Reactor

Abstract

A reaction device capable of effectively irradiating a photocatalyst with light is provided. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reaction apparatus comprising an apparatus body 51 that contains a raw material R1 and a photocatalyst C, an elongated light-guiding member 53 that is at least partially immersed in the raw material in the apparatus body and guides light to the photocatalyst, and a light source 52 that is provided outside the apparatus body and optically connected to the light-guiding member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reactor. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a photocatalytic device that includes a UV lamp for irradiating water containing oxygen nanobubbles with ultraviolet light and a reaction tube with a photocatalyst inside. In Patent Document 1, the UV lamp is arranged around the reaction tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 103762 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the configuration described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where the photocatalyst cannot be sufficiently irradiated with light.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a reaction device that can effectively irradiate light onto a photocatalyst. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reaction apparatus comprising an apparatus body that contains raw material and a photocatalyst, an elongated light-guiding member that is at least partially immersed in the raw material in the apparatus body and that guides light to the photocatalyst, and a light source that is provided outside the apparatus body and optically connected to the light-guiding member.

[0007] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a reaction device that can effectively irradiate light onto the photocatalyst. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of a reaction system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a reaction system according to a modified example. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a reaction system according to a modified example. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing variations in the arrangement of light guide tubes. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing variations in the arrangement of light guide tubes (FIGS. 5A and 5B). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0010] <Reaction System> Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an example of a reaction system. The reaction system 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes a reaction apparatus 5, a first supply tank 1, a second supply tank 2, an oxygen supply source 3, a carbon dioxide supply source 4, and a settling tank 6. In the reaction system 100, raw materials are supplied to the reaction apparatus 5 from the first supply tank 1, the second supply tank 2, the oxygen supply source 3, and the carbon dioxide supply source 4, and a reaction proceeds in the reaction apparatus 5. A mixed liquid M containing a product produced in the reaction apparatus 5 is transferred to the settling tank 6 and settling.

[0011] (1st supply tank) A predetermined amount of water W is contained in the first supply tank 1. The water W may be water containing impurities, such as tap water, industrial water, or groundwater, or may be water from which impurities have been removed, such as pure water, ultrapure water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, or RO water. However, the water W is preferably water from which impurities such as ions or salts have been removed, such as pure water, ultrapure water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, or RO water. An appropriate amount of the water W contained in the first supply tank 1 is transferred to a reaction apparatus 5 by a pump P1 or the like, and used as a raw material R1.

[0012] (2nd supply tank) A predetermined amount of liquid hydrocarbons E (base oil or seed oil) is stored in the second supply tank 2. The pressure inside the second supply tank 2 may be normal, or it may be pressurized or reduced. An appropriate amount of the liquid hydrocarbons E stored in the second supply tank 2 is transferred by a pump P2 or the like to a reaction apparatus 5 and used as a raw material R2.

[0013] (gas supply source) The oxygen supply source 3 is, for example, an oxygen cylinder or the like, and supplies oxygen to the water W contained in the reaction device 5. The carbon dioxide supply source 4 is, for example, a carbon dioxide cylinder or the like, and supplies carbon dioxide to the water W contained in the reaction device 5. The oxygen supply source 3 and the carbon dioxide supply source 4 are connected to the bubble generator 54 and the bubble generator 55 of the reaction device 5, respectively.

[0014] (Stationing tank) The settling tank 6 contains a mixed liquid M containing a product obtained after the reaction is completed in the reaction apparatus 5. The pressure inside the reaction apparatus 5 may be normal, or may be increased or decreased. The mixed liquid M is transferred to the settling tank 6 by a pump P3 or the like.

[0015] (Reaction Apparatus) The reaction apparatus 5 includes an apparatus main body 51, a light source 52, a light-guiding member 53, a bubble generator 54, and another bubble generator 55. The apparatus main body 51 accommodates a raw material R1 containing water W supplied from the first supply tank 1, a raw material R2 containing liquid hydrocarbon E (raw oil) supplied from the second supply tank 2, and a photocatalyst C. The pressure inside the apparatus main body 51 may be normal, pressurized, or reduced, but the raw materials R1 and R2 are held as a fluid (liquid in this embodiment) by the reaction apparatus (apparatus main body 51) 5. The photocatalyst C is held in a dispersed state in the raw material R2. As such, the reaction apparatus 5 is a so-called fluidized bed apparatus, and the raw materials R1 and R2 can be continuously supplied from the first supply tank 1 and the second supply tank 2, and a mixed liquid M containing the product can be collected in the settling tank 6. In other words, the product production reaction can proceed continuously. Furthermore, since the photocatalysts C are also held as a fluid in the raw material R2, the photocatalysts C are less likely to come into close contact with each other, and it is easier to irradiate each photocatalyst C with uniform and sufficient light. In other words, the reaction for producing the product can proceed efficiently. The photocatalyst C is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately depending on the type of reaction to proceed. As an example, the reaction for producing the product in this embodiment will be described in detail later. In this specification, the term "raw material" refers to a component involved in the photocatalytic reaction in the reaction device 5. The raw material may include a first raw material containing an aqueous phase and a second raw material containing an oil phase that can be separated into layers from the aqueous phase. These are separated into layers due to the difference in specific gravity within the device body 51. .

[0016] In the apparatus main body 51, the layer of raw material R1 is separated from the layer of raw material R2 and arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, raw material R2 is an oil phase, and the other raw material R1 is an aqueous phase. Therefore, the layer of raw material R1, which has a relatively high specific gravity, is arranged below the layer of raw material R2, which has a relatively low specific gravity. This arrangement allows the production reaction to proceed with less energy, as will be described later.

[0017] Bubble generators 54, 55 are immersed in raw material R1 containing water W. Bubble generators 54, 55 are ultrafine-pore type bubble generators that use oxygen and carbon dioxide supplied from oxygen supply source 3 and carbon dioxide supply source 4, respectively, to generate oxygen and carbon dioxide bubbles B within device main body 51. Bubble generator 54 has an oxygen jetting portion that jets out oxygen bubbles B (gas layer). Bubble generator 55 has a carbon dioxide jetting portion that jets out carbon dioxide bubbles B (gas layer). At least one of bubble generators 54 and 55 has a raw material jetting portion that jets out raw material R1. At least the jetting portion and jetting portion of bubble generators 54, 55 are immersed in raw material R1.

[0018] The oxygen and carbon dioxide ejection sections are provided with special filters with nano-level micropores, and gas layers (bubbles) of oxygen and carbon dioxide are ejected from the micropores. In the raw material ejection section, raw material R1 (particularly water W) in the device body 51 is ejected onto the special filter, forming a flow of raw material R1 on the surface of the special ceramic filter. In the bubble generators 54 and 55, a flow of the raw material R1 within the device body 51 is formed at the boundary of the micropores of the special filter, thereby finely cutting the layers of oxygen and carbon dioxide ejected from the oxygen and carbon dioxide ejection portions (micropores). The cut bubbles are then compressed by the surface tension of the raw material R1, generating nanobubbles, or bubbles B. That is, the raw material R1 contains water W, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The oxygen and carbon dioxide are contained in the raw material R1 in the form of bubbles B or dissolved in the water W.

[0019] At least a portion of a long light-guiding member 53 is immersed in the source material R2. The end (i.e., the upper end) of the light-guiding member 53 exposed from the source material R2 is optically connected to a light source 52 provided outside the device main body 51. Since the light source 52 itself is provided outside the device main body 51, maintenance of the light source 52 is easy. Furthermore, since the light source 52 is unlikely to be exposed to the source material R1 or the source material R2, the light source 52 can be selected regardless of chemical properties such as oil resistance and water resistance.

[0020] The wavelength and intensity of the light emitted by the light source 52 can be appropriately selected depending on the type of photocatalyst C, the type of production reaction to be promoted, the combination of raw materials R1 and R2, the properties of the product, etc. In the present embodiment, as an example, the light source 52 is a UV lamp that emits ultraviolet light. When the light source 52 emits light, the light passes through the light-guiding member 53 and is guided to the photocatalyst C.

[0021] More specifically, the light-guiding member 53 includes at least one light-guiding tube 531. At least a portion of this light-guiding tube 531 is immersed in the raw material R2. The light-guiding tube 531 (light-guiding member 53) has an optical axis along its longitudinal direction (having an elongated shape extending along the optical axis) and is configured to emit light in its lateral direction. That is, the light-guiding tube 531 (light-guiding member 53) is configured to emit light in a direction intersecting the optical axis. By employing such a light-guiding member 53, it is possible to sufficiently irradiate the photocatalyst C dispersed in the raw material R2. Furthermore, even if the raw material R2 contains a colored liquid or the photocatalyst C itself blocks light, it is possible to supply a sufficient amount of light to the photocatalyst C located deep in the storage area A (on the raw material R1 side in this embodiment) or near the inner surface of the device main body 51, which would have been difficult for light to reach in the past. In other words, according to the reaction device 5 of the present disclosure, the storage area A can be effectively utilized to allow the production reaction by the photocatalyst C to proceed favorably, regardless of the translucency of the raw material R2 or the size of the photocatalyst C.

[0022] In particular, it is preferable that the light guide tube 531 is immersed in the raw material R2 along the long axis direction of the storage area A (in the height direction in FIG. 1 in this embodiment) in which the raw material R2 holding the photocatalyst C is stored. In other words, it is preferable to guide light along the long axis direction of the storage area A. This makes it easier to irradiate the photocatalyst C with light without leaking. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the light guide 531 be a side-emitting optical fiber. In this specification, the term "side-emitting optical fiber" refers to an optical fiber configured to emit light substantially uniformly in a direction intersecting the optical axis (i.e., the longitudinal direction). Since the light guide 531 is a side-emitting optical fiber, its small volume allows a sufficient amount of raw material R2 and photocatalyst C to be placed in the storage area A for the raw material R2, thereby enabling efficient use of space. Furthermore, the flexibility of the placement of the light guide 531 is improved. Therefore, for example, the light guide 531 can be bent and placed so that it extends across both the major axis and the minor axis of the storage area A for the raw material R2. Furthermore, for example, multiple light guides 531 can be bundled together for use. Other examples of the placement of the light guide 531 will be described in detail later in the modified examples.

[0023] The photocatalyst C, to which light is supplied by such a light-guiding member 53, is preferably also disposed between the layer of raw material R2 and the layer of raw material R1. Rather, at least in the initial stage of the production reaction, the photocatalyst C may be disposed at the interface I between at least the layer of raw material R1 and the layer of another raw material R2. The photocatalyst C may be disposed above the interface I by adjusting its specific gravity, or may be held above the interface I by providing a mesh-like member (not shown) at the interface I. Here, bubbles B contained in the raw material R1 may rise toward the raw material R2 and come into contact with the photocatalyst C, pushing the photocatalyst C up into the raw material R2. In this way, by utilizing the buoyancy of the bubbles B, the photocatalyst C can be dispersed together with the bubbles B in the raw material R2 without agitating the raw material R2 with a separate screw or the like. This reduces the energy consumed in the production reaction and reduces the environmental impact.

[0024] An example of a production reaction that proceeds when light from the light guide tube 531 is irradiated onto the photocatalyst C and the raw material R1 in a state where the photocatalyst C and the raw material R1 are in contact with or in close proximity to each other will be described in detail below. Under light irradiation and with the involvement of a photocatalyst, carbon dioxide is reduced to produce carbon monoxide (hereinafter referred to as "Reaction 1"), and at the same time, water is decomposed to produce hydrogen and oxygen (hereinafter referred to as "Reaction 2"). Note that the following explanation of the mechanism is an example to help understand the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to a specific reaction mechanism. .

[0025] Response 1: Carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide) In the reaction system Reduced to carbon monoxide will be . Reaction 2: photocatalyst With the involvement of Water is decomposed to produce hydrogen and oxygen (See reaction equation (1)) . 2H2O⇒2H2+O2( 1 )

[0026] These reactions 1 and 2 produced carbon monoxide and hydrogen, as shown in the following reaction formula (2): A mixed gas phase is formed . CO2+H2O→CO+H2+O2 ( 2) Equation (2) is an example of a general formula, and individual elementary processes are not limited to this. .

[0027] The reaction up to this point can proceed when the bubble B and the photocatalyst C come into contact with or are close to each other. That is, the reaction proceeds at the interface I or within the raw material R2. In parallel with or subsequent to the above reaction, the photocatalyst C and the raw material R1 are dispersed in the raw material R2 containing the liquid hydrocarbon E. CO and H 2 Mixed gas phase containing and liquid hydrocarbon E containing the base oil are emulsified. . original The material R2 is The mixed gas phase and liquid hydrocarbon E in an emulsified state possible. The temperature (ambient temperature) inside the reaction device 5 is preferably from room temperature to about 40°C, more preferably about 30°C (for example, from 25°C to 28°C). . anti The pressure inside the reactor 5 is preferably atmospheric pressure.

[0028] At this time, The above mixed gas phase (CO and H 2 ) In this case, the reaction shown in the following reaction formula (3) proceeds, resulting in the synthesis of hydrocarbons. (2n+1)H2+nCO→CnH 2n +2+nH2O (3) This reaction equation (3) can be rewritten as the following reaction equation (4). nCO2+(n+1)H2→C n H 2n +2+nO2(4)

[0029] That is, CO 2 Return of Former The decomposition of water proceeds, and the resulting CO and H 2 etc. hydrocarbons but synthesis will be done. Reactions (3) and (4) is an example of a general expression, which generates Liquid hydrocarbons E Haa Ruken Not limited to, other The compound may be an olefin, an alkane, an alcohol, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, or the like. .example For example , combination formed hydrocarbons The origin May bind to oil deathThe base oil and the new oil do not have to be combined. In this case, the base oil and the new oil may be the same type of liquid hydrocarbons or different types. Furthermore, at least one of the base oil and the new oil may contain multiple types of liquid hydrocarbons. After the reaction, the mixture M of the liquid hydrocarbon E and water W is fed from the reaction device 5 to the settling tank 6, and the mixture M is kept for a predetermined time. silence Place And from the top Liquid hydrocarbons E (New oil) is separated and collected .

[0030] The amount of liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) generated in the upper layer of this mixed liquid M increases by 10% to 15% more than the amount of liquid hydrocarbons E (original oil) supplied from the second supply tank 2. In other words, new liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) are generated. It is also possible to repeatedly isolate the liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) produced in the upper layer of the mixed liquid M and supply it again to the reaction apparatus 5 as the raw material R2. As a result, the amount of liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) produced in the upper layer of the mixed liquid M increases by 20% to 30% compared to the amount of liquid hydrocarbons E (original oil) supplied from the second supply tank 2. In other words, by repeating the operation in the reaction apparatus 5 multiple times, the amount of newly produced liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) further increases.

[0031] In this way, by mixing liquid hydrocarbon E (base oil) with bubbles B containing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, carbon dioxide can be reduced (see reaction formula (4)). Therefore, the reduction of carbon dioxide is promoted and more hydrocarbons can be synthesized compared to when liquid hydrocarbon E (base oil) is not included. That is, by mixing separately prepared liquid hydrocarbon E with bubbles B containing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water along with photocatalyst C, the reduction of carbon dioxide is promoted and liquid hydrocarbon E (new oil) is efficiently synthesized. At this time, since the light guide tube 531 is immersed in the raw material R2 containing the liquid hydrocarbon E (original oil), the light can be effectively irradiated onto the photocatalyst, thereby further promoting the reaction.

[0032] <Method for producing liquid hydrocarbons> Next, a method for producing the liquid hydrocarbons E using the reaction system 100 described above will be described. [1] First, water W, liquid hydrocarbon E (base oil), oxygen, carbon dioxide, and photocatalyst C are prepared. [2] Next, water W and liquid hydrocarbons E are supplied to the reactor 5. The supplied raw material R1 containing water W and raw material R2 containing liquid hydrocarbons E are placed separately in the reactor 5. More specifically, a layer of raw material R2 is stacked above a layer of raw material R1. The temperature inside the reactor 5 is adjusted to, for example, a temperature between room temperature and 40°C.

[0033] [3] Following or in parallel with step [2], photocatalyst C is supplied to the reaction device 5. The photocatalyst C is disposed at least at the interface I between the raw material R1 and the raw material R2. The photocatalyst C may also be dispersed within the raw material R2. [4] Furthermore, following or in parallel with step [2], oxygen and carbon dioxide are supplied to the reaction device 5, and minute bubbles B are generated (sprayed) from the bubble generators 54 and 55 immersed in the raw material R1. The bubbles B in the raw material R1 then rise toward the raw material R2, pushing up the photocatalyst C present at the interface I between the raw material R1 and the raw material R2, and may be dispersed in the raw material R2.

[0034] [5] Next, the light guided through the light guide tube 531 is irradiated onto the photocatalyst C, and liquid hydrocarbon E (fresh oil) is produced through the series of production reactions described above. At this time, the light guide tube 531 is immersed in the raw material R2, which prevents the amount of light from being reduced by absorption, blocking, reflection, dispersion, etc., caused by the raw material R1 or the photocatalyst C itself, making it easier to irradiate the entire photocatalyst C with sufficient light. Furthermore, by emitting light from a direction (short direction, side) that intersects with the longitudinal direction, which is the optical axis of the light guide tube 531, light can be supplied over a wide area.

[0035] [6] Next, the mixed liquid M containing the liquid hydrocarbon E (new oil) is transferred to the settling tank 6. After the mixed liquid M is settling in the settling tank 6 for a predetermined time (for example, about 24 hours), the supernatant of the mixed liquid M is obtained as the liquid hydrocarbon E (new oil). According to the above-described method for producing liquid hydrocarbons E (fresh oil), the photocatalyst can be efficiently irradiated with light, and liquid hydrocarbons E can be produced effectively.

[0036] <Modification> The following describes modified examples of the reaction system 100. The above-described embodiment and the following descriptions can be combined with each other.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, the bubble generators 54 and 55 are each immersed in the raw material R1 containing water W. However, the bubble generators 54 and 55 may be configured as a single bubble generator. Then, bubbles of oxygen and carbon dioxide may be sprayed from the single bubble generator to eject the raw material R1.

[0038] In the above-described embodiment, carbon dioxide bubbles B are supplied to the raw material R1 containing water W, but the bubble generator 55 may also be immersed in the raw material R2 containing liquid hydrocarbons E, and carbon dioxide may be supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source 4. In this case, the amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the raw material R2 where the reaction by the photocatalyst C progresses increases, and it is expected that the liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) will be produced more efficiently.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the reaction system 100 of the present disclosure may have a configuration like that of a reaction system 100A shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a reaction system according to one modified example. In the above-described embodiment, the raw material R1 containing water W and the raw material R2 containing liquid hydrocarbons E are arranged in two separate layers, upper and lower, but this is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 2 , the water W and the liquid hydrocarbons E may be mixed as raw material R3 and placed in the reaction device 5 as a single layer in an emulsified state. For example, the water W may be supplied into the device main body 51 through fine holes in a filter device or the like (not shown), and the finely granular water W may reach the device main body 51 and be mixed with the liquid hydrocarbons E. Alternatively, the raw material R3 may be mixed by stirring using a stirring member (not shown), such as a screw or a rotating blade, disposed in the device main body 51. The photocatalyst C is then dispersed in the raw material R3. In this case, the light guide pipe 531 of the light guide member 53 is preferably disposed in the reaction device 5 along the longitudinal direction of the storage area A2 that stores the raw material R3.

[0040] In the above-described embodiment, the bubble generators 54, 55 are immersed in the raw material R1 containing water W supplied to the reaction device 5. However, this is not limiting. As shown in FIG. 2, the bubble generators 54, 55 may be immersed in the water W in the first supply tank 1. In this case, oxygen and carbon dioxide supplied from the oxygen supply source 3 and the carbon dioxide supply source 4 are dispersed as bubbles B from the bubble generators 54, 55 in the first supply tank 1 into the water W. Then, the raw material R1 containing water W, oxygen, and carbon dioxide is prepared. Next, the water W containing carbon dioxide and oxygen in the form of bubbles B or dissolved oxygen is supplied to the reaction device 5. In this case, it is preferable to supply the water W from the lower end of the reaction device 5, as shown in FIG. 2. This makes it easier for the photocatalyst C to be lifted up by the water current or the buoyancy of the bubbles B, making it easier to maintain the photocatalyst C dispersed in the raw material R3 in an energy-efficient manner. That is, it is sufficient that at least one of the bubble generators 54 and 55 is immersed in at least one of the first supply tank 1 and the reaction apparatus 5. In other words, one of the bubble generators 54 and 55 may be immersed in the first supply tank 1 and the other in the reaction apparatus 5, or both of the bubble generators 54 and 55 may be immersed in both the first supply tank 1 and the second supply tank 2.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the reaction system 100 may have an outer covering device 7 that covers the apparatus main body 51 of the reaction apparatus 5. The outer covering device 7 is a so-called jacket that forms a double wall for maintaining the temperature of the apparatus main body 51 at a substantially constant value. A heat transfer medium or a refrigerant can be passed between the double walls. By providing the outer covering device 7, the temperature inside the apparatus main body 51 can be adjusted and maintained at a temperature suitable for the reaction. In other words, a product (for example, liquid hydrocarbon E (new oil)) can be produced more efficiently with less energy. The reaction system 100 may further include a temperature sensor 8 and a temperature control device 9. The temperature sensor 8 detects the temperature inside the device main body 51. The temperature control device 9 adjusts the temperature inside the device main body 51 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 8. When the reaction system 100 includes an exterior packaging device 7, the temperature control device 9 adjusts the amount or temperature of the heat medium or refrigerant supplied to the exterior packaging device 7. Of course, the reaction system 100 may include further components not shown, or some of the components shown may be omitted.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the reaction system 100 of the present disclosure may have a configuration like that of a reaction system 100B shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a reaction system according to one modified example. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the reaction system 100 has one reaction device 5 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As in the reaction system 100B shown in Fig. 3, one or more additional reaction devices 5B may be included. The reaction device 5 and the reaction device 5B may be identical to each other, or may be partially different from each other.

[0043] The liquid containing liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) produced in the reactor 5 is transferred to the reactor 5B by a pump P4 or the like and used as the raw material R4. For example, the water W in the raw material R4 may behave similarly to the water W in the raw material R1 in the reactor 5. That is, the water W may function as a hydrocarbon raw material in the raw material R5 containing liquid hydrocarbons E arranged in the upper layer of the raw material R4. The mixed liquid M containing the liquid hydrocarbons E (new oil) that has passed through one or more reactors 5B is supplied to the settling tank 6, where the liquid hydrocarbons E are separated. In this way, when multiple reactors 5B are connected, the water W in the liquid containing liquid hydrocarbons E can be effectively utilized to easily increase the concentration of the liquid hydrocarbons E. That is, the settling time in the settling tank 6 can be shortened. It is to be noted that completely different types of reactions may be carried out in the reactor 5 and the reactor 5B. For example, the liquid hydrocarbon E (new oil) contained in the raw material R4 may be used as a raw material for another production reaction in the raw material R5.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the light guide tube 531 of the light guide member 53 is immersed only in the raw material R2, but this is not limiting. As in the light guide tube 531B in the reaction device 5B of FIG. 3, it may be immersed in both the raw material R4 and the raw material R5 (that is, it may be arranged in the longitudinal direction (height direction) of the storage space of the device main body 51). This allows light to be irradiated from below the raw material R5 (R2) where the reaction by the photocatalyst C proceeds. Furthermore, by dispersing the photocatalyst C also in the raw material R4 (R1), the above-described reaction formula (2 ) etc. The reaction by the following formula (III) can also proceed in the starting material R4 (R1).

[0045] Furthermore, the reactions that proceed in the reactor 5 are not limited to the reactions represented by the formulas described above in the examples. It goes without saying that the reactor 5 is useful for any reaction whose progress is promoted by a photocatalyst in the reactants. In this regard, in the embodiment, the case where raw material R1 is an aqueous phase and raw material R2 is an oil phase has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, both raw material R1 and raw material R2 may be oil phases, and in this case, a layer of raw material R1 and a layer of raw material R2 may be arranged separately depending on their specific gravities. The number of raw material layers may be one layer or three or more layers. Furthermore, raw material R1 and raw material R2 do not need to be arranged separately above and below, but may be arranged separately, for example, on the left and right sides. In this case, a wall (not shown) having holes through which part of raw material R1 can pass may be provided between raw material R1 and raw material R2.

[0046] As briefly explained in the embodiment, the arrangement of the light guide tubes 531 of the light guide member 53 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1 etc., and may be, for example, the arrangements shown in Figs. 4(a) to 4(c) or 5(a) to 5(b). Fig. 4 is a diagram showing variations in the arrangement of the light guide tubes (Figs. 4(a) to 4(c)). Fig. 5 is a diagram showing variations in the arrangement of the light guide tubes (Figs. 5(a) to 5(b)).

[0047] In the examples of FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), the light-guiding member 53 (at least one light guide pipe 531) includes a plurality of light guide pipes 531a to 531g. As illustrated in FIG. 4(a), the plurality of light guide pipes 531a to 531g may have one end (upper end) bundled and fixed to the light source 52, and the other end (lower end) may be a free end. The light guide pipes 531a to 531g are each arranged across the long axis direction (height direction) of the storage area A that stores the source material R2, and are arranged to spread out in the short axis direction (horizontal direction). In other words, the light guide pipes 531a to 531g are arranged to spread out within the same plane in the height direction of the storage area A. The photocatalyst C is dispersed among the light guide pipes 531. As a result, even if the raw material R2 or the photocatalyst C itself blocks the light from one of the light guide tubes 531, light from the other light guide tubes 531 can be supplied to the shadowed area.

[0048] The other ends of the plurality of light guide tubes 531 may each have a three-dimensional shape such as a spiral, as exemplified in FIG. 4(b). Furthermore, although not shown, the spirals of the light guide tubes 531 may be intertwined to form a secondary three-dimensional shape such as a double spiral or a triple spiral. Furthermore, the other ends are not limited to being completely free ends, and may be woven together to form a mesh, as exemplified in FIG. 4(c). In such a case, by collecting the photocatalyst C between the spirals or meshes formed by the light guide tubes, the photocatalyst C can be efficiently irradiated with light.

[0049] In the example of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the light-guiding member 53 includes one light guide tube 531. One end of the light guide tube 531 is fixed to the light source 52, and the other end constitutes a free end. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the other end of this light guide tube 531 may extend in a spiral shape along the longitudinal axis of the storage area A that stores the source material R2. In other words, at least one light guide tube 531 may be disposed so that a portion thereof forms a spiral shape. In the case of FIG. 5(a), the number of light guide tubes 531 can be reduced compared to the case of FIG. 4(b), thereby reducing the time and financial costs required for material procurement, installation, maintenance, etc. of the reaction apparatus 5.

[0050] 5B, the other end of the light guide tube 531 is curved at multiple points and arranged in the long axis direction and the short axis direction of the storage area A. In particular, the light guide tube 531 being a side-emitting optical fiber increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the light guide tube 531. Therefore, the arrangement of the light guide tube 531 can be flexibly designed in accordance with various conditions such as the light transmittance of the raw material R2 in which the light guide tube 531 is immersed, the size of the photocatalyst C, the sensitivity of the photocatalyst C, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0052] (1) A reaction apparatus comprising: an apparatus body that accommodates a raw material and a photocatalyst; an elongated light-guiding member that is at least partially immersed in the raw material in the apparatus body and guides light to the photocatalyst; and a light source that is provided outside the apparatus body and optically connected to the light-guiding member.

[0053] (2) The reaction device according to (1) above, wherein the light-guiding member is configured to emit light in a direction intersecting the optical axis thereof.

[0054] (3) In the reaction device described in (2) above, the light-guiding member has an elongated shape extending along its optical axis and is configured to emit light in its short side direction.

[0055] (4) In the reaction device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the photocatalyst is dispersed in the raw material, and the reaction device is liquid As a reaction apparatus.

[0056] (5) The reactor according to (4) above, wherein the raw material comprises a colored liquid.

[0057] (6) The reactor according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the light-guiding member includes at least one light-guiding tube.

[0058] (7) In the reaction device described in (6) above, the at least one light guide tube includes a plurality of light guide tubes, one end of which is bundled and fixed to the light source, and the other end of which constitutes a free end.

[0059] (8) The reactor according to (6) above, wherein the at least one light guide tube is arranged so that a part of the light guide tube is spiral.

[0060] (9) The reactor according to any one of (6) to (8) above, wherein the light guide is a side-emitting optical fiber.

[0061] (10) The reaction apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the apparatus main body further contains other raw materials, and the layer of the other raw materials is arranged separately from the layer of the raw material.

[0062] (11) The reaction apparatus according to (10) above, wherein the photocatalyst is disposed at least between the layer of the raw material and the layer of the other raw material.

[0063] (12) The reaction apparatus according to (10) or (11) above, wherein the raw material is an oil phase and the other raw material is an aqueous phase. Of course, this is not the case.

[0064] Finally, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100: Reaction system 100A: Reaction system 100B: Reaction system 1: 1st supply tank 2:Second supply tank 3: Oxygen source 4: Carbon dioxide source 5: Reactor 51: Device body 52 :Light source 53: Light guide member 531: Light guide tube 531B: Light guide tube 54: Bubble generator 55: Bubble generator 5B: Reactor 6: Static tank 7:Exterior equipment 8: Temperature sensor 9: Temperature control device A: Containment area A2: Containment Area B: Air bubbles E: Liquid hydrocarbons I: Interface M: Mixed liquid P1: Pump P2: Pump P3: Pump P4: Pump R1: Raw material R2: Raw material R3: Raw material R4: Raw material R5: Raw material W:Water

Claims

1. A reactor comprising: An apparatus body containing an aqueous phase containing a foam-like raw material, an oil phase located above the aqueous phase, and a photocatalyst; an elongated light-guiding member at least a portion of which is immersed in the oil phase in the device body and which guides light to the photocatalyst by emitting light in the minor axis direction; a light source provided outside the device body and optically connected to the light guide member, The photocatalyst generates a product in the oil phase using the raw material that rises from the aqueous phase and migrates to the oil phase, The raw material is supplied to the aqueous phase, and the product is recovered from the oil phase. Reactor.

2. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 1, The light guide member is a side-emitting optical fiber. Reactor.

3. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 1, the light guide member includes a plurality of light guide tubes, One end of each of the plurality of light guide tubes is bundled and fixed to the light source, and the other end constitutes a free end. Reactor.

4. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 2, The light guide member is arranged so that a part of it forms a spiral shape. Reactor.

5. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 1, an oil phase storage region of the device body in which the oil phase is stored has a height direction, a width direction, and a depth direction which are perpendicular to each other, and the light guiding member is immersed in the oil phase along the longest direction among the height direction, the width direction, and the depth direction; Reactor.

6. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 1, The raw material includes oxygen and carbon dioxide. Reactor.

7. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 1, The raw material is in the form of nanobubbles. Reactor.

8. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 1, Further, a bubble generator is provided which is immersed in the aqueous phase and configured to generate the bubble-like raw material. Reactor.

9. In the reaction apparatus according to claim 1, an aqueous phase storage region of the device body that stores the aqueous phase is connected to a supply tank that supplies the aqueous phase therein; the supply tank includes a bubble generator immersed in the aqueous phase and configured to generate the bubbled raw material in the supply tank; Reactor.

10. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, an oil phase storage region of the apparatus body that stores the oil phase is connected from the inside to a settling tank that recovers the oil phase containing the product; The oil phase is allowed to stand in the settling tank, thereby separating the product from the oil phase. Reactor.

11. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus further includes an exterior jacket that covers the outer periphery of the apparatus main body, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the apparatus main body, and a temperature control device, The temperature control device is configured to adjust the temperature of the outer jacket based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Reactor.

12. 2. The reactor of claim 1, The photocatalyst is disposed at least at the interface between the aqueous phase and the oil phase. Reactor.

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