Capsules for generating hydrogen-containing liquid

Abstract

The present invention provides a hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule that does not require a gas-liquid separation unit and allows only hydrogen to leak out of the capsule without the hydrogen generating agent components inside leaking out. [Solution] A hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule comprising a hydrogen generating agent container having a hollow portion for containing a hydrogen generating agent, and a lid that caps the hydrogen generating agent container, wherein the hydrogen generating agent is placed in the hydrogen generating agent container in a state in which hydrogen can be generated, and after capping the hydrogen generating agent container containing the hydrogen generating agent with the lid, hydrogen generated from the hydrogen generating agent leaks out from the connection portion between the lid and the hydrogen generating agent container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule for generating a hydrogen-containing liquid, and particularly to a technique for efficiently and simply adding hydrogen to an aqueous solution.

[0002] For hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsules used to generate and fill hydrogen into an aqueous solution in a sealed container such as a PET bottle, a gas-liquid separation part provided with a valve (such as a check valve or a ball valve) and a hole having a labyrinth structure in a gas-liquid separation chamber has been provided ([Patent Document 1], [Patent Document 2], [Non-Patent Document 1]). Thereby, it is possible to allow the hydrogen generated from the hydrogen generating agent stored in the capsule to flow out of the capsule, prevent the hydrogen generating agent in the capsule from leaking into the aqueous solution, and efficiently dissolve hydrogen in the aqueous solution. However, since a hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule needs to adopt a part or structure as described in the above-mentioned documents as a gas-liquid separation part, there is a problem that the design and manufacturing process become complicated and the manufacturing cost becomes high.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule that has a simple structure, without requiring a separate gas-liquid separation section as in conventional designs, and that efficiently adds only hydrogen to an aqueous solution by preventing the hydrogen generating agent components inside the capsule from leaking to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In other words, the present invention encompasses the following features. (1) A hydrogen generating agent container having a hollow portion for containing the hydrogen generating agent, A capsule for generating a hydrogen-containing liquid, comprising a lid that caps the hydrogen generating agent container, The hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule is characterized in that the hydrogen generating agent is placed in a hydrogen generating agent container in a state in which hydrogen can be generated, and after capping the hydrogen generating agent container with the lid, hydrogen generated from the hydrogen generating agent flows out from the connection portion between the lid and the hydrogen generating agent container. (2) The hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that hydrogen emitted from the hydrogen generating agent leaks out from the inside of the hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule to the outside through the connection portion, but the components of the hydrogen generating agent do not leak out. (3) The hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the connection of the connecting portion is of the screw type. (4) A hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the hydrogen generating agent container and the cap are made of plastic or metal. (5) A hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule characterized by having two or more turns of the screw thread present in the connecting portion, and being one of (1) to (4). (6) The hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule described in (2) above is characterized in that it performs the functions described in (2) without providing an independent gas-liquid separation part other than the connection part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The remarkable advantage of the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule according to the present invention is that, while eliminating the need for an independent gas-liquid separation unit or structure required in conventional hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsules, it efficiently adds hydrogen to an aqueous solution without leaking the hydrogen generating agent inside the capsule to the outside. Furthermore, the capsule of the present invention does not require a complex design with valves or spaces for gas-liquid separation or a dedicated manufacturing mold. For example, even a simple bottle product using an inexpensive container and lid that is readily available on the market can achieve the same functionality as a conventional product with a gas-liquid separation unit by applying the structure of the present invention. Thus, the present invention has the excellent advantage of significantly reducing manufacturing processes and costs while maintaining high functionality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a photograph of the container used in an example of the hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to the present invention, with the hydrogen generating agent container and its lid separated (product name: "Stainless Roller Roll-on Bottle 5ml (product number 27-434)" manufactured by Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd.). [Figure 2] This is a photograph of a container used in an example of the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule according to the present invention, showing the hydrogen generating agent container and its lid connected (Product name: "Stainless Roller Roll-on Bottle 5ml (Product No. 27-434)" manufactured by Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd.). [Figure 3] This is an example of a hydrogen generating agent to be contained in a hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an example of a procedure for producing a hydrogen-containing liquid using the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule according to the present invention. [Figure 5] The results of testing the aluminum concentration in the hydrogen-containing liquid using the method shown in Figure 4, with the capsules shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the hydrogen generating agent shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6]This is a comparative example of a capsule for generating hydrogen-containing liquid (FOMIYES "Nasal Inhaler Tube Blank Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser for Empty Nasal Inhaler (White)"). (a) The upper capsule has the lid 1 and hydrogen generating agent container 2 integrated, while the lower capsule has the lid 1 and hydrogen generating agent container 2 separated. (b) is a photograph taken to show the protrusion on the connection part 3 of the lid 1 and the spiral protrusion on the connection part 3 inside the inner wall of the connection part of the hydrogen generating agent container 2. [Figure 7] The results of testing the aluminum concentration in the hydrogen-containing liquid using the method shown in Figure 4, with the capsule shown in Figure 6 (comparative example) and the hydrogen generating agent shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8] Figures 1 and 2 show the connection points of the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule, one with three threads (top photo) and the other with two of the three threads removed using a file. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention will be described in further detail. 1. About capsules for generating hydrogen-containing liquid The hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule according to the present invention consists of a "hydrogen generating agent container" that houses a hydrogen generating agent and a lid that is attached thereto. A screw-type connection can be used to connect the container and the lid. Originally, this connection part is simply intended to semi-close the liquid or solid contained inside the hydrogen generating agent container by attaching the lid, and is not designed for gas-liquid separation. A hydrogen-generating agent is placed in the hydrogen generating agent container in a state that generates hydrogen, and a hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule capable of generating hydrogen is completed by attaching the lid. Subsequently, hydrogen is generated inside, and the inside of the container is pressurized. This pressurization creates a tiny gap in the connection part between the container and the lid through which hydrogen can flow, causing hydrogen to leak out. This leakage of hydrogen can occur not only due to expansion caused by pressurization but also due to the tiny gap between the container and the lid. On the other hand, the hydrogen generating agent itself and its components do not leak out from the connection part, and the device functions safely. It should be noted that a structure in which no hydrogen can leak out at all from the connection part between the container and the lid used in the present invention is excluded from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0010] In this specification, "semi-sealed" means a state that is close to sealed, in which gases such as hydrogen can flow bidirectionally, but gaps remain at the connection point that prevent other powders, granules, liquids, etc., from easily flowing.

[0011] Examples of commercially available products for use as hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsules according to the present invention include the product "Stainless Steel Roller Roll-on Bottle 5ml (Product No. 27-434)" manufactured by Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd. (Matsubara City, Osaka Prefecture), from which the roller portion has been removed (Figures 1 and 2).

[0012] The capsules manufactured by Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd. used in the present invention were originally designed for the purpose of simply storing cosmetic liquids, aroma oils, etc., and are not designed with the intention of gas-liquid separation when producing hydrogen-containing liquids, unlike the inventions described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, and have different technical concepts. Although the materials of these capsules are made of polypropylene, any material suitable for food and drinking and safe for the living body can be used in the present invention. Also, the helix (thread) of the screw-type connection part between the container and the lid of the above-mentioned capsules manufactured by Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd. exists three turns between connection parts with a width of 1 cm.

[0012] For example, products in which the part corresponding to the hydrogen generator container is made of glass and the lid is made of plastic are also applicable. As a specific example, there is the one obtained by removing the roll part from the roll-on bottle 10 mL (product code 6359) sold by Callistus Narimasu (Narimasu, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo). Also, the helix (thread) of the screw-type connection part between the container and the lid of the capsules manufactured by Callistus Narimasu exists two turns between connection parts with a width of 7 mm.

[0013] The pitch (distance between the threads of the screw) of the helix between the lid and the container of the bottle container used for the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule according to the present invention of the present application is such that if the pitch is too narrow, the outflow of hydrogen is hindered, and if it is too wide, leakage from the inside of the capsule of aluminum, which is one of the raw materials of the hydrogen generator, is likely to occur. Therefore, a bottle container with a pitch of 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm is applicable, preferably 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm, and more preferably 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0014] 2. Method for generating hydrogen-containing liquid using hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule The method for generating a hydrogen-containing liquid using the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule according to the present invention of the present application will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0015] Figure 3 shows a hydrogen generating agent that can be used in the present invention wrapped in nonwoven fabric ("10WATER" manufactured by MiZ Co., Ltd. (Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture)). The hydrogen generating agent is a mixture of aluminum powder and calcium hydroxide powder, and can generate hydrogen when it reacts with water (Non-Patent Literature 1). Although both raw materials of the generating agent are approved as food additives, it is desirable to avoid as much as possible their leaching into the liquid when generating the hydrogen-containing liquid. Therefore, the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule according to the present invention must be able to release hydrogen from inside the capsule, but be able to block the leakage of the hydrogen generating agent components into the liquid.

[0016] Figure 4 shows a photograph of the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule of the present invention (manufactured by Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd., product name "Stainless Roller Roll-on Bottle 5ml (product number 27-434)") and a method of incorporating hydrogen into a liquid in a sealed PET bottle using the hydrogen generating agent shown in Figure 3. The following explanation will follow in the order of A to D in Figure 4. Figure 4A: The hydrogen generating agent shown in Figure 3 is thoroughly permeated with water and then placed in the hydrogen generating container of the hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to the present invention. After placement, the lid of the hydrogen generating container is closed. The hydrogen is mixed so that generation begins 5 to 10 minutes after the water is permeated into the hydrogen generating agent. Figure 4B: Fill a pressure-resistant PET bottle used for carbonated beverages with drinking water or similar beverage (sports drinks, tea, etc. are also acceptable) until it is full, and then insert a hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule containing the hydrogen generating agent that has been permeated with water as shown in Figure 4A. Figure 4C: Tightly close the bottle cap to prevent as much air as possible from entering the bottle. Figure 4D: If left undisturbed at room temperature, hydrogen will be generated inside the sealed plastic bottle. When hydrogen is generated inside the plastic bottle, the inside of the bottle becomes pressurized. According to Henry's Law, the hydrogen is forced into the liquid inside the plastic bottle as the pressurization progresses, increasing the hydrogen concentration in the liquid. Figure 4D is a photograph taken after hydrogen generation, and hydrogen bubbles can be seen at the top of the plastic bottle and directly below the bottle. [Examples] [Examples]

[0017] -Aluminum elution confirmation test- We actually prepared a hydrogen-containing liquid using purified water with the method shown in Figure 4 above, and confirmed whether aluminum, one of the hydrogen generating agents, had leached into the hydrogen water after preparation. The capsule used for generating the hydrogen-containing liquid was a product with the roll portion removed from "Stainless Roller Roll-on Bottle 5ml (Product No. 27-434)" (manufactured by Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd.). The hydrogen generating agent used was "10WATER" manufactured by MiZ Co., Ltd. (Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture). For aluminum testing, we performed the ERC colorimetric method using Pack Test "Aluminum" from Kyoritsu Chemical Laboratory Co., Ltd. For comparison, purified water before hydrogen water preparation was also tested as a control. The hydrogen test results are shown in Figure 6. The sample on the left of the photograph is the colorimetric test result of purified water, and the sample labeled "Sample" is the result of hydrogen water prepared using the method in Figure 4. No aluminum leaching was confirmed into the hydrogen water when compared with the "Standard Color" in Figure 6.

[0018] -Hydrogen Dissolution Confirmation Test- As shown in Figure 4D, hydrogen bubbles can be visually confirmed to indicate the presence of hydrogen in the PET bottle. However, when the hydrogen concentration in the purified water was checked using a dissolved hydrogen concentration determination reagent (manufactured by MiZ Corporation: Patent No. 4511361), it was confirmed that 5.5 ppm of hydrogen was dissolved 30 minutes after hydrogen generation, 6.0 ppm after 60 minutes, and 6.3 ppm after 120 minutes.

[0019] -Tests using glass bottles as capsules for generating hydrogen-containing liquid- In the above example, the product used was the "Stainless Roller Roll-on Bottle 5ml (product code 27-434)" from the distributor Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd. However, as another example, the experiment described above was also performed using a product from the distributor Charis Seijo (Seijo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo), specifically a 10ml roll-on bottle (product code 6359), with the roll portion removed. The connection part of the bottle used as a hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule from Charis Seijo is screw-type. With the Charis Seijo bottle, it was confirmed that hydrogen was contained in the purified water, similar to the product from Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd. Furthermore, no leaching of aluminum into the purified water was observed.

[0020] (Comparative Example 1) —A snap-fit ​​capsule for generating hydrogen-containing liquid used in the comparative example— As a comparative example, capsules used in FOMIYES' "Nasal Inhaler Tube Blank Empty Nasal Inhaler Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser (White)" were used (Figures 6a and 6b). This FOMIYES product is originally an inhalation device used in an aroma diffuser, and in this comparative example experiment, a capsule that constitutes part of that inhalation device was used. The connection part of the lid of the FOMIYES capsule has multiple protrusions along the circumference of the connection part (Figure 6b). In addition, the hollow inner wall of the FOMIYES capsule, which corresponds to the hydrogen generating agent container, has a spiral ridge that fits the protrusions of the lid. When the hydrogen generating agent is placed in the FOMIYES capsule and the lid is closed, hydrogen is generated inside the capsule, and the hydrogen can gradually leak out of the capsule from between the hydrogen generating agent container and the lid without the lid coming off.

[0021] -Results of the aluminum leaching confirmation test- Using capsules manufactured by FOMIYES, hydrogen was added to purified water in a PET bottle in the same manner as shown in Figure 4, and the concentration of aluminum after hydrogen water production was measured in the same manner as in the example. Figure 7 shows the measurement results. In the photograph in Figure 7, the leftmost sample is the colorimetric test result for "purified water," and the sample labeled "Sample" is the result for hydrogen water prepared using capsules manufactured by FOMIYES in the manner shown in Figure 4. Compared with the "Standard Color" in Figure 7, no aluminum was detected in the "purified water," but at least 0.5 mg / L (ppm) or more of aluminum was detected in the hydrogen-containing liquid in the "Sample."

[0022] (Comparative Example 2) -Investigation of the effect of aluminum leaching due to differences in the number of helices in the connection part of hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsules- We investigated whether differences in the number of helices constituting the screw threads in the connection part of the hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule affect the elution of aluminum in the hydrogen generating agent. The top photograph in Figure 8 shows the top of the spiral-shaped ridge on the connection part of the container of the "Stainless Roller Roll-on Bottle 5ml (product number 27-434)" from Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd., with black marker applied to it, revealing that there are three turns of the spiral. The photo at the bottom of Figure 8 shows the same Seiwa Pro Co., Ltd. connection part, where two of the three spiral ridges have been filed down, leaving only one spiral ridge between the 3.3mm wide connection sections (hereinafter referred to as "single spiral capsule"). When the same test as in Figure 4 was performed using a single-helix capsule, the container and lid of the single-helix capsule separated inside the PET bottle, causing the hydrogen generating agent inside to come into direct contact with the purified water inside the PET bottle, and aluminum in the hydrogen generating agent leached out during the generation process. The same experiment was performed with a double-helix capsule, but the container and lid did not separate inside the PET bottle as they did with the single-helix capsule. From the experiment in this comparative example 2, it was confirmed that the number of helical turns in the connecting portion of the capsule for generating hydrogen-containing liquid must be at least two. In this embodiment, we used two-turn and three-turn helices, but if the connection point is semi-sealed, even with three or more helices, hydrogen can be allowed to flow out of the capsule while preventing the leakage of aluminum from inside the capsule. Furthermore, considering ease of use for the user, the number of spirals is preferably 5 turns or less, more preferably 4 turns or less, and even more preferably 3 turns or less. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0023] 1. Example of a lid for a hydrogen generating agent container according to the claims of this application. 2. Example of a hydrogen generating agent container according to the claims of this application 3. Example of the connection portion (screw type) between the hydrogen generating agent container and the lid of the hydrogen generating agent container according to the claims of this application. 4. Example of a capsule for generating hydrogen-containing liquid according to the claims of this application. 5. Example of a bag for storing hydrogen generating agent 6. Examples of hydrogen generating agents 7. Example procedure for generating hydrogen-containing liquid using a hydrogen-containing liquid generation capsule.

Claims

1. A hydrogen generating agent container having a hollow portion for containing the hydrogen generating agent, A capsule for generating a hydrogen-containing liquid, comprising a lid that caps the hydrogen generating agent container, A capsule for generating hydrogen-containing liquid, characterized in that the hydrogen generating agent is placed in a hydrogen generating agent container in a state in which hydrogen can be generated, the hydrogen generating agent container containing the hydrogen generating agent is capped with the lid, and then the hydrogen generated from the hydrogen generating agent is discharged from the connection portion between the lid and the hydrogen generating agent container.

2. The hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that hydrogen emitted from the hydrogen generating agent leaks out from the connection portion through the inside of the hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule to the outside, but the components of the hydrogen generating agent do not leak out.

3. The hydrogen-containing liquid generating capsule according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection of the aforementioned connection portion is of the screw type.

Images