Containers, refining equipment

Abstract

Provided is a container used for purifying a sample, the container facilitating confirmation work of introduction piping and discharge piping.　A container (50) is used in a purification apparatus (1) that purifies a specific sample from a mixed sample, accommodates the mixed sample therein, and has a shape extending in the axial direction. The present invention comprises: an introduction port (1F) for introducing, into the container, a decomposition liquid for treating impurities contained in the mixed sample, a heavy liquid for separating the mixed sample by differences in the specific gravity, or a rinse liquid for cleaning the container; and a first discharge port (1E) for discharging a waste liquid from the container. When the container is viewed from the axial direction, the introduction port (1F) and the first discharge port (1E) are disposed at positions biased to one end (P1) of the outer circumferential surface of the container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container and a purification device for purifying a sample. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for recovering a target substance by purifying the target substance from a mixed sample have been known. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a method for purifying and recovering microplastics from aqueous sediments. Non-Patent Document 1 describes introducing a heavy liquid through a pipe connected to the bottom of a container to recover microplastics. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "A novel, highly efficient method for the separation and quantification of plastic particles in sediments of aquatic environments," [Retrieved December 10, 2021], Internet<URL:https: / / aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com / doi / epdf / 10.4319 / lom.2012.10.524> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When purifying a target substance from a mixed sample in a container, it is necessary to introduce heavy liquid, rinse agent, etc. into the container and discharge waste liquid from the container. Therefore, the container used in the purification device may be connected to an introduction pipe and a discharge pipe.

[0005] If an abnormality such as clogging occurs in at least one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, problems will occur in the purification process, such as the inability to discharge waste liquid, etc. Checking work is required to check whether there is an abnormality in each of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, but such checking work is cumbersome.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a container used in a purification device for purifying a sample, which simplifies the work of checking the introduction piping and the discharge piping. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A container according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a purification device that purifies a specific sample from a mixed sample, and contains the mixed sample. The container has a shape that extends in the axial direction. The container includes an inlet port for introducing into the container a decomposition liquid for treating impurities contained in the mixed sample, a heavy liquid for separating the mixed sample based on differences in specific gravity, or a rinse liquid for cleaning the container, and a first outlet port for discharging waste liquid from the container. The inlet port and the first outlet port are located at positions biased toward one end of the outer circumferential surface of the container when viewed axially. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the inlet port and the first outlet port are positioned biased toward one end of the outer surface of the container, so that the state of both the inlet port and the first outlet port can be confirmed at a glance simply by looking at the container from a position opposite the one end, thereby simplifying the process of checking the inlet port and the first outlet port. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a refining device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refiner according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the refining device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart of a refining process executed by the refining device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a first diagram for explaining the arrangement of inlet ports and outlet ports according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining the arrangement of the inlet port and the outlet port according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a first diagram for explaining the arrangement of an inlet port and an outlet port according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a second diagram for explaining the arrangement of the inlet port and the outlet port according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated in principle.

[0011] [Main components of the refining equipment] The main configurations of a refiner 1 and a refiner 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the refiner 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the refiner 100 according to this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the purification device 1 includes a purifier 100 for purifying a target substance from a mixed sample, and a control device 500. The control device 500 controls the purifier 100. In the purification device 1 according to this embodiment, the purifier 100 is controlled by the control device 500, and the purification device 1 purifies and recovers a target substance from a mixed sample. "Purification" includes extracting a target substance from a mixed sample. In addition, in the present disclosure, "extracting a target substance from a mixed sample" may be simply referred to as "sample purification."

[0013] The "mixed sample" may be any sample containing the target substance to be collected. For example, the "mixed sample" may be seawater and sand collected from the ocean or the coast, or processed products such as food and cosmetics. In this embodiment, the "mixed sample" is exemplified by seawater and sand collected from the ocean or the coast.

[0014] The target substance to be recovered by the refining apparatus 1 may be any substance that can be recovered by the refining apparatus 1. For example, the target substance may be microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles having a size of 5 mm or less. In this embodiment, the target substance is exemplified by microplastics contained in seawater and sand collected from the ocean or coast. The target substance, microplastics, is an example of a "specific sample" in this disclosure.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the purifier 100 includes a container 50 for accommodating a mixed sample, pipes 11-23, pumps 31-33, solenoid valves 41-43, inlet ports 1F and 2F, outlet ports 1E and 2E, a stirrer 71, a stirring bar 72, an outlet pipe 80, a decomposition liquid reservoir 110, a heavy liquid reservoir 120, a rinse liquid reservoir 130, waste liquid reservoirs 140 and 150, a filter 210, a supernatant liquid reservoir 215, and a case 300. While the purifier 100 in this embodiment has two inlet ports, inlet ports 1F and 2F, it may have only one inlet port. Furthermore, the purifier 100 has two outlet ports, outlet ports 1E and 2E, it may have only one outlet port.

[0016] Case 300 covers the periphery of container 50. Case 300 in this embodiment includes case 300B arranged on the back surface of container 50, case 300R arranged on the right side of container 50, and case 300L arranged on the left side of container 50. Case 300 is an example of a "wall portion" in the present disclosure.

[0017] In FIG. 2, the vertical direction when the container 50 is installed is referred to as the "Z-axis direction." When the case 300B is viewed from the positive side of the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the case 300B extends is referred to as the "X-axis direction." When the case 300L or the case 300R is viewed from the positive side of the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the case 300L or the case 300R extends is referred to as the "Y-axis direction." The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In each drawing, the positive Z-axis direction may be referred to as the "upper side" and the negative Z-axis direction may be referred to as the "lower side," the positive X-axis direction may be referred to as the "right side" and the negative X-axis direction may be referred to as the "left side," and the positive Y-axis direction may be referred to as the "front side" and the negative Y-axis direction may be referred to as the "rear side."

[0018] The case 300 may include an upper case that covers the upper surface of the container. As shown in Fig. 2, the case 300B has passage holes 310, 320, and 330 for arranging the pumps 31, 32, and 33, respectively.

[0019] The container 50 includes a first member 51 and a second member 52 located above the first member 51. The container 50 is separable into the first member 51 and the second member 52. A user places a mixed sample inside the first member 51 by removing the second member 52 from the first member 51. The first member 51 and the second member 52 are fixed in a connected state by a fixture (not shown) or the like.

[0020] As a result, the mixed sample is contained inside the container 50. The container 50 according to this embodiment has a shape extending in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, the first member 51 of the container 50 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a circular bottom. Because the first member 51 of the container 50 has a cylindrical shape, the purification device 1 according to this embodiment improves the efficiency of the stirring process of the mixed sample contained in the container 50. In other words, because the first member 51 of the container 50 has a cylindrical shape, the mixed sample contained inside the container 50 can be easily stirred uniformly. The bottom of the container 50 is not limited to a circular shape and may have other shapes such as a polygonal or elliptical shape. The container 50 according to this embodiment is made of glass. That is, the container 50 is transparent, allowing the user to visually check the mixed sample contained in the container 50 from the outside. As a result, the container 50 according to this embodiment allows the user to check from the outside whether or not the inlet ports 1F and 2F and the outlet ports 1E and 2E are clogged.

[0021] Pipe 11 connects the decomposition liquid reservoir 110 and the solenoid valve 41. Pipe 12 connects the solenoid valve 41 and the pump 31. Pipe 13 connects the pump 31 and the inlet port 2F. The inlet port 2F is provided on the outer periphery of the container 50. In this way, the decomposition liquid reservoir 110 and the inlet port 2F of the container 50 are connected by pipes 11, 12, and 13 via the solenoid valve 41 and the pump 31.

[0022] Pipe 14 connects heavy liquid reservoir 120 and solenoid valve 42. Pipe 15 connects solenoid valve 42 and pump 32. Pipe 16 connects pump 32 and inlet port 1F. Introduction port 1F are provided on the outer periphery of the container 50. In this manner, the heavy liquid reservoir 120 and the inlet port 1F of the container 50 are connected by the pipes 14, 15, and 16 via the electromagnetic valve 42 and the pump 32.

[0023] The pipe 17 connects the rinse liquid reservoir 130 and the electromagnetic valve 41. That is, the electromagnetic valve 41 is connected to the decomposition liquid reservoir 110 by the pipe 11, and is also connected to the rinse liquid reservoir 130 by the pipe 17. In this way, the rinse liquid reservoir 130 and the inlet port 2F of the container 50 are connected by the pipes 17, 12, and 13 via the solenoid valve 41 and the pump 31.

[0024] The pipe 18 connects the rinse liquid reservoir 130 and the electromagnetic valve 42. That is, the solenoid valve 42 is connected to the heavy liquid reservoir 120 by the pipe 14, and is also connected to the rinse liquid reservoir 130 by the pipe 18. In this way, the rinse liquid reservoir 130 and the inlet port 1F of the container 50 are connected by the pipes 18, 15, and 16 via the solenoid valve 42 and the pump 32.

[0025] Pipe 19 connects waste liquid reservoir 140 and solenoid valve 43. Pipe 20 connects solenoid valve 43 and pump 33. Pipe 21 connects pump 33 and discharge port 1E. Discharge port 1E is provided on the outer periphery of container 50. In this way, waste liquid reservoir 140 and discharge port 1E of container 50 are connected by pipes 19, 20, and 21 via solenoid valve 43 and pump 33.

[0026] The piping 22 is connected to the discharge port 2E. Pump 33 The discharge port 2E is provided on the outer periphery of the container 50. That is, the pump 33 is connected to the discharge port 1E of the container 50 by a pipe 21, and is also connected to the discharge port 2E of the container 50 by a pipe 22. In this way, the waste liquid reservoir 140 and the discharge port 2E of the container 50 are connected by the pipes 19, 20, and 22 via the solenoid valve 43 and the pump 33.

[0027] Pipe 23 connects waste liquid reservoir 150 and solenoid valve 43. That is, solenoid valve 43 is connected to waste liquid reservoir 140 by pipe 19, and is also connected to waste liquid reservoir 150 by pipe 23. In this way, waste liquid reservoir 150 and discharge port 1E of container 50 are connected by pipes 23, 20, and 21 via solenoid valve 43 and pump 33. Furthermore, waste liquid reservoir 150 and discharge port 2E of container 50 are connected by pipes 23, 20, and 22 via solenoid valve 43 and pump 33.

[0028] The decomposition liquid reservoir 110 stores a decomposition liquid for treating impurities. "Impurities" are foreign substances in the mixed sample other than the target substance to be collected. In this embodiment, "impurities" are exemplified by organic impurities having organic properties. The "decomposition liquid" may be any substance that can decompose impurities. In this embodiment, the "decomposition liquid" decomposes organic impurities. For example, the "decomposition liquid" may be an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and iron (II) oxide (FeO). When the "mixed sample" is seawater and sand, the "organic impurities" may be wood chips mixed in the seawater or sand, plankton, etc.

[0029] The heavy liquid reservoir 120 stores a heavy liquid for separating a mixed sample based on differences in specific gravity. The "heavy liquid" may be any liquid that separates a mixed sample based on differences in specific gravity. In this embodiment, the "heavy liquid" causes inorganic impurities with inorganic properties to settle based on differences in specific gravity. Examples of the "heavy liquid" include sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium iodide (Nal), and zinc chloride (ZnCl2). If the "mixed sample" is seawater and sand, examples of the "inorganic impurities" include sand, glass, and stones. The specific gravity of the "heavy liquid" is set to be greater than the specific gravity of the target substance to be recovered by the purification apparatus 1 but less than the specific gravity of the "inorganic impurities." For example, if the target substance to be recovered by the purification apparatus 1 is microplastics and the "inorganic impurities" are sand, glass, and stones, the specific gravity of the "heavy liquid" may be set to be greater than the specific gravity of microplastics but less than the specific gravity of sand, glass, and stones. Specifically, the specific gravity of the "heavy liquid" may be set to about 1.5 to about 1.7.

[0030] The rinse liquid reservoir 130 stores a rinse liquid for cleaning the inside of the container 50. The "rinse liquid" may be any liquid that can be used to clean the inside of the container 50. For example, the "rinse liquid" may be water. In addition to cleaning the inside of the container 50, the "rinse liquid" also has the role of diluting the decomposition liquid introduced into the container 50.

[0031] The waste liquid reservoirs 140 and 150 store waste liquids such as the heavy liquid discharged from the container 50, the rinse liquid, and seawater contained in the mixed sample.

[0032] Under the control of the control device 500, the pump 31 introduces the decomposition liquid from the decomposition liquid reservoir 110 or the rinse liquid from the rinse liquid reservoir 130 into the container 50 via the introduction port 2F.

[0033] Under the control of the control device 500, the pump 32 introduces the heavy liquid from the heavy liquid reservoir 120 or the rinse liquid from the rinse liquid reservoir 130 into the container 50 via the introduction port 1F.

[0034] The pump 33, under the control of the control device 500, discharges the waste liquid from the container 50 to the waste liquid reservoir 140 or the waste liquid reservoir 150 via the discharge port 1E or the discharge port 2E.

[0035] The solenoid valve 41 switches the reservoir connected to the introduction port 2F between the decomposition liquid reservoir 110 and the rinse liquid reservoir 130 under the control of the control device 500.

[0036] The solenoid valve 42 switches the reservoir connected to the introduction port 1F between the heavy liquid reservoir 120 and the rinse liquid reservoir 130 under the control of the control device 500.

[0037] Based on the control of the control device 500, the solenoid valve 43 switches the path connected to the discharge ports 1E, 2E between the waste liquid reservoir 140 and the discharge ports 1E, 2E of the container 50 (path via piping 19, 20, 21 or path via piping 19, 20, 22) and the path between the waste liquid reservoir 150 and the discharge ports 1E, 2E of the container 50 (path via piping 23, 20, 21 or path via piping 23, 20, 22).

[0038] The inlet port 2F introduces the decomposition liquid in the decomposition liquid reservoir 110 or the rinse liquid in the rinse liquid reservoir 130 sucked by the pump 31 into the container 50. The inlet port 1F introduces the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid reservoir 120 or the rinse liquid in the rinse liquid reservoir 130 sucked by the pump 32 into the container 50. The outlet ports 1E and 2E discharge the waste liquid in the container 50 sucked by the pump 33 into the waste liquid reservoir 140 or the waste liquid reservoir 150.

[0039] Filters (not shown) are provided inside the inlet ports 1F and 2F and the outlet ports 1E and 2E to prevent target substances contained in the mixed sample from being discharged from the container 50. The filter is a mesh with mesh size large enough to trap the microplastics to be collected. For example, the filter (mesh) is a wire mesh made of SUS (Steel Use Stainless Steel) or a membrane filter made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) (Teflon (registered trademark)). When microplastics are to be collected, the mesh size of the filter (mesh) must be large enough to block particles of 0.1 to 5.0 mm, with approximately 0.1 mm being preferable. Hereinafter, the inlet ports 1F and 2F and the outlet ports 1E and 2E may be collectively referred to as "each port."

[0040] Stirrer 71 is, for example, a magnetic thermostatic stirrer, and is disposed below container 50. Stirrer 71 generates magnetic force under the control of control device 500, thereby rotating stirrer bar 72 provided in container 50. Stirrer bar 72 rotates or vibrates due to the magnetic force received from stirrer 71, thereby stirring the mixed sample in container 50.

[0041] Furthermore, stirrer 71 applies heat to container 50 from below under the control of control device 500, thereby maintaining a constant temperature of the mixed sample in container 50. The temperature of stirrer 71 is set to about 60°C to about 70°C, and the liquid in container 50 heated by stirrer 71 according to the set temperature is maintained at about 50°C.

[0042] The discharge pipe 80 is connected to a discharge port 55 provided at the top of the container 50, and discharges the supernatant liquid of the mixed sample that overflows from the container 50 to the outside.

[0043] The filter 210 filters the supernatant of the mixed sample discharged from the discharge pipe 80 to recover the target substance contained in the supernatant. The supernatant that passes through the filter 210 is recovered by the supernatant reservoir 215. The filter 210 is a mesh with openings large enough to trap the microplastics to be recovered. For example, the filter 210 (mesh) is a SUS wire mesh or a PTFE (registered trademark) membrane filter. When microplastics are to be recovered, the mesh size of the filter 210 must be large enough to block particles of 0.1 to 5.0 mm, and is preferably approximately 0.1 mm.

[0044] The control device 500 may be realized by a general-purpose computer, or may be realized by a computer dedicated to controlling the refiner 100. The control device 500 controls the pumps 31 to 33, the solenoid valves 41 to 43, and the stirrer 71 in the refiner 100.

[0045] Specifically, the control device 500 drives motors (not shown) by supplying power to the pumps 31 to 33, and opens and closes valves (not shown), causing the pumps 31 to 33 to suck in or discharge various liquids.

[0046] The control device 500 opens and closes the valves (not shown) by supplying power to the solenoid valves 41 to 43. In this way, the solenoid valves 41 to 43 switch the paths through which the various liquids pass.

[0047] The control device 500 applies power to the stirrer 71 to drive a motor (not shown) and use magnetic force to rotate the stirring bar 72 in the container 50. Furthermore, the control device 500 applies power to the stirrer 71 to drive a heater (not shown) and apply a constant amount of heat to the container 50.

[0048] [Hardware configuration of the purification equipment] The hardware configuration of the refining device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the refining device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 500 includes, as main hardware elements, a calculation device 501, a memory 502, a communication device 503, a display device 504, an input device 505, a data reading device 506, and a storage 510.

[0049] The arithmetic device 501 is a computer that reads out programs (for example, a control program 511 and an OS (Operating System) 513) stored in the storage 510, and deploys and executes the read out programs in the memory 502. For example, the arithmetic device 501 executes the control program 511 to perform a refining process (described later in FIG. 4) for controlling the refiner 100. The arithmetic device 501 is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an MPU (Multi Processing Unit). The arithmetic device 501 may also be configured by a processing circuitry.

[0050] The memory 502 provides a storage area for temporarily storing program code, work memory, etc. when the arithmetic unit 501 executes any program. The memory 502 is configured from volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory.

[0051] The communication device 503 transmits and receives data to and from other devices via a network (not shown). The communication device 503 supports any communication method, such as Ethernet (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0052] The display device 504 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays a program design screen, an alert screen in the event of an abnormality, and the like.

[0053] The input device 505 is configured by, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and is used by a user to input design information, etc. when designing a program. The input device 505 may include a start switch for starting the execution of the purification process by the arithmetic device 501.

[0054] The data reader 506 reads data stored in the recording medium 507. The recording medium 507 may have other configurations as long as it is capable of recording various types of data, such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0055] The storage 510 provides a storage area for storing various data necessary for the refining process, etc. The storage 510 is configured, for example, by a non-volatile memory device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage 510 stores a control program 511, control data 512, and an OS (Operating System) 513.

[0056] The control program 511 is a program in which the details of the purification process are described, and is executed by the arithmetic device 501. The control program 511 may be designed by a user using the input device 505, may be read from a recording medium 507 by the data reading device 506, or may be obtained from another device such as a server via a network by the communication device 503.

[0057] The control data 512 is data used when the arithmetic device 501 executes the control program 511. For example, the control data 512 includes data such as setting values for controlling the pumps 31 to 33, the solenoid valves 41 to 43, and the stirrer 71. The control data 512 may be input by a user using the input device 505, may be read from the recording medium 507 by the data reading device 506, or may be obtained by the communication device 503 from another device such as a server via a network.

[0058] The OS 513 provides basic functions for the arithmetic unit 501 to execute various processes.

[0059] [Mixed sample purification process] Next, the purification process of a mixed sample performed by the purification device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the purification process performed by the purification device 1 according to this embodiment. Each step shown in Fig. 4 is realized by the arithmetic device 501 of the control device 500 executing the OS 513 and the control program 511. In the figure, "S" is used as an abbreviation for "STEP."

[0060] As preparation, the user introduces the mixed sample into the container 50 of the purification device 1. For example, the user opens the container 50 by removing the first member from the second member, and introduces the mixed sample into the container 50. The user then performs a start operation using the input device 505 of the control device 500, thereby starting control of the purifier 100 by the control device 500.

[0061] When the control of the refiner 100 by the control device 500 starts, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43, as shown in FIG. 4, to Discharge ports 1E, 2E The waste liquid in the container 50 is discharged into the waste liquid reservoir 150 via the (S1). Discharge ports 1E, 2E The filter provided inside the container prevents the air from being discharged to the outside and remains inside the container 50.

[0062] Next, the control device 500 stops the pump 33 on the discharge side, and controls the pump 31 and the electromagnetic valve 41 to stop the piping 11 to 13 and Introduction port 2F The decomposition liquid in the decomposition liquid reservoir 110 is introduced into the container 50 via the (S2).

[0063] Next, the control device 500 controls the stirrer 71 to rotate the stirring bar 72 provided in the container 50 while applying a constant heat to the container 50, thereby stirring the mixed sample (S3). The temperature of the container 50, the rotation speed and rotation time of the stirring bar 72 are preset by the user. By stirring the mixed sample in this manner, an oxidation treatment using the oxidizing agent is carried out, and organic impurities contained in the mixed sample are decomposed. Note that while heating is not necessarily required when stirring the mixed sample, maintaining a constant temperature by heating facilitates decomposition by oxidation treatment.

[0064] Next, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 to Discharge ports 1E, 2E The waste liquid in the container 50 contained in the mixed sample after the organic impurities have been decomposed is discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 150 (S4). Discharge ports 1E, 2E The filter provided inside the container prevents the air from being discharged to the outside and remains inside the container 50.

[0065] Next, the control device 500 stops the pump 33 on the discharge side, and controls the pump 31 and the solenoid valve 41 to stop the piping 17, 12, 13 and Introduction port 2F The rinse liquid in the rinse liquid reservoir 130 is introduced into the container 50 via the pump 31, thereby cleaning the inside of the container 50 (S5). At this time, the control device 500 controls the suction amount of the pump 31 to introduce the amount of rinse liquid that is preset by the user into the container 50.

[0066] Next, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 to Discharge ports 1E and 2E The waste liquid in the container 50 after the introduction of the rinse liquid is discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 150 via the drain (S6). As a result, the inside of the container 50 is cleaned with the rinse liquid. Note that microplastics and the like to be collected contained in the mixed sample are Discharge ports 1E and 2E The mixed sample is prevented from being discharged to the outside by a filter provided inside the container 50 and remains in the container 50. Thereafter, the control device 500 may dry the mixed sample by leaving the mixed sample as it is for a predetermined period of time (for example, one day).

[0067] Next, the control device 500 controls the pump 32 and the electromagnetic valve 42 to Introduction port 1F The heavy liquid in the heavy liquid reservoir 120 is introduced into the container 50 via the pump 32 (S7). At this time, the control device 500 controls the suction amount of the pump 32 to introduce the amount of heavy liquid that is preset by the user into the container 50.

[0068] Thereafter, the control device 500 leaves the mixed sample as it is for a predetermined period (for example, one day) (S8). When the heavy liquid is introduced into the mixed sample in the container 50 and left as it is in this manner, inorganic impurities contained in the mixed sample settle near the bottom of the container 50 due to the difference in specific gravity.

[0069] Next, the control device 500 again controls the pump 32 and the electromagnetic valve 42 to Introduction port 1FThe heavy liquid in the heavy liquid reservoir 120 is again introduced into the container 50 via the pump 32 (S9). At this time, the control device 500 controls the suction volume of the pump 32 to introduce the amount of heavy liquid preset by the user into the container 50. When the heavy liquid is again introduced into the mixed sample in the container 50 in this way, the liquid level of the gravity-separated mixed sample gradually rises within the container 50, and eventually the supernatant liquid of the mixed sample reaches the outlet 55 of the container 50. The supernatant liquid of the mixed sample is then discharged to the outside via the outlet 55 and the discharge pipe 80.

[0070] The supernatant liquid of the mixed sample discharged through the discharge pipe 80 is filtered by the filter 210, and only the waste liquid is collected in the supernatant liquid reservoir 215. The filter 210 leaves behind microplastics, which are target substances with a specific gravity lighter than that of the heavy liquid.

[0071] After the microplastics are collected by purifying the mixed sample, the control device 500 performs post-processing by cleaning the container 50. Specifically, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 to clean the pipes 19 to 22 and Discharge ports 1E, 2E After the microplastics are collected, the waste liquid in the container 50 is discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 140 via the filter (S10).

[0072] Next, the control device 500 stops the pump 33 on the discharge side, and controls the pump 32 and the solenoid valve 42 to stop the piping 18, 15, 16 and Introduction port 1F The rinse liquid in the rinse liquid reservoir 130 is introduced into the container 50 via the pump 32, thereby cleaning the inside of the container 50 (S11). At this time, the control device 500 controls the suction amount of the pump 32 to introduce the amount of rinse liquid that is preset by the user into the container 50.

[0073] Next, the control device 500 controls the pump 33 and the electromagnetic valve 43 to Discharge ports 1E and 2E The waste liquid in the container 50 after the rinse liquid has been introduced is discharged to the waste liquid reservoir 140 via the drain (S12). As a result, the inside of the container 50 is cleaned with the rinse liquid.

[0074] As described above, according to the refining device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 500 automatically introduces the decomposition liquid and heavy liquid into the mixed sample contained in the container 50 at an appropriate timing and for an appropriate period of time, and also discharges the waste liquid from the container 50. Therefore, the user does not need to introduce the decomposition liquid and heavy liquid into the container 50 or discharge the waste liquid from the container 50 by himself. This eliminates the need for the user to spend time and effort, and there is no risk of variation in the accuracy of microplastics recovery depending on the user's skill, allowing the user to purify the mixed sample with high accuracy without any effort.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the refining device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 500 automatically cleans the used container 50 after collecting the microplastics. Therefore, the user does not need to clean the container 50 by himself.

[0076] [About outlet and inlet ports] As described above, in the purification apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the mixed sample is seawater, sand, or the like. Seawater, sand, or the like collected from nature may contain impurities that may cause clogging of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E. For example, if the mixed sample contains impurities larger than the inner diameters of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E, the impurities may block the connections between the ports and the containers. As a result, the flow of heavy liquid, decomposition liquid, rinse liquid, waste liquid, and the like may be blocked.

[0077] The refining device 1 according to this embodiment automatically performs the refining process at an appropriate timing and for an appropriate period of time by the control device 500, provided that no abnormality occurs in the refining device 1. In other words, the refining process can be performed without requiring user operation or intervention for each process.

[0078] If an abnormality such as clogging occurs in at least one of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E during the purification process, the purification device 1 will be unable to perform normal purification. If the purification process continues while an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E, the user will automatically assume that the purification process is proceeding normally, and it will take a long time for the user to realize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0079] Therefore, in the refinery apparatus 1, a check operation can be performed to confirm the state of each port. The refinery apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured to simplify the check operation of each port. Hereinafter, the configuration of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E in the refinery apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, in the refinery apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E are positioned at positions offset toward one end of the outer circumferential surface of the container 50, thereby simplifying the check operation. The outer circumferential surface of the container 50 is the surface that surrounds the axial direction of the container 50. In the case of a cylindrical container 50, the side surface of the container 50 corresponds to the outer circumferential surface.

[0080] Fig. 5 is a first diagram for explaining the arrangement of inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the container 50 and case 300 as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. Therefore, Fig. 5 shows the circular shape of the bottom surface of the first member 51 of the container 50.

[0081] Case 300R, which is a part of case 300, is arranged on the positive side of container 50 along the X axis. Furthermore, case 300L, which is a part of case 300, is arranged on the negative side of container 50 along the X axis. Furthermore, case 300B, which is a part of case 300, is arranged on the negative side of container 50 along the Y axis. Case 300 is not arranged on the positive side of container 50 along the Y axis. In other words, case 300 has opening 300P formed on the positive side of container 50 along the Y axis.

[0082] End P1 is an end of the outer circumferential surface of the container 50 when the container 50 is viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. End P1 is an end of the outer circumferential surface of the container 50 that is closest to the opening 300P. As shown in FIG. 5, the inlet ports 1F and 2F and the outlet ports 1E and 2E are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the container 50 at positions biased toward end P1.

[0083] Specifically, the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E are arranged within a first region Rg1 of the outer peripheral surface of the container 50. The first region Rg1 is one of the regions obtained by dividing the outer peripheral surface of the container 50 into two regions along a line Ln1 that passes through the center point CP1 of the shape of the bottom surface of the container 50. In other words, the first region Rg1 is the region on the positive side of the Y-axis on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50. On the other hand, the second region Rg2 is the region on the negative side of the Y-axis on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50. The inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E are arranged within a semicircle of the circular shape of the container 50 when viewed from the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0084] More specifically, the angle Ag1 between the line connecting the discharge port 1E and the center point CP1 and the line connecting the discharge port 2E and the center point CP1 is 120 degrees. Note that the angle Ag1 may be any angle as long as it is less than 180 degrees.

[0085] As described above, in the container 50 used in the refinery apparatus 1 of this embodiment, all of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E are arranged biased toward end P1 on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50. This allows the user to visually confirm the states of all of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E at once simply by viewing the container 50 from the side opposite end P1. That is, the user can confirm the states of each of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E at a glance. Therefore, the container 50 used in the refinery apparatus 1 of this embodiment simplifies the task of checking the inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E.

[0086] 5, the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E are arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the container 50 in the following order from the negative side of the X axis: outlet port 1E, inlet port 1F, inlet port 2F, outlet port 2E. In other words, the inlet ports 1F, 2F are arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the container 50 between the outlet port 1E and the outlet port 2E.

[0087] As a result, when impurities clog either discharge port 1E or discharge port 2E, container 50 can prevent impurities from accumulating in the unclogged port. For example, if discharge port 1E and discharge port 2E are arranged continuously on the outer circumferential surface of container 50 and discharge port 1E becomes clogged, impurities will accumulate near discharge port 1E due to the suction of pump 33. As a result, impurities will also accumulate in discharge port 2E, which is arranged near discharge port 1E, which can lead to a chain reaction of clogging. In container 50 of this embodiment, because discharge port 1E and discharge port 2E are located apart from each other, even if one of the discharge ports becomes clogged, a chain reaction of clogging can be prevented.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a second diagram illustrating the arrangement of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the container 50 as viewed from the positive side of the Y axis. That is, FIG. 6 shows the container 50 as viewed from the end P1 of the opening 300P formed in the case 300. As a result, the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E are positioned opposite the opening 300P. Therefore, the container 50 according to this embodiment can easily confirm the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E simply by viewing the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E from the opening 300P.

[0089] 6, the height HE1 at which the discharge port 1E is connected to the container 50 is lower than the height HF1 at which the inlet port 1F is connected to the container 50. In other words, the discharge port 1E is located on the negative side of the Z axis from the inlet port 1F. The discharge port 2E, like the discharge port 1E, is connected to the container 50 at the height HE1. Furthermore, the inlet port 2F, like the inlet port 1F, is connected to the container 50 at the height HF1.

[0090] As described above, in the container 50 of the present embodiment, the height HE1 at which the discharge ports 1E and 2E are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50 is different from the height HF1 at which the inlet ports 1F and 2F are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50. This allows the user to recognize whether the port is an inlet port or an outlet port based on the difference in the height at which the ports are disposed, thereby preventing piping from being connected to the wrong port. Furthermore, the height HE1 at which the discharge ports 1E and 2E are disposed is lower than the height HF1 at which the inlet ports 1F and 2F are disposed, which allows for smooth discharge of waste liquid from the container 50. In other words, by disposing the discharge ports 1E and 2E in positions close to the bottom, waste liquid from the container 50 is more likely to be guided to the discharge ports 1E and 2E.

[0091] [Variations] 5 and 6, the container 50 has been described as having a cylindrical shape. However, the container 50 may have a shape other than a cylindrical shape.

[0092] Fig. 7 is a first diagram illustrating the arrangement of inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E according to a modified example. Fig. 7 shows the container 50 and case 300 of the modified example as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. As shown in Fig. 7, the bottom surface of the modified container 50 has a rectangular shape. That is, the modified container 50 has a square prism shape with the Z axis as its axial direction.

[0093] 7, the container 50 used in the refinery apparatus 1 of the modification also has inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E disposed at positions biased toward end P1 on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50. More specifically, the inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E are disposed on a surface Sf1 of the side surface of the rectangular prism shape that faces the opening 300P.

[0094] This allows the states of all of the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E to be visually confirmed at once simply by looking at the container 50 from the side opposite the end P1. Therefore, the container 50 used in the refinery device 1 of the modified example simplifies the work of checking the inlet ports 1F, 2F and the outlet ports 1E, 2E.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a second diagram illustrating the arrangement of inlet ports 1F, 2F and outlet ports 1E, 2E according to a modified example. FIG. 8 shows the container 50 as viewed from the positive Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 8, in the modified container 50, the height HE1 at which the outlet ports 1E, 2E are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50 is lower than the height HF1 at which the inlet ports 1F, 2F are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the container 50. This allows the user to distinguish between inlet and outlet ports based on the height at which the ports are arranged, preventing piping from being connected to the wrong port. Furthermore, since the outlet ports 1E, 2E are arranged near the bottom, waste liquid in the container 50 is more likely to be guided to the outlet ports 1E, 2E.

[0096] [Aspect] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0097] (Item 1) A container according to one embodiment is used in a purification device that purifies a specific sample from a mixed sample, and is a container that holds the mixed sample and has a shape that is elongated in the axial direction. The container has an inlet port for introducing into the container a decomposition liquid for treating impurities contained in the mixed sample, a heavy liquid for separating the mixed sample based on differences in specific gravity, or a rinse liquid for cleaning the container, and a first outlet port for discharging waste liquid from the container. The inlet port and the first outlet port are located at positions biased toward one end of the outer circumferential surface of the container when viewed axially.

[0098] According to the container described in paragraph 1, the operation of checking the inlet port and the first outlet port can be simplified.

[0099] (2) The outer peripheral surface includes a first region and a second region bounded by a line passing through the center point of a cross-sectional shape of the container in the axial direction. The inlet port and the first outlet port are disposed in the first region.

[0100] According to the container described in paragraph 2, the state of each of the introduction port and the first discharge port can be checked at a glance.

[0101] (Item 3) The height at which the first discharge port is disposed on the outer peripheral surface is lower than the height at which the introduction port is disposed on the outer peripheral surface.

[0102] According to the container described in item 3, waste liquid inside the container can be smoothly discharged. (Item 4) The container further includes a second discharge port for discharging waste liquid from the container. The introduction port is disposed along the outer circumferential surface between the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

[0103] According to the container described in item 4, even if clogging occurs in either the first discharge port or the second discharge port, it is possible to prevent a chain reaction of clogging occurring in the other discharge port.

[0104] (Article 5) The container has a cylindrical shape. According to the container described in item 5, the efficiency of the stirring process of the mixed sample contained in the container is improved.

[0105] (Item 6) A purification device according to one embodiment is a purification device for purifying a mixed sample. The purification device includes a container for separating the mixed sample based on differences in specific gravity using a heavy liquid, a decomposition liquid reservoir for holding a decomposition liquid, a heavy liquid reservoir for holding a heavy liquid, and a rinse liquid reservoir for holding a rinse liquid. The container has a shape extending in the axial direction and includes an inlet port for introducing into the container the decomposition liquid for treating impurities contained in the mixed sample, the heavy liquid for separating the mixed sample based on differences in specific gravity, or the rinse liquid for cleaning the container, and a first outlet port for discharging waste liquid from the container, and the inlet port and the first outlet port are located at positions biased toward one end of the outer circumferential surface of the container when viewed in the axial direction.

[0106] According to the refining device described in the sixth aspect, the work of checking the inlet port and the first outlet port can be simplified.

[0107] (Item 7) The container further includes a wall portion surrounding the periphery of the container. An opening is formed in the wall portion, and the introduction port and the first discharge port are disposed at positions facing the opening.

[0108] According to the refining device described in item 7, the inlet port and the first outlet port can be easily checked by simply looking at them through the opening.

[0109] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 Purification device, 1E, 2E Discharge port, 1F, 2F Inlet port, 11-23 Piping, 31-33 Pump, 41-43 Solenoid valve, 50 Container, 51 First member, 52 Second member, 55 Discharge outlet, 61-64 Port, 71 Stirrer, 72 Stirring bar, 80 Discharge pipe, 100 Purifier, 110 Decomposition liquid reservoir, 120 Heavy liquid reservoir, 130 Rinse liquid reservoir, 140, 150 Waste liquid reservoir, 210 Filter, 215 Supernatant liquid reservoir, 300 Case, 300P Opening, 310, 320, 330 Passage hole, 500 Control device, 501 Arithmetic unit, 502 Memory, 503 Communication device, 504 Display device, 505 Input device, 506 Data reading device, 507 Recording medium, 510 storage, 511 control program, 512 control data, Ag1 angle, CP1 center point, HE1, HF1 heights, Ln1 line, P1 end, Rg1 first region, Rg2 second region, Sf1 surface.

Claims

1. A container used in a purification device for purifying a specific sample from a mixed sample, the container containing the mixed sample and having an axially extending shape, an introduction port for introducing into the container a decomposition liquid for treating impurities contained in the mixed sample, a heavy liquid for separating the mixed sample based on a difference in specific gravity, or a rinse liquid for cleaning the container; a first discharge port for discharging waste liquid from the container; A container, wherein the introduction port and the first discharge port are arranged at positions biased toward one end of the outer peripheral surface of the container when the container is viewed in the axial direction.

2. The cross-sectional shape of the container relative to the axial direction is circular or elliptical, the outer circumferential surface includes a first region and a second region bounded by a line passing through a center point of a cross-sectional shape of the container in an axial direction, The container of claim 1 , wherein the inlet port and the first outlet port are located in the first region.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the height at which the first discharge port is disposed on the outer peripheral surface is lower than the height at which the inlet port is disposed on the outer peripheral surface.

4. a second discharge port for discharging waste liquid from the container; 3. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inlet port is located along the outer circumferential surface between the first and second outlet ports.

5. The container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container has a cylindrical shape.

6. A purification device for purifying a mixed sample, comprising: a container for separating the mixed sample based on the difference in specific gravity using a heavy liquid; a decomposition liquid reservoir for holding a decomposition liquid; a heavy liquid reservoir for holding the heavy liquid; a rinse liquid reservoir for holding a rinse liquid; The container comprises: It has an axially extending shape, an introduction port for introducing the decomposition liquid, the heavy liquid, or the rinse liquid into the container; a first discharge port for discharging waste liquid from said container; A purification device, wherein the inlet port and the first outlet port are arranged at positions biased toward one end of the outer peripheral surface of the container when the container is viewed in the axial direction.

7. Further comprising a wall portion surrounding the container, An opening is formed in the wall portion, The purification device according to claim 6 , wherein the inlet port and the first outlet port are disposed at positions opposite the opening.

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