Separation device and separation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separation device and a separation method that can realize separation of objects to be separated at low cost. [Solution] A separation device for separating objects to be separated, comprising a separation container including an outer tube extending along the vertical direction and at least one inner tube provided inside the outer tube, and at least one upward flow generating section for generating an upward flow including 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 being connected at the upper and lower sides of the inner tube and configured to be capable of forming a circulation flow path for circulating the objects to be separated and the air bubbles, and the upward flow generating section being configured to be capable of stopping the circulation of the objects to be separated and the air bubbles.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation device and a separation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a pressurized flotation device that generates air bubbles in a liquid to be treated stored in a flotation tank and causes suspended solids in the liquid to adhere to the generated air bubbles, thereby separating the liquid to be treated from the suspended solids (Patent Document 1, etc.). The pressurized flotation device described in Patent Document 1 generates air bubbles by mixing raw water pressurized by a pressure pump with air supplied from a compressor to generate mixed water, and releasing the generated mixed water from an outlet in the flotation tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-147854 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the pressure flotation device described in Patent Document 1 requires a pressure pump to pressurize the raw water in order to generate air bubbles in the liquid being treated, which results in high manufacturing and running costs.

[0005] The present invention relates to a separation device and a separation method that can realize separation of objects to be separated at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The separation device of the present invention is a separation device for separating objects to be separated, and comprises a separation 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 for generating an upward flow including 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 being connected to each other at the upper and lower sides of the inner tube and configured to be capable of forming a circulation flow path for circulating the objects to be separated and the air bubbles, and the upward flow generating section being configured to be capable of stopping the circulation of the objects to be separated and the air bubbles.

[0007] In the separation apparatus 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 separation container.

[0008] The separation device according to the present invention may include a top plate portion provided opposite an 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 a planar direction.

[0009] The separation device according to the present invention may include at least one of an inner swirling flow generating section that causes the flow in the inner flow space to become a swirling flow, and an outer swirling flow generating section that causes the flow in the outer flow space to become a swirling flow.

[0010] In the separation 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.

[0011] In the separating device according to the present invention, the blade portion may be configured to be non-rotatable.

[0012] The separation method of the present invention is a method for separating a separation target, and includes an inflow step of inflowing the separation target into a separation container including an outer tube extending along a vertical direction and at least one inner tube provided inside the outer tube, a circulation step of circulating the separation target and the air 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 a stopping step of stopping the circulation of the separation target and the air bubbles. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the separation device and separation method of the present invention, separation of the objects to be separated can be realized at low cost. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the separation device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the separation device according to the 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 a separation flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] 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.

[0016] [Overall configuration of the separation device] The separation device according to the present embodiment is a separation device that separates a separation target. An example of the separation target is a solid-liquid mixture. When the separation target is a solid-liquid mixture, the separation device separates the solid-liquid mixture into a solid and a liquid. Examples of solid-liquid mixtures include, but are not limited to, any liquid, such as a liquid containing sludge, a liquid mixed with powder, or a liquid containing sand or gravel.

[0017] The separation device according to the present embodiment may be used in combination with other separation methods or devices. Examples of other separation methods include a method of capturing solid components with a filter, a method of precipitating or floating solid components, and a method of adsorbing solid components to an adsorbent. Examples of methods for precipitating solid components include a static precipitation method, a coagulation precipitation method in which a coagulant is added, and an electric precipitation method in which solid components are coagulated by charging. Examples of methods for floating solid components include a normal pressure flotation method using an air bubble agent or air bubble assistant, and a pressure flotation method using fine air bubbles. These methods can also be combined as appropriate.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the separation device 1 includes a separation container 10 for separating the objects to be separated, an ascending flow generating section 20 for generating an ascending flow containing air bubbles inside the separation container 10, a discharge section 30 for discharging the waste material inside the separation container 10, a lower swirling flow generating section 40 provided below the inner cylinder 12 described later, and an upper swirling flow generating section 50 provided above the inner cylinder 12 described later.

[0019] [Configuration of separation container] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the separation container 10 has an outer cylinder 11 extending along the vertical direction, and an inner cylinder 12 provided inside the outer cylinder 11.

[0020] In this specification, "vertical" includes both completely vertical and approximately vertical. "Approximately vertical" means a slight inclination with respect to the vertical, specifically, an inclination to the extent that does not impede the function and effect of the separation device 1.

[0021] The outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 are each formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and lower end. The outer diameter of the inner cylinder 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 11. The vertical length of the inner cylinder 12 is also shorter than the vertical length of the outer cylinder 11. In this embodiment, only one inner cylinder 12 is provided, but this is not limited thereto, and two or more inner cylinders 12 may be provided.

[0022] The shapes of the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 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.

[0023] The separation container 10 has a bottom 13 that closes the lower end of the outer cylinder 11, and a top 14 that closes the upper end of the outer cylinder 11. The bottom 13 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper end. The bottom 13 is configured to close the lower end of the outer cylinder 11 by fitting the lower end of the outer cylinder 11 into it. The top 14 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape with an open lower end. The top 14 is configured to close the upper end of the outer cylinder 11 by fitting the upper end of the outer cylinder 11 into it.

[0024] The separation container 10 also has an outer flow space 15 formed between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12, and an inner flow space 16 formed inside the inner cylinder 12. The outer flow space 15 and the inner flow space 16 communicate with each other above and below the inner cylinder 12, and are configured to be capable of forming a circulation flow path CP that circulates the objects to be separated and air bubbles.

[0025] [Configuration of the upward flow generation section] 1 to 3, the upward flow generating section 20 has a gas generating section 21 that generates gas, a gas releasing section 22 that releases the gas generated in the gas generating section 21 into the outer flow space 15 or the inner flow space 16, a gas supplying section 23 that supplies the gas generated in the gas generating section 21 to the gas releasing section 22, and a connecting section 24 that connects the gas releasing section 22 and the gas supplying section 23. In this embodiment, only one upward flow generating section 20 is provided, but this is not limited thereto, and two or more may be provided.

[0026] The gas generating unit 21 is, for example, a fan or a blower. The gas generating unit 21 has a switch 21a that starts or stops the generation of gas. In other words, the switch 21a is configured to be able to start or stop the release of gas by the gas releasing unit 22.

[0027] The gas release section 22 is, for example, a tube, and is configured to allow gas to flow. One end of the gas release section 22 is connected to the connection section 24, and the other end of the gas release section 22 is connected to an attached section 43c of the support section 43, which will be described later. Therefore, the gas release section 22 according to this embodiment is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 16. Specifically, the gas release section 22 is configured to release gas into the inner flow space 16 via the support section 43, which will be described later.

[0028] From the viewpoint of generating an upward flow, the other end of the gas release section 22 only needs to be located below the vertical middle part of the separation container 10, and may be connected to, for example, the outer cylinder 11 or the inner cylinder 12. When the other end of the gas release section 22 is connected to the outer cylinder 11, the gas release section 22 is configured to release gas into the outer flow space 15.

[0029] The gas supply unit 23 is, for example, a tube, and is configured to be able to flow gas. One end of the gas supply unit 23 is connected to the gas generation unit 21, and the other end of the gas supply unit 23 is connected to the connection unit 24. The connection unit 24 is, for example, a tube joint, and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top 14.

[0030] The upward flow generating section 20 having the above configuration is configured to generate an upward flow containing air bubbles in the inner flow space 16 by the gas release section 22 releasing gas into the inner flow space 16. When the gas release section 22 releases gas into the outer flow space 15, the upward flow generating section 20 generates an upward flow containing air bubbles in the outer flow space 15.

[0031] Furthermore, the upward flow generating section 20 is configured to stop the circulation of the separation target and the air bubbles in the circulation flow path CP at any or a predetermined timing by the switch 21a stopping the release of the gas by the gas release section 22. The stopping by the switch 21a may be performed manually or automatically. Examples of a method for automatically stopping by the switch 21a include a method of turning off the switch 21a after a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch 21a was turned on, and a method of turning off the switch 21a after a predetermined flow rate has been released since the switch 21a was turned on, but the method is not limited thereto.

[0032] [Exhaust section configuration] 1 and 2, the discharge part 30 has a tubular part 31 that discharges the discharged matter in the separation container 10, and a holding part 32 that holds the tubular part 31. The discharged matter may be, for example, a surplus matter (e.g., gas, liquid, etc.) that exceeds the volume of the separation container 10.

[0033] The cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the top portion 14. That is, the upper end of the cylindrical portion 31 is located outside the separation container 10, and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31 is located inside the separation container 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical portion 31 may be formed by connecting two or more tubes, or may be composed of one tube. The cylindrical portion 31 has a plurality of inflow holes 31a that allow the gas in the separation container 10 to flow into the cylindrical portion 31. The inflow holes 31a are provided in a portion of the cylindrical portion 31 that is located inside the separation container 10 (in this embodiment, below the axial middle portion of the cylindrical portion 31), and are provided along both the axial and circumferential directions of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0034] The holding part 32 is formed in a disk shape, and has a mounting hole 32a in the center for mounting the tube part 31. The holding part 32 also has insertion holes 32b at both radial ends for inserting protrusions 51c formed on the upper end of the top plate part 51 described later. The holding part 32 is configured to hold the tube part 31 by inserting the lower end of the tube part 31 into the mounting hole 32a. The holding part 32 is also configured to be attached to the upper end of the top plate part 51 by inserting the protrusions 51c into the insertion hole 32b. The holding part 32 is attached to the upper end of the top plate part 51, so that the inner tube 12 can be prevented from floating up. The holding part 32 may be omitted, or may be formed integrally with the upper swirling flow generating part 50 described later.

[0035] The discharge unit 30 having the above configuration is configured to discharge the discharged material that has flowed into the tubular portion 31 from the lower end of the tubular portion 31 and the inlet hole 31a of the tubular portion 31 to the outside of the separation container 10. The discharged material discharged from the discharge unit 30 can be supplied to, for example, any storage tank. Note that, for example, suction may be performed from the discharge unit 30 side to reduce the pressure in the separation container 10. This can increase the flow rate of the separation objects and air bubbles circulating through the circulation flow path CP.

[0036] [Configuration of lower swirl flow generation section] As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the lower swirling flow generating section 40 has a weight section 41 placed on the bottom surface of the bottom portion 13, a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) blade sections 42 (lower blade sections) arranged at predetermined intervals around the circumferential direction of the inner tube 12, and a support section 43 capable of supporting the inner tube 12.

[0037] The blades 42 are provided on the upper surface of the weight portion 41 and are configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade 42 extends along the radial direction of the inner cylinder 12 and has a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 12. That is, the blades 42 are provided radially with the axis of the inner cylinder 12 as the center.

[0038] The inner end of each blade 42 in the extension direction is located within the area of ​​the inner cylinder 12 in a plan view. Meanwhile, the outer end of each blade 42 in the extension direction is located within the area between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 in a plan view. Also, each blade 42 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 15 or the flow from the inner flow space 16 can be swirled efficiently without being obstructed.

[0039] The support part 43 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 43 has an insertion groove 43a at its upper end into which the lower end of the inner tube 12 can be inserted. The insertion groove 43a is formed in a concave shape that is recessed downward from the upper end of the support part 43. The support part 43 is configured to support the inner tube 12 by inserting the lower end of the inner tube 12 into the insertion groove 43a.

[0040] The support portion 43 has, at its lower end portion, an annular pipe portion 43b that surrounds the periphery of the blade portion 42. The support portion 43 also has a mounting portion 43c to which the gas release portion 22 is mounted.

[0041] The pipe section 43b is formed in a tubular shape having an internal space capable of flowing the gas supplied from the gas release section 22. Outlet holes 43d for discharging the gas supplied from the gas release section 22 are formed in the inner peripheral section (the end section on the blade section 42 side) of the pipe section 43b. In this embodiment, the outlet holes 43d are a plurality of openings formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe section 43b. The outlet holes 43d may be a single opening or may be an annular opening extending along the circumferential direction of the pipe section 43b.

[0042] The mounting portion 43c is formed to extend upward from a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe portion 43b, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and lower end. Therefore, the gas supplied from the gas release portion 22 flows through the mounting portion 43c and is supplied to the pipe portion 43b. The support portion 43 is configured to be connected to the gas release portion 22 by inserting the mounting portion 43c into the other end of the gas release portion 22.

[0043] The support part 43 having the above-mentioned configuration is provided between the upper surface of the weight part 41 and the lower end of the inner tube 12, and is configured to communicate the outer flow space 15 and the inner flow space 16 between the lower end of the support part 43 and the upper surface of the weight part 41. Specifically, the support part 43 is attached to the weight part 41 by fixing a plurality of fixing parts (not shown) extending from the outer periphery (end part on the outer tube 11 side) of the tube part 43b to the outer edge part of the weight part 41. Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the support part 43 includes the tube part 43b and the attached part 43c has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the support part 43 may be configured not to include these.

[0044] [Configuration of the upper swirl flow generating section] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the upper swirling flow generating section 50 has a top plate section 51 arranged opposite the upper opening 12a of the inner tube 12, a plurality of (six in this embodiment) blade sections 52 (upper blade sections) arranged at a predetermined interval around the circumferential direction of the inner tube 12, and an attachment section 53 that can be attached to the inner tube 12.

[0045] The top plate portion 51 has a circular planar shape. The top plate portion 51 has an inclined surface 51a that is inclined downward at the center in the planar direction. That is, the top plate portion 51 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 separation target and air bubbles, it is sufficient that at least the lower surface of the top plate portion 51 has the inclined surface 51a.

[0046] A communication hole 51b that communicates with the inner flow space 16 and the internal space of the tube portion 31 is formed in the center of the top plate portion 51 in the planar direction. In addition, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) protrusions 51c that are inserted into the insertion holes 32b of the holder 32 are formed on the upper end of the top plate portion 51.

[0047] The blades 52 are provided on the lower surface of the top plate 51. Specifically, the blades 52 are formed to extend downward from the lower surface of the top plate 51 and are configured to be non-rotatable. Each blade 52 extends along the radial direction of the inner tube 12 and has a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner tube 12. That is, the blades 52 are provided radially around the axis of the inner tube 12.

[0048] The curvature direction of the blade portion 52 may be the same as or different from the curvature direction of the blade portion 42, but from the viewpoint of efficiently swirling the objects to be separated and the air bubbles, it is preferable that they are the same.

[0049] The inner end of each blade 52 in the extension direction is located within the area of ​​the inner cylinder 12 in a bottom view. On the other hand, the outer end of each blade 52 in the extension direction is located within the area between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 in a bottom view. Also, each blade 52 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 15 or the flow from the inner flow space 16 can be swirled efficiently without being obstructed.

[0050] The mounting portion 53 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the periphery of the lower end of the blade portion 52. That is, the upper swirl flow generating portion 50 according to this embodiment is configured to communicate the outer flow space 15 and the inner flow space 16 between the lower surface of the top plate portion 51, the surface of the blade portion 52, and the inner peripheral portion of the mounting portion 53 (the end portion on the blade portion 52 side).

[0051] The mounting portion 53 has a mounting groove 53a into whose lower end the upper end of the inner tube 12 can be inserted. The mounting groove 53a is formed in a concave shape that is recessed upward from the lower end of the mounting portion 53. The mounting portion 53 is configured to be attached to the inner tube 12 by inserting the upper end of the inner tube 12 into the mounting groove 53a.

[0052] [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 40 or the upper swirling flow generating section 50 functions as an inner swirling flow generating section 60 that turns the flow in the inner flow space 16 into a swirling flow. The other either the lower swirling flow generating section 40 or the upper swirling flow generating section 50 functions as an outer swirling flow generating section 70 that turns the flow in the outer flow space 15 into a swirling flow.

[0053] Whether the lower swirling flow generating section 40 and the upper swirling flow generating section 50 function as the inner swirling flow generating section 60 or the outer swirling flow generating section 70 depends on the position where the upward flow generating section 20 generates an upward flow. Specifically, when the upward flow generating section 20 generates an upward flow in the inner flow space 16, the lower swirling flow generating section 40 functions as the inner swirling flow generating section 60, and the upper swirling flow generating section 50 functions as the outer swirling flow generating section 70. On the other hand, when the upward flow generating section 20 generates an upward flow in the outer flow space 15, the lower swirling flow generating section 40 functions as the outer swirling flow generating section 70, and the upper swirling flow generating section 50 functions as the inner swirling flow generating section 60.

[0054] [Separation method] Next, a separation method using the separation device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The separation method according to this embodiment includes an inflow step of inflowing the objects to be separated into the separation container 10, a circulation step of circulating the objects to be separated and the gas bubbles B, and a stop step of stopping the circulation of the objects to be separated and the gas bubbles B. In the following description, a case of separating a solid-liquid mixture will be described as an example.

[0055] [Inflow process] The solid-liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into the separation vessel 10. The solid-liquid mixture may be introduced from the upper end of the outer cylinder 11 by removing the top 14, or may be introduced from an inlet (not shown) provided in the outer cylinder 11.

[0056] [Circulation process] As shown in FIG. 6, an upward flow containing gas bubbles B is generated in the inner flow space 16 (see arrow F1 in FIG. 6). Specifically, first, gas generation is started by the switch 21a of the gas generation unit 21, and the generated gas is supplied to the gas release unit 22 via the gas supply unit 23 and the connection unit 24. Next, the gas release unit 22 releases the gas into the inner flow space 16 via the support unit 43. As a result, an upward flow containing gas bubbles B is generated in the inner flow space 16. Note that the gas released into the inner flow space 16 flows between the blade units 42 and swirls, so that a swirling upward flow is generated in the inner flow space 16. That is, the solid-liquid mixture and gas bubbles B in the inner flow space 16 rise in the inner flow space 16 while swirling.

[0057] When the solid-liquid mixture in the inner fluidization space 16 rises in the inner fluidization space 16, the solid-liquid mixture in the outer fluidization space 15 is drawn into the inner fluidization space 16 (see arrow F2 in FIG. 6), and a downward flow is generated in the outer fluidization space 15 (see arrow F3 in FIG. 6). The solid-liquid mixture drawn from the outer fluidization space 15 to the inner fluidization space 16 flows between the blade sections 42, and therefore rises in the inner fluidization space 16 while swirling, coupled with the swirling force of the gas released from the gas release section 22.

[0058] On the other hand, the solid-liquid mixture and gas bubbles B rising in the inner flow space 16 rise to the top plate portion 51, then flow along the inclined surface 51a of the top plate portion 51 into the outer flow space 15, and descend through the outer flow space 15 (see arrow F4 in FIG. 6). Note that the solid-liquid mixture and gas bubbles B flowing into the outer flow space 15 swirl as they flow between the blade portions 52, and thus a swirling downward flow is generated in the outer flow space 15. That is, the solid-liquid mixture and gas bubbles B in the outer flow space 15 descend through the outer flow space 15 while swirling.

[0059] The solid-liquid mixture and the bubbles B circulate through the circulation flow path CP as described above. In this circulation process, when the solid-liquid mixture and the bubbles B are drawn from the outer flow space 15 to the inner flow space 16, the flow rate increases (the pressure decreases), and the bubbles B become finer. Furthermore, the bubbles B circulating through the circulation flow path CP become finer by swirling in the inner flow space 16 and the outer flow space 15 and by being sheared by the blade portions 42 and 52. In other words, the more the bubbles B circulate through the circulation flow path CP, the finer they become.

[0060] In this way, the separation device 1 according to this embodiment is configured to be capable of generating fine bubbles. By generating fine bubbles, the total surface area of ​​the bubbles generated in the separation device 1 increases, thereby improving the separation performance. Note that 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).

[0061] [Stopping process] The generation of gas is stopped at any or a predetermined timing by the switch 21a of the gas generation unit 21. Then, the release of gas by the gas release unit 22 is stopped, and the circulation of the solid-liquid mixture and the gas bubbles B in the circulation flow path CP is stopped.

[0062] When the circulation stops, the bubbles B rise in the inner flow space 16 and the outer flow space 15 while adsorbing suspended matter (solids) in the solid-liquid mixture. This allows the solid-liquid mixture to be separated into solids and liquid.

[0063] [Advantages of the separation device according to this embodiment] The separation device 1 of this embodiment is a separation device for separating objects to be separated, and comprises a separation container 10 including an outer tube 11 extending along the vertical direction and at least one inner tube 12 provided inside the outer tube 11, and at least one ascending flow generating section 20 for generating an ascending flow including air bubbles in an outer flow space 15 formed between the outer tube 11 and the inner tube 12 or an inner flow space 16 formed inside the inner tube 12, the inner flow space 16 and the outer flow space 15 being connected to each other on the upper and lower sides of the inner tube 12 and configured to be capable of forming a circulation flow path CP for circulating the objects to be separated and the air bubbles, and the ascending flow generating section 20 is configured to be capable of stopping the circulation of the objects to be separated and the air bubbles.

[0064] According to the separation device 1 having such a configuration, after the circulation of the objects to be separated and the air bubbles is stopped, the air bubbles rise in the inner flow space 16 and the outer flow space 15 while adsorbing the suspended solids in the objects to be separated, which is advantageous in that the objects to be separated can be separated. In addition, since it is not necessary to use a pressure pump for pressurizing the raw water to generate the air bubbles, separation of the objects to be separated can be achieved at low cost, and there are also advantages in that reliability and durability are high. Furthermore, since there is no need to use a pressure pump, there is no need to use a nozzle, which is advantageous in that there is no need to replace the nozzle due to wear.

[0065] In addition, according to the separation device 1 of this embodiment, the inside of the separation container 10 can be cleaned efficiently and at low cost. That is, even if a highly viscous object adheres to the inside of the separation container 10 and manual cleaning is difficult, it is possible to remove the adhered object from the separation container 10 by simply supplying a liquid (tap water, etc.) to the separation container 10 and performing the above-mentioned circulation process. Similarly, it is possible to separate and clean the dirt from the object to be cleaned by simply putting the object to be cleaned (dirty container, etc.) into the separation container 10 and supplying a liquid (tap water, etc.) to the separation container 10 and performing the above-mentioned circulation process. With such a function, the separation device 1 of this embodiment can also be used as a cleaning device that can be easily cleaned. In particular, since there is no need to use chemicals for cleaning, it can also be used as a food and beverage-related facility. In addition, since there is no need to provide a reduction section in the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12, cleaning can be performed without clogging.

[0066] In the separation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the upward flow generating section 20 is provided with at least one gas release section 22 that releases gas into the outer flow space 15 or the inner flow space 16 below the vertical middle section of the separation container 10. According to the separation device 1 having such a configuration, an upward flow containing air bubbles can be generated simply by releasing gas from the gas release section 22, and since the objects to be separated and the air bubbles can be circulated, there are advantages in that the objects to be separated can be separated at low cost and that the device is also highly reliable and durable.

[0067] The separation device 1 according to this embodiment includes a top plate portion 51 provided opposite the upper opening 12a of the inner cylinder 12, and the bottom surface of the top plate portion 51 has an inclined surface 51a that inclines downward toward the center in the planar direction. The separation device 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that the separated objects that are raised flow along the inclined surface 51a, and therefore the separated objects can be circulated efficiently.

[0068] The separation device 1 according to this embodiment includes at least one of an inner swirling flow generating section 60 that causes the flow in the inner flow space 16 to swirl, and an outer swirling flow generating section 70 that causes the flow in the outer flow space 15 to swirl. The separation device 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that the objects to be separated and the air bubbles can be easily circulated by the swirling flow. In addition, since the air bubbles swirl, there is also the advantage that the air bubbles can be made finer. By making the air bubbles finer, the total surface area of ​​the air bubbles increases, and therefore separation performance can be improved.

[0069] In the separation device 1 according to this embodiment, the inner swirling flow generating section 60 and the outer swirling flow generating section 70 are provided with a plurality of blade sections 42 (or blade sections 52) provided at a predetermined interval, and the plurality of blade sections 42 (or blade sections 52) have a shape curved in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 12. The separation device 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that a swirling flow can be generated simply by moving the separation target between the blade sections 42 (or blade sections 52). In addition, since the air bubbles are sheared by the blade sections 42 (or blade sections 52), there is also the advantage that the air bubbles can be made fine. By making the air bubbles finer, the total surface area of ​​the air bubbles increases, and therefore separation performance can be improved. In addition, since not only the air bubbles but also solids are sheared by the blade sections 42 (or blade sections 52), there is also the advantage that the solids are made finer and easier to float.

[0070] In the separation device 1 according to this embodiment, the blade portion 42 (or the blade portion 52) is configured to be non-rotatable. According to the separation device 1 having such a configuration, a swirling flow can be generated without rotating the blade portion 42 (or the blade portion 52), which has the advantage of low costs (e.g., the number of parts, power costs, costs associated with part replacement, etc.). Another advantage is that the blade portion 42 (or the blade portion 52) does not rotate, which prevents foreign matter from getting caught in the blade portion 42 (or the blade portion 52).

[0071] [Variations] The separation device and separation method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the upper swirl flow generating section 50 has been described as including the top plate portion 51, but is not limited thereto and may not include the top plate portion 51. Moreover, the top plate portion 51 may not include the inclined surface 51a and may be formed in a flat shape.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the separation device 1 has been described as including a lower swirling flow generating section 40 and an upper swirling flow generating section 50, but this is not limited to this and the separation device 1 may include only one of the sections or neither of the sections.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the separation device 1 has been described as having a top 14 that closes the upper end of the outer tube 11 and an exhaust section 30 that exhausts gas from within the separation container 10, but is not limited to this and may be configured as an open-to-atmosphere type in which the top 14 and exhaust section 30 are not provided and the upper ends of the outer tube 11 and inner tube 12 are open.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the outer tube 11 and the bottom portion 13 are described as being formed independently, but this is not limited thereto, and the outer tube 11 and the bottom portion 13 may be integrally formed. Also, for example, the outer tube 11, the bottom portion 13, the weight portion 41 and the blade portion 42 may be integrally formed, or the bottom portion 13, the weight portion 41 and the blade portion 42 may be integrally formed, or the weight portion 41 and the blade portion 42 may be integrally formed. Also, the weight portion 41 does not have to be provided.

[0076] It is apparent from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1: Separation device 10: Separation container 11: Outer cylinder 12: Inner cylinder 12a: Upper opening 13: Bottom 14:Top 15:Outer flow space 16:Inner flow space 20: Upward flow generation section 21: Gas generating section 21a: Switch 22: Gas release section 23: Gas supply section 24: Connection part 30: Discharge section 31:Cylinder part 31a:Inflow hole 32: Holding part 32a: Mounting hole 32b: Insertion hole 40: Lower swirl flow generation section 41: Weight section 42: Wing 43: Support part 43a: Insertion groove 43b: Pipe section 43c: Attached part 43d:Outflow hole 50: Upper swirl flow generation section 51: Top plate 51a: Inclined surface 51b:Communication hole 51c:Protrusion 52: Wing 53: Mounting part 53a: Mounting groove 60: Inner swirl flow generating section 70:Outer swirl flow generation section B: Air bubbles CP: Circulation channel

Claims

1. A separation device for separating objects to be separated, A separation 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 which causes the flow in the inner flow space to swirl along the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder and an outer swirling flow generating section which causes the flow in the outer flow space to swirl along the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder; 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 for circulating the separation objects and the air bubbles, The upward flow generating section is configured to be capable of stopping the circulation of the separation target and the air bubbles. Separation device.

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

3. 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. A separation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 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. A separation device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The blade portion is configured to be non-rotatable. The separation device according to claim 4.

6. A separation method for separating a separation target, comprising the steps of: an inflow step of injecting the separation target into a separation container including an outer cylinder extending along a vertical direction and at least one inner cylinder provided inside the outer cylinder; a circulation step of circulating the separation target 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 an inner flow space formed inside the inner cylinder; a stopping step of stopping the circulation of the separation target and the air bubbles; Including, The circulating step includes at least one of a step of making the flow in the inner flow space swirl along the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder and a step of making the flow in the outer flow space swirl along the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder. Separation method.

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