Microplastic Recovery Device and Microplastic Recovery System

Abstract

To provide a microplastic recovery system capable of sampling a microplastic specimen recovered from environmental water taken-in a ship and appropriately and efficiently managing and a microplastic recovery system.SOLUTION: A micro plastic recovery apparatus 40 is provided with a water sampling part 41 for acquiring environmental water from an environmental water line L4 through which environmental water flows, a flow rate adjusting part 42 for adjusting a flow rate of the environmental water acquired in the water sampling part 41, flow rate detecting parts 43, 45 for detecting the flow rate of environmental water acquired in the water sampling part 41, a filter apparatus 46 having a filter 53 for filtering the environmental water obtained in the water sampling section 41, and a control device (information management device) 100 for managing water intake information concerning the acquisition status of microplastic acquired through the filtration device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microplastic recovery device and a microplastic recovery system for collecting microplastics from environmental water.

Background Art

[0002] In ships such as cargo ships and tankers, technologies for taking in environmental water such as seawater into the ship for cooling equipment such as main engines, generators, intercoolers, and turbochargers, or for obtaining ballast water and other purposes are known. This type of technology is described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a seawater cooling system for a ship including a main cooling seawater pump that supplies seawater to a main engine and an auxiliary cooling seawater pump that supplies seawater to an auxiliary cooling fresh water cooler or a main engine EGR equipment cooling system for the main engine.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a central fresh water cooling system for a ship that cools equipment to be cooled mounted on the ship with fresh water circulating in a circulation flow path, and exchanges heat between the fresh water and seawater taken in from outside the ship by a seawater pump through a heat exchanger in the middle of the circulation flow path.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 3 describes a technology for removing dust and aquatic organisms contained in environmental water taken into a ship in order to prevent troubles such as blockage of heat exchangers and pipes.

[0006] Patent Document 3 describes that a seawater strainer is provided in the seawater cooling pipe of a marine internal combustion engine that uses seawater as cooling water for the purpose of preventing the intake of debris in seawater. The seawater strainer is provided in a seawater cooling pipe that has a kingston cock on the inlet side and the outlet side is connected to the seawater pump of the marine internal combustion engine. The seawater strainer is configured such that when clogging with debris is confirmed in the seawater strainer after several days of operation, the kingston cock is closed and then the bilge pump is operated to automatically discharge the accumulated debris outside the ship.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] In recent years, it has become an urgent issue to grasp the pollution situation of the ocean by microplastics. If ships such as cargo ships and tankers with a wide range of movement can be used for monitoring the pollution of the ocean by microplastics, it is considered that information on various sea areas and times can be obtained. Also, in such merchant ships, it is assumed that general crew members will be responsible for collecting and storing samples for microplastic analysis. There is a need for a technology that can collect microplastic samples from environmental water taken into a ship, record the information at the time of collection, and manage them appropriately, even for those who are not environmental monitoring technicians or researchers.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a microplastic recovery device and a microplastic recovery system that can collect microplastic samples from environmental water taken into a ship and manage them appropriately and efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The present invention relates to a microplastic recovery device that is attached to a ship and recovers microplastics contained in environmental water taken into the ship, and includes a water sampling unit that acquires environmental water from an environmental water line through which environmental water flows, a flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the environmental water acquired by the water sampling unit, a flow rate detection unit that detects the flow rate of the environmental water acquired by the water sampling unit, a filtration device having a filter that filters the environmental water acquired by the water sampling unit, and an information management device that manages water sampling information regarding the acquisition status of microplastics acquired through the filtration device.

[0011] Preferably, the information management device includes a water sampling information acquisition unit that acquires, as the water sampling information, time information, location information at the time of microplastic acquisition, and the amount of filtered water by the filtration device, a storage unit that stores the water sampling information acquired by the water sampling information acquisition unit, and a sample identification information output unit that outputs sample identification information that is information for identifying a microplastic sample corresponding to the water sampling information and to which the water sampling information is associated.

[0012] Preferably, the water sampling information further includes ship identification information based on the type of ship.

[0013] Preferably, the water sampling unit is arranged coaxially with the straight pipe portion of the circular tubular straight pipe portion of the environmental water line, and has a straight line portion whose one end side faces the upstream side of the environmental water line and extends to the downstream side of the environmental water line, and a bent portion that is continuous with the other end side of the straight line portion and extends by bending with respect to the straight line portion.

[0014] Preferably, the flow rate of the environmental water is adjusted by the flow rate adjustment unit so that the speed of the water flow flowing outside the straight line portion in the environmental water line is equal to the speed of the water flow inside the straight line portion.

[0015] The filtration device further has a filter housing for housing the filter, and the filter housing is preferably configured to be detachable from the filtration device.

[0016] The filtration device preferably further has a backwashing mechanism for passing water through the filtration device in a direction opposite to the direction in which the environmental water to be filtered flows to backwash the filtration device, and a backwash water storage section for storing the backwash water after the filtration device is backwashed by the backwashing mechanism.

[0017] The backwash water storage section is preferably configured to be detachable from the filtration device.

[0018] The microplastic recovery device preferably further includes a flow rate control section for controlling the start and end of filtration by the filtration device by controlling the flow rate adjustment section.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a microplastic recovery system attached to a ship for recovering microplastics contained in environmental water taken into the ship, the microplastic recovery system including a water intake line for taking environmental water into the ship, a water intake pump disposed in the water intake line, a heat exchanger that uses the environmental water flowing through the water intake line as cooling water, a drainage line for discharging the environmental water after heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and a microplastic recovery device for recovering the environmental water obtained through the water intake line. The microplastic recovery device includes a water sampling section for obtaining environmental water from an environmental water line through which environmental water flows, a flow rate adjustment section for adjusting the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water sampling section, a flow rate detection section for detecting the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water sampling section, a filtration device having a filter for filtering the environmental water obtained by the water sampling section, and an information management device for managing water sampling information regarding the acquisition status of microplastics obtained via the filtration device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a microplastic collection device and a microplastic collection system that can collect microplastic samples from environmental water taken into a ship and can be appropriately and efficiently managed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a microplastic collection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The microplastic collection system 1 is attached to a ship 2. The microplastic collection system 1 has a function of collecting microplastics from water such as cooling water (hereinafter referred to as environmental water) for cooling a cooled device 3 that the ship 2 obtains from an environment such as the sea, a river, a lake, or a marsh. The cooled device 3 is, for example, an internal combustion engine such as an engine.

[0024] <Overall Configuration> The overall configuration of the microplastic recovery system 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the microplastic is obtained as a microplastic sample including filtration residues and filtration residues. The microplastic sample may include filtration residues and filtration residues, or may be separated from the filtration residues based on a predetermined separation method. In the following description, the "line" is a general term for lines through which fluids such as flow paths, paths, and pipelines can flow.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the microplastic recovery system 1 includes a water intake line L1, a first water intake branch line L11, a second water intake branch line L12, a first water intake pump 11, a second water intake pump 12, a central cooler 4, a cooling water circulation line L30, a first cooling water branch line L31, a first cooling water pump 31, a second cooling water branch line L32, a second cooling water pump 32, a drainage line L3, an environmental water line L4, a microplastic recovery device 40, and a control device 100.

[0026] The water intake line L1 is a line for taking in environmental water (for example, seawater, brackish water, fresh water) outside the ship 2 into the ship 2. The water intake port arranged at one end (the upstream end) of the water intake line L1 is located at a position where environmental water can be obtained, for example, below the sea surface.

[0027] The water intake line L1 is configured to branch into the first water intake branch line L11 and the second water intake branch line L12 in the middle and then merge again. The first water intake pump 11 is arranged in the first water intake branch line L11, and the second water intake pump 12 is arranged in the second water intake branch line L12. By driving at least one of the first water intake pump 11 and the second water intake pump 12, environmental water is taken into the ship 2 from the outside through the water intake line L1.

[0028] The central cooler 4 is a heat exchanger arranged in the cooling water circulation line L30. The downstream end of the intake line L1 after the confluence is connected to the central cooler 4, and the environmental water taken into the ship 2 through the intake line L1 is supplied to the central cooler 4 as cooling water for heat exchange.

[0029] The cooling water circulation line L30 is configured in a loop, and the equipment to be cooled 3 is arranged in addition to the central cooler 4. A heat medium circulates in this cooling water circulation line L30. The heat medium is cooled by exchanging heat with the environmental water, and the equipment to be cooled 3 is cooled by the cooled heat medium.

[0030] Also, the cooling water circulation line L30 is configured to branch into a first cooling water branch line L31 and a second cooling water branch line L32 in the middle and then merge again. A first cooling water pump 31 is arranged in the first cooling water branch line L31, and a second cooling water pump 32 is arranged in the second cooling water branch line L32. By driving at least one of the first cooling water pump 31 and the second cooling water pump 32, the aforementioned heat medium circulates in the cooling water circulation line L30.

[0031] The drain line L3 has its upstream end connected to the central cooler 4. The drain line L3 allows the environmental water that has undergone heat exchange in the central cooler 4 to flow through. The environmental water after heat exchange is discharged to the outside of the ship 2 through the drain line L3.

[0032] The environmental water line L4 is a sampling line for obtaining environmental water containing microplastics and is connected to the water intake line L1. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the environmental water line L4 is connected to a point downstream of the confluence point of the first water intake branch line L11 and the second water intake branch line L12 in the water intake line L1. Also, the downstream end of the environmental water line L4 is connected to the water intake line L1 in front of the central cooler 4. A part of the environmental water before being sent to the central cooler 4 will flow through the environmental water line L4. Note that the environmental water line L4 is preferably provided near the water intake pump on the downstream side of the water intake pump. This is to suppress the effects such as the retention of suspended matter in the water, adhesion to the pipe wall surface, and peeling from the pipe wall surface in the piping line.

[0033] <Configuration of Microplastic Recovery Device> The microplastic recovery device 40 is arranged in the environmental water line L4 and samples a part of the environmental water (cooling water) flowing through the environmental water line L4. The environmental water not recovered by the microplastic recovery device 40 will merge into the water intake line L1 and be sent to the central cooler 4.

[0034] The microplastic recovery device 40 of this embodiment includes a water sampling section 41, a flow rate adjustment section 42 for adjusting the flow rate of the environmental water in the water sampling section 41, a flow rate detection section 43 for detecting the flow rate of the environmental water in the water sampling section 41, a water quality detection section 44 for detecting the water quality of the environmental water, a flow rate detection section 45 for detecting the flow rate of the environmental water flowing through the environmental water line L4, a filtration device 46, and a drainage section 55.

[0035] The water sampling section 41 collects a part of the environmental water flowing through the environmental water line L4 by isokinetic suction. The detailed configuration of the water sampling section 41 will be described later.

[0036] The flow rate adjustment unit 42 is arranged on the downstream side of the water sampling unit 41. The flow rate adjustment unit 42 is constituted by, for example, a control valve whose flow rate can be changed. The flow rate of the environmental water is adjusted so that the sampling of the environmental water by the water sampling unit 41 is properly performed. Note that the flow rate adjustment unit 42 is controlled to be in a closed state when sampling is not executed.

[0037] The flow rate detection unit 43 is a sensor that detects the flow rate of the environmental water collected by the water sampling unit 41. The detected value is transmitted to the control device 100. In the present embodiment, it is arranged on the downstream side of the flow rate adjustment unit 42.

[0038] The water quality detection unit 44 is a sensor (such as an electric conductivity sensor or a turbidity sensor) that detects the water quality of the environmental water. The water quality information detected by the water quality detection unit 44 is transmitted to the control device 100. From the viewpoint of detecting the water quality of the environmental water, it may be configured to be arranged on the water intake line L1.

[0039] The flow rate detection unit 45 is arranged in the vicinity of the water sampling unit 41 in the environmental water line L4. The flow rate detection unit 45 detects the flow rate of the environmental water flowing through the environmental water line L4 and transmits the detected value to the control device 100.

[0040] The filtration device 46 filters the environmental water collected from the environmental water line L4, and the drainage unit 55 discharges the cooling water filtered by the filtration device 46 to the outside of the ship. The detailed configuration of the filtration device 46 will be described later.

[0041] <First Example of Water Sampling Unit and Filtration Device> Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configurations of the water sampling unit 41 and the filtration device 46 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the configurations of the water sampling unit 41 and the filtration device 46 of the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 2, the illustrations of the flow rate adjustment unit 42, the flow rate detection unit 43, the water quality detection unit 44, the flow rate detection unit 45, etc. are omitted.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the environmental water line L4 includes a straight pipe portion L40 which is a circular tubular pipe, and the water intake portion 41 is arranged on the straight pipe portion L40. The water intake portion 41 of the present embodiment includes a straight portion 50 having a water intake port 56, and a bent portion 51 that bends from the straight portion 50 and extends outward of the environmental water line L4.

[0043] The extending direction of the straight portion 50 coincides with the extending direction of the straight pipe portion L40, and the straight portion 50 is located at the center of the straight pipe portion L40. The straight portion 50 of the water intake portion 41 and the straight pipe portion L40 of the environmental water line L4 are arranged in a positional relationship on the same axis P. A water intake port 56 is formed at the upstream end of the straight portion 50, and the water intake port 56 serves as an inlet for the environmental water flowing through the environmental water line L4 to the water intake portion 41. Note that the water intake port 56 is preferably chamfered so as to smoothly and gently allow the movement of environmental water from the outside to the inside of the straight portion 50.

[0044] The bent portion 51 is a substantially L-shaped pipe whose upstream end is connected to the downstream end of the straight portion 50. The bent portion 51 of the present embodiment bends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the straight portion 50 and extends outward of the environmental water line L4 (straight pipe portion L40).

[0045] The filtering device 46 includes a filter 53 for capturing microplastics and a housing 54 for holding the filter 53. A part of the environmental water that has passed through the bent portion 51 from the straight portion 50 reaches the housing 54 of the filtering device 46, and solids including microplastics contained in the environmental water are captured by the filter 53 held inside.

[0046] The housing 54 of the present embodiment is arranged on the downstream side of the bent portion 51, and the filter 53 can be removed from the filtering device 46 while being held inside. As a detachable configuration, for example, a cartridge type or the like can be adopted as an appropriate method.

[0047] In addition, a dedicated lid that is attached to the housing 54 while removed from the filtration device 46 may be prepared. In this configuration, by fixing the dedicated lid to the housing 54, it is possible to easily isolate the filter 53 that has captured solid matter including microplastics from the outside. A display unit for displaying sample identification information 204 for identifying the microplastic sample may be added to the dedicated lid or the housing 54. The microplastic sample is

[0048] The filter 53 will be described. A filter 53 with a filtration accuracy capable of recovering microplastics is used. For example, the filtration accuracy of the filter 53 preferably has a particle diameter of 200 μm to 800 μm.

[0049] In the present embodiment, a metal mesh filter with a size of 300 μm to 500 μm is used as the filter 53. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a spring filter or other types of filters can be used as the filter 53. For example, based on the definition of microplastics targeting those with a diameter of 5 mm or less or 1 mm or less, the filtration accuracy may be set to 1000 μm. In the present embodiment, the filtration accuracy indicates that the particle removal efficiency of particles with a display pore size value can be collected at 99% or more.

[0050] The drainage section 55 is arranged on the downstream side (outlet side) of the housing 54. A part of the environmental water filtered by the filter 53 inside the housing 54 is drained outside the ship 2 through the drainage section 55. Since solid matter including microplastics is captured by the filter 53, the solid matter including microplastics can be recovered from the filter 53 as a microplastic sample. For example, the filter 53 can be taken back to the laboratory, the solid matter can be washed off the filter 53, and the microplastics can be analyzed. At this time, the amount of filtered seawater from which microplastics are collected can be calculated from the flow path cross-sectional area of the straight section 50 and the velocity U1.

[0051] Further, in order to more surely achieve sampling by constant-speed suction in the water sampling section 41, the inner diameter a2 of the straight section 50 is configured to fall within the range of one-half to two-thirds of the inner diameter a1 of the straight pipe section L40, and the length d of the straight portion of the straight section 50 is configured to be longer than the inner diameter a1 of the straight pipe section L40.

[0052] In this embodiment, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment section 42 is controlled so that the flow velocity U0 of the water flow flowing outside the straight section 50 in the environmental water line L4 and the flow velocity U1 of the water flow inside the straight section 50 become constant. For example, since the velocity U0 can be obtained based on the detection value of the flow rate detection section 45 and the velocity U1 can be obtained based on the detection value of the flow rate detection section 43, by controlling the flow rate adjustment section 42 while monitoring these detection values, the velocity U0 and the velocity U1 are substantially the same, and sampling by constant-speed suction is realized.

[0053] <Second Example of Filtration Device> The configuration of the filtration device 46 is not necessarily limited to the above-described configuration and can be changed as appropriate. Next, a filtration device 46a having a configuration different from that of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the filtration device 46a of the present embodiment. Note that components that are common or similar to those described in the above embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0054] The filtration device 46a in the example of FIG. 3 is different from the water sampling section 41 in the example of FIG. 2 in that it includes a backwashing mechanism 60 for backwashing the filter 53 and a backwash water storage section 70 for storing the backwash water after the filter 53 is backwashed.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the backwashing mechanism 60 includes a treated water tank 61, a backwash line L50, a backwash pump 62, a backwash on-off valve 63, and a backwash drain line L51.

[0056] The treated water tank 61 stores the backwash water that is passed through the filtration device 46a. The backwash water may be, for example, tap water used inside the ship 2 or treated water treated by the filtration device 46a.

[0057] The backwash line L50 is a line that supplies backwash water to the filter 53 in the direction opposite to the filtration direction of the filter 53 of the filtration device 46a. One end (the upstream end, the treated water side end) of the backwash line L50 is connected to the treated water tank 61. The other end (the downstream end) of the backwash line L50 is connected to the downstream side (the drainage part 55 side) of the filter 53 in the filtration device 46a.

[0058] The backwash pump 62 is arranged in the backwash line L50. When the backwash pump 62 is driven, backwash water is supplied to the filter 53 from the direction opposite to the filtration direction through the backwash line L50.

[0059] The on-off valve 63 for backwashing is arranged in the backwash line L50. The on-off valve 63 for backwashing is in a closed state when the backwash treatment of the filter 53 is not performed. When the backwash treatment of the filter 53 is performed, the on-off valve 63 for backwashing shifts from the closed state to the open state.

[0060] The backwash drainage line L51 is a line through which the backwash drainage after backwashing the filter 53 flows. One end (the upstream end) of the backwash drainage line L51 is connected to the upstream side (the environmental water line L4 side) of the filter 53 in the filtration device 46a. The other end (the downstream end) of the backwash drainage line L51 is connected to the backwash water storage part 70.

[0061] The backwash water storage part 70 is a recovery container that stores the backwash water containing microplastics in a liquid state. The backwash water storage part 70 is configured to be removable from the water sampling part 41, and it is possible to take out the water containing microplastics together with the backwash water storage part 70 from the microplastic recovery device 40.

[0062] A dedicated lid for attachment in a state removed from the backwash water storage section 70 may be prepared so that the microplastic sample (microplastic-containing water) in the backwash water storage section 70 can be stored in a state of being isolated from the outside by the lid. Further, the lid or the backwash water storage section 70 may be configured to include a display section for displaying sample identification information 204 for identifying the microplastic sample.

[0063] In the filtration device 46a of this second example, the backwash process is executed after the filtration process of the filtration device 46a. When the backwash process is started, the control device 100 controls the backwash on-off valve 63 to the open state and drives the backwash pump 62. By driving the backwash pump 62, backwash water is supplied to the filter 53 in a direction opposite to the filtration direction of the filtration device 46a.

[0064] The backwash water supplied to the filter 53 in the direction opposite to the filtration direction flushes the filtrate (or solid matter) containing the microplastics captured by the filter 53 in the filtration process into the backwash drain line L51. Then, the backwash drain water (backwash water after filtration) containing the filtrate (or solid matter) is collected in the backwash water storage section 70. In the present embodiment, predetermined conditions are set such that the amount of water passed through the filter 53 in the reverse direction in the backwash process is 1 / 10 or less of the amount of water passed through the filter 53 in the forward direction in the filtration process of the filtration device 46a. The predetermined conditions may be a predetermined time determined by a timer, or a water quality sensor (such as an electrical conductivity sensor or a turbidity sensor) may be arranged between the filter 53 and the backwash water storage section 70, and it may be determined whether the process is completed based on the detected value of the water quality sensor.

[0065] Also in the second example described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved. In this configuration, the microplastic sample can be stored in a state of a liquid (cooling water, environmental water) containing microplastics. That is, the microplastic sample collected for the analysis of microplastics may be in a state of not only a solid but also a liquid containing a solid. From the viewpoint of suppressing the state change of microplastics, it is desirable to use environmental water (cooling water) originally containing microplastics and store it in a dark place at a low temperature.

[0066] <Control device> Next, the control device 100 will be described. The control device 100 is a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage device, and the like. The control device 100 is electrically connected to the microplastic collection device 40 and performs various data collection and control. The control device 100 of the present embodiment is configured to collect a microplastic sample for analysis, create a record (sampling data) at the time of collection, and perform a series of management processes related to sampling for identifying and managing the microplastic sample.

[0067] Next, the configuration of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 100 included in the microplastic collection system 1 of the present embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 4, the illustration of a configuration not directly related to the management process may be omitted.

[0068] The control device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 200, an input unit 250, a display unit 251, a positioning information acquisition unit 210, and a printer 252. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described.

[0069] The control unit 110 executes various functions for realizing the management process. The control unit 110 is configured by, for example, a CPU or the like that executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM or a program loaded into the RAM.

[0070] The control unit 110 is a functional unit that collects microplastic samples, creates records (sampling data) at the time of collection, and executes a series of management processes related to sampling for identifying and managing samples. It includes a flow rate control unit 111, a navigation information acquisition unit 112, a water sampling information acquisition unit 113, a sample information creation unit 114, and a sample identification information output unit 115.

[0071] The flow rate control unit 111 controls the flow rate adjustment unit 42 to control the start and end of sampling. Also, based on the detection values of the flow rate detection unit 43 and the flow rate detection unit 45, the flow rate control unit 111 controls the flow rate adjustment unit 42 so that the velocity U0 indicating the flow velocity outside the straight section 50 and the velocity U1 indicating the flow velocity inside the straight pipe become equal.

[0072] The navigation information acquisition unit 112 acquires navigation information 201 including the positions of the ship 2 at the start and end of collecting microplastic samples from the positioning information acquisition unit 210 and stores the navigation information 201 in the storage unit 200.

[0073] The water sampling information acquisition unit 113 acquires water sampling information 202 including the water sampling volume and stores it in the storage unit 200.

[0074] The sample information creation unit 114 creates sample information 203 based on the navigation information 201 and the water sampling information 202 and stores the sample information 203 in the storage unit 200. The navigation information 201 and the water sampling information 202 are continuously collected during sampling. Therefore, these information are processed at the end of sampling or after sampling to manage data such as the sampling location, date, time, and sampling water volume as the sample information 203. Also, the sample information creation unit 114 creates sample identification information 204 for identifying each collected microplastic sample, associates the sample identification information 204 with the sample information 203, and stores it in the storage unit 200.

[0075] The sample identification information output unit 115 executes a process of outputting the sample identification information 204 to the display unit 251 and the printer 252. The sample identification information 204 may be, for example, a QR code including information such as a management number, the collection date and time of the microplastic sample, and the collection longitude and latitude.

[0076] The storage unit 200 is composed of a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and stores various data of the microplastic recovery system 1. In the storage unit 200, navigation information 201, water sampling information 202, sample information 203, and sample identification information 204 are stored as management information. Note that in FIG. 4, the navigation information 201, water sampling information 202, sample information 203, and sample identification information 204 are illustrated as an example of the information stored in the storage unit 200.

[0077] The navigation information 201 includes position information indicating the position of the ship 2 when environmental water is sampled, and time information indicating the year, month, day, and time corresponding to the position information. Note that the navigation information 201 may include other information related to navigation. For example, weather, sea conditions, or distance information indicating the distance from the coast may be included in the navigation information.

[0078] Note that the navigation information 201 described here is an example, and as long as it is information related to navigation, part of the information described here may be omitted, information other than the example may be added, or another combination may be used as the navigation information.

[0079] The water sampling information 202 includes the sampling depth, the sampling volume, water quality information, sample time information, ship identification information, etc. The sampling depth is information indicating the depth from the sea surface or the water depth at the position where the water is sampled. For example, it can be calculated based on the depth information based on the position of the water intake (for example, the sea chest) of the water intake line L1, or the depth information obtained by a depth sensor arranged at an appropriate location. The sampling volume is the amount of water used to collect environmental water containing microplastics, and can be calculated, for example, from the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the straight portion 50 and the velocity U1. The sampling volume can also be directly detected by arranging a water volume sensor in the water sampling section 41. The water quality information is water quality information such as the seawater temperature and salinity concentration of the environmental water obtained by the ship 2. In this embodiment, the water quality information is obtained based on the detection value of the water quality detection section 44. The sample time information is information indicating the time required to obtain the microplastic sample, the year, month, day, and time at the time of sample acquisition, etc.

[0080] The ship identification information is information regarding the ship 2 to which the microplastic collection system 1 is applied. For example, the ship identification information may include the ship type of the ship 2, the hull shape, the size of the ship (overall length, gross tonnage), the shape and configuration of the sea chest for taking in seawater, the types and capacities of the first water intake pump 11 and the second water intake pump 12, and the like. Such ship identification information is analyzed in association with the analysis results of the microplastics obtained by analyzing the microplastic sample, and the influence of the ship type, size, etc. on the sample collection (and thus the analysis results of the microplastics) can be evaluated. Further, the ship identification information may include information such as the ship name, ship number, identification code, IMO (International Maritime Organization) number, etc. for identifying the ship 2.

[0081] Note that the water sampling information 202 described here is also an example. As long as it includes at least information regarding water sampling including the time information (year, month, day, time, etc.) at the time of obtaining the microplastics, the location information, and the amount of water filtered by the filtration device 46, a part of the information described here may be omitted, information other than the exemplified information may be added, or another combination may be used as the water sampling information 202.

[0082] The sample information 203 is created based on the navigation information 201 and the water sampling information 202. The data included in the sample information 203 is important and is used, together with the analysis results of the microplastic sample, for predicting the distribution state and dynamics of microplastics in the environment.

[0083] The sample identification information 204 is information such as uniquely determined numerical values or characters for distinguishing microplastic samples. The sample identification information 204 is, for example, a management number (numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) for identifying a microplastic sample, an identifier (registered trademark QR code) indicating the management number, etc. In addition to the management number, the sample identification information 204 may include information such as sampling location information indicating the location where the water was sampled, sampling time information indicating the date and time when the water was sampled, the amount of filtered water, ship identification information, weather, sea conditions, ocean currents, navigation speed (speed through water, speed over ground), seawater temperature as water quality information, salinity concentration, and other information.

[0084] As described above, in the storage unit 200, the navigation information 201 and the water sampling information 202 are stored for each microplastic sample in association with each other, and the sample information 203 created based on the navigation information 201 and the water sampling information 202 is stored. The sample information 203 is further stored in association with the sample identification information 204. It can also be said that the water sampling information 202 is associated with the sample identification information 204 via the sample information 203.

[0085] The input unit 250 is an input interface such as buttons or a keyboard for the user to input information regarding the operation of the control device 100 and the sampling of microplastic samples. The display unit 251 is a display device such as a display for outputting various types of information output by the control device 100. The input unit 250 and the display unit 251 may be in an integrated configuration such as a touch panel.

[0086] The positioning information acquisition unit 210 is a receiving unit that acquires positioning information including the current position information of the ship 2 from positioning satellites such as GPS.

[0087] The printer 252 is a printing device that prints the sample identification information, which is information regarding the microplastic sample. The printer 252 may be configured to print the sample identification information on a sheet-like medium such as paper or a sticker, or may be configured to directly print information regarding the microplastic sample on the housing 54 or the backwash water storage unit 70.

[0088] <Management Process> Referring to FIG. 5, the flow of the management process and each functional unit will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the management process of the microplastic recovery device 40 of the present embodiment. The flow in FIG. 5 is a process that starts when automatic sampling is performed according to a preset schedule.

[0089] When the flow in FIG. 5 starts, the flow rate control unit 111 executes control to adjust the flow rate of the flow rate adjustment unit 42 based on the detection values of the flow rate detection unit 43 and the flow rate detection unit 45 (step S1). In the flow rate adjustment control, as described above, the speed U0 in the straight pipe portion L40 of the environmental water line L4 is made to coincide with the speed U1 in the straight line portion 50 of the water sampling unit 41 to realize isovelocity suction at the water sampling unit 41.

[0090] Next, the navigation information acquisition unit 112 starts acquiring the navigation information 201 corresponding to the microplastic sample newly acquired from the positioning information acquisition unit 210, and executes a process of storing the navigation information 201 in the storage unit 200 (step S2). The navigation information 201 includes at least the position information at the start of sample collection, and may be acquired periodically or triggered by an event (such as reaching a certain water collection volume or a change in the speed U0) of the water sampling unit 41. Further, the water sampling information acquisition unit 113 acquires the water sampling information corresponding to the microplastic sample to be acquired this time, and executes a process of storing the water sampling information 202 in the storage unit 200 (step S3). The water sampling information 202 may be stored in the storage unit 200 in association with the navigation information 201, or information relating the water sampling information 202 and the navigation information 201, for example, the water sampling information 202 and the navigation information 201 may include time (such as Greenwich Mean Time).

[0091] Next, the flow control unit 111 determines whether or not the conditions for ending the sample collection are satisfied (step S4). For example, the flow control unit 111 determines whether or not the amount of collected microplastic sample has reached a predetermined standard. If it has reached the predetermined standard and thus the end condition is satisfied, the navigation information acquisition unit 112 acquires the position information at the end of the sample collection. The flow control unit 111 ends the flow control, and the process proceeds to step S5 (step S4: Yes). If the end condition is not satisfied, the sample collection continues until the end condition is satisfied (step S4: No).

[0092] In step S5, the sample information creation unit 114 creates sample information 203 based on the navigation information 201 and the water sampling information 202 stored in the storage unit 200, and stores it in the storage unit 200. Further, the sample information creation unit 114 creates sample identification information 204, and stores the sample information 203 and the sample identification information 204 in association with each other in the storage unit 200. Thereby, using the sample identification information 204 as a search key (a symbol used for searching), the analysis result of the microplastic sample and the sample information can be easily linked, and the distribution state and dynamics of microplastics in the environment can be effectively predicted, and phenomena can be elucidated, etc.

[0093] In step S6, the sample identification information output unit 115 acquires the sample identification information 204 from the storage unit 200, and transmits the sample identification information 204 to the printer 252 (step S6). As a result, the user can attach the sample identification information 204 printed by the printer 252 to the collected sample (the housing 54 or the backwash water storage unit 70). For example, the sample identification information 204 including the management number, navigation information, and water sampling information is generated as a QR code (registered trademark), and the QR code (registered trademark) is printed on a seal and attached to the main body or the dedicated lid of the housing 54 or the backwash water storage unit 70, so that the microplastic sample can be appropriately and efficiently managed.

[0094] In the case of the second example described with reference to FIG. 3, the backwashing process described above is inserted between step S4 and step S5, and when the backwashing process is completed, it means that an appropriate microplastic sample (microplastic-containing water) has been collected in the backwash water storage unit 70.

[0095] In addition, in steps S5 and S6, an example in which the sample information creation unit 114 creates the sample identification information 204 by itself has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the sample identification information is given in advance (such as engraving or attaching a QR code seal to the backwash water storage unit 70 or the like), instead of executing the processes of steps S5 and S6 of the above embodiment, the sample information creation unit 114 obtains the sample identification information 204 given to the backwash water storage unit 70 or the like through the operator's input work or the like, and associates the obtained sample identification information 204 with the sample information 203 and stores it in the storage unit 200.

[0096] As described above, the microplastic collection device 40 of the present embodiment includes a water collection unit 41 that obtains environmental water from the environmental water line L4 through which environmental water flows, a flow rate adjustment unit 42 that adjusts the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water collection unit 41, flow rate detection units 43 and 45 that detect the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water collection unit 41, a filtration device 46 and 46a that have a filter 53 for filtering the environmental water obtained by the water collection unit 41, and a control device (information management device) 100 that manages the water collection information 202 regarding the acquisition status of the microplastics obtained through the filtration devices 46 and 46a.

[0097] As a result, a lot of data useful for elucidating the distribution and dynamics of microplastics in the marine environment can be obtained, and the management of the microplastic samples obtained during the navigation of the ship 2 can be performed reliably and easily. Even when the user is not a person specialized in marine research, the acquisition and management of microplastic samples in various regions (sea areas) can be easily realized.

[0098] In addition, the control device 100 of the present embodiment includes a water sampling information acquisition unit 113 that acquires water sampling information 202 including time information, location information, and the amount of filtered water by the filtration devices 46 and 46a when acquiring a microplastic sample, a storage unit 200 that stores the water sampling information 202 acquired by the water sampling information acquisition unit 113, and a sample identification information output unit 115 that outputs sample identification information which is information for identifying a microplastic corresponding to the water sampling information 202 and to which the water sampling information 202 is associated.

[0099] Thereby, the microplastic sample can be managed more efficiently by the output sample identification information, and the burden on the user can also be effectively reduced.

[0100] In addition, in the present embodiment, the water sampling information includes ship identification information based on the ship.

[0101] Thereby, the ship identification information can be associated with and stored for the acquired microplastic sample. After sample collection, information about the ship that may affect the collection of microplastics (such as the shape and position of the sea chest or the shape of the hull) can be confirmed, so it can be analyzed in association with the ship identification information and the analysis results of the microplastics, and the influence of the type and size of the ship on the microplastic sample collection can also be evaluated.

[0102] In addition, when the flow direction of the water intake port 56 is not parallel to the flow direction of the environmental water line L4, or when the suction speed of the water intake section 41 (the flow velocity (the velocity U1 of the environmental water) in the straight section 50) is not equal to the flow velocity (the velocity U0 of the environmental water) of the environmental water line L4, the probability that larger particles will pass through the water intake port 56 due to inertial force increases. In this regard, the microplastic recovery device 40 of the present embodiment is arranged coaxially with the straight tubular section L40 of the environmental water line L4 inside the straight tubular section L40 that extends linearly and is provided in the environmental water line L4. One end side is open facing the upstream side of the environmental water line L4 and extends to the downstream side of the environmental water line L4. The straight section 50, and a water intake section 41 having a bent section 51 that is continuous with the other end side of the straight section 50 and extends by bending with respect to the straight section 50. As a result, the flow direction of the fluid inside the straight tubular section L40 of the environmental water line L4 and the flow direction of the fluid inside the straight section 50 of the water intake section 41 coincide. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the flow rate adjustment section 42 adjusts the flow rate of the environmental water so that the velocity U0 of the water flow flowing outside the straight tubular section L40 in the environmental water line L4 and the velocity U1 of the water flow inside the straight section 50 become equal. By doing so, it is possible to obtain a microplastic sample of environmental water in a more appropriate state in terms of the number and particle size distribution of microplastics, and it is possible to realize a more accurate sample collection method with less error.

[0103] In addition, the filtration device 46 of the present embodiment further has a housing 54 that houses the filter 53, and the housing 54 is configured to be detachable from the filtration device 46.

[0104] As a result, the housing 54 together with the filter 53 that has captured the microplastics can be removed from the filtration device 46, and the management of the recovered microplastics can be made easier.

[0105] In addition, in the present embodiment, the filtration device 46a further has a backwashing mechanism 60 that passes water through the filtration device 46a in a direction opposite to the direction in which the environmental water to be filtered flows, and backwashes the filtration device 46a, and a backwash water storage section 70 that stores the backwash water after the filtration device 46a has been backwashed by the backwashing mechanism 60.

[0106] By reducing the water flow rate in the reverse direction of the filter 53 in the clean water backwashing control with respect to the water flow rate in the forward direction of the filter 53, the microplastic-containing water containing microplastics can be concentrated. Also, the microplastic-containing water can be stored in the backwash water storage unit 70.

[0107] Also, in the present embodiment, the backwash water storage unit 70 is configured to be detachable from the filtration device 46a.

[0108] Thereby, the microplastic-containing water collected from environmental water can be more easily stored and managed.

[0109] Also, in the present embodiment, the microplastic recovery device 40 further includes a flow rate control unit 111 that controls the start and end of filtration by the filtration devices 46 and 46a by controlling the flow rate adjustment unit 42.

[0110] Thereby, automatic sampling of the microplastic recovery device 40 is realized. By setting in advance the area and schedule for sampling, the recovery process of microplastics at various locations and time zones can be made more efficient, and recovery errors caused by human mistakes can also be prevented.

[0111] Also, in the present embodiment, the inner diameter a2 of the straight portion 50 is from one-half to two-thirds of the inner diameter a1 of the straight pipe portion L40.

[0112] Thereby, an amount of environmental water necessary and preferable for obtaining a microplastic sample can be obtained by the water sampling unit 41.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the length d of the straight portion of the straight portion 50 is configured to be longer than the inner diameter a1 of the straight pipe portion L40.

[0114] Thereby, the shape of the straight portion 50 located near the inlet of the water sampling unit 41 ensures a length that realizes ideal constant-speed suction, so that environmental water can be collected more accurately as a microplastic sample.

[0115] The particle size of the filtration accuracy of the filter 53 in this embodiment is 200 μm to 800 μm.

[0116] Thereby, while suppressing filter clogging due to naturally occurring organisms, organic substances, etc., it is possible to reliably recover microplastics, which are the target substances to be recovered.

[0117] Further, the microplastic recovery system 1 of this embodiment includes a water intake line L1 for taking environmental water into the ship 2, a first water intake pump 11 and a second water intake pump 12 arranged in the water intake line L1, a central cooler (heat exchanger) 4 that uses the environmental water flowing through the water intake line L1 as cooling water, a drainage line L3 for discharging the environmental water after heat exchange in the central cooler 4, and a microplastic recovery device 40 for recovering the environmental water obtained through the water intake line L1.

[0118] Thereby, it is possible to efficiently sample and collect microplastics by using the environmental water taken into the ship as cooling water. Even in ships such as large cargo ships and tankers where it is difficult to use a neuston net, microplastics can be efficiently and appropriately collected from the environmental water taken into the ship.

[0119] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately changed.

[0120] For example, the flow shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and can be appropriately changed such as by swapping the order of processing. Also, in the example of the flow shown in FIG. 5, an example in which the control device 100 performs automatic sampling has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A configuration in which sampling is started by a user's operation (manual sampling) may also be used.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 42 is configured to be controlled to a closed state when sampling is not being performed, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The flow rate adjustment unit may be provided separately with an on-off valve that fully opens at the start of sampling and fully closes at the end of sampling, and an adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate such that the velocity U0 of the environmental water passing through the straight portion 50 of the water sampling unit 41 during sampling is equal to the flow velocity of the straight pipe portion L40 of the environmental water line L4. Further, although the flow rate detection unit 43 automatically controls the constant velocity suction, it may be configured such that the user manually operates the flow rate adjustment unit 42 to achieve the constant velocity suction. In some cases, the constant velocity suction may be achieved only by the piping configuration.

[0122] In addition, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. Further, the control device 100 may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Further, the control device 100 may be a computer, such as a general-purpose personal computer, that can execute various functions by installing various programs.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0123] 1 Microplastic Recovery System 2 Ship 11 Water Intake Pump 40 Microplastic Recovery Device 41 Water Sampling Unit 46a Filtration Device 50 Straight Portion 51 Bent Portion 53 Filter 54 Housing 60 Backwashing Mechanism 70 Backwashing Water Storage Unit 100 Control Device (Information Management Device) 111 Flow Rate Control Unit 113 Water Sampling Information Acquisition Unit 115 Sample Identification Information Output Section L3 Drainage Line L4 Environmental Water Line

Claims

1. Attached to a ship and in the ship A water intake line for taking in environmental water into the ship, A heat exchanger that uses the environmental water flowing through the water intake line as cooling water for cooling the equipment to be cooled, A drainage line for discharging the environmental water after heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and is provided with A microplastic recovery device for recovering microplastics contained in the environmental water taken in for cooling the equipment to be cooled, A water sampling section for obtaining environmental water from an environmental water line through which environmental water flows, A flow rate adjustment section for adjusting the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water sampling section, A flow rate detection section for detecting the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water sampling section, A filtration device having a filter for filtering the environmental water obtained by the water sampling section, An information management device for managing water sampling information regarding the acquisition status of a microplastic sample obtained through the filtration device, A microplastic recovery device comprising the above.

2. The information management device A water sampling information acquisition section for acquiring the water sampling information including time information, location information at the time of microplastic acquisition, and the amount of filtered water by the filtration device as the water sampling information, A storage section for storing the water sampling information acquired by the water sampling information acquisition section, A sample identification information output section for outputting sample identification information which is information for identifying a microplastic sample corresponding to the water sampling information and to which the water sampling information is associated, The microplastic recovery device according to Claim 1, comprising the above.

3. The microplastic recovery device according to Claim 2, wherein the water sampling information further includes ship identification information based on the type of ship.

4. The water sampling section Is arranged coaxially with the straight pipe portion of the circular tubular straight pipe portion of the environmental water line, and has a straight line portion with one end facing the upstream side of the environmental water line and opening and extending to the downstream side of the environmental water line, A bent portion that is continuous with the other end side of the straight line portion and extends by bending with respect to the straight line portion, The microplastic recovery device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising the above.

5. By the flow rate adjustment section, the flow rate of the environmental water is adjusted so that the speed of the water flow flowing outside the straight line portion in the environmental water line and the speed of the water flow inside the straight line portion become equal. The microplastic recovery device according to Claim 4.

6. The filtration device further has a filter housing for housing the filter, The microplastic recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the filter housing is configured to be detachable from the filtration device.

7. The filtration device further includes a backwashing mechanism that passes water through the filtration device in a direction opposite to the direction in which the environmental water to be filtered flows, and backwashes the filtration device; The microplastic recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a backwash water storage unit that stores backwash water after the filtration device is backwashed by the backwashing mechanism.

8. The microplastic recovery device according to claim 7, wherein the backwash water storage unit is configured to be detachable from the filtration device.

9. The microplastic recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a flow rate control unit that controls the start and end of filtration by the filtration device by controlling the flow rate adjustment unit.

10. A microplastic recovery system attached to a ship for recovering microplastics contained in environmental water taken in to cool a device to be cooled on the ship, a water intake line for taking environmental water into the ship, a water intake pump disposed in the water intake line, a heat exchanger that uses the environmental water flowing through the water intake line as cooling water, a drainage line for discharging the environmental water after heat exchange in the heat exchanger, a microplastic recovery device for recovering the environmental water obtained through the water intake line, comprising: The microplastic recovery device includes a water sampling unit that obtains environmental water from an environmental water line through which environmental water flows, a flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water sampling unit, a flow rate detection unit that detects the flow rate of the environmental water obtained by the water sampling unit, a filtration device having a filter that filters the environmental water obtained by the water sampling unit, and an information management device that manages water sampling information regarding the acquisition status of a microplastic sample obtained through the filtration device.

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