Growth inhibition device, liquid purification system, and growth inhibition method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a growth inhibition device, a liquid purification system, and a growth inhibition method that are capable of inhibiting the growth of organisms present in a liquid at low cost. [Solution] A growth inhibition device that inhibits the growth of organisms present in a liquid, comprising a growth inhibition container including an outer tube extending vertically and at least one inner tube provided inside the outer tube, and at least one ascending flow generating section that generates an ascending flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer tube and the inner tube or an inner flow space formed inside the inner tube, the inner flow space and the outer flow space are connected at the upper and lower sides of the inner tube and are configured to be able to form a circulation flow path that circulates the liquid and air bubbles, and the growth inhibition container is configured to break up the air bubbles by circulating the liquid and air bubbles in the circulation flow path.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a growth inhibition device, a liquid purification system, and a growth inhibition method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, solubilization treatment for solubilizing sludge has been known as a method for reducing the volume of sludge. Examples of solubilization treatment include treatment using chemicals, heat treatment, ultrasonic treatment, and treatment using a mill. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for solubilizing sludge using ultrasonic waves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-336898 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional solubilization treatments have the problem of being expensive because they require the use of chemicals, heat, ultrasound, mills, and the like.

[0005] The present invention relates to a growth inhibition device, a liquid purification system, and a growth inhibition method that are capable of inhibiting the growth of organisms present in a liquid at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The growth inhibition device of the present invention is a growth inhibition device that inhibits the growth of organisms present in a liquid, and comprises a growth inhibition container including an outer tube extending along a vertical direction and at least one inner tube provided inside the outer tube, and at least one upward flow generating section that generates an upward flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer tube and the inner tube or an inner flow space formed inside the inner tube, the inner flow space and the outer flow space are connected at the upper and lower sides of the inner tube and are configured to be able to form a circulation flow path that circulates the liquid and air bubbles, and the growth inhibition container is configured to break up the air bubbles by circulating the liquid and air bubbles in the circulation flow path.

[0007] In the growth inhibition device of the present invention, the upward flow generating section may be provided with at least one gas release section that releases gas into the outer flow space or the inner flow space, below the vertical middle section of the growth inhibition container.

[0008] The growth inhibition device of the present invention may be equipped with at least one of an inner swirling flow generating section that turns the flow in the inner flow space into a swirling flow, and an outer swirling flow generating section that turns the flow in the outer flow space into a swirling flow.

[0009] In the growth inhibition device of the present invention, the inner swirling flow generating section and the outer swirling flow generating section may have a plurality of blade portions arranged at a predetermined interval, and the plurality of blade portions may have a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner tube.

[0010] In the growth inhibition device according to the present invention, the blade portion may be configured to be non-rotatable.

[0011] The growth inhibition device of the present invention may include a top plate portion provided opposite the upper opening of the inner cylinder, and the lower surface of the top plate portion may have an inclined surface that slopes downward at the center in the planar direction.

[0012] The liquid purification system of the present invention is a liquid purification system for purifying a liquid, and includes a growth inhibition device that inhibits the growth of organisms present in the liquid, the growth inhibition device having at least one growth inhibition container including an outer tube extending along the vertical direction and an inner tube provided inside the outer tube, and at least one ascending flow generating section that generates an ascending flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer tube and the inner tube or an inner flow space formed inside the inner tube, the inner flow space and the outer flow space are connected at the upper and lower sides of the inner tube and are configured to be able to form a circulation flow path that circulates the liquid and air bubbles, and the growth inhibition container is configured to break up the air bubbles by circulating the liquid and air bubbles in the circulation flow path.

[0013] The growth inhibition method of the present invention is a method for inhibiting the growth of organisms present in a liquid, and includes an inflow step of inflowing the liquid into a growth inhibition container including an outer tube extending along the vertical direction and at least one inner tube provided inside the outer tube, and a circulation step of circulating the liquid and the bubbles by generating an upward flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer tube and the inner tube or in an inner flow space formed inside the inner tube, and in the circulation step, the air bubbles are broken down in the liquid. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the growth inhibition device, liquid purification system, and growth inhibition method of the present invention, it is possible to inhibit the growth of organisms present in liquid at low cost. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the growth inhibition device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the growth inhibition device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4]3 is a schematic plan view showing a lower blade portion according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic bottom view showing the upper wing portion according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of liquid purification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the inventions according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In addition, in the present embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0017] [Overall configuration of liquid purification system] The liquid purification system according to this embodiment is a liquid purification system for purifying liquid. Specifically, the liquid purification system 1 is a system for suppressing the growth of organisms present in the liquid (a system for reducing the volume of sludge). The type of liquid is not particularly limited, and can be any liquid that requires purification, such as wastewater discharged from homes, factories, etc., water in aquariums installed in homes or facilities (aquariums, fish farms, etc.), water in bathtubs installed in homes or facilities (lodging facilities, etc.), water in ponds, the sea, etc.

[0018] In this specification, "suppressing the growth of organisms" refers to suppressing the growth and proliferation of microorganisms (e.g., fungi, algae, etc.) present in a liquid. Specifically, for example, when the object to be suppressed is fungi, it refers to sterilization (sterilization), and when the object to be treated is a liquid containing sludge such as wastewater, it refers to reducing the volume of the sludge. Methods for suppressing the growth of organisms include, for example, a crushing process that breaks down bubbles (erosion), or a combination of a crushing process and an ozone treatment using ozone.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid purification system 1 includes a growth inhibition device 100 that inhibits the growth of organisms present in the liquid, a liquid supply mechanism 200 capable of supplying liquid to the growth inhibition device 100, and a liquid storage mechanism 300 capable of storing liquid discharged from the growth inhibition device 100.

[0020] [Configuration of growth suppression device] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the growth inhibition device 100 includes a growth inhibition container 110 that inhibits the growth of organisms present in a liquid, an ascending flow generating section 120 that generates an ascending flow containing air bubbles inside the growth inhibition container 110, a discharge section 130 that discharges waste matter from the growth inhibition container 110, a lower swirling flow generating section 140 provided below the inner cylinder 112 described later, and an upper swirling flow generating section 150 provided above the inner cylinder 112 described later.

[0021] <Configuration of the growth inhibition container> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, growth inhibition container 110 has an outer cylinder 111 extending along the vertical direction, and an inner cylinder 112 provided inside outer cylinder 111.

[0022] In this specification, "vertical" includes both completely vertical and approximately vertical. "Approximately vertical" means a slight inclination from the vertical, specifically, an inclination to the extent that the effect of the growth inhibition device 100 is not hindered.

[0023] The outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 are each formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and lower end. The outer diameter of the inner cylinder 112 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 111. The vertical length of the inner cylinder 112 is also shorter than the vertical length of the outer cylinder 111. In this embodiment, only one inner cylinder 112 is provided, but this is not limiting and two or more inner cylinders may be provided.

[0024] The shapes of the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 are not limited to cylindrical shapes, and may be, for example, rectangular cylindrical, conical, or pyramidal. A convex or concave portion may be formed in a part in the vertical direction, or the cylinder may be formed in a bellows shape.

[0025] The growth inhibition container 110 has a bottom 113 that closes the lower end of the outer cylinder 111, and a top 114 that closes the upper end of the outer cylinder 111. The bottom 113 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper end. The bottom 113 is configured to close the lower end of the outer cylinder 111 by fitting the lower end of the outer cylinder 111 into it. The top 114 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape with an open lower end. The top 114 is configured to close the upper end of the outer cylinder 111 by fitting the upper end of the outer cylinder 111 into it.

[0026] The growth inhibition container 110 also has an outer flow space 115 formed between the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112, and an inner flow space 116 formed inside the inner cylinder 112. The outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116 communicate with each other above and below the inner cylinder 112, and are configured to be able to form a circulation flow path CP that circulates liquid and air bubbles.

[0027] <Configuration of the upward flow generating section> 1 to 3, the upward flow generating section 120 has a gas generating section 121 that generates gas, a gas releasing section 122 that releases the gas generated in the gas generating section 121 into the outer flow space 115 or the inner flow space 116, a gas supplying section 123 that supplies the gas generated in the gas generating section 121 to the gas releasing section 122, and a connecting section 124 that connects the gas releasing section 122 and the gas supplying section 123. In this embodiment, only one upward flow generating section 120 is provided, but this is not limited thereto, and two or more may be provided.

[0028] The gas generating unit 121 is, for example, a fan, a blower, or an ozone generator. Examples of the gas generated by the gas generating unit 121 include air and ozone. When the gas generating unit 121 generates air, a pulverization process is performed in the growth inhibition container 110. On the other hand, when the gas generating unit 121 generates ozone, a pulverization process and an ozone process are performed in the growth inhibition container 110. Note that, from the viewpoint of increasing the efficiency of inhibiting the growth of organisms (efficiency of reducing the volume of sludge), the gas generated by the gas generating unit 121 is preferably ozone. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of generating cavitation (fine bubbles), the flow rate of the gas generated by the gas generating unit 121 is preferably 10 cm / s or more.

[0029] The gas release section 122 is, for example, a tube, and is configured to allow gas to flow. One end of the gas release section 122 is connected to the connection section 124, and the other end of the gas release section 122 is connected to an attached section 143c of the support section 143, which will be described later. Therefore, the gas release section 122 according to this embodiment is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 116. Specifically, the gas release section 122 is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 116 via the support section 143, which will be described later.

[0030] From the viewpoint of generating an upward flow, the other end of the gas release part 122 only needs to be located below the vertical middle part of the growth inhibition container 110, and may be connected to, for example, the outer cylinder 111 or the inner cylinder 112. When the other end of the gas release part 122 is connected to the outer cylinder 111, the gas release part 122 is configured to release gas into the outer flow space 115.

[0031] The gas supply unit 123 is, for example, a tube, and is configured to be able to flow gas. One end of the gas supply unit 123 is connected to the gas generation unit 121, and the other end of the gas supply unit 123 is connected to the connection unit 124. The connection unit 124 is, for example, a tube joint, and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top 114.

[0032] The upward flow generating section 120 having the above configuration is configured to generate an upward flow containing air bubbles in the inner flow space 116 by the gas release section 122 releasing gas into the inner flow space 116. When the gas release section 122 releases gas into the outer flow space 115, the upward flow generating section 120 generates an upward flow containing air bubbles in the outer flow space 115.

[0033] <Exhaust section configuration> 1 and 2, the discharge unit 130 has a tube portion 131 that discharges waste materials from within the growth inhibition container 110, and a holding portion 132 that holds the tube portion 131. Examples of waste materials include surplus materials (e.g., gas, liquid, etc.) that exceed the volume of the growth inhibition container 110, and products (e.g., bubbles, etc.) that are generated during the circulation of liquid and bubbles.

[0034] The cylindrical portion 131 is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top portion 114. That is, the upper end of the cylindrical portion 131 is located outside the growth inhibition container 110, and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 131 is located inside the growth inhibition container 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical portion 131 may be formed by connecting two or more tubes, or may be composed of one tube. The cylindrical portion 131 has a plurality of inflow holes 131a that allow the gas in the growth inhibition container 110 to flow into the cylindrical portion 131. The inflow holes 131a are provided in a portion of the cylindrical portion 131 that is located inside the growth inhibition container 110 (in this embodiment, below the axial middle portion of the cylindrical portion 131), and are provided along both the axial and circumferential directions of the cylindrical portion 131.

[0035] The holding part 132 is formed in a disk shape, and has a mounting hole 132a in the center for mounting the tube part 131. The holding part 132 also has insertion holes 132b at both radial ends for inserting protrusions 151c formed on the upper end of the top plate part 151 described later. The holding part 132 is configured to hold the tube part 131 by inserting the lower end of the tube part 131 into the mounting hole 132a. The holding part 132 is also configured to be attached to the upper end of the top plate part 151 by inserting the protrusions 151c into the insertion hole 132b. The holding part 132 is attached to the upper end of the top plate part 151, so that the inner tube 112 can be prevented from floating up. The holding part 132 may be omitted, or may be formed integrally with the upper swirling flow generating part 150 described later.

[0036] The discharge unit 130 having the above configuration is configured to discharge the waste matter that has flowed into the tube portion 131 from the lower end of the tube portion 131 and the inlet hole 131a of the tube portion 131 to the outside of the growth inhibition container 110. This has the advantage of being able to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the growth inhibition container 110. The waste matter discharged from the discharge unit 130 can be supplied to, for example, any storage tank.

[0037] <Configuration of lower swirl flow generation section> As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the lower swirling flow generating section 140 has a weight section 141 placed on the bottom surface of the bottom portion 113, a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) blade sections 142 (lower blade sections) arranged at predetermined intervals around the circumferential direction of the inner tube 112, and a support section 143 capable of supporting the inner tube 112.

[0038] The blades 142 are provided on the upper surface of the weight portion 141 and are configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade 142 extends along the radial direction of the inner cylinder 112 and has a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 112. That is, the blades 142 are provided radially with the axis of the inner cylinder 112 as the center.

[0039] The inner end of each blade 142 in the extension direction is located within the area of ​​the inner cylinder 112 in a plan view. Meanwhile, the outer end of each blade 142 in the extension direction is located within the area between the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 in a plan view. Also, each blade 142 is formed so that its height increases from the outer side in the extension direction toward the inner side in the extension direction. This has the advantage that the flow from the outer flow space 115 or the flow from the inner flow space 116 can be swirled efficiently without being obstructed.

[0040] The support part 143 is formed in a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower ends, and has a shape that tapers from the lower end to the upper end. The support part 143 has an insertion groove 143a at its upper end into which the lower end of the inner tube 112 can be inserted. The insertion groove 143a is formed in a concave shape that is concave downward from the upper end of the support part 143. The support part 143 is configured to support the inner tube 112 by inserting the lower end of the inner tube 112 into the insertion groove 143a.

[0041] The support portion 143 has, at its lower end portion, an annular pipe portion 143b that surrounds the periphery of the blade portion 142. The support portion 143 also has a mounting portion 143c to which the gas release portion 122 is attached.

[0042] The pipe section 143b is formed in a tubular shape having an internal space capable of flowing the gas supplied from the gas release section 122. An outlet hole 143d for allowing the gas supplied from the gas release section 122 to flow out is formed in the inner peripheral section (the end section on the blade section 142 side) of the pipe section 143b. In this embodiment, the outlet hole 143d is a plurality of openings formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe section 143b. The outlet hole 143d may be a single opening or may be an annular opening extending along the circumferential direction of the pipe section 143b.

[0043] The mounting portion 143c is formed to extend upward from a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe portion 143b, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and lower end. Therefore, the gas supplied from the gas release portion 122 flows through the mounting portion 143c and is supplied to the pipe portion 143b. The support portion 143 is configured to be connected to the gas release portion 122 by inserting the mounting portion 143c into the other end of the gas release portion 122.

[0044] The support part 143 having the above configuration is provided between the upper surface of the weight part 141 and the lower end of the inner tube 112, and is configured to communicate the outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116 between the lower end of the support part 143 and the upper surface of the weight part 141. Specifically, the support part 143 is attached to the weight part 141 by fixing a plurality of fixing parts (not shown) extending from the outer periphery (end part on the outer tube 111 side) of the tube part 143b to the outer edge part of the weight part 141. Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the support part 143 includes the tube part 143b and the attached part 143c has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the support part 143 may be configured not to include these.

[0045] <Configuration of the upper swirl flow generating section> As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the upper swirling flow generating section 150 has a top plate section 151 arranged opposite the upper opening 112a of the inner tube 112, a plurality of (six in this embodiment) blade sections 152 (upper blade sections) arranged at a predetermined interval around the circumferential direction of the inner tube 112, and an attachment section 153 that can be attached to the inner tube 112.

[0046] The top plate portion 151 has a circular planar shape. The top plate portion 151 has an inclined surface 151a that is inclined downward at the center in the planar direction. That is, the top plate portion 151 has a shape in which the center in the planar direction is recessed downward, and is formed into a substantially conical shape as a whole. From the viewpoint of efficiently circulating the liquid and the bubbles, it is sufficient that at least the lower surface of the top plate portion 151 has the inclined surface 151a.

[0047] A communication hole 151b that communicates with the inner flow space 116 and the internal space of the tube portion 131 is formed in the center of the top plate portion 151 in the planar direction. In addition, a plurality of (in this embodiment, three) protrusions 151c that are inserted into the insertion holes 132b of the holder 132 are formed on the upper end of the top plate portion 151.

[0048] The blades 152 are provided on the lower surface of the top plate 151. Specifically, the blades 152 are formed to extend downward from the lower surface of the top plate 151, and are configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade 152 extends along the radial direction of the inner tube 112, and has a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner tube 112. That is, the blades 152 are provided radially with the axis of the inner tube 112 as the center.

[0049] The curvature direction of the blade portion 152 may be the same as or different from the curvature direction of the blade portion 142, but from the viewpoint of efficiently swirling the liquid and air bubbles while increasing the flow rate, it is preferable that they are the same.

[0050] The inner end of each blade 152 in the extension direction is located within the area of ​​the inner cylinder 112 in a bottom view. On the other hand, the outer end of each blade 152 in the extension direction is located within the area between the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 in a bottom view. Also, each blade 152 is formed so that its height decreases from the outer side in the extension direction toward the inner side in the extension direction. This has the advantage that the flow from the outer flow space 115 or the flow from the inner flow space 116 can be swirled efficiently without being obstructed.

[0051] The attachment portion 153 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the periphery of the lower end of the blade portion 152. That is, the upper swirl flow generating portion 150 according to this embodiment is configured to communicate the outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116 between the lower surface of the top plate portion 151, the surface of the blade portion 152, and the inner peripheral portion of the attachment portion 153 (the end portion on the blade portion 152 side).

[0052] The mounting portion 153 has a mounting groove 153a into whose lower end the upper end of the inner tube 112 can be inserted. The mounting groove 153a is formed in a concave shape that is recessed upward from the lower end of the mounting portion 153. The mounting portion 153 is configured to be attached to the inner tube 112 by inserting the upper end of the inner tube 112 into the mounting groove 153a.

[0053] <Configuration of the inner swirl flow generating section and the outer swirl flow generating section> In this embodiment, either the lower swirling flow generating section 140 or the upper swirling flow generating section 150 functions as an inner swirling flow generating section 160 that turns the flow in the inner flow space 116 into a swirling flow. The other either the lower swirling flow generating section 140 or the upper swirling flow generating section 150 functions as an outer swirling flow generating section 170 that turns the flow in the outer flow space 115 into a swirling flow.

[0054] Whether the lower swirling flow generating section 140 and the upper swirling flow generating section 150 function as the inner swirling flow generating section 160 or the outer swirling flow generating section 170 depends on the position where the upward flow generating section 120 generates an upward flow. Specifically, when the upward flow generating section 120 generates an upward flow in the inner flow space 116, the lower swirling flow generating section 140 functions as the inner swirling flow generating section 160, and the upper swirling flow generating section 150 functions as the outer swirling flow generating section 170. On the other hand, when the upward flow generating section 120 generates an upward flow in the outer flow space 115, the lower swirling flow generating section 140 functions as the outer swirling flow generating section 170, and the upper swirling flow generating section 150 functions as the inner swirling flow generating section 160.

[0055] [Liquid supply mechanism configuration] 1, the liquid supply mechanism 200 includes a liquid storage tank 210 (first liquid storage tank) capable of storing liquid, and a liquid supply flow path 220 (first liquid supply flow path) that supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 210 to the growth inhibition container 110. One end of the liquid supply flow path 220 in the flow path direction is connected to an outlet (not shown) provided in the liquid storage tank 210, and the other end of the liquid supply flow path 220 in the flow path direction is connected to an inlet (not shown) provided in the outer cylinder 111 of the growth inhibition container 110. A known valve may be provided in the inlet provided in the outer cylinder 111 of the growth inhibition container 110, and the valve may be opened and closed at any timing. Since known configurations can be adopted for the liquid storage tank 210 and the liquid supply flow path 220, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0056] [Configuration of liquid storage mechanism] 1, the liquid storage mechanism 300 includes a liquid storage tank 310 (second liquid storage tank) capable of storing the liquid discharged from the growth inhibition container 110, and a liquid supply flow path 320 (second liquid supply flow path) that supplies the liquid discharged from the growth inhibition container 110 to the liquid storage tank 310. One end of the liquid supply flow path 320 in the flow path direction is connected to an outlet (not shown) provided in the outer cylinder 111 of the growth inhibition container 110, and the other end of the liquid supply flow path 320 in the flow path direction is connected to an inlet (not shown) provided in the liquid storage tank 310. A known valve may be provided in the outlet provided in the outer cylinder 111 of the growth inhibition container 110, and the valve may be opened and closed at any timing. Since known configurations can be adopted for the liquid storage tank 310 and the liquid supply flow path 320, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0057] [Liquid purification method] Next, a liquid purification method using the liquid purification system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The liquid purification method according to this embodiment includes a first supplying step of supplying liquid to the growth inhibition container 110, a growth inhibition step (growth inhibition method) of inhibiting the growth of organisms present in the liquid, and a second supplying step of supplying liquid to the liquid storage tank 310. The growth inhibition step also includes an inflowing step of inflowing liquid into the growth inhibition container 110, a circulating step of circulating the liquid and air bubbles B, and a discharging step of discharging the liquid from the growth inhibition container 110.

[0058] [First supply process and inflow process] The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 210 is supplied to the growth inhibition container 110 via the liquid supply flow path 220 (see arrow F1 in FIG. 6). In addition, the liquid supplied from the liquid storage tank 210 is caused to flow into the growth inhibition container 110 from an inlet provided in the outer cylinder 111.

[0059] [Circulation process] As shown in FIG. 6, an upward flow containing gas bubbles B is generated in the inner flow space 116 (see arrow F2 in FIG. 6). Specifically, first, the gas generation unit 121 supplies gas to the gas release unit 122 via the gas supply unit 123 and the connection unit 124. Next, the gas release unit 122 releases the gas into the inner flow space 116 via the support unit 143. As a result, an upward flow containing gas bubbles B is generated in the inner flow space 116. Note that the gas released into the inner flow space 116 flows and swirls between the blade units 142, so that a swirling upward flow is generated in the inner flow space 116. That is, the liquid and gas bubbles B in the inner flow space 116 rise in the inner flow space 116 while swirling.

[0060] When the liquid in the inner flow space 116 rises in the inner flow space 116, the liquid in the outer flow space 115 is drawn into the inner flow space 116 (see arrow F3 in FIG. 6), and a downward flow is generated in the outer flow space 115 (see arrow F4 in FIG. 6). The liquid drawn from the outer flow space 115 to the inner flow space 116 flows between the blade portions 142, and therefore, coupled with the swirling force caused by the gas released from the gas release portion 122, the liquid rises in the inner flow space 116 while swirling.

[0061] On the other hand, the liquid and bubbles B rising in the inner flow space 116 rise to the top plate portion 151, then flow along the inclined surface 151a of the top plate portion 151 to the outer flow space 115, and descend through the outer flow space 115 (see arrow F5 in FIG. 6). Note that the liquid and bubbles B flowing into the outer flow space 115 swirl as they flow between the blade portions 152, and thus a swirling downward flow is generated in the outer flow space 115. That is, the liquid and bubbles B in the outer flow space 115 descend through the outer flow space 115 while swirling.

[0062] The liquid and the bubbles B circulate through the circulation flow path CP as described above. Here, the bubbles B dissolve in the liquid while circulating through the circulation flow path CP. In particular, the growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment generates a swirling flow in the outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116, thereby increasing the efficiency of dissolving the bubbles B. When the gas dissolved in the liquid is ozone, ozone treatment using ozone is performed. Furthermore, dissolving the gas in the liquid makes it easier for cavitation (fine bubbles), which will be described later, to occur.

[0063] Furthermore, the bubbles B are broken down into finer particles by swirling in the outer flow space 115 and the inner flow space 116 and by being sheared by the blade portions 142 and 152. The more the bubbles B circulate through the circulation flow path CP, the finer the bubbles become. In other words, the growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to be capable of generating fine bubbles. By generating fine bubbles, the efficiency of dissolving the bubbles B can be increased.

[0064] The fine bubbles include microbubbles (bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm) and ultrafine bubbles (bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm).

[0065] Furthermore, during the circulation process of the liquid and the bubbles B, the bubbles B break (B' in FIG. 6). That is, the growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to break the bubbles B by circulating the liquid and the bubbles B in the circulation flow path CP. The breakage of the bubbles B inhibits the growth of organisms present in the liquid (the sludge is pulverized). Note that if the bubbles B are fine bubbles, the impact force generated when the bubbles B break is large.

[0066] Furthermore, in the process of liquid circulation, cavitation (fine bubbles) occurs in the liquid. Specifically, when the liquid is drawn from the outer flow space 115 to the inner flow space 116, the flow rate increases (the pressure of the liquid decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid is released to generate fine bubbles. In particular, when the liquid is drawn from the outer flow space 115 to the inner flow space 116, it flows between the blades 142, so the flow rate further increases and cavitation becomes more likely to occur. The occurrence of this cavitation also causes a crushing process due to erosion (breaking of bubbles).

[0067] That is, the growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate erosion due to cavitation by circulating the liquid and bubbles B in the circulation flow path CP.

[0068] Furthermore, the growth inhibition device 100 is configured to control the size of the bubbles by controlling the pressure of the liquid circulating through the circulation flow path CP, thereby controlling the impact force generated when the bubbles break. Methods for controlling the pressure of the liquid include, for example, controlling the flow rate of the gas supplied to the growth inhibition container 110, and controlling the water depth (the vertical distance from the liquid surface to the liquid bottom) by controlling the amount of liquid that flows in.

[0069] [Discharge process and second supply process] After the circulation in the circulation flow path CP is stopped, the liquid is discharged from the outlet of the growth inhibition container 110. In addition, the liquid discharged from the growth inhibition container 110 is supplied to the liquid storage tank 310 via the liquid supply flow path 320 (see arrow F6 in FIG. 6). The liquid storage tank 310 stores the liquid supplied from the growth inhibition container 110.

[0070] [Advantages of the growth inhibition device according to this embodiment] The growth inhibition device 100 of this embodiment is a growth inhibition device that inhibits the growth of organisms present in a liquid, and is equipped with a growth inhibition container 110 including an outer tube 111 extending along the vertical direction and at least one inner tube 112 provided inside the outer tube 111, and at least one ascending flow generating section 120 that generates an ascending flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space 115 formed between the outer tube 111 and the inner tube 112 or an inner flow space 116 formed inside the inner tube 112, the inner flow space 116 and the outer flow space 115 being connected to each other on the upper and lower sides of the inner tube 112 and configured to be capable of forming a circulation flow path CP that circulates liquid and air bubbles, and the growth inhibition container 110 is configured to break up the air bubbles by circulating the liquid and air bubbles in the circulation flow path CP.

[0071] The growth inhibition device 100 having such a configuration has the advantage that it can crush organisms by the impact force generated when the bubbles break, thereby inhibiting the growth of organisms. In addition, since there is no need to use chemicals, heat, ultrasound, mills, etc., it is possible to inhibit the growth of organisms present in liquids at low cost while reducing the environmental load, and it also has the advantage of being highly reliable and durable. Furthermore, since there is no need to use chemicals, it has the advantage that it can be suitably used for liquids in aquariums, bathtubs (hot springs), etc., where chemicals cannot be used.

[0072] In the growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment, the upward flow generating section 120 is provided with at least one gas release section 122 that releases gas into the outer flow space 115 or the inner flow space 116 below the vertical middle section of the growth inhibition container 110. According to the growth inhibition device 100 having such a configuration, the gas bubbles can be broken simply by releasing the gas from the gas release section 122, so that the growth of organisms present in the liquid can be suppressed at low cost, and there are also advantages in that the device is highly reliable and durable.

[0073] The growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment includes at least one of an inner swirling flow generating section 160 that causes the flow in the inner flow space 116 to swirl, and an outer swirling flow generating section 170 that causes the flow in the outer flow space 115 to swirl. The growth inhibition device 100 having such a configuration has the advantage that it is possible to improve the efficiency of dissolving air bubbles because it is possible to generate a swirling flow. In addition, since the air bubbles swirl, it is also possible to make the air bubbles finer. By making the air bubbles finer, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of dissolving the air bubbles.

[0074] In the growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment, the inner swirling flow generating section 160 and the outer swirling flow generating section 170 are provided with a plurality of blades 142 (or blades 152) arranged at a predetermined interval, and the plurality of blades 142 (or blades 152) have a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 112. The growth inhibition device 100 having such a configuration has an advantage that a swirling flow can be generated simply by flowing the liquid between the blades 142 (or blades 152). In addition, there is an advantage that the bubbles can be made finer because the bubbles are sheared by the blades 142 (or blades 152). By making the bubbles finer, the efficiency of dissolving the bubbles can be further improved.

[0075] In the growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment, the blade portion 142 (or the blade portion 152) is configured to be non-rotatable. According to the growth inhibition device 100 having such a configuration, a swirling flow can be generated without rotating the blade portion 142 (or the blade portion 152), which has the advantage of low costs (e.g., number of parts, power costs, costs associated with part replacement, etc.). In addition, since the blade portion 142 (or the blade portion 152) does not rotate, there is also the advantage that foreign matter does not get caught on the blade portion 142 (or the blade portion 152).

[0076] The growth inhibition device 100 according to this embodiment includes a top plate portion 151 provided opposite the upper opening 112a of the inner cylinder 112, and the bottom surface of the top plate portion 151 has an inclined surface 151a that is inclined downward at the center in the planar direction. The growth inhibition device 100 having such a configuration has the advantage that the liquid can be circulated efficiently because the rising liquid flows along the inclined surface 151a.

[0077] [Variations] The growth inhibition device, liquid purification system, and growth inhibition method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the upper swirl flow generating section 150 has been described as including the top plate portion 151, but is not limited thereto and may not include the top plate portion 151. Moreover, the top plate portion 151 may not include the inclined surface 151a and may be formed in a flat shape.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the growth inhibition device 100 has been described as being equipped with a lower swirling flow generating section 140 and an upper swirling flow generating section 150, but this is not limited to this and the device may be equipped with only one of the sections or neither.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the growth inhibition device 100 has been described as including the top 114 that closes the upper end of the outer cylinder 111 and the exhaust unit 130 that exhausts gas from within the growth inhibition container 110, but is not limited thereto, and may have an open-type configuration in which the top 114 and the exhaust unit 130 are not included and the upper ends of the outer cylinder 111 and the inner cylinder 112 are open. In addition, such an open-type growth inhibition device may be dropped into a pond, the sea, or the like, and used to purify the water of the pond, the sea, or the like. Furthermore, the top 114 may be opened and closed periodically.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the liquid supply mechanism 200 has been described as including the liquid storage tank 210, but this is not limited thereto, and the liquid storage tank 210 may be a biological treatment tank. Similarly, the liquid storage mechanism 300 has been described as including the liquid storage tank 310, but this is not limited thereto, and the liquid storage tank 310 may be a biological treatment tank.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the outer cylinder 111 and the bottom portion 113 are described as being formed independently, but this is not limited thereto, and the outer cylinder 111 and the bottom portion 113 may be integrally formed. Also, for example, the outer cylinder 111, the bottom portion 113, the weight portion 141 and the blade portion 142 may be integrally formed, or the bottom portion 113, the weight portion 141 and the blade portion 142 may be integrally formed, or the weight portion 141 and the blade portion 142 may be integrally formed. Also, the weight portion 141 may not be provided.

[0083] It is apparent from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1: Liquid purification system 100:Growth suppression device 110:Growth suppression container 111: Outer cylinder 112: Inner cylinder 112a: Upper opening 113: Bottom 114:Top 115:Outer flow space 116:Inner flow space 120: Upward flow generation section 121: Gas generating section 122: Gas release section 123: Gas supply section 124: Connection 130: Discharge section 131:Cylinder part 131a:Inflow hole 132: Holding part 132a: Mounting hole 132b: Insertion hole 140: Lower swirl flow generation section 141: Weight section 142: Wing 143: Support part 143a: Insertion groove 143b: Pipe section 143c: Attached part 143d:Outflow hole 150: Upper swirl flow generation section 151: Top plate 151a: Inclined surface 151b:Communication hole 151c:Protrusion 152: Wing 153: Mounting part 153a: Mounting groove 160: Inner swirl flow generating section 170:Outer swirl flow generation section 200:Liquid supply mechanism 210: Liquid storage tank 220: Liquid supply channel 300: Liquid storage mechanism 310: Liquid storage tank 320: Liquid supply channel B: Air bubbles CP: Circulation channel

Claims

1. A growth inhibition device for inhibiting the growth of organisms present in a liquid, comprising: a growth inhibition container including an outer cylinder extending along a vertical direction and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder; at least one upward flow generating unit that generates an upward flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or in an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder; at least one of an inner swirling flow generating section that causes the flow in the inner flow space to swirl and an outer swirling flow generating section that causes the flow in the outer flow space to swirl; Equipped with the inner flow space and the outer flow space are connected to each other at the upper side and the lower side of the inner cylinder, and are configured to be capable of forming a circulation flow path that circulates the liquid and the bubbles, The growth inhibition container is configured to break down bubbles by circulating the liquid and the bubbles in the circulation flow path, The inner swirl flow generating portion and the outer swirl flow generating portion each include a plurality of blade portions provided at predetermined intervals, The plurality of blade portions have a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder. Growth suppression device.

2. The upward flow generating section includes at least one gas releasing section that releases gas into the outer flow space or the inner flow space below a vertical middle portion of the growth inhibition container. The growth inhibition device according to claim 1.

3. The blade portion is configured to be non-rotatable. The growth inhibition device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A top plate portion is provided opposite to an upper opening of the inner cylinder, The lower surface of the top plate portion has an inclined surface that is inclined downward at the center in the planar direction. The growth inhibition device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. 1. A liquid purification system for purifying a liquid, comprising: A growth suppression device is provided for suppressing the growth of organisms present in the liquid, The growth inhibition device includes: At least one growth inhibition container including an outer cylinder extending along a vertical direction and an inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder; at least one upward flow generating unit that generates an upward flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or in an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder; at least one of an inner swirling flow generating section that causes the flow in the inner flow space to swirl and an outer swirling flow generating section that causes the flow in the outer flow space to swirl; having the inner flow space and the outer flow space are connected to each other at the upper side and the lower side of the inner cylinder, and are configured to be capable of forming a circulation flow path that circulates the liquid and the bubbles, The growth inhibition container is configured to break down bubbles by circulating the liquid and the bubbles in the circulation flow path, The inner swirl flow generating portion and the outer swirl flow generating portion each include a plurality of blade portions provided at predetermined intervals, The plurality of blade portions have a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder. Liquid purification system.

6. A growth inhibition method for inhibiting the growth of organisms present in a liquid, comprising the steps of: an inflow step of injecting the liquid into a growth inhibition container including an outer cylinder extending along a vertical direction and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder; a circulating step of circulating the liquid and the air bubbles by generating an upward flow containing air bubbles in an outer flow space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder or in an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder; Including, In the circulating step, at least one of the flow in the inner flow space and the flow in the outer flow space is made to swirl by a plurality of blade portions provided at predetermined intervals, The plurality of blade portions have a shape curved in a circumferential direction of the inner cylinder, In the circulating step, the air bubbles are broken down in the liquid. Growth suppression method.

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