Pulse electric field processing equipment

Abstract

A pulse electric field processing apparatus (1) comprising a first insulating member (2) and a first electrode (6) and a second electrode (8) connected to both ends of the first insulating member, with a pulse voltage applied between the first electrode (6) and the second electrode (8), characterized in that the first insulating member and the first electrode, and the first insulating member and the second electrode, are connected by a first gasket (10) and a second gasket (12) and a clamp-type first fastening member (11) and a second fastening member (13).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pulsed electric field processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Electroporation is a method of treating beverages and other liquids using high-voltage pulses to electrically damage bacterial spores and achieve a sterilizing effect. Various types of electrodes are used to generate the electric field in this treatment, including opposed and coaxial types that generate an electric field perpendicular to the liquid flow direction, and butted types that generate an electric field parallel to the liquid flow direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5750548

[0004] The pulsed electric field treatment device shown in Patent Document 1 is a so-called butt-type device, since it has electrodes to which different voltages are applied, arranged butt-to-butt along a flow path. As shown in this document, the electrodes are hollow and cylindrical, with an internal tubular space through which the liquid to be treated with a pulsed electric field flows. As shown in the diagram, the device comprises a cylindrical electrode serving as a positive electrode and ground electrodes located upstream and downstream of this electrode, with all electrodes electrically isolated by insulating material. This electrode arrangement creates an electric field within this space in the direction of the liquid flow.

[0005] Because the objects to which the electric field is applied in pulsed electric field processing equipment are food products such as beverages, they need to be frequently disassembled and cleaned to prevent contamination by microorganisms. However, with this conventional technology, the structure required to achieve the butt-type electrode arrangement described above is complex, and there is a problem in that disassembly is time-consuming. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a pulse electric field processing apparatus that is easy to attach and detach and therefore easy to clean. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The pulsed electric field processing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a first insulating member having a first flange and a second flange at its ends, and having a first flow path formed therein through which a liquid to be processed flows and which has a circular cross section; a first electrode connected to the first flange by a first gasket having a first opening formed therein and a first clamp-type fastening member, and having a second flow path formed therein which is connected to the first flow path and has a circular cross section; and a second electrode connected to the second flange by a second gasket having a second opening formed therein and a second clamp-type fastening member, and having a third flow path formed therein which is connected to the first flow path and has a circular cross section; and a pulsed voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the pulsed electric field processing apparatus of the present disclosure, the first insulating member and the first electrode are connected using a first gasket and a clamp-type first fastening member, and the first insulating member and the second electrode are connected using a first gasket and a clamp-type first fastening member. This reduces the number of parts required for fastening, making attachment and detachment easier, and therefore easier to clean. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are a top view and a cross-sectional view of a first gasket and a second gasket according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of a pulse electric field processing apparatus according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components and corresponding parts, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. While preferred embodiments of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described using the sterilization of liquids as an example, the pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is not limited to sterilization of liquids. The pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to the present disclosure can be used for a wide range of liquid processing applications, including, for example, extraction of cytoplasm from cells, migration of substances through cell membranes, atomization of solids in liquids, and activation of cells by cell stimulation.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. In this diagram, a first insulating member 2 has a first flange 3 and a second flange 4 at its ends, and a first flow path 5 for the liquid to be processed is formed inside. The first insulating member 2 is typically made of an insulating material that takes formability into consideration, such as ceramic, quartz glass, or machinable ceramic. In the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1, bubbles may be generated by electrolysis of the liquid to be processed. If partial discharge occurs in these bubbles, there is a concern that the discharge could lead to combustion of the bubbles. Therefore, it is preferable to use a non-flammable inorganic material for the first insulating member 2.

[0012] When ceramic is used as the material for the first insulating member 2, the material can be poured into a mold and then fired to finish it, or only the parts that require precision machining can be ground and finished. On the other hand, when machinable ceramic is used, it is generally finished by cutting it out of the material. In this way, the first insulating member 2 is not constructed by assembling each part, but is instead integrally molded or cut out of a single piece of material, which eliminates seams and prevents stagnation in the flow of liquid that comes into contact with the first insulating member 2, and also makes it strong.

[0013] The first electrode 6 has a first flange 3 at one end, and is connected to one end of the first insulating member 2 using this first flange 3 and the first flange 3 of the first insulating member 2, and has a second flow path 7 formed therein that communicates with the first flow path 5. Furthermore, the second electrode 8 has a second flange 4 at one end, and is connected to the other end of the first insulating member 2 using the second flange 4 of the first insulating member 2, and has a third flow path 9 formed therein that communicates with the first flow path 5. In this and the following embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path is all circular.

[0014] Titanium is sometimes used as the material for the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8. When titanium is welded, it reacts with nitrogen or oxygen in the air, hardening or embrittlement, making it prone to cracking, so welding is generally difficult to use on titanium materials. For this reason, it is preferable to machine the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 as a single unit, including the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. The first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 formed as a single unit in this way, like the first insulating member 2, can prevent stagnation in the flow of liquid in contact with the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 and can also be made to have high strength.

[0015] Here, a pulse voltage supplied by an external pulse power supply is applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, thereby forming an electric field in the first flow path 5, the second flow path 7 and the third flow path 9, and the liquid flowing therethrough is sterilized.

[0016] A first gasket 10 for sealing the liquid in each flow path to prevent leakage and a first fastening member 11 for fastening the two first flanges 3 and the first gaskets 10 are disposed between the first insulating member 2 and each of the first flanges 3 of the first electrode 6. A second gasket 12 for sealing the liquid in each flow path to prevent leakage and a second fastening member 13 for fastening the two second flanges 4 and the second gaskets 12 are disposed between the first insulating member 2 and each of the second flanges 4 of the second electrode 8.

[0017] As shown in the top view (left) and cross-sectional view (right) of Figure 2, the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 have a first opening 14 and a second opening 15 formed therein. The material used to construct the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 is an insulating material, which also serves as a dielectric. This material is generally different from that used for the first insulating member 2, and an elastic insulating material such as silicone is used to provide sealing performance against liquids. Looking at the cross-sectional view of the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12, an annular protrusion is formed on the mating surface with the first flange 3 and the second flange 4, and an annular groove is formed in the third flange and the fourth flange to correspond to this protrusion. The protrusion fits into the groove, sealing the internal liquid from leaking.

[0018] Furthermore, in the cross-sectional view (right side) of Figure 2, a flat area is provided on the outer or inner periphery of this annular protrusion, which mates with the opposing flat portions (mating surfaces) of the first flange 3 and the second flange 4 to form a tight fit. This prevents the liquid to be processed from pooling in this area, which is also preferable from a hygienic standpoint. Here, if the inner diameter D of the first opening 14 and the second opening 15 is the same as the opening diameter of the first flow path 5, the second flow path 7, and the third flow path 9, this prevents stagnation of the liquid flow and prevents liquid from pooling in the corners of the steps, which is preferable from a hygienic standpoint, compared to the occurrence of steps in each section when these are not aligned.

[0019] The first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 may be a clamp-type fastening member or a bolt-and-nut type fastening member. However, the clamp-type fastening member integrates multiple components connected in an annular shape and screws (such as thumbscrews) that fasten them at their ends. This has the advantage of reducing the number of parts and simplifying the flange fastening and disassembly process compared to fastening structures using bolts and nuts. Furthermore, when using such a clamp-type fastening structure, it is necessary to provide a tapered surface on the back side of the first flange 3 and the second flange 4, opposite the mating surface with the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12. By providing this tapered surface, the fastening force is evenly transmitted throughout the flanges when the clamp is tightened, improving the sealing between the first flange 3 and the second flange 4 and the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12. This type of flange structure that improves sealing is particularly useful when the internal liquid is subjected to high pressure.

[0020] Furthermore, the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 are characterized in that the first opening 14 and the second opening 15 are interchangeable. An example of a ring-shaped gasket according to this embodiment is shown in a top view in FIG. 2. The parameter representing the opening in this case can be the inner diameter (D) of the gasket. By applying a pulse voltage between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, an electric field is formed in the first flow path 5, the second flow path 7, and the third flow path 9. However, the presence of the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12, which are dielectrics, in the electric field thus formed affects the distribution of the electric field.

[0021] The pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes first gasket 10 and second gasket 12 disposed between first flange 3 and second flange 4, each having an opening formed therein by a dielectric, and first fastening member 11 and second fastening member 13 fastening the flange and gasket. Because first gasket 10 and second gasket 12 are replaceable with gaskets having different first opening 14 and second opening 15, loosening first fastening member 11 and second fastening member 13 and replacing first gasket 10 and second gasket 12 with gaskets having different openings makes it possible to adjust the location and volume of the dielectric present in the electric field formed between first electrode 6 and second electrode 8. This allows for adjustment of the distribution of the electric field. Furthermore, the current value can be limited by reducing first opening 14 and second opening 15 of first gasket 10 and second gasket 12, while allowing current to flow by increasing the openings. As described above, the electric field distribution and current value can be easily adjusted simply by replacing first opening 14 and second opening 15 of first gasket 10 and second gasket 12 with openings having different shapes.

[0022] Embodiment 2 FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1a according to embodiment 2. Although the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 are not shown in the figures below, they are assumed to be provided in the same manner as in FIG. 1. In addition to the components of the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1, the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1a according to this embodiment also includes a second insulating member 17, one end of which is connected to the other end of the second electrode 8 and which has a fourth flow path 16 formed therein and which communicates with the third flow path 9, and a third electrode 19, one end of which is connected to the other end of the second insulating member 17 and which has a fifth flow path 18 formed therein and which communicates with the fourth flow path 16. The insulating members and electrodes can be connected using gaskets and fastening members similar to those shown in embodiment 1.

[0023] According to this embodiment, since the second insulating member 17 and the third electrode 19 are connected, an electric field is formed not only between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 but also between the second electrode 8 and the third electrode 19. Therefore, the liquid to be treated flows through the electric field forming area twice, thereby improving the sterilization effect compared to the pulse electric field treatment apparatus of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, by differentiating the pulse voltage applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 from the pulse voltage applied between the second electrode 8 and the third electrode 19, the electric field formation state can be made variable. Alternatively, the first electrode 6 and the third electrode 19 can be made to have the same potential by connecting them with an electric wire or the like. In this case, it is possible to form an electric field in two locations while maintaining a single pulse power supply to apply the pulse voltage, thereby improving the sterilization effect.

[0024] Embodiment 3 FIG. 4 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1b according to embodiment 3. This pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1b is characterized in that it includes a third insulating member 20 and a fourth insulating member 21 connected to the most upstream and most downstream sides, respectively, of a series of flow paths formed by the first flow path 5, the second flow path 7, and the third flow path 9 in the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 shows the overall configuration of another pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1c according to this embodiment. This pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1c is characterized in that it includes a third insulating member 20 and a fourth insulating member 21 connected to the most upstream and most downstream sides, respectively, of a series of flow paths formed by the first flow path 5, the second flow path 7, the third flow path 9, the fourth flow path 16, and the fifth flow path 18 in the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1a according to embodiment 2.

[0025] Depending on the required electrical properties, dissimilar metals may be used for the metal material constituting the liquid flow path other than the electrodes and the metal material constituting the first electrode 6, second electrode 8, and third electrode 19. If the third insulating member 20 and fourth insulating member 21 are not provided, the first electrode 6, second electrode 8, and third electrode 19 may come into direct contact with the dissimilar metals constituting the piping material. When dissimilar metal materials come into contact with water contained in the liquid, galvanic corrosion occurs, in which a less noble metal with a high ionization tendency dissolves in the water.

[0026] Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, the metal material constituting the flow paths other than the electrodes is insulated from the metal material constituting the various electrodes by a third insulating member 20 and a fourth insulating member 21. This prevents contact between the dissimilar metals even when the metal material constituting the flow paths other than the electrodes is different from the metal material constituting the various electrodes, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion. Furthermore, even when there is a potential difference between the first electrode 6, the second electrode 8, and the third electrode 19 and the metal material constituting the flow paths other than the electrodes, the presence of the third insulating member 20 and the fourth insulating member 21 can suppress leakage current between each electrode and the metal material constituting the flow paths other than the electrodes.

[0027] Embodiment 4 Figure 6 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1d according to embodiment 4, and this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1d is characterized in that a first electrode 6a has a second flow path 7a formed therein, the second electrode 6a having a portion that becomes an opening smaller than the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10. Figure 7 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1e according to embodiment 4, and this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1e is characterized in that a second electrode 8a has a third flow path 9a formed therein, the second electrode 8a having a portion that becomes an opening smaller than the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12.

[0028] In the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1d according to this embodiment, the second flow path 7a has a portion that is an opening smaller than the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10, and this portion protrudes inward of the second flow path 7a, so that the concentration of electric field lines at this protruding portion can be increased compared to the second flow path 7 that does not have a protruding portion. This makes it possible to relatively weaken the electric field at the portion of the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10, thereby suppressing insulation deterioration of the first gasket 10 and further preventing impurities generated when the first gasket 10 becomes brittle due to insulation deterioration from being mixed into the liquid to be processed.

[0029] Furthermore, in the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1e according to this embodiment, the third flow path 9a also has a portion forming an opening smaller than the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12, and this portion protrudes inward of the third flow path 9a, so that the concentration of electric field lines at this protruding portion can be enhanced compared to a third flow path 9 that does not have a protruding portion. This relatively weakens the electric field at the portion of the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12, thereby suppressing insulation deterioration of the second gasket 12 and further preventing impurities generated when the second gasket 12 becomes brittle due to insulation deterioration from being mixed into the liquid to be processed.

[0030] Embodiment 5 8 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1f according to embodiment 5. In this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1f, the first electrode 6 includes a rod-shaped fourth electrode 22 arranged along the second flow path 7, and the second electrode 8b has a third flow path 9b formed therein, the third flow path 9b having an opening smaller than the opening of the second flow path 7. The fourth electrode 22 is supported from the first electrode 6 by a support member (not shown), and therefore the first electrode 6 and the fourth electrode 22 are also electrically connected.

[0031] In the electrode structure disclosed in the prior art document, both the high-voltage electrode and the ground electrode have a cylindrical structure, and therefore the density of the electric field lines formed between them is low in the central region, resulting in non-uniformity in the electric field strength, which is strong at the periphery of the flow path and weak in the central region. In contrast, in the pulsed electric field processing device if according to the present embodiment, electric field lines are formed toward the fourth electrode 22 disposed in the second flow path 7, and the electric field lines are concentrated near the fourth electrode 22, thereby increasing the electric field strength in this area. This improves the non-uniformity of the electric field distribution in the prior art document.

[0032] Furthermore, since the second electrode 8b has a third flow path 9b formed therein, which has an opening smaller than the opening of the second flow path 7, the distance between the fourth electrode 22 and the second electrode 8b is shortened, thereby further increasing the electric field strength and improving the sterilization effect. Note that the shape of the opening of the first flow path 5a in the first insulating member 2a does not affect the formation of the electric field, but may have a tapered shape in which the opening gradually becomes larger from the first electrode 6 to the second electrode 8b, as shown in Figure 8, so that the liquid to be treated flows smoothly.

[0033] Embodiment 6 9 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1g according to embodiment 6. In this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1g, the first electrode 6 is disposed along the second flow path 7 and includes a rod-shaped fourth electrode 22a extending to the first flow path 5. The fourth electrode 22a is supported from the first electrode 6 by a support member (not shown), and therefore the first electrode 6 and the fourth electrode 22a are also electrically connected.

[0034] In the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1g according to the sixth embodiment, the fourth electrode 22a extends to the first flow path 5, and the electric field is formed mainly between the tip of the fourth electrode 22a and the second electrode 8, so that almost no electric field is formed near the first gasket 10. This has the effect of preventing insulation deterioration of the first gasket 10.

[0035] Embodiment 7 10 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1h according to embodiment 7. In this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1h, the first electrode 6 has a support member 23 that supports the fourth electrode 22 in the second flow path 7, and the support member 23 has a structure that allows multiple types of fourth electrodes 22 to be attached. According to this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1h, fourth electrodes 22 of various shapes, including long and short, can be attached, making it possible to provide variability in the electric field distribution formed between the fourth electrode 22 and the second electrode 8.

[0036] Furthermore, by giving the portion of the second flow path 7 that faces the flow of the liquid relative to the support member 23 a rounded shape, it is effective in reducing stagnation that occurs when the liquid collides with the support member 23 and ensuring a smooth flow.

[0037] Furthermore, the shape of the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10 may be the same as the shape of the opening of the first flange 3, and the shape of the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12 may be the same as the shape of the opening of the second flange 3. This is also effective in reducing stagnation of liquid at the flange connection portion and ensuring a smooth flow.

[0038] Embodiment 8 FIG. 11 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1i according to an eighth embodiment. This pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1i is characterized in that at least one of the first fastening member 11a and the second fastening member 13a is made of an insulating material. In the previous embodiments, the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 have been made of a commonly used metallic material. In this case, the first fastening member 11 has the same potential as the first electrode 6, and the second fastening member 13 has the same potential as the second electrode 8. When a high voltage is applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, the closest points at both potentials are those between the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13, and this distance determines the condition for the onset of creeping discharge.

[0039] Therefore, by forming the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 from an insulating material, the creepage distance can be increased to the gap between the first flange 3 of the first electrode 6 and the second flange 4 of the second electrode 8. This allows a higher voltage to be applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, thereby improving the processing capacity of the pulse electric field processing apparatus 1i.

[0040] FIG. 12 shows the overall configuration of another pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1j according to embodiment 8. In this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1j, the first insulating member 2b has an uneven outer shape between the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. This configuration increases the creepage distance between the first flange 3 of the first electrode 6 and the second flange 4 of the second electrode 8. This increases the voltage that can be applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, thereby improving the processing capacity of the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1j. Combining the first fastening member 11a and the second fastening member 13a made of an insulating material as shown in FIG. 11 with the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1j in FIG. 12 is effective in further increasing the creepage distance.

[0041] Embodiment 9 Figure 13 shows the overall configuration of a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1k according to embodiment 9. This pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1k is based on the configuration shown in Figure 3 of embodiment 2, but is characterized in that the second electrode 8 is arranged along the third flow path 9 and includes a rod-shaped fifth electrode 24 extending to the first flow path 5 and the fourth flow path 16, and the second electrode 8 and the fifth electrode 24 are electrically connected.

[0042] In the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1k according to the ninth embodiment, the fifth electrode 24 extends to the first flow path 5 and the fourth flow path 16, and an electric field is formed mainly between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the first electrode 6 and between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the third electrode 19, so that almost no electric field is formed near the second gasket 12. This has the effect of preventing insulation deterioration of the second gasket 12.

[0043] Furthermore, because an electric field is formed between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the first electrode 6 and between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the third electrode 19, the liquid to be treated flows through the electric field formation area twice. This improves the sterilization effect compared to the pulsed electric field treatment device according to the first embodiment. Also, by differentiating the pulse voltage applied between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the first electrode 6 from the pulse voltage applied between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the third electrode 19, the electric field formation state can be made variable. Alternatively, the first electrode 6 and the third electrode 19 can be made to have the same potential by connecting them with an electric wire or the like. In this case, it is possible to form an electric field in two locations while maintaining a single pulsed power supply to apply the pulsed voltage, thereby improving the sterilization effect.

[0044] Figure 14 shows the overall configuration of another pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1m according to embodiment 9. This pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1m is based on the configuration shown in Figure 3 of embodiment 2, but is characterized in that the first electrode 6 is arranged along the second flow path 7 and includes a rod-shaped sixth electrode 25 extending to the first flow path 5, the third electrode 19 is arranged along the fifth flow path 18 and includes a rod-shaped seventh electrode 26 extending to the fourth flow path 16, and the first electrode 6 and the sixth electrode 25, and the third electrode 19 and the seventh electrode 26 are electrically connected. A pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1m having such a configuration also achieves the same effects as the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1k shown in Figure 13.

[0045] Although the present disclosure describes various exemplary embodiments and examples, the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more embodiments are not limited to application to a particular embodiment, but may be applied to the embodiments alone or in various combinations. Therefore, countless variations not exemplified are conceivable within the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification, including, for example, cases where at least one component is modified, added, or omitted, and cases where at least one component is extracted and combined with components of another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 3: first flange, 4: second flange, 5: first flow path, 2, 2b: first insulating member, 14: first opening, 10: first gasket, 11, 11a: first fastening member, 7: second flow path, 6: first electrode, 15: second opening, 12: second gasket, 13, 13a: second fastening member, 9: third flow path, 8: second electrode, 1, 1g, 1i, 1j, 1b, 1a, 1k, 1m: pulse electric field processing device, 22a: fourth electrode, 20: third insulating member, 21: fourth insulating member, 16: fourth flow path, 17: second insulating member, 18: fifth flow path, 19: third electrode, 24: fifth electrode, 25: sixth electrode, 26: seventh electrode

Claims

1. a first insulating member having a first flange and a second flange at its ends, and a first flow path formed therein through which the liquid to be treated flows, the first flow path having a circular cross section; a first electrode connected to the first flange using a first gasket having a first opening formed therein and a clamp-type first fastening member, the first electrode having a second flow path formed therein and communicating with the first flow path and having a circular cross section; a second electrode connected to the second flange by using a second gasket having a second opening formed therein and a second clamp-type fastening member, the second electrode having a third flow path formed therein and communicating with the first flow path and having a circular cross section; A pulsed electric field processing apparatus in which a pulsed voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. 2. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first gasket and the second gasket have annular protrusions on mating surfaces with the first flange and the second flange, and the first flange and the second flange have annular grooves formed at locations corresponding to the protrusions, into which the protrusions fit.

3. 2. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameters of the first gasket and the second gasket are the same as the opening diameters of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

4. the first electrode is disposed along the second flow path and includes a rod-shaped fourth electrode extending to the first flow path; 2. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the fourth electrode are electrically connected to each other.

5. 5. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fastening member and the second fastening member is made of an insulating material.

6. 5. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating member has an uneven outer shape between the first flange and the second flange.

7. 5. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating member is made of a non-flammable inorganic material.

8. 5. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first insulating member, the first electrode, and the second electrode is integrally formed.

9. 5. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third insulating member and a fourth insulating member connected to the most upstream side and the most downstream side, respectively, of a series of flow paths formed from the first flow path to the third flow path.

10. a second insulating member having one end connected to the other end of the second electrode and having a fourth flow path formed therein, the fourth flow path communicating with the third flow path and having a circular cross section; a third electrode having one end connected to the other end of the second insulating member and having a fifth flow path formed therein, the fifth flow path communicating with the fourth flow path and having a circular cross section; 5. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pulse voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode.

11. the second electrode includes a rod-shaped fifth electrode disposed along the third flow path and extending to the first flow path and the fourth flow path; 11. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second electrode and the fifth electrode are electrically connected to each other.

12. the first electrode includes a rod-shaped sixth electrode disposed along the second flow path and extending to the first flow path; the third electrode includes a rod-shaped seventh electrode disposed along the fifth flow path and extending to the fourth flow path; 11. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first electrode and the sixth electrode, and the third electrode and the seventh electrode are electrically connected.

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