Granulation device

Abstract

The present invention provides a granulation apparatus that can adjust the particle size and produce larger particles. [Solution] A granulation apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first stock solution container 2 for containing a first stock solution L1, a second stock solution container 3 for containing a second stock solution L2, a reaction vessel 4 for granulating by reacting the first stock solution and the second stock solution in its internal space, a first introduction pipe P1 for connecting the first stock solution container and the reaction vessel and introducing the first stock solution into the reaction vessel, and a second introduction pipe P2 for connecting the second stock solution container and the reaction vessel and introducing the second stock solution into the containment space of the reaction vessel.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Boron is used in various applications such as heat-resistant glass, glass fiber, new ceramics, amorphous alloys, fluxes, fertilizers, the nuclear field, and computer TFT displays, and is widely present in the environment.

[0003] Also, although boron is an essential element for humans, it has been pointed out that continuous intake of an excessive amount of boron of several mg or more per day may cause health problems such as a decline in reproductive function. Therefore, as a regulation for boron wastewater, the discharge standard is set at 10 mg / L by the Water Pollution Control Law, and the environmental standard value is set at 1 mg / L or less, which is one-tenth of that value.

[0004] Also, not only boron, but cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, mercury, selenium, fluorine, etc. are also harmful elements (metals and metalloids) that can cause serious health problems such as kidney damage.

[0005] By the way, as general treatments for the above harmful elements, a coagulation sedimentation method and an adsorption method using a resin are known. However, these methods have problems such as a slow treatment speed, and the coagulation sedimentation method produces sludge during the treatment process, and there is a strong demand for the development of new wastewater treatment technologies.

[0006] However, as described above, the coagulation sedimentation method has a problem that the coagulant added after treatment becomes industrial waste as it is.

[0007] In response to the above problems, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a dissolved substance removal device that uses a spring-shaped filter and a filter aid to remove dissolved substances.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6695542 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] By the way, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above attempts to remove boron using a spring-shaped filter and a filter aid placed around it. However, since a spring-shaped filter is used, the filter aid must be adjusted according to the gap in the spring-shaped filter, and there remains a challenge in how to adjust the size of the filter aid.

[0010] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a granulation apparatus that can adjust the particle size and produce larger particles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A granulation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems comprises a first stock solution container for containing a first stock solution, a second stock solution container for containing a second stock solution, a reaction vessel for granulating by reacting the first stock solution and the second stock solution in its internal space, a first introduction pipe for connecting the first stock solution container and the reaction vessel and introducing the first stock solution into the reaction vessel, and a second introduction pipe for connecting the second stock solution container and the reaction vessel and introducing the second stock solution into the containment space of the reaction vessel.

[0012] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the reaction vessel has an outlet at the bottom for discharging reaction particles.

[0013] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that at least one of the first and second inlet pipes is branched into multiple pipes and connected to the reaction vessel's containment space at different heights along the vertical direction.

[0014] Also, in this aspect, although not necessarily limited, it is preferable to have a return pipe connected to the upper vertical portion of the reaction vessel, a return tank connected to the return pipe, and a reintroduction pipe for connecting to the return tank and to the first introduction pipe and the second introduction pipe.

[0015] Also, in this aspect, although not necessarily limited, it is preferable that an observation window is formed in the reaction vessel.

[0016] Also, in this aspect, although not necessarily limited, it is preferable to provide a partition valve for partitioning the internal space of the reaction vessel.

[0017] Also, in this aspect, although not necessarily limited, it is preferable to provide a temperature control device for the first stock solution container and the second stock solution container.

[0018] Also, in this aspect, although not necessarily limited, it is preferable that the particles granulated in the reaction vessel are cerium hydroxide.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a granulation device capable of adjusting the particle diameter and producing larger particles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an outline of the granulation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reaction vessel in the granulation device according to the embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not necessarily limited to the specific examples shown in the following embodiments and examples.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a granulation apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "this apparatus") 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, this apparatus 1 includes a first stock solution container 2 that stores a first stock solution L1, a second stock solution container 3 that stores a second stock solution L2, a reaction container 4 that reacts the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 in an internal space to granulate, a first introduction pipe P1 that connects the first stock solution container 2 and the reaction container 4 and introduces the first stock solution L1 into the reaction container 4, and a second introduction pipe P2 that connects the second stock solution container 3 and the reaction container 4 and introduces the second stock solution L2 into the accommodation space of the reaction container 4.

[0023] According to this apparatus 1, by introducing the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 into the reaction container 4, it is possible to provide a granulation apparatus that can adjust the particle diameter and produce larger particles. The detailed structure and principle are as follows.

[0024] Also, in this apparatus 1, as described above, it has a first stock solution container 2 that stores the first stock solution L1. Here, the "first stock solution" is a stock solution for reacting with the "second stock solution". Note that "first" and "second" are ordinal numbers used to distinguish the stock solutions, and the same applies when the terms "first" and "second" are used in other components such as "stock solution containers" hereinafter.

[0025] In this apparatus 1, the first stock solution container 2 is not limited as long as it can store the first stock solution L1, and various shapes and materials can be used. As the shape, a shape that can store a liquid, for example, a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape, may be used, but it is not limited thereto. On the other hand, as the material, any material that does not react with the stock solution and can stably store it can be used, and examples include metals, resins, glass, etc., but it is not limited thereto. In the case of metals, for example, titanium, nickel, tantalum, stainless steel, etc. can be exemplified, and in the case of resins, for example, fluororesin, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, etc. can be exemplified.

[0026] Furthermore, as described above, this apparatus 1 has a second stock solution container 3 for containing the second stock solution L2. The second stock solution L2 is a liquid, similar to the first stock solution L1, although its substance is different from the first stock solution L1, as detailed below. The second stock solution container 3 is also provided separately from the first stock solution container 2, but it can adopt the same configuration as the first stock solution container 2.

[0027] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, the particles to be granulated are produced by the mixing and reaction of the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 in the reaction vessel 4, as described above. To this extent, the types of particles to be granulated and the first and second stock solutions L1 and L2 are not particularly limited, but examples include metal phosphates, heteropolyates, metal ferrocyanides, LDH (layered double hydroxides), and cerium hydroxide. Examples of metal phosphates include zirconium phosphate, titanium phosphate, cerium phosphate, and tin phosphate. Examples of heteropolyates include phosphate tungstates, specifically ammonium phosphate and potassium phosphate, and phosphate molybdates, such as ammonium phosphate molybdate and potassium phosphate molybdate. Examples of LDH (layered double hydroxides) include magnesium aluminum carbonate (Mg-Al-CO3). 2- Examples include, but are not limited to, magnesium aluminum sulfuric acid.

[0028] Furthermore, the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 can be appropriately selected depending on the particles to be granulated. In the example above, specifically for metal phosphates, for example, a combination of phosphoric acid and zirconium chloride can be used for zirconium phosphate, a combination of phosphoric acid and titanium chloride for titanium phosphate, a combination of phosphoric acid and cerium sulfate for cerium phosphate, and a combination of sodium dihydrogen phosphate and tin chloride for tin phosphate. Also, for heteropoly salts, specifically a combination of phosphotungstic acid and ammonium bicarbonate for ammonium phosphotungstate, a combination of phosphotungstic acid and potassium chloride for potassium phosphotungstate, a combination of phosphomolybdic acid and ammonium bicarbonate for ammonium phosphomolybdate, and a combination of phosphomolybdic acid and potassium chloride for potassium phosphomolybdate. Furthermore, for LDH (layered double hydroxide), a mixture of a metal salt solution and an alkaline solution, specifically a combination of magnesium nitrate and sodium carbonate, can be used. Furthermore, for cerium hydroxide, for example, a combination of cerium nitrate and sodium hydroxide can be used. In other words, one of the above combinations can be used as the first stock solution L1 and the other as the second stock solution L2.

[0029] Furthermore, as described above, the apparatus 1 has a reaction vessel 4 that reacts the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 in its internal space to granulate. The reaction vessel 4 is not limited as long as it can accommodate the required amount of the first stock solution L1 or the second stock solution L2 (hereinafter, the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 are collectively referred to simply as "stock solution"). The shape of the reaction vessel 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to have a conical section 41 whose cross-sectional area narrows towards the bottom, as shown in this figure. On the other hand, it is preferable to have a cylindrical section 42 at the top that has a constant cross-sectional area and shape. In this way, the granulated particles can be collected in the lower conical section 41 and discharged outside the reaction vessel 4 (specifically, into a recovery container 5 provided below), while the liquid mixture of the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 (hereinafter referred to as "mixed liquid") can be efficiently stirred and granulated in the upper cylindrical section 42.

[0030] The material of the reaction vessel 4 in this apparatus 1 is not particularly limited, but examples include metal, resin, glass, etc. In the case of metal, examples include titanium, nickel, tantalum, stainless steel, etc. In the case of resin, examples include fluororesin, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, the reaction vessel 4 is preferably equipped with a gate valve 43 that partitions the internal space of the reaction vessel, although this is not an limitation. The gate valve 43 is openable and closable, and by closing the gate valve 43, the internal space of the reaction vessel 4 is divided into two, while by opening it, the internal space of the reaction vessel 4 can be kept connected as one. In other words, by providing the gate valve 43 in this way, for example, a large number of particles with a sufficiently large diameter can be placed in the lower conical section 41, and a large number of relatively small particles that have not yet reached a sufficient diameter can be placed in the upper cylindrical section, and by closing the gate valve 43 to partition the space, only the particles with a sufficiently large diameter in the lower section can be discharged into the recovery container 5 located below.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferable that the bottom of the reaction vessel 4 is equipped with a discharge valve 44 for connecting, or opening, the internal space 4 of the reaction vessel 4 to the outside. The discharge valve 44 is openable and closable, and by closing the discharge valve 44, the internal space of the reaction vessel 4 can be made into a closed space, while by opening it, the internal space of the reaction vessel 4 is connected to the outside, allowing the particles contained inside and granulated to be discharged into the recovery container 5.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that the reaction vessel 4 of this apparatus 1 has an inlet 45 for introducing seed crystals. Introducing seed crystals through the inlet 45 has the advantage that the reactants can adhere around the seed crystals, which act as nuclei, to form larger particles. The seed crystals to be introduced may be the seed crystals themselves precipitated by the reaction of the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2, but other materials such as metals, resins, and glass can also be used, but are not limited to these. The connection position of the inlet 45 is preferably above the midpoint of the vertical direction of the reaction vessel 4, specifically, in the case of the reaction vessel 4 having the conical portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 42, it is preferably located in the cylindrical portion 42.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferable that a stirring device 46 be placed in the internal space of the reaction vessel 4 of this apparatus 1. Providing a stirring device 46 has the advantage of allowing particles to diffuse within the reaction vessel 4 without settling. This diffusion disperses larger particles to the bottom of the reaction vessel 4 and smaller particles to the top, making it easier to remove the larger particles from the bottom.

[0035] By the way, in this apparatus 1, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that an observation window 47 is formed in the reaction vessel 4. Here, Figure 2 shows an example of the external appearance of the reaction vessel 4 in this apparatus 1. As shown in this figure, providing an observation window 47 has the advantage of making it possible to check the inside.

[0036] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, a recovery container 5 is provided below the reaction vessel 4. As described above, the recovery container 5 is a container used to recover particles that have been sufficiently granulated in the reaction vessel 4. The structure of the recovery container 5 is not limited as long as it has the above function, but it is preferable to provide a sieve 51. By providing a sieve 51, particles larger than the mesh size of the sieve 51 are captured by the sieve 51, while particles smaller than the mesh size pass through the sieve 51 and are recovered at the bottom of the recovery container 5. In this case, the mesh size of the sieve is preferably 10 μm or larger, and more preferably 30 μm or larger.

[0037] Furthermore, the material of the collection container 5 in this device 1 is not particularly limited, but examples include metal, resin, glass, etc. In the case of metal, examples include titanium, nickel, tantalum, stainless steel, etc. In the case of resin, examples include fluororesin, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, as described above, this apparatus 1 has a first introduction pipe P1 for connecting the first stock solution container 2 and the reaction vessel 4 and introducing the first stock solution L1 into the reaction vessel 4. This allows the first stock solution L1 to be introduced from the first stock solution container 2 to the reaction vessel 4, as described above. By placing a pump P1P in this first introduction pipe P1, it is possible to reliably deliver the first stock solution L1 to the reaction vessel 4.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first introduction pipe P1 is provided in the lower part of the reaction vessel 4, more specifically in the conical section 41 located at the bottom. This has the advantage that the reaction between the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 within the conical section 41 makes it easier to form larger particles.

[0040] The material of the first introduction pipe P1 in this apparatus 1 can be, but is not limited to, metal, resin, glass, etc. Examples of metals include titanium, nickel, tantalum, stainless steel, etc. Examples of resins include fluororesin, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, as described above, this apparatus 1 has a second introduction pipe P2 for connecting the second stock solution container 3 and the reaction vessel 4 and introducing the second stock solution L2 into the reaction vessel 4. This allows the second stock solution L2 to be introduced from the second stock solution container 3 to the reaction vessel 4, as described above. By placing a pump P2P in this second introduction pipe P2, it is possible to reliably deliver the second stock solution L2 to the reaction vessel 4.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second introduction pipe P2 be located in the lower part of the reaction vessel 4, more specifically in the conical section 41 located in the lower part. This has the advantage that the reaction between the first stock solution L1 and the second stock solution L2 within the conical section 41 makes it easier to form larger particles.

[0043] The material of the second introduction pipe P2 in this device 1 can be, but is not limited to, metal, resin, or glass. Examples of metals include titanium, nickel, tantalum, and stainless steel, while examples of resins include fluororesin, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, epoxy resin, and phenolic resin.

[0044] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the first introduction pipe P1 and the second introduction pipe P2 are branched into multiple pipes and connected to the containment space of the reaction vessel 4 at different heights along the vertical direction. In the example shown in Figure 1, both the first introduction pipe P1 and the second introduction pipe P2 are each branched into three pipes, one of which is connected to the conical section 41 as described above, and the other two are connected to the cylindrical section 42 of the reaction vessel 4 at different heights. By varying the heights in this way, it is possible to change the introduction position according to the size of the particles being formed, and thereby adjust the size of the particles produced.

[0045] Furthermore, while not limited to this apparatus 1, it is preferable to have a first return pipe P3 connected to the upper vertical part of the reaction vessel 4, a first return tank 6 connected to the first return pipe P3, and a first reintroduction pipe P4 connected to the first return tank 6. This makes it possible to recover the mixed liquid contained and mixed in the reaction vessel 4 and add it back to the stock solution before introducing it into the reaction vessel 4. In this case, it is preferable to provide a pump P3P for pumping liquid along the path of the first reintroduction pipe P4. Also, in the example in Figure 1, an example is shown in which not only the first return pipe P3 but also a second return pipe P5, a second return tank 7, a second reintroduction pipe P6, and a pump P4P for pumping liquid are provided. That is, there may be one return pipe, a return tank, and a reintroduction pipe each, or there may be two of each. It is also preferable to provide a stirring device in each return tank.

[0046] Furthermore, although not limited to the above, it is preferable that the apparatus 1 be equipped with temperature control devices in the first stock solution container 2, the second stock solution container 3, the return tank 6, and the second return tank 7. By using temperature control devices, the stock solution can be supplied at a temperature suitable for the reaction.

[0047] In summary, this apparatus 1 provides a granulation apparatus that can adjust the particle size and produce larger particles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1...Pelletizer 2…First concentrate container 3…Second concentrate container 4…Reaction vessel 41...Pyramidal region 42...Cylindrical part 43…Gate valve 44…Discharge valve 45...Inlet 46…Agitation device 47… Observation window 5…Collection containers 6…First return tank 7... Second return tank L1...First concentrate L2... Second concentrate P1...First introduction piping P2...Second introduction piping P3...First return pipe P4...First re-introduction piping P5...Second return pipe P6...Second re-installation piping

Claims

1. A first concentrate container for holding the first concentrate, A second container for the second concentrate, A reaction vessel for reacting the first stock solution and the second stock solution in its internal space to produce granulation, A first introduction pipe for connecting the first stock solution container and the reaction vessel and introducing the first stock solution into the reaction vessel, A granulation apparatus comprising a second introduction pipe for connecting the second stock solution container and the reaction vessel and introducing the second stock solution into the containment space of the reaction vessel.

2. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reaction vessel has a discharge port at its lower part for discharging reaction particles.

3. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first introduction pipe and the second introduction pipe is branched into multiple parts and connected to the containment space of the reaction vessel at different heights along the vertical direction.

4. A return pipe connected to the vertical upper part of the reaction vessel, A return tank connected to the aforementioned return piping, The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reintroduction pipe connected to the return tank and connected to at least one of the first introductory pipe and the second introductory pipe.

5. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an observation window is formed in the reaction vessel.

6. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a gate valve for partitioning the internal space of the reaction vessel.

7. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature control device provided in at least one of the first stock solution container and the second stock solution container.

8. The granulation apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a temperature control device in the return tank.

9. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particles granulated in the reaction vessel are cerium hydroxide.

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