Optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid from vertical centrifugal separators.

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide an optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of a vertical centrifuge that suppresses the outflow of microorganisms and optimizes the timing of the discharge of concentrated liquid when opening the discharge valve. This problem is solved by providing an optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of a vertical centrifuge 1, which has a structure in which concentrated liquid is discharged via a heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 connected to a heavy liquid impeller 22 facing a heavy liquid chamber 21, and a structure in which clarified liquid is discharged via a discharge pipe 20 connected to a light liquid impeller 19 facing a light liquid chamber 18, and which continuously supplies raw liquid and discontinuously acquires concentrated liquid. The device has a structure in which a heavy liquid discharge valve 26 provided on the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 is closed to forcibly stop the discharge of concentrated liquid and at the same time starts the concentration of concentrated liquid, and the clarified liquid discharged from the light liquid chamber 18 is detected by a sensing device 4, the detected sensing information is acquired, and based on the acquired sensing information the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is controlled to discharge and stop the concentrated liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for optimizing the timing of discharging concentrated liquid of a vertical centrifuge. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for optimizing the timing of discharging a highly concentrated microbial concentrated liquid discontinuously from the heavy liquid side while continuously supplying a raw liquid containing microorganisms to a vertical centrifuge.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a vertical centrifuge can be applied to water containing microorganisms such as plankton as a liquid to be treated. According to this technique, even for a liquid to be treated containing a large amount of solids, separation can be performed and it can be easily discharged, so that it is effective for separating three phases of a solid phase, a heavy liquid phase, and a light liquid phase.

[0003] In recent years, the technical development of a vertical centrifuge using a separation plate by the present applicant has advanced, and it has become applicable to two-phase separation of a heavy liquid phase and a light liquid phase having relatively close specific gravities.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present inventor has attempted to produce a concentrated liquid of microorganisms having high commercial value from the heavy liquid phase in two-phase separation of a heavy liquid phase and a light liquid phase by a separation plate type vertical centrifuge, but has found that it is not easy to obtain live and concentrated microorganisms.

[0006] The concentration (water content) of the concentrated liquid may vary due to fluctuations in the amount of algae accumulated in the rotating body, such as fluctuations in the concentration of algae in the raw liquid and fluctuations in the liquid flow rate.

[0007] For microorganisms such as algae, there is a high demand for the shipment of concentrated liquids as a product. Therefore, in order to obtain concentrated liquids with suppressed concentration fluctuations, we attempted to store the concentrated liquids in a rotating body by batch operation (discontinuous operation) of concentrated liquid acquisition.

[0008] Attempts have been made to store concentrated liquid within the rotating body using batch operation, and the storage aspect has been technically perfected. However, as the amount of concentrated liquid to be stored increases, a new problem arises: the concentrated liquid flows out into the clarified liquid side.

[0009] Opening the discharge valve on the concentrated liquid side will prevent the concentrated liquid from going to the clarified liquid side, but the timing of opening the discharge valve is uncertain.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of a vertical centrifuge, which can suppress the outflow of microorganisms and optimize the timing of the discharge of the concentrated liquid when the discharge valve is opened.

[0011] Furthermore, other problems of the present invention will become clear from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The above problems are solved by the following inventions.

[0013] 1. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifuge, which has a structure in which concentrated liquid is discharged via a heavy liquid discharge pipe connected to a heavy liquid impeller facing a heavy liquid chamber, and a structure in which clarified liquid is discharged via a discharge pipe connected to a light liquid impeller facing a light liquid chamber, and which continuously supplies raw liquid and discontinuously acquires concentrated liquid, The structure includes a heavy liquid discharge valve provided in the heavy liquid discharge pipe, which is closed to forcibly stop the discharge of the concentrated liquid, and at the same time, the concentration of the concentrated liquid is started. The clarified liquid discharged from the light liquid chamber is detected by a sensing device, and the detected sensing information is acquired. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifugal separator, characterized by controlling the heavy liquid discharge valve based on the acquired sensing information to discharge and stop the concentrated liquid. 2. The sensing device includes a color sensor for measuring the color of the clarified liquid flowing through the discharge pipe. The color sensor measures the color of the clarified liquid, acquires color data including color information of red, green, and blue color components, and transmits the color data to the control unit. Based on predetermined thresholds for pre-registered color components and the color information of the color components obtained from the color sensor, it is determined whether all of the color information of the color components exceeds the predetermined threshold. The device for optimizing the timing of concentrated liquid discharge for a vertical centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that when a predetermined threshold is exceeded, the heavy liquid discharge valve is opened and the discharge of concentrated liquid is started. 3. In a vertical centrifuge that continuously supplies a stock solution containing microorganisms and separates it into heavy liquid and light liquid, The system is equipped with a structure that intermittently obtains a concentrated microbial solution from the heavy liquid side, which is discharged via a heavy liquid impeller facing the heavy liquid chamber. The apparatus for optimizing the timing of discharge of concentrated liquid from a vertical centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a structure that allows replacement water to be injected into the heavy liquid chamber to replace part or all of the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid chamber. 4. The structure capable of injecting the displacement water includes a displacement water supply unit capable of supplying displacement water to the heavy liquid chamber, and a supply channel is formed in the displacement water supply unit. The apparatus for optimizing the timing of discharge of concentrated liquid from a vertical centrifuge according to claim 3, characterized in that the supply channel is arranged toward the upper gap of the heavy liquid chamber. 5. The heavy liquid chamber is divided into rooms by an upper partition, a side partition, and a rear partition. A heavy liquid impeller for discharging the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber is installed above the rear partition without providing an adjustment plate. An optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of a vertical centrifuge according to either 1 or 2, characterized in that a heavy liquid channel is formed in the gap between a rotating body lid connected to the side partition material and a water intake plate, allowing the concentrated liquid in the separation chamber to be delivered to the heavy liquid chamber, and the water intake plate extends toward the bottom of the separation chamber, with a gap formed between its tip and the bottom. 6. The device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid for a vertical centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper partition material of the heavy liquid chamber is formed to extend toward the central axis of the rotating body, thereby reducing the diameter of the circumference formed in the circumferential upper gap between the tip of the upper partition material and the central axis. 7. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifuge, which has a structure in which concentrated liquid is discharged via a heavy liquid discharge pipe connected to a heavy liquid impeller facing a heavy liquid chamber, and a structure in which clarified liquid is discharged via a discharge pipe connected to a light liquid impeller facing a light liquid chamber, and which continuously supplies raw liquid and discontinuously acquires concentrated liquid, The heavy liquid discharge valve provided in the heavy liquid discharge pipe is closed, forcibly stopping the discharge of the concentrated liquid and initiating the concentration of the concentrated liquid. The heavy liquid discharge pipe is equipped with a flow meter for detecting the cumulative flow rate of the concentrated liquid. The clarified liquid discharged from the light liquid chamber is detected by a sensing device, and the detected sensing information is acquired. Based on the acquired sensing information, the heavy liquid discharge valve is opened to discharge the concentrated liquid. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifugal separator, characterized in that when the cumulative flow rate detected by the flow meter reaches a predetermined flow rate, the heavy liquid discharge valve is closed and the discharge of concentrated liquid is stopped. 8. The sensing device includes a color sensor for measuring the color of the clarified liquid flowing through the discharge pipe. The color sensor measures the color of the clarified liquid, acquires color data including color information of red, green, and blue color components, and transmits the color data to the control unit. Based on a predetermined threshold value in the pre-registered color component and the color information of the color component obtained from the color sensor, it is determined whether all of the color information of the color component exceeds the predetermined threshold value. When it exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the heavy liquid discharge valve is opened, and the discharge of the concentrated liquid is started. The optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of the vertical centrifuge described in item 7 above is characterized in that. 9. In a vertical centrifuge that continuously supplies a stock solution containing microorganisms and separates it into a heavy liquid and a light liquid, It has a structure for intermittently obtaining a concentrated liquid of microorganisms from the heavy liquid side discharged through a heavy liquid impeller facing the heavy liquid chamber. The optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of the vertical centrifuge described in item 7 or 8 above is characterized in that the heavy liquid chamber has a structure capable of injecting replacement water for replacing part or all of the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid chamber. 10. The heavy liquid chamber is partitioned into a room shape by an upper partition material, a side partition material, and a rear partition material. The heavy liquid impeller for discharging the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber is disposed above the rear partition material without providing an adjustment plate. A heavy liquid flow path capable of sending the concentrated liquid in the separation chamber to the heavy liquid chamber is formed in the gap between the rotating body lid and the water intake plate connected to the side partition material. The water intake plate extends toward the bottom of the separation chamber, and a gap is formed between the tip of the water intake plate and the bottom. The optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of the vertical centrifuge described in item 7 or 8 above is characterized in that. 11. The upper partition material of the heavy liquid chamber is formed by extending it toward the central axis side of the rotating body, so as to reduce the diameter of the circumference formed in the circumferential upper gap between the tip of the upper partition material and the central axis. The optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of the vertical centrifuge described in item 7 or 8 above is characterized in that.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of a vertical centrifuge, which can suppress the outflow of microorganisms and optimize the timing of the discharge of the concentrated liquid when the discharge valve is opened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A half-section diagram of a rotating body showing an embodiment of a vertical centrifugal separator capable of optimizing the timing of concentrated liquid discharge. [Figure 2] Diagram illustrating the state of water displacement by displacement water. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of controlling the timing of concentrated liquid discharge in this embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing another example of controlling the timing of concentrated liquid discharge in this embodiment. [Figure 5] A half-section of the rotating body showing an example of another embodiment of a vertical centrifugal separator. [Figure 6] Schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the heavy liquid chamber (Figure 5) [Figure 7] A half-section diagram of a rotating body showing an example of a conventional vertical centrifugal separator. [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows a half-section of a rotating body illustrating an example of the main components of a recovery device for concentrated liquid discharged from a vertical centrifugal separator. [Figure 9] Figure 5 shows another example of a modified configuration of the main components of the vertical centrifugal separator, as shown in the rotating body half-section diagram. [Figure 10] Figures 5 and 6 show an example of a modified heavy liquid impeller. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the heavy liquid impeller being introduced into the heavy liquid chamber, viewed from above. [Figure 12] Figures 5 and 6 show another example of a modified heavy liquid impeller. [Figure 13] Figure 6 and a diagram showing yet another example of a modified heavy liquid impeller of Figure 6. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of how to operate a concentrated liquid recovery device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The present invention will be described below based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0017] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a key part of an embodiment of a vertical centrifuge capable of optimizing the timing of concentrated liquid discharge, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a device for optimizing the timing of concentrated liquid discharge in a vertical centrifuge.

[0018] The vertical centrifuge 1, which uses a separation plate, separates the stock solution supplied via the stock solution supply pipe 10 into a concentrated solution and a clarified solution, and discharges them.

[0019] In the present invention, the stock solution may contain one of the following: microalgae (such as Chlorella, Spirulina, Nannochloropsis, Chlamydomonas), microorganisms (such as Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus, Bacillus subtilis), fungi (such as yeast, mold), animal cells, viruses, or a combination of two or more of these. The following explanation uses stock solutions containing the microorganisms to be concentrated (e.g., cultured microorganisms) as illustrative examples.

[0020] The rotating body 11 that constitutes the vertical centrifugal separator 1 is formed by a rotating body lid 12 and a bottom 13. The rotating body 11 incorporates a separation chamber 16 having a separation plate 14 and a water intake plate 15, and a guide tube 17 that evenly distributes the raw liquid from the inlet of the rotating body into the separation chamber 16.

[0021] The stock solution containing the microorganisms to be concentrated, which is introduced into the separation chamber 16 from the stock solution supply pipe 10 via the guide tube 17, is centrifuged by the separation plate 14 into a light liquid (clarified liquid: PW in the diagram) and a heavy liquid (microbial concentrate: SS in the diagram). This invention is effective even when the specific gravities of the light liquid (clarified liquid) and the heavy liquid are relatively close.

[0022] The light liquid in the separation chamber 16 is guided by the guide tube 17 and sent to the light liquid chamber 18. The light liquid in the light liquid chamber 18 is discharged to the outside as clarified liquid via the discharge pipe 20 by the light liquid impeller 19.

[0023] The heavy liquid in the separation chamber 16 passes through the gap between the rotating body lid 12 and the water intake plate 15 and is sent to the heavy liquid chamber 21. The heavy liquid in the heavy liquid chamber 21 is then transferred by the heavy liquid impeller 22, and the concentrated liquid can be obtained as a product via the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23.

[0024] In the separation chamber 16, when the stock solution containing microorganisms is centrifuged, the heavy liquid accumulates in the separation chamber 16, and the light liquid (clarified liquid) forms a vertical interface IF between itself and the heavy liquid (concentrated liquid).

[0025] As centrifugation progresses within the separation chamber 16, the concentration of the interface IF increases and moves toward the center of the separation chamber 16. Meanwhile, the light liquid overflows from the inner circumferential end surface of the water intake plate 15 along the outer circumference of the guide cylinder 17 towards the light liquid impeller 19 within the separation chamber 16.

[0026] The light liquid impeller 19 faces the light liquid chamber 18 formed at the upper end of the water intake plate 15 and discharges the light liquid (clarified liquid) that overflows from the separation chamber 16 and accumulates in the light liquid chamber 18.

[0027] The heavy liquid impeller 22 is positioned to face the heavy liquid chamber 21 formed at the upper end of the rotating body cover 12. It is designed to discharge the heavy liquid that overflows from the gap between the rotating body cover 12 and the water intake plate 15 and is sent into the heavy liquid chamber 21, and the concentrated liquid is discharged from the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 connected to the heavy liquid impeller 22.

[0028] A heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is provided in the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 connected to the heavy liquid impeller 22 in order to intermittently extract the concentrated liquid from the heavy liquid side. In this embodiment, it is preferable that a pressure gauge 27 is provided to measure the back pressure generated by the heavy liquid discharge valve 26. In batch operation according to the present invention, while the stock solution is being supplied from the stock solution supply pipe 10, the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is closed to stop the discharge of the concentrated liquid. With the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 closed and the discharge of the concentrated liquid stopped, the original liquid containing microorganisms is separated into a clarified liquid and a concentrated liquid by the action of the separation plate 14, and the concentrated liquid accumulates in the separation chamber 16. Furthermore, the concentrated liquid accumulates in the heavy liquid chamber 21. The concentrated liquid also accumulates in the flow path leading to the heavy liquid chamber 21.

[0029] As the amount of concentrated liquid increases in the separation chamber 16, it is necessary to optimize the timing and timing of the discharge of the concentrated liquid to prevent it from escaping from the clarified liquid side. The centrifuge shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a sensing device 4 that acquires sensing information from the clarified liquid. If the concentrate is algae, the concentrate in the separation chamber 16 will accumulate, and as the estimated time for sludge space accumulation approaches, for example, the concentrated algae will mix into the clarified liquid. The sensing method of the present invention is designed to quickly detect the outflow of these algae.

[0030] The sensing device 4 preferably includes a color sensor that measures the color of the liquid flowing through the measurement cell as the clarified liquid flows through the discharge pipe 20, by providing a measurement cell in a part of the discharge pipe 20. By measuring the color of the clarified liquid with the color sensor, algae mixed in the clarified liquid can be sensed as color information. A color sensor measures the color of the clarified liquid containing algae, and if a predetermined color is detected, the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is opened to start the discharge of the concentrated liquid.

[0031] In this embodiment, it is preferable to measure the color of the clarified liquid using a color sensor and obtain color data (RGB data). A color sensor is a type of "photoelectric sensor" that emits light from a light-emitting unit and detects the light reflected by the object being detected with a light-receiving unit. Because a color sensor can detect the amount of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light received, it is possible to determine the color of an object.

[0032] Below, an example of controlling the timing of concentrated liquid discharge will be explained based on Figure 3.

[0033] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of controlling the timing of concentrated liquid discharge in this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, first, the supply of the stock solution to the centrifuge is started (S1). In this case, it is preferable to ensure that the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is closed.

[0035] Next, the stock solution is supplied and subjected to centrifugal separation using a centrifuge (S2). Centrifugation separates the stock solution into a clarified solution and a concentrated solution. Within the separation chamber 16, the clarified solution separates towards the central axis, while the concentrated solution separates towards the outer axis. An interface IF is formed between the clarified solution and the concentrated solution, and as centrifugation progresses, the interface IF moves towards the central axis, and concentration progresses.

[0036] As concentration progresses, the concentrated liquid flows from the inner diameter of the separation plate toward the central axis, into the light liquid chamber 18, and mixes with the clarified liquid. The clarified liquid mixed with the concentrated liquid is discharged from the light liquid impeller 19 through the discharge pipe 20.

[0037] Next, the sensing device 4 installed in the discharge pipe 20 measures the color of the clarified liquid (S3). The color measurement involves detecting, for example, the color data of the clarified liquid. The color data can be exemplified by the data of each RGB color. At this time, as described above, the concentrated liquid is mixed with the clarified liquid and discharged from the discharge pipe 20, so the color of the clarified liquid is cloudy due to the mixing of the concentrated liquid.

[0038] Next, the measured color (RGB data signal) is transmitted to the control unit 5, which determines, based on the received RGB data signal, whether or not it exceeds a predetermined standard (threshold) for each of the RGB components of the pre-registered color data (S4). The predetermined standard for color data pre-registered in the control unit 5 is data indicating the timing when the concentrate has been sufficiently concentrated. Therefore, if the predetermined standard is exceeded, it can be determined that the concentration has been sufficiently performed.

[0039] If the predetermined standard is exceeded (YES in S4), it means that the concentrated liquid is mixed with the clarified liquid, so it is determined that the concentrated liquid has been sufficiently concentrated, and the discharge of the concentrated liquid is started by opening the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 (S5). If the specified standard is not exceeded (NO in S4), it is determined that the concentration of the concentrate is still insufficient, and the process returns to step S3, the color is measured, and the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is kept closed until the specified standard is exceeded.

[0040] As the concentrated liquid is discharged, the concentrated liquid gradually stops flowing out of the clarified liquid, and the color of the clarified liquid gradually becomes lighter. As a result, the color data transmitted to the control unit 5 no longer meets the pre-registered threshold for color data. The control unit 5 may, for example, store the time for discharging the concentrated liquid based on the point in time when the pre-registered criteria for color data are met, and then use timer control to close the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 after the time for discharging the concentrated liquid has elapsed.

[0041] In this embodiment, however, the control unit 5 may control the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 to close after a predetermined time has elapsed, based on the point in time when each of the pre-registered color data no longer meets a predetermined criterion.

[0042] Furthermore, the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 may be controlled to close when it is determined that a predetermined percentage has changed from each of the predetermined criteria after the color data no longer meets the predetermined criteria in advance.

[0043] The present invention's concentration discharge timing optimization device is characterized by acquiring sensing information from the clarified liquid discharged from the light liquid chamber, and controlling the opening and closing of the heavy liquid discharge valve based on the sensing information, thereby optimizing the discharge timing of the concentrated liquid. In other words, the present invention can optimize the timing of extracting the concentrated liquid discharged from the heavy liquid side, which will become the product, based on the color information of the clarified liquid.

[0044] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing another example of controlling the timing of concentrated liquid discharge in this embodiment.

[0045] In Figures 1 and 4, as in Figure 3, the supply of the stock solution is started first (S1).

[0046] Next, the color of the stock solution is measured (S10). In this embodiment, it is preferable to separately install a color sensor either near the inlet of the stock solution supply pipe 10 shown in Figure 1, or at any other location inside the supply pipe.

[0047] Next, the color of the undiluted solution is detected by a color sensor, and the color data of the undiluted solution is sent to the control unit, which stores the received color data as a reference color (S11).

[0048] The color data sent to the control unit 5 may include, for example, data for each of the RGB color components, and data such as brightness. In addition to these, data that quantifies the degree of brightness or data that quantifies saturation may also be used. For example, it is preferable to store the color data for each RGB color, including the respective R, G, and B color components. Furthermore, luminance data may also be stored, as well as data that quantifies the degree of brightness. Moreover, when quantifying the stored color data, luminance data, and degree of brightness data, values ​​calculated from the detected data based on a predetermined algorithm may also be stored.

[0049] Steps S10 and S11 can be recorded each time the concentrate is added, or they can be recorded once beforehand and that data can be stored as a reference value.

[0050] Next, as in Figure 3, the liquid is subjected to centrifugal separation (S2), and the color of the clarified liquid is measured by a sensing device 4 installed in the discharge pipe 20 (S3). The measured data is sent to the control unit 5.

[0051] Next, the control unit 5 determines, as shown in Figure 4, whether the color of the measured clarified liquid is close to a predetermined range compared to the reference color stored in S11 (S12). For example, if the reference color is defined as the RGB color component data of the original solution, then after obtaining the measured color of the clarified solution as RGB color component data, the measured color component data can be compared with the data of each color component of the reference color. If the measured color component data falls within a predetermined range, it can be determined that the concentration is sufficient. Alternatively, a certain value within a predetermined range can be set as a threshold, and a ratio between that threshold and the measured value can be set. If the measured value approaches the set ratio, it can be determined that the concentration is sufficient.

[0052] Therefore, when it is determined that the range is approaching the predetermined range (YES in S12), the heavy liquid discharge valve is opened to discharge the concentrated liquid (S5). If the color does not approach the predetermined range (NO in S12), it is determined that the concentration of the concentrate is still insufficient, and the process returns to step S3, the color is measured, and the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is kept closed until the color exceeds the predetermined standard.

[0053] In this embodiment, steps S10 and S11 shown in Figure 4 can also be incorporated into the flowchart shown in Figure 3. In this case as well, these steps can be performed when S1 is initiated. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, this can be achieved by using the acquired color component data of the reference color stored in S11 as a threshold.

[0054] Figure 5 is a half-sectional view of the rotating body showing an example of another embodiment of a vertical centrifugal separator, Figure 6(a) is a partially enlarged view of the structure of the heavy liquid impeller in Figure 5, and Figure 6(b) is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the heavy liquid impeller in Figure 5.

[0055] Figure 5 shows modified examples of the structure of the heavy liquid chamber 21 and heavy liquid impeller 22 shown in Figure 1.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the heavy liquid impeller 30 is formed in a shape that can be inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21, and the heavy liquid impeller 30 has a curved tip portion 31 that follows the curved upper partition material 210 of the heavy liquid chamber 21. Hereinafter, in this specification, the heavy liquid impeller 30 may be referred to as the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 because it has a configuration that includes a curved tip portion 31. The heavy liquid chamber 21 is formed by an upper partition member 210, a side partition member 211, a rear partition member 212, and the outer surface portion 19a of the light liquid impeller 19. The heavy liquid chamber 21 is formed as a curved space, with the upper partition member 210 curving upward from the top of the side partition member 211. Between the lower part of the side partition member 211 and the rear partition member 212, an inlet 150a is formed through which the heavy liquid flow path 150 of the concentrated liquid (heavy liquid) flows into the heavy liquid chamber 21. As shown in Figure 6(a), the orientation of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees so that it can be inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21. Here, the method for rotating the orientation by approximately 90 degrees is not particularly limited, and a conventional method can be used. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the distance between the position of the tip 310 of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 when it is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21 and the inner side surface of the side partition material 211 is approximately 3 to 5 mm. This makes it easier to supply concentrated liquid to the heavy liquid impeller 30.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6(b), the heavy liquid impeller 30, which has a curved tip 31, is provided with a rotating actuator 32 on one side that can rotate the tip 31, and a heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 on the other side.

[0058] The rotating actuator 32 can be rotated so that the curved tip 31 of the heavy liquid impeller 30 is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21 shown in Figure 5. When the tip 31 is inserted, the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber 21 is supplied from the tip 31 and can be discharged to the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 via the heavy liquid impeller 30.

[0059] In the example of the heavy liquid impeller 30 of this embodiment, the internal flow path for the concentrated liquid may be spiral-shaped or perforated.

[0060] In this way, by rotating the direction of the heavy liquid impeller 30, the tip 31 of the heavy liquid impeller 30 passes through the inlet 21a of the heavy liquid chamber 21 and is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21, allowing the concentrated liquid inside the heavy liquid chamber 21 to be extracted. The discharge of the concentrated liquid from the heavy liquid impeller 30 is carried out by the centrifugal force of the concentrated liquid, which is the same as with conventional impellers. Furthermore, to match the curved shape of the heavy liquid impeller 30, it is preferable that the upper partition material 210 is formed to curve upward and extend toward the central axis. This is because it allows the heavy liquid impeller 30 to rotate smoothly.

[0061] In this configuration, the direction of the heavy liquid impeller 30 is rotated until the concentrated liquid is concentrated, so that the tip 31 is no longer inside the heavy liquid chamber 21. This eliminates the temperature rise caused by friction when the heavy liquid impeller is inside the heavy liquid chamber. This is because friction itself is eliminated. As a result, the death of microorganisms can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the process of opening the heavy liquid discharge valve S5 shown in Figures 3 and 4 to discharge the concentrated liquid can be achieved by the control unit 5 controlling the rotary actuator 32 to rotate the heavy liquid impeller and discharge the concentrated liquid.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heavy liquid chamber 21 is partitioned into rooms by an upper partition member 210, a side partition member 211 (continuous with the rotating body lid 12), a rear partition member 212, and the outer surface portion 19a of the light liquid impeller 19. The raw liquid supply pipe 10 side between the rear partition member 212 and the outer surface portion 19a of the light liquid impeller 19 is open, so the vertical centrifuge 1 continues to rotate, and it is preferable to close the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 to replace the water when the vertical liquid level of the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber 21 is L1 due to centrifugal force.

[0063] The replacement water from the piping 24 can be supplied through the upper gap 24A formed in the heavy liquid chamber 21. For example, replacement water such as tap water is supplied to the replacement water supply unit 24B, and the replacement water is introduced from below the replacement water supply unit 24B toward the upper gap 24A and supplied into the heavy liquid chamber 21. In this embodiment, tap water is used as an example of replacement water, but a portion of the centrifuged clarified liquid may also be used as replacement water.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, the displacement water supply unit 24B has, for example, an inlet 240B for introducing displacement water, a storage unit 241B for storing displacement water from the inlet 240B, a supply channel 242B formed below the storage unit 241B, and is configured to supply displacement water from the outlet of the supply channel 242B to the upper gap 24A formed in the heavy liquid chamber 21. The displacement water supply unit 24B is not limited to this, and any configuration that can supply displacement water to the upper gap 24A is acceptable.

[0065] When the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is closed and water replacement is performed, and replacement water is supplied, centrifugal force is acting inside the heavy liquid chamber 21. Because the concentrated liquid has a higher specific gravity than the replacement water, it moves circumferentially away from the stock liquid supply pipe 10 side (central axis side) that supplies the stock liquid, and the concentrated liquid interface moves to L2. As the supply of displacement water increases further, the concentrated liquid interface becomes like L3, and the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber 21 is completely replaced by the displacement water. In the illustrated example, the amount of displacement water supplied is approximately equal to the capacity of the heavy liquid chamber 21, but is not particularly limited. It is preferable that at least the heavy liquid chamber 21 is filled with displacement water.

[0066] In this manner, under conditions where centrifugal force is acting within the heavy liquid chamber 21, a vertical interface is formed between the displacement water and the concentrate, separate from the vertical interface between the clarified liquid and the concentrate in the separation chamber 16, thereby enabling the water displacement of the concentrate in the heavy liquid chamber 21.

[0067] When the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is opened, the concentrated liquid accumulated during batch operation can be removed as a product via the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23.

[0068] When removing this product, after opening the heavy liquid discharge valve 26, the initial waste is the part where the effect of the displacement water becomes apparent and has a low concentration, so it is preferable not to include it as the final product. Also, the concentrated liquid obtained after a predetermined amount has been acquired as the final product will have a lower concentration again, so it is preferable not to include it as the final product.

[0069] Experimental findings indicate that with the "SJ10F Sanitary" centrifuge, the initial waste volume (initial waste area volume) is 100-200 mL, the amount of concentrated liquid obtainable as a product (product area volume) is 600-900 mL, and the portion exceeding 900 mL is the low-concentration portion that does not become a product (the final non-product portion).

[0070] In this invention, once the accumulated concentrated liquid is depleted, the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is closed again to concentrate the microorganisms in batch operation and store the solution. During this process, the water displacement method of this invention is performed, and then the concentrated liquid is extracted as a product.

[0071] In the present invention, the timing of water displacement is preferably such that the addition of displacement water is started immediately after the stock solution is supplied, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of centrifugation by the centrifuge 1. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the addition of displacement water may be started a predetermined time after the start of stock solution addition. Furthermore, it may be at the start of concentration in batch operation, or after the first batch operation is completed and the second or subsequent batch operations are initiated. Specifically, the timing can be simultaneous with the centrifugal separation operation S2 shown in Figures 3 and 4, or it can be controlled by a timer (not shown) to be performed, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the centrifugal separation process.

[0072] By performing the water displacement described above, the temperature rise of the heavy liquid chamber 21 can be suppressed, preventing the death of microorganisms, and also preventing the death of microorganisms due to shear caused by friction originating from the heavy liquid impeller 22.

[0073] In this embodiment, the heavy liquid impeller 22, which discharges the concentrated heavy liquid from the heavy liquid chamber 21, is installed above the rear partition material 212 without providing an adjustment plate. That is, as shown in the figure, there is no adjustment plate between the heavy liquid impeller 22 and the rear partition material 212; nothing is provided between them.

[0074] Conventionally, the adjustment plate 112 was used to maintain the vertical separation interface between the light liquid and the heavy liquid within the rotating body within a certain range (see Figure 7). It has been believed that the shearing caused by the heavy liquid impeller 116 was the reason why microbial cell disruption occurred when microorganisms were concentrated using a centrifuge 100 installed in a heavy liquid chamber 113 with the adjustment plate 112. Furthermore, given the unique nature of the target of concentration being microorganisms, and the structure of the heavy liquid chamber 113 in which the adjustment plate 112 was located above the rear partition material 115 below the heavy liquid impeller 116, the inventors recognized that there was a problem in that microorganisms could not pass over the adjustment plate 112 by centrifugation, and the concentrated liquid could not be discharged to the outside. After diligent research, the inventors arrived at the present invention.

[0075] With the addition of the adjustment plate 112, if the adjustment plate 112 is long (extending toward the central axis), the concentrated liquid is discharged from the heavy liquid side in a diluted state and only in small quantities. If the adjustment plate 112 is shortened (moving away from the central axis), the concentration is somewhat improved and the quantity increases slightly compared to when the adjustment plate 112 is long, but it is not possible to obtain a satisfactory amount.

[0076] In contrast, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, when no adjustment plate is used, the microbial concentrate is sent into the heavy liquid chamber 21 without pressure loss due to the adjustment plate, and the pressure of the concentrate does not decrease, and it is discharged from the heavy liquid impeller 22 by centrifugal force.

[0077] Based on these findings, after conducting various studies on the effect of the control plate on the extraction of concentrated microorganisms, we found that removing the control plate increased the degree of concentration of the microorganisms, allowing us to recover highly valuable concentrated microorganisms.

[0078] According to this embodiment, when performing batch operation (discontinuous concentration) to obtain the desired concentrate, by not providing a control plate, the concentrate can be smoothly extracted from the heavy liquid impeller during the process of removing it.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the rotating body cover 12 is connected to the rear partition member 212. The gap between the rotating body cover 12 connected to the rear partition member 212 and the water intake plate 15 forms a heavy liquid flow path 150 that can deliver the heavy liquid (concentrated liquid) in the separation chamber 16 to the heavy liquid chamber 21.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is opened, the concentrated liquid accumulated by batch operation can be removed as a product via the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23, passing through the heavy liquid flow path 150 and the heavy liquid chamber 21.

[0081] Furthermore, in a conventional vertical centrifugal separator 100 as shown in Figure 7, the water intake plate 106 extends to near the center in the width direction of the rotating body cover 103, but does not extend to near the bottom of the rotating body cover 103.

[0082] In contrast, in the present embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is preferable that the water intake plate 15 extends to the vicinity of the lower part of the rotating body lid 12. Because the water intake plate 15 is long, the heavy liquid flow path 150 extends to the area in the separation chamber 16 where the concentrated liquid is concentrated, thus making it easier to extract the concentrated liquid.

[0083] In this embodiment, the upper partition material 210 of the heavy liquid chamber 21 is formed by extending it toward the central axis side of the rotating body (the side with the raw liquid piping), thereby reducing the diameter of the circumference formed in the circumferential upper gap 24A between the tip of the upper partition material 210 and the central axis.

[0084] In other words, in this embodiment, the tip portion 210a of the upper partition material 210 of the heavy liquid chamber 21 is formed extending toward the central axis of the rotating body. The upper gap 24A formed by the tip portion 210a is formed circumferentially around the central axis and forms a gap between the tip portion 210a and the central axis. The diameter of the circumference of the upper gap 24A formed circumferentially at the top of the heavy liquid chamber 21 (the diameter of the circumference formed by the tip portion 210a) is smaller by the amount that the tip portion 210a is formed extending toward the central axis of the rotating body.

[0085] This is because, by eliminating the adjustment plate, the vertical interface formed by the liquid in the heavy liquid chamber tends to shift more towards the central axis. Therefore, by reducing the diameter of the upper gap 24A, even if liquid splashes occur at the vertical interface formed by the liquid in the heavy liquid chamber, that interface moves further away from the upper gap 24A, thus preventing leakage from the upper gap 24A.

[0086] Here, the upper partition material 210 in Figures 1 and 2 will be further explained in comparison with the upper partition material 114 in the rotating body half-section diagram showing the main components of a conventional vertical centrifugal separator, as shown in Figure 7.

[0087] In Figure 7, the central axis-side tip 114a of the upper partition member 114 is positioned at a location equivalent to the inner diameter of the separation plate 105, indicated by the dashed line, or slightly closer to the central axis. Conventionally, the central axis-side tip 114a of the upper partition member 114 is positioned at approximately 95% of the distance from the central axis to the inner diameter of the separation plate 105, where 100% is the distance from the central axis.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7, the upper partition member 114 is a rotating component during the operation of the centrifugal separator. The central axis side, which forms the supply and discharge passages for the liquid including the heavy liquid impeller 116, the raw liquid supply pipe, and the light liquid impeller, is made of a fixed, non-rotating component and cannot be brought into contact with the upper partition member, so it was necessary to form an upper gap 120. In a conventional centrifugal separator as shown in Figure 7, the raw liquid handled is, for example, fuel oil. Therefore, when fuel oil is centrifuged, solid components are discharged, oil is discharged from the light liquid side and water from the heavy liquid side. When fuel oil is centrifuged, the specific gravity of water is greater than that of oil, and the water interface formed in the heavy liquid chamber is formed outward compared to the oil interface formed in the light liquid chamber. Therefore, there was no need to narrow the upper gap 120 formed at the top of the heavy liquid chamber.

[0089] Although there was a risk of leakage to the outside through the upper gap 120 depending on the location of the interface of the heavy liquid accumulated in the heavy liquid chamber 113, this did not pose a major problem because the leakage was water.

[0090] However, in this embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, there is almost no difference in specific gravity between the concentrated liquid and the clarified liquid separated in the stock solution, and the concentrated liquid that becomes the product is discharged from the heavy liquid side. Since there is almost no difference in specific gravity between the separated clarified liquid (light liquid) and concentrated liquid (heavy liquid), there is almost no difference in the interface formed between the light liquid chamber 18 and the heavy liquid chamber 21. For this reason, it is preferable that the tip portion 210a of the upper partition material 210 in Figures 1 and 2 is positioned significantly closer to the central axis than the inner diameter of the separation plate 14 shown by the dashed line. Specifically, it is preferable that it be approximately 85% or less of the distance from the central axis to the inner diameter of the separation plate. As a result, the diameter of the upper gap 24A is reduced, and leakage of concentrated liquid from the upper gap 24A can be reduced.

[0091] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use a vertical centrifuge capable of intermittent valve discharge. In the illustrated example, the bottom portion 13 located below the rotating body cover 12 is not provided as a rotating valve capable of valve discharge, but it may be provided. In this embodiment, since the microorganisms are removed from the heavy liquid chamber 21 side without valve discharge by the bottom portion 13, which is a rotating valve, valve discharge by the rotating valve is performed only in cases such as maintenance such as cleaning the centrifuge or in the case of an emergency stop of the centrifuge, and it is preferable not to perform valve discharge of the concentrated liquid using the rotating valve during normal operation.

[0092] An example of a concentrated liquid recovery device using the rotating body structure of the vertical centrifugal separator of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a semi-cross-sectional view of a rotating body showing an example of the main components of a recovery device for concentrated liquid discharged from the vertical centrifugal separator shown in Figure 1.

[0093] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, it is preferable to provide a three-way valve 28 just before the concentrated liquid is discharged from the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23.

[0094] The concentrated liquid is introduced from the heavy liquid impeller 22 through the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 to the inlet of the three-way valve 28. One outlet of the three-way valve 28 is connected to the recovery channel 29a for the concentrated liquid that will become the product, and the other outlet is connected to the return channel 29b which returns the concentrated liquid to the stock liquid that is introduced into the stock liquid supply pipe 10. By returning the concentrated liquid to the stock liquid supply pipe 10 via the return channel 29b, if the degree of concentration is too low to meet the quality standards for the product, it can be mixed with the stock liquid again and concentrated again in the centrifuge.

[0095] Instead of the return channel 29b, which is connected to the other end of the outlet of the three-way valve 28 shown in Figure 8 and returns the liquid to the original, it may be connected to a waste channel for separate recovery of the discharged concentrated liquid, for example, for disposal. The waste channel is preferably used to dispose of concentrated liquids with a low degree of concentration that do not meet the quality standards for the final product. As shown in Figure 5, if the concentrated liquid has a significant impact on the properties of the original liquid, it is preferable to discard it to ensure a stable recovery of the final product.

[0096] The three-way valve 28 shown in Figure 8 is preferably configured to automatically switch the outlet direction. For example, it is preferable to perform automatic control such as switching based on the color of the concentrated liquid, switching based on a timer, or switching based on the cumulative flow rate measured by a flow meter 23a installed in the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23. The switching control based on the color of the concentrated liquid involves, for example, installing the sensing device 4, which is provided in the light liquid discharge pipe shown in Figure 1, in the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23, and switching the outlet direction of the three-way valve 28 according to the color information of the concentrated liquid flowing through the heavy liquid discharge pipe.

[0097] Furthermore, the timer-based switching control is a control method that, for example, uses the time the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 is open as a reference, and until a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference, the three-way valve 28 opens the return passage 29b and closes the recovery passage 29a, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, closes the return passage 29b and opens the recovery passage 29a, thereby switching the outlet direction of the three-way valve 28.

[0098] Furthermore, the switching control based on the cumulative flow rate of the flow meter involves, for example, installing a flow meter downstream of the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 of the heavy liquid discharge pipe 23 and upstream of the three-way valve 28, and measuring the cumulative flow rate of the concentrated liquid flowing through the flow meter per unit time. The three-way valve 28 keeps the return channel 29b open and the recovery channel 29a closed until the cumulative flow rate reaches a predetermined level. Once the predetermined level is reached, the three-way valve 28 closes the return channel 29b and opens the recovery channel 29a, thereby switching the outlet direction of the three-way valve 28. In this embodiment, the same control may be performed using a waste channel instead of the return channel 29b.

[0099] In this embodiment, if the raw material has consistent properties, a sufficiently high-quality concentrated liquid can be obtained even with timer-based switching control. If there are fluctuations in the properties of the supplied raw material, switching control based on the cumulative flow rate of the flow meter is preferable. These switching controls allow for the automatic acquisition of a concentrated liquid with high product quality.

[0100] Instead of the three-way valve 28 shown in Figure 8, on-off valves (not shown) may be provided in each of the recovery channel 29a and the return channel 29b (or waste channel). In this case, on-off valves are provided in both the recovery channel 29a and the return channel 29b (or waste channel), and control can be achieved in the same way as with the three-way valve 28 by switching the on-off valve of the recovery channel 29a and the on-off valve of the return channel 29b (or waste channel) ON / OFF.

[0101] Furthermore, we will explain switching control based on cumulative flow rate in more detail. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 5 is electrically connected to the heavy liquid discharge valve 26, the on / off valve 25, the flow meter 23a, and the three-way valve 28.

[0102] When the control unit 5 receives a signal that the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 has opened, it controls the three-way valve 28 to open the return channel 29b and close the recovery channel 29a, and also acquires the flow rate detected by the flow meter 23a. The flow meter 23a can calculate the cumulative flow rate and send it to the control unit 5.

[0103] The control unit 5 has a preset first flow rate for switching control of the three-way valve based on the cumulative flow rate. When the cumulative flow rate obtained from the flow meter 23a reaches the first flow rate, it controls the system to close the return channel 29b and open the recovery channel 29a to recover the concentrated liquid.

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 5 has a pre-set second flow rate for controlling the closing of the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 based on the cumulative flow rate. The second flow rate is the amount of concentrated liquid that meets product quality requirements. When the cumulative flow rate obtained from the flow meter 23a reaches the second flow rate, the control unit 5 controls the closing of the heavy liquid discharge valve 26, the opening of the return channel 29b, the closing of the recovery channel 29a, and the opening of the on / off valve 25 to supply heavy liquid chamber displacement water into the heavy liquid chamber 21.

[0105] Furthermore, the embodiment shown in Figure 9 uses the heavy liquid impeller 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6 instead of the heavy liquid impeller 22 shown in Figure 8. Control is possible in the embodiment shown in Figure 9 in the same way as in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is connected to a rotary actuator 32 (see Figure 6(B)) that rotates the curved heavy liquid impeller 30. The operation of the heavy liquid impeller 30 and the rotary actuator 32 shown in Figure 9 is as follows: when opening the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 in Figure 8, the control unit 5 drives the rotary actuator 32 to insert the tip 31 of the heavy liquid impeller 30 into the curved heavy liquid chamber 21. When closing the heavy liquid discharge valve 26, the control unit 5 drives the rotary actuator 32 to pull the tip 31 of the heavy liquid impeller 30 out of the curved heavy liquid chamber. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when using the heavy liquid impeller 30, the tip 31 of the heavy liquid impeller 30 is not inserted into the heavy liquid chamber during concentration, so water displacement is not necessary, and there is no need to control the on / off valve 25 for adding water to the heavy liquid chamber. In this way, the embodiment shown in Figure 9 can be controlled in the same way as in Figure 8.

[0106] Modified examples of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows an example of a modified heavy liquid impeller from Figures 5 and 6, and Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the heavy liquid impeller from Figures 5 and 6 introduced into a heavy liquid chamber, viewed from above.

[0107] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the tip portion 31 of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 is the part that is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber, and the tip portion 31 that is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21 from the inlet 21a of the heavy liquid chamber 21 is formed in a curved shape. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the inlet 21a of the heavy liquid chamber 21 is circumferential when viewed from above, and the tip portion 31 is inserted from this inlet 21a and the tip portion 310 is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21, so the outer surface portion 311 of the tip portion 31 is formed in a curved shape that can pass through the inlet 21a. In other words, when the tip portion 31 is inserted into the inlet 21a, the outer surface portion 311 is always kept from interfering with the outer surface portion 19a of the light liquid impeller 19. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the heavy liquid chamber 21 is formed in a circular shape on a plane, and as the centrifuge rotates, the liquid inside the heavy liquid chamber 21 flows in the same direction as the rotation. The tip 310 is formed such that the upstream tip 310b is shorter radially than the downstream tip 310a with respect to the heavy liquid flow of the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber 21. This increases the surface area of ​​the tip 310 that contacts the heavy liquid flow, making it easier for the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 to receive the heavy liquid when inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21. Furthermore, because pressure loss to the heavy liquid flow can be suppressed, it becomes easier to extract the heavy liquid from the heavy liquid chamber 21. In addition, when inserting the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 into the liquid in the heavy liquid chamber 21, the contact area between the tip 310 and the liquid surface can be reduced, preventing splashing due to contact with the liquid surface.

[0108] Further modifications of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing another example of a modified heavy liquid impeller of Figures 5 and 6, and Figure 13 shows yet another example of a modified heavy liquid impeller of Figures 5 and 6.

[0109] Figure 12 shows a perspective view with the tip 310 pointing upwards. As shown in Figure 12, the tip 310 of the tip portion 31 of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 has a heavy liquid inlet 310c formed therein, and in the illustrated example, two heavy liquid inlets 310c are provided. Figure 9 shows an example in which a reinforcing rib 310e is provided between the two heavy liquid inlets 310c. When the heavy liquid impeller 30 is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21, if the thickness of the peripheral end 310d of the heavy liquid inlet 310c of the heavy liquid impeller 30 is insufficient to withstand the pressure generated by the water flow of the concentrated liquid flowing through the heavy liquid chamber 21, the heavy liquid inlet 310c may deform. Therefore, by providing a rib 310e, it is possible to prevent deformation of the heavy liquid inlet 310c due to the pressure from the water flow during operation of the centrifuge. If sufficient strength is maintained against the pressure generated by the water flow of the concentrated liquid flowing through the heavy liquid chamber 21, the rib 310e does not need to be provided.

[0110] Figure 13 shows an example of the shape around the heavy liquid inlet 310c at the tip 310 of the heavy liquid impeller.

[0111] As shown in Figure 13(A), the peripheral end 310d of the heavy liquid inlet 310c is preferably chamfered and provided in a curved shape. This prevents shearing of the concentrated liquid at the tip and suppresses pressure loss due to introduction into the heavy liquid inlet 310c.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13(B), the peripheral end 310d of the heavy liquid inlet 310c may be chamfered on the side facing the heavy liquid inlet 310c, and the peripheral end 310d of the heavy liquid inlet 310c may be curved towards the heavy liquid inlet 310c side. This can suppress pressure loss due to the introduction of concentrated liquid into the heavy liquid inlet 310c.

[0113] By adopting the shapes shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), the contact area with the liquid surface can be reduced when inserted into the liquid in the heavy liquid chamber 21, thereby preventing splashing.

[0114] Other embodiments of the concentrated liquid recovery apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 shows an example of how to operate the concentrated liquid recovery device.

[0115] As described above, the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 shown in Figure 14 can be rotated by driving the rotation actuator 32 (see Figures 5 and 6) so that the tip 31 of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 is inserted into or not inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21.

[0116] First, as shown in Figure 14(A), the tip 31 of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 is not inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21. As a result, the concentrated liquid is not discharged from the heavy liquid chamber 21, and the concentration of the concentrated liquid increases in the centrifuge.

[0117] Next, as shown in Figure 14(B), once the concentration of the concentrate has increased, the tip 31 of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 is inserted into the heavy liquid chamber 21 to recover the concentrate. Once a predetermined amount has been recovered, as shown in Figure 14(A), the rotary actuator is driven to withdraw the tip 31 of the curved heavy liquid impeller 30 from the heavy liquid chamber 21, and the concentration of the concentrate is increased again in the centrifuge.

[0118] The process shown in Figures 14(A) and 14(B) is repeated multiple times, for example, twice. During this process, any portion of the concentrated liquid that cannot be discharged accumulates inside the centrifuge. In particular, as shown in Figure 1, the concentrated liquid accumulates near the corner formed by the rotating body lid 12 and bottom 13 in the separation chamber 16, and the concentrated liquid that cannot be discharged remains there.

[0119] In this embodiment, microorganisms are not discharged by the rotary valve at the bottom 13, but are removed from the heavy liquid chamber 21 side. Therefore, valve discharge by the rotary valve is performed only in cases of maintenance such as cleaning the centrifuge, or in cases of emergency shutdown of the centrifuge, etc. During normal operation, valve discharge of the concentrated liquid using the rotary valve is not performed.

[0120] Therefore, after performing the steps in Figures 14(A) and 14(B) multiple times, intermittently, as shown in Figure 14(C), the concentrated liquid is discharged by the rotary valve at the timing of maintenance such as cleaning the centrifuge (partial discharge). Since the concentrated liquid discharged in this partial discharge does not become a product, it is preferable to recover it separately from the concentrated liquid that becomes the product recovered from the heavy liquid impeller and, for example, dispose of it.

[0121] Furthermore, if the concentrated liquid remains in the separation chamber without being discharged, it may solidify, making discharge impossible. This could lead to problems such as the liquid sticking to the separation chamber of a centrifugal separator, preventing the rotary valve from opening.

[0122] Performing this partial discharge makes cleaning the centrifuge easier. Furthermore, by performing partial discharge intermittently as shown in Figure 14(C), the concentrated liquid can be discharged before it solidifies in the separation chamber, thus preventing problems with the centrifuge.

[0123] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the steps in Figures 14(A) and 14(B) are repeated twice. However, the number of repetitions is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate depending on the degree of concentration of the concentrate.

[0124] The example shown in Figure 14 illustrates an example based on the operation of the heavy liquid impeller 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6, but it is not limited to this, and the operation may also be based on the heavy liquid impeller 22 shown in Figure 1. In the case of the heavy liquid impeller 22 shown in Figure 1, the same operation can be achieved by opening and closing the heavy liquid discharge valve 26 shown in Figure 1, instead of driving the rotation actuator 32 of the heavy liquid impeller 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1: Vertical centrifugal separator 10:Stock solution supply pipe 11: Solids of revolution 12: Rotating body cover 13: Bottom 14: Separation plate 15: Water tray board 150: Heavy liquid channel 16: Separation room 17: Guide tube 18: Light liquid chamber 19: Light liquid impeller 20: Discharge pipe 21: Heavy liquid chamber 21a: Entrance 210: Top partition material 210a: Tip 211: Side partition material 212: Rear partition material L1 L2 L3 Concentrate liquid interface 24A: Upper gap 22: Heavy liquid impeller 23: Heavy liquid discharge pipe 23a:Flow meter 24: Piping 24B: Displacement water supply section 240B:Inlet 241B: Storage section 242B: Supply channel 25: Shut-off valve 26: Heavy liquid discharge valve 27: Pressure gauge 28: Three-way valve 29a: Recovery channel 29b: Return channel 30: Heavy liquid impeller 31:Tip 310: Tip 310a: Downstream end 310b: Upstream end 310c: Heavy liquid inlet 310d: Peripheral edge 310e: Rib 311: External part 32: Rotary actuator 4: Sensing device 5: Control Unit 100: Vertical Centrifugal Separator 103: Rotating body cover 105: Separation plate 106: Water tray board 112: Adjustment board 113: Heavy liquid chamber 114: Top partition material 114a: Center shaft side tip 115: Bottom partition material 116: Heavy liquid impeller 120: Upper gap

Claims

1. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifuge, which has a structure in which concentrated liquid is discharged via a heavy liquid discharge pipe connected to a heavy liquid impeller facing a heavy liquid chamber, and a structure in which clarified liquid is discharged via a discharge pipe connected to a light liquid impeller facing a light liquid chamber, and which continuously supplies raw liquid and discontinuously acquires concentrated liquid, The structure includes a heavy liquid discharge valve provided in the heavy liquid discharge pipe, which is closed to forcibly stop the discharge of the concentrated liquid, and at the same time, the concentration of the concentrated liquid is started. The clarified liquid discharged from the light liquid chamber is detected by a sensing device, and the detected sensing information is acquired. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifugal separator, characterized by controlling the heavy liquid discharge valve based on the acquired sensing information to discharge and stop the concentrated liquid.

2. The sensing device includes a color sensor for measuring the color of the clarified liquid flowing through the discharge pipe. The color sensor measures the color of the clarified liquid, acquires color data including color information of red, green, and blue color components, and transmits the color data to the control unit. Based on predetermined thresholds for pre-registered color components and the color information of the color components obtained from the color sensor, it is determined whether all of the color information of the color components exceeds the predetermined threshold. The device for optimizing the timing of concentrated liquid discharge for a vertical centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that when a predetermined threshold is exceeded, the heavy liquid discharge valve is opened and the discharge of concentrated liquid is started.

3. In a vertical centrifuge that continuously supplies a stock solution containing microorganisms and separates it into heavy liquid and light liquid, The system is equipped with a structure that intermittently obtains a concentrated microbial solution from the heavy liquid side, which is discharged via a heavy liquid impeller facing the heavy liquid chamber. The apparatus for optimizing the timing of discharge of concentrated liquid from a vertical centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a structure that allows for the injection of displacement water into the heavy liquid chamber to replace part or all of the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid chamber.

4. The structure capable of injecting the displacement water includes a displacement water supply unit capable of supplying displacement water to the heavy liquid chamber, and a supply channel is formed in the displacement water supply unit. The apparatus for optimizing the timing of discharge of concentrated liquid from a vertical centrifuge according to claim 3, characterized in that the supply channel is arranged toward the upper gap of the heavy liquid chamber.

5. The heavy liquid chamber is divided into rooms by an upper partition, a side partition, and a rear partition. A heavy liquid impeller for discharging the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber is installed above the rear partition without providing an adjustment plate. An optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of a vertical centrifuge according to either claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a heavy liquid channel is formed in the gap between a rotating body lid connected to the side partition material and a water intake plate, allowing the concentrated liquid in the separation chamber to be delivered to the heavy liquid chamber, and the water intake plate extends toward the bottom of the separation chamber, with a gap formed between the tip of the water intake plate and the bottom.

6. The device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid for a vertical centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper partition material of the heavy liquid chamber is formed to extend toward the central axis of the rotating body, thereby reducing the diameter of the circumference formed in the circumferential upper gap between the tip of the upper partition material and the central axis.

7. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifuge, which has a structure in which concentrated liquid is discharged via a heavy liquid discharge pipe connected to a heavy liquid impeller facing a heavy liquid chamber, and a structure in which clarified liquid is discharged via a discharge pipe connected to a light liquid impeller facing a light liquid chamber, and which continuously supplies raw liquid and discontinuously acquires concentrated liquid, The heavy liquid discharge valve provided in the heavy liquid discharge pipe is closed, forcibly stopping the discharge of the concentrated liquid and initiating the concentration of the concentrated liquid. The heavy liquid discharge pipe is equipped with a flow meter for detecting the cumulative flow rate of the concentrated liquid. The clarified liquid discharged from the light liquid chamber is detected by a sensing device, and the detected sensing information is acquired. Based on the acquired sensing information, the heavy liquid discharge valve is opened to discharge the concentrated liquid. An optimization device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid in a vertical centrifugal separator, characterized in that when the cumulative flow rate detected by the flow meter reaches a predetermined flow rate, the heavy liquid discharge valve is closed and the discharge of concentrated liquid is stopped.

8. The sensing device includes a color sensor for measuring the color of the clarified liquid flowing through the discharge pipe. The color sensor measures the color of the clarified liquid, acquires color data including color information of red, green, and blue color components, and transmits the color data to the control unit. Based on predetermined thresholds for pre-registered color components and the color information of the color components obtained from the color sensor, it is determined whether all of the color information of the color components exceeds the predetermined threshold. The device for optimizing the timing of concentrated liquid discharge for a vertical centrifuge according to claim 7, characterized in that when a predetermined threshold is exceeded, the heavy liquid discharge valve is opened and the discharge of concentrated liquid is started.

9. In a vertical centrifuge that continuously supplies a stock solution containing microorganisms and separates it into heavy liquid and light liquid, The system is equipped with a structure that intermittently obtains a concentrated microbial solution from the heavy liquid side, which is discharged via a heavy liquid impeller facing the heavy liquid chamber. The apparatus for optimizing the timing of discharge of concentrated liquid from a vertical centrifuge according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it has a structure that allows replacement water to be injected into the heavy liquid chamber to replace part or all of the heavy liquid in the heavy liquid chamber.

10. The heavy liquid chamber is divided into rooms by an upper partition, a side partition, and a rear partition. A heavy liquid impeller for discharging the concentrated liquid in the heavy liquid chamber is installed above the rear partition without providing an adjustment plate. An optimization device for the concentrated liquid discharge timing of a vertical centrifuge according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a heavy liquid channel is formed in the gap between a rotating body lid connected to the side partition material and a water intake plate, allowing the concentrated liquid in the separation chamber to be delivered to the heavy liquid chamber, and the water intake plate extends toward the bottom of the separation chamber, with a gap formed between the tip of the water intake plate and the bottom.

11. The device for optimizing the discharge timing of concentrated liquid for a vertical centrifuge according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the upper partition material of the heavy liquid chamber is formed to extend toward the central axis of the rotating body, thereby reducing the diameter of the circumference formed in the circumferential upper gap between the tip of the upper partition material and the central axis.

Images