Separation device and separation system

Abstract

A separation device (1) comprises a bottomed casing (2), a rotary body (3), and a vane (4). The casing (2) comprises an outer cylinder part (5) and an inner cylinder part (6). The rotary body (3) is disposed inside the inner cylinder part (6) and rotates about a rotation axis along the axial direction of the inner cylinder part (6). The vane (4) is arranged between the inner cylinder part (6) and the rotary body (3) and rotates together with the rotary body (3). The inner cylinder part (6) comprises an inner side inflow port (61) and a discharge port (63). The discharge port (63) discharges, between the inner cylinder part (6) and the outer cylinder part (5), solids included in fluid flowing in the inside of the inner cylinder part (6) through the inner side inflow port (61). The outer cylinder part (5) comprises a fluid outlet and a solid discharging part. The fluid having outflowed from the inside of the inner cylinder part (6) and flowed into the inside of the outer cylinder part (5) outflows through the fluid outlet to the outside of the outer cylinder part (5). The solid discharging part discharges solids discharged from the discharge port (63) of the inner cylinder part (6) to the outside of the outer cylinder part (5).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to separation devices and separation systems, and more particularly to a separation device that separates solids contained in a fluid from the fluid, and a separation system including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a centrifuge equipped with a chemical injection device for injecting chemicals such as flocculants into raw sludge, which are used to efficiently recover solids when the raw sludge is subjected to solid-liquid separation in a sewage treatment plant or a wastewater treatment plant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-254549 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In developing countries, the development of water purification facilities is not advanced, and water used for domestic, industrial, agricultural, etc., may contain solid impurities. Therefore, there is a demand for technology to reduce the amount of impurities contained in water, and there is a demand for improved separator structures to improve separation performance.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a separation device and a separation system that can improve the separation performance of separating solids contained in a fluid from the fluid.

[0006] A separation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a casing with a bottom, a rotor, and blades. The casing includes an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion. The rotor is disposed inside the inner cylindrical portion and is rotatable about a rotation axis along the axial direction of the inner cylindrical portion. The blades are disposed between the inner cylindrical portion and the rotor and rotate together with the rotor. The inner cylindrical portion includes an inner inlet that communicates between the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion, and a discharge outlet that communicates between the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion and discharges solids contained in a fluid that has flowed into the inside of the inner cylindrical portion through the inner inlet between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion. The outer cylindrical portion communicates the inside and outside of the outer cylindrical portion, and is equipped with a fluid outlet that discharges the fluid that has flowed out from the inside of the inner cylindrical portion and into the inside of the outer cylindrical portion to the outside of the outer cylindrical portion, and a solid discharge portion that is separated from the fluid outlet in the axial direction and discharges the solids discharged from the discharge port of the inner cylindrical portion to the outside of the outer cylindrical portion.

[0007] A separation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the separation device and a drive device, wherein the drive device drives the rotating body to rotate.

[0008] The separation device and separation system of the present disclosure can improve the separation performance for separating solids contained in a fluid from the fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a separation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a transparent perspective view of the separation device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the separation device, with a part cut away. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of the separation device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another main part of the separation device. [Figure 6]6 is a cross-sectional view of the separation device taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 3, showing the inner cylindrical portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the separation device of the same as above, taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a separation system including the above separation device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a simulation result of the separation performance of the above separation device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a see-through perspective view of a separation device according to the first modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part of the separation device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another main part of the separation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1 to 7 and 10 to 12 described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the diagrams do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] (1) Implementation form A separation device 1 according to an embodiment and a separation system 10 including the same will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the separation device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a see-through perspective view of the separation device 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the separation device 1 with a portion cut away. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of the separation device 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another main part of the separation device 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the separation device 1, corresponding to a cross section of the inner cylindrical part 6 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the separation device 1, corresponding to a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a separation system 10 including the separation device 1.

[0012] (1.1) Overview The separation device 1 is a device that separates solids contained in a fluid from the fluid. In this embodiment, the fluid is a liquid, more specifically, water. In this embodiment, the solids that the separation device 1 separates are impurities (particles, etc.) contained in the water.

[0013] The separation device 1 is installed, for example, midway through a tubular conduit (pipe) for supplying water such as domestic water, and separates solids 90 (see FIG. 1) such as impurities contained in the fluid (water) from the fluid. The separation device 1 may also be used to separate impurities (solids 90) contained in greywater after it has been used as domestic water.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the separation device 1 includes a casing 2, a rotor 3, and blades 4.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the casing 2 includes an outer cylindrical portion 5 and an inner cylindrical portion 6. At least a portion (in this embodiment, the entirety) of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion 5. The rotor 3 is disposed inside the inner cylindrical portion 6. The rotor 3 is rotatable about a rotation axis. The axial direction of the rotation axis is aligned with the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 (see FIG. 4). The blades 4 are disposed between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the rotor 3. The blades 4 rotate together with the rotor 3.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, the inner cylindrical portion 6 has an inner inlet 61 and an outlet 63 .

[0017] The inner inlet 61 connects the inner space of the inner cylindrical portion 6 with the outer space of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In other words, the inner inlet 61 connects the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The inner inlet 61 is a hole that allows a fluid (here, water) to flow from the outside to the inside of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0018] The outlet 63 connects the inner space of the inner cylindrical portion 6 with the outer space of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In other words, the outlet 63 connects the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The outlet 63 is a hole for discharging solids 90 (impurities) contained in the fluid (water) that has flowed inside the inner cylindrical portion 6 into the space between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5 (recovery space 26; see Figures 1 and 3).

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5 , the outer tubular portion 5 has a fluid outlet 52. The fluid outlet 52 connects the inner space of the outer tubular portion 5 with the outer space of the outer tubular portion 5. In other words, the fluid outlet 52 connects the inside and outside of the outer tubular portion 5. As a result, the fluid outlet 52 connects the inside and outside of the casing 2. The fluid outlet 52 is a hole for allowing the fluid (water) that has flowed out from the inside of the inner tubular portion 6 and into the inside of the outer tubular portion 5 to flow out to the outside of the outer tubular portion 5.

[0020] The outer tubular portion 5 further includes a fluid inlet 51. The fluid inlet 51 connects the inner space of the outer tubular portion 5 with the outer space of the outer tubular portion 5. In other words, the fluid inlet 51 connects the inside and outside of the outer tubular portion 5. As a result, the fluid inlet 51 connects the inside and outside of the casing 2. The fluid inlet 51 is a hole that allows fluid to flow from the outside to the inside of the outer tubular portion 5.

[0021] 2, the inner cylindrical portion 6 is disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion 5 so that the inner inlet 61 is connected to the fluid inlet 51 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. Therefore, the fluid that has flowed into the inside of the outer cylindrical portion 5 from the fluid inlet 51 flows into the inside of the inner cylindrical portion 6 through the inner inlet 61.

[0022] When the rotor 3 rotates, the separation device 1 generates, within the inner cylindrical portion 6, a flow of fluid (water flow) that swirls within the inner cylindrical portion 6. As a result, when the rotor 3 rotates, the separation device 1 generates, within the casing 2, a flow of fluid that swirls within the casing 2.

[0023] The separation device 1 can cause the fluid (water) that has flowed into the casing 2 from the upstream side to flow downstream while rotating in a spiral around the rotor 3. Here, "upstream side" refers to the upstream side (primary side) when viewed in the direction of fluid flow. Additionally, "downstream side" refers to the downstream side (secondary side) when viewed in the direction of fluid flow. The separation device 1 is used with the fluid outlet 52 of the outer tubular portion 5 positioned vertically above the fluid inlet 51. In this case, the separation device 1 can cause the fluid that has flowed into the casing 2 from the fluid inlet 51 to move upward while rotating in a spiral around the rotor 3, and then flow to the fluid outlet 52.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5 , the outer tubular portion 5 further includes a solid discharge portion 53. The solid discharge portion 53 is a hole for discharging the solids 90 discharged from the discharge port 63 of the inner tubular portion 6 to the outside of the outer tubular portion 5. The solid discharge portion 53 connects the inner space of the outer tubular portion 5 with the outer space of the outer tubular portion 5. In other words, the solid discharge portion 53 connects the inside and outside of the outer tubular portion 5. As a result, the solid discharge portion 53 connects the inside and outside of the casing 2. The solid discharge portion 53 is spaced apart from the fluid outlet 52 in the axial direction D2 of the outer tubular portion 5.

[0025] In the separation device 1, at least a portion of the solids 90 (impurities) contained in the fluid (water) that flows from the fluid inlet 51 through the inner inlet 61 into the inner cylindrical portion 6 is discharged from the outlet 63 to the space between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5 (the collection space 26). In addition, in the separation device 1, the solids 90 discharged between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5 (the collection space 26) can be discharged from the solid discharge portion 53 to the outside of the outer cylindrical portion 5 (the outside of the casing 2).

[0026] Furthermore, in the separation device 1, by rotating the blades 4 arranged inside the inner cylindrical portion 6, centrifugal force can be applied to the solids 90 contained in the fluid inside the inner cylindrical portion 6. This can improve the separation performance for separating the solids 90 from the fluid.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 8, the separation system 10 includes a separation device 1 and a drive device 11. In the separation system 10, the drive device 11 rotationally drives the rotating body 3. That is, the drive device 11 rotates the rotating body 3 around a rotation axis. The drive device 11 includes, for example, a motor.

[0028] (1.2) Details As described above, the separation device 1 includes the casing 2, the rotor 3, and the blades 4. The casing 2 includes an outer cylindrical portion 5 and an inner cylindrical portion 6. As shown in FIG. 2 , the inner cylindrical portion 6 is entirely disposed within the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the separation device 1 further includes an inlet tube portion 21, an outlet tube portion 22, a discharge tube portion 23, and an opening / closing portion 7.

[0030] The material of the outer tubular portion 5 is, for example, metal. However, the material of the outer tubular portion 5 is not limited to this, and may be resin (for example, polyethylene resin). Furthermore, the outer tubular portion 5 may include a metal portion made of metal and a resin portion made of resin. As the material of the outer tubular portion 5, for example, a material used as a material for water pipes is appropriately used.

[0031] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the outer tubular portion 5 has a circular inner circumferential shape. "Having a circular inner circumferential shape" means that the shape along the inner periphery of the outer tubular portion 5 is circular. The shape along the outer periphery of the outer tubular portion 5 is also circular. The outer tubular portion 5 has a first end 501 and a second end 502 in the axial direction D2.

[0032] 5, the casing 2 further includes a first outer bottom 58 that closes the opening at the first end 501 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, and a second outer bottom 59 that closes the opening at the second end 502 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In the separation device 1, the outer cylindrical portion 5, the first outer bottom 58, and the second outer bottom 59 form a bottomed tubular member that is closed at both ends. The outer cylindrical portion 5, the first outer bottom 58, and the second outer bottom 59 form the outer shell of the casing 2.

[0033] The separation device 1 is used with the axial direction D2 of the outer cylinder portion 5 aligned vertically, the first end 501 facing downward, and the second end 502 facing upward. Hereinafter, when the separation device 1 is in use, the upper side in the vertical direction may be referred to as "upper" and the lower side in the vertical direction may be referred to as "lower."

[0034] The outer cylinder portion 5 integrally has a first cylindrical portion 503, an expanded diameter portion 504, and a second cylindrical portion 505. The first cylindrical portion 503, the expanded diameter portion 504, and the second cylindrical portion 505 are arranged in this order from the first end 501 to the second end 502 in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylinder portion 5. In other words, the first cylindrical portion 503, the expanded diameter portion 504, and the second cylindrical portion 505 are arranged in this order from bottom to top.

[0035] The inner diameter and outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 503 are each constant over the entire length of the first cylindrical portion 503 in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The inner diameter and outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 are each constant over the entire length of the second cylindrical portion 505 in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 is larger than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 503, and the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 is larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 503. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 is, for example, about 20 cm. However, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 is not limited to this and is set appropriately depending on the type of fluid, the type of solids 90 to be separated, the desired separation performance, etc.

[0036] The expanded diameter portion 504 is located between the first cylindrical portion 503 and the second cylindrical portion 505 and connects the first cylindrical portion 503 and the second cylindrical portion 505. In the expanded diameter portion 504, the opening area gradually increases from the end on the first end 501 side to the end on the second end 502 side in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0037] The opening at the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 503 is closed by a first outer bottom portion 58. The upper end of the first cylindrical portion 503 is connected to the lower end of the expanded diameter portion 504. The upper end of the expanded diameter portion 504 is connected to the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 505. The opening at the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 505 is closed by a second outer bottom portion 59.

[0038] In the separation device 1, although not particularly limited, for example, the length in the axial direction D1 of the combined portion of the expanded diameter section 504 and the second cylindrical section 505 (hereinafter also referred to as the "purifying section") is about 50 cm. However, the length of the purifying section is not limited to this and is set appropriately depending on the type of fluid, the type of solids 90 to be separated, the desired separation performance, etc.

[0039] In the outer tubular portion 5, the fluid inlet 51 communicates the inside and outside of the outer tubular portion 5 between the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the outer tubular portion 5. The fluid inlet 51 is formed in the first cylindrical portion 503. The fluid inlet 51 is formed near the first outer bottom portion 58 along a direction intersecting the axial direction D2 of the outer tubular portion 5. In other words, the fluid inlet 51 is open to the side of the outer tubular portion 5.

[0040] In the outer cylindrical portion 5, the fluid outlet 52 is spaced apart from the fluid inlet 51 in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, and provides communication between the inside and outside of the outer cylindrical portion 5 between the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The fluid outlet 52 is formed in the second cylindrical portion 505. The fluid outlet 52 is formed near the second outer bottom portion 59 along a direction intersecting the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In other words, the fluid outlet 52 is open to the side of the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the inlet tube portion 21 is connected to the periphery of the fluid inlet 51, for example, on the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The inlet tube portion 21 is a member for allowing the fluid to flow into the inside of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In other words, the inlet tube portion 21 guides the fluid from the outside to the inside of the casing 2. The inlet tube portion 21 has an internal space communicating with the fluid inlet 51 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The inlet tube portion 21 is shaped like a square tube. With respect to the part of the inlet tube portion 21 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, the opening on the opposite side to the fluid inlet 51 side is rectangular. The inlet tube portion 21 protrudes in a direction along a tangent to the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 when viewed from the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 (see Figure 6).

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the outflow tube portion 22 is connected to the periphery of the fluid outlet 52 on the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, for example. The outflow tube portion 22 is a member for supplying the fluid from which the solids 90 have been separated to the outside of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The outflow tube portion 22 has an internal space communicating with the fluid outlet 52 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The outflow tube portion 22 is a rectangular tube. With respect to the portion of the outflow tube portion 22 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, the opening on the opposite side to the fluid outlet 52 side is rectangular. The outflow tube portion 22 protrudes in a direction tangent to the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 as viewed in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 (see Figure 7). In one specific example, the outflow tube portion 22 protrudes in a direction parallel to the protruding direction of the inflow tube portion 21 as viewed in the axial direction D1.

[0043] The material of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is, for example, metal. However, the material of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is not limited to this, and may also be resin (for example, polyethylene resin). Furthermore, the inner cylindrical portion 6 may include a metal portion made of metal and a resin portion made of resin. The material of the inner cylindrical portion 6 may be the same as or different from the material of the outer cylindrical portion 5. For example, a material used as a material for water pipes is appropriately used as the material of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 4, the inner cylindrical portion 6 has a circular inner circumferential shape. "Having a circular inner circumferential shape" means that the shape along the inner periphery of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is circular. The shape along the outer periphery of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is circular.

[0045] The axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is aligned with the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In other words, the inner cylindrical portion 6 is disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion 5 so that the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is aligned with the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In one specific example, the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 are parallel to each other. More specifically, the inner cylindrical portion 6 is disposed coaxially with the outer cylindrical portion 5. "Disposed coaxially with the outer cylindrical portion 5" means that the inner cylindrical portion 6 is disposed so that the axis of the outer cylindrical portion 5 is aligned with the axis of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0046] The inner cylindrical portion 6 has a first end 601 and a second end 602 in the axial direction D1. The inner diameter and outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 6 are each constant over the entire length of the inner cylindrical portion 6 in the axial direction D1. In other words, the inner cylindrical portion 6 is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 503 in the outer cylindrical portion 5. The outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 in the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0047] In the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6, the length of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is longer than the length of the rotating body 3. In addition, in the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6, the length of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is shorter than the length of the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0048] 4, the casing 2 further includes an inner bottom 68 that closes the opening at the first end 601 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In the separation device 1, the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the inner bottom 68 form a bottomed cylindrical member that is open at one end. In the inner cylindrical portion 6, the opening at the second end 602 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 forms a discharge port 63. The discharge port 63 penetrates the inner cylindrical portion 6 in the axial direction D1.

[0049] The inner cylindrical portion 6 has a fluid communication port 62. The fluid communication port 62 connects the inner space of the inner cylindrical portion 6 with the outer space of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In other words, the fluid communication port 62 connects the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In this embodiment, the opening at the second end 602 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 forms the fluid communication port 62. That is, in this embodiment, the opening at the second end 602 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 serves both as the fluid communication port 62 and as the discharge port 63.

[0050] In the inner cylindrical portion 6, the inner inlet 61 communicates the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion 6 between the first end 601 and the second end 602 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The inner inlet 61 is spaced apart from the discharge port 63 and the fluid circulation port 62 in the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The inner inlet 61 is formed in the inner cylindrical portion 6 at a position near the inner bottom portion 68 along a direction intersecting the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In other words, the inner inlet 61 opens to the side of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0051] The rotor 3 is disposed inside the inner cylindrical portion 6. The rotor 3 is made of, for example, polycarbonate resin. The rotor 3 is rotatable about a rotation axis along the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The rotor 3 is disposed inside the inner cylindrical portion 6 coaxially with the inner cylindrical portion 6. "Disposed coaxially with the inner cylindrical portion 6" means that the rotor 3 is disposed so that the rotation axis of the rotor 3 is aligned with the central axis of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0052] The rotor 3 is, for example, cylindrical in shape with a constant diameter in the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The rotor 3 has a first end 31 on the inner inlet 61 side and a second end 32 on the fluid circulation port 62 side. In the direction along the rotation axis of the rotor 3, the length of the rotor 3 is shorter than the length of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0053] The rotor 3 is disposed at a position overlapping the central portion of the inner cylindrical portion 6 in the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0054] A shaft 30 is connected to the rotating body 3. The shaft 30 is arranged coaxially with the rotating body 3. A motor of the drive device 11 in the separation system 10 is connected to the shaft 30. The motor is arranged, for example, on the outside of the casing 2, more specifically, on the outer surface of the second outer bottom portion 59. Note that the motor is not shown in the drawings.

[0055] The blades 4 are arranged between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the rotor 3, and rotate together with the rotor 3. In the separation device 1, a plurality of blades 4 (six in this case) are arranged between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the rotor 3. In other words, the separation device 1 is equipped with a plurality of blades 4. The plurality of blades 4 are connected to the rotor 3 and are spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The plurality of blades 4 rotate together with the rotor 3.

[0056] The plurality of blades 4 are provided on the rotor 3 over the entire length of the rotor 3 in the direction along the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. That is, the plurality of blades 4 are provided from the first end 31 to the second end 32 of the rotor 3. The material of the plurality of blades 4 is, for example, polycarbonate resin. In the separation device 1, the material of the rotor 3 and the material of the plurality of blades 4 are the same, but this is not limited to this and they may be different. The plurality of blades 4 may be formed integrally with the rotor 3, or may be formed as separate members from the rotor 3 and connected to the rotor 3 by being fixed to the rotor 3.

[0057] 7, each of the multiple blades 4 is arranged such that a gap is formed between each blade 4 and the inner cylindrical portion 6 when viewed from the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In other words, in the separation device 1, there is a gap between each of the multiple blades 4 and the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In the radial direction of the rotor 3, the distance between the protruding tip of each of the multiple blades 4 and the outer circumferential surface 37 of the rotor 3 is shorter than the distance between the outer circumferential surface 37 of the rotor 3 and the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0058] Each of the multiple blades 4 is arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor 3 in the space (flow path) between the outer peripheral surface 37 of the rotor 3 and the inner peripheral surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. Each of the multiple blades 4 is flat. Each of the multiple blades 4 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the direction along the rotation axis of the rotor 3 when viewed in its thickness direction. When viewed from the inner bottom portion 68 side in the direction along the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6, each of the multiple blades 4 forms an angle of 0 degrees with one radial direction of the rotor 3. In other words, the multiple blades 4 extend radially from the rotor 3.

[0059] The blades 4 are spaced apart at equal angular intervals in a direction along the outer periphery of the rotor 3. The term "equal angular intervals" as used herein does not necessarily mean that the intervals are exactly the same, but may also mean, for example, angular intervals within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified angular interval (for example, ±10% of the specified angular interval).

[0060] 4, in the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6, the length of each of the multiple blades 4 is the same as the length of the rotor 3. Here, the length of each of the multiple blades 4 does not necessarily have to be the same as the length of the rotor 3, and may be longer or shorter than the rotor 3.

[0061] In the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6, the length of each of the multiple blades 4 is shorter than the length of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6, the entirety of each of the multiple blades 4 is disposed inside the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0062] The rotor 3 and the blades 4 are positioned so as not to overlap with the inner inlet 61 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0063] 2 , the inner cylinder 6 is disposed inside the outer cylinder 5 so that, for example, the lower surface of the inner bottom 68 is in contact with the upper surface of the first outer bottom 58. The lower surface of the inner bottom 68 being in contact with the upper surface of the first outer bottom 58 may mean that the lower surface of the inner bottom 68 is in surface contact with the upper surface of the first outer bottom 58, or may mean that the lower surface of the inner bottom 68 is in partial contact with the upper surface of the first outer bottom 58.

[0064] When the inner cylindrical portion 6 is disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion 5 , the inner inlet 61 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 communicates with the fluid inlet 51 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 .

[0065] When the inner cylindrical portion 6 is disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion 5, the second end 602 (upper end) of the inner cylindrical portion 6, i.e., the fluid circulation port 62 and the discharge port 63, are located at a central position in the axial direction D1 of the second cylindrical portion 505 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. Therefore, the inner cylindrical portion 6 is not located inside the upper half of the second cylindrical portion 505 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 in the axial direction D1. Therefore, the outer cylindrical portion 5 has a space 25 closer to the fluid outlet 52 than the second end 602 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In the separation device 1, the fluid outlet 52 is located so as to overlap with the space 25 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. Furthermore, in the separation device 1, the fluid outlet 52 is located so as not to overlap with the inner cylindrical portion 6 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In other words, the inner cylindrical portion 6 is not located in a projected area of ​​the fluid outlet 52 when the outer cylindrical portion 5 is viewed from the side.

[0066] With the inner cylinder portion 6 disposed inside the outer cylinder portion 5, the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 503 of the outer cylinder portion 5 contacts the outer circumferential surface 67 of the inner cylinder portion 6 without any gap.

[0067] With the inner cylindrical portion 6 disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion 5, a gap (recovery space 26) is formed between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5. The recovery space 26 is a space sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 67 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the expanded diameter portion 504 and the second cylindrical portion 505 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0068] The solid discharge section 53 is provided in the expanded diameter section 504 of the outer cylindrical section 5. The solid discharge section 53 connects the inner space of the outer cylindrical section 5 to the outer space of the outer cylindrical section 5 via the inner space of the solid discharge section 53. Here, the solid discharge section 53 connects the recovery space 26 in the inner space of the outer cylindrical section 5 to the outer space of the outer cylindrical section 5. The solid discharge section 53 opens vertically downward.

[0069] In the direction along the axial direction D2 of the outer tubular portion 5, the distance between the solid discharge portion 53 and the fluid inlet 51 is shorter than the distance between the solid discharge portion 53 and the fluid outlet 52. In other words, in the direction along the axial direction D2 of the outer tubular portion 5, the distance between the solid discharge portion 53 and the inlet tubular portion 21 is shorter than the distance between the solid discharge portion 53 and the fluid outlet 52.

[0070] The discharge tube portion 23 is connected to the periphery of the solid discharge portion 53, for example, at the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The discharge tube portion 23 is a member for discharging the solids 90 discharged into the recovery space 26 to the outside of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The discharge tube portion 23 has an internal space that communicates with the solid discharge portion 53, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The discharge tube portion 23 is cylindrical. With respect to the portion of the discharge tube portion 23 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 57 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, the opening on the opposite side to the fluid outlet 52 side is circular. The discharge tube portion 23 protrudes in a direction along the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The discharge tube portion 23 protrudes downward from the solid discharge portion 53.

[0071] The opening / closing unit 7 opens and closes the discharge tube 23. In other words, the opening / closing unit 7 opens and closes the solid discharge section 53. The opening / closing unit 7 is, for example, a valve provided in the discharge tube 23. The valve can be, for example, in a closed state that prevents the fluid in the outer tube 5 from flowing out of the outer tube 5 through the solid discharge section 53 and the discharge tube 23, and in an open state that allows the fluid in the outer tube 5 to flow out of the outer tube 5 through the solid discharge section 53 and the discharge tube 23. In the open state, the valve may be capable of variably adjusting the flow rate of the fluid passing through the discharge tube 23. The valve is, for example, a manually operated valve that can be manually switched between a closed state and an open state by a user. However, the valve is not limited to this, and may also be a so-called electromagnetic valve that switches between a closed state and an open state in response to an appropriate electrical signal.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, the separation system 10 includes the separation device 1 and a drive device 11 that rotationally drives the rotor 3 of the separation device 1. The drive device 11 includes, for example, a motor that rotationally drives the rotor. The drive device 11 may have a rotation shaft of the motor directly or indirectly connected to the rotor 3, or may transmit the rotation of the rotation shaft of the motor to the rotor 3 via a pulley and a rotary belt. The motor may be disposed inside or outside the casing 2. The rotation speed of the rotor 3 that is rotationally driven by the drive device 11 is, for example, 250 rpm to 1000 rpm.

[0073] The separation system 10 further includes a control device 12 that controls the drive device 11. The control device 12 includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the computer system's memory to realize the functions of the control device 12. The program may be pre-stored in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or stored on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The term "integrated circuit," such as an IC or LSI, is used here in different names depending on the degree of integration, and includes integrated circuits called system LSI, very large-scale integration (VLSI), or ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0074] (1.3) Operation of Separation Device and Separation System In the separation device 1 according to the embodiment, the rotation direction R1 of the rotor 3 is, for example, a counterclockwise direction (see FIGS. 6 and 7) when the rotor 3 is viewed from the second outer bottom portion 59 side in the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The separation system 10 drives the rotor 3 to rotate by the drive device 11.

[0075] The separating device 1 is used, for example, with the opening / closing unit 7 in a closed state.

[0076] In the separation device 1, the rotation of the rotor 3 having the blades 4 can apply a force in the rotational direction around the shaft 30 to the fluid in the internal space of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In the separation device 1, the rotation of the rotor 3 causes the multiple blades 4 to rotate together with the rotor 3, and the velocity vector of the fluid flowing in the internal space of the inner cylindrical portion 6 has a velocity component parallel to the shaft 30 and a velocity component in the rotational direction around the shaft 30. In short, in the separation device 1, the rotation of the rotor 3 and each blade 4 can generate a swirling fluid flow in the inner cylindrical portion 6. The swirling fluid flow is a three-dimensional spirally rotating flow. In short, in the separation device 1, the rotation of the rotor 3 and each blade 4 generates a spirally rotating fluid flow while rising from the internal inlet 61 toward the fluid circulation port 62. Therefore, in the separation device 1, the rotation of the rotor 3 and each blade 4 generates a fluid flow that rotates spirally while rising from the fluid inlet 51 of the outer tubular portion 5 toward the fluid outlet 52. As a result, the fluid flows from the outside of the casing 2 through the inlet tubular portion 21 toward the inner space of the casing 2. The fluid also flows from the inner space of the casing 2 through the outlet tubular portion 22 toward the outside of the casing 2. In FIG. 1, the flow of the fluid from the outside of the casing 2 through the inlet tubular portion 21 toward the inner space of the casing 2 is schematically shown by arrow A1. In FIG. 1, the flow of the fluid from the inner space of the casing 2 through the outlet tubular portion 22 toward the outside of the casing 2 is also schematically shown by arrow A2.

[0077] In the separation device 1, solids 90 contained in the fluid that has flowed into the inner cylindrical portion 6 are subjected to centrifugal force in a direction from the shaft 30 of the rotor 3 toward the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 as they rotate spirally in the inner space inside the inner cylindrical portion 6. The solids 90 subjected to centrifugal force tend to move toward the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 and rotate spirally near and along the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In the separation device 1, the solids 90 in the fluid are discharged from the inner space inside the inner cylindrical portion 6 to the outer space outside the inner cylindrical portion 6 (i.e., space 25) of the inner cylindrical portion 6 through the discharge port 63 (fluid circulation port 62) at a position near the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction D2.

[0078] The solids 90 discharged into the space 25 through the discharge port 63 settle into the recovery space 26 between the outer peripheral surface 67 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 due to gravity acting on the solids 90. The rotation speed of the rotor 3 is appropriately set to a value that allows the solids 90 to be separated, among the solids 90 discharged into the space 25 from the inner space of the inner cylindrical portion 6 through the discharge port 63, to settle into the recovery space 26 against the upward momentum caused by the fluid flow within the outer cylindrical portion 5. The solids 90 to be separated by the separation device 1 are not particularly limited, but are, for example, particles with a particle diameter of about 10 μm.

[0079] The solids 90 that have settled into the collection space 26 pass through the solid discharge section 53 and accumulate in the inner space of the discharge tube section 23. By opening the opening / closing section 7, the solids 90 accumulated in the discharge tube section 23 are discharged to the outside of the casing 2 through the discharge tube section 23 of the outer tube section 5. For example, a manager who manages the separation system 10 can operate the opening / closing section 7 to discharge the solids 90 during regular maintenance of the separation system 10, etc. In FIG. 1, the flow of the fluid containing the solids 90 from the inner space of the casing 2 through the discharge tube section 23 to the outside of the casing 2 is schematically shown by arrow A3.

[0080] In the separation device 1, a portion of the solids 90 in the fluid (water) that flows into the casing 2 from the fluid inlet 51 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 is discharged through the outlet 63 and the solid discharge portion 53, and a portion of the fluid (purified water) from which the solids 90 have been separated (removed) flows out from the fluid outlet 52 of the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0081] 9 is a graph showing the results of a simulation of the separation characteristics when the rotation speed of the rotor 3 is changed in the separation device 1 according to the embodiment. In this simulation, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 of the outer cylindrical portion 5 is set to 20 cm, the length in the axial direction D1 of the purification section of the outer cylindrical portion 5 (the combined portion of the expanded diameter portion 504 and the second cylindrical portion 505) is set to 50 cm, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fluid inlet 51 into the internal space of the casing 2 is set to 5 L / min. In this simulation, the fluid is assumed to be water.

[0082] The horizontal axis of FIG. 9 represents the particle size [μm] of the solids 90 to be separated. The vertical axis of FIG. 9 represents the separation efficiency [%]. Here, separation efficiency refers to the collection rate (the ratio of the amount of collected solids 90 to the amount of solids 90 contained in the fluid flowing into the fluid inlet 51). In FIG. 9, the data plotted as triangles (line L1 connecting the data) represent the separation characteristics when the rotation speed of the rotor 3 is 1000 rpm. Also, in FIG. 9, the data plotted as diamonds (line L2 connecting the data) represent the separation characteristics when the rotation speed of the rotor 3 is 750 rpm. In FIG. 9, the data plotted as squares (line L3 connecting the data) represent the separation characteristics when the rotation speed of the rotor 3 is 500 rpm. In FIG. 9, the data plotted as circles (line L4 connecting the data) represent the separation characteristics when the rotation speed of the rotor 3 is 250 rpm.

[0083] From FIG. 9, it can be seen that in the separator 1 according to the embodiment, solids 90 (particles) with a particle size of 10 μm can be separated from water with a separation efficiency of nearly 100% when the rotation speed of the rotor 3 is in the range of 250 rpm to 1000 rpm.

[0084] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 9, regarding the separation characteristics of the separator 1, the separation efficiency tends to increase as the rotation speed of the rotor 3 increases. In the separator 1, the rotation speed of the rotor 3 is preferably set so as to separate solids 90 having a predetermined particle size or larger, for example. Solids 90 having a predetermined particle size are assumed to be particles having a particle size of 10 µm, for example. The solids 90 that are not separated by the separator 1 and remain in the fluid include, for example, fine particles having a smaller particle size than the solids 90 that are intended to be separated by the separator 1 (in other words, fine particles having a smaller mass than the mass of the fine particles that are intended to be separated by the separator 1).

[0085] (2) Variations The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0086] (2.1) Variation 1 FIG. 10 is a transparent perspective view of a separation device 1A according to Modification 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part of the separation device 1A. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another main part of the separation device 1A. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the separation device 1A according to this modification differs from the separation device 1 according to the embodiment in that a discharge port 63 is formed separately from the fluid circulation port 62 in the inner cylindrical portion 6. The separation device 1A according to this modification also differs from the separation device 1 according to the embodiment in that it further includes a prevention unit 8. Regarding the separation device 1A according to this modification, the same components as those of the separation device 1 according to the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0087] In the separation device 1A of this modified example, the discharge port 63 is spaced apart from the fluid circulation port 62 in the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The discharge port 63 connects the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion 6 between the first end 601 and the second end 602 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. Here, the discharge port 63 is a slit extending along the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In this modified example, two slit-shaped discharge ports 63 are formed in the inner cylindrical portion 6. Note that, for ease of explanation, in Figures 10 and 12, the discharge ports 63 are illustrated as wide openings. Meanwhile, the fluid circulation port 62 is formed by an opening at the second end 602 of the inner cylindrical portion 6, as in the separation device 1 of the embodiment.

[0088] In the separation apparatus 1A of this modified example, when the rotor 3 is rotated, a fluid flows into the inner cylindrical portion 6. Then, the solids 90 contained in the fluid that has flowed into the inner cylindrical portion 6 are subjected to centrifugal force in a direction from the central rotation axis 30 of the rotor 3 toward the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 as they rotate spirally in the inner space inside the inner cylindrical portion 6. The solids 90 subjected to centrifugal force tend to move toward the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 and rotate spirally near and along the inner circumferential surface 66 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. Then, in the separation apparatus 1A, some of the solids 90 in the fluid pass through the inner space inside the inner cylindrical portion 6 and are discharged from the inner cylindrical portion 6 through the discharge port 63 into the recovery space 26 between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0089] In the separation device 1A, a portion of the solids 90 in the fluid that flows into the inner cylindrical portion 6 from the inner inlet 61 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 is discharged from the inner cylindrical portion 6 through the outlet 63, and a portion of the fluid (purified water) from which the solids 90 have been separated (removed) flows out from the fluid flow port 62 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 into the internal space of the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0090] The prevention unit 8 prevents solids 90 discharged from the discharge port 63 to between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5 (recovery space 26) from moving toward the fluid outlet 52 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. In this modification, the prevention unit 8 includes a partition plate 81. The partition plate 81 is disposed at a position between the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5 as viewed from the axial direction D2 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, and at a position between the fluid circulation port 62 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the discharge port 63 in the axial direction D1.

[0091] The partition plate 81 is a ring-shaped circular plate. The inner diameter of the partition plate 81 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 6. The outer diameter of the partition plate 81 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 of the outer cylindrical portion 5. The partition plate 81 is arranged so that the inner peripheral edge of its lower surface is in contact with the upper end surface of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In this way, the partition plate 81 separates the space 25 and the recovery space 26.

[0092] In the separation device 1A, the discharge port 63 is formed separately from the fluid circulation port 62, and therefore at least a portion of the solids 90 are discharged into the recovery space 26 through the discharge port 63 while passing through the inner space of the inner cylindrical portion 6. This makes it easier for even solids 90 that are small in mass and do not easily settle to be discharged into the recovery space 26. Therefore, the separation device 1A can improve the efficiency with which the solids 90 are discharged from the inner cylindrical portion 6. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the separation performance for separating the solids 90 contained in the fluid from the fluid.

[0093] Furthermore, the separation device 1A is provided with the prevention unit 8 (partition plate 81), which makes it possible to prevent the solids 90 once discharged into the recovery space 26 from flowing into the space 25. This makes it possible to further improve the separation performance for separating the solids 90 contained in the fluid from the fluid.

[0094] Note that partition plate 81 separates space 25 and recovery space 26 without any gap, but this is not limiting, and a gap connecting space 25 and recovery space 26 may be formed, for example, by making the outer diameter of partition plate 81 slightly smaller than the inner diameter of second cylindrical portion 505, or by drilling a hole in partition plate 81. The gap preferably has a shape and size that make it difficult for the fluid to flow in the direction from recovery space 26 toward space 25.

[0095] (2.2) Other Modifications In one modified example, the separation device 1, 1A may not be provided with the opening / closing unit 7. In this case, when the rotor 3 is rotated, the fluid flows into the casing 2 from the fluid inlet 51. Then, a portion of the fluid that has flowed into the casing 2 flows out from the fluid outlet 52, and the remainder is discharged from the solid discharge unit 53 together with the solids 90.

[0096] In one modified example, the casing 2 may not have the inner bottom portion 68. In this case, the inner cylindrical portion 6 may be located at a position overlapping with a part of the second cylindrical portion 505 and the expanded diameter portion 504 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1, and may not be located at a position overlapping with the first cylindrical portion 503.

[0097] In one variant, the inner cylindrical portion 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 5 may be formed integrally.

[0098] In one variant, the second end 602 (upper end) of the inner cylindrical portion 6 does not have to be located at the middle position in the axial direction D1 of the second cylindrical portion 505 of the outer cylindrical portion 5, but may be located closer to the second end 502 (lower) than the position of the fluid outlet 52 in the outer cylindrical portion 5.

[0099] In one modified example, the outer cylindrical portion 5 may not have all or at least the lower half (the portion including the fluid inlet 51) of the first cylindrical portion 503. In this case, the portion of the inner cylindrical portion 6 including the inner inlet 61 forms part of the outer shell of the casing 2. In this case, the inlet cylindrical portion 21 may be connected to the periphery of the inner inlet 61 on the outer peripheral surface 67 of the inner cylindrical portion 6. In this case, the outer cylindrical portion 5 does not have the fluid inlet 51, and the inner inlet 61 of the inner cylindrical portion 6 also serves as the fluid inlet 51.

[0100] In one modified example, at least one of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 503 of the outer tubular portion 5 may not be constant. At least one of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 503 may gradually increase or decrease in the axial direction D2 of the outer tubular portion 5.

[0101] In one modified example, at least one of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 of the outer tubular portion 5 may not be constant. At least one of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 505 may gradually increase or decrease in the axial direction D2 of the outer tubular portion 5.

[0102] In one modified example, the number of outlets 63 provided in the inner cylindrical portion 6 is not limited to one or two, but may be three or more.

[0103] In one modified example, at least one of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 6 may not be constant. At least one of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 6 may gradually increase or decrease in the axial direction D1 of the inner cylindrical portion 6.

[0104] In one modified example, the solid discharge section 53 (discharge tube section 23) may be connected to the fluid inlet 51 (inlet tube section 21) via an appropriate bypass path.

[0105] In one modified example, the inlet cylindrical portion 21 is not limited to a rectangular cylindrical shape, and may have other shapes such as a cylindrical shape.

[0106] In one modified example, the cylindrical outflow portion 22 is not limited to a rectangular cylindrical shape, and may have other shapes such as a cylindrical shape.

[0107] In one modified example, the shape of the rotor 3 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be other shapes. For example, the rotor 3 may be a truncated cone shape whose diameter gradually increases from the first end 31 side toward the second end 32 side. In this case, by rotating the rotor 3, it becomes easier to create a negative pressure (lower pressure than the first end 31 side) on the second end 32 side in the space around the rotor 3, making it easier to draw the fluid into the casing 2.

[0108] In one modified example, each of the multiple blades 4 may be inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to a radial direction of the rotor 3. In this case, for each of the multiple blades 4, the tip on the inner cylindrical portion 6 side in the protruding direction from the rotor 3 may be located rearward in the rotation direction R1 of the rotor 3 relative to the base end on the rotor 3 side (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Alternatively, for each of the multiple blades 4, the tip on the inner cylindrical portion 6 side in the protruding direction from the rotor 3 may be located forward in the rotation direction R1 of the rotor 3 relative to the base end on the rotor 3 side. In other words, each of the multiple blades 4 may be inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to a radial direction of the rotor 3 in the rotation direction R1 of the rotor 3. The predetermined angle is not limited to 45 degrees and may be an angle greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees. For example, the predetermined angle may be an angle in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0109] In one modified example, each of the plurality of blades 4 may have a shape including one or more curved portions such as arc-shaped portions.

[0110] In one modified example, each of the plurality of blades 4 may be formed in a spiral shape around the shaft 30 of the rotor 3. Here, "spiral" is not limited to a spiral shape with one or more revolutions, but also includes a partial shape of a spiral shape with one revolution.

[0111] In one modification, the fluid flowing into the casing 2 from the fluid inlet 51 is not limited to water, but may be a liquid other than water, or a gas such as air.

[0112] In a modified example of the separation device 1A, the outlet 63 does not have to be slit-shaped, and may have any suitable shape such as a circle or a polygon.

[0113] In one modified example of the separation device 1A, the discharge port 63 may be connected to the fluid circulation port 62 (the opening on the second end 602 side of the inner cylindrical portion 6). For example, the discharge port 63 may be in the form of a slit extending from the periphery of the fluid circulation port 62 along the axial direction D2.

[0114] (3) Mode As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0115] The separation device (1; 1A) of the first aspect includes a casing (2) with a bottom, a rotor (3), and impellers (4). The casing (2) includes an outer cylindrical portion (5) and an inner cylindrical portion (6) disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion (5). The rotor (3) is disposed inside the inner cylindrical portion (6). The rotor (3) is rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the axial direction (D1) of the inner cylindrical portion (6). The impellers (4) are disposed between the inner cylindrical portion (6) and the rotor (3). The impellers (4) rotate together with the rotor (3). The inner cylindrical portion (6) includes an inner inlet (61) and an outlet (63). The inner inlet (61) provides communication between the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion (6). The outlet (63) provides communication between the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion (6). The discharge port (63) discharges solids (90) contained in the fluid that has flowed into the inner cylindrical portion (6) through the inner inlet (61) to between the inner cylindrical portion (6) and the outer cylindrical portion (5). The outer cylindrical portion (5) includes a fluid outlet (52) and a solid discharge portion (53). The fluid outlet (52) connects the inside and outside of the outer cylindrical portion (5). The fluid outlet (52) allows the fluid that has flowed out from the inside of the inner cylindrical portion (6) and into the inside of the outer cylindrical portion (5) to flow out of the outer cylindrical portion (5). The solid discharge portion (53) is spaced apart from the fluid outlet (52) in the axial direction (D1). The solid discharge portion (53) discharges solids (90) discharged from the discharge port (63) of the inner cylindrical portion (6) to the outside of the outer cylindrical portion (5).

[0116] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the separation performance for separating the solids (90) contained in the fluid from the fluid.

[0117] The separation device (1; 1A) of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but further includes an opening / closing unit (7) for opening and closing the solid discharge unit (53).

[0118] According to this embodiment, it is possible to recover the solid (90) at a desired timing.

[0119] In the separation device (1A) of the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the outlet (63) is a slit formed in the inner cylindrical portion (6).

[0120] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the separation performance.

[0121] In the separation device (1; 1A) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the inner cylindrical portion (6) further includes a fluid circulation port (62). The fluid circulation port (62) is spaced apart from the discharge port (63) and the inner inlet (61) in the axial direction (D1). The fluid circulation port (62) connects the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion (6). The fluid circulation port (62) allows the fluid that has flowed into the inside of the inner cylindrical portion (6) to flow out of the inner cylindrical portion (6) to the inside of the outer cylindrical portion (5).

[0122] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the separation performance.

[0123] The separation device (1A) of the fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, further including a prevention part (8). The prevention part (8) prevents the solids (90) discharged from the discharge port (63) to between the inner cylindrical part (6) and the outer cylindrical part (5) from moving toward the fluid outlet (52).

[0124] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the solids (90) discharged from the discharge port (63) from flowing into the fluid outlet (52), thereby improving the separation performance.

[0125] In the separation device (1A) of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the prevention unit (8) includes a partition plate (81). The partition plate (81) is disposed at a position between the inner cylindrical portion (6) and the outer cylindrical portion (5) as viewed in the axial direction (D1), and at a position between the fluid circulation port (62) and the discharge port (63) of the inner cylindrical portion (6) in the axial direction (D1).

[0126] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the solids (90) discharged from the discharge port (63) from flowing into the fluid outlet (52), thereby improving the separation performance.

[0127] The separation device (1; 1A) of a seventh aspect is the separation device (1; 1A) of any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising an inlet cylindrical portion (21). The inlet cylindrical portion (21) guides the fluid from the outside to the inside of the casing (2).

[0128] According to this embodiment, it is possible to introduce the fluid into the casing (2) through the inlet cylindrical portion (21).

[0129] In the separation device (1; 1A) of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the outer cylindrical portion (5) is a cylindrical portion with a bottom and having a circular inner circumferential shape. The inlet cylindrical portion (21) protrudes in a direction tangent to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion (5) as viewed in the axial direction (D1).

[0130] According to this embodiment, it is possible to introduce the fluid into the casing (2) through the inlet cylindrical portion (21).

[0131] In the separation device (1; 1A) of the ninth aspect, in the seventh or eighth aspect, the distance between the solid discharge portion (53) and the inlet tube portion (21) in the axial direction (D1) is shorter than the distance between the solid discharge portion (53) and the fluid outlet (52).

[0132] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the separation performance.

[0133] The separation device (1; 1A) of a tenth aspect is the separation device (1; 1A) of any one of the first to ninth aspects, further including an outflow tubular part (22). The outflow tubular part (22) has an internal space communicating with the fluid outlet (52) and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular part (5).

[0134] According to this embodiment, the fluid from which the solids (90) have been separated can easily flow through the fluid outlet (52) and the outlet tube portion (22).

[0135] A separation system (10) of an eleventh aspect includes the separation device (1; 1A) of any one of the first to tenth aspects, and a drive device (11) that rotationally drives the rotor (3).

[0136] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the separation performance. [Industrial Applicability]

[0137] The separation device and separation system of the present disclosure can improve the separation performance of separating solids contained in a fluid from the fluid, thereby reducing the amount of impurities contained in water for domestic use, industrial use, agricultural use, etc. In other words, the separation device and separation system of the present disclosure are industrially useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1,1A separation device 2 Casing 21 Inflow cylinder part 22 Outflow cylinder part 3 Rotating body 4 Feathers 5 Outer cylinder 52 fluid outlet 53 Solids discharge section 6 Inner cylinder 61 Inner inlet 62 Fluid flow port 63 Outlet 7. Opening and closing section 8 Prevention part 81 Partition 90 solid 10 Separation System 11 Drive unit D1,D2 Axial direction

Claims

1. a casing having a bottom and including an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion disposed inside the outer cylindrical portion; a rotating body disposed inside the inner cylindrical portion and rotatable about a rotation axis along an axial direction of the inner cylindrical portion; a blade disposed between the inner cylindrical portion and the rotor and rotating together with the rotor; Equipped with The inner cylindrical portion is an inner inlet that communicates the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion; a discharge port that connects the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion and discharges solids contained in the fluid that has flowed into the inside of the inner cylindrical portion through the inner inlet to a space between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion; Equipped with The outer cylinder portion is a fluid outlet that connects the inside and outside of the outer cylindrical portion and allows the fluid that has flowed out from the inside of the inner cylindrical portion and into the inside of the outer cylindrical portion to flow out to the outside of the outer cylindrical portion; a solid discharge section that is spaced apart from the fluid outlet in the axial direction and that discharges the solids discharged from the discharge port of the inner cylindrical section to the outside of the outer cylindrical section; Equipped with Separation device.

2. Further provided is an opening / closing unit that opens and closes the solid discharge unit. The separation device of claim 1 .

3. The outlet is a slit formed in the inner cylindrical portion. The separation device of claim 1 .

4. The inner cylindrical portion is a fluid circulation port that is spaced apart from the outlet and the inner inlet in the axial direction, that connects the inside and outside of the inner cylindrical portion, and that allows the fluid that has flowed into the inside of the inner cylindrical portion to flow out to the outside of the inner cylindrical portion and into the inside of the outer cylindrical portion, The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The apparatus further includes a prevention portion that prevents the solids discharged from the discharge port between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion from moving toward the fluid outlet. The separation device of claim 4.

6. the prevention portion includes a partition plate disposed at a position between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion as viewed in the axial direction, and at a position between the fluid circulation port and the discharge port of the inner cylindrical portion in the axial direction. The separation device according to claim 5 .

7. Further provided is an inlet tube portion that guides the fluid from the outside to the inside of the casing. The separation device of claim 1 .

8. the outer cylinder portion is a cylindrical portion with a bottom and a circular inner periphery, The inlet cylindrical portion protrudes in a direction along a tangent to an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion when viewed in the axial direction. The separation device of claim 7.

9. In a direction along the axial direction, a distance between the solid discharge portion and the inlet tube portion is shorter than a distance between the solid discharge portion and the fluid outlet. A separation device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The fluid outlet further includes an outlet tube portion having an internal space communicating with the fluid outlet port and protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the outer tube portion. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. A separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a drive device that drives the rotating body to rotate; Equipped with Separation system.

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