatty acids, showed high emulsion effects, medium-chain fatty acid oils showed low emulsion effects.

[0116] Application Examples 1-10 The following were common to application examples 1-10 (common operations): Using "Water 2 of the Invention" obtained in Production Example 2 as "water," and using "rice oil" used in Example 1, "sesame oil" used in Example 2, and "olive oil" used in Example 3 as "oil components," the ratio of water to oil used was adjusted according to the respective applications of Application Examples 1 to 10 below. [The above oil (rice oil, sesame oil, or olive oil)] / [Water 2 of the present invention] =10 / 3~10 / 50 (mass ratio) The mixtures were mixed at several points, stirred at 10,000 rpm for 5 minutes using a commercially available general-purpose homogenizer, and each application was evaluated.

[0117] The following application examples 1 to 10 show the evaluation results for each use. Hereafter, wherever the term "Water of the Invention" is used, unless otherwise specified, "Water of the Invention 2" refers to "Water of the Invention 2" obtained in Production Example 2. Furthermore, if it says "the above oils," "the above oils" refers to "rice oil," "sesame oil," and "olive oil." Furthermore, in cases where the ratio of water to oil used or the type of oil was not specifically identified, the emulsion effect of the present invention's water was measured and evaluated in each application using the methods described in each application example.

[0118] Application Example 1 <Emulsion> Emulsified solutions were prepared by mixing the above oil with the water of the present invention in ratios of 10 / 3 (mass ratio), 10 / 5 (mass ratio), and 10 / 10 (mass ratio), and applied to the skin of the arm and scalp once daily for one month. In all cases, the product as an emulsifier remained unchanged, while the burden on the skin, scalp, and skin was reduced. These results suggest that superior emulsifiers can be manufactured.

[0119] Traditionally, mixing oil with water sometimes required ethanol. It was believed that proper emulsification could not be achieved without mixing oil with ethanol and then adding water. However, this new method allows water and oil to mix and emulsify without using ethanol or surfactants.

[0120] Application Example 2 <Emulsion-type cosmetics or quasi-drugs>

[0121] Using the water of the present invention, a serum, shampoo, hair growth agent, and cosmetic soap were prepared as "emulsion-type cosmetics or quasi-drugs." Depending on the product application, emulsions were prepared using the above oil / water ratio of 10 / 3 (mass ratio), 10 / 5 (mass ratio), and 10 / 10 (mass ratio). Appropriate amounts of "active ingredients according to the application" and "glycerin as a thickener" were then added to prepare the emulsion-type cosmetics and emulsion-type quasi-drugs described above. In all cases, the products were in emulsion form, suggesting that excellent "emulsion-type cosmetics or quasi-drugs" can be manufactured.

[0122] Typically, thickeners such as glycerin (for example, 30-45% by mass) are often added, but when using the water of the present invention, the amount of thickeners such as glycerin used could be reduced. This resulted in a product that reduces the burden on the skin, scalp, and skin. Furthermore, while conventional methods have considered ethanol necessary in the manufacturing process of emulsion-type cosmetics or quasi-drugs, this invention suggests that using water allows for emulsification without the need for ethanol, thereby reducing the burden on the skin, scalp, and skin.

[0123] We were able to reduce the amount of preservatives, other oils and fats, fragrances, and other chemicals used. Therefore, it was suggested that it is possible to create a superior product with a formulation that is less burdensome on the skin, scalp, hair, and skin, thereby reducing irritation. Furthermore, the potential for developing products for people with skin diseases or allergies was suggested.

[0124] Application Example 3(1) <Cleaning solution> The present invention's water was used alone as a "cleaning solution" in place of ordinary water. Because the present invention's water has an emulsion effect, it is excellent as a cleaning solution for items with oily components attached.

[0125] We were able to reduce the amount of "cleaning agents such as surfactants and higher fatty acid salts" used while maintaining cleaning power. Since the use of cleansing agents has been reduced, the burden on the skin can be lessened. According to the present invention, the emulsion effect of water is increased while simultaneously slightly raising the pH of the water. Therefore, the cleaning power of a cleaning solution using or made from the present invention water is excellent, even without the use of detergents or chemical substances.

[0126] When the water of this invention is mixed with oil, it first emulsifies and becomes mayonnaise-like or gel-like. However, when more of the water of this invention is added until it reaches a saturated state, it exhibits properties similar to those of alkaline water, and the emulsified oil begins to float to the surface of the water. When used as a cleaning solution for dishes, the floating oil (dirt) was rinsed off with running water, and most of the oil was removed from the dishes (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0127] On the other hand, when tap water was mixed with oil (see Figure 3), it did not emulsify even after stirring (see Figure 4). Because the oil did not emulsify, it could not be removed from the dishes.

[0128] For absolute hygiene, using just a small amount of surfactant or ethanol will bring the sanitary conditions up to the required standards. As a cleaning solution free of chemicals and surfactants, the present invention's water, which has an emulsion effect, is suggested to be particularly useful for bedridden people and people with limb impairments (care recipients), and for their caregivers. This cleaning solution is particularly useful for scalp cleansing, oral cavity cleansing, and body wiping. Because it does not contain ethanol, it can be used to gently cleanse mucous membranes such as the mouth, anus, and genitals without causing irritation or pain. It can be sprayed on or used with a damp towel to gently wipe away loosened oil. It can be easily manufactured into a product for maintaining hygiene, and since it is water, it is safe even if swallowed by the elderly or children.

[0129] Application Example 3(2) <Cleaning solution> After eating curry, the water of the present invention was sprayed onto the plate, and after 5 minutes, it was stirred with a finger and rinsed with water. The plate was so clean that it made a squeaking sound when rubbed with a finger.

[0130] Application Example 4 <Preservatives>

[0131] The water of this invention is useful as a preservative or as a raw material for preservatives. It can maintain preservative effects while reducing the amount (content) of preservative chemicals used. The water temperature of tap water in Tokyo varied from one municipality to another, ranging from +524mV to +678mV. On the other hand, the water used in this invention had a voltage of +101mV. This may be the reason why it exhibited its effect as a preservative. Furthermore, extending the irradiation time allowed us to further lower the positive oxidation-reduction potential.

[0132] Furthermore, because the water of this invention is more alkaline than tap water, it has the effect of accelerating the removal of dirt and the extraction of oil components, which in turn enhances its effect as a preservative.

[0133] Application Example 5 <Drinking water> Using the water of the present invention, beverages such as sports drinks, juices, mineral water, and carbonated water, or beverages that serve as raw materials for these, can be produced. By utilizing the emulsifying effect of the water in this invention, as well as the resulting changes in oxidation-reduction potential and pH, beneficial effects on the body can be expected. In particular, the excretion effect through emulsification of fats and other substances is considered to be excellent.

[0134] Furthermore, if the intended use is drinking water, the same effects as described above were obtained with tap water, distilled water, or natural water, even if the raw water was not RO water.

[0135] Application Example 6 <Water for watering plants or for hydroponics> The water of the present invention can be used to produce suitable water for watering plants or for hydroponic cultivation.

[0136] By using the water of this invention for watering plants or for hydroponic cultivation, it exhibits excellent effects on plant growth and soil improvement. In hydroponics, plants grow faster and larger than when using regular water. Vegetables, fruits, and grains grow faster when grown hydroponically with regular water.

[0137] In hydroponics, alkaline electrolyzed water has been reported to improve root development in crops, making it easier for crops to absorb water and nutrients, while also increasing their resistance to pests and diseases. Therefore, when plants are grown using the water of the present invention, improved growth and increased yield can be expected.

[0138] Furthermore, since it improves the soil and makes it moderately alkaline, it is thought that the use of nitrogen fertilizers and livestock waste as fertilizers can be reduced, and nitrous oxide can be reduced. Therefore, the water of this invention can be used as is for misting leaves with a spray bottle, or for watering, underwater cultivation (aquariums), etc.

[0139] Application Example 7 <Tissue culture medium (manufacturing)> The water of this invention possesses "water-like properties" equivalent to those of ultrapure water used in tissue culture media, and therefore can be used as a substitute for ultrapure water. It can also be produced more easily than ultrapure water. By using water that has passed through an RO membrane and been sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation as the raw material, and then simply irradiating it with green light, we were able to achieve ultrapure water characteristics. By implementing this invention, time, labor, and electricity can be significantly reduced, and CO2 emissions can also be reduced.

[0140] This invention allows for the imparting of an emulsion effect to water with low power consumption, while simultaneously satisfying the standard values ​​(electrical conductivity, etc.) for ultrapure water. As the pH value increases (becoming more alkaline) and the oxidation-reduction potential decreases, water suitable for tissue culture media can be supplied more easily than before (for example, ultrapure water).

[0141] Furthermore, the emulsion effect of the water in this invention makes it possible to shorten the extraction time into the tissue culture medium, and since the cell mixing ratio is increased, it becomes possible to shorten the culture time.

[0142] Based on the oxidation-reduction potential and pH values ​​of the water of this invention, it was suggested that using the water of this invention instead of distilled water, tap water, or natural water (well water) would produce equivalent or superior effects.

[0143] Application Example 8 <Extraction solvent, extraction method> The water of this invention can be suitably used as an extraction solvent in the manufacture of chemical products, health foods, and the like. It can also be used as extraction water for coffee, malt, green tea, black tea, and other food and beverages. This allows for a reduction in extraction time, making it possible to produce water-extracted products with better aroma and flavor.

[0144] It can be used for both steam distillation and water extraction. In both cases, it reduces extraction time, minimizes degradation of the extracted contents, and improves the aroma and other characteristics compared to conventional extraction.

[0145] Application Example 9 <How to dispose of oil> The water of this invention can emulsify oil, and therefore can be used for processing, pre-treatment, and reuse of used oil. The emulsified oil can be easily separated or used as a secondary fuel.

[0146] When 30g of the water of the present invention was sprayed onto 20g of sesame oil in a dish, and left to stand for 1-2 minutes, the water was moved around in the dish and stirred with a fingertip to evaluate the emulsion effect, it was clear that the oil had become emulsified, as shown in "the part of Figure 5 where the tap water has not fallen." When tap water was added to the emulsion, the emulsion dispersed in the tap water (see Figure 5). After rinsing with tap water, the dish became clean as shown in Figure 6, and the sesame oil was removed. Furthermore, since the sesame oil aroma was also reduced during the oil processing, the water of this invention also demonstrated the effect of eliminating the odor of oil.

[0147] On the other hand, when 30g of tap water was added to 20g of sesame oil in a dish (see Figure 3), and the mixture was thoroughly stirred with a fingertip as described above, the emulsion effect was evaluated, but as shown in Figure 4, the oil did not emulsify.

[0148] Application Example 10 <Methods for improving the water quality of ponds, rivers, or lakes> By using the water produced by this invention and discharging it into ponds, rivers, and lakes, oily components such as oil contained in household and industrial wastewater can be emulsified and separated from the water. By separating and recovering these oily components, adverse effects on ecosystems can be reduced.

[0149] By placing the transparent container 11 in the present invention directly into a pond, river, or lake and treating the water of the pond, river, or lake using the present invention, water treatment can be easily and directly performed. [Industrial applicability]

[0150] According to the method of the present invention, oil can be easily emulsified in water, and at the same time, the pH can be raised and the oxidation-reduction potential can be lowered. Therefore, the present invention can be widely and suitably used in the fields of the above-mentioned applications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 11...transparent container 12...Reflector 13. Conductive wire 14...Light source 15. Sound wave or ultrasonic "transducer or other generator" W...Water

Claims

1. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water, characterized by attaching a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves to the perimeter of a transparent container, filling the inside of the portion of the transparent container to which the reflector is attached with water at a temperature of 0°C to 80°C, and irradiating the water with sound waves or ultrasound while simultaneously irradiating the water with light containing "light with wavelengths in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm."

2. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to claim 1, characterized in that a conductive wire is wrapped around a transparent container, a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves is attached to the transparent container, water with a temperature of 0°C to 80°C is filled inside the part of the transparent container where the conductive wire is wrapped and inside the part where the reflector is attached, and light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm" is irradiated onto the water while sound waves or ultrasonic waves are irradiated onto the water.

3. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to claim 1, wherein the light containing "light with wavelengths in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm" is white light.

4. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to claim 1, wherein the light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm" is green light.

5. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water, according to claim 1, wherein light is irradiated using an LED as a light source.

6. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to claim 1, wherein the reflector is made of aluminum, stainless steel, tin, copper, or silver.

7. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to claim 1, wherein the sound waves or ultrasonic waves are emitted by "a piezoelectric element, a speaker, an ultrasonic generator, or a light source used when irradiating the light."

8. A method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to claim 1, wherein the water to be irradiated with light is water that has passed through a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane).

9. A method for producing an emulsified liquid, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

10. A method for producing an emulsion-type cosmetic or quasi-drug, characterized by producing water with an emulsion effect using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and using the "water with an emulsion effect."

11. A method for producing an emulsion-type cosmetic or quasi-drug according to claim 10, wherein the cosmetic or quasi-drug is a beauty serum, shampoo, hair growth agent, or cosmetic soap.

12. A method for producing a cleaning solution, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

13. A method for producing a preservative, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

14. A method for producing drinking water, characterized by using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. A method for producing water for watering plants or for hydroponics, characterized by using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

16. A method for producing a tissue culture medium, characterized by producing water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and using the "water to which an emulsion effect has been imparted".

17. An extraction method characterized by producing water with an emulsion effect using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and using the "water with an emulsion effect" as an extraction solvent.

18. A method for treating oil, characterized by producing water with an emulsion effect using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and emulsifying oil in the "water with an emulsion effect."

19. A method for improving the water quality of a pond, river, or lake, characterized by using a method for imparting an emulsion effect to water according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

20. An apparatus for use in the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An apparatus for imparting an emulsion effect to water, characterized in that a conductive wire is wound around the perimeter of a transparent container, and / or a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves is attached to the perimeter of the transparent container, and the inside of the portion of the transparent container in which the conductive wire is wound, and / or the inside of the portion in which the reflector is attached, can be filled with water, and the apparatus is equipped with a light source that irradiates the water with sound waves or ultrasonic waves, while irradiating the water with light containing "light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm".

21. An apparatus for use in the "method for imparting an emulsion effect to water" according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An apparatus for imparting an emulsion effect to water, characterized in that a reflective plate that reflects "light with wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm" is attached to the perimeter of a transparent container, the inside of the portion of the transparent container to which the reflective plate is attached can be filled with water, and the apparatus is equipped with a light source that irradiates the water with sound waves or ultrasound while irradiating the water with light containing "light with wavelengths included in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm".

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