Separation device

Abstract

A separation device capable of achieving improved performance is provided. [Solution] The separation device comprises an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The outer cylinder has an insertion portion extending upward from its bottom. The upper end of the insertion portion is positioned higher than the lower groove, which is located below the filtration surface, among a plurality of circumferential grooves.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a separation device for separating and recovering a separation target (for example, cells having a size below a target size) contained in a processing liquid. The separation device includes an inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and an outer cylinder that surrounds the inner cylinder.

[0003] By introducing the processing liquid into the space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and rotating the inner cylinder, among the separation targets contained in the processing liquid, the separation targets having a small size pass through the separation membrane and are recovered as a filtrate. On the other hand, the processing liquid containing the separation targets having a large size is discharged separately from the filtrate as waste liquid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a need to improve the performance of separation equipment. For example, there is a need to improve the ability to prevent the waste liquid from the treated liquid from mixing with the filtered liquid during the separation of the treated liquid.

[0006] To improve the performance of the separation device, it is important to increase the flow rate of the processing liquid to recover a larger amount of filtrate. However, simply increasing the flow rate of the processing liquid may lead to problems such as increased leakage rates or decreased recovery rates.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a separation device that can achieve improved performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, a separation device is provided. The separation device comprises an inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, a rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, an inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, an outlet port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, and a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, wherein the inner cylinder has a plurality of circumferential grooves that constitute the filtration surface and are arranged along the axial direction of the separation device, and the outer cylinder has an insertion portion that extends upward from its bottom, the upper end of the insertion portion being positioned higher than the lower end groove located at the lower end of the filtration surface among the plurality of circumferential grooves.

[0009] In one embodiment, a separation device is provided. The separation device comprises an inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, a rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, an inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, an outlet port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, and a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, wherein the inner cylinder constitutes the filtration surface and has a plurality of circumferential grooves arranged along the axial direction of the separation device, and the outer cylinder has an insertion portion extending upward from its bottom, the insertion portion being located at a height such that the ratio of the distance from the lower end of the inner cylinder to the upper end of the insertion portion to the total length of the filtration surface is 25.1% or more.

[0010] In one embodiment, a separation device is provided. The separation device comprises an inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, a rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, an inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, an outlet port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, and a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, wherein the outer cylinder has an insertion portion extending upward from its bottom, and the upper end of the insertion portion is positioned higher than the outlet port.

[0011] In one embodiment, the upper end of the insertion portion supports the receiving recess and serves as the pivot point of the inner cylinder, and the center of gravity of the inner cylinder and the pivot point are located in a straight line along the axial direction of the separation device. In one embodiment, the separation device is provided with a connecting pin that connects the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and the center of gravity of the inner cylinder is located between the insertion portion and the connecting pin.

[0012] In one embodiment, a separation device is provided. The separation device comprises an inner cylinder holding a separation membrane and having a filtration surface; a rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder; an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder; an inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder; an outlet port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder; a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane; a connecting pin connecting the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder; and a rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, wherein the outer cylinder has an insertion portion extending upward from its bottom, and the inner cylinder has a receiving recess for accommodating the insertion portion, and the insertion portion has an upper end that supports the receiving recess and serves as a pivot point for the rotation of the inner cylinder.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the inner cylinder is mounted on the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder has an annular insertion portion that extends from its main body toward the insertion portion and is integrally formed with the main body, the annular insertion portion is inserted into the insertion portion and rotates together with the rotation of the inner cylinder. In one embodiment, the upper end of the insertion portion supports the receiving recess and serves as the pivot point of the inner cylinder, and the center of gravity of the inner cylinder and the pivot point are located in a straight line along the axial direction of the separation device. In one embodiment, the separation device is provided with a connecting pin that connects the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and the center of gravity of the inner cylinder is located between the insertion portion and the connecting pin.

[0014] In one embodiment, a separation device is provided. The separation device comprises an inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface; a rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder; an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder; an inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder; an outlet port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder; a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane; and a pressing force applying mechanism for applying a pressing force that pushes the inner cylinder downward.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pressing force application mechanism comprises a first magnetic body arranged in the inner cylinder and a rotating magnet, which is a component of the rotating device and is arranged radially outward of the outer cylinder, wherein the rotating magnet is configured to rotate the inner cylinder by the magnetic force acting between it and the first magnetic body, and if a line segment crossing the center of the first magnetic body is defined as the first imaginary line and a line segment crossing the center of the rotating magnet is defined as the second imaginary line, then the first imaginary line is located above the second imaginary line, and the upper end of the first magnetic body and the upper end of the rotating magnet are located at the same height. In one embodiment, the pressing force application mechanism comprises a first magnetic body disposed in the inner cylinder, a magnetic generator disposed radially outside the outer cylinder as a component of the rotating device, and a control device for controlling the pressing force, wherein the magnetic generator is configured to rotate the inner cylinder by the magnetic force acting between it and the first magnetic body, and the control device is configured to change the pressing force by changing the magnetic force acting between the first magnetic body and the magnetic generator by changing the current supplied to the rotating device. In one embodiment, the pressing force application mechanism comprises a second magnetic material disposed in the inner cylinder and a magnetic generator disposed below the second magnetic material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pressing force application mechanism includes a control device for controlling the pressing force, and the control device is configured to change the magnetic force acting between the second magnetic material and the magnetic generator by changing the current supplied to the magnetic generator. In one embodiment, the pressing force application mechanism comprises a control device for controlling the pressing force and a moving actuator connected to the control device, wherein the control device is configured to move the magnetic generator in a direction approaching the second magnetic material and in a direction away from the second magnetic material by operating the moving actuator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the above means, the separation device can improve its performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a separation device. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a separation device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a liquid collection flow path and a communication flow path formed in an inner cylinder. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining problems that may be assumed when using the separation device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an embodiment (Embodiment 1) of a separation device compared with the structure of a comparative example. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the upper end of an insertion portion arranged at a position higher than the lower end groove located at the lower end of the filtration surface. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the upper end of an insertion portion arranged at a position higher than the outflow port. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the separation device. [Figure 9A] It is a diagram showing an embodiment (Embodiment 2) of a separation device compared with the structure of a comparative example. [Figure 9B] It is a table showing the experimental results of measuring the leakage rate of the processing liquid by adjusting the length of the insertion portion and the length of the separation membrane. <00001i0>It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the separation device. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the separation device. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a magnetic body embedded in an inner cylinder and a rotating magnet as a component of a rotating device. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a comparative example with the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is a table showing the experimental results of measuring the leakage rate and recovery rate of the processing liquid when the position of the magnetic body is changed. [Figure 15] [[ID=5Z]]It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the separation device. [Figure 16A]This figure shows one embodiment of a control device that controls the downward pressing force applied to the inner cylinder. [Figure 16B] This figure shows another embodiment of a control device that controls the downward pressing force applied to the inner cylinder. [Figure 17] This figure shows another embodiment of a control device that controls the downward pressing force applied to the inner cylinder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In the multiple embodiments described below, the configuration of one embodiment that is not specifically described is the same as that of the other embodiments, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a separation device. Separation device 1 is a device for separating and recovering target substances (for example, cells having a size smaller than or equal to the target size) contained in a processing liquid. For example, separation device 1 is configured to separate desired components contained in blood.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the separation device 1 comprises an inner cylinder 13 that holds the separation membrane 2, a rotating device 10 that rotates the inner cylinder 13, an outer cylinder 3 that surrounds the inner cylinder 13, an inlet port 4 connected to the top of the outer cylinder 3, an outlet port 5 connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder 3, and a transfer port 11 for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane 2 (i.e., the filtrate). The transfer port 11 is connected to the very bottom of the outer cylinder 3.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the separation device. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the rotating device 10 is not shown. As shown in Figure 2, the inner cylinder 13 and the outer cylinder 3 are arranged concentrically with each other and extend along the axial direction CL of the separation device 1.

[0023] The separation membrane 2 is a porous membrane that allows the passage of objects to be separated that are smaller than or equal to the target size. The separation membrane 2 covers the inner cylinder 13 and is positioned between the outer surface of the inner cylinder 13 and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 3.

[0024] The inner cylinder 13 has a cylindrical main body 55 and a holding part 51 that holds the upper part of the main body 55. The separation device 1 includes a connecting pin 50 that connects the holding part 51 and the outer cylinder 3, and a magnetic body 52 connected to the holding part 51. The rotating device 10 (see Figure 1) is configured to rotate the magnetic body 52 by magnetic force, thereby indirectly rotating the main body 55 via the holding part 51.

[0025] The processing liquid is introduced into the cylindrical space between the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 13 (more specifically, the separation membrane 2) through the inflow port 4, and the inner cylinder 13 is rotated in one direction by the rotating device 10 (see the thick black arrow in Figure 1). The processing liquid introduced into the cylindrical space descends through the space, and the objects to be separated contained in the processing liquid (especially objects of small size) are introduced into the space between the separation membrane 2 and the outer surface of the inner cylinder 13 through the separation membrane 2.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the liquid collection channel and communication channel formed in the inner cylinder. As shown in Figure 3, the inner cylinder 13 has a liquid collection channel 15A extending perpendicular to the axial direction CL, and a communication channel 15B connected to the liquid collection channel 15A and extending along the axial direction CL. The liquid collection channel 15A and the communication channel 15B are formed in the main body 55.

[0027] The outer cylinder 3 has an insertion portion (annular projection) 20 extending upward from its bottom. The insertion portion 20 has a discharge channel 40 formed inside it. The discharge channel 40 is connected to the transfer port 11.

[0028] The inner cylinder 13 has a receiving recess 21 that accommodates the insertion portion 20 of the outer cylinder 3. The receiving recess 21 has a length that can accommodate the insertion portion 20 and is connected to the communication channel 15B.

[0029] The inner cylinder 13 is mounted on the outer cylinder 3 by inserting the insertion portion 20 into the receiving recess 21. The separation device 1 includes a packing 16 positioned between the receiving recess 21 and the insertion portion 20 when the inner cylinder 13 is mounted on the outer cylinder 3, and a sleeve 60 positioned between the packing 16 and the upper end 20a of the insertion portion 20. The packing 16 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and the sleeve 60 is made of a hard material such as metal.

[0030] The packing 16 has an annular shape and seals the gap between the receiving recess 21 and the insertion portion 20 (more specifically, the sleeve 60) by the weight of the inner cylinder 13. The communication channel 15B and the discharge channel 40 are in communication via the packing 16 (more specifically, the sleeve 60).

[0031] The liquid containing the material to be separated, having passed through the separation membrane 2, flows into the inner cylinder 13 through the liquid collection channel 15A. The liquid that flows down to the bottom of the liquid collection channel 15A without flowing into the inner cylinder 13 is introduced into the liquid collection channel 15A by the pressure difference of the transfer pump (not shown) connected to the inlet port 4 and outlet port 5.

[0032] Subsequently, the liquid flows into the transfer port 11 through the communication channel 15B and the discharge channel 40 and is transferred to the outside. A portion of the processed liquid introduced into the cylindrical space between the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 13 through the inlet port 4 is transferred to the outside through the outlet port 5.

[0033] Thus, the separation device 1 is configured to separate the processing liquid introduced into it into a liquid containing the material to be separated and a liquid that does not contain the material to be separated. The liquid containing the material to be separated (filtered liquid) is transferred through the transfer port 11, and the liquid that does not contain the material to be separated (unfiltered liquid) is transferred through the outlet port 5.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating potential problems that may arise when using the separation device. As described above, the inner cylinder 13 is configured to rotate relative to the outer cylinder 3 by the rotating device 10, and the packing 16 seals the gap between the receiving recess 21 and the insertion portion 20 by the weight of the inner cylinder 13.

[0035] The packing 16 does not completely seal the gap between the receiving recess 21 and the insertion portion 20, and there is a risk that some of the processed liquid that has descended to the bottom of the outer cylinder 3 may leak (flow) into the discharge channel 40. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, when the separation device 1 is in operation, there is a risk that the processed liquid that has descended to the bottom of the outer cylinder 3 will rise through the gap between the insertion portion 20 and the receiving recess 21, pass through the packing 16, and leak into the discharge channel 40.

[0036] Such leakage of the processing liquid causes a decrease in the performance of the separation device 1. Therefore, by preventing leakage of the processing liquid, the performance of the separation device 1 can be improved. Accordingly, the separation device 1 according to this embodiment has a structure that can prevent leakage of the processing liquid and achieve improved performance.

[0037] Figure 5 shows one embodiment (Embodiment 1) of a separation apparatus compared with the structure of a comparative example. As shown in Figure 5, the inner cylinder 13 has a filtration surface SE. The filtration surface SE is formed between the highest circumferential groove 13a (i.e., upper groove 13a-2) and the lowest circumferential groove 13a (i.e., lower groove 13a-1) among a plurality of circumferential grooves 13a arranged along the axial direction CL. Therefore, the length of the filtration surface SE in the axial direction CL corresponds to the distance between the upper groove 13a-2 and the lower groove 13a-1.

[0038] Figure 6 shows the upper end of the insertion portion, which is positioned higher than the lower end groove located at the lower end of the filtration surface. As shown in Figure 6, the upper end 20a of the insertion portion 20 is positioned higher than the lower end groove 13a-1. In other words, the insertion portion 20 has the length necessary to prevent leakage of the processed liquid. More specifically, the length of the insertion portion 20 corresponds to the length of the flow path necessary to prevent leakage of the processed liquid, which has descended to the bottom of the outer cylinder 3, into the discharge flow path 40.

[0039] According to this embodiment, by positioning the upper end 20a of the insertion portion 20 higher than the lower end groove 13a-1, a pressure loss occurs in the processing liquid. Due to this pressure loss, the processing liquid overflows the upper end 20a of the insertion portion 20 and hardly leaks into the discharge channel 40. As a result, the performance of the separation device 1 can be improved.

[0040] Figure 7 shows the upper end of the insertion section, which is positioned higher than the outlet port. As shown in Figure 7, the upper end 20a of the insertion section 20 is positioned higher than the outlet port 5. Even with this arrangement, pressure loss occurs in the processed liquid, so the processed liquid does not overflow the upper end 20a of the insertion section 20 and leak into the discharge channel 40. In other words, the separation device 1 can reduce the leakage rate of the processed liquid.

[0041] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the separation apparatus. Figure 9A shows one embodiment of the separation apparatus (Embodiment 2) compared with the structure of the comparative example. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9A, the separation apparatus 1 includes a separation membrane 2 (i.e., inner cylinder 13) having a longer length than the separation membrane 2 in the above-described embodiment.

[0042] The recovery rate of the material to be separated depends on the length of the separation membrane 2 in the axial direction CL. Therefore, the separation device 1 can improve the recovery rate of the material to be separated by increasing the length of the separation membrane 2. On the other hand, simply increasing the length of the insertion part 20 will increase the oscillation, resulting in an increase in the leakage rate. Therefore, it is important to determine the length of the insertion part 20 and the length of the separation membrane 2 within an appropriate range.

[0043] In particular, by lengthening the separation membrane 2 while keeping the ratio between the lower end of the inner cylinder 13, the upper end 20a of the insertion section 20, and the filtration surface SE within an appropriate range, it is possible to increase the recovery rate while suppressing an increase in the leakage rate. In other words, as long as the length of the insertion section 20 is within an appropriate range, it is possible to achieve both an improved recovery rate and a good leakage rate even if the length of the separation membrane 2 is increased.

[0044] Figure 9B is a table showing experimental results in which the leakage rate of the processed liquid was measured by adjusting the length of the insertion part and the length of the separation membrane. In the table shown in Figure 9B, the length of the insertion part 20 in the comparative example is used as the baseline, and the length of the insertion part 20 is increased in stages from Improvement A to Improvement C.

[0045] In the table shown in Figure 9B, the term "long" refers to a separation apparatus 1 equipped with a separation membrane 2 having a longer length than the separation membrane 2 (in other words, a long type) according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0046] As described above, the recovery rate of the separated material depends on the length of the separation membrane 2 in the axial direction CL. Therefore, in the table in Figure 9B, the long-type separation device 1 has a higher recovery rate than the standard-type separation device 1. Here, ○ indicates a relatively high recovery rate, and △ indicates a relatively low recovery rate.

[0047] A separation device 1 configured such that the insertion portion 20 is positioned above a specific height (a height at which the ratio of the distance from the lower end of the inner cylinder 13 to the upper end of the insertion portion 20 to the total length of the filtration surface SE is 25.1% or more) can achieve an excellent leakage rate (low leakage).

[0048] The desired configuration of separation device 1, derived from the table shown in Figure 9B, is as follows: (1) By setting the length of the separation membrane 2 to the length of the normal type and setting the height of the insertion part 20 to a height that results in the above ratio of 25.1%, the separation device 1 can achieve an excellent leakage rate (see, for example, "Improvement A" to "Improvement C" in Figure 9B). (2) By setting the length of the separation membrane 2 to the length of the long type and setting the height of the insertion part 20 to a height where the above ratio is 25.1%, the separation device 1 can achieve an excellent recovery rate and an excellent leakage rate (see, for example, "Long (Improved A)" ​​or "Long (Improved D)" in Figure 9B).

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9A, the insertion portion 20 is positioned at a height such that the ratio of the distance LG from the lower end of the inner cylinder 13 to the upper end of the insertion portion 20 to the total length of the filtration surface SE is 25.1% or more.

[0050] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the separation device. As shown in Figure 10, when the inner cylinder 13 is mounted on the outer cylinder 3, the inner cylinder 13 has an annular insertion portion 70 which is integrally formed with the main body portion 55 and extends from the main body portion 55 toward the insertion portion 20.

[0051] The annular insertion portion 70 is inserted into the insertion portion 20 and rotates with the rotation of the inner cylinder 13. The upper end 20a of the insertion portion 20 supports the receiving recess 21 and serves as the pivot point for the rotation of the inner cylinder 13. The communication channel 15B is formed in the annular insertion portion 70.

[0052] The inner cylinder 13 is configured to be rotated by the rotating device 10. Therefore, as the length of the inner cylinder 13 increases, the power required to rotate the inner cylinder 13 increases. This problem can also arise when the length of the insertion portion 20 is increased in order to prevent leakage of the processing fluid. In other words, increasing the length of the insertion portion 20 increases the friction surface area between the receiving recess 21 and the insertion portion 20. Even in this case, the power required to rotate the inner cylinder 13 increases.

[0053] If the power of the rotating device 10 increases, the rotating device 10 may not be able to rotate the inner cylinder 13 stably, and rattling may occur in the inner cylinder 13 during operation of the separation device 1. Consequently, there is a risk that leakage of the processed liquid may occur due to rattling in the inner cylinder 13.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the inner cylinder 13 is equipped with an annular insertion portion 70 inserted into the insertion portion 20, and the insertion portion 20 has an upper end 20a that supports the receiving recess 21 and serves as the pivot point for the rotation of the inner cylinder 13. By providing an annular insertion portion 70 that is integrally formed with the inner cylinder 13 and inserting the annular insertion portion 70 into the insertion portion 20, the inner cylinder 13 can be rotated more stably, and furthermore, the leakage rate of the processing liquid can be reduced more effectively.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the upper end 20a is in close contact with the receiving recess 21, and while maintaining this state, the inner cylinder 13 rotates relative to the outer cylinder 3. With this configuration, the separation device 1 can more effectively reduce the leakage rate of the processed liquid.

[0056] To stably support the inner cylinder 13 with the outer cylinder 3, the separation device 1 may position the center of gravity GC of the inner cylinder 13 between the insertion portion 20 and the connecting pin 50 (see Figure 9A). More specifically, the center of gravity GC and the upper end 20a, which serves as the pivot point of the inner cylinder 13, are aligned in a straight line along the axis CL direction. With this arrangement, the outer cylinder 3 can support the inner cylinder 13 more stably, and the separation device 1 can more reliably prevent rattling of the inner cylinder 13 during its operation.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 9A, the center of gravity GC and pivot point of the inner cylinder 13 are located in a straight line along the axis CL direction of the separation device 1. Furthermore, although not shown, the separation device 1 is equipped with a connecting pin 50 that connects the inner cylinder 13 and the outer cylinder 3, and the center of gravity GC of the inner cylinder 13 is located between the insertion portion 20 and the connecting pin 50.

[0058] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the separation device. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the separation device 1 includes a pressing force applying mechanism 100 that applies a pressing force to the inner cylinder 13 in a downward direction (i.e., downward in the axial direction CL). The pressing force applying mechanism 100 is configured to press the inner cylinder 13 against the lower part of the outer cylinder 3.

[0059] Figure 12 shows a magnetic material embedded in the inner cylinder and a rotating magnet as a component of the rotating device. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the pressing force application mechanism 100 comprises a magnetic material (first magnetic material) 52 positioned in the upper part of the inner cylinder 13 (i.e., the holding portion 51) and a plurality of rotating magnets 110 positioned radially outside the outer cylinder 3 (and magnetic material 52). The magnetic material 52 has a rhombic shape that curves inward when viewed from the axis CL direction, and is made of, for example, a metal plate.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the magnetic material 52 is arranged to be embedded in the holding portion 51 of the inner cylinder 13, but it may also be arranged to be connected to the holding portion 51 (see Figure 2). Hereinafter, in this specification, the magnetic material 52 may be referred to as the upper magnetic material 52.

[0061] The rotating device 10 is configured to rotate the inner cylinder 13 by applying a magnetic force between the multiple rotating magnets 110 and the magnetic material 52. The pressing force application mechanism 100 is configured to generate a downward-acting magnetic force on the inner cylinder 13 between the upper magnetic material 52 and the rotating magnets 110.

[0062] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, if we define the line segment crossing the center of the upper magnetic material 52 as the first virtual line VL1 and the line segment crossing the center of the rotating magnet 110 as the second virtual line VL2, then the first virtual line VL1 is located above the second virtual line VL2. The first virtual line VL1 and the second virtual line VL2 extend perpendicular to the axis CL direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the upper end 52a of the upper magnetic material 52 and the upper end 110a of the rotating magnet 110 are positioned at the same height. The line segment crossing the upper end 52a is represented by the first dotted line PL1, and the line segment crossing the upper end 110a is represented by the second dotted line PL2. The first dotted line PL1 and the second dotted line PL2 coincide.

[0064] Thus, the upper magnetic body 52 has an upper end 52a positioned at the same height as the upper end 110a of the rotating magnet 110, and is positioned such that the first virtual line VL1 is above the second virtual line VL2. The rotating magnet 110 has a longer length than the upper magnetic body 52 in the axial direction CL.

[0065] As mentioned above, increasing the flow rate of the processing liquid is important to improve the performance of the separation device 1. However, increasing the flow rate of the processing liquid may lead to problems such as an increase in leakage rate or a decrease in recovery rate.

[0066] Leakage of the processing liquid is most likely to occur from the gap between the main body 55 of the inner cylinder 13 and the insertion portion 20 of the outer cylinder 3 (including the gap between the packing 16 and the sleeve 60). In this embodiment, the pressing force applying mechanism 100 presses the inner cylinder 13 downward toward the lower part of the outer cylinder 3, improving the sealing performance of the packing 16.

[0067] Therefore, the pressing force application mechanism 100 can suppress the increase in leakage rate and increase the recovery rate even when the flow rate of the processing liquid is increased. As a result, the separation device 1 can increase the flow rate of the processing liquid and recover a large amount of filtrate.

[0068] Figure 13 shows a comparative example with the embodiment shown in Figure 11. In the comparative example shown in Figure 13, the distance D2 between the first virtual line VL1 and the second virtual line VL2 is smaller than the distance D1 between the first virtual line VL1 and the second virtual line VL2 shown in Figure 11, and the upper end 52a of the upper magnetic body 52 and the upper end 110a of the rotating magnet 110 are positioned at different heights (see the first dotted line PL1 and the second dotted line PL2).

[0069] The pressing force application mechanism 100 generates a pressing force on the vertically movable inner cylinder 13 so that the first virtual line VL1 and the second virtual line VL2 coincide. As is clear from the comparative example of Figure 11 and Figure 13, by making the distance D1 greater than the distance D2, the pressing force application mechanism 100 can apply sufficient pressing force to the inner cylinder 13 to press it downwards.

[0070] Figure 14 is a table showing experimental results of measuring the leakage rate and recovery rate of the processing liquid when the position of the magnetic material is changed. In the table shown in Figure 14, "Normal" refers to the position of the magnetic material 52 in the comparative example shown in Figure 13. "Top" refers to the position of the magnetic material 52 in the embodiment shown in Figure 11.

[0071] As is clear from the table in Figure 14, when the processed liquid is transported at a standard flow rate using separation device 1 having the same configuration as improved B (see Figure 9B), an excellent leakage rate (low leakage) and an excellent recovery rate can be achieved. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the processed liquid is doubled, the leakage rate increases and the recovery rate decreases.

[0072] When the processed liquid is transported at a standard flow rate using the improved E with the "Top" feature, excellent leakage and recovery rates can be achieved. Furthermore, when the flow rate of the processed liquid is doubled, an even better leakage rate can be achieved.

[0073] When the processed liquid is transported at a standard flow rate using separation device 1, which has the same configuration as the Long (Improved C) (see Figure 9B), an excellent leakage rate (low leakage) and an excellent recovery rate can be achieved. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the processed liquid is doubled, the recovery rate can be increased, but the leakage rate increases.

[0074] When the treatment liquid is transported at a standard flow rate using the long (improved G) with "Top," excellent leakage rate and excellent recovery rate can be achieved. Furthermore, when the flow rate of the treatment liquid is doubled, excellent leakage rate and excellent recovery rate can be achieved.

[0075] Thus, by determining the length of the separation membrane 2 to be a long type length and employing a separation device 1 having a "top," the separation device 1 can achieve excellent leakage rate and excellent recovery rate.

[0076] Figure 15 shows another embodiment of the separation device. The pressing force application mechanism 100 includes a magnetic material (second magnetic material) 120 located at the bottom of the inner cylinder 13 (specifically, the main body portion 55) and a magnetic generator 130 located below the magnetic material 120. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the magnetic material 120 is embedded in the bottom of the inner cylinder 13. Hereinafter, the magnetic material 120 may be referred to as the lower magnetic material 120.

[0077] The pressing force application mechanism 100 is configured to generate a downward-acting magnetic force in the inner cylinder 13 between the lower magnetic body 120 and the magnetic generator 130 (see the downward arrow in Figure 15). The magnetic generator 130 is, for example, an attractive magnet that attracts the lower magnetic body 120. Both the lower magnetic body 120 and the magnetic generator 130 have a ring shape and are arranged concentrically in the direction of the axis CL.

[0078] As shown in Figure 15, the separation device 1 includes an outer cylinder holder 140 that holds the outer cylinder 3, and a support base 150 that supports the outer cylinder holder 140 and in which a magnetic generator 130 is embedded. The outer cylinder holder 140 and the support base 150 are located below the inner cylinder 13.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the pressing force application mechanism 100 can press the inner cylinder 13 downward toward the lower part of the outer cylinder 3. Therefore, even when the flow rate of the processing liquid is increased, the pressing force application mechanism 100 can suppress the increase in leakage rate and increase the recovery rate.

[0080] The lower magnetic body 120 is positioned spaced apart from the upper magnetic body 52 in the axial direction CL. This arrangement minimizes the influence of the lower magnetic body 120 on the magnetic force acting between the rotating magnet 110 and the upper magnetic body 52. ​​As a result, the rotating device 10 can stably rotate the inner cylinder 13 without being affected by the lower magnetic body 120.

[0081] However, the magnetic material 120 does not necessarily have to be placed at the bottom of the inner cylinder 13. In one embodiment, as long as the pressing force applying mechanism 100 can press the inner cylinder 13 downward, the magnetic material 120 may be placed at an intermediate position on the inner cylinder 13 (between the top and bottom of the inner cylinder 13) or at the top of the inner cylinder 13.

[0082] Figure 16A shows one embodiment of a control device that controls the downward pressing force applied to the inner cylinder. As shown in Figure 16A, the pressing force application mechanism 100 includes a control device CR that controls the downward pressing force applied to the inner cylinder 13. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16A, the magnetic generator 130 is an electromagnet that changes its magnetic force according to the magnitude of the current.

[0083] The control device CR is electrically connected to the magnetic generator 130. The control device CR is configured to change the magnetic force acting between the lower magnetic material 120 and the magnetic generator 130 by changing the current supplied to the magnetic generator 130.

[0084] With this configuration, the pressing force application mechanism 100 can change the pressing force that presses the inner cylinder 13 downwards according to the operating environment of the separation device 1. For example, when increasing the flow rate of the processing liquid, the control device CR strengthens the magnetic force acting between the lower magnetic body 120 and the magnetic generator 130 to suppress an increase in the leakage rate. Conversely, when decreasing the flow rate of the processing liquid, the control device CR weakens the magnetic force acting between the lower magnetic body 120 and the magnetic generator 130.

[0085] Figure 16B shows another embodiment of the control device that controls the downward pressing force applied to the inner cylinder. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16B, the control device CR is electrically connected to the rotating device 10.

[0086] The control device CR is configured to change the downward pressing force on the inner cylinder 13 by changing the current supplied to the rotating device 10, thereby changing the magnetic force acting between the upper magnetic body 52 and the rotating magnet 110. In this case, the rotating magnet 110 corresponds to a magnetic generator (for example, an electromagnet) that changes its magnetic force according to the magnitude of the current supplied to the rotating device 10.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16B, the pressing force application mechanism 100 can change the pressing force that presses the inner cylinder 13 downwards using the control device CR. Although not shown, the control device CR may be electrically connected to both the magnetic generator 130 and the rotating device 10.

[0088] Figure 17 shows another embodiment of a control device that controls the downward pressing force applied to the inner cylinder. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the pressing force application mechanism 100 comprises a control device CR and a movable actuator AC electrically connected to the control device CR.

[0089] The control device CR is electrically connected to the moving actuator AC and is configured to control the operation of the moving actuator AC. The moving actuator AC is configured to move the magnetic generator 130. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the magnetic generator 130 is not limited to an electromagnet but may be an attractive magnet.

[0090] As shown in Figure 17, the support base 150 has a hole 150a extending along the axial direction CL. The magnetic generator 130 is inserted into the hole 150a formed in the support base 150 and is movable in a direction approaching the lower magnetic body 120 (proximity direction) and in a direction away from the lower magnetic body 120 (separation direction).

[0091] The moving actuator AC is, for example, an air cylinder or a combination of a servo motor and a ball screw. The moving actuator AC is connected to the magnetic generator 130 and is configured to move the magnetic generator 130 in the approaching and separating directions in response to commands from the control device CR.

[0092] When the control device CR operates the moving actuator AC to move the magnetic generator 130 in the direction of proximity, the distance between the magnetic generator 130 and the lower magnetic body 120 decreases, and as a result, the magnetic force acting between the lower magnetic body 120 and the magnetic generator 130 becomes stronger.

[0093] Conversely, when the control device CR operates the moving actuator AC to move the magnetic generator 130 in the opposite direction, the distance between the magnetic generator 130 and the lower magnetic body 120 increases, and as a result, the magnetic force acting between the lower magnetic body 120 and the magnetic generator 130 weakens. In this way, the pressing force application mechanism 100 can change the pressing force that presses the inner cylinder 13 downwards according to the operating environment of the separation device 1.

[0094] Although not shown, the embodiment shown in Figure 11 and the embodiments shown in Figure 15 (and Figures 16A, 16B, and 17) may be combined as appropriate. For example, the pressing force applying mechanism 100 may include a combination of the upper magnetic body 52 and the rotating magnet 110, and a combination of the lower magnetic body 120 and the magnetic generator 130. Even with such a combination, the pressing force applying mechanism 100 can apply a pressing force to press the inner cylinder 13 downwards.

[0095] The embodiments described above are intended to enable persons with ordinary skill in the art to implement the present invention. Various modifications of the above embodiments can be made naturally by those skilled in the art, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be applied to other embodiments as well. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but is to be interpreted in the broadest sense according to the technical idea defined by the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1 Separation device 2 Separation membrane 3. Outer cylinder 4 Inflow Port 5. Outflow Port 10 Rotating device 11 Transfer Ports 13 Inner cylinder 13a Circumferential groove 13a-1 Bottom groove 13a-2 Top groove 15A Liquid collection channel 15B Connecting channel 16 Packing 20 Insertion part 20a top end 21 Receiving recess 40 Discharge channel 50 connecting pins 51 Holding part 52 Magnetic body (first magnetic body) 52a top end 55 Main body 60 sleeves 70 Annular insertion part 100 Pressing force application mechanism 110 Rotating Magnets 110a top end 120 Magnetic material (second magnetic material) 130 Magnetic Generator 140 Outer cylinder holder 150 Support stand 150a hole GC center of gravity position CL axis SE filtration surface LG distance VL1 First Virtual Line VL2 Second Virtual Line PL1 First dotted line PL2 Second dotted line D1,D2 distance CR control unit AC Mobile Actuator

Claims

1. A separation device, An inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, A rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, The outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, An inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, An outflow port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, The system includes a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, The inner cylinder constitutes the filtration surface and has a plurality of circumferential grooves arranged along the axial direction of the separation device. The outer cylinder has an insertion portion that extends upward from its bottom, A separation device wherein the upper end of the insertion portion is positioned higher than the lower end groove located at the lower end of the filtration surface among the plurality of circumferential grooves.

2. A separation device, An inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, A rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, The outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, An inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, An outflow port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, The system includes a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, The inner cylinder constitutes the filtration surface and has a plurality of circumferential grooves arranged along the axial direction of the separation device. The outer cylinder has an insertion portion that extends upward from its bottom, A separation device in which the insertion portion is located at a height such that the ratio of the distance from the lower end of the inner cylinder to the upper end of the insertion portion to the total length of the filtration surface is 25.1% or more.

3. A separation device, An inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, A rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, The outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, An inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, An outflow port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, The system includes a transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, The outer cylinder has an insertion portion that extends upward from its bottom, The upper end of the insertion portion is positioned higher than the outlet port in the separation device.

4. The upper end of the insertion portion supports the receiving recess and serves as the pivot point for the rotation of the inner cylinder. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 2 to 3, wherein the center of gravity of the inner cylinder and the pivot point are located in a straight line along the axial direction of the separation device.

5. The separation device is equipped with a connecting pin that connects the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 2 to 3, wherein the center of gravity of the inner cylinder is located between the insertion portion and the connecting pin.

6. A separation device, An inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, A rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, The outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, An inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, An outflow port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, A transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, A connecting pin that connects the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, The system includes a rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, The outer cylinder has an insertion portion that extends upward from its bottom, The inner cylinder has a receiving recess for accommodating the insertion portion, A separation device wherein the insertion portion supports the receiving recess and has an upper end that serves as a pivot point for the rotation of the inner cylinder.

7. When the inner cylinder is attached to the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder has an annular insertion portion that extends from its main body toward the insertion portion and is integrally formed with the main body. The separation device according to claim 6, wherein the annular insertion portion is inserted into the insertion portion and rotates together with the rotation of the inner cylinder.

8. The upper end of the insertion portion supports the receiving recess and serves as the pivot point for the rotation of the inner cylinder. The separation device according to claim 6, wherein the center of gravity of the inner cylinder and the pivot point are located in a straight line along the axial direction of the separation device.

9. The separation device is equipped with a connecting pin that connects the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The separation device according to claim 6, wherein the center of gravity of the inner cylinder is located between the insertion portion and the connecting pin.

10. A separation device, An inner cylinder that holds a separation membrane and has a filtration surface, A rotating device for rotating the inner cylinder, The outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder, An inlet port connected to the upper part of the outer cylinder, An outflow port connected to the lower part of the outer cylinder, A transfer port for transferring the liquid filtered by the separation membrane, A separation device comprising: a pressing force applying mechanism for applying a pressing force to press the inner cylinder downward.

11. The aforementioned pressing force application mechanism is, The first magnetic material arranged in the inner cylinder, It comprises a rotating magnet, which is a component of the rotating device, positioned radially outward of the outer cylinder, The rotating magnet is configured to rotate the inner cylinder by the magnetic force acting between it and the first magnetic material. If we define the line segment crossing the center of the first magnetic material as the first imaginary line, and the line segment crossing the center of the rotating magnet as the second imaginary line, then the first imaginary line is located above the second imaginary line. The separation device according to claim 10, wherein the upper end of the first magnetic material and the upper end of the rotating magnet are arranged at the same height.

12. The aforementioned pressing force application mechanism is, The first magnetic material arranged in the inner cylinder, A magnetic generator, which is a component of the rotating device, is positioned radially outward from the outer cylinder. It includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned pressing force, The magnetic generator is configured to rotate the inner cylinder by the magnetic force acting between it and the first magnetic material. The separation device according to claim 10, wherein the control device is configured to change the pressing force by changing the current supplied to the rotating device, thereby changing the magnetic force acting between the first magnetic material and the magnetic generator.

13. The aforementioned pressing force application mechanism is, The second magnetic material arranged in the inner cylinder, The separation device according to claim 10, further comprising a magnetic generator disposed below the second magnetic material.

14. The pressing force application mechanism includes a control device for controlling the pressing force, The separation device according to claim 13, wherein the control device is configured to change the magnetic force acting between the second magnetic material and the magnetic generator by changing the current supplied to the magnetic generator.

15. The aforementioned pressing force application mechanism is, A control device for controlling the pressing force, It comprises a moving actuator connected to the control device, The separation device according to claim 13, wherein the control device is configured to move the magnetic generator in a direction approaching the second magnetic body and in a direction away from the second magnetic body by operating the moving actuator.

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