Ice slurry manufacturing device and ice slurry manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide an ice slurry manufacturing device or the like which produces ice slurry only by pressure and temperature control by using a physiological salt solution, can further increase pressure applied to working fluid, and further enhances an IPF of the ice slurry to be produced so as to significantly improve cooling performance.SOLUTION: A physiological salt solution container 10 is put into a prescribed pressurized state through antifreeze fluid AF by externally applying pressure P thereto through a pressurizing rod 30 inserted into a pressure resistant freezing container 20 after closing a shut-off valve 50 with a fixing section 40 removed. The installation of an entire ice slurry manufacturing device 100 in an external refrigerating mechanism, after fixing the pressurizing rod 30 with the fixing section 40 so as to prevent the same from being pushed back, enables the inside of the physiological salt solution container 10 to be cooled down to a predetermined temperature through the antifreeze fluid AF. Then, ice slurry IS is produced by opening the shut-off valve 50 of the ice slurry manufacturing device 100 after taking the same out from the external refrigerating mechanism and reducing the pressure inside the physiological salt solution container 10 to normal pressure through the antifreeze fluid AF.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice slurry production apparatus and an ice slurry production method for producing ice slurry, and more particularly to an ice slurry production apparatus and an ice slurry production method capable of producing ice slurry from low-concentration sodium brine. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, sherbet-like ice, made by mixing fine ice particles into water or an aqueous solution, known as ice slurry (also known as ice slurry, slurry ice, slush ice, or liquid ice), has been used in a variety of fields. For example, ice slurry is characterized by its high cold density and high fluidity, and is therefore used as a cold source for air conditioning. Ice slurry is also expected to serve as a direct-contact ice pack in the medical field. In particular, in intraperitoneal cryotherapy, crushed ice chips are used to suppress the biological reaction of organs during surgery (see Non-Patent Document 1). By replacing this with ice slurry, which has higher heat storage, fluidity, and adhesion than ice chips, a greater cooling effect can be expected.

[0003] Conventionally, various ice slurry production methods and devices have been proposed, including: (1) a scraping method in which a thin ice layer is formed on the inner surface of a cooling cylinder and then scraped off (see Patent Document 1); (2) a supercooling method in which supercooled water is used to produce ice slurry under precise temperature control (see Patent Document 2); (3) a method in which ice slurry is continuously produced by utilizing the buoyancy of the fine ice pieces produced (see Non-Patent Document 2); (4) a method in which a test solution is decompressed and ice slurry is produced by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation (see Non-Patent Documents 3 and 4); and (5) a method in which ice slurry is produced by stirring and cooling a functional fluid in an emulsion state, which is a mixture of water and oil (see Non-Patent Document 5).

[0004] The scraping method (1) described above has problems such as the large power required to scrape the ice pieces and the need for regular maintenance due to wear of the scraping blade, as well as the difficulty of miniaturization. The supercooling method (2) described above has been put into practical use in relatively large plants, but it requires high-precision temperature control technology to maintain the supercooled state and has the problem of difficulty in controlling the release of supercooling. Most of the ice slurries produced by the conventional methods (3) to (5) described above use glycol-based antifreeze (brine) or a sodium chloride solution with a concentration similar to that of seawater. For this reason, there is a problem in that ice slurries produced with these solutions cannot be used as medical coolants that come into direct contact with living tissue. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, a technology has been proposed that generates ice slurry solely through pressure and temperature control, with application in the medical field in mind (Patent Document 3). Patent Document 3 aims to develop a method and device for generating ice slurry that can use a low-concentration aqueous sodium chloride solution, commonly known as physiological saline. However, due to the characteristics of the device, there is a problem in that the pressure of the working fluid can only be increased to around 25 MPa.

[0006] Figure 3 of Non-Patent Document 6 shows the relationship between applied pressure and freezing point depression for water and sodium chloride aqueous solutions (0.9 wt%, 3.0%). Figure 3 indicates that when the pressure of the working (target) fluid can only be increased to approximately 25 MPa, as in Patent Document 3, using saline (0.9 wt%) results in a maximum degree of supercooling of approximately 2.5°C. Figure 8 of Non-Patent Document 6 shows the relationship between the degree of supercooling for sodium chloride aqueous solutions (0.9 wt%, 3.0%) and the IPF (Ice-packing Factor) of the resulting ice slurry. In Figure 8, "Eq. (3)" refers to Equation 3 in the same document (the equation for calculating the IPF from the specific heat at constant pressure, latent heat of fusion, and degree of supercooling). It is included in the graph of Figure 8 to demonstrate the validity of the experimental values. As shown in Figure 8, the degree of supercooling and the IPF are proportional. As shown in Figure 8, when the degree of supercooling is approximately 2.5°C at most, as in Patent Document 3, the IPF of the generated ice slurry is low, at a maximum of approximately 3 wt%. This poses a problem of insufficient cooling performance depending on the intended use. For example, when cooling organs with ice slurry in laparoscopic surgery in the medical field, the amount of ice slurry that can be supplied to the organ is limited, so if the IPF of the generated ice slurry is low, as in Patent Document 3, the cooling performance for the organ is insufficient.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and is to provide an ice slurry production device and production method that takes into consideration application in the medical field and produces ice slurry by controlling only pressure and temperature using a low-concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution, commonly known as physiological saline, which is harmless to the human body as the working (target) fluid, and that can maintain the pressure on the working (target) fluid even at a higher pressure, thereby increasing the IPF of the produced ice slurry and significantly improving cooling performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The ice slurry production apparatus of this invention comprises a concentrate container filled with ice slurry concentrate, an outer container holding the concentrate container in antifreeze liquid, a pressurizing unit insertable into one end of the outer container while maintaining watertightness, a fixing unit for fixing the pressurizing unit to the outer container, and a valve provided on the other end of the outer container. After the valve is closed, pressure is applied from the outside to the pressurizing unit inserted into the outer container to create a predetermined pressurized state within the concentrate container via the antifreeze liquid. The fixing unit fixes the pressurizing unit's repulsive force against the outside of the outer container, and the entire ice slurry production apparatus is installed in an external refrigeration mechanism, whereby the inside of the concentrate container is cooled to a predetermined temperature via the antifreeze liquid. The ice slurry production apparatus is removed from the external refrigeration mechanism, and a valve is opened to reduce the pressure within the concentrate container to normal pressure via the antifreeze liquid, thereby producing ice slurry.

[0009] Here, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of this invention further comprises a specified pushing tool that pushes the generated ice slurry out of the concentrate container, and after the ice slurry is generated, the fixing part is detached from the outer container side, the concentrate container is removed from the outer container, and the generated ice slurry can be pushed out of the concentrate container by the specified pushing tool.

[0010] In the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the concentrate container and the outer container have a tubular shape, and the outer container has an inner diameter and a tubular length that can accommodate the concentrate container therein via antifreeze liquid, and predetermined Pressurization State The pressure resistance can be such that the pressure can be withstood.

[0011] Here, in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of this invention, the pressurizing part can be rod-shaped with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer container and approximately equal to the outer diameter of the concentrate container, and an O-ring with a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the outer container can be fitted onto the surface of the rod.

[0012] Here, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of this invention further comprises a pressure receiving part having a first pressure receiving device provided on one end side of the outer container and a second pressure receiving device facing the first pressure receiving device, and pressurization inside the concentrate container is achieved by closing the valve, inserting one end side of the pressurizing part into the outer container through the first pressure receiving device, and fitting a second pressure receiving device into the other end side of the pressurizing part, and applying pressure from outside to the second pressure receiving device to create a predetermined pressurized state inside the concentrate container via the antifreeze, and the fixing part has first and second pressure fixing devices that fix the pressure receiving part, and fixing by the fixing part is achieved by fitting the first pressure fixing device and the second pressure fixing device into two side sides of the first pressure receiving device and the second pressure receiving device, respectively, thereby preventing the pressurizing part from repelling the outer container.

[0013] Here, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of this invention further includes a third pressure fixing device that can be inserted between the first pressure fixing device and the second pressure fixing device, and after fixing by the fixing part, the repulsion of the pressure part toward the outside of the outer container can be re-fixed by inserting the third pressure fixing device into the gap between the first pressure fixing device and the second pressure fixing device that is created by the second pressure receiving device moving toward the outer container due to the re-pressure applied to the second pressure receiving device from the outside.

[0014] Here, in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, Pressurized The pressure may be at least 100 MPa.

[0015] In the ice slurry production apparatus of the present invention, the ice slurry stock solution may be a low-concentration aqueous sodium chloride solution.

[0016] In the ice slurry producing apparatus of the present invention, the antifreeze liquid may be a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride.

[0017] The ice slurry production method of the present invention is a method for producing ice slurry using an ice slurry production device comprising: a concentrate container filled with ice slurry concentrate; an outer container holding the concentrate container in an antifreeze solution inside; a pressurizing unit that can be inserted into the outer container from one end side while maintaining watertightness; a fixing unit that can fix the pressurizing unit to the outer container side; and a valve provided on the other end side of the outer container, wherein after the valve is closed, the pressurizing unit is inserted into the outer container and pressure is applied to the pressurizing unit from the outside. The ice slurry production system is characterized by comprising a pressurizing step of bringing the inside of the concentrate container to a predetermined pressurized state via the antifreeze liquid, a fixing step of fixing the pressurizing part to prevent the outer container from rebounding outward using the fixing part, a cooling step of placing the entire ice slurry production device in an external refrigeration mechanism and cooling the inside of the concentrate container to a predetermined temperature via the antifreeze liquid, and an ice slurry production step of opening a valve of the ice slurry production device removed from the external refrigeration mechanism and reducing the pressure inside the concentrate container to normal pressure, thereby producing ice slurry.

[0018] Here, the ice slurry manufacturing method of the present invention can further include, after the ice slurry production step, a concentrate container removal step of removing the fixing part and removing the concentrate container from the outer container, and an ice slurry extrusion step of extruding the ice slurry produced in the ice slurry production step from the concentrate container removed in the concentrate container removal step using a specified extrusion tool.

[0019] Here, in the ice slurry manufacturing method of the present invention, the concentrate container and the outer container have a tubular shape, and the outer container has an inner diameter and tubular length that can accommodate the concentrate container inside with antifreeze liquid interposed therebetween, and can have pressure resistance that can withstand the predetermined pressure in the pressurizing step.

[0020] Here, in the ice slurry manufacturing method of the present invention, the pressurizing part can be rod-shaped with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer container and approximately equal to the outer diameter of the concentrate container, and an O-ring with a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the outer container can be fitted onto the surface of the rod.

[0021] Here, the ice slurry manufacturing method of this invention further includes a pressure receiving part having a first pressure receiving device provided on one end side of the outer container into which the pressurizing part is inserted, and a second pressure receiving device facing the first pressure receiving device, and the pressurizing step involves closing the valve, inserting one end side of the pressurizing part into the outer container through the first pressure receiving device, and applying pressure from the outside to the second pressure receiving device fitted into the other end side of the pressurizing part, thereby creating a predetermined pressurized state inside the concentrate container via the antifreeze liquid, and the fixing part has first and second pressure fixing devices that fix the pressure receiving part, and the fixing step can fix the repulsion of the pressurizing part toward the outside of the outer container by fitting a first pressure fixing device and a second pressure fixing device into two side sides of the first pressure receiving device and the second pressure receiving device, respectively.

[0022] Here, the ice slurry manufacturing method of this invention can further include a re-application step of re-applying pressure to the second pressure receiving device from the outside after the fixing step, and a re-fixing step of re-fixing the repulsion of the pressure applying section toward the outside of the outer container by inserting a third pressure fixing device into the gap between the first pressure fixing device and the second pressure fixing device created by the movement of the second pressure receiving device toward the outer container by the re-application step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the ice slurry production apparatus and method of the present invention, after the fixing unit is removed and the shutoff valve is closed, a pressure rod is inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container, and pressure is applied to the inserted pressure rod from the outside. This pressure application creates a predetermined pressurized state inside the physiological saline container via antifreeze. Next, the fixing unit fixes the pressure rod's repulsive force against the outside of the pressure-resistant freezing container. The entire ice slurry production apparatus is then placed inside an external refrigeration mechanism, and the physiological saline container is cooled to a predetermined temperature via the antifreeze. The shutoff valve of the ice slurry production apparatus removed from the external refrigeration mechanism is opened, and the pressure inside the physiological saline container is reduced to normal (atmospheric) pressure via the antifreeze, thereby producing ice slurry from the ice slurry stock solution. That is, the ice slurry production apparatus and method of the present invention are characterized in that the ice slurry stock solution is surrounded by antifreeze, and the antifreeze is pressurized, cooled, and reduced in pressure, i.e., by pressure and temperature control alone, to produce ice slurry. The pressure-resistant freezing container is made with a stainless steel nozzle with enhanced pressure resistance, and is capable of withstanding pressures of at least approximately 100 MPa. Therefore, when the pressure-resistant freezing container is pressurized, it is possible to increase and maintain the pressure up to at least approximately 100 MPa. As a result, in consideration of applications in the medical field, an ice slurry production device and production method that produces ice slurry solely by controlling pressure and temperature using a low-concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution (normal saline solution) that is harmless to the human body as the working (target) fluid can maintain the pressure on the working (target) fluid even at higher pressures, thereby increasing the IPF of the produced ice slurry and significantly improving cooling performance can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of an ice slurry production apparatus 100 of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of an ice slurry production apparatus 100 of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a photograph showing an ice slurry production apparatus 100. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing step 1 (assembly step 1) of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing step 2 (assembly step 2) of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing step 3 (assembly step 3) of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing step 4 (pressurizing step) of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 8] 1 is a photograph showing the press machine Pa (150 t press machine) used in the experiment. [Figure 9] 8 is a photograph showing a state in which the ice slurry production device 100 shown in FIG. 7 is set on a press machine Pa. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing step 5 (fixing step) of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a photographic view of the ice slurry production apparatus 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a photograph showing an enlarged view of the first pressure fixing tool 44a and the second pressure fixing tool 44b in a state where the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 10 is set in the press machine Pa. [Figure 13] 13 is a photograph of the state shown in FIG. 12 taken from the left side. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing step 6 (cooling step) of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing step 7 (reducing pressure, ice slurry production step) and step 8-1 of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 shows step 8-2 of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing step 9 (ice slurry extrusion step) of the ice slurry production method. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a pressure reapplication step and the like in Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] First, the concept of the ice slurry production apparatus and production method of the present invention will be explained, and then each embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Concept of the ice slurry production device of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of an ice slurry production apparatus 100 of the present invention. In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a concentrate container filled with ice slurry concentrate ISud, 20 denotes an outer container that holds concentrate container 10 in antifreeze solution AF, 30 denotes a pressurizing unit that can be inserted into outer container 20 (lower side in Figure 1) from one end (upper side in Figure 1) of outer container 20 while maintaining watertightness, 40 denotes a fixing unit that can fix pressurizing unit 30 to outer container 20, and 50 denotes a valve provided at the other end (lower side in Figure 1) of outer container 20.

[0027] Concept of the ice slurry production method of the present invention. Next, the concept of the ice slurry production method of the present invention will be explained using Figure 1. First, with the fixing part 40 shown in Figure 1 removed, the valve 50 is closed, and then the pressurizing part 30 is inserted into the outer container 20, and pressure P is applied to the inserted pressurizing part 30 from the outside. Pressure P is applied from above the pressurizing part 30, as shown by the arrow in Figure 1. By applying this pressure P, a predetermined pressurized state is created inside the concentrate container 10 via the antifreeze solution AF. Next, the fixing part 40 fixes the repulsion of the pressurizing part 30 toward the outside of the outer container 20 (upward in Figure 1). After this, the entire ice slurry production apparatus 100 is placed in an external refrigeration mechanism (not shown), and the inside of the concentrate container 10 is cooled to a predetermined temperature via the antifreeze solution AF. By opening valve 50 of ice slurry production apparatus 100 removed from the external refrigeration mechanism and reducing the pressure inside raw solution container 10 to normal (atmospheric) pressure via antifreeze solution AF, ice slurry IS (not shown) is produced from ice slurry raw solution ISud. As described above, the ice slurry production method of the present invention is characterized in that antifreeze solution AF is filled around ice slurry raw solution ISud, and this antifreeze solution AF is pressurized, cooled, and reduced in pressure, i.e., ice slurry IS is produced solely by pressure and temperature control. Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a specific example of an ice slurry production apparatus 100 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations are omitted. The numerical values ​​indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the size (mm) of each part. However, these sizes are merely examples and do not limit the ice slurry production apparatus 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the saline solution container 10 (a specific example of a concentrate container 10) is tubular and has removable lids 12a and 12b on the left and right ends. The saline solution container 10 has a length of 202 mm, an inner diameter of 6 mm, and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The dashed line inside indicates a hollow space. As will be described later, the saline solution container 10 is filled with saline solution ISud (a specific example of an ice slurry concentrate ISud).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (a specific example of the outer container 20) has a tubular shape, a length of 250 mm, an inner diameter of 10 mm, and an outer diameter of 20 mm. The dashed line inside indicates a hollow space. In other words, the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 has an inner diameter and length sufficient to accommodate the saline solution container 10 therein. The pressure-resistant freezing container 20 is made using a stainless steel nozzle with enhanced pressure resistance, and is capable of withstanding a pressure of at least 100 MPa (a predetermined pressure). Therefore, when the interior of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 is pressurized, it can be increased to and maintained at a pressure of at least 100 MPa. As will be described later, the saline solution container 10 is accommodated within the pressure-resistant freezing container 20, and the space between the two is filled with antifreeze AF.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure rod 30 (a specific example of the pressure unit 30) is rod-shaped and has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter (10 mm) of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 and approximately equal to the outer diameter (8 mm) of the saline solution container 10, and the length of the rod is 55 mm.

[0031] In Figure 2, reference numeral 32a denotes a first pressure receiving member provided on one end T1 of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (the side where the pressure rod 30 is inserted), and 32b denotes a second pressure receiving member that faces the first pressure receiving member 32a. Each member is 10 mm wide and 45 mm long, and the first pressure receiving member 32a and the second pressure receiving member 32b form the pressure receiving portion 32. As shown in Figure 2, one end of the pressure rod 30 (the left end in Figure 2) is inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 through the first pressure receiving member 32a, and the second pressure receiving member 32b is fitted into the other end of the pressure rod 30 (the right end in Figure 2).

[0032] In FIG. 2, reference numerals 44a and 44b denote a first fixing device and a second fixing device (specific examples of fixing portion 40) that fix the pressure receiving portion 32. For convenience of illustration, the second fixing device 44b is not shown and is indicated by reference numeral 44a (44b). The first fixing device 44a (and the second fixing device 44b) have a shape obtained by cutting a square steel pipe or the like to a desired thickness, with an outer width of 68.5 mm and a vertical width of 67 mm, and an inner width of 48.5 mm and a vertical width of 46.7 mm. Fixation by the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b is achieved by fitting the first pressure fixing device 44a and the second pressure fixing device 44b into two side surfaces of the first pressure receiving device 32a and the second pressure receiving device 32b, respectively (the front and back sides of the paper in FIG. 2).

[0033] In Figure 2, reference numeral 50 denotes a shutoff valve (a specific example of valve 50) provided on the other end T2 of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20, and reference numeral 52 denotes the handle of the shutoff valve 50. The shutoff valve 50 is a two-way valve used to open and close the flow of pressure, with one valve 54a (shown in a dotted circle) on the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 side and the other valve 54b (shown in a dotted circle) on the opposite side. The diagonal lines within the dotted circle indicate the shape of the screw used when connecting to an external device. The shutoff valve 50 is 68 mm wide and 35 mm long. Reference numeral 56 denotes a high-pressure nipple that connects the shutoff valve 50 to the pressure-resistant freezing container 20, and is 10 mm wide.

[0034] The saline solution container 10 is pressurized as follows. First, the saline solution container 10 filled with saline solution ISud is held in the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 via the antifreeze solution AF. After the shutoff valve 50 is closed by turning the handle 52, one end of the pressure rod 30 is inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 through the first pressure receiving device 32a, and the other end of the pressure rod 30 is fitted into the second pressure receiving device 32b. In this state, by applying pressure from the outside to the second pressure receiving device 32b (and therefore to the pressure rod 30), the inside of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (and therefore the inside of the saline solution container 10 via the antifreeze solution AF) can be pressurized to a predetermined level. When pressurized in this manner, the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b prevent the pressure rod 30 from repelling from the inside to the outside of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (to the right in FIG. 2 ).

[0035] FIG. 3 is a photograph of the ice slurry production apparatus 100 described above. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations are omitted. In FIG. 3, the first fixture 44a and the second fixture 44b are shown separately. As shown in FIG. 3, an O-ring 34 having a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 is fitted onto the surface of the pressure rod 30. This O-ring 34 allows the pressure rod 30 to be inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 from one end T1 while maintaining watertightness. In other words, when the pressure rod 30 is applied, the pressure rod 30 is pushed into the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 while simultaneously preventing the antifreeze AF from leaking from the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (maintaining watertightness). In FIG. 3, two O-rings 34 are provided, but the number of O-rings is not limited to two. In Fig. 3, reference numeral 70 denotes an ice slurry extruding tool (predetermined extruding tool) that extrudes the produced ice slurry from the physiological saline solution container 10. Details will be described later.

[0036] Next, we will explain the ice slurry production method of the present invention using the ice slurry production apparatus 100. This production method also includes the assembly process of the ice slurry production apparatus 100. Figure 4 shows step 1 (assembly process 1) of the ice slurry production method. In Figure 4, the same reference numerals as in Figure 2 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. As shown in Figure 4, the dashed line inside the saline solution container 10 indicates that the interior is hollow (as will be the case hereinafter, explanations of the dashed line inside the saline solution container 10 will be omitted). In Figure 4, the symbol Cs indicates a container such as a dropper containing the ice slurry concentrate ISud. A specific example of the ice slurry concentrate ISud is a low-concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution. More specifically, an aqueous solution containing 0.9 wt% sodium chloride, i.e., saline, is suitable. This is in line with the objective of the present invention, which is to produce an ice slurry that can be used as a medical coolant that comes into direct contact with living tissue. However, the degree of low concentration is not limited to 0.9 wt%, and may be approximately 0.3 wt% to 3.0 wt%. As shown in Fig. 4, the lid 12a is removed, and the physiological saline ISud is poured from the container Cs into the physiological saline container 10 to fill the physiological saline container 10 with the physiological saline ISud, and the container is then closed with the lid 12a.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows step 2 (assembly step 2) of the ice slurry production method. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations are omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, the dashed lines inside pressure-resistant freezing container 20 indicate that the interior is hollow (as in the following, explanations of the dashed lines inside pressure-resistant freezing container 20 will be omitted). In FIG. 5, symbol Cp denotes a container such as a bottle containing antifreeze AF. A specific example of antifreeze AF is a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride. As shown in FIG. 5, handle 52 is turned to close shutoff valve 50. Antifreeze AF from container Cp is poured into pressure-resistant freezing container 20 from one end T1 side until the water level reaches approximately 70%. Note that 70% is merely a guideline and is not limited to this percentage.

[0038] Figure 6 shows step 3 (assembly step 3) of the ice slurry production method. In Figure 6, the same reference numerals as in Figures 2 and 5 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. As shown in Figure 6, saline solution container 10 filled with saline solution in step 1 is placed, using its own weight, into pressure-resistant freezing container 20 filled to about 70% with antifreeze solution AF in step 2. Then, pressure-resistant freezing container 20 is filled to 100% with antifreeze solution AF.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows step 4 (pressurizing step) of the ice slurry production method. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations are omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, a pressure gauge 60 is connected to the valve 54b side of the shutoff valve 50. A pressure rod 30 is inserted from one end T1 of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20, and a second pressure receiver 32b is attached to one end of the pressure rod 30 (the side opposite to the side inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container 20). An external pressure mechanism (such as a press machine) Pa is then used to apply a given pressure P to the second pressure receiver 32b. The press machine Pa is actually larger than the size shown in FIG. 7, but for convenience of illustration, it is shown as a conceptual pressure mechanism Pa. The applied pressure P is displayed on the pressure gauge 60. As a result, pressure P is applied to the antifreeze solution AF in the freezing container 20 via the second pressure receiving device 32b and the pressurizing rod 30, and is then applied to the saline solution ISud in the saline solution container 10, thereby maintaining a predetermined pressurized state within the saline solution container 10. Specifically, after closing the shutoff valve 50, one end of the pressurizing rod 30 is inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 through the first pressure receiving device 32a, and pressure P is applied from the outside (pressurizing mechanism Pa) to the second pressure receiving device 32b fitted into the other end of the pressurizing rod 30, thereby maintaining a predetermined pressurized state within the saline solution container 10 via the antifreeze solution AF (pressurizing step). As described above, an O-ring 34 having a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 is fitted onto the surface of the pressurizing rod 30. This O-ring 34 allows the pressurizing rod 30 to be inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 from one end T1 of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 while maintaining watertightness. The arbitrary pressure P was set to 100 MPa (predetermined pressure). However, this is a value based on the performance of the press machine Pa, and it is possible to apply a higher pressure to the pressure-resistant freezing container 20. Therefore, the arbitrary pressure P is at least 100 MPa. Note that in Figure 7, the first pressure fixing devices 44a and 44b are shown rotated 90 degrees (indicated by the arrow direction) from the planar state shown in Figure 3, just before being fitted into the first pressure receiving device 32a and the second pressure receiving device 32b.

[0040] Figure 8 is a photograph showing the press machine Pa (150 ton press machine) used in the experiment. Figure 9 is a photograph showing the state in which the ice slurry production apparatus 100 shown in Figure 7 has been set in the press machine Pa. In Figure 9, the same symbols as in Figure 7 indicate the same elements, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows step 5 (fixing step) of the ice slurry production method. More specifically, FIG. 10 shows the state in which the first pressure receiving device 32a and the second pressure receiving device 32b are fixed in the ice slurry production apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 7. For convenience of illustration, the pressure gauge 60 is omitted from FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, a first pressure fixing device 44a and a second pressure fixing device 44b are fitted to two side surfaces of the first pressure receiving device 32a and the second pressure receiving device 32b (the left and right side surfaces in FIG. 10), respectively, thereby fixing the first pressure receiving device 32a and the second pressure receiving device 32b. This fixation prevents the pressure rod 30 from bouncing from the inside to the outside of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (upward in FIG. 10). That is, the fixing part 40 prevents the pressure rod 30 from bouncing outward from the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (fixing step).

[0042] Figure 11 is a photograph of the ice slurry production apparatus 100 shown in Figure 10. In Figure 11, the same reference numerals as in Figure 10 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. For convenience of illustration, the press machine Pa is omitted from Figure 11. Figure 12 is a photograph showing an enlargement of the first pressure fixing device 44a and the second pressure fixing device 44b with the ice slurry production apparatus 100 shown in Figure 10 set in the press machine Pa. In Figure 12, the same reference numerals as in Figure 10 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. Figure 13 is a photograph taken from the left side of the state shown in Figure 12. In Figure 13, the same reference numerals as in Figure 12 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations will be omitted.

[0043] FIG. 14 shows step 6 (cooling step) of the ice slurry production method. In FIG. 14, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 10 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations are omitted. As shown in FIG. 14, the entire ice slurry production apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 10 is installed in an external refrigeration mechanism Rf, and the inside of the saline solution container 10 is cooled to a predetermined temperature using antifreeze solution AF (cooling step). A freezer may be used as the refrigeration mechanism Rf. A suitable predetermined temperature is -10°C. Based on FIG. 3 of the aforementioned Non-Patent Document 6, in the case of 3.0 wt% saline, the freezing point is approximately -8°C to -10°C at a pressure of 100 MPa. In the case of saline (0.9 wt%), the freezing point is approximately -8°C at a pressure of 100 MPa, which is almost the same temperature. For this reason, -10°C was set as the predetermined temperature (cooling temperature) for saline solution ISud.

[0044] FIG. 15 shows step 7 (depressurization, ice slurry production step) and step 8-1 of the ice slurry production method. In FIG. 15, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 14 indicate the same elements, and therefore their explanations are omitted. As shown in FIG. 15, the shutoff valve 50 of the ice slurry production apparatus 100 removed from the external refrigeration mechanism Rf is opened, and the pressure inside the pressure-resistant freezing container 20, and therefore the pressure inside the saline solution container 10, is reduced to normal (atmospheric) pressure (depressurization step). At this time, ice slurry IS is produced from the saline solution ISud in the saline solution container 10 (ice slurry production step). Note that after the fixing step (FIG. 10), the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b cannot be removed. However, after the shutoff valve 50 is opened, the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b can be easily removed, allowing confirmation that the pressure has been reduced.

[0045] A portion of Figure 15 (bottom right diagram) shows step 8-1 of the ice slurry production method. As shown in Figure 15, after decompression, the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b (fixing portion 40) are removed. Figure 16 shows step 8-2 of the ice slurry production method. In Figure 16, the same symbols as in Figure 15 indicate the same elements, so their explanation will be omitted. As shown in Figure 16, the saline container 10 is removed from the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 from which the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b were removed in step 8-1 (concentrate container removal step).

[0046] Figure 17 shows step 9 (ice slurry extrusion step) of the ice slurry production method. As shown in Figure 17, the lid 12a of the saline solution container 10 removed in step 8-2 is opened, and the ice slurry IS produced in step 7 (ice slurry production step) from the saline solution container 10 is extruded into a container Cc by an ice slurry extrusion tool 70 (see Figure 3) (ice slurry extrusion step).

[0047] As mentioned above, the freezing point of saline at a pressure of 100 MPa is approximately -10°C. Based on Figure 3 of Non-Patent Document 6, the degree of supercooling is estimated to be approximately 8°C. Therefore, based on Figure 8 of Non-Patent Document 6, the IPF of the generated ice slurry IS is estimated to be approximately 10 wt%. When the degree of supercooling is approximately 2.5°C at most, as in Patent Document 3, the IPF of the generated ice slurry is low, at a maximum of approximately 3 wt%. This has led to the problem of insufficient cooling performance depending on the intended use. On the other hand, the ice slurry production method of the present invention achieves a higher IPF of approximately 10 wt% for the generated ice slurry. As a result, for example, in laparoscopic surgery in the medical field, organs can be cooled using ice slurry IS with significantly improved cooling performance. While saline was used as the ice slurry stock solution ISud in this specification, it is also possible to produce ice slurries with a high IPF using a non-low-concentration sodium chloride solution, an ethanol solution, or fresh water, as described in Non-Patent Document 6. Ice slurries using fresh water can also be used for cooling semiconductors, etc.

[0048] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the fixing unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 etc. removed, the shutoff valve (valve) 50 is closed, and then the pressure rod (pressurizing unit) 30 is inserted into the pressure-resistant freezing container (outer container) 20, and pressure P is applied to the inserted pressure rod 30 from the outside. This application of pressure P creates a predetermined pressurized state inside the saline solution container (concentrate container) 10 via the antifreeze solution AF. The fixing unit 40 then fixes the pressure rod 30's repulsion toward the outside of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20. The entire ice slurry production apparatus 100 is then placed inside the external refrigeration mechanism Rf, whereby the inside of the saline solution container 10 is cooled to a predetermined temperature via the antifreeze solution AF. The shutoff valve 50 of the ice slurry production apparatus 100 removed from the external refrigeration mechanism Rf is opened, and the pressure inside the saline solution container 10 is reduced to normal (atmospheric) pressure via the antifreeze solution AF, producing ice slurry IS from the ice slurry concentrate ISud. As described above, the ice slurry production method of the present invention is characterized by filling the ice slurry raw material ISud with antifreeze liquid AF, pressurizing and cooling this antifreeze liquid AF, and then reducing the pressure to produce ice slurry IS, i.e., by controlling only pressure and temperature. Pressure-resistant freezing container 20 is manufactured using a stainless steel nozzle with enhanced pressure resistance and is capable of withstanding a pressure of at least approximately 100 MPa (predetermined pressure). Therefore, when pressure is applied to pressure-resistant freezing container 20, it is possible to increase and maintain the pressure up to at least approximately 100 MPa. As a result, considering applications in the medical field, an ice slurry production apparatus and method for producing ice slurry using only pressure and temperature control, using a harmless low-concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution (normal saline) as the working (target) fluid, can maintain the pressure on the working (target) fluid even at a higher pressure, thereby increasing the IPF of the produced ice slurry and significantly improving cooling performance, can be provided. [Example]

[0049] In the second embodiment, a case where a re-pressure P' is applied from the outside to the second pressure receiving device 32b after step 5 (fixing step) shown in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 shows the pressure re-application step and the like in the second embodiment. In FIG. 18, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 10 indicate the same elements, and therefore their description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 18, after step 5 (fixing step) shown in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment, a re-pressure P' is applied from the outside to the second pressure receiving device 32b (re-application step). This re-application step causes the second pressure receiving device 32b to move toward the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 (indicated by the arrow from the second pressure receiving device 32b to 32b' in FIG. 18). As a result of this movement, a gap S is formed between the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b. By inserting an insertable third fixing device (third pressure fixing device) 46 into the gap S, the repulsion of the pressure rod 32 toward the outside of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 is re-fixed (re-fixing process). Note that for convenience of illustration, in Figure 18, the gap S and the third fixing device 46 are shown overlapping each other.

[0050] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to apply a re-pressure P' from the outside to the second pressure receiving device 32b after the fixing process of the first embodiment. By inserting the third fixing device 46 into the resulting gap S between the first fixing device 44a and the second fixing device 44b, the repulsion of the pressure rod 32 toward the outside of the pressure-resistant freezing container 20 can be fixed again. [Industrial Applicability]

[0051] The present invention can be used not only as a cold source for air conditioning or for cooling semiconductors, but also as an ice slurry for cooling organs in surgical operations in the medical field, preferably in laparoscopic surgery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10 saline solution container (concentrate container), 12a, 12b lid, 20 pressure-resistant freezing container (outer container), 30 pressure rod (pressure portion), 32 pressure receiving portion, 32a first pressure receiving device, 32b second pressure receiving device, 34 O-ring, 40 fixing portion, 44a first fixing device, 44b second fixing device, 46 third fixing device, 50 shut-off valve (valve), 52 handle, 54a, 54b valve, 56 high-pressure nipple, 60 pressure gauge, 70 ice slurry extrusion device, 100 ice slurry manufacturing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0053] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 6-117740 [Patent Document 2] JP 5-172444 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6168644 [Non-patent literature]

[0054] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hiraaki, Tanaka Hiroki, Uemura Ryozo, Kumagai Teruo: Journal of the Japan Society of Gastric Cancer Research, Vol. 21(4), 1199(1988). [Non-patent document 2] T. Hirata, T. Nishi and M. Ishikawa: Int. J. Refrig.,vol.26, 189(2003). [Non-patent document 3] Asaoka, Tatsunori, Saito, Akio, Okawa, Seiji, Kumano, Hiroyuki, Hozumi, Tsutomu, Matsunaga, Tatsuzo, Ichioka, Jun: Reikuron, Vol. 23(2), 165 (2006). [Non-patent document 4] Suzuki, H., Okada, K., Fujisawa, R., Komoda, Y., Usui, Y.: Reikuron, Vol. 23(2), 177(2008). [Non-patent document 5] Jiang, Jei-dong, Okada, Masashi, Oda, Shinsuke, Matsumoto, Koji, Kawagoe, Tetsuo: Reikuron, Vol. 18(1), 51 (2001). [Non-patent document 6] K. Fumoto, T. Sato, T. Kawanami and T. Inamura; "Ice Slurry Generation for Direct Contact Cooling", J. of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications, vol.8, JUNE 2016.

Claims

1. An ice slurry production device comprising: a concentrate container filled with ice slurry concentrate; an outer container that holds the concentrate container in an antifreeze liquid; a pressurizing unit that can be inserted into the outer container from one end side of the outer container while maintaining watertightness; a fixing unit that can fix the pressurizing unit to the outer container side; and a valve provided on the other end side of the outer container, After closing the valve, a pressure is applied from the outside to the pressurizing unit inserted into the outer container to create a predetermined pressurized state in the concentrate container via the antifreeze liquid; After the fixing part fixes the repulsion of the pressurizing part to the outside of the outer container, the entire ice slurry manufacturing apparatus is installed in an external refrigeration mechanism, thereby cooling the inside of the raw liquid container to a predetermined temperature through the antifreeze liquid, The ice slurry producing apparatus is characterized in that a valve of the ice slurry producing apparatus removed from an external refrigeration mechanism is opened, and the pressure inside the original liquid container is reduced to normal pressure through the antifreeze liquid, thereby producing ice slurry.

2. 2. The ice slurry producing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pusher for pushing the produced ice slurry out of the concentrate container, The ice slurry producing apparatus is characterized in that after the ice slurry is produced, the fixing part is detached from the outer container side, the concentrate container is taken out from within the outer container, and the produced ice slurry is extruded from within the concentrate container by the specified extrusion tool.

3. 3. The ice slurry manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the concentrate container and the outer container have a tubular shape, the outer container has an inner diameter and a tubular length capable of accommodating the concentrate container therein with antifreeze liquid interposed therebetween, and has pressure resistance capable of withstanding the pressure for achieving the predetermined pressurized state.

4. 4. The ice slurry manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pressurizing portion is rod-shaped and has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer container and approximately equal to the outer diameter of the concentrate container, and an O-ring having a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the outer container is fitted onto the surface of the rod.

5. 5. The ice slurry manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a pressure receiving portion having a first pressure receiving device provided on the one end side of the outer container and a second pressure receiving device facing the first pressure receiving device, The inside of the concentrate container is pressurized by closing the valve, inserting one end of the pressurizing part into the outer container through the first pressure receiving device, and fitting the other end of the pressurizing part into a second pressure receiving device, and applying pressure to the second pressure receiving device from the outside to create a predetermined pressurized state inside the concentrate container via the antifreeze liquid, the fixing portion has first and second pressure fixing devices that fix the pressure receiving portion, The fixation by the fixing part is characterized in that the repulsion of the pressurizing part toward the outside of the outer container is fixed by fitting a first pressure fixing device and a second pressure fixing device respectively into the two side sides of the first pressure receiving device and the second pressure receiving device.

6. 6. The ice slurry producing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a third pressure fixture insertable between the first pressure fixture and the second pressure fixture, An ice slurry manufacturing apparatus characterized in that after fixation by the fixing part, the repulsion of the pressurizing part toward the outside of the outer container is re-fixed by inserting a third pressure fixing device into the gap between the first pressure fixing device and the second pressure fixing device caused by the movement of the second pressure receiving device toward the outer container due to the re-pressure applied from the outside to the second pressure receiving device.

7. 7. An apparatus for producing ice slurry according to claim 1, wherein the pressure for the predetermined pressurized state is at least 100 MPa.

8. 8. The ice slurry production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ice slurry stock solution is a low-concentration aqueous sodium chloride solution.

9. 9. The ice slurry production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the antifreeze liquid is a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride.

10. A method for producing ice slurry using an ice slurry production device including a concentrate container filled with ice slurry concentrate, an outer container holding the concentrate container in an antifreeze liquid, a pressurizing unit capable of being inserted into the outer container from one end side of the outer container while maintaining watertightness, a fixing unit capable of fixing the pressurizing unit to the outer container side, and a valve provided on the other end side of the outer container, a pressurizing step of inserting the pressurizing unit into the outer container after closing the valve and applying pressure to the pressurizing unit from the outside to bring the inside of the concentrate container into a predetermined pressurized state via the antifreeze liquid; a fixing step of fixing the repulsion of the pressurizing part to the outside of the outer container by the fixing part; a cooling step of placing the entire ice slurry production apparatus in an external refrigeration mechanism and cooling the inside of the raw liquid container to a predetermined temperature via the antifreeze liquid; and an ice slurry producing step of opening a valve of the ice slurry producing apparatus removed from an external refrigeration mechanism to reduce the pressure inside the raw liquid container to normal pressure, thereby producing ice slurry.

11. 11. The method for producing ice slurry according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: a concentrate container removal step of removing the fixing part and removing the concentrate container from within the outer container; and an ice slurry extrusion step of extruding the ice slurry produced in the ice slurry production step from the concentrate container removed in the concentrate container removal step by a predetermined extrusion tool.

12. 12. The method for producing ice slurry according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the concentrate container and the outer container have a tubular shape, the outer container has an inner diameter and a tubular length capable of accommodating the concentrate container therein via an antifreeze liquid, and has pressure resistance capable of withstanding a predetermined pressure in the pressurizing step.

13. 13. The method for producing ice slurry according to claim 12, wherein the pressurizing part is rod-shaped and has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer container and approximately equal to the outer diameter of the concentrate container, and an O-ring having a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the outer container is fitted onto the surface of the rod.

14. 14. The method for producing ice slurry according to claim 13, The pressure receiving portion further includes a first pressure receiving device provided on one end side of the outer container into which the pressurizing portion is inserted, and a second pressure receiving device facing the first pressure receiving device, The pressurizing step is a step of closing the valve, inserting one end of the pressurizing part into the outer container through the first pressure receiver, and applying pressure from the outside to a second pressure receiver fitted into the other end of the pressurizing part, thereby bringing the inside of the concentrate container into a predetermined pressurized state via the antifreeze liquid; the fixing portion has first and second pressure fixing devices that fix the pressure receiving portion, The method for producing ice slurry, characterized in that the fixing process fixes the repulsion of the pressurizing section toward the outside of the outer container by fitting a first pressure fixing device and a second pressure fixing device respectively onto the two side sides of a first pressure receiving device and a second pressure receiving device.

15. 15. The method for producing ice slurry according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: a re-application step of re-applying pressure to the second pressure receiving device from the outside; a re-fixing step of re-fixing the repulsion of the pressurizing part toward the outside of the outer container by inserting a third pressure fixing device into a gap between the first pressure fixing device and the second pressure fixing device generated by the movement of the second pressure receiving device toward the outer container by the re-application step.

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