Aquatic organism repellent device

Abstract

To provide an underwater creature repellent device that enables underwater creatures to be hard to adhere to an underwater structure over the long term.SOLUTION: An underwater creature repellent device includes: a first member containing a first surface with a flow path formed inside and being a surface mounted to a structure, a first wall part having a second surface arranged in the opposite side with the first surface in a thickness direction, and a second wall part arranged to be opposed to the second surface and formed with a flow path between the first wall part and itself; a liquid first mixture circulating in the flow path, and containing one or more repellent materials selected from isothiocyanic acid ester and terpene; and a circulator for supplying the repellent materials in the flow path, and circulating the first mixture so that the first mixture may circulate in the flow path. The second wall part transmits the gaseous repellent materials to the outside. The materials for making the second wall part are one or more materials selected from polyolefin, silicone and polyurethane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater organism repellent device.

Background Art

[0002] In order to make it difficult for underwater organisms such as shells and barnacles to adhere to the inner wall surface of structures such as water intakes, a method of applying an antifouling paint containing a repellent to the inner wall surface is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of the above method, the repellent in the antifouling paint elutes into the water, and when the repellent disappears, it is necessary to apply the antifouling paint to the inner wall surface again. For structures in water, it is preferable that the effect of making it difficult for underwater organisms to adhere can be maintained for a long time.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects is to provide an underwater organism repellent device that can make it difficult for underwater organisms to adhere to structures in water over a long period of time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The underwater creature repellent device of the present application is installed on an underwater structure. The underwater creature repellent device has a flow path formed inside thereof, and includes a first wall portion having a first surface which is a surface attached to the structure and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface in the thickness direction, and a second wall portion disposed so as to face the second surface and having a flow path formed therebetween and the first member, a liquid first mixture flowing through the flow path and containing a repellent material which is one or more selected from isothiocyanates and terpenes, and a circulation unit that supplies the repellent material into the flow path and circulates the first mixture so that the first mixture flows through the flow path. The second wall portion allows a gaseous repellent material to permeate to the outside. The material constituting the second wall portion is one or more selected from polyolefin, silicone, and polyurethane.

[0007] The underwater creature repellent device of the present application includes a first member, a first mixture, and a circulation unit. The first member includes a first wall portion attached to an underwater structure and a second wall portion facing the first wall portion. A flow path is formed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion of the first member. A liquid first mixture containing a specific repellent material flows through the flow path. Since the second wall portion is made of a specific material, a gaseous repellent material permeates through the second wall portion and is released to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for underwater creatures to adhere to the surface in the region corresponding to the flow path of the second wall portion. Examples of underwater creatures include barnacles, mussels, hydrozoans, and scale insects. Since the gaseous repellent material is released from the second wall portion to the outside, the proportion of the repellent material in the first mixture decreases. The circulation unit supplies the repellent material into the flow path and circulates the first mixture so that the first mixture flows through the flow path. By supplying the repellent material into the flow path by the circulation unit, the proportion of the first mixture in the flow path can be maintained at a specific proportion. Therefore, the amount of the repellent material released to the outside from the region corresponding to the flow path in the second wall portion can be maintained over a long period. Thus, according to the underwater creature repellent device of the present application, it is possible to make it difficult for underwater creatures to adhere to an underwater structure over a long period.

[0008] In the above underwater creature repellent device, the second wall portion is 0.01 mg / (cm2 ·day) or more. Preferably, the second wall portion may transmit a repellent of 0.1 mg / (cm 2 ·day) or more. By doing so, in the region corresponding to the flow path of the second wall portion, the effect of making it difficult for aquatic organisms to adhere can be sufficiently ensured.

[0009] In the above aquatic organism repellent device, the first mixture may further contain a liquid first substance. The first substance may be one or more selected from vegetable oils, mineral oils, paraffins, fatty acid esters, citrate esters, adipic acid esters, and phthalic acid esters. The above first substance is suitable as a substance contained in the first mixture.

[0010] In the above aquatic organism repellent device, the permeation of the gaseous repellent through the first wall portion may be restricted. The first wall portion may be made of one or more selected from metal materials, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and polyethylene terephthalates, or may be a laminate including a layer made of one or more selected from metal materials, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and polyethylene terephthalates. By adopting such a configuration, the release of the gaseous repellent from the first wall portion to the outside can be restricted. Therefore, unnecessary reduction of the repellent in the first mixture can be alleviated.

[0011] In the above aquatic organism repellent device, the first wall portion and the second wall portion may each have a plate-like shape. The second wall portion may be arranged in parallel with a space from the first wall portion. By having the first member configured as described above, the first member can be attached to a part of the structure in water to make it difficult for aquatic organisms to adhere.

[0012] In the above aquatic organism repellent device, the first wall portion and the second wall portion may have a strip shape. The first wall portion may have a first surface extending along the longitudinal direction. The second wall portion may be arranged in parallel with a space from the first wall portion. The first member having the above configuration can be suitably attached to a pipe installed in water. For example, the first member can be attached in a spiral shape to the inner wall surface of the pipe. By doing so, the attachment of the first member to the pipe becomes easy regardless of the shape and size of the pipe.

[0013] In the above aquatic organism repellent device, the first wall portion and the second wall portion may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The first wall portion and the second wall portion may be arranged in parallel with a space so that the inner peripheral surface as the second surface of the first wall portion faces the outer peripheral surface of the second wall portion. The first member having the above configuration can be suitably attached to a pipe installed in water.

[0014] In the above aquatic organism repellent device, the repellent material may be at least one selected from allyl isothiocyanate and limonene. The material constituting the second wall portion may be high density polyethylene. The above configuration is suitable as a repellent material in the aquatic organism repellent device and is suitable as a material constituting the second wall portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the above aquatic organism repellent device, it is possible to make it difficult for aquatic organisms to adhere to structures in water over a long period of time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0017] Next, an embodiment of the underwater creature repellent device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the underwater creature repellent device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a container is attached to a structure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the underwater creature repellent device 1 is a device installed on an underwater structure 50. In the present embodiment, the structure 50 is, for example, a pipe installed underwater. The underwater creature repellent device 1 includes a container 10 as a first member, a circulation unit 20, and a first mixture 30. The container 10 is a member attached to the structure 50 in a state where the first mixture 30 is accommodated therein. In the present embodiment, the container 10 includes a first wall portion 111, a second wall portion 112, a third wall portion 113, and a fourth wall portion 114.

[0019] The first wall portion 111 has a shape suitable for attachment to the structure 50. In the present embodiment, the first wall portion 111 has, for example, a flat plate shape. The second wall portion 112 has, for example, a flat plate shape. More specifically, the thicknesses of the first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112 are, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112 have a rounded rectangular shape when viewed planar from the thickness direction. The first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112 are arranged in parallel with a space therebetween. The first wall portion 111 includes a first surface 11A and a second surface 11B on the side opposite to the first surface 11A in the thickness direction. The first surface 11A and the second surface 11B have a planar shape. The first surface 11A is the surface attached to the structure 50. The second wall portion 112 is arranged to face the second surface 11B. The second wall portion 112 includes a planar third surface 12A and a planar fourth surface 12B. The fourth surface 12B faces the second surface 11B.

[0020] The third wall portion 113 is connected to the first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112. More specifically, the thickness of the third wall portion 113 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The third wall portion 113 is connected to the respective outer edges of the first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112. In the container 10, a space T surrounded by the first wall portion 111, the second wall portion 112, and the third wall portion 113 is formed. In the container 10, a fourth wall portion 114 is arranged so as to separate the space T into two and form flow paths S1 and S2. The fourth wall portion 114 has, for example, a flat plate shape. More specifically, the fourth wall portion 114 is arranged to extend along the long side of the first wall portion 111. One end of the fourth wall portion 114 is connected to the third wall portion 113. The flow paths S1 and S2 are formed so as to be sandwiched between the first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112. More specifically, the flow paths S1 and S2 are formed to extend along the long side of the first wall portion 111. In the present embodiment, at the other end of the fourth wall portion 114, the flow path S1 and the flow path S2 are connected. The first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112 are directly arranged in the flow paths S1 and S2.

[0021] The first mixture 30 flows through the flow paths S1 and S2 in the container 10. The first mixture 30 is in a liquid state. For example, the first mixture 30 is preferably in a liquid state at room temperature (for example, a temperature of 5°C or higher and 35°C or lower). In the present embodiment, the first mixture 30 includes a repellent and a first substance. The repellent is, for example, isothiocyanates. More specifically, the repellent is allyl isothiocyanate. The first substance is in a liquid state. For example, the first substance is preferably in a liquid state at room temperature (for example, a temperature of 5°C or higher and 35°C or lower). In the present embodiment, the first substance is vegetable oil. More specifically, the first substance is rapeseed oil. In the present embodiment, the repellent (solute) is dissolved in the first substance (solvent) to form the first mixture 30 in the form of a solution. The concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is, for example, 3% by mass or more. The lower limit of the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is preferably 6% by mass, more preferably 10% by mass, still more preferably 12% by mass, and most preferably 20% by mass. The upper limit of the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is, for example, 70% by mass, more preferably 60% by mass, still more preferably 50% by mass.

[0022] The second wall portion 112 allows the repellent to permeate to the outside in a gaseous state. For example, the second wall portion 112 has a permeability of 0.01 mg / (cm 2 ·day) or more (preferably 0.1 mg / (cm 2·It penetrates the repellent material (above a certain day). In this embodiment, the material constituting the second wall portion 112 is polyolefin. More specifically, the material constituting the second wall portion 112 is polyethylene (high-density polyethylene). In this embodiment, unlike the material constituting the second wall portion 112, the first wall portion 111 has restricted permeation of the gaseous repellent material. Referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the first wall portion 111 is a laminate. More specifically, the first wall portion 111 includes a first layer 111A and a second layer 111B. The first wall portion 111 has a configuration in which the second layer 111B is bonded to the first layer 111A. The second layer 111B is disposed so as to contact the first layer 111A. In the thickness direction, the surface of the first layer 111A opposite to the second layer 111B is the first surface 11A. In the thickness direction, the surface of the second layer 111B opposite to the first layer 111A is the second surface 11B. The material constituting the first layer 111A is the same as the material constituting the second wall portion 112. The material constituting the second layer 111B is polyethylene terephthalate. In this embodiment, the material constituting the third wall portion 113 is the same as the material constituting the second wall portion 112.

[0023] The circulation unit 20 is a device that supplies a repellent material into the flow paths S1 and S2 and circulates the first mixture 30 in the flow paths S1 and S2. In the present embodiment, the circulation unit 20 includes a storage unit 21, a pump 25, pipes 22, 23, 24, 43, and a supply unit 41. The storage unit 21 is a part capable of temporarily storing the first mixture 30. For example, a level sensor (not shown) for measuring the amount of the first mixture 30 in the storage unit 21 is installed in the storage unit 21. A stirring device 44 for stirring the first mixture 30 in the storage unit 21 is installed in the storage unit 21. The supply unit 41 is a part that supplies a repellent material into the storage unit 21. A pipe 22 is arranged between the storage unit 21 and the pump 25. A pipe 23 is arranged between the pump 25 and the container 10. A pipe 24 is arranged between the container 10 and the storage unit 21. The pipe 23 is arranged such that the space surrounded by the pipe 23 communicates with the flow path S1. The pipe 24 is arranged such that the space surrounded by the pipe 24 communicates with the flow path S2. The pipe 24 is arranged such that the end portion of the pipe 24 on the side opposite to the container 10 is exposed in the internal space of the storage unit 21. The supply unit 41 supplies a repellent material into the internal space of the storage unit 21 through the pipe 43. A valve 42 is installed in the pipe 43.

[0024] The first mixture 30 stored in the storage unit 21 flows into the flow path S1 of the container 10 by the pump 25. The first mixture 30 that has flowed into the flow path S1 flows into the pipe 24 through the flow path S2. Then, it is stored in the storage unit 21 again. The first mixture 30 circulates in the flow paths S1 and S2 and is circulated by the circulation unit 20. When the concentration of the first mixture 30 stored in the storage unit 21 becomes less than a predetermined concentration, the valve 42 is opened, and a new repellent material is supplied into the storage unit 21 from the supply unit 41.

[0025] Here, in the underwater organism repellent device 1 of the present embodiment, since the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113 are made of a specific material, the gaseous repellent material permeates through the second wall portion 112 and is released to the outside. For this reason, it is possible to make it difficult for underwater organisms to adhere to the third surface 12A of the second wall portion 112 and the surface 13 (see FIG. 2) of the third wall portion 113 in the regions corresponding to the flow paths S1 and S2 of the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113. Since the gaseous repellent material is released from the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113 to the outside, the proportion (concentration) of the repellent material in the first mixture 30 decreases. By supplying the repellent material into the flow paths S1 and S2 by the circulation unit 20, the proportion (concentration) of the first mixture 30 in the flow paths S1 and S2 can be maintained at a specific proportion (concentration). Therefore, the amount of the repellent material released to the outside from the regions corresponding to the flow paths S1 and S2 in the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113 can be maintained over a long period. Thus, according to the underwater organism repellent device 1 in the present embodiment, it has become difficult for underwater organisms to adhere to the underwater structure 50 over a long period.

[0026] When the container 10 of the underwater organism repellent device 1 in the present embodiment is attached to the underwater structure 50, the repellent material is released to the outside of the container 10. In the vicinity of the container 10, the proportion of the repellent material in the water becomes high, but as the distance from the container 10 increases, the proportion of the repellent material in the water becomes very low. According to the underwater organism repellent device 1 in the present embodiment, the influence on the environment can be made very small.

[0027] In the underwater organism repellent device 1 in the above embodiment, the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113 permeate a repellent material of 0.01 mg / (cm 2 ·day) or more (preferably 0.1 mg / (cm 2 ·day) or more). The upper limit of the permeation amount of the repellent material of the material constituting the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113 is, for example, 10 mg / (cm 2 ·day), preferably 5 mg / (cm 2 ·day), more preferably 3 mg / (cm 2 ·day), and even more preferably 1 mg / (cm2 ·day). By doing so, on the third surface 12A of the second wall portion 112 and the surface 13 of the third wall portion 113 in the regions corresponding to the flow paths S1 and S2 of the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113, it is possible to sufficiently ensure the effect of making it difficult for aquatic organisms to adhere. The permeation amount of the above repellent can be controlled, for example, by the materials constituting the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113, the thickness and surface area of the second wall portion 112 and the third wall portion 113, and the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30.

[0028] In the underwater organism repellent device 1 in the above-described embodiment, the first mixture 30 further contains a liquid first substance. As the first substance, in addition to vegetable oil, mineral oil, paraffins, fatty acid esters, citric acid esters, adipic acid esters, phthalic acid esters, etc. may be used. As the vegetable oil, in addition to rapeseed oil, for example, olive oil, nut oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, rice oil, salad oil (mixed oil of soybean oil and rapeseed oil), etc. can be mentioned. As the paraffins, for example, liquid paraffin, isoparaffin, etc. can be mentioned. As the fatty acid esters, for example, methyl laurate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, etc. can be mentioned. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, rapeseed oil is easy to handle and can be obtained at low cost. In the present embodiment, the first substance is appropriately selected from the viewpoints of reactivity and solubility with the repellent material. Also, it is preferable to use a substance with low flammability as the first substance. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the repellent material is isothiocyanates has been described, but it is not limited thereto, and terpenes may be used. As the isothiocyanates, in addition to allyl isothiocyanate, for example, methyl isothiocyanate, ethyl isothiocyanate, propyl isothiocyanate, isopropyl isothiocyanate, butyl isothiocyanate, phenyl isothiocyanate, benzyl isothiocyanate, etc. can be mentioned. As the terpenes, myrcene, limonene, pinene, camphene, sabinene, farnesene, p-cymene, ocimene, terpinene, limonene, citral, terpineol, linalool, bisabolene, citronellal, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, myrcene, ocimene, farnesene, etc. can be mentioned. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of handleability, allyl isothiocyanate or limonene can be preferably used as the repellent material. Since the repellent material in the present embodiment has lipophilicity, it is preferable that the first substance has lipophilicity.

[0029] In the underwater creature repellent device 1 in the above-described embodiment, the permeation of the gaseous repellent material through the first wall portion 111 is restricted. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the material constituting the first layer 111A is polyolefin and the material constituting the second layer 111B is polyethylene terephthalate has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The material constituting the second layer 111B may be a metal material, polyamide, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer in addition to polyethylene terephthalate. These may be used in combination of one or more kinds. As the material constituting the first layer 111A, silicone, polyurethane, or the like may be used in addition to polyolefin. These may be used in combination of one or more kinds. Further, the first wall portion 111 may be a laminate including at least one layer made of one or more selected from a metal material, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and polyethylene terephthalate. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the first wall portion 111 is a laminate has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first wall portion 111 may be made of one or more selected from a metal material, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and polyethylene terephthalate. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to restrict the release of the gaseous repellent material from the first wall portion 111 to the outside. Therefore, unnecessary reduction of the repellent material in the first mixture 30 can be alleviated.

[0030] As the material constituting the second wall portion 112, silicone, polyurethane, or the like may be used in addition to polyolefin. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The material constituting the second wall portion 112 is appropriately set according to the repellent material.

[0031] In the above embodiment, the case where the material constituting the third wall portion 113 is the same as the material constituting the second wall portion 112 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the material constituting the third wall portion 113 may be the same as the material constituting the first wall portion 111. In the above embodiment, the case where the permeation of the gaseous repellent is restricted in the first wall portion 111 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the material constituting the first wall portion 111 may be the same as the material constituting the second wall portion 112.

[0032] In the underwater organism repellent device 1, the first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112 each have a flat plate shape. The second wall portion 112 is arranged in parallel with a space in the thickness direction of the first wall portion 111. The flow paths S1 and S2 are formed between the first wall portion 111 and the second wall portion 112. By having the container 10 configured as described above, the container 10 can be attached to a part of the structure 50 in water, making it difficult for underwater organisms to adhere. In the above embodiment, the case where the supply portion 41 in the circulation portion 20 is installed in the storage portion 21 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be directly connected to the container 10 via the pipe 43.

[0033] (Other Embodiments) Next, another embodiment of the underwater organism repellent device 1 of the present invention will be described. The underwater organism repellent device 1 in the other embodiment basically has the same configuration as that in the first embodiment and exhibits the same effects. However, in the other embodiment, the configuration of the first member is different from that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0034] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the underwater organism repellent device 1 in Embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first container and the fourth container are attached to the structure 50. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the X-axis direction is the direction along the long side when the first wall portion is viewed in plan in the thickness direction, and the Y-axis direction is the direction along the short side.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the underwater creature repellent device 1 in Embodiment 2 includes, for example, six containers: a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, a fifth container 125, and a sixth container 126. The first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, the fifth container 125, and the sixth container 126 have shapes suitable for attachment to the structure 50. The first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, the fifth container 125, and the sixth container 126 have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the present embodiment, the first container 121 includes a first wall portion 141, a second wall portion 142, a third wall portion 143, a fourth wall portion 144, a fifth wall portion 145, and a sixth wall portion 146. The first wall portion 141, the second wall portion 142, the third wall portion 143, the fourth wall portion 144, the fifth wall portion 145, and the sixth wall portion 146 have, for example, a flat plate shape. More specifically, the first wall portion 141 includes a first surface 14A and a second surface 14B on the side opposite to the first surface 14A in the thickness direction. The first surface 14A and the second surface 14B have a planar shape. The first surface 14A is the surface attached to the structure 50. The second wall portion 142 includes a third surface 15A and a fourth surface 15B on the side opposite to the third surface 15A in the thickness direction. The third surface 15A and the fourth surface 15B have a planar shape. The second wall portion 142 is arranged to face the second surface 14B. The first wall portion 141 and the second wall portion 142 are arranged in parallel. The second surface 14B and the fourth surface 15B face each other. The third wall portion 143 and the fourth wall portion 144 are arranged in parallel. The fifth wall portion 145 and the sixth wall portion 146 are arranged in parallel. When viewed planar from the thickness direction of the first wall portion 141, the third wall portion 143 is connected to one long side of the first wall portion 141. The fourth wall portion 144 is connected to the other long side of the first wall portion 141. The fifth wall portion 145 is connected to one short side of the first wall portion 141. The sixth wall portion 146 is connected to the other short side of the first wall portion 141.

[0036] In the first container 121, an internal space P surrounded by a first wall portion 141, a second wall portion 142, a third wall portion 143, a fourth wall portion 144, a fifth wall portion 145, and a sixth wall portion 146 is formed. In the present embodiment, the fifth wall portion 145 has a first connecting portion 147 in which a through hole communicating with the internal space P is formed. The sixth wall portion 146 has a second connecting portion 148 in which a through hole communicating with the internal space P is formed. The second connecting portion 148 has a shape corresponding to the through hole formed in the first connecting portion 147. The second container 122, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, the fifth container 125, and the sixth container 126 each have the same configuration as the first container 121.

[0037] The second connecting portion 148 of the first container 121 can be fitted into the first connecting portion 147 of the second container 122, and the first container 121 is connected to the second container 122. Similarly, the second container 122 is connected to the third container 123. In this way, the first container 121, the second container 122, and the third container 123 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The fourth container 124 is connected to the fifth container 125, and the fifth container 125 is connected to the sixth container 126. In this way, the fourth container 124, the fifth container 125, and the sixth container 126 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The first container 121, the second container 122, and the third container 123, and the fourth container 124, the fifth container 125, and the sixth container 126 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. A flow path S1 is formed in the first container 121, the second container 122, and the third container 123. A flow path S2 is formed in the fourth container 124, the fifth container 125, and the sixth container 126.

[0038] The pipe 23 is connected to the first connecting portion 147 of the first container 121 so that the space surrounded by the pipe 23 communicates with the through hole of the first connecting portion 147 in the first container 121. The pipe 24 is connected to the first connecting portion 147 so that the space surrounded by the pipe 24 communicates with the through hole of the first connecting portion 147 in the fourth container 124. The pipe 17 connects the second connecting portion 148 of the third container 123 and the second connecting portion 148 of the sixth container 126.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, the case where six containers 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and 126 are attached to the structure 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or four containers may be attached to the structure 50. Further, six or more containers may be attached to the structure 50. By adopting the configuration in the present embodiment, it becomes easy to attach a container to a desired region in the structure 50 in water.

[0040] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a part of the structure of the underwater creature repellent device 1 in Embodiment 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first pipe. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when cut along F-F in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view when cut along E-E in FIG. 6.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the underwater creature repellent device 1 in Embodiment 3 includes a first tube 150 as a first member. The first tube 150 is a member that is attached to the structure 50 while accommodating the first mixture 30 therein. In the present embodiment, the first tube 150 includes a first wall portion 151, a second wall portion 152, a third wall portion 153, and a fourth wall portion 154. The first wall portion 151 has a shape suitable for attachment to the inner wall of a pipe installed, for example, underwater. The first wall portion 151 has, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape. The second wall portion 152 has, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape. More specifically, the first wall portion 151 and the second wall portion 152 are arranged coaxially and parallel to each other. The diameter of the first wall portion 151 is larger than the diameter of the second wall portion 152. The first wall portion 151 includes an outer peripheral surface 161 as a first surface and an inner peripheral surface 162 as a second surface on the side opposite to the outer peripheral surface 161 in the thickness direction (radial direction). The outer peripheral surface 161 and the inner peripheral surface 162 each have a cylindrical surface shape. The second wall portion 152 includes an outer peripheral surface 163 and an inner peripheral surface 164 on the side opposite to the outer peripheral surface 163 in the thickness direction (radial direction). The outer peripheral surface 163 and the inner peripheral surface 164 each have a cylindrical surface shape. The inner peripheral surface 162 of the first wall portion 151 and the outer peripheral surface 163 of the second wall portion 152 face each other. An annular third wall portion 153 and a fourth wall portion 154 are arranged so as to connect the ends of the first wall portion 151 and the second wall portion 152 to each other. A through hole Q surrounded by the second wall portion 152 is formed in the first tube 150. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 161 of the first wall portion 151 is an attachment surface.

[0042] A space R surrounded by a first wall portion 151, a second wall portion 152, a third wall portion 153, and a fourth wall portion 154 is formed. In the present embodiment, fifth wall portions 155A and 155B are arranged so as to separate the space R into two. The fifth wall portions 155A and 155B have, for example, a flat plate shape. More specifically, the fifth wall portions 155A and 155B extend along the axial direction of the first wall portion 151. In the present embodiment, the fifth wall portions 155A and 155B are connected to the inner peripheral surface 162 of the first wall portion 151 and the outer peripheral surface 163 of the second wall portion 152. In this way, two flow paths S1 and S2 are formed in the first pipe 150. In the present embodiment, a pipe 16 for connecting the flow path S1 and the flow path S2 is installed in the fourth wall portion 154.

[0043] The first pipe 150 in the third embodiment is preferably attached to the inner wall surface of a pipe installed in water. In such a case, the through hole Q in the first pipe 150 serves as a water passage in the pipe.

[0044] (Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the first member is attached to a pipe. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first member. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 8.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the underwater creature repellent device 1 in Embodiment 4 includes a first member 170. The first member 170 is a member that is attached to the structure 50 with the first mixture 30 accommodated therein. In the present embodiment, the first member 170 includes a first wall portion 171, a second wall portion 172, a third wall portion 173, a fourth wall portion 174, a fifth wall portion 175, a first reinforcing portion 178, and a second reinforcing portion 179. The first wall portion 171 has a shape suitable for attachment to the inner wall of a pipe installed underwater, for example. The first wall portion 171 has a strip-like shape, for example. The second wall portion 172 has a strip-like shape, for example. More specifically, the first wall portion 171 includes a first surface 18A and a second surface 18B on the opposite side of the first surface 18A in the thickness direction. The first surface 18A and the second surface 18B each have a shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The second wall portion 172 includes a third surface 19A and a fourth surface 19B on the opposite side of the third surface 19A in the thickness direction. The third surface 19A and the fourth surface 19B each have a shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The second wall portion 172 is disposed so as to face the second surface 18B. The second wall portion 172 is disposed parallel to the first wall portion 171. The second surface 18B and the fourth surface 19B face each other. In the present embodiment, the third wall portion 173 and the fourth wall portion 174 each connect the first wall portion 171 and the second wall portion 172. More specifically, the third wall portion 173 and the fourth wall portion 174 each extend along the longitudinal direction of the first wall portion 171. The third wall portion 173 is connected to one outer edge of the first wall portion 171 extending along the longitudinal direction. The third wall portion 173 is connected to one outer edge of the second wall portion 172 extending along the longitudinal direction. The fourth wall portion 174 is connected to the other outer edge of the first wall portion 171 extending along the longitudinal direction. The fourth wall portion 174 is connected to the other outer edge of the second wall portion 172 extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0046] A space U surrounded by a first wall portion 171, a second wall portion 172, a third wall portion 173, and a fourth wall portion 174 is formed. In the present embodiment, a fifth wall portion 175 is arranged so as to separate the space U into two. The fifth wall portion 175 has, for example, a strip shape extending along the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the fifth wall portion 175 is connected to the first wall portion 171 and the second wall portion 172. In this way, two flow paths S1 and S2 are formed. The flow path S1 and the flow path S2 are connected at one end in the longitudinal direction of the first member 170. Pipes 23 and 24 are connected to the other end of the first member 170 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0047] In the present embodiment, a strip-shaped first reinforcing portion 178 extending along the flow path S1 is provided on the first member 170. Further, a strip-shaped second reinforcing portion 179 extending along the flow path S2 is provided. More specifically, the first reinforcing portion 178 and the second reinforcing portion 179 are each connected to the first wall portion 171 and the second wall portion 172. In the present embodiment, a recess 176 extending along the longitudinal direction of the first wall portion 171 is formed in the third wall portion 173. A protrusion 177 extending along the longitudinal direction of the first wall portion 171 is formed in the fourth wall portion 174. The protrusion 177 has a shape corresponding to the recess 176.

[0048] The first member 170 in the fourth embodiment is preferably attached to the inner wall surface 511 of a pipe 51 installed in water. For example, the first member 170 is attached to the inner wall surface 511 of the pipe 51 in a spiral shape. At this time, the first member 170 is attached so that the protrusion 177 is fitted into the recess 176. By doing so, the attachment of the first member 170 to the pipe 51 becomes easy regardless of the shape and size of the pipe 51.

[0049] Also, with the underwater organism repellent device 1 in the above-described other embodiments, as in the first embodiment, it has become difficult for underwater organisms to adhere to the underwater structure 50 over a long period of time.

[0050] The underwater creature repellent device 1 in the above embodiment can be suitably used for underwater structures such as the bottom of a ship, offshore structures such as a subsea oilfield rig, and underwater intakes for cooling water of critical factories such as thermal power plants and cooling water pipes of heat exchangers.

Example

[0051] An experiment was conducted to confirm the effect of making it difficult for underwater creatures to attach by using the same materials as those of the material and the repellent material constituting the second wall portion in the underwater creature repellent device 1 in this embodiment. The experimental procedure is as follows. First, a square bottle made of high-density polyethylene was prepared. As the square bottle, the product name "Square Bottle Flat Type" manufactured by AS ONE Corporation was used. The capacity of the square bottle was 500 ml. The surface area of the square bottle was 385 cm 2 It was. Next, a liquid first mixture 30 containing rapeseed oil and allyl isothiocyanate was prepared. As the rapeseed oil, the product name "Nisshin Canola Oil" manufactured by Nisshin Oillio Group Ltd. was used. Samples (No. 1) with the concentration of allyl isothiocyanate in the first mixture 30 being 3.1% by mass, samples (No. 2) with the concentration being 6.3% by mass, samples (No. 3) with the concentration being 12.5% by mass, and samples (No. 4) with the concentration being 25% by mass were prepared. Samples No. 5 to No. 8 were prepared by using limonene instead of allyl isothiocyanate in the first mixture 30. The concentration of limonene in sample No. 5 was 3.1% by mass. The concentration of limonene in sample No. 6 was 6.3% by mass. The concentration of limonene in No. 7 was 12.5% by mass. The concentration of limonene in No. 8 was 25% by mass. For comparison, a sample (No. 9) containing no allyl isothiocyanate and limonene was prepared.

[0052] 400 g of each of Samples No. 1 to No. 9 was supplied to each bottle, a 100 g weight was placed in each bottle, and the bottle was sealed. The state in which each bottle was submerged to a depth of 50 cm from the sea surface was maintained for a predetermined period. The temperature of the seawater at this time was about 20°C to 30°C. Each bottle was submerged in seawater for 1 month and 2 months, and the number of barnacle attachments in each period was counted. The measurement results are shown in Table 1. Also, in Sample No. 1, the amount of allyl isothiocyanate released after 59 days was measured, and the permeation amount of allyl isothiocyanate (mg / (cm 2 ·day)) was calculated. As a result, it was 0.1 (mg / (cm 2 ·day)).

[0053]

Table 1

[0054] Referring to Table 1, in Samples No. 1 to No. 8 where the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is 3% by mass or more, the number of barnacle attachments can be reduced as compared with Sample No. 9 that does not contain the repellent. Therefore, the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is preferably 3% by mass or more. In Samples No. 2 to No. 4 and No. 6 to No. 8 where the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is 6% by mass or more, the number of barnacle attachments can be further reduced. Furthermore, in Samples No. 3, No. 4, No. 7, and No. 8 where the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is 10% by mass or more, the number of barnacle attachments can be further reduced. Therefore, the concentration of the repellent in the first mixture 30 is preferably 6% by mass or more, and more preferably 10% by mass or more.

[0055] From the above results, it was confirmed that by using the same materials as the material constituting the second wall portion and the repellent in the underwater organism repellent device 1 in the above embodiment, the effect of making it difficult for underwater organisms to attach can be obtained.

[0056] The embodiments and examples disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope be included.

Industrial Applicability

[0057] The underwater organism repellent device of the present invention is particularly advantageously applicable when it is required to make it difficult for underwater organisms to adhere to underwater structures over a long period of time.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0058] 1 Underwater organism repellent device, 10 Container, 11A First surface, 11B Second surface, 12A Third surface, 12B Fourth surface, 13 Surface, 14A First surface, 14B Second surface, 15A Third surface, 15B Fourth surface, 16, 17 Pipe, 18A First surface, 18B Second surface, 19A Third surface, 19B Fourth surface, 20 Circulation section, 21 Storage section, 22 Pipe, 23 Pipe, 24 Pipe, 25 Pump, 30 First mixture, 41 Supply section, 42 Valve, 43 Pipe, 44 Stirring device, 50 Structure, 51 Pipe, 111 First wall portion, 111A First layer, 111B Second layer, 112 Second wall portion, 113 Third wall portion, 114 Fourth wall portion, 121 First container, 122 Second container, 123 Third container, 124 Fourth container, 125 Fifth container, 126 Sixth container, 141 First wall portion, 142 Second wall portion, 143 Third wall portion, 144 Fourth wall portion, 145 Fifth wall portion, 146 Sixth wall portion, 147 First connecting portion, 148 Second connecting portion, 150 First pipe, 151 First wall portion, 152 Second wall portion, 153 Third wall portion, 154 Fourth wall portion, 155A, 155B Fifth wall portion, 161 Outer peripheral surface, 162 Inner peripheral surface, 163 Outer peripheral surface, 164 Inner peripheral surface, 170 First member, 171 First wall portion, 172 Second wall portion, 173 Third wall portion, 174 Fourth wall portion, 175 Fifth wall portion, 176 Recess, 177 Projection, 178 First reinforcing portion, 179 Second reinforcing portion, 511 Inner wall surface.

Claims

1. An underwater organism repellent device installed on a structure in water, which has a first wall portion having a flow path formed therein and having a first surface which is a surface attached to the structure and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface in the thickness direction, and a second wall portion disposed so as to face the second surface and having the flow path formed therebetween, and a first member including the second wall portion, a liquid first mixture flowing through the flow path and containing a repellent material which is one or more selected from isothiocyanates and terpenes, a circulation unit that supplies the repellent material into the flow path and circulates the first mixture so that the first mixture flows through the flow path, wherein the second wall portion permeates the gaseous repellent material to the outside, and the material constituting the second wall portion is one or more selected from polyolefin, silicone and polyurethane. An underwater organism repellent device.

2. The second wall portion transmits the repellent material at a rate of 0.01 mg / (cm ２ ·day) or more. The underwater organism repellent device according to claim 1.

3. The first mixture further contains a liquid first substance, and the first substance is one or more selected from vegetable oil, mineral oil, paraffins, fatty acid esters, citrate esters, adipic acid esters and phthalic acid esters. The underwater organism repellent device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Permeation of the gaseous repellent material through the first wall portion is restricted, and the first wall portion is made of one or more selected from a metal material, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and polyethylene terephthalate, or is a laminate including a layer made of one or more selected from a metal material, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and polyethylene terephthalate. The underwater organism repellent device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first wall portion and the second wall portion each have a plate-like shape, and the second wall portion is disposed in parallel with a space from the first wall portion. The underwater organism repellent device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first wall portion and the second wall portion have a strip-like shape, the first wall portion has the first surface extending along the longitudinal direction, and the second wall portion is disposed in parallel with a space from the first wall portion. The underwater organism repellent device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The first wall portion and the second wall portion have a hollow cylindrical shape, The first wall portion and the second wall portion are arranged in parallel with a gap therebetween such that the inner peripheral surface as the second surface of the first wall portion faces the outer peripheral surface of the second wall portion. The underwater creature repellent device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The repellent material is at least one selected from allyl isothiocyanate and limonene, The material constituting the second wall portion is high-density polyethylene. The underwater creature repellent device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images