Cooling device

Abstract

To provide a cooling device having a simple structure and low manufacturing and running costs. [Solution] The cooling device 1 cools the reaction vessel 2 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant liquid and the reaction vessel 2. The cooling device 1 includes a refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 that stores the refrigerant liquid, a freezer 5 that absorbs heat from the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 to cool the refrigerant liquid inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4, and first to third pipes 9 to 11 that circulate the refrigerant liquid between the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 and the reaction vessel 2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device that cools an object to be cooled by exchanging heat between a refrigerant liquid and the object to be cooled. [Background technology]

[0002] Chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing plants often require cooling systems to remove the heat generated during chemical reactions and prevent the temperature of the products and manufacturing equipment being manufactured from rising. Generally, chemical reactions occur in a vessel called a reactor. The reactor is surrounded by a vessel called a jacket, which is in thermal contact with the reactor. A low-temperature heat source is located at a distance from the reactor and the jacket, and a refrigerant liquid is circulated between the low-temperature heat source and the jacket. The refrigerant liquid, cooled by contact with the low-temperature heat source, is sent to the jacket, where it absorbs the heat generated in the reactor. The cooled refrigerant liquid is then used to cool the reactor. The refrigerant liquid, which has absorbed heat and become hot, is then returned to the low-temperature heat source and cooled. The cooled refrigerant liquid is then sent back to the jacket.

[0003] In the above-described cooling device, the refrigerant liquid is generally called brine. Originally, brine refers to saturated salt water, but it is now used as a general term for various secondary refrigerants. Typical refrigerants include calcium chloride aqueous solution, ethylene glycol aqueous solution, methanol aqueous solution, and ethanol aqueous solution. Hereinafter, in this specification, the term "refrigerant liquid" will be used as a general term for various liquid refrigerants. Therefore, in this specification, the term "refrigerant liquid" is not particularly limited.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling device that uses low-temperature liquefied gas as a low-heat source. The cooling device described in Patent Document 1 includes a heat exchanger and a circulation flow path that circulates brine between the object to be cooled and the heat exchanger. Heat is exchanged between the low-temperature liquefied gas and the brine in the heat exchanger. In other words, the heat carried by the brine is absorbed by the low-temperature liquefied gas. As a result, the brine is cooled. Meanwhile, the low-temperature liquefied gas that has absorbed the heat is vaporized and released into the atmosphere.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a cooling liquid storage tank for storing cooled brine, a liquid cooler for cooling the brine stored in the cooling liquid storage tank, and a circulation flow path for circulating the brine between an object to be cooled and the cooling liquid storage tank. The device also includes a circulation flow path and a circulation pump for circulating the brine between the liquid cooler and the cooling liquid storage tank. The liquid cooler is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with a low-temperature refrigerant discharged from a refrigerator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-287822 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-318647 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The cooling device described in Patent Document 1 uses low-temperature liquefied gas as a low-heat source, and is therefore able to cool the brine to a low temperature range that is difficult to achieve with a normal refrigerator, for example, below -50°C, thereby powerfully cooling the reaction vessel. However, the structure is complex, which raises the problem of high manufacturing costs for the device. Furthermore, the need for a tank to store the low-temperature liquefied gas increases the area or volume required to install the device. Another problem is that the consumption of low-temperature liquefied gas increases running costs.

[0008] The cooling device described in Patent Document 2 can be manufactured more inexpensively than the cooling device described in Patent Document 1. However, since it is necessary to provide a circulation flow path and a circulation pump for circulating brine between the liquid cooler and the cooling liquid storage tank, the structure becomes complicated, and there is also the problem of increased manufacturing costs.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a cooling device that has a simple structure and low manufacturing and running costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the cooling device according to the present invention comprises: The heat generated in the equipment to be cooled is absorbed by the refrigerant liquid, In a cooling device for cooling a heat absorption container into which a refrigerant liquid flows and which is in heat transfer contact with the device to be cooled; a refrigerant liquid storage tank for storing refrigerant liquid; a refrigerant liquid cooling means for absorbing heat from the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank and cooling the refrigerant liquid inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank; and a refrigerant liquid storage tank. Heat absorption container a refrigerant liquid circulation line for circulating a refrigerant liquid between the an operation mode selection means for enabling the cooling device to operate in any one of the following operation modes: a cooling mode in which the refrigerant liquid is circulated between the refrigerant liquid storage tank and the heat absorption container by changing the flow path of the refrigerant liquid in the refrigerant liquid circulation pipe; a pre-cooling mode in which the refrigerant liquid is kept inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank and cooled prior to operation in the cooling mode; and a recovery mode in which the refrigerant liquid remaining inside the heat absorption container is returned to the refrigerant liquid storage tank after operation in the cooling mode is completed, thereby emptying the heat absorption container; Equipped with.

[0011] The equipment to be cooled may be equipment that constitutes a manufacturing plant. The refrigerant liquid cooling means may be a freezer, and the refrigerant liquid storage tank may be housed inside the freezer. Also, the refrigerant liquid storage tank may be provided with heat dissipation fins on its outer surface. Alternatively, a pump for promoting the circulation of the refrigerant liquid may be provided in the refrigerant liquid circulation line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the refrigerant liquid cooling means is brought into heat transfer contact with the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank to cool the refrigerant liquid inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank, so that the cooling device can be constructed using existing cooling means. In other words, when designing or manufacturing a cooling device, there is no need to design or manufacture a dedicated refrigerant liquid cooling means for that cooling device. This reduces the costs associated with designing or manufacturing the cooling device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerant liquid storage tank included in a cooling device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerant liquid cooling means provided in a cooling device according to another modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The configuration and operation of a cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to designate the same or equivalent parts.

[0016] (Overall composition) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cooling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling device 1 is a device that cools a reaction vessel 2, which is a cooling target. The reaction vessel 2 is equipped with a jacket 3. The cooling device 1 is equipped with a refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. The refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is a tank that stores refrigerant liquid and is housed inside a freezer 5. The freezer 5 is a well-known device that maintains a low temperature inside the storage tank using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle (hereinafter simply referred to as the "refrigeration cycle" in this specification), and has no special features that require special mention here. In other words, it is a general-purpose product that is easily available on the market. The freezer 5 functions as a refrigerant liquid cooling means that absorbs heat from the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 to cool the refrigerant liquid inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4.

[0017] 1, the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is equipped with a first reflux port 6, a second reflux port 7, and a discharge port 8. As will be described later, the low-temperature refrigerant liquid cooled inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is discharged from the discharge port 8 and flows into the jacket 3. The refrigerant liquid heated inside the jacket 3 passes through the first reflux port 6 and flows back into the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4.

[0018] 1 , a first pipe 9 is connected to the discharge port 8, a second pipe 10 is connected to the first pipe 9, and a third pipe 11 is connected to the second pipe 10. The end of the third pipe 11 is connected to an inlet 12 disposed at the bottom of the jacket 3. With this configuration, the refrigerant liquid discharged from the discharge port 8 passes through the first to third pipes 9, 10, and 11, reaches the inlet 12, and flows into the interior of the jacket 3 from the inlet 12.

[0019] 1, a first on-off valve 13 and a pump 14 are disposed in the first pipeline 9. A second on-off valve 15 is disposed between the second pipeline 10 and the third pipeline 11. The functions of the first on-off valve 13, the pump 14, the second on-off valve 15, and other pipelines and on-off valves described below will be described later.

[0020] 1, the jacket 3 has an overflow port 16 at its upper portion, to which a fourth pipe line 17 is connected. The other end of the fourth pipe line 17 is connected to the first return port 6. As described above, the refrigerant liquid flows into the jacket 3 through the inlet 12 and accumulates inside the jacket 3. The refrigerant liquid that has accumulated inside the jacket 3 then overflows through the overflow port 16 and returns to the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 through the fourth pipe line 17. A third on-off valve 18 is disposed midway along the fourth pipe line 17.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the cooling device 1 includes a fifth pipe 19 that connects the third pipe 11 and the first pipe 9. One end of the fifth pipe 19 is connected to the inlet 12 and the second third pipe 11. The other end of the fifth pipe 19 is connected to a portion of the first pipe 9 between the first on-off valve 13 and the pump 14. In addition, a fourth on-off valve 20 and a fifth on-off valve 21 are disposed midway along the fifth pipe 19.

[0022] 1, the cooling device 1 includes a sixth pipe 22 that connects the second pipe 10 and the second return port 7. One end of the sixth pipe 22 is connected to the second pipe 10, and the other end of the sixth pipe 22 is connected to the second return port 7. In addition, a sixth on-off valve 23 is disposed midway along the sixth pipe 22.

[0023] (Cooling device function) The cooling device 1 has three operation modes: a "pre-cooling mode" in which the refrigerant liquid in the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is cooled prior to cooling the reaction tank 2; a "cooling mode" in which the refrigerant liquid is circulated between the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 and the jacket 3 to cool the reaction tank 2; and a "recovery mode" in which the liquid refrigerant remaining in the jacket 3 is returned to the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 after cooling of the reaction tank 2 is complete. The operation of the cooling device 1 in each operation mode will be described below.

[0024] (Pre-cooling mode) As described above, the pre-cooling mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerant liquid in the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is cooled prior to cooling the reaction tank 2. Because the recovery mode operation in the previous operation cycle is completed before the pre-cooling mode operation is started, the jacket 3 is completely empty at the time the pre-cooling mode operation is started. All of the first to sixth on-off valves 13, 15, 18, 20, 21, and 23 are closed. The pump 14 is stopped. In the pre-cooling mode, only the freezer 5 operates. As a result, the refrigerant liquid inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is cooled. When the temperature of the refrigerant liquid drops to a preset temperature, the operation output of the freezer 5 is adjusted to maintain that temperature.

[0025] (Cooling mode) As described above, the cooling mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerant liquid is circulated between the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 and the jacket 3 to cool the reaction tank 2. In the cooling mode, the first to third on-off valves 13, 15, and 18 are opened. Meanwhile, the fourth to sixth on-off valves 20, 21, and 23 are closed. In the cooling mode, the pump 14 is operated in this state. When the pump 14 is operated, low-temperature refrigerant liquid discharged from the discharge port 8 is forced up into the jacket 3 through the first to third pipes 9 to 11 and the inlet 12. The refrigerant liquid forced up by the pump 14 and flowing into the jacket 3 cools the reaction tank 2. After cooling the reaction tank 2, the refrigerant liquid is discharged from the overflow port 16 and returns to the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 through the fourth pipe 17. That is, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant liquid flows in the direction indicated by arrow a in FIG. 1 . In this way, in the cooling mode, the first to third pipes 9 to 11 and the fourth pipe 17 function as refrigerant liquid circulation pipes that circulate the refrigerant liquid between the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 and the reaction tank 2. In addition, the pump 14 is disposed midway along the refrigerant liquid circulation pipes and functions as a pump that promotes the circulation of the refrigerant liquid.

[0026] (Recovery mode) As described above, the recovery mode is an operating mode in which, after the cooling mode ends, the refrigerant liquid remaining in the jacket 3 is returned to the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4, thereby emptying the jacket 3. In the recovery mode, the first to third on-off valves 13, 15, and 18 are closed, and the fourth to sixth on-off valves 20, 21, and 23 are opened. In the recovery mode, the pump 14 is operated in this state. The refrigerant liquid remaining in the jacket 3 passes through the inlet 12 and the third pipe 11 and falls into the fifth pipe 19. The refrigerant liquid that falls into the fifth pipe 19 flows into the pump 14 via the first pipe 9, is pumped by the pump 14, and flows into the sixth pipe 22 via the second pipe 10. The refrigerant liquid that flows into the sixth pipe 22 passes through the second return port 7 and returns to the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. That is, in the recovery mode, the refrigerant liquid flows in the direction indicated by arrow b in FIG. 1 . Thus, in the recovery mode, the fifth pipe 19 and the sixth pipe 22 function as return pipes that return the refrigerant liquid remaining inside the jacket 3 to the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. In addition, a part of the third pipe 11, a part of the first pipe 9, and a part of the second pipe 10 also function as part of the return pipes. The pump 14 functions as a means for promoting the return of the refrigerant liquid to the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. In addition, the first to sixth on-off valves 13, 15, 18, 20, 21, and 23 function as flow path changing means that move the pump 14, which was located midway through the refrigerant liquid circulation pipe, to midway through the return pipe.

[0027] In the cooling mode and the recovery mode, the operation of the freezer 5 is optional. If the cooling of the reaction vessel 2 is completed using only the pre-cooled refrigerant liquid in the pre-cooling mode, the operation of the freezer 5 may be stopped in the cooling mode. If the cooling of the reaction vessel 2 is not completed using only the pre-cooled refrigerant liquid, the operation of the freezer 5 continues even in the cooling mode. The freezer 5 is also operated in the recovery mode if necessary.

[0028] (Modification of refrigerant liquid storage tank) Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a modified example of the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 provided in the cooling device 1. The refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is a liquid-tight tank that can safely store the refrigerant liquid, and although the specific mechanical configuration is not limited, as shown in Fig. 2, the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 may be provided with a large number of heat dissipation fins 31 on the outer surface thereof. By providing a large number of heat dissipation fins 31, the heat transfer area becomes larger, and therefore the cooling of the refrigerant liquid can be completed in a short time.

[0029] (Modification of refrigerant liquid cooling means) FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerant liquid cooling means provided in a cooling device 1 according to another modification. While a freezer 5 has been shown above as a specific example of the refrigerant liquid cooling means, the refrigerant liquid cooling means provided in the cooling device 1 is not limited to a freezer 5. The refrigerant liquid cooling means is sufficient as long as it can absorb heat from the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 and cool the refrigerant liquid inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4, and various alternative means exist. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a chiller unit 32 may be provided as the refrigerant liquid cooling means. The chiller unit 32 is a known cooling device that uses a refrigeration cycle and includes a radiator (not shown) that releases heat absorbed from the object to be cooled to the external environment, i.e., a heat release side heat exchanger. As shown in FIG. 3, the chiller unit 32 also includes a piping coil 33 that constitutes a heat absorption side heat exchanger, and the piping coil 33 is in physical contact with the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. Liquid refrigerant decompressed and expanded by an expansion valve (not shown) provided in the chiller unit 32 flows through the piping coil 33. As the liquid refrigerant flows through the piping coil 33, it absorbs heat from the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. As a result, the refrigerant liquid stored inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 is cooled. Meanwhile, the liquid refrigerant evaporates and turns into gas as it flows through the piping coil 33. The gasified refrigerant flows into a compressor (not shown) provided in the chiller unit 32. In other words, the piping coil 33 is a pipe that allows the refrigerant to flow between the expansion valve and the compressor in the chiller unit 32. In this way, the chiller unit 32 functions as a refrigerant liquid cooling means. The refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 and the piping coil 33 are covered with a heat insulating material (not shown) to prevent heat from entering from the outside.

[0030] When selecting the freezer 5 or chiller unit 32 and piping coil 33, it is necessary to consider the mass and heat capacity of the object to be cooled, i.e., the chemical raw materials etc. to be put into the reaction vessel 2, the mass and heat capacity of the metal material constituting the reaction vessel 2 and jacket 3, the expected temperature difference before and after cooling of the liquid refrigerant, the expected temperature difference before and after cooling of the object to be cooled, the expected temperature difference before and after cooling of the reaction vessel 2 and jacket 3, and the amount of latent heat absorbed by the liquid refrigerant. In other words, it is necessary to select a freezer 5 or chiller unit 32 and piping coil 33 that meets these conditions.

[0031] In addition to the above conditions, piping coil 33 must be designed and manufactured to match the shape and dimensions of refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. Piping coil 33 may be designed and manufactured by the company that manufactures cooling device 1 itself, or the company that manufactures cooling device 1 may determine the required specifications and have the company that manufactures chiller unit 32 design and manufacture it. In other words, piping coil 33 may be manufactured in-house by the company that manufactures cooling device 1, or the company may order it from the manufacturer of chiller unit 32.

[0032] Furthermore, the freezer 5 or chiller unit 32 can be a ready-made or standard product. In other words, the optimal product can be selected and used from the product lineup listed in a catalog or the like by the chiller manufacturer. Furthermore, the freezer 5 or chiller unit 32 can be easily replaced, so that recovery is easy even if the freezer 5 or chiller unit 32 malfunctions. Furthermore, when the freezer 5 is used as a low heat source, the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 does not need to be equipped with a thermal insulating material, so the refrigerant liquid storage tank 4 can be constructed inexpensively. The cooling device described above does not require components equivalent to the liquid cooler, circulation flow path, and circulation pump in the cooling device described in Patent Document 2, so the cooling device can be constructed inexpensively. Furthermore, since a circulation pump for brine cooling is not provided, there is no decrease in cooling efficiency due to heat generated by the circulation pump.

[0033] As described above, the cooling device 1 includes the freezer 5 or the chiller unit 32 as a low-temperature heat source, so that the low-temperature heat source can be configured using a ready-made device available on the market. This reduces the manufacturing costs of the cooling device 1. Furthermore, because expensive low-temperature liquefied gas is not consumed when the cooling device 1 is operating, running costs can be reduced.

[0034] However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention can be freely applied, modified, or improved within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims.

[0035] For example, the mechanical configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the above mechanical configurations, etc. For example, in the above, an example was shown in which a part of the refrigerant liquid circulation line, i.e., the first to third lines 9 to 11, is also used as a return line, but the refrigerant liquid circulation line and the return line may be configured as completely separate physical lines.

[0036] Furthermore, in the above example, the reaction vessel 2 and the refrigerant liquid storage vessel 4 are arranged in a one-to-one relationship, but one refrigerant liquid storage vessel 4 and multiple reaction vessels 2 may be provided, and the refrigerant liquid may be supplied from one refrigerant liquid storage vessel 4 to multiple reaction vessels 2. Alternatively, multiple refrigerant liquid storage vessels 4 and multiple reaction vessels 2 may be provided.

[0037] Furthermore, the piping that constitutes the heat exchanger on the heat absorption side of chiller unit 32 is not limited to the piping coil 33 shown in Fig. 3. The specific mechanical configuration of the piping that constitutes the heat exchanger on the heat absorption side can be selected arbitrarily. The piping that constitutes the heat exchanger on the heat absorption side may be arranged on multiple sides of the outer surface of refrigerant liquid storage tank 4. The piping that constitutes the heat exchanger on the heat absorption side may be wound multiple times around the outer periphery of refrigerant liquid storage tank 4.

[0038] Furthermore, in the above, the reaction vessel 2 is shown as a specific example of an object to be cooled, but the object to be cooled by the cooling device 1 is not limited to the reaction vessel 2. The cooling device 1 can cool various devices or objects.

[0039] Furthermore, it is optional to add components not disclosed above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cooling device, 2 Reaction tank, 3 Jacket, 4 Refrigerant liquid storage tank, 5 Freezer, 6 First reflux port, 7 Second reflux port, 8 Discharge port, 9 First pipe, 10 Second pipe, 11 Third pipe, 12 Inlet, 13 First on-off valve, 14 Pump, 15 Second on-off valve, 16 Overflow port, 17 Fourth pipe, 18 Third on-off valve, 19 Fifth pipe, 20 Fourth on-off valve, 21 Fifth on-off valve, 22 Sixth pipe, 23 Sixth on-off valve, 31 Heat dissipation fin, 32 Chiller unit, 33 Piping coil, a Direction of refrigerant liquid flow in cooling mode, b Direction of refrigerant liquid flow in recovery mode

Claims

1. A cooling device that cools a device to be cooled by absorbing heat generated in the device to be cooled into a refrigerant liquid, a heat absorption container into which the refrigerant liquid flows and which is in heat transfer contact with the device to be cooled; a refrigerant liquid storage tank that stores the refrigerant liquid; a refrigerant liquid cooling means for absorbing heat from an outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank to cool the refrigerant liquid inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank; a refrigerant liquid circulation line for circulating the refrigerant liquid between the refrigerant liquid storage tank and the heat absorption container; In the refrigerant liquid circulation pipe, a flow path of the refrigerant liquid is changed, a cooling mode in which the refrigerant liquid is circulated between the refrigerant liquid storage tank and the heat absorption container; a pre-cooling mode in which the refrigerant liquid is retained inside the refrigerant liquid storage tank and cooled prior to operation in the cooling mode; a recovery mode in which, after completion of the operation in the cooling mode, the refrigerant liquid remaining inside the heat absorption container is returned to the refrigerant liquid storage tank to empty the heat absorption container; and an operation mode selection means for enabling the cooling device to operate in any one of the operation modes. Cooling device.

2. The device to be cooled is a device constituting a manufacturing plant. The cooling device of claim 1 .

3. The refrigerant liquid cooling means is a freezer, The refrigerant liquid storage tank is accommodated inside the freezer. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A heat dissipation fin is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerant liquid storage tank. The cooling device according to claim 3 .

5. a pump for promoting circulation of the refrigerant liquid is provided in the refrigerant liquid circulation pipe; The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2.

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