Tank System

Abstract

To provide a bubble concentration control device and a tank system where the concentration of bubbles contained in a bubble-mixed liquid can be controlled.SOLUTION: A bubble concentration control device has: a bubble generation part which has a plurality of flow paths to flow a liquid and where bubbles having a bubble diameter of less than 1 μm can be generated in the liquid at least in one flow path; and a flow ratio control part to change the flow ratio of the liquid flowing in the plurality of flow paths so that the concentration of bubbles can be controlled by mixing the liquid flowing out from the plurality of flow paths.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a demand for a bubble generator that generates a gas-liquid mixture containing bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or less in a liquid, and uses the bubble generator in various industrial fields. Patent Document 1 proposes providing a bubble generator in a tank installed in the circulation system of an air conditioning system, and removing contaminants in the circulation system with the gas-liquid mixture stored in the tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-190754 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technique proposed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of adjusting the bubble concentration contained in the air bubble mixture stored in the tank.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a bubble concentration adjustment device and a tank system that make it possible to adjust the bubble concentration contained in a bubble mixture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to the following (1) 5 The gist of the invention is as described in

[0007] (1) a tank for storing a liquid; a first flow path for circulating a first liquid as a liquid in the tank; a second flow path for allowing a second liquid as an external liquid to flow into the tank; Equipped with the second flow path has a flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate of the second liquid flowing into the tank; the first flow path has a bubble generating unit that generates bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm in the first liquid, A timer is provided for determining a first time period for the first liquid to flow through the first flow path based on a measurement value of the flow sensor. R, The first time is a time for operating the bubble generating unit until the bubble concentration in the first liquid increases to a predetermined value. Tank system. (2) In the tank system described in (1) above, The timer further defines a second time for the second liquid to flow through the second flow path; The first flow path can be closed when the first time period has elapsed, and the second flow path can be closed when the second time period has elapsed. Tank system. (3) (2) Above In the tank system according to the present invention, the first time and the second time are times determined according to a flow rate of the second liquid measured by the flow sensor, a difference between a volume of the liquid in the tank and a target volume of the liquid in the tank, and a difference between a bubble concentration of the liquid in the tank and a target bubble concentration of the liquid in the tank. Tank system. (4) In the tank system according to (1) or (2) above, The bubble generating unit is of a cavitation type. Tank system. (5) In the tank system according to (1) or (2), a circulation flow control valve configured to be able to change a flow rate of the first liquid passing through the first flow path; An inflow control valve having a function of opening and closing the second flow path; Tank system. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bubble concentration adjustment device and a tank system that make it possible to adjust the amount of bubbles contained in a gas-liquid mixture. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of one embodiment of an air bubble concentration adjustment device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2]Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of one embodiment of the bubble generating device. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing the state of one embodiment of the bubble generating mechanism of the bubble generating device when the line of sight is the direction from the upstream end to the downstream end. Fig. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bubble generating device corresponding to the vertical section of line AA in Fig. 2A. Fig. 2D is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view for showing the state in which the area SP surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 2C is enlarged. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration of one embodiment of the air bubble concentration adjustment device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration of one embodiment of an air bubble concentration adjustment device according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of the operation unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of one example of the tank system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of one example of a tank system according to the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of an example of the tank system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of an example of the tank system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of an example of a tank system according to a modified example of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in the order of [1. Air bubble concentration regulator] and [2. Tank system]. In [2. Tank system], the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment will be described in that order.

[0011] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0012] [1. Air bubble concentration regulator] The air bubble concentration adjustment device according to the present invention has a structure for controlling the amount of air bubbles (air bubble concentration) contained in a liquid having air bubbles.

[0013] [composition] As shown in FIG. 1, the air bubble concentration adjusting device 10 has a plurality of flow paths 11, a flow rate ratio control unit 12, and an air bubble generating unit 13.

[0014] (Flow path) The flow paths 11 are configured to allow liquid to flow, and specifically, a structure formed of a piping member 20 can be exemplified. The sizes of the multiple flow paths 11 (the size of the vertical cross section of the flow paths 11 in a plane normal to the longitudinal direction of the flow paths 11) may be the same, or some of the flow paths 11 may be different in size from the other flow paths 11. The number of flow paths 11 is not particularly limited, and may be two or three or more. In the example of FIG. 1, two flow paths 11 are provided, and when the two flow paths 11 are a first flow path 11A and a second flow path 11B, both are configured of a piping member 20 having the same vertical cross section. That is, the example of FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the vertical cross sections of the multiple flow paths 11 are the same. The description of the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 will be continued with reference to the example of FIG. 1. 1, arrow F indicates the flow of liquid flowing in from inlet 14, which will be described later, arrow FP1 indicates the flow of liquid flowing through first flow path 11A, and arrow FP2 indicates the flow of liquid flowing through second flow path 11B. This is the same for Figures 3A to 3D, 4A to 4C, and 6 to 8 (in Figures 6 to 8, arrows FP1 and FP2 indicate the flows of liquid flowing through first flow path 270A and second flow path 270B, respectively).

[0015] (Inlet) In the example of FIG. 1, the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 is formed with an inlet 14 for receiving liquid, and liquid can be introduced from an external liquid supply source (not shown) through the inlet 14. The liquid introduced from the inlet 14 in the direction of the arrow F can flow from the upstream end of the flow path 11 to the downstream end of the flow path 11, regardless of which flow path 11 it proceeds to. The inlet 14 may be formed individually and not in common with the multiple flow paths 11, but it is preferable that the inlet 14 is common to the multiple flow paths 11. The inlet 14 being common means that the liquid introduced from the same inlet 14 flows into all of the multiple flow paths 11. When the inlet is common to the multiple flow paths 11, the inlet is specified to be one place as shown in FIG. 1. If there is one inlet, it is easy to adjust the bubble concentration of the liquid obtained via the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 (liquid (mixed liquid) determined when the entire liquid flowing out of the outlet is assumed) by controlling the movement of the liquid flowing in from one inlet.

[0016] In the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10, it is preferable that the liquid stably flows from the inlet 14 to the flow path 11 from a liquid supply source external to the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10, with the liquid pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate satisfying predetermined ranges. From the viewpoint of realizing this more reliably, when using the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10, it is preferable to adopt a structure in which a device such as a pump is disposed outside the inlet 14 as a structure for flowing the liquid from the inlet 14 toward the flow path 11 (referred to as an inflow auxiliary structure), or a structure in which the supply source is positioned at a predetermined position or higher than the inlet 14.

[0017] The presence of an inflow assist structure when using the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 is highly effective, particularly when the air bubble generation unit 13 described below is a cavitation type device (air bubble generator). This is because, when the air bubble generation unit is a cavitation type device, the liquid sent to the air bubble delivery device has a pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate that satisfy predetermined ranges, so that the air bubble delivery device can more reliably generate air bubbles such as fine bubbles (including ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles) described below in the liquid.

[0018] (Acceptance channel) In the example of FIG. 1, the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 has a receiving flow path 15 formed with an inlet 14 at its upstream end and configured to be able to receive liquid flowing in from the inlet 14, and is connected to the upstream ends of the first flow path 11A and the second flow path 11B at its downstream end (the end opposite to the end that becomes the inlet 14 along the direction of the arrow F). However, in the example of FIG. 1, the first flow path 11A, the second flow path 11B, and the receiving flow path 15 are connected via a flow control member 16, which will be described later. That is, in the example of FIG. 1, the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 is connected to the flow control member 16 at the downstream end of the receiving flow path 15, and is branched from the flow control member 16 into the first flow path 11A and the second flow path 11B, and is configured so that liquid passing through either the first flow path 11A or the second flow path 11B flows in from the common inlet 14. The arrangement of the receiver flow path 15 and the multiple flow paths 11 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and is not limited to this structure. As described later, the receiver flow path 15 may be integrated with the first flow path 11A or the second flow path 11B. In this case, as described in Modification 3 below, a part of the first flow path 11A or a part of the second flow path 11B serves as the receiver flow path 15, and the second flow path 11B branches off from the first flow path 11A, or the first flow path 11A branches off from the second flow path 11B.

[0019] The above-mentioned inflow assistance structure may be provided in the receiving flow path 15. For example, a pump or the like may be provided in the middle of the receiving flow path 15. By providing a pump or the like in the middle of the receiving flow path 15, it becomes easy to stabilize the pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate of the liquid flowing in the receiving flow path 15 within a predetermined range.

[0020] (liquid) The liquid flowing through the flow channel 11 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a solvent and a solvent in which a compound or the like is dissolved, dispersed, or mixed (a solution, a dispersion, a mixed liquid, etc.). Examples of the solvent include water and an organic solvent. Examples of the water include tap water, well water, seawater, pure water, ultrapure water, and water that has passed through a supercritical state (supercritical water). Examples of the organic solvent include alcohol and oil. Examples of the compound or the like dissolved in the solvent include inorganic compounds such as covalently bonded substances of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen, inorganic electrolytes such as sodium chloride, and various organic compounds such as aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, peptides, and fatty acids.

[0021] The liquid flowing through the flow path 11 may be determined according to the use of the gas-liquid mixture containing fine bubbles or ultrafine bubbles as bubbles. The use of the gas-liquid mixture may be determined according to its effect. The effects of including fine bubbles or ultrafine bubbles as bubbles in a liquid include effects on solubility, effects on separability, effects on cleanliness, effects on fluidity, and effects on improving the quality of medical care and diagnosis. The effects on solubility due to bubbles include improved effects of ozone water, improved mixability of oil and additives, promotion of emulsification of oil and water, oxygen enrichment of liquid fertilizer by including oxygen-containing bubbles, and improvement of water quality for fish farming. The effects on separability due to bubbles include purification of polluted soil and water purification. The effects on cleanliness include improved cleanliness of precision instruments, household appliances, foodstuffs, and the human body, and improved cleanliness in the cleaning process of a production line. The effects on improving efficiency due to bubbles include fuel production by promoting emulsion of oil (waste oil, etc.) with water using bubbles. The effect of bubbles on improving the quality of medical treatment and diagnosis can be exemplified by the improved effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment by the combined use of ultrasound and bubbles. The bubble concentration regulator 10 can be applied when generating a gas-liquid mixture for realizing various effects by these bubbles, and the liquid flowing through the bubble concentration regulator 10 can be a liquid used when generating a gas-liquid mixture for realizing various effects by bubbles. More specific examples of the liquid flowing through the flow path 11 include liquids used in food such as juices and sugar water, cleaning solutions used in hospitals, liquids used in medical applications such as saline, and various liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel.

[0022] (Flow ratio control section) The flow rate ratio control unit 12 provided in the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 has a flow rate control member 16. For convenience of explanation, the flow rate ratio control unit 12 is shown by a dashed line in Fig. 1. This also applies to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0023] The flow rate ratio control unit 12 is a unit for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow paths 11. In other words, the flow rate ratio control unit 12 can also be called a flow rate ratio variable unit. The flow rate ratio control unit 12 is capable of changing the flow rate ratio of the liquid flowing through the multiple flow paths 11 so as to adjust the bubble concentration (air bubble concentration) by mixing the liquid flowing out of the multiple flow paths 11. The flow rate (cm 3 / sec) is the volume (cm) of liquid flowing into the flow channel per unit time (seconds). 3 ) in the example of FIG. 1, the flow rate ratio is the ratio between the amount (flow rate) of liquid flowing through the first flow path and the amount (flow rate) of liquid flowing through the second flow path among the liquids flowing from the inlet. The flow rate ratio is determined as WA:WB, where WA is the amount (flow rate) of liquid flowing through the first flow path and WB is the amount (flow rate) of liquid flowing through the second flow path. In particular, according to the bubble concentration adjustment device 10, the flow rate ratio control unit 12 controls (changes) the flow rate ratio so as to adjust the bubble concentration, which is the concentration of fine bubbles (which may be referred to as fine bubble concentration) described later or the concentration of ultra-fine bubbles (which may be referred to as ultra-fine bubble concentration) described later.

[0024] The flow rate ratio control unit 12 is configured to be able to change the flow rate ratio according to the total bubble concentration of the liquid flowing out from the outlets per unit time. The flow rate ratio control unit 12 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure capable of changing and controlling the flow rate of the liquid flowing through each of the flow paths 11, and in the example of Fig. 1, it is a part having a distribution valve 21. Also, in the example of Fig. 1, the total amount of liquid flowing out per unit time refers to the total amount of liquid flowing out per unit time from the outlet of the first flow path 11A and the total amount of liquid flowing out per unit time from the outlet of the second flow path.

[0025] (Flow control components) The flow rate control member 16 is a member capable of controlling the flow of liquid flowing through the flow path 11. In the example of FIG.

[0026] (Distribution valve) The distribution valve 21 shown in the example of FIG. 1 is provided at a position connected to the downstream end of the receiving flow path 15, the upstream end of the first flow path 11A, and the upstream end of the second flow path 11B. The distribution valve 21 controls the distribution ratio of the liquid supplied from the inlet 14 to be distributed to each of the multiple flow paths 11. In the example of FIG. 1, the structure of the distribution valve 21 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that can change the ratio of the amount of liquid flowing into the first flow path 11A to the amount of liquid flowing into the second flow path 11B (a structure that can change the distribution ratio). The distribution valve 21 is configured to be able to change the ratio ((WA / WT):(WB / WT)) of the amount of liquid flowing into the first flow path (flow rate WA) to the amount of liquid flowing into the second flow path (flow rate WB) of the total flow rate (WT) of the liquid flowing from the inlet 14 to the receiving flow path 15. In the example of FIG. 1, the flow ratio roughly corresponds to the distribution ratio, and the change in the flow ratio is realized by controlling the distribution ratio (eg, by changing the distribution ratio).

[0027] In addition, when the bubble generating unit described later is a cavitation type device, the concentration of fine bubbles that become bubbles generated in the liquid passing through the bubble generating unit is said to depend on the flow rate, pressure, and flow rate of the liquid. For this reason, when the bubble generating unit is a cavitation type device, if the flow rate, pressure, flow rate, etc. of the liquid supplied to the inlet 14 are different, or if the inner diameter of the piping member 20 is different between the first flow path 11A and the second flow path 11B, the bubble concentration in the entire liquid that finally flows out from the outlet of the bubble concentration adjusting device 10 may differ even with the same distribution ratio. From this point of view, it is preferable to previously construct a database such as a correspondence table showing the correspondence between the flow rate, pressure, and flow rate of the liquid supplied to the inlet 14 and / or the flow rate ratio in the flow rate ratio control unit 12 and the concentration of fine bubbles (bubble concentration) in the entire liquid that finally flows out. In addition, it is preferable that the flow rate ratio control unit 12 is configured to be able to control the flow rate ratio of the liquid flowing through the multiple flow paths 11 in accordance with the pressure, flow velocity and flow rate of the liquid received from the inlet 14.

[0028] (Bubble generating part) At least one of the multiple flow paths 11 is provided with a bubble generating unit 13. The bubble generating unit 13 generates bubbles in the liquid flowing through the flow path 11 in which it is provided. In the example of FIG. 1, the bubble generating unit 13 is provided in the first flow path 11A, and the bubble generating unit 13 generates bubbles in the liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A. As a result, the liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A becomes a gas-liquid mixture in which bubbles are dispersed in the liquid components after passing through the bubble generating unit 13.

[0029] (Air bubbles) At least some of the bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 13 have a bubble diameter of less than 1 μm (the average bubble diameter of at least some of the bubbles is less than 1 μm), but it is preferable that all of the bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 13 have a bubble diameter of less than 1 μm (the average bubble diameter of all the bubbles generated is less than 1 μm). Bubbles with a bubble diameter of 100 μm or less may be called fine bubbles, bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less may be called microbubbles, and bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm may be called ultrafine bubbles or nanobubbles. The term "fine bubbles" is used as a term that indicates a comprehensive concept of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles. It is preferable that at least some of the bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 13 are ultrafine bubbles, and for example, in the example of FIG. 1, at least some of the bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 13 for the liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A are ultrafine bubbles. The gas-liquid mixture formed in first flow path 11A as a liquid containing gas bubbles has ultrafine bubbles dispersed in the liquid. Note that this does not exclude the gas-liquid mixture formed in first flow path 11A from containing gas bubbles other than ultrafine bubbles, and the gas-liquid mixture may contain microbubbles, etc.

[0030] (Components in bubbles) The gas components in the bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 13 are not particularly limited, and may be gas taken into the bubble generating unit 13 from the outside, or may be gasifiable components dissolved in the liquid sent to the bubble generating unit 13. For example, in the case where the liquid is water, examples of gasifiable components dissolved in the liquid include dissolved carbon dioxide dissolved in the water, oxygen (dissolved oxygen), and nitrogen (dissolved nitrogen) dissolved in the water.

[0031] (bubble diameter) The bubble diameter indicates the diameter of the bubbles. The average bubble diameter of the bubbles indicates the average value of the diameter of the bubbles. The average bubble diameter can be determined from the bubble diameter distribution. The average bubble diameter of some bubbles can be determined from the bubble diameter distribution. The bubble diameter can be determined when measuring the bubble diameter distribution. The bubble diameter and the average bubble diameter can be determined using a technique for measuring the bubble diameter distribution (particle size distribution) of the bubbles contained in the gas-liquid mixture. The technique for measuring the bubble diameter distribution (particle size distribution) can be, for example, a method using a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device. In addition, as a method for specifying the bubble diameter distribution, particle size analysis-particle trajectory analysis method (particle tracking analysis method) in accordance with JIS Z 8829:2021 and the like can also be mentioned.

[0032] (Air bubble concentration) The bubble concentration (bubbles / cm) of the gas-liquid mixture generated in the bubble generating section 13 3 ) is not particularly limited, but even when a mixed liquid is assumed in which liquids flowing out of a plurality of flow paths 11 are mixed so as to dilute the bubble concentration (that is, in FIG. 1, even in a mixed liquid of a liquid flowing out of the first flow path 11A and a liquid flowing out of the second flow path 11B), from the viewpoint of maintaining the effect of the bubbles in the mixed liquid to a certain degree, the bubble concentration of bubbles smaller than 1 μm in the gas-liquid mixed liquid is set to 20 million pieces / cm 3 Preferably, it is 50 million particles / cm or more. 3 More preferably, it is 60 million particles / cm 3 It is even more preferable that the liquid contains 20 million bubbles smaller than 1 μm per cm. 3If the amount is more than 1 μm, the gas-liquid mixture can exhibit the effect of preventing contamination, and the number of bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm is 50 million / cm. 3 If the concentration is more than this, it is possible to effectively clean biofilms (aggregates formed on solid surfaces by microorganisms, etc.), and the number of bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm is 60 million / cm. 3 Since the bubble concentration in the mixed liquid can be increased to the same level as the bubble concentration in the gas-liquid mixed liquid, the effects obtained when the gas-liquid mixed liquid satisfies the above-mentioned range of bubble concentration can also be achieved in the mixed liquid.

[0033] The upper limit of the bubble concentration in the gas-liquid mixture generated by the gas bubble generating unit 13 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of easiness in generating bubbles stably, the upper limit of the bubble concentration in the gas-liquid mixture is set to 5 billion bubbles / cm. 3 The bubble concentration can be determined using the method exemplified above as the method for determining the bubble diameter or average bubble diameter of the bubbles.

[0034] (electric potential of bubbles) The bubbles contained in the gas-liquid mixture preferably have a negative potential. The negatively charged state of the bubbles can be achieved when the bubble generating unit 13 described below is a cavitation type bubble generating device (e.g., the bubble generating device 100) depending on the magnitude of static electricity caused by cavitation in the liquid fluid in the liquid flow path of the bubble generating device 100 and friction of the fluid in the flow path (friction between the bubbles and the members forming the flow path). The magnitude of the negative potential can be determined depending on various conditions such as the diameter of the bubbles.

[0035] (Production of gas-liquid mixture) As described above, the gas-liquid mixture can be produced, for example, by passing the liquid components serving as raw materials for the gas-liquid mixture through the gas bubble generating unit 13.

[0036] The bubble generating unit 13 is configured to generate fine bubbles such as ultrafine bubbles as bubbles in the liquid, and form a gas-liquid mixture in which the bubbles are dispersed in the liquid. Examples of such bubble generating units include devices (bubble generating devices) that apply various bubble generating mechanisms as required, such as a cavitation type, a micropore type, an ultrasonic type, a swirling flow type, a static mixer type, a Venturi type, a steam condensation type, a pressurized dissolution type, and a gas-liquid mixed shear type.

[0037] However, from the viewpoint of efficiently generating fine bubbles such as ultrafine bubbles having a negative potential as the bubbles contained in the gas-liquid mixture, it is preferable to adjust the gas-liquid mixture using a cavitation type device as the bubble generating unit 13. As the cavitation type device, a device such as that shown in the following "Example of a bubble generating device" can be used. Next, an example of a bubble generating device applicable as the bubble generating unit 13 will be described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D.

[0038] (An example of a bubble generator) As shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D, the bubble generating device 100 includes a receiving section 110 for receiving a liquid component (referred to as raw material liquid) as a raw material, a bubble generating mechanism 120 for generating a gas-liquid mixture in which bubbles are dispersed in the raw material liquid supplied from the receiving section 110, and a discharge section 130 for discharging the gas-liquid mixture. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D are diagrams for explaining one embodiment of the bubble generating device. FIG. 2D is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view for showing an enlarged state of a portion of the region SP surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 2C. When the bubble generating device 100 is applied as the bubble generating section 13 shown in the example of FIG. 1, the raw material liquid is the liquid that flows through the first flow path 11A among the liquids supplied from the inlet 14. The gas-liquid mixture flowing out from the discharge section 130 further flows toward the outlet (not shown) of the first flow path 11A.

[0039] (Bubble generation mechanism) The bubble generating mechanism 120 has a flow path forming body 121 and a plurality of collision bodies 124. The flow path forming body 121 forms a liquid flow path 122 on its inner circumferential surface 121A side, and has a throttle structure 123. The throttle structure 123 has a first portion 123A having a portion in which the cross-sectional diameter of the inner circumferential surface 121A (a cross-sectional diameter determined on a section cut by a plane assuming a plane normal to the longitudinal direction of the liquid flow path 122) becomes smaller from an upstream end 125 (inlet) to a downstream end 126 (outlet), and a second portion 123B having a portion in which the cross-sectional diameter of the inner circumferential surface 121A becomes larger from the upstream end 125 to the downstream end 126. The first portion 123A is located upstream of the second portion 123B. The plurality of collision bodies 124 protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface 121A of the flow path forming body 121, and are adjacent to each other with the segment region 150 in between. The plurality of collision bodies 124 are disposed at a position between (or at the boundary between) the first portion 123A and the second portion 123B in the longitudinal direction of the liquid flow path 122. However, this does not prohibit the formation of the plurality of collision bodies 124 in either the first portion 123A or the second portion 123B. The segment region 150 indicates a region of the cross section of the inner circumferential surface 121A that is divided by the collision bodies 124 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 121A. The plurality of collision bodies 124 are disposed so as to form a gap portion 151 that narrows the flow path between their tips. In addition, the bubble generation mechanism 120 is configured so that the flow path forming body 121 can pass the raw material liquid from the upstream end 125 to the downstream end 126. As described above, it is preferable that a pump (not shown) for supplying raw material liquid is installed on the upstream side and / or downstream side of the bubble generation device 100. This pump supplies raw material liquid to the air bubble generator 100 so that the water pressure, flow rate, and water volume of the raw material liquid are each equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In the air bubble generator 100, the concentration of fine bubbles (such as microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles) generated varies depending on the pressure, flow rate, and flow rate of the liquid flowing through the liquid flow path 122. In the air bubble generator 100, a high concentration of fine bubbles can be generated in the liquid by increasing at least one of the pressure, flow rate, and flow rate of the liquid.

[0040] (Production of gas-liquid mixture) By using the air bubble generating device 100, a bubble mixture is obtained as follows. The raw material liquid is injected as a liquid fluid from the receiving section 110 of the air bubble generating device 100. The receiving section 110 is connected to the upstream end 125 (inlet) of the air bubble generating mechanism 120, and the raw material liquid flows into the air bubble generating mechanism 120 from the upstream end 125. In the air bubble generating mechanism 120, the raw material liquid moves in the first part 123A of the throttling structure 123 in a direction from the upstream end 125 toward the downstream end 126 (the direction of the arrow LF), thereby increasing the flow rate. The raw material liquid moves to the gap section 151 formed at the arrangement position of the collision body 124, and a part of the raw material liquid further advances through the gap section 151 toward the downstream end 126. At this time, a part of the raw material liquid moves from the segment region 150 toward the downstream end 126, so that the fluid resistance in the throttling structure 123 does not increase excessively, and the negative pressure generation effect is enhanced. Then, as part of the raw material liquid passes through the gap 151, a cavitation effect occurs in the raw material liquid, and components dissolved in the raw material liquid (e.g., dissolved oxygen) turn into bubbles. The size of the bubbles, that is, the size of the gap 151, is adjusted according to conditions such as the structure of the collision body 124. In this way, a gas-liquid mixture is generated as a liquid in which bubbles having a desired bubble diameter are dispersed in the raw material liquid. The generated gas-liquid mixture can flow out from the downstream end 126 via the discharge part 130.

[0041] The bubbles dispersed in the gas-liquid mixture obtained by the gas bubble generator 100 are formed by cavitation occurring in the raw material liquid as described above, and are gasified components that accompany the cavitation of components dissolved in the raw material liquid. In such bubbles, the vaporized oxygen (dissolved oxygen) and the vaporized nitrogen (dissolved nitrogen) that were dissolved in the water that constitutes the raw material liquid are contained in the bubbles. The gas components in the bubbles may be determined according to the effect required for the gas-liquid mixture. For example, when a biofilm removal effect is required for the gas-liquid mixture, it is preferable that the oxygen components in the bubbles are small. It is preferable that the gas bubble generator 100 is provided with a gas supply structure while taking into consideration the enhancement of the required effect.

[0042] The air bubble generator 100 shown in Fig. 2 may be provided with a gas supply structure (not shown) for introducing gas from the outside into the liquid flow path 122 depending on the conditions such as the effect required for the gas-liquid mixture as described above. The gas supply structure may be provided as necessary, which is the same when the air bubble generator 100 is applied as the air bubble generating unit 13, 280 provided in each of the examples in Fig. 1, Fig. 3A to Fig. 3D, Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C, Fig. 6 to Fig. 10. When the air bubble generator 100 is provided with a gas supply structure for taking in a gas (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) from the outside into the liquid flow path 122, the supplied gas flows toward the downstream end 126 in the form of bubbles in the raw material liquid at the position where it is taken in, in accordance with the flow of the raw material liquid. In addition, the bubbles formed by the gas supplied to the raw material liquid via the gas supply structure are finely divided in the gap portion 151 or the segment region 150 due to collision between the collision body 124 and the bubbles, and are further refined, for example, into bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm.

[0043] The above-described air bubble generating device 100 can be applied as the air bubble generating section 13 of the air bubble concentration adjusting device 10.

[0044] (outlet) In the air bubble concentration adjusting device 10, outlets (not shown) for liquid that has flowed through the multiple flow paths 11 are provided at the downstream ends of the multiple flow paths 11. In the example of Fig. 1, an outlet for liquid that has flowed through the first flow path in the direction of arrow FP1 is formed at the downstream end of the first flow path, and an outlet for liquid that has flowed through the second flow path in the direction of arrow FP2 is formed at the downstream end of the second flow path, and the first and second flow paths are not connected at their respective downstream ends, but each has an outlet.

[0045] [Action and effect of the air bubble concentration regulator] In the bubble concentration adjustment device 10, liquid supplied from an inlet 14 to a receiving flow path 15 is divided into a plurality of flow paths 11 (a first flow path 11A and a second flow path 11B) by a flow rate ratio control unit 12, and the amount (flow rate) of liquid flowing through each flow path 11 is determined according to the control of the flow rate ratio. At least one of the flow paths 11 (the first flow path 11A) is provided with a bubble generating unit 13, and bubbles are generated in the liquid flowing through the bubble generating unit 13. The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow path 11 (the first flow path 11A) provided with the bubble generating unit 13 is specified according to the state of the control of the flow rate ratio by the flow rate ratio control unit 12, so that the amount of bubbles generated in the liquid is specified. Then, the bubble concentration of the mixed liquid is specified when it is assumed that the mixed liquid is a mixture of liquids flowing out from the outlets of the plurality of flow paths 11. That is, according to the above-mentioned bubble concentration adjustment device 10, the bubble concentration of the liquid obtained by mixing the liquids flowing out from the outlet of the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 is determined in accordance with the flow rate ratio control by the flow rate ratio control unit 12. Therefore, according to the bubble concentration adjustment device 10, it is possible to obtain a liquid having a desired bubble concentration in accordance with the flow rate ratio control.

[0046] According to the bubble concentration regulator 10, the liquid containing a high concentration of fine bubbles, which has passed through the bubble generating section 13 of the first flow path 11A, is mixed with the liquid which has passed through the second flow path 11B branched off by the distributing valve 21, thereby diluting the liquid containing a high concentration of fine bubbles, thereby adjusting the concentration of the fine bubbles. Therefore, compared to the conventional technology in which a liquid containing fine bubbles is adjusted by a bubble generating device without using a structure such as the distributing valve 21, the bubble concentration regulator 10 can obtain a large amount of liquid containing fine bubbles at an adjusted concentration. The liquid containing the above-mentioned fine bubbles obtained by the bubble concentration regulator 10 contains at least a part of fine microbubbles.

[0047] In the case of the conventional technology in which a single flow path for liquid to flow from an inlet is provided and a bubble generator is provided in the single flow path, and the bubble concentration is adjusted simply by the flow rate, flow velocity, pressure, etc., there is a risk that the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the inlet must be reduced to obtain a liquid containing fine bubbles of the desired concentration. In such a case, the amount that can be supplied to a tank or the like per unit time decreases, and it takes time for the liquid to accumulate in the tank. In contrast, the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 can obtain a liquid containing fine bubbles of the desired concentration (containing at least microfine bubbles) while maintaining the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the inlet, and can suppress the risk of a decrease in the amount that can be supplied to a tank or the like per unit time.

[0048] [Modification of the air bubble concentration adjustment device] (Variation 1) In the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 (air bubble concentration adjustment device 10A in FIG. 3A), as shown in FIG. 3A, liquids flowing through a plurality of flow paths 11 may be joined downstream. This is referred to as Modification 1. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram for explaining an embodiment of the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10A according to Modification 1. In the example of Modification 1 shown in FIG. 3A, there is one outlet, and a common outlet is provided for the plurality of flow paths 11. In the example of FIG. 3, the first flow path 11A and the second flow path 11B are connected at a position SC downstream of the air bubble generating unit 13 in the first flow path 11A. The downstream position SC is the position where the liquids flowing through the plurality of flow paths 11 are joined downstream.

[0049] (Variation 2) In the air bubble concentration adjusting device 10 (air bubble concentration adjusting device 10B in FIG. 3B), as shown in FIG. 3B, the air bubble generating unit 13 may be provided in the plurality of flow paths 11. This is referred to as Modification 2. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram for explaining an embodiment of the air bubble concentration adjusting device 10B according to Modification 2. In the example of Modification 2 shown in FIG. 3B, the air bubble generating unit 13 is provided in the first flow path 11A and the second flow path 11B. When three or more flow paths 11 are formed, the air bubble generating unit may be provided in two of the flow paths 11, or the air bubble generating unit 13 may be provided in three flow paths 11 (all of which are not shown). In this case, fine bubbles can be generated at a higher concentration in the liquid that has at least one of the flow velocity and the flow rate higher among the liquids flowing through the flow paths 11 (flow paths 11 in which the air bubble generating unit 13 is provided) branched by the distribution valve 21. This can be more feasible when the air bubble generating unit is a cavitation type device.

[0050] (Variation 3) In the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 shown in the example of FIG. 1, the flow rate ratio control section 12 has a structure in which the flow rate control member 16 is provided so as to be connected to the lower end of the receiving flow path 15, the upstream end of the first flow path 11A, and the upstream end of the second flow path 11B, but the flow rate ratio control section 12 is not limited to this. In the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 (shown as air bubble concentration adjustment device 10C in FIG. 3C), as shown in FIG. 3C, the flow rate ratio control section 12 may have the flow rate control member 16 provided at a position shifted from the position of the lower end of the receiving flow path 15. This is referred to as Modification 3. FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram for explaining an embodiment of the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10C according to Modification 3.

[0051] In the bubble concentration adjustment device of the third modified example shown in the example of FIG. 3C, the receiving flow path is integrated with the first flow path, and the portion from the upstream end of the first flow path to a predetermined position SV along the longitudinal direction of the first flow path also serves as the receiving flow path. The predetermined position SV of the first flow path is the position where the second flow path branches off from the first flow path. The upstream end of the second flow path is connected to the predetermined position SV of the first flow path. The flow ratio control unit 12 is configured with a flow control member 16 and a structure where the second flow path branches off from the first flow path.

[0052] As the flow control member 16, a control valve 22 is provided instead of the distribution valve 21 shown in the example of FIG. 1. The control valve 22 is a valve that controls the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow path 11 in which it is installed, and the control valve 22 preferably has a function of opening and closing the flow path 11. In the example of the modified example 3 shown in FIG. 3C, the control valve 22 serving as the flow control member 16 is provided in the second flow path 11B and controls the amount of liquid flowing in the second flow path 11B in the direction of the arrow FP2 toward the downstream end. In this example, when the amount of liquid flowing into the second flow path 11B among the liquid flowing through the receiving flow path 15 (the portion upstream of the predetermined position SV of the first flow path 11A) is changed, the amount of liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A is also changed according to the change. Therefore, the ratio of the amount of liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A to the amount of liquid flowing through the second flow path 11B is determined by controlling the control valve 22.

[0053] In the example of Fig. 3C, the control valve 22 is provided in the second flow path 11B, but in Modification 3, as shown in another example of the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10C shown in Fig. 3D (denoted as air bubble concentration adjustment device 10D in Fig. 3D), the control valve 22 may be provided in the first flow path 11A. In the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10D, too, the ratio between the amount of liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A and the amount of liquid flowing through the second flow path 11B is determined by controlling the control valve 22.

[0054] In addition, in Modification 3, as shown in another example of the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10C shown in Fig. 4A (denoted as air bubble concentration adjustment device 10E in Fig. 4A), the control valve 22 may be provided in the first flow path 11A and the second flow path 11B. In this case, the flow rate ratio control unit 12 has a plurality of flow rate control members 16, and has a plurality of control valves 22 as the plurality of flow rate control members 16.

[0055] (Variation 4) In the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10, as shown in Fig. 5A, the flow rate ratio control unit 12 has an operation unit 42, and the operation unit 42 may be provided with a scale display unit 40 having a scale 41 as a concentration display unit showing the bubble concentration corresponding to the flow rate ratio. This is referred to as Modification 3. Fig. 5A is a diagram for explaining an example of the scale display unit 40 of the flow rate ratio control unit 12 used in one embodiment of the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 according to Modification 6.

[0056] The operation unit 42 of the flow rate ratio control unit 12 is configured to be able to perform an operation for changing the flow rate ratio. The operation unit 42 may be formed integrally with the flow rate control member 16, or may be formed separately from the flow rate control member 16. In the example of the modified example 6 shown in FIG. 5A, the operation unit 42 is provided with a knob 42A. In the example of FIG. 5A, the knob 42A is provided rotatably, and when the knob 42A is rotated to change the rotational position of the knob, the flow rate ratio control unit 12 changes the flow rate ratio of the liquid flowing through the first flow path and the liquid flowing through the second flow path so as to become the flow rate ratio determined corresponding to the value of the scale 41 (the value indicated at the outer position along the longitudinal direction of the knob 42A) according to the rotational position. Note that, for convenience of explanation, in FIG. 5A, the numbers 1 to 5 are written as the values ​​of the scale 41, but this is only an example. Also, in FIG. 5A, the rotation direction of the knob 42A is indicated by an arrow RT.

[0057] The scale display unit 40 is provided with a design (visually identifiable marking such as numbers or marks) as the scale 41, which indicates information corresponding to the bubble concentration of the entire liquid (gas-liquid mixed liquid) flowing out from the outlet. The flow rate ratio can be previously associated with the bubble concentration. The bubble concentration here indicates the bubble concentration of bubbles contained in the mixed liquid, which is determined when a mixed liquid is assumed to be a mixture of liquids that have passed through a plurality of flow paths 11. When the bubble generating unit 13 is a cavitation type device, it is particularly preferable that the flow rate ratio is previously associated with the bubble concentration according to the pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate of the liquid flowing into the flow path 11. The flow rate ratio is also associated with the state of the flow control member 16. The scale display unit 40 indicates the bubble concentration determined from the state of each flow control member 16 as the value of the scale 41. The flow rate ratio control unit 12 changes the flow rate ratio according to the bubble concentration displayed on the scale display unit 40 (the value shown on the scale 41). Therefore, when the value of the scale 41 is determined, a target bubble concentration is specified, and a flow rate ratio according to the pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate of the liquid flowing into the flow path 11 is determined, and the state of the flow rate control member 16 is controlled to approximately achieve that flow rate ratio. As a result, the flow rate ratio control unit 12 changes the flow rate ratio according to the scale 41 of the scale display unit 40.

[0058] The scale display unit 40 may have an evenly spaced scale or a logarithmic scale as the scale 41. In the example of Fig. 5A, the scale 41 is configured with a fixed design, but the scale display unit 40 may have the scale 41 configured with a digital display. It is sufficient that the scale 41 of the flow rate ratio control unit 12 corresponds to the concentration of fine bubbles ultimately contained in the entire liquid flowing out from the outlet.

[0059] For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the flow rate ratio of the liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A to the liquid flowing through the second flow path 11B is WA:WB, which is the ratio of (flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A):(flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path 11B), and the bubble concentration (bubbles / cm) of the liquid that has flowed through the first flow path 11A (that has passed through the bubble generating unit 13) is 3) is N1, and the bubble concentration of the liquid flowing through the second flow path 11B is approximately 0 (zero), the bubble concentration (NT) of the liquid (mixed liquid) determined assuming the entire liquid flowing out from the outlet is determined as N1 × (WA / (WA+WB)). In the example of FIG. 1, the bubble concentration NT of the mixed liquid is previously associated with the correspondence relationship of WA:WB. In addition, since the rotation position of the knob corresponds to WA:WB, the rotation position of the knob can be associated with the bubble concentration NT. The scale display unit 40 has the value of the scale 41 at a predetermined position so that the rotation position of the knob 42A and the bubble concentration NT can be recognized. For example, in FIG. 5A, the scale 41 indicates 2, and the flow rate control member 16 changes the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A and the liquid flowing through the second flow path 11B as necessary so that the WA:WB is such that the bubble concentration NT is a value corresponding to 2.

[0060] In the fourth modification, the bubble concentration NT is not limited to being associated with the rotational position of the knob 42A. For example, as shown in Fig. 5B, the knob 42A may be omitted, and the operation unit 42 of the flow rate ratio control unit 12 may be provided with an input unit 44 for the bubble concentration as the concentration display unit instead of the scale display unit 40. The operation unit 42 pre-records data on the correspondence between the flow rate ratio according to the pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate of the liquid flowing into the flow path 11 and the bubble concentration, and the operation unit 42 receives an input of the bubble concentration value at the input unit 44, determines the flow rate ratio according to conditions such as the pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate of the liquid based on the inputted bubble concentration value, and controls the state of the flow rate control member 16 so as to achieve the determined flow rate ratio.

[0061] That is, the bubble concentration regulator 10 is provided with a computer that stores a database such as a correspondence table showing the correspondence between various conditions related to the liquid flowing into the flow path 11, such as "pressure, flow velocity, flow rate, and flow rate ratio of the liquid," and the fine bubble concentration (bubble concentration) for the entire liquid flowing out from the outlet, and the input unit 44 is connected to the computer. The computer may control the state of the distributing valve 21 (state of the flow control member 16) based on the value of the fine bubble concentration (value of the bubble concentration) inputted at the input unit 44 by referring to the database such as a correspondence table showing the correspondence between the various conditions related to the liquid flowing into the flow path 11 and the fine bubble concentration. It is preferable that the operation unit 42 has a display unit 43 on which the value inputted at the input unit 44 is displayed.

[0062] According to variant example 4, the operator can visually recognize and perform operations to obtain a liquid having a bubble concentration according to the operator's desires, thereby reducing the risk of accidentally producing a liquid with an unintended bubble concentration.

[0063] (Variation 5) As shown in Fig. 4B, the flow ratio control section 12 may further include a state confirmation unit 30 in the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 of the modified example 4 (denoted as air bubble concentration adjustment device 10F in Fig. 4B). This is referred to as modified example 5. Fig. 4B is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining one embodiment of the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10F according to modified example 5.

[0064] The status confirmation unit 30 has a structure capable of confirming whether or not the status of the multiple flow paths 11 is in a state that can realize the bubble concentration (bubble concentration of the mixed liquid) set by the operation unit 42. In the example of Fig. 4B, the status confirmation unit 30 includes a flow sensor (first flow sensor 31A) that measures the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path 11A, and a flow sensor (second flow sensor 31B) that measures the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path.

[0065] In the bubble concentration adjustment device 10F shown in the example of FIG. 4B, the bubble concentration (bubble concentration based on actual measurement) of the entire liquid (mixed liquid) flowing out from the outlet is determined based on the measurement value of the first flow sensor 31A and the measurement value of the second flow sensor 31B. In the bubble concentration adjustment device 10F, as shown in the example of FIG. 4B, a measurement result display unit 33 may be provided. The measurement result display unit 33 displays information for recognizing the presence or absence of a difference between the bubble concentration based on actual measurement and the bubble concentration determined by the operation unit 42 (for example, a number indicating the difference between the bubble concentration based on actual measurement and the value determined by the operation unit 42). In the example of FIG. 4B, the first flow sensor 31A, the second flow sensor 31B, the measurement result display unit 33, and the operation unit 42 are wired and connected to each other via wiring or the like so as to be able to transmit signals, but this is just one example, and they may be connected to each other so as to be able to transmit signals wirelessly. This is the same for FIG. 4C, FIG. 7, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10.

[0066] (Variation 6) In the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10 (represented as air bubble concentration adjustment device 10G in FIG. 4C), a sensor 34 may be connected to the air bubble generating unit 13 as shown in FIG. 4C. This is referred to as Modification 6. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram for explaining one embodiment of an air bubble concentration adjustment device 10F according to Modification 6.

[0067] (Sensor) The sensor 34 is not particularly limited as long as it detects one or more of the pressure, flow velocity, and flow rate of the liquid flowing through the bubble generating unit 13. By comparing the state of the liquid flowing through the bubble generating unit 13, assuming that the bubble generating unit 13 is operating normally, with the state of the liquid based on the value measured by the sensor 34, it is possible to confirm that the bubble generating unit 13 is operating normally.

[0068] [2. Tank System] The tank system of the present invention will now be described.

[0069] [2-1. First embodiment] [composition] 6, the tank system 200 according to the first embodiment includes a tank 210 as a tank main body for storing a liquid (stored liquid GL), and a bubble concentration adjustment device 220. The bubble concentration adjustment device 220 includes a plurality of flow paths 270 (a first flow path 270A, a second flow path 270B), a flow rate control member 290, a flow rate ratio control unit 295, an inlet 260, an outlet 250, and a bubble generating unit 280, and can be applied to the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 (including each of the modified examples) described above in [1. Bubble Concentration Adjustment Device]. The plurality of flow paths 270 (first flow path 270A, second flow path 270B), the flow control member 290, the flow ratio control unit 295, the inlet 260, the outlet 250, and the bubble generating unit 280 correspond to the plurality of flow paths 11 (first flow path 11A, second flow path 11B), the flow control member 16, the flow ratio control unit 12, the inlet 14, the outlet (not shown), and the bubble generating unit 13 in the bubble concentration adjusting device 10, respectively. Therefore, detailed description of each component of the bubble concentration adjusting device 220 will be omitted. Note that FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of one example of the tank system according to the first embodiment. Note that the example of FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the bubble concentration adjusting device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is applied as the bubble concentration adjusting device 220.

[0070] (tank) The tank 210 is not particularly limited as long as it has a space 230 capable of storing liquid (stored liquid GL) therein. In the example of Fig. 6, the tank 210 has a structure with an opening 240 on the upper side, but this is just one example. Examples of the tank 210 include a water tank installed in various buildings such as a building or an apartment building, a facility such as a pool, a bathtub installed in a bathroom or a bathhouse, a tank for storing a cooling medium for a cooling device, a storage tank for storing a liquid connected to various devices and sent to the devices, a storage unit installed in a cleaning device, a fuel storage tank for storing stockpiled fuel, etc., an aquarium for cultivating fish, etc., and an aquarium for hydroponic cultivation.

[0071] (Arrangement of tank and air bubble concentration regulator) In the tank system 200, the structure for arranging the tank 210 and the bubble concentration adjuster 220 is not particularly limited as long as the bubble concentration adjuster 220 and the tank 210 are arranged so that the liquid is supplied to the tank 210 after passing through the bubble concentration adjuster 220. In the example of Fig. 6, the outlet 250 of the bubble concentration adjuster 220 is located below (in the space 230) the opening on the upper surface side of the tank 210, but this is one example. It is sufficient that the liquid that has generated bubbles (fine bubbles and ultra-fine bubbles) by passing through the first flow path 270A of the bubble concentration adjuster 220 and the liquid that has passed through the second flow path 270B are supplied to the tank 210.

[0072] (Stored liquid discharge unit) In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, a stored liquid discharge unit 300 may be provided. The stored liquid discharge unit 300 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure for discharging the liquid (stored liquid GL) stored in the tank 210 to the outside. The stored liquid discharge unit 300 has a discharge flow path 310 for sending the stored liquid to the outside. In addition, a pump 320 for sending the stored liquid GL into the discharge flow path 310 may be provided as necessary. The discharge flow path 310 can be formed using, for example, a pipe made of the same material as the piping member 20 constituting the flow path 11.

[0073] [Action and Effects] In the tank system 200 according to the first embodiment, since the above-mentioned bubble concentration adjusting device 220 is provided, the gas-liquid mixture having the adjusted bubble concentration flowing out from the outlet 250 can flow into the tank, and the gas-liquid mixture can be stored in the tank 210. Therefore, in the tank system 200 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to store the liquid GL in the tank 210 in a liquid (gas-liquid mixture) adjusted to various bubble concentrations according to the needs of the user.

[0074] [Modification of the first embodiment] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) In the tank system 200 according to the first embodiment (tank system 200A in FIG. 7), an inflow amount control structure 330 may be provided as shown in FIG. 7. This is referred to as Modification 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of one example of the tank system 200A according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment.

[0075] (Inflow control structure) The inflow amount control structure 330 includes a concentration sensor 331 that measures the concentration of bubbles in the liquid stored in the tank. An example of the concentration sensor 331 is a sensor that applies a laser diffraction / scattering method. A sensor device using a green laser can be used as the concentration sensor. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 332 denotes wiring. The wiring 332 in FIG. 7 transmits a signal for controlling the state of the flow rate control member 290.

[0076] In the inflow amount control structure 330, the bubble concentration in the tank 210 is measured by the concentration sensor 331, and when the value specified by the concentration sensor 331 is different from the desired concentration, the flow rate ratio control unit 295 is controlled by changing the flow rate control member 290 so that the bubble concentration of the entire liquid (mixed liquid of the liquids flowing through each of the multiple flow paths) flowing into the tank 210 from the outlet 250 of the bubble concentration adjustment device 220 becomes a predetermined concentration. For example, when the bubble concentration M1 in the tank 210 is lower than the desired bubble concentration M2, the state of the flow rate control member 290 is controlled as necessary to allow the gas-liquid mixed liquid with the bubble concentration M3 flowing through the first flow path 270A from the bubble concentration adjustment device 220 to flow into the tank. The bubble concentration M3 is set to a concentration higher than the bubble concentration M2. Then, when the bubble concentration in the tank 210 rises to M2, the introduction of the gas-liquid mixed liquid from the bubble concentration adjustment device 220 is stopped. Furthermore, when the bubble concentration M1 in the tank 210 is greater than the desired bubble concentration M4, the state of the flow rate control member 16 is controlled as necessary to allow the liquid (having a bubble concentration less than M4 or zero) that has flowed through the second flow path 270B from the bubble concentration adjustment device 220 to flow into the tank. Then, when the bubble concentration in the tank 210 falls to M4, the introduction of the gas-liquid mixture from the bubble concentration adjustment device 220 is stopped.

[0077] (Action and Effects) In the case of fine bubbles having a diameter of, for example, less than 1 μm, such bubbles are believed to be able to exist in the liquid for a certain period of time. Therefore, according to the tank system 200 relating to variant example 1 of the first embodiment, when changing the bubble concentration of the liquid (retained liquid GL) that has flowed into the tank 210 from the outlet 250, the bubble concentration can be readjusted by adding liquid having a different bubble concentration to the tank 210.

[0078] According to the tank system 200 of the first embodiment, variant example 1, by using a position sensor described in the first embodiment variant example 2 described later, it is possible to set the amount of stored liquid in the tank 210 to a desired amount while setting the bubble concentration to a desired value.

[0079] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) The tank system 200A according to the first modification of the first embodiment may be configured to detect the amount of liquid in the tank 210 and replenish the liquid from the bubble concentration adjustment device 220 according to the amount of liquid in the tank 210 (not shown). This is referred to as the second modification of the first embodiment. The second modification of the first embodiment may be configured similarly to the first modification of the first embodiment, except that the concentration sensor 331 is a position sensor that detects the position of the liquid level in the tank 210. According to the second modification of the first embodiment, a state in which a constant amount of the gas-liquid mixture with an adjusted bubble concentration is stored in the tank 210 can be maintained.

[0080] [2-2. Second embodiment] [composition] As shown in FIG. 8, the tank system 200 according to the first embodiment (represented as tank system 200B in FIG. 8) includes a tank (represented as tank 210A in FIG. 8) for storing liquid, and a bubble concentration adjustment device 220. The bubble concentration adjustment device 10 described in the above [1. Bubble Concentration Adjustment Device] (including each of the other modified examples except for the modified example 1 shown in FIG. 3A) can be applied to the bubble concentration adjustment device 220. Therefore, a detailed description of the bubble concentration adjustment device 220 will be omitted. Note that FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the configuration of one example of the tank system according to the first embodiment. Note that the example of FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is applied as the bubble concentration adjustment device 220.

[0081] (tank) The tank 210A has a space 230 for storing liquid therein, and the space 230 inside is divided into a plurality of compartments to form a plurality of spatial portions. In the example of FIG. 8, the space inside the tank is divided into a first spatial portion 231A and a second spatial portion 231B as spatial portions. In the example of FIG. 8, the tank 210A has a structure with an open upper surface side, but this is one example. As described in the first embodiment, the tank 210A can be exemplified by a water tank installed in various buildings such as a building or an apartment building, a tank for storing a cooling medium for a cooling device, a tank for storing a liquid connected to various devices and sent to the devices, a storage unit mounted on a cleaning device, a fuel storage tank for storing reserve fuel, etc., an aquarium tank for cultivating fish, etc., and an aquarium tank for hydroponic cultivation.

[0082] (Arrangement of tank and air bubble concentration regulator) In the tank system 200B, the structure for arranging the tank 210A and the bubble concentration regulator 220 is not particularly limited as long as the bubble concentration regulator 220 and the tank 210A are arranged so that the liquid is supplied to each space portion (the first space portion 231A and the second space portion 231B) of the tank 210A from each outlet 250 after passing through the bubble concentration regulator 220. In the example of Fig. 8, the outlet 250 of the first flow path 270A is located directly above the first space portion 231A, and the outlet 250 of the second flow path 270B is located directly above the second space portion 231B, but this is just an example.

[0083] (Stored liquid discharge unit) In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, a stored liquid discharge unit 300 (referred to as stored liquid discharge unit 300A in Fig. 8) is provided. The stored liquid discharge unit 300A is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure for discharging stored liquid stored in each spatial portion (first spatial portion 231A and second spatial portion 231B) in the tank 210 to the outside. The stored liquid discharge unit 300A has a discharge flow path 310 for sending stored liquid in the tank 210A to the outside. The discharge flow path 310 can be formed, for example, by using a pipe made of the same material as the piping member 20 constituting the flow path 11. 8, the discharge flow path 310 has a first discharge flow path 310A for flowing the stored liquid stored in the first space portion 231A and a second discharge flow path 310B for flowing the stored liquid stored in the second space portion 231B, and the first discharge flow path 310A and the second discharge flow path 310B are connected at a predetermined position and extend to the outside of the tank 210A. Of the discharge flow path 310, a part extending to the outside from the position where the first discharge flow path 310A and the second discharge flow path 310B are connected is called a mixed stored liquid discharge path 310C. A liquid obtained by mixing the stored liquid in the first space portion 231A and the stored liquid in the second space portion 231B can be flowed through the mixed stored liquid discharge path 310C. 8, a pump 320 for feeding the stored liquid into the discharge flow path 310 is provided in the mixed stored liquid discharge path 310C. As shown in FIG 8, the first discharge flow path 310A may be provided with a control valve 321 configured to change the amount of the stored liquid flowing through the first discharge flow path 310A.

[0084] [Action and Effects] In the tank system 200B according to the second embodiment, the above-mentioned bubble concentration adjustment device 220A is provided, and the liquid flowing out from each outlet 250 can be stored in each space of the tank 210A. When the liquid is taken out of the tank 210A, the liquid (gas-liquid mixture, etc.) stored in each space can be mixed and discharged to the outside. Therefore, in the tank system 200B according to the second embodiment, it is possible to discharge to the outside of the tank 210A liquid (gas-liquid mixture) adjusted to various bubble concentrations according to the user's request.

[0085] [2-3. Third embodiment] [composition] As shown in FIG. 9, the tank system 200 according to the third embodiment (represented as tank system 200C in FIG. 9) has a tank 210B for storing liquid, a flow path 340 for flowing the liquid, and a bubble generating unit 341. The tank 210B usable in the third embodiment is similar to the tank 210B described in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The bubble generating unit 341 is a device capable of generating bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm in the liquid (stored liquid) in the tank 210B, and may be the same as the bubble generating unit 13 provided in the bubble concentration adjustment device 10 described in [1. Bubble concentration adjustment device] above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of one example of the tank system 200C according to the third embodiment.

[0086] (Flow path) In the third embodiment, both the upstream end PA and downstream end PB of the flow path 340 are connected to the space 230 in the tank 210B, and the liquid in the tank 210B (retained liquid GL) flows through the flow path 340 in the direction of the arrow FS, and can circulate between the tank 210B and the flow path 340. Also, the flow path 340 is provided with an air bubble generating section 341, and when the liquid that flows into the flow path 340 from the upstream end PA side of the flow path 340 passes through the air bubble generating section 341, air bubbles are generated in the liquid. The flow path 340 can be formed, for example, using a pipe or the like made of the same material as the piping member 20 that constitutes the flow path 11.

[0087] (Stored liquid discharge unit) In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a stored liquid discharge unit 300 may be provided. The stored liquid discharge unit 300 may have a similar structure to that described in the first embodiment and the like, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] (Circulation flow control valve) 9, the tank system 200C may be provided with a circulation flow control valve 342 configured to be able to change the flow rate of the liquid (retained liquid GL) passing through the flow path 340. The circulation flow control valve 342 may have the same configuration as the control valve 22 described in the third modification of the bubble concentration adjustment device 10.

[0089] (timer) In the tank system 200C, as shown in the example of Fig. 9, when the above-mentioned circulation flow control valve 342 is provided, it is preferable to provide a timer 343 that sets the time for maintaining the state of the circulation flow control valve 342 such that liquid flows through the flow path 340. The timer 343 is preferably a timer switch that controls the state of the circulation flow control valve 342 when a set time has elapsed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the circulation flow control valve 342 has a function of opening and closing the flow path 340. In this case, in the tank system 200C, it is possible to control the open state of the flow path 11 so that liquid flows through the flow path 11 only for the time set by the timer 343.

[0090] In the tank system 200C according to the third embodiment, the time of the timer 343 can be set according to the desired fine bubble concentration or ultra-fine bubble concentration. By setting the time required for the bubble concentration (particularly the fine bubble concentration or ultra-fine bubble concentration) of the stored liquid GL to a desired value as the time determined by the timer 343, it is possible to obtain a gas-liquid mixture having bubbles (particularly fine bubbles or ultra-fine bubbles) at the desired concentration as the stored liquid GL.

[0091] [Action and Effects] According to the tank system 200C of the third embodiment, the stored liquid GL in the tank 210B flows into the flow path 340 from the upstream end PA side of the flow path 340, passes through the bubble generator 341, and is returned to the tank 210B from the downstream end PB of the flow path 340. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the stored liquid GL in the tank 210B can be a liquid containing bubbles generated by the bubble generator 341. Also, by circulating the stored liquid GL inside the flow path 340, the bubble concentration of the stored liquid GL can be increased according to the operation time of the bubble generator 341.

[0092] [Modification of the third embodiment] Tank system 200 according to the third embodiment (represented as tank system 200D in FIG. 10) may include a liquid inflow unit 350 as shown in FIG. 10. This configuration is referred to as a modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of one example of tank system 200D according to the modified example of the third embodiment.

[0093] (Liquid supply unit) In the modification of the third embodiment, the liquid inflow unit 350 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure capable of pouring liquid from an external liquid supply source (not shown) into the tank 210B. The liquid inflow unit 350 has an inflow passage 351 for sending liquid to the tank 210B. In addition, an inflow amount control valve 353 having a function of opening and closing the inflow passage 351 and a pump (not shown) for sending the stored liquid from the external liquid supply source into the inflow passage 351 may be provided as necessary. The inflow amount control valve 353 may have the same configuration as the control valve 22 described in the modification 3 of the air bubble concentration adjustment device 10. In addition to the liquid inflow unit 350, the tank system 200D according to the modification of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the tank system 200C according to the third embodiment, except for the configurations of the inflow flow rate sensor 352 and the timer 343A described later. Therefore, detailed description of the configuration of tank system 200D according to the modified example of the third embodiment will be omitted, except for liquid inflow unit 350, inflow flow rate sensor 352, and timer 343A, which will be described later.

[0094] (Inflow flow sensor) In the tank system 200D according to the modified example of the third embodiment, it is preferable to provide an inflow flow rate sensor 352 that detects the flow rate (inflow amount) of liquid flowing into the tank 210 as shown in Fig. 10. The inflow flow rate sensor 352 may be the same as the first flow rate sensor 31A or the second flow rate sensor 31B shown in the modified example 5 described in [1. Air bubble concentration adjustment device] above.

[0095] (timer) In the tank system 200D, the timer 343 (indicated as timer 343A in FIG. 10) specifies the time T1 for maintaining the state of the circulation flow control valve 342 and the time T2 for maintaining the state of the inflow control valve 353. The times T1 and T2 are determined based on the measurement value of the inflow flow sensor 352, the amount of the stored liquid GL passing through the bubble generating unit 341, the desired bubble concentration (target concentration of the bubble concentration of the stored liquid GL), and the desired amount of the stored liquid GL (target volume of the stored liquid GL). For example, the difference between the current amount of the stored liquid GL and the target volume of the stored liquid GL and the difference between the current bubble concentration of the stored liquid GL and the target concentration are determined, and the time for operating the bubble generating unit 341 can be specified as time T1 based on the measurement value of the inflow flow sensor 352, and the time for flowing the liquid from the liquid inflow unit 350 into the tank 210 can be specified as time T2.

[0096] In the tank system according to the modified example of the third embodiment, the timer 343A is preferably a timer switch that changes the state of the circulation flow control valve 342 so as to close the flow path 340 when a set time T1 has elapsed, and changes the state of the inflow control valve 353 so as to close the inflow flow path 351 when a set time T2 has elapsed. In this case, liquid flows through the flow path 340 and the inflow flow path 351 only for the times (T1, T2) determined by the timer 343A.

[0097] According to the tank system 200D relating to a modified example of the third embodiment, even if the bubble concentration of the stored liquid GL in the tank 210 fluctuates as liquid flows into the tank 210, it is possible to operate the bubble generating unit 341 until the bubble concentration of the stored liquid GL increases to a predetermined value, making it easy to adjust the bubble concentration of the stored liquid GL.

[0098] According to the description of this specification, the following inventions can be grasped. (A1) A liquid-flowing device having a plurality of flow paths; At least one of the flow paths is provided with a bubble generating unit capable of generating bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm in the liquid, a flow rate ratio control unit for changing a flow rate ratio of the liquid flowing through the plurality of flow paths so that the concentration of the bubbles can be adjusted by mixing the liquid flowing out from the plurality of flow paths; Air bubble concentration adjustment device. (A2) In the air bubble concentration adjusting device described in (A1) above, a scale display unit that indicates the concentration of the bubbles; the flow rate ratio control unit changes the flow rate ratio in accordance with the concentration of the air bubbles displayed on the scale display unit. Air bubble concentration adjustment device. (A3) In the air bubble concentration adjusting device described in (A2) above, an inlet for receiving the liquid; the flow rate ratio control unit changes the flow rate ratio in response to a pressure, a flow velocity, and a flow rate of the liquid received from the inlet. Air bubble concentration adjustment device. (A4) In the air bubble concentration adjusting device described in (3) above, The inlet is common to a plurality of the flow paths, the flow rate ratio control unit changes a distribution ratio of the liquid supplied from the inlet to each of the plurality of flow paths, thereby changing the flow rate ratio. Air bubble concentration adjustment device. (A5) In the air bubble concentration adjustment device according to any one of (A1) to (A4), The bubbles are formed by cavitation occurring in the liquid. Air bubble concentration adjustment device. (A6) In the air bubble concentration adjustment device according to any one of (A1) to (A5), A pump is provided to pump the liquid from the inlet toward the plurality of flow paths. Air bubble concentration adjustment device. (A7) An air bubble concentration adjustment device according to any one of (A1) to (A6) above; A tank for storing the liquid, The air bubble concentration adjustment device and the tank are arranged so that the liquid is supplied to the tank after passing through the air bubble concentration adjustment device. Tank system. (A8) A tank for storing liquid; A flow path for flowing the liquid, the flow path includes a bubble generating unit that generates bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm in the liquid, Both the upstream end and the downstream end of the flow path are connected to the tank, A timer is provided to determine the time for the liquid to flow through the flow path. Tank system. (A9) In the tank system described in (A7) above, a concentration sensor for measuring a bubble concentration in the liquid in the tank; The flow rate ratio control unit is controlled based on the value measured by the concentration sensor. Tank system. (A10) In the tank system described in (A8) above, The time of the timer is determined according to a desired fine bubble concentration or ultra-fine bubble concentration in the liquid stored in the tank. Tank system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10: Air bubble concentration adjustment device 11: Flow path 11A: First flow path 11B: Second flow path 12: Flow ratio control section 13: Bubble generating section 14:Inlet 15: Receiving channel 16: Flow control member 20: Piping components 21: Distribution valve 22: Control valve 40: Scale display section 41: Scale 100: Bubble generator 200:Tank system 210: Tank 280: Bubble generating section 341: Bubble generating section 342: Circulation flow control valve 343: Timer

Claims

1. A tank for storing liquid; a first flow path for circulating a first liquid as a liquid in the tank; a second flow path for allowing a second liquid as an external liquid to flow into the tank; Equipped with the second flow path has a flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate of the second liquid flowing into the tank; the first flow path has a bubble generating unit that generates bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm in the first liquid, a timer is provided to determine a first time period during which the first liquid flows through the first flow path based on a measurement value of the flow sensor; The first time period is a time period during which the bubble generating unit is operated until the bubble concentration in the first liquid increases to a predetermined value. Tank system.

2. 2. The tank system according to claim 1, The timer further defines a second time period for the second liquid to flow through the second flow path; The first flow path can be closed when the first time has elapsed, and the second flow path can be closed when the second time has elapsed. Tank system.

3. In the tank system according to claim 2, the first time and the second time are times determined according to a flow rate of the second liquid measured by the flow rate sensor, a difference between a volume of the liquid in the tank and a target volume of the liquid in the tank, and a difference between a bubble concentration of the liquid in the tank and a target bubble concentration of the liquid in the tank. Tank system.

4. The tank system according to claim 1 or 2, The bubble generating unit is of a cavitation type. Tank system.

5. The tank system according to claim 1 or 2, a circulation flow control valve configured to be able to change a flow rate of the first liquid passing through the first flow path; An inflow control valve having a function of opening and closing the second flow path; Tank system.

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