Sprinkling device and sprinkling apparatus using same

Abstract

To provide a liquid dispersion device and a liquid dispersion apparatus using the same where energy required for various operations such as distillation, mixing and agitation of a treating liquid can be reduced.SOLUTION: A liquid dispersion apparatus is provided with a treatment tank storing a treating liquid, a liquid dispersion device disposed in the treatment tank and a revolving shaft equipped with the liquid dispersion device. The liquid dispersion device is equipped with at least one flow liquid member which can be attached to the revolving shaft. The flow liquid member is equipped with at least one cylindrical liquid sucking part extending along the revolving shaft and having a fluid suction port at a lower end and at least one discharge part communicating one end with the upper end of the fluid sucking part, having a discharge port at the other end and obliquely extending to the fluid sucking part. The liquid surface of the treating liquid in a stationary state is positioned in the discharge part of the flow liquid member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sprinkling device and a sprinkling apparatus using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, fats and oils have also been attracting attention as raw materials for conversion into fuels and chemical products. In particular, active efforts have been made to synthesize long-chain fatty acid esters from animal fats and oils and / or vegetable fats through chemical reactions and to use these as biodiesel fuels that can replace diesel.

[0003] On the other hand, technologies for synthesizing various compounds through reactions such as asymmetric synthesis reactions in reaction systems with two or more liquid phases using phase transfer catalysts or slurry catalysts have been attracting attention. In many of these reactions, the reaction is promoted by vigorous stirring of the reaction system.

[0004] Two-liquid phase reactions are sometimes employed, for example, in the production of biodiesel fuel. For example, transesterification by an enzyme catalysis method using an enzyme such as lipase as a catalyst can be mentioned. In such transesterification reactions by enzyme contact methods, for example, liquid enzymes or enzymes immobilized on a carrier such as an ion exchange resin (immobilized enzymes) are used as the enzyme. Liquid enzymes are inexpensive compared to immobilized enzymes because they are composed of a concentrated and purified culture solution. In addition, the enzymes remain in the glycerin water, which is a by-product produced by the above transesterification reaction, and can be used in the next batch reaction. This allows the liquid enzymes to be used repeatedly, thereby reducing the costs required for the production of biodiesel fuel (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0005] In transesterification using liquid enzymes, a two-phase system of an oil layer and an aqueous layer is used, and an emulsion is formed, for example, by stirring the reactants at high speed. Here, high-speed stirring of the reactants requires a considerable energy load on the stirrer. On the other hand, in order to increase the productivity of industrial products, it is desirable to reduce the energy required for operations such as stirring the reactants. However, this leads to a contradiction in that the emulsion forming ability using the above reactants is reduced, making it impossible to effectively carry out the transesterification reaction.

[0006] Alternatively, an alkaline catalyst can be used instead of the enzymes, but in this case too, a two-phase reaction system is used and the reaction requires vigorous stirring. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] M. Nordblad et al., Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2014, Vol.11, No.12, pp.2446-2453 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a sprinkling device and a sprinkling apparatus using the same that can reduce the energy required for various operations such as distillation, mixing, and stirring of the treatment liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a sprinkling device comprising at least one sprinkling member mountable to a rotating shaft, The liquid flow member is At least one cylindrical liquid suction part extending along the rotation axis and having a liquid suction port at a lower end; The liquid-sprinkling device has at least one discharge part, one end of which communicates with the upper end of the liquid-suction part, and the other end of which has a discharge port and extends at an angle relative to the liquid-suction part.

[0010] In one embodiment, the liquid suction portion of the liquid flow member is a straight tube extending approximately parallel to the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

[0011] In one embodiment, the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention comprises a plurality of the liquid suction portions, and all of the lower ends of the liquid suction portions are provided at the same position relative to the rotation axis.

[0012] In one embodiment, the liquid-sparging device of the present invention comprises a plurality of the liquid-suction portions, and one of the lower ends of the liquid-suction portions is located at a different position relative to the rotation axis compared to another of the lower ends.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sprinkling device of the present invention comprises a plurality of the discharge portions, and all of the other ends of the discharge portions are provided at the same position relative to the rotation axis.

[0014] In one embodiment, the dispensing device of the present invention comprises a plurality of said discharge portions, and one of the other ends of the discharge portions is located at a different position relative to the rotation axis compared to another one of the other ends.

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid suction portion is formed of a single tube, and is provided with at least two of the discharge portions at the upper end of the liquid suction portion.

[0016] The present invention also provides a sprinkling apparatus comprising a treatment tank for containing a treatment liquid, the above-mentioned sprinkling device provided in the treatment tank, and a rotating shaft on which the sprinkling device is attached.

[0017] In one embodiment, the treatment liquid is composed of an oil phase and a water phase. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the sprinkling device of the present invention, the scooped treatment liquid can be moved above the liquid surface and dispersed. This can promote vertical movement and circulation of the treatment liquid arranged around the sprinkling device. The sprinkling device of the present invention can be incorporated as a part of a sprinkling apparatus, which can reduce the energy required for physical operations such as distillation, mixing, and stirring of the treatment liquid. For example, when a reaction liquid composed of two phases, an oil phase and an aqueous phase, is contained in the sprinkling apparatus of the present invention as the treatment liquid, it is possible to promote emulsification of the reaction liquid and / or extraction of a by-product (e.g., glycerin) with water without using extra power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a liquid flow member constituting the liquid sprinkling device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the sprinkling device of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) incorporating the sprinkling device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 11A is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler device shown in FIG. 10 in the AA direction, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler device shown in FIG. 10 in the BB direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a baffle plate that can be incorporated into the sprinkling device of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view of a baffle plate formed by combining two sets of plates arranged in parallel, and (b) is a schematic diagram of a baffle plate formed by combining two sets of plates. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) incorporating the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 1 and the baffle plate shown in FIG. 12(a). [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 3 is incorporated. [Figure 16] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 4 is incorporated. [Figure 17] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 5 is incorporated. [Figure 18] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) incorporating the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 19] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 7 is incorporated. [Figure 20] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 8 is incorporated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to designate similar features as shown in the other drawings.

[0021] (Scattering Device) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling device of the present invention.

[0022] The sprinkling device 100 of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 includes two cylindrical liquid-flowing members 120, 120' that can be attached to a rotating shaft 121. Furthermore, in Fig. 1, the rotating shaft 121 is arranged along the vertical direction. Note that, although two liquid-flowing members are shown in Fig. 1, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that the device includes at least one cylindrical liquid-flowing member.

[0023] The liquid flow members 120, 120' are composed of cylindrical liquid suction portions 122, 122' and discharge portions 123, 123' having one end communicating with the upper ends of the liquid suction portions 122, 122' and having discharge ports 125, 125' at the other ends.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a perspective view that typically illustrates the liquid flow member 120 shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, the liquid scattering member 120' shown in Fig. 1 is the same as the liquid flow member 120, and therefore is omitted.

[0025] The liquid suction part 122 constituting the liquid scattering member 120 is provided with a liquid suction port 124 that is open at the lower end. In Fig. 2, the liquid suction part 122 is formed of a tube whose outer diameter and inner diameter both extend in a substantially straight line from the upper end to the liquid suction port 124 at the lower end.

[0026] The cross-sectional shape of the liquid suction part 122 is not particularly limited as long as it is cylindrical. Examples of cross-sectional shapes that can constitute the liquid suction part 122 include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and other polygons. The liquid sprinkling device of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of liquid suction parts having different cross-sectional shapes. In the present invention, in order to reduce resistance during movement in the treatment liquid described below, it is preferable that the liquid suction part 122 has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the liquid suction part may be composed of a tube arranged by twisting around the axis of the rotating shaft 121 instead of the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0027] The size of the liquid absorbing part 122 is not particularly limited, but for example, when the liquid absorbing part 122 has a circular cross-sectional shape, the outside diameter is, for example, 5 mm to 50 mm.

[0028] The shape of the liquid suction port 124 is also not particularly limited. It may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the liquid suction part 122. Examples of the shape of the liquid suction port 124 include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and other polygons. Note that the liquid suction port 124 may be cut obliquely with respect to the axis of the liquid suction part 122 to expand the opening area so that more treatment liquid can be introduced into the liquid suction part 122.

[0029] The linear structure (length) of the liquid suction part 122 is approximately parallel to the rotation axis 121 shown in Fig. 1 and is designed according to the depth of the treatment liquid 116 stored in the treatment tank 110 of the sprinkling device described later. The distance t from the lower end (liquid suction port 124) of the liquid suction part 122 constituting this linear structure to the lowest part (bending point P of the liquid sprinkling member 120) of the joint between the liquid suction part 122 and the discharge part 123 is not particularly limited. For example, the distance t can be appropriately adjusted by a person skilled in the art according to the capacity of the treatment tank 110 used.

[0030] One end of the discharge part 123 communicates with the upper end of the liquid suction part 122, and is provided at an incline with respect to the liquid suction part 122. The other end of the discharge part 123 is provided with a discharge port 125 for discharging to the outside the treatment liquid that has passed through the inside of the cylinder of the discharge part 123. Furthermore, the discharge part 123 shown in FIG. 2 has a cylindrical shape.

[0031] In the present invention, the inclination angle θ of the discharge part 123 with respect to the axial direction of the suction part 122 can be set to any angle by a person skilled in the art, for example, 10° to 89°, preferably 15° to 45°. If the inclination angle θ is less than 10°, the treatment liquid sucked up from the suction part 122 needs to be rotated at a higher speed in order to pass through the discharge part 123 and be discharged from the discharge port 125, and a lot of energy may be required to operate the resulting sprinkling device. If the inclination angle θ exceeds 89°, the discharge part 123 may be immersed in the treatment liquid beyond the liquid level, and the function of sprinkling may not be properly performed. The inclination angle θ of the discharge part 123 and the corresponding inclination angle of the discharge part 123' shown in FIG. 1 may be the same or different from each other.

[0032] The shape of the outlet 125 of the discharge part 123 is also not particularly limited. It may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the liquid suction part 122. Examples of the shape of the outlet 125 include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and other polygons. In the present invention, the inner diameter of the discharge part 123 may be constant from the side communicating with the liquid suction part 122 to the outlet 125, or may be gradually or stepwise reduced.

[0033] The length of the discharge portion 123 (for example, the shortest distance from the bending point P of the liquid-scattering member 120 to the discharge port 125) is not particularly limited, and can be set to any length by a person skilled in the art.

[0034] 1, the ends of the suction ports 124, 124' of the suction parts 122, 122' are aligned so as to be substantially in a straight line in the horizontal direction. In this configuration, the sprinkling members 120, 120' constituting the sprinkling device 100 can all suck up the stored treatment liquid through the suction ports 124, 124' from portions of the stored treatment liquid that are substantially at the same depth.

[0035] In the liquid-spraying device 100 of the present invention, the liquid-spraying members 120, 120' are fixed to, for example, the rotating shaft 121 (for example, around the axis of the rotating shaft 121). It is preferable that the liquid-spraying members 120, 120' are provided densely so as to be located as close as possible to the rotating shaft 121. By the liquid-spraying members 120, 120' being entirely densely packed, the horizontal cross section of the liquid-spraying members 120, 120' with respect to the rotating shaft 121 becomes smaller. As a result, the resistance in the treatment liquid when the liquid-spraying members 120, 120' rotate via the rotating shaft 121 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the sprinkling device of the present invention.

[0037] The liquid-spraying device 100a shown in Fig. 3 includes liquid-spraying members 120a and 120' having different shapes. Here, the discharge portion 123 constituting the liquid-spraying member 120a shown in Fig. 3 and the discharge portion 123' constituting the liquid-spraying member 120' shown in Fig. 3 are the same as those shown in Fig. 1.

[0038] On the other hand, the sprinkling member 120a shown in FIG. 3 includes a liquid suction part 122a that is shorter than the liquid suction part 122' that constitutes the other liquid suction member 120', and thus there is a difference corresponding to the length S between the liquid suction port 124a of the liquid suction part 122a and the liquid suction port 124' of the liquid suction part 122' in the vertical direction. This length S varies depending on the type and amount of the treatment liquid used, the size of the treatment tank of the sprinkling device described later, and the like, and is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 10 mm to 2000 mm, preferably 20 mm to 1000 mm. By having such a difference in length between the liquid suction port 124a of the liquid suction part 122a and the liquid suction port 124' of the liquid suction part 122' in the vertical direction, the type and composition of the treatment liquid absorbed by the liquid suction port 124a of the liquid suction part 122a and the liquid suction port 124' of the liquid suction part 122' can be made different. On the other hand, in the liquid scattering members 120a, 120' shown in FIG. 3, the discharge ports 125, 125' are disposed at approximately the same height in the vertical direction.

[0039] For example, when a two-phase reaction liquid composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is used as the treatment liquid, the suction port 124a of the suction part 122a arranged at a higher position can preferentially absorb the treatment liquid composed of the oil phase components or the components containing more of the oil phase components by adjusting the amount of the oil phase and the amount of the aqueous phase used. On the other hand, the suction port 124' of the suction part 122' arranged at a lower position can preferentially absorb the treatment liquid composed of the aqueous phase components or the components containing more of the aqueous phase components. From this, the treatment liquid sucked up by the suction port 124a and the treatment liquid sucked up by the suction port 124' can have different compositions of components contained therein, and both are discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121. Here, since the discharge ports 125, 125' are at approximately the same height in the vertical direction as described above, it is possible to mix and / or stir the absorbed oil phase components and aqueous phase components in a more complex manner.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid-spraying device of the present invention.

[0041] The sprinkling device 100b shown in FIG. 4 includes sprinkling members 120b and 120'b having different shapes.

[0042] The sprinkling member 120b shown in FIG. 4 includes a suction part 122b that is shorter than the suction part 122'b constituting the other sprinkling member 120'b, and thus there is a difference in length S2 between the suction port 124b of the suction part 122b and the suction port 124'b of the suction part 122'b in the vertical direction. This length S2 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the treatment liquid used, the size of the treatment tank of the sprinkling device described later, and the like. By having such a difference in length between the suction port 124b of the suction part 122b and the suction port 124'b of the suction part 122'b in the vertical direction, the type and composition of the treatment liquid absorbed by the suction port 124b of the suction part 122b and the suction port 124'b of the suction part 122'b can be made different.

[0043] The sprinkling member 120b shown in FIG. 4 includes a discharge portion 123b that is shorter than the discharge portion 123'b constituting the other sprinkling member 120'b, and thus there is a difference in length t2 between the discharge port 125b of the discharge portion 123b and the discharge port 125'b of the discharge portion 123'b in the vertical direction. This length t2 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the treatment liquid used, the size of the treatment tank of the sprinkling device described later, and the like. By having such a difference in length between the discharge port 125b of the discharge portion 123b and the discharge port 125'b of the discharge portion 123'b in the vertical direction, it is possible to make the discharge location (for example, height) different between the discharge port 125b of the discharge portion 123b and the discharge port 125'b of the discharge portion 123'b.

[0044] For example, when a two-phase reaction liquid composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is used as the treatment liquid, the liquid suction port 124b of the liquid suction part 122b arranged at a higher position can preferentially absorb the treatment liquid composed of the oil phase components or the components containing more of the oil phase components by adjusting the amount of the oil phase and the amount of the aqueous phase used. On the other hand, the liquid suction port 124'b of the liquid suction part 1220'b arranged at a lower position can preferentially absorb the treatment liquid composed of the aqueous phase components or the components containing more of the aqueous phase components. From this, it is possible to make the composition of the components contained in the treatment liquid sucked up by the liquid suction port 124b and the treatment liquid sucked up by the liquid suction port 124'b different from each other. Furthermore, these are discharged from the discharge ports 125b, 125'b at different heights through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121. This makes it possible to mix and / or stir the absorbed oil phase components and aqueous phase components in a more complex manner.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention.

[0046] The sprinkling device 100c shown in FIG. 5 includes sprinkling members 120c and 120'c having different shapes.

[0047] The sprinkling member 120c shown in FIG. 5 includes a suction part 122c that is shorter than the suction part 122'c constituting the other sprinkling member 120'c, and thus there is a difference in length S3 between the suction port 124c of the suction part 122c and the suction port 124'c of the suction part 122'c in the vertical direction. This length S3 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the treatment liquid used, the size of the treatment tank of the sprinkling device described later, and the like. By having such a difference in length between the suction port 124c of the suction part 122c and the suction port 124'c of the suction part 122'c in the vertical direction, the type and composition of the treatment liquid absorbed by the suction port 124c of the suction part 122c and the suction port 124'c of the suction part 122'c can be made different.

[0048] The sprinkling member 120c shown in FIG. 5 includes a discharge portion 123c that is longer than the discharge portion 123'b that constitutes the other sprinkling member 120'c, and thus there is a difference in length t3 between the discharge port 125c of the discharge portion 123c and the discharge port 125'c of the discharge portion 123'c in the vertical direction. This length t3 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the treatment liquid used, the size of the treatment tank of the sprinkling device described later, and the like. By having such a difference in length between the discharge port 125c of the discharge portion 123c and the discharge port 125'c of the discharge portion 123'c in the vertical direction, it is possible to make the discharge location (e.g., height) different between the discharge port 125b of the discharge portion 123c and the discharge port 125'b of the discharge portion 123'b.

[0049] For example, when a two-phase reaction liquid composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is used as the treatment liquid, the liquid suction port 124c of the liquid suction part 122c arranged at a higher position can preferentially absorb the treatment liquid composed of the oil phase components or the components containing more of the oil phase components by adjusting the amount of the oil phase and the amount of the aqueous phase used. On the other hand, the liquid suction port 124'c of the liquid suction part 1220'c arranged at a lower position can preferentially absorb the treatment liquid composed of the aqueous phase components or the components containing more of the aqueous phase components. From this, it is possible to make the composition of the components contained in the treatment liquid sucked up by the liquid suction port 124c and the treatment liquid sucked up by the liquid suction port 124'c different from each other. Furthermore, these are discharged from the discharge ports 125c, 125'c at different heights through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121. This makes it possible to mix and / or stir the absorbed oil phase components and aqueous phase components in a more complex manner.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the liquid-spraying device of the present invention.

[0051] The sprinkling device 100d shown in Fig. 6 uses two sprinkling members similar to those of the sprinkling device 100 shown in Fig. 1. Here, with respect to one sprinkling member 120d shown in Fig. 6, the other sprinkling member 120'd is moved upward by a predetermined length along the rotating shaft 121 and fixed to the rotating shaft 121. As a result, the liquid suction port 124d of the sprinkling member 120d is disposed below the liquid suction port 124'd of the sprinkling member 120'd so that a step corresponding to the length u1 is generated between the liquid suction port 124d of the sprinkling member 120d and the liquid suction port 124'd of the sprinkling member 120'd. On the other hand, the outlet 125'd of the sprinkling device 120'd is disposed above the outlet 125'd of the sprinkling device 120d so that a step corresponding to the length u2 is generated between the outlet 125d of the sprinkling device 120d and the outlet 125'd of the sprinkling device 120'd. For example, when the sprinkling members 120d and 120'd have the same size, the above-mentioned steps u1 and u2 are the same (i.e., u1=u2).

[0052] 6, the step u1 between the liquid suction ports 124d, 124'd allows the liquid suction port 124d to suck up the treatment liquid located below the liquid suction port 124'd. When the treatment liquid present near the liquid suction port 124d and the treatment liquid present near the liquid suction port 124'd have different compositions (for example, when there is a difference in composition between an aqueous phase and an oil phase as described below), the composition of the treatment liquid discharged from each of the discharge ports 125d, 125'd can be made different by the rotation of the rotating shaft 121.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention.

[0054] The sprinkling device 100e shown in FIG. 7 is composed of one sprinkling member 120e.

[0055] 7 includes a liquid suction part 122e that extends linearly along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121, and two discharge parts 123e, 123'e are provided at an inclination on the upper end of the liquid suction part 122e. The inclination angles of the discharge parts 123e, 123'e with respect to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121 may be the same or different.

[0056] A single liquid suction port 124e is provided at the lower end of the liquid suction part, and the shape of the liquid suction port 124a is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the liquid suction port 124e include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and other polygons. In the present invention, the liquid suction part 122e may have a constant inner diameter from the lower end to the upper end, may gradually or stepwise decrease in diameter, or may gradually or stepwise increase in diameter. In addition, in FIG. 7, the inner diameter of the liquid suction part 122e is described as being larger than the inner diameters of the discharge parts 123e and 123'e, but is not particularly limited to this size. The inner diameter of the liquid suction part 122e may be smaller than the inner diameters of the discharge parts 123e and 123'e, or the inner diameters of the liquid suction part 122e and the discharge parts 123e and 123'e may be approximately the same as each other.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the rotation of the rotating shaft 121 rotates one suction part 122e, so that the generation of turbulence in the treatment liquid around the rotating suction part 122e can be reduced, as compared to the case shown in Fig. 1, for example. As a result, the treatment liquid is sucked through the suction part 125e while being stirred relatively quietly, and is discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125'e of the discharge parts 123e, 123'e. This makes it possible to mix and / or stir the absorbed treatment liquid in a quiet state.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid sprinkling device of the present invention.

[0059] The sprinkling device 100f shown in Figure 8 has the same configuration as that shown in Figure 1, except that it is equipped with liquid suction portions 122f, 122'f which are the case where the liquid suction portions 122, 122' constituting the sprinkling device 100 shown in Figure 1 are extremely short.

[0060] In the liquid sprinkling device 100f shown in FIG. 8, the treatment liquid sucked through the liquid suction ports 124f, 124'f of the liquid suction parts 122f, 122'f can also be discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' through the discharge parts 123, 123' connected to the upper ends of the respective parts.

[0061] The above-mentioned sprinkling members and fixtures constituting the sprinkling device of the present invention are both made of materials having sufficient strength and suitable durability against the treatment liquid. Materials that can be used to constitute the sprinkling members and fixtures are not necessarily limited, but are made of metals such as iron, stainless steel, Hastelloy, titanium, and combinations thereof. These may be provided with coatings known in the art, such as Teflon (registered trademark), glass lining, and rubber lining, in order to increase chemical resistance.

[0062] (Sprinkling device) Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus incorporating the sprinkling device shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 9, a case will be described in which the sprinkling apparatus 200 is used as a reaction apparatus in which a two-phase reaction liquid composed of an oil phase 116a and an aqueous phase 116b is used as the treatment liquid 116.

[0063] The sprinkling apparatus 200 of the present invention comprises a treatment tank 110 for utilizing the treatment liquid, a sprinkling device 100 shown in FIG. 1 which is arranged in the treatment tank 110, and a rotating shaft 121 on which the sprinkling device 100 is mounted.

[0064] The processing vessel 110 is a sealable vessel capable of containing and stirring the processing liquid 116, and has, for example, a flat, rounded, conical or downwardly sloping bottom 109.

[0065] The size (capacity) of the treatment tank 110 is set appropriately depending on the application of the sprinkler system 200 (e.g., the type of reaction, distillation, or other operation performed using the system) and the amount of treatment liquid being treated, and is not necessarily limited thereto, but is, for example, 0.1 liters to 1,000,000 liters.

[0066] In one embodiment, the processing tank 110 also includes a processing liquid supply port 112 and a product etc. outlet 114. The processing liquid supply port 112 is an inlet for newly supplying the processing liquid 116 into the processing tank 110. The processing liquid supply port 112 is provided, for example, in the upper part of the processing tank 110 (for example, in the top lid). Alternatively, the processing liquid supply port 112 may be provided in a side part of the processing tank 110. The number of processing liquid supply ports 112 provided in the processing tank 110 is not limited to one. For example, the processing tank 110 may be provided with a plurality of processing liquid supply ports.

[0067] The product etc. outlet 114 is an outlet for taking out the products and concentrates (collectively referred to as "products etc." in this specification) obtained in the treatment tank 110 from the treatment tank 110. The product etc. outlet 114 can also discharge reaction residues, waste liquids, etc. in addition to the products etc., and the discharge can be regulated, for example, by opening and closing a valve 115 provided downstream of the product etc. outlet 114. The product etc. outlet 114 is also provided, for example, in communication with the center of the bottom 109 in the treatment tank 110.

[0068] The upper part of the treatment tank 110 may have an openable and closable structure such as a lid or a maintenance hole. Furthermore, the upper part of the treatment tank 110 may be provided with a pressure adjustment port (not shown) for adjusting the pressure inside the treatment tank 110. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment port may be connected to, for example, a pressure reducing pump (not shown).

[0069] The treatment liquid 116 contained in the treatment tank 110 is, for example, a liquid such as an aqueous solution or a slurry. When the liquid spraying device 400 is used, for example, for producing a fatty acid ester by a transesterification reaction described later, the treatment liquid 116 is composed of, for example, a two-phase system of an oil phase 116a and an aqueous phase 116b, and each of the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b contains a reactant such as a starting material and a medium such as a solvent.

[0070] The treatment tank 110 is made of, for example, the same material as the above-mentioned liquid-spraying member. If necessary, the treatment tank 110 may be subjected to the same surface treatment as the liquid-spraying member.

[0071] The rotating shaft 121 is a shaft having a predetermined rigidity, and has, for example, a cylindrical or columnar shape. The rotating shaft 121 is usually arranged in the vertical direction in the treatment tank 110. The thickness of the rotating shaft 121 is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 8 mm to 200 mm. The length of the rotating shaft 121 varies depending on the size of the treatment tank 110 used, and an appropriate length can be selected by a person skilled in the art.

[0072] One end of the rotating shaft 121 is connected to a rotating means such as a motor 140 at the top of the processing tank 110. For example, the other end of the rotating shaft 121 is not connected to the bottom 109 of the processing tank 110, and is disposed at a certain distance from the bottom 109 of the processing tank 110. This makes it possible to reduce the area of ​​contact of the rotating shaft 121 with the reaction solution 116. Alternatively, the other end of the rotating shaft may be accommodated in a predetermined bearing provided at the bottom 109 of the processing tank.

[0073] The rotating shaft 121 is made of, for example, the same material as the liquid-dispersing member. If necessary, the rotating shaft 121 may be subjected to the same surface treatment as the liquid-dispersing member.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the sprinkling device 100 is fixed directly around the axis of the rotating shaft 121 .

[0075] 9, the motor 140 rotates the rotating shaft 121, and the flow members 120, 120' in the sprinkling device 100 suck (i.e., take in) the treatment liquid 116 from the suction ports 124, 124'. The sucked treatment liquid moves to the discharge ports 125, 125' through the flow paths in the suction parts 122, 122' and the discharge parts 123, 123' by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, and is discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' into the treatment tank 110, specifically above the liquid level 128 of the treatment liquid 116 in the treatment tank 110. This allows the treatment liquid 116 to move upward from the bottom 109 of the treatment tank 110 while colliding with the inner wall 111 and the liquid surface 128 of the treatment tank 110, and promotes mixing of the treatment liquid 116 in the height direction of the treatment tank 110 (e.g., stirring or circulation in the vertical direction) and flowing down after colliding with the inner wall 111. As a result, for example, when a predetermined reaction liquid is used as the treatment liquid, the production of the reaction product in the sprinkling device 200 can be more effectively promoted.

[0076] In the sprinkling device 200 of the present invention, in order to efficiently discharge the treatment liquid 116 from the sprinkling device 100 by the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, it is preferable that a predetermined amount of the treatment liquid 116 is contained in the treatment tank 110. Specifically, in either case of the presence or absence of rotation of the rotating shaft 121, the treatment liquid 116 is preferably contained in the treatment tank 110 so that the liquid level 128 of the treatment liquid 116 is located above the joint between the suction parts 122, 122' and the discharge parts 123, 123' constituting the sprinkling device 100, more specifically, the lower end (suction port 124) of the suction part 122 and the joint between the suction part 122 and the discharge part 123 (i.e., the bending point P of the sprinkling member 120). When the sprinkling device 100 and the liquid level 128 of the treatment liquid 116 satisfy such a relationship, the treatment liquid 116 is present up to a part of the lower end direction of the discharge part 123, 123' together with the liquid suction part 122, 122'. In such a relationship, when the sprinkling device 100 is rotated via the rotating shaft 121, the treatment liquid 116 forms a vortex (eddy current) with the rotation of the sprinkling device 100, and can rise to the discharge port 125, 125' in the inclined flow path inside the discharge part 123, 123' by the centrifugal force based on the rotation. Then, the finally raised treatment liquid 116 can be effectively discharged from the discharge port 125, 125' to the outside of the sprinkling member 120, 120'.

[0077] In addition, in order for the treatment liquid 116 to be effectively discharged from the outlet 125, 125' to the outside of the dispersion member 120, 120', it is preferable that the liquid level (vortex surface) of the treatment liquid 116 is located above the bending point P of the dispersion member 120 even when the vortex is formed as the dispersion device 100 rotates.

[0078] 1 and 9, the sprinkling device 100 is described as an example in which two sprinkling members 120, 120' are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotating shaft 121, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the number and arrangement of such sprinkling members. The sprinkling device of the present invention may be composed of only one sprinkling member, or may be composed of multiple (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight) sprinkling members. When multiple sprinkling members are used, it is preferable that the interval (e.g., angle) between each sprinkling member is kept approximately constant so that the rotating shaft can rotate smoothly.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the case where the aqueous phase 116b is arranged below the oil phase 116a is described, but the sprinkler of the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement of the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b. For example, in a system in which methanol is added to the aqueous phase, the arrangement of the oil phase and the aqueous phase may be reversed, and the oil phase may be arranged below the aqueous phase. The sprinkler of the present invention can also be used for a two-phase reaction liquid including an oil phase and an aqueous tank arranged in this way.

[0080] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sprinkling apparatus incorporating the sprinkling device shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, Figure 11(a) is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkling apparatus shown in Figure 10 in the AA direction, and Figure 11(b) is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkling apparatus shown in Figure 10 in the BB direction.

[0081] In the sprinkling device 300 of the present invention, a plurality of baffles 310 are provided on the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110, extending from the bottom 109 of the treatment tank 110 to a height higher than the liquid level 128 of the reaction liquid 116 (see FIG. 10 and (a) and (b) of FIG. 11). In FIG. 10, the baffles 310 are provided so as to be located, for example, in the vicinity of the liquid level 128 of the stationary treatment liquid 116 (i.e., the upper end of the baffle 310 is located at approximately the same height as the bending point P of the sprinkling member 120 or slightly lower than that).

[0082] The baffle plate 310 plays a role in preventing the treatment liquid 116 in the treatment tank 110 from rotating together with the liquid flow members 120, 120' when the liquid flow members 120, 120' rotate via the rotating shaft 121. In other words, the baffle plate 310 serves as a barrier when the treatment liquid 116 rotates horizontally in the treatment tank 110, and can prevent or reduce the formation of a vortex. As a result, even when the liquid scattering members 120, 120' rotate, the liquid level (vortex surface) of the treatment liquid 116 is located above the bending point P of the liquid scattering members, and as a result, the treatment liquid 116 is easily filled in the discharge parts 123, 123' of the liquid scattering members 120, 120', and the discharge of the treatment liquid 116 from the discharge ports 125, 125' becomes more effective. Finally, a large amount of the treatment liquid 116 can be discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125', and the efficiency of mixing and stirring the treatment liquid 116 in the treatment tank 110 can be improved.

[0083] The number of baffle plates 310 provided in the treatment tank 110 is not necessarily limited, but for example, 1 to 8 baffle plates 310 are provided at approximately equal intervals on the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of another example of a baffle plate that can be incorporated in the sprinkling device of the present invention.

[0085] The sprinkler of the present invention may be provided with a baffle plate 400a as shown in FIG. 12(a).

[0086] The baffle plate 400a is configured to have a structure in which two parallelly arranged plates 402a, 404a and two parallelly arranged plates 406a, 408a are crossed at an angle of approximately 90°. The baffle plate 400a is designed to be large enough that the entire baffle plate 400a can be installed at the bottom of the treatment tank of the sprinkler. The material constituting the baffle plate 400a is not particularly limited, and a material having sufficient durability against the treatment liquid and a predetermined strength can be used.

[0087] Alternatively, the baffle plate may have a structure as shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0088] The baffle plate 400b shown in Fig. 12(b) is configured to have a structure in which two plates 402b, 404b cross each other at an angle of approximately 90°. The baffle plate 400b is also designed to be large enough that the entire baffle plate 400b can be installed at the bottom of the treatment tank of the sprinkler. The same material as that of the baffle plate 400a can be used as the material of the baffle plate 400b.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 1 and the baffle plate shown in FIG. 12(a) are incorporated.

[0090] In the sprinkling device 500a shown in Fig. 13, a baffle plate 400a is disposed at approximately the center of the bottom 109 of the treatment tank 110. A predetermined gap is provided between the baffle plate 400a and the liquid suction parts 124, 124' of the sprinkling device 100. By disposing such a baffle plate 400a at the bottom 109 of the treatment tank 110, even if the sprinkling device 100 is rotated around the axis of the rotation shaft 121 through the rotation shaft 121, the baffle plate 400a prevents the treatment liquid 116 from freely rotating in the treatment tank 110, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the formation of a large vortex (eddy current).

[0091] 13, when the sprinkling members 120, 120' rotate, the presence of the baffle plate 400a causes the liquid level (vortex surface) of the treatment liquid 116 to be located above the bending point P of the sprinkling members, and as a result, the discharge parts 123, 123' of the sprinkling members 120, 120' are easily filled with the treatment liquid 116, and the discharge of the treatment liquid 116 from the discharge ports 125, 125' becomes more effective. Ultimately, a large amount of the treatment liquid 116 can be discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125', and the efficiency of mixing and stirring the treatment liquid 116 in the treatment tank 110 can be improved.

[0092] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sprinkling apparatus in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated.

[0093] In the sprinkler system 600 shown in Fig. 14, a jacket 610 for adjusting temperature is provided around the treatment tank 110. In Fig. 14, the jacket 610 is made of, for example, a hollow material, and a heat medium such as steam, water, or heat transfer oil can be introduced from a jacket inlet 612 through a pipe (not shown) and discharged from a jacket outlet 614. The heat medium introduced into the jacket 610 heats the treatment liquid 116 from outside the treatment tank 110, thereby enabling temperature control of the treatment liquid 116 in the treatment tank 110.

[0094] 14, an example is described in which a heating medium for heating the inside of the treatment tank 110 is used as the heat medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the heating medium, a cooling medium such as liquefied nitrogen, water, brine, or a gas refrigerant (e.g., carbon dioxide or freon) may be introduced into the jacket 610.

[0095] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 3 is incorporated.

[0096] In a sprinkling apparatus 700a shown in FIG. 15, the liquid suction ports 124a, 124' of the sprinkling members 120a, 120'a constituting the sprinkling device 100a are located at different heights in the vertical direction.

[0097] In such a configuration, the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b constituting the treatment liquid 116 are accommodated in the positions shown in FIG. 16 (i.e., for example, in a stationary state, the suction port 124a of the sprinkling member 120a is disposed in the oil phase 116a, and the suction port 124' of the sprinkling member 120'a is disposed in the aqueous phase 116b), and when the rotating shaft 121 is rotated by the motor 140, the suction port 124a of the sprinkling member 120a can absorb the treatment liquid 116 containing most or a large amount of the components in the oil phase 116a (although the rotation of the sprinkling device 100a may cause parts of the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b to mix), and the suction port 124' of the sprinkling member 120'a can absorb the treatment liquid 116 containing most or a large amount of the components in the aqueous phase 116b. The treatment liquid 116 sucked up through the suction ports 124a, 124' is discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' of the spraying members 120a, 120'a toward, for example, the liquid level 128 or the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110, respectively.

[0098] Here, when the treatment liquid 116 discharged by a certain rotation of the sprinkling members 120a, 120'a hits the inner wall 111, it turns into a thin film and flows down the inner wall 111. After that, when the treatment liquid 116 newly discharged by further rotation of the sprinkling members 120a, 120'a also hits the inner wall 111, it turns into a thin film and flows down on the inner wall 111. When the sprinkling members 120a, 120'a continue to rotate in this manner, the treatment liquid 116 having different component compositions that has been absorbed from the suction ports 124a, 124', respectively, flows down on the inner wall 111 in the form of multiple overlapping thin films.

[0099] As a result, the components constituting the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b of the treatment liquid 116 in the treatment tank 110 can be effectively mixed or stirred.

[0100] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 4 is incorporated.

[0101] In the sprinkling device 700b shown in Fig. 16, the suction ports 124b, 124'b of the sprinkling members 120b, 120'b constituting the sprinkling device 100b are located at different heights in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the discharge ports 125b, 125'b of the sprinkling members 120b, 120'b constituting the sprinkling device 100b are also located at different heights in the vertical direction.

[0102] In such a configuration, the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b constituting the treatment liquid 116 are accommodated in the positions shown in FIG. 16 (i.e., for example, in a stationary state, the suction port 124b of the sprinkling member 120b is disposed in the oil phase 116a, and the suction port 124'b of the sprinkling member 120'b is disposed in the aqueous phase 116b), and when the rotating shaft 121 is rotated by the motor 140, the suction port 124b of the sprinkling member 120b can absorb the treatment liquid 116 containing most or a large amount of the components in the oil phase 116a (although the rotation of the sprinkling device 100b may cause parts of the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b to mix), and the suction port 124'b of the sprinkling member 120'b can absorb the treatment liquid 116 containing most or a large amount of the components in the aqueous phase 116b. The treatment liquid 116 sucked through the suction ports 124b, 124'b, respectively, can be discharged from the discharge ports 125b, 125'b of the spraying members 120b, 120'b, respectively, onto the liquid level 128 or toward the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110, for example.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 5 is incorporated.

[0104] 17, the suction ports 124c, 124'c of the sprinkling members 120c, 120'c constituting the sprinkling device 100c are located at different heights in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the discharge ports 125c, 125'c of the sprinkling members 120c, 120'c constituting the sprinkling device 100c are also located at different heights in the vertical direction.

[0105] In such a configuration, the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b constituting the treatment liquid 116 are accommodated in the positions shown in FIG. 17 (i.e., for example, in a stationary state, the suction port 124c of the sprinkling member 120c is disposed in the oil phase 116a, and the suction port 124'c of the sprinkling member 120'c is disposed in the aqueous phase 116b), and when the rotating shaft 121 is rotated by the motor 140, the suction port 124c of the sprinkling member 120c can absorb the treatment liquid 116 containing most or a large amount of the components in the oil phase 116a (although the rotation of the sprinkling device 100b may cause parts of the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b to mix), and the suction port 124'c of the sprinkling member 120'c can absorb the treatment liquid 116 containing most or a large amount of the components in the aqueous phase 116b. The treatment liquid 116 sucked through the suction ports 124c, 124'c, respectively, can be discharged from the discharge ports 125c, 125'c of the liquid scattering members 120c, 120'c, respectively, onto the liquid surface 128 or toward the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110, for example.

[0106] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 6 is incorporated.

[0107] In the sprinkling device 700d shown in FIG. 18, the suction ports 124d, 124'd of the sprinkling members 120d, 120'd that constitute the sprinkling device 100d are located at different heights in the vertical direction, and the discharge ports 125d, 125'd of the sprinkling members 120d, 120'd are also located at different heights in the vertical direction.

[0108] In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the suction port 124d of the dispersing member 120d is arranged in the aqueous phase 116b, and the suction port 124'd of the dispersing member 120d is arranged in the oil phase 116a. When the rotating shaft 121 is rotated in this state, the suction port 124d of the dispersing member 120d preferentially absorbs the components of the aqueous phase 116b or components that are rich in the components of the aqueous phase 116b (hereinafter, these are referred to as components of the aqueous phase 116b, etc.), and the suction port 124'd of the dispersing member 120'd preferentially absorbs the components of the oil phase 116a or components that are rich in the oil phase 116a (hereinafter, these are referred to as components of the oil phase 116a, etc.).

[0109] In addition, since the discharge port 125'd of the dispersing member 120'd is opened above the discharge port 125d of the dispersing member 120d, the components of the oil phase 116a from the discharge port 125'd are discharged upward toward the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110, more so than the components of the aqueous phase 116b from the discharge port 125d. The components of the oil phase 116a that collide with the inner wall 111 flow down a longer distance to the liquid surface 128 than the components of the aqueous phase 116b that similarly collide with the inner wall 111. As a result, the flow-down distances between the components of the oil phase 116a and the components of the aqueous phase 116b are different, and an opportunity is provided for the components of the oil phase 116a and the components of the aqueous phase 116b to be mixed in a more complex manner near the inner wall 111 and the liquid surface 128.

[0110] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 7 is incorporated.

[0111] In the sprinkling apparatus 700e shown in FIG. 19, the suction port 124e of the sprinkling member 120e constituting the sprinkling device 100e is directed toward the bottom 109 side of the stirring tank 110. In FIG. 19, the suction port 124e of the sprinkling member 120e is disposed near the interface between the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b of the treatment liquid 116, but is not particularly limited to such an arrangement. In the stationary state of the treatment liquid 116, the suction port 124e of the sprinkling member 120e may be disposed on either the oil phase 116a side or the aqueous phase 116b side.

[0112] In this configuration, when the rotating shaft 121 is rotated by the motor 140, the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b are mixed and sucked from the suction port 124e of the sprinkling member 120e by the rotation of the sprinkling device 100e. The treatment liquid 116 sucked from the suction port 124e can be discharged from the discharge ports 125e, 125'e of the sprinkling member 120e, for example, toward the liquid level 128 or the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110.

[0113] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sprinkling apparatus (reactor) in which the sprinkling device shown in FIG. 8 is incorporated.

[0114] In the sprinkling device 700f shown in Fig. 20, the suction ports 124f, 124'f of the sprinkling members 120f, 120'f constituting the sprinkling device 100f are positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the discharge ports 125, 125' of the sprinkling members 120f, 120'f constituting the sprinkling device 100f are also positioned at different heights in the vertical direction.

[0115] As described above, in the sprinkler device 100f, the suction portions 122f, 122'f constituting the sprinkler members 120f, 120'f are relatively short, so that the sprinkler apparatus 700f of the present invention can, for example, suck up the treatment liquid 116 from the suction portions 124f, 124'f through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121 even when the amount of treatment liquid 116 is relatively small (i.e., when the amount of each of the liquids constituting the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b is small), and can discharge the treatment liquid from the discharge ports 125f, 125'f respectively onto the liquid level 128 or toward the inner wall 111 of the treatment tank 110.

[0116] For example, when the liquid scattering apparatus of the present invention is used as a reaction apparatus, the apparatus is useful in the production of various reaction products in which stirring of the reaction liquid (reactant) is desired. In particular, in a two-phase system (heterogeneous reaction system) composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase, or in a reaction system composed of multi-phase (e.g., two-phase) chemical substances, reaction products can be obtained more effectively than in the case of using a conventional stirrer. For example, an example of a two-phase system is an ester exchange reaction for producing fatty acid esters.

[0117] In the present invention, the suction part of the sprinkling member constituting the sprinkling device extends vertically, and the suction part can rotate with a relatively small rotation radius by the attached rotating shaft. On the other hand, since the discharge part is inclined at a predetermined angle, the treatment liquid can be easily discharged to the outside by passing through the internal flow path and utilizing the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation. As a result, the sprinkling device of the present invention can rotate with less energy within the treatment liquid, and can efficiently discharge the treatment liquid, i.e., perform various operations such as mixing, stirring, reaction, evaporation, and distillation of the treatment liquid.

[0118] (Method of Producing Reaction Product) Next, a method for producing a predetermined reaction product using a sprinkling apparatus incorporating the sprinkling device of the present invention will be described.

[0119] In the production method of the present invention, stirring is performed by circulating the treatment liquid in a sprinkler apparatus having the above-mentioned sprinkler device built in. Here, in this specification, the term "stirring by circulation" includes both stirring by applying horizontal rotation to the target liquid (e.g., reaction liquid) and mixing (or mixing) the entire liquid through vertical movement and circulation of the liquid, as in the case of using the above-mentioned sprinkler apparatus.

[0120] The treatment liquid used in the present invention contains an inorganic or organic liquid medium, and generally allows a chemical reaction to proceed and be controlled through stirring by a stirrer or the like. For example, the treatment liquid is a heterogeneous reaction liquid. For example, a reaction liquid composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is useful in that the emulsification of the reaction liquid can be improved and promoted through stirring by the above circulation.

[0121] When the treatment liquid is a heterogeneous reaction liquid, the treatment liquid contains, for example, a raw material oil or fat, a liquid enzyme, an alcohol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and water.

[0122] The raw fats and oils are fats and oils that can be used in the production of fatty acid esters for biodiesel fuel, for example. The raw fats and oils can be either pre-refined fats and oils, or unrefined fats and oils containing impurities. Examples of the raw fats and oils include edible fats and oils and waste edible fats and oils, crude oil, and other waste-based fats and oils, and combinations thereof. Examples of edible fats and oils and oils and waste edible fats and oils include vegetable fats and oils, animal fats and oils, fish oils, microbially produced fats and oils, and waste oils thereof, and mixtures thereof (mixed fats and oils). Examples of vegetable fats and oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, and olive oil. Examples of animal fats and oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, beef tallow, lard, chicken fat, whale oil, and mutton tallow. Examples of fish oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, sardine oil, tuna oil, and squid oil. Examples of microbially produced oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, oils produced by microorganisms such as Mortierella or Schizochytrium.

[0123] Crude oil is, for example, unrefined or unprocessed oil obtained from a conventional oil extraction process for edible oils and fats, and may contain, for example, gummy impurities such as phospholipids and / or proteins, free fatty acids, pigments, trace metals and other hydrocarbon-based oil-soluble impurities, and combinations thereof. The content of such impurities contained in crude oil is not particularly limited.

[0124] Examples of waste-based oils and fats include oil cakes obtained by refining crude oil generated during the production of edible oils and fats in the presence of alkali, heat-treated oils, press oils, rolling oils, and combinations of these.

[0125] The raw material fat or oil may contain any amount of water within a range that does not impair the inherent properties of the fat or oil. Furthermore, the raw material fat or oil may be unreacted fat or oil remaining in a solution used in a separate reaction for producing a fatty acid ester.

[0126] The liquid enzyme may be any enzyme catalyst that can be used in the reaction of producing fatty acid esters and has liquid properties at room temperature. Examples of liquid enzymes include lipase, cutinase, and combinations thereof. Here, the term "lipase" used in this specification refers to an enzyme that acts on glyceride (also called acylglycerol) and has the ability to decompose the glyceride into glycerin or partial glyceride and fatty acid, and has the ability to produce fatty acid esters by transesterification in the presence of linear lower alcohol.

[0127] The lipase may be 1,3-specific or non-specific. In terms of being able to produce linear lower alcohol esters of fatty acids, the lipase is preferably non-specific. Examples of lipase include lipases derived from filamentous fungi belonging to the genus Rhizomucor (Rhizomucor miehei), Mucor, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Penicillium, etc.; lipases derived from yeasts belonging to the genus Candida (Candida antarcitica, Candida rugosa, Candida cylindracea), Pichia, etc.; lipases derived from bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, Serratia, etc.; and lipases derived from animals such as porcine pancreas. Liquid lipases can be obtained, for example, by concentrating and purifying the culture broth of these microorganisms containing the lipase produced by the microorganisms, or by dissolving powdered lipase in water. Commercially available liquid lipases can also be used.

[0128] The amount of the liquid enzyme used is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on, for example, the type and / or amount of the raw oil and fat, but is preferably 0.1 to 50 parts by mass, preferably 0.2 to 30 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the raw oil and fat used. If the amount of the liquid enzyme used is less than 0.1 parts by mass, it cannot effectively catalyze the transesterification reaction, and there is a risk of reducing the yield and / or yield of the desired fatty acid ester. If the amount of the liquid enzyme used is more than 50 parts by mass, there is no change in the yield and / or yield of the desired fatty acid ester obtained through the transesterification reaction, and there is a risk of reducing the production efficiency.

[0129] The alcohol is a straight-chain or branched-chain lower alcohol (e.g., an alcohol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms). A straight-chain lower alcohol is preferred. Examples of straight-chain lower alcohols include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol, and combinations thereof.

[0130] The amount of the alcohol used is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on, for example, the type and / or amount of the raw oil and fat used, but is preferably 5 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass, preferably 10 parts by mass to 30 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the raw oil and fat. If the amount of the alcohol used is less than 5 parts by mass, the transesterification reaction cannot be carried out effectively, and the yield and / or yield of the desired fatty acid ester may decrease. If the amount of the alcohol used is more than 100 parts by mass, there is no change in the yield and / or yield of the desired fatty acid ester obtained through the transesterification reaction, and rather the production efficiency may decrease.

[0131] The water used in the present invention may be any of distilled water, ion-exchanged water, tap water, and pure water. The amount of water used is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on, for example, the type and / or amount of the raw oil and fat used, but is preferably 0.1 to 50 parts by mass, preferably 2 to 30 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the raw oil and fat. If the amount of water used is less than 0.1 parts by mass, the amount of the water layer formed in the reaction system is insufficient, and an effective transesterification reaction cannot be performed by the raw oil and fat, liquid enzyme, and alcohol, which may reduce the yield and / or yield of the desired fatty acid ester. If the amount of water used is more than 50 parts by mass, there is no change in the yield and / or yield of the desired fatty acid ester obtained through the transesterification reaction, and there is a possibility that the production efficiency may be reduced.

[0132] In the method of the present invention, a predetermined electrolyte may be added to the treatment liquid. Anions constituting the electrolyte are not necessarily limited, but include, for example, hydrogen carbonate ions, carbonate ions, chloride ions, hydroxide ions, citrate ions, hydrogen phosphate ions, dihydrogen phosphate ions, and phosphate ions, as well as combinations thereof. Cations constituting the electrolyte include, for example, alkali metal ions and alkaline earth metal ions, as well as combinations thereof, and more specific examples include sodium ions, potassium ions, and calcium ions, as well as combinations thereof. Examples of electrolytes include sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate), sodium carbonate, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, trisodium citrate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, and trisodium phosphate, as well as combinations thereof. Sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate) is more preferred for reasons such as its versatility and ease of availability.

[0133] The raw oil and fat, catalyst, alcohol, and water are added simultaneously or in any order to the treatment tank 110 of the sprinkling device 200 shown in FIG. 9 through the treatment liquid supply port 112, and the treatment liquid 116 consisting of the oil phase 116a and the water phase 116b is formed. Thereafter, by rotating the flow members 120, 120' of the sprinkling device 100 in the treatment tank 110 through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, the treatment liquid 116 is absorbed from the flow members 120, 120' as described above, and the absorbed treatment liquid moves upward through the flow paths in the suction parts 122, 122' and the discharge parts 123, 123' and is discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' of the flow members 120, 120'. Such movement of the treatment liquid 116 promotes the stirring of the treatment liquid 116, and the production of the fatty acid ester, which is the reaction product, is performed. The temperature to which the treatment tank 110 is subjected is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 5°C to 80°C, preferably 15°C to 80°C, and more preferably 25°C to 50°C.

[0134] The rotation of the rotating shaft in the sprinkler 200 does not necessarily have to be performed at high speed (e.g., 600 rpm or more). For example, it may be set to a low speed (e.g., 80 rpm or more and less than 300 rpm) or a medium speed (e.g., 300 rpm or more and less than 600 rpm). Furthermore, the reaction time varies depending on the amount of raw material oil and fat, catalyst, alcohol, and water used, so it is not necessarily limited and can be set by a person skilled in the art.

[0135] After the reaction is completed, the product and reaction residue are taken out of the treatment tank 110 of the trickling device 200 and separated into a layer containing fatty acid esters and a layer containing the by-product glycerin, for example, using a means known to those skilled in the art. Thereafter, the layer containing fatty acid esters can be further subjected to isolation and purification of fatty acid esters, if necessary, using a method known to those skilled in the art.

[0136] The fatty acid esters obtained as described above can be used, for example, as biodiesel fuels or as constituents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f Spraying device 109 Bottom 110 Treatment tank 111 Interior wall 112 Processing liquid supply port 114 Product outlet 115 Valve 116 Processing liquid 116a Oil phase 116b Water phase 120, 120', 120a, 120'a, 120b, 120'b, 120c, 120'c, 120d, 120'd, 120e, 120'e, 120f, 120'f Flow member 121 Rotational axis 122,122',122a,122b,122'b,122c,122'c,122e,122'e,122f,122'f Liquid suction part 123,123', 123b,123'b,123c,123'c,123e,123'e Discharge part 124,124',124b,134'b,124c,124'c,124d,124'd,124e, 124f,124'f Liquid suction port 125,125',125” outlet 128 Liquid level 140 Motor 200,300,500a,600,700a,700b,700c,700d,700e,700f Sprinkling equipment 310,400a,400b Baffle plate 610 Jacket 612 Jacket Entrance 614 Jacket outlet

Claims

1. A sprinkling device comprising: a treatment tank for accommodating a treatment liquid; a sprinkling device provided in the treatment tank; and a rotating shaft to which the sprinkling device is attached, The liquid dispersion device comprises at least one liquid dispersion member mountable to the rotating shaft; The liquid flow member is At least one cylindrical liquid suction portion extending along the rotation axis and having a liquid suction port at a lower end; at least one discharge part, one end of which communicates with the upper end of the liquid suction part, and the other end of which has a discharge port and extends at an angle relative to the liquid suction part; the liquid level of the treatment liquid is located within the discharge portion of the liquid flow member in a stationary state immediately before the start of spraying; The liquid-sucking portion of the liquid-flowing member is a straight tube extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

2. The liquid sprinkling device according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of the liquid suction portions, all of the lower ends of the liquid suction portions being provided at the same position relative to the rotation axis.

3. The liquid sprinkling device according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of the liquid suction portions, and one of the lower ends of the liquid suction portions is provided at a different position relative to the rotation axis compared to another one of the lower ends.

4. 2. The liquid sprinkling device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said discharge portions, all of said other ends of said discharge portions being provided at the same position relative to said rotation axis.

5. 2. The liquid sprinkling device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said discharge portions, and wherein one of said other ends of said discharge portions is provided at a different position relative to said rotation axis compared to another one of said other ends.

6. The liquid sprinkling device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid suction portion is formed of a single tube, and the upper end of the liquid suction portion is provided with at least two of the discharge portions.

7. 2. The spraying device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment liquid is composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase.

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