Scale removal device and scale removal system using the same

Abstract

A scale removal device 1 according to the present invention includes: circulation piping 2 that transports coolant stored in a cooling tower CT and returns the coolant to the cooling tower; a pump 3 disposed in the path of the circulation piping; a water quality activator 4; and an electrostatic rectifier 5.　In addition, a scale removal system which is another aspect of the present invention includes a cooling tower in which a coolant is stored, in-facility piping P which is connected to the cooling tower and circulates the coolant within a facility, and a scale removal device provided to the cooling tower, and said scale removal device includes circulation piping that transports coolant stored in the cooling tower and returns the coolant to the cooling tower, a pump disposed in the path of the circulation piping, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a scale removal device and a scale removal system using the same.

Background Art

[0002] In buildings using refrigeration and freezing equipment with high power consumption, a cooling system using a cooling tower is used to cool these refrigeration and freezing equipment. In this cooling system, for example, a cooling tower is installed on the rooftop of a building, and a refrigerant such as water is supplied through pipes laid inside the building, and heat is absorbed by this refrigerant, so that the inside of the building and objects to be cooled inside the building can be cooled.

[0003] In order to improve the energy efficiency of this cooling system, it is necessary to efficiently exchange the cold heat of the refrigerant with the object to be cooled. On the other hand, when water is used as the refrigerant, calcium, magnesium, etc. contained in the water electrically aggregate to form scale, which adheres to the cooling tower and pipes and is known to inhibit heat exchange.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique of providing an electrostatic rectifier in a pipe to supply a damped wave signal, improve cooling efficiency, and remove scale.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above has the drawback that it requires the installation of an electrostatic rectifier in the cooling system path itself, which necessitates shutting down the cooling system and modifying the entire cooling system.

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of scale removal efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a scale removal device and a scale removal system using the same that do not require major system modifications and can achieve high scale removal efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In other words, a scale removal device according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems includes a circulation pipe that transports cooling water contained in a cooling tower and returns the cooling water to the cooling tower, and a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier arranged in the path of the pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the water activator includes a filled container for filling with a water activator, an introduction pipe for introducing cooling water into the filled container, and an exhaust pipe for discharging the cooling water connected to the filled container.

[0011] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the electrostatic rectifier includes a signal generation circuit that generates an attenuated wave signal and electrical wiring that applies the attenuated wave signal generated by the signal generation circuit to the cooling water.

[0012] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, the attenuated wave signal is preferably a pulse-like attenuated wave signal that repeats at a frequency of 20 kHz or more and 60 kHz or less.

[0013] Furthermore, a scale removal system according to another aspect of the present invention is a scale removal system comprising a cooling tower for containing cooling water, internal piping connected to the cooling tower and circulating within the facility, and a scale removal device provided in the cooling tower, wherein the scale removal device comprises circulation piping for transporting the cooling water contained in the cooling tower and returning the cooling water to the cooling tower, and a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier arranged in the path of the piping.

[0014] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the water activator includes a filled container for filling with a water activator, an introduction pipe for introducing cooling water into the filled container, and an exhaust pipe for discharging the cooling water connected to the filled container.

[0015] Furthermore, from this perspective, it is preferable that the water quality activator comprises a strip-shaped resin and fine-grained ceramics kneaded into the resin.

[0016] Furthermore, from this perspective, the water activator is preferably a granular ceramic obtained by firing montmorillonite and stromatolite in granular form.

[0017] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the electrostatic rectifier includes a signal generation circuit that generates an attenuated wave signal and electrical wiring that applies the attenuated wave signal generated by the signal generation circuit to the cooling water.

[0018] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, the attenuated wave signal is preferably a pulse-like attenuated wave signal that repeats at a frequency of 20 kHz or more and 60 kHz or less.

[0019] Furthermore, a scale removal device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a circulation pipe, a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier, all of which are arranged within the path of the circulation pipe.

[0020] In addition, a scale removal system according to another aspect of the present invention is a scale removal system having an in-facility pipe that circulates within a facility and a scale removal device provided in the in-facility pipe. The scale removal device has a circulation pipe that transports water and returns the water to the in-facility pipe, and a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier disposed within the path of the circulation pipe.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a scale removal device that can achieve a high scale removal efficiency without the need for major system modifications, and a scale removal system using the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a functional block diagram of a scale removal system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an image diagram of charged water molecules. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an outline of an example of a water quality activator according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an outline of another example of a water quality activator according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an outline of a cross-section of a water quality activator according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an outline of an electrostatic rectifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of a pulsed damped wave signal emitted by an electrostatic rectifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the functional blocks of a signal generation circuit of an electrostatic rectifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a signal generation circuit of an electrostatic rectifier according to an embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific examples described below in the embodiments and examples.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the cooling system (hereinafter referred to as "the system") S according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the system S comprises a cooling tower CT for containing cooling water, internal piping P connected to the cooling tower CT and circulating within the facility, and a scale removal device 1 provided in the cooling tower CT. The scale removal device 1 comprises a circulation pipe 2 that transports the cooling water contained in the cooling tower CT and returns the cooling water to the cooling tower CT, and a pump 3, a water quality activator 4, and an electrostatic rectifier 5 arranged in the path of the piping.

[0025] The cooling tower CT in this system S is for cooling the cooling water used in this system S. The cooling water is brought into contact with the outside air, heat is absorbed from the outside air, and some of the cooling water evaporates, thereby cooling the outside air and the remaining cooling water. While the specific configuration is not limited, it is preferable that the cooling tower CT comprises at least a heat exchanger for evaporating the cooling water to perform heat exchange, a lower water tank for receiving the cooling water that has not evaporated, a fan for ventilation, and a housing that accommodates the heat exchanger, cooling pan and fan. The lower part of the housing may also function as the lower water tank.

[0026] The cooled water, as described above, circulates within the facility via internal piping P, which is connected to the lower water tank of the cooling tower CT and laid out throughout the facility. There, it exchanges heat with the devices and equipment to be cooled (hereinafter also referred to as "devices to be cooled, etc.") and cools these devices. The internal piping P is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity to facilitate heat exchange, for example, metal. Furthermore, the internal piping P is configured to return to the cooling tower CT after circulating within the facility.

[0027] Here, "cooling water," as is clear from the above description, is water used to cool the cooling equipment within the facility. It is supplied to the facility through internal piping P and used as a medium for heat exchange with each cooling equipment. The cooling water is also connected to an external water supply source, such as water pipes, via a valve V that can be opened and closed. Often, this allows for the supply of cooling water as needed when it decreases due to evaporation or when the concentration of dissolved substances in the cooling water exceeds a certain level and is discharged outside the system. As is also clear from this description, cooling water inevitably contains dissolved substances such as magnesium ions and calcium ions. These precipitate due to various factors such as evaporation of the cooling water and adhere to the inner walls of the pipes, forming scale. This scale generally has low thermal conductivity and significantly reduces the cooling efficiency when it is present between the cooling water and the cooling equipment.

[0028] Therefore, as described above, this system S is equipped with a scale removal device 1, which removes scale and suppresses scale deposition, thereby maintaining a high cooling efficiency for the entire cooling system. As is clear from the above description, the scale removal device 1 of this system S is installed in the cooling tower CT, and sucks up the cooling water temporarily held in the cooling tower CT, more specifically the cooling water contained in the lower water tank of the cooling tower CT, removes scale from this cooling water while preventing scale deposition, and then returns the cooling water to the cooling tower CT.

[0029] Furthermore, the scale removal device 1 of this system S has a circulation pipe 2 as described above. One opening (suction port) of the circulation pipe 2 is immersed in the cooling water contained in the cooling tower CT, and transports the cooling water, while the other opening (discharge port) returns the cooling water to the cooling tower CT after passing through the pump 3, water quality activator 4, and electrostatic rectifier 5, forming a so-called independent circulation path.

[0030] Furthermore, the material of the circulating pipe 2 in this scale removal device 1 is not limited as long as it has the above-mentioned function, and for example, metal, resin, etc. can be used, and the material is not particularly limited, however, it is preferable that the part that applies the signal by the electrostatic rectifier 5 is made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0031] Furthermore, as described above, the scale removal device 1 of this system S has a pump 3 located within (partway through) the circulation piping 2. The pump 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is within the circulation piping 2. It can be installed anywhere within the circulation piping 2, and its location is not limited to immediately after the water activator 4 or immediately after the electrostatic rectifier 5. The type of pump 3 in this system S is not limited as long as it has the above-described function, and may be a positive displacement pump or a non-positive displacement pump. In the case of a positive displacement pump, it may be a reciprocating vibration type pump such as a piston pump, plunger pump, or diaphragm pump, or a rotary pump such as a gear pump or screw pump. Examples of non-positive displacement pumps include centrifugal pumps such as volute pumps and turbine pumps, propeller pumps such as axial flow pumps and mixed flow pumps, and viscous pumps such as cascade pumps.

[0032] Furthermore, as described above, the scale removal device 1 of this system S has a water quality activator 4. The water quality activator 4 is a device that, by bringing the internal water quality activator 41 into contact with cooling water, works in conjunction with the electrostatic rectifier 5 to synergistically enhance the scale removal effect, thereby enabling effective scale removal.

[0033] Furthermore, in this scale removal device 1, the "water quality activator" is an agent that imparts water quality activity to the cooling water, and is not limited to such agents, but ceramics can be used as an example. When ceramics come into contact with each other, an imbalance in charge and ionization occur within the ceramics, causing the ceramic surface to become negatively charged. When this comes into contact with cooling water, it relaxes the δ+ of the hydrogen atoms in the cooling water, forming small clusters of water molecules. By having this water act on the scale, the bonds within the scale are weakened, the crystallinity of the scale is made amorphous, making it easier to remove the scale from pipes and other surfaces, and making it harder for the scale to adhere. Figure 2 shows an image of the clusters formed by water molecules in the cooling water.

[0034] Furthermore, when using ceramics as the water quality activator 41 in this scale removal device 1, it is not limited to ceramics as long as they have the above-mentioned functions, but it is preferable that the ceramic material be manufactured by firing clay minerals such as montmorillonite or stromatolite.

[0035] Furthermore, the shape of the ceramics in the water activator 4 of this scale removal device 1 is not limited as long as it has the above-mentioned function, and may remain in granular form (for example, spherical particles with an average particle size of 5 mm to 30 mm). However, in order to further enhance its effect, it may be made into fine granules with an average particle size of 100 μm or less, more preferably about 10 μm, and these may be stably held in place by a binder such as resin. This increases the contact area between the ceramics and the cooling water, while efficiently preventing leakage. In this case, it is preferable that the amount of ceramics be between 70 and 99 when the total weight of the water activator including the resin is taken as 100.

[0036] Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram of the water activator 41 in the water activator 4 in the above case. More specifically, the water activator in the water activator 4 preferably has a configuration comprising a strip-shaped resin and fine-grained ceramics kneaded into the strip-shaped resin, and more preferably, the strip-shaped resin is rolled up while in contact with each other at its edges, etc. This ensures a stable contact area between the ceramics and the cooling water, suppresses an increase in the overall volume of the water activator, and makes it easier to house in the filling container 42 of the water activator 4. In particular, the rolled-up state of the strip-shaped resin has the advantage that even when filled, the gaps between them can ensure sufficient water flow.

[0037] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows another image of the other water quality activator 41 in this scale removal device 1. In the figure, (a) is the external appearance and (b) is the cross-section thereof. The other water quality activator shown in this figure has a base body 411, a glaze layer 412 covering the base body 411, and fine-grained ceramics 413 dispersed in the glaze layer 412. By holding the fine-grained ceramics within the glaze layer in this way, it is possible to ensure the secure retention of the fine-grained ceramics and the effective performance of those ceramics.

[0038] Furthermore, in this water activator, the "base body" is the base for holding the glaze layer 412, and is not limited to this, but a preferred example is a ceramic object made by kneading and firing clay (including earth). The shape of the base body 411 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably spherical. By making it spherical, it is possible to minimize the contact area between base bodies or between the base body and the main container 42 of the water activator, and it is possible to create a configuration in which these gaps do not obstruct the water flow. When the base body is spherical, it does not need to be a perfect sphere, and some unevenness or distortion is not a problem. The size of the spherical base body varies greatly depending on the size of the filling device used, but it is preferably in the range of 5 mm to 5 cm in diameter, and more preferably 3 cm or less.

[0039] Furthermore, the "glaze layer" refers to the layer of glaze formed by applying glaze to the surface of the base body before sintering and then firing it. As mentioned above, the glaze layer contains fine-grained ceramics, which are reliably retained in the glaze layer during sintering. Any known glaze can be used, and there are no particular limitations on the glaze. The fine-grained ceramics are the same as in the case of the strip-shaped resin described above.

[0040] By the way, in this system S, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the water quality activator 4 includes a filling container 42 for filling with a water quality activator 41, an introduction pipe 43 for introducing cooling water into the filling container 42, and an discharge pipe 44 for discharging the cooling water connected to the filling container 42. Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section of the water quality activator 4 in this scale removal device 1.

[0041] In the water quality activator 4, the filling container 42, as described above, is used to fill the water quality activator 41 and to bring the water quality activator 41 into contact with the cooling water. The shape of the filling container 42 is preferably cylindrical, and in the example shown in the figure, it is preferably a set of a bottomed cylindrical member and a lid member that closes the open end. The material of the filling container 42 is not limited, but it is preferable to use a metal or resin that is not easily deteriorated by contact with cooling water, and in the case of metal, it is preferably made of stainless steel.

[0042] Furthermore, in the water quality activator 4, the inlet pipe 43 is connected to the circulation pipe 2 so as to be located in the middle of it, and is a pipe for introducing cooling water into the filled container 42. The composition of the inlet pipe 43 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be made of a metal or resin that is resistant to corrosion by cooling water, similar to the circulation pipe 2 described above. The diameter of the inlet pipe 43 is not limited, but it is preferable that it be 8 mm or larger to prevent clogging by scale. When the filled container 42 is a cylindrical shape with a bottom as described above, it is preferable that the open end 431 on the side not connected to the inlet pipe 43 extends to the vicinity of the bottom of the cylindrical shape. This is because extending the open end to the vicinity of the bottom ensures that the most efficient path is secured for the cooling water to come into contact with the water quality activator 41.

[0043] Furthermore, in the water activator 4, the discharge pipe 44 is connected to the circulation pipe 2 and is for returning the cooling water discharged from the filled container 42 to the circulation pipe 2. The diameter of the discharge pipe 44 is not limited, but it is preferable to have a diameter of 8 mm or more to prevent clogging due to scale. Also, in the example shown in the figure above, that is, when the filled container 42 is a combination of a bottomed cylindrical shape and a lid, it is preferable that the intake port 441 is provided near the lid. In this way, the water activator 41 can be discharged outside the water activator 4 after it has sufficiently come into contact with the cooling water inside the filled container 42.

[0044] Furthermore, the scale removal device 1 of this system S is equipped with an electrostatic rectifier 5 as described above. In this system S, the combination of the water quality activator 4 and the electrostatic rectifier 5 makes it possible to maximize the effectiveness of scale removal.

[0045] Figure 6 shows the external structure of the electrostatic rectifier 5 of the scale removal device 1 in this system S. In this system S, the electrostatic rectifier 5 can generate and supply an electrical signal to the cooling water whose voltage (amplitude) changes over time, specifically an attenuated wave signal, preferably a pulsed attenuated wave signal. As shown in this figure, the electrostatic rectifier 5 has electrical wiring 52 wound around the circulation pipe 2, making it possible to apply a predetermined electrical signal to the cooling water.

[0046] Figure 7 shows the waveform of the electrical signal that the electrostatic rectifier 5 applies to the cooling water through the circulation pipe 2.

[0047] As shown in this figure, the electrostatic rectifier 5 supplies an electrical signal that is a decayed wave whose voltage (amplitude) changes over time. The fact that it is a decayed wave signal is important for achieving efficient heat transfer. Here, a "decayed wave signal" is a signal whose amplitude decreases over time, and while it refers to a periodically repeating signal, it may also be a harmonic signal with superimposed pulse-like waveforms. "Pulsed" means that the signal appears at regular intervals.

[0048] Furthermore, the electrostatic rectifier 5 preferably supplies a pulsed attenuated wave signal that repeats at a frequency of 20 kHz to 40 kHz, and more preferably 33 kHz or less. This frequency is the so-called pulse frequency. In terms of repetition time, the pulsed attenuated wave signal is supplied at intervals of 20 μs to 50 μs, and more preferably 30 μs or less. Although there is some speculation about this effect, it is thought that by providing a pulsed signal within the above range, it becomes possible to supply sum electrons to the medium in a pulsating manner, which is transmitted as vibration to the cooling water clusters, and a force is applied that causes the clusters to break down. This effect becomes more pronounced when the wave is attenuated. Here, "sum electrons" refers to electrons used to neutralize the polarity.

[0049] Furthermore, in the electrostatic rectifier 5, when the signal is attenuated, the period of the signal within one attenuated wave signal is preferably 2 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less, and more preferably 5 MHz or less. This frequency refers to the period within one attenuated wave signal, and in terms of time interval, it is 0.1 μs or more and 0.5 μs or less, and preferably 0.2 μs or less. The effect of adding waves in this range is also partly based on reasoning, similar to the pulsed attenuated wave signal described above, but it is thought that by using an attenuated wave signal, the pulse shock can be effectively transmitted to the cooling water.

[0050] The structure of the scale removal device 1 is not limited as long as it can generate an attenuated wave signal, but it is preferable to have a signal generation circuit 51 that generates an attenuated wave signal and electrical wiring 52 that applies the attenuated wave signal generated by the signal generation circuit 51 to the cooling water, as shown in the figure above. A functional block of this configuration is shown in Figure 8.

[0051] Furthermore, in the electrostatic rectifier 5, the signal generation circuit 51 is not limited as long as it can generate an attenuated wave signal, but it is preferable that it has an AD converter that converts AC power to DC, a signal generator that generates a basic signal, an operational amplifier that receives the inputs of these, and an output terminal that transmits the output of the operational amplifier. Capacitors and resistors can also be placed between these to adjust voltages as appropriate. An equivalent circuit of this signal generation circuit 51 is shown in Figure 8.

[0052] Furthermore, in the electrostatic rectifier, the electrical wiring 52 is not limited insofar as it is able to apply the attenuated wave signal generated by the signal generation circuit 51 to the cooling water, but it is connected to the output terminal that transmits the output of the operational amplifier and is capable of supplying charge.

[0053] Here, we will explain the mechanism of scale removal by the electrostatic rectifier 5. The refrigerant used in this system S is cooling water, and its molecules are polar. The molecules that make up the cooling water have an uneven charge distribution, and a force is generated between these molecules that tends to bind together. However, since the molecules within this group form clusters by constantly changing which molecules they bond with, by applying a model with a certain dynamic (attenuated wave signal), free electrons can be injected into the cooling water from the outside, reducing the size of the clusters and efficiently removing the scale. In particular, in this system S, by combining the electrostatic rectifier 5 and the water quality activator 4, it is possible to achieve an efficiency improvement of several tens of times compared to the electrostatic rectifier 5 alone or the water quality activator 4 alone. In particular, with this system S, even if scale has already adhered to the circulation piping 2, it is possible to detach the scale from the circulation piping 2 and discharge it to the cooling tower CT. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent scale adhesion.

[0054] As described above, this embodiment provides a scale removal device and a scale removal system using the same that can achieve high scale removal efficiency without requiring major system modifications. More specifically, the effects can be explained by describing how this system is equipped with a water quality activator and an electrostatic rectifier. Because the water quality activator activates the electrical signals from the electrostatic rectifier, the effect of the signals is more easily exerted, and the effect is improved synergistically and dramatically. Therefore, the scale removal efficiency is dramatically higher when the water quality activator is used alone compared to when the electrostatic rectifier is used alone. More specifically, as is clear from the experimental examples described later, the scale that normally occurs changes from crystalline to amorphous, the scale becomes finer, less likely to adhere, and easier to peel off, while also becoming less likely to adhere to the inside of pipes, etc. As a result, the device can fully perform its function as a scale removal device.

[0055] Furthermore, this system has the advantage of being easy to install, as it only requires the placement of an additional circulation route that passes through the cooling tower CT, separate from the cooling tower CT and the internal piping P that circulates within the facility. This eliminates the need for major system modifications. This can be a significant advantage. Additionally, if repairs or modifications to the system become necessary, it is possible to carry out the work while maintaining the operation of the equipment connected to the internal piping P.

[0056] Although this system has been described as a system using a cooling tower (CT), it can be fully effective with any system that circulates water, and can be applied to indoor hot water supply systems, for example. Specifically, it is a scale removal system having internal piping that circulates within the facility and a scale removal device installed in the internal piping, wherein the scale removal device can have a circulation pipe that transports water and returns water to the internal piping, and a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier arranged in the path of the circulation pipe. As is clear from this description, the "cooling water" used in the description of the cooling tower can also be hot water, which is simply treated as "water". [Examples]

[0057] Here, we specifically prototyped this system and confirmed its effectiveness. The details are explained below.

[0058] (Example 1) First, the scale removal device described above was installed in a building equipped with circulation piping and a cooling tower for cooling cooling equipment (a cooling system that had been in operation for several years). Specifically, a circulation pipe with a suction port for water intake and a discharge port for water drainage was installed in the lower water tank of the cooling tower, and a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier were arranged in series along the route. The water quality activator was a water quality activator made by mixing ceramic particles with an average particle size of about 20 μm, produced from stromatolite as a raw material, with a binder resin and then molding the mixture and filling a container with the resulting water quality activator. The electrostatic rectifier was an electrostatic rectifier that generates the electrical signal shown in the diagram above.

[0059] The effectiveness of the scale removal device was confirmed by operating the entire system, including the scale removal device described above. Specifically, within one month of installation, more than 3 kg of scale already attached to the piping was removed and recovered from the lower water tank of the cooling tower. Furthermore, no scale precipitated even after six months of use, and no new scale precipitate was found when inspecting the piping. In particular, in this experiment, the ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) value, which is considered to be an indicator related to scale precipitate, was initially around 700 mV, but after installing this scale removal device, it was reduced to around 250 mV in about 3 hours, and this state was maintained in a similar amount of time even after changing the cooling water. ORP is thought to be caused by scale adhesion, and by using this scale removal device, this value was reduced rapidly and significantly, which is thought to promote scale removal and make it more difficult for scale to precipitate. In other words, it was confirmed that the scale removal device easily removed the attached scale, and that after the scale was removed, it became difficult for scale to precipitate and adhere.

[0060] (Example 2) In this example, the configuration is the same as in Example 1, except that instead of the binder resin, ceramic particles with an average particle size of about 20 μm are mixed into the surface glaze layer, resulting in a spherical ceramic with an overall average particle size of about 1 cm. This spherical ceramic is as shown in the figure above.

[0061] The effectiveness of the scale removal device was confirmed by operating the entire system, including the scale removal device described above. Specifically, within one month of installation, more than 4 kg of scale already attached to the piping was removed and recovered from the lower water tank of the cooling tower. Furthermore, no scale precipitated even after six months of use, and no new scale precipitate was found when inspecting the piping. In particular, in this experiment, the ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) value, which is considered to be an indicator related to scale precipitate, was initially around 700 mV, but after installing this scale removal device, it was reduced to around 230 mV in about 3 hours, and this state was maintained in a similar amount of time even after changing the cooling water. ORP is thought to be caused by scale adhesion, and by using this scale removal device, this value was reduced rapidly and significantly, which is thought to promote scale removal and make it more difficult for scale to precipitate. In other words, it was confirmed that the scale removal device easily removed the attached scale, and that after the scale was removed, it became difficult for scale to precipitate and adhere.

[0062] (Comparative Example 1) In a building that is different from the above embodiment but has a similar cooling system, the system was configured in the same manner as in the above embodiment, but without a water quality activator, and the same operation and measurements were performed.

[0063] According to this device, almost no detached scale was observed after about one month of installation, and only slight detachment was observed after six months. However, no increase in scale was observed. In this result, some effect in preventing scale deposition was confirmed, but the effect in removing scale was not sufficient.

[0064] (Comparative Example 2) In a building different from the above-described embodiment and comparative example 1, but equipped with a similar cooling system, the system was configured in the same manner as the above-described embodiment but without an electrostatic rectifier, and the same operation and measurements were performed.

[0065] According to this device, almost no detached scale was observed after about one month of installation, and even after six months, only slight detachment was observed. However, in some locations, an increase in scale was observed inside the pipes, so the results suggest that the scale removal effect was not sufficient.

[0066] Based on the above results, the effects of the present invention have been confirmed. [Industrial applicability]

[0067] The present invention has industrial potential as a scale removal device and a scale removal system using the same. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] S... Cooling System CT...cooling tower CP...Cooling tower P... Piping within the facility 1. Scale removal device 2...Circulation piping 3. Pump 4...Water quality activator 5. Electrostatic rectifier

Claims

1. A circulation pipe for transporting the cooling water contained in the cooling tower and returning the cooling water to the cooling tower, A scale removal device comprising a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier, arranged within the path of the aforementioned circulation piping, The aforementioned water quality activator is A filling container that is filled with a water quality activator inside, An introduction pipe for introducing the cooling water into the filling container, It has a discharge pipe for discharging the cooling water connected to the filling container, The water quality activator is a scale removal device comprising a strip-shaped resin and fine-grained ceramics kneaded into the strip-shaped resin.

2. The electrostatic rectifier described above is A signal generation circuit that generates an attenuated wave signal, The scale removal device according to claim 1, further comprising: electrical wiring for applying the attenuated wave signal generated by the signal generation circuit to the cooling water.

3. The scale removal device according to claim 2, wherein the attenuated wave signal is a pulse-like attenuated wave signal that repeats at a frequency of 20 kHz or more and 60 kHz or less.

4. A cooling tower that houses cooling water, The facility piping connected to the cooling tower and circulating within the facility, A scale removal system comprising a scale removal device installed in the cooling tower, The scale removal device includes a circulation pipe that transports the cooling water contained in the cooling tower and returns the cooling water to the cooling tower, The system includes a pump, a water activator, and an electrostatic rectifier, which are arranged within the circulation piping path. The aforementioned water quality activator is A filling container that is filled with a water quality activator inside, An introduction pipe for introducing the cooling water into the filling container, It has a discharge pipe for discharging the cooling water connected to the filling container, The water quality activator is a scale removal system comprising a strip-shaped resin and fine-grained ceramics kneaded into the strip-shaped resin.

5. The scale removal system according to claim 4, wherein the electrostatic rectifier comprises a signal generation circuit for generating an attenuated wave signal and electrical wiring for applying the attenuated wave signal generated by the signal generation circuit to the cooling water.

6. The scale removal system according to claim 5, wherein the attenuated wave signal is a pulse-like attenuated wave signal that repeats at a frequency of 20 kHz or more and 60 kHz or less.

7. Circulation piping and A scale removal device comprising a pump, a water quality activator, and an electrostatic rectifier, arranged within the path of the aforementioned circulation piping, The aforementioned water quality activator is A filling container that is filled with a water quality activator inside, An introduction pipe for introducing water into the aforementioned filling container, The container has a discharge pipe for discharging the water connected to the filling container, The water quality activator is a scale removal device comprising a strip-shaped resin and fine-grained ceramics kneaded into the strip-shaped resin.

8. The piping that circulates within the facility, A scale removal system comprising a scale removal device installed in the piping within the facility, The scale removal device includes a circulation pipe that transports water and returns the water to the piping within the facility, The system includes a pump, a water activator, and an electrostatic rectifier, which are arranged within the circulation piping path. The aforementioned water quality activator is A filling container that is filled with a water quality activator inside, An introduction pipe for introducing the water into the filling container, The container has a discharge pipe for discharging the water connected to the filling container, The water quality activator is a scale removal system comprising a strip-shaped resin and fine-grained ceramics kneaded into the strip-shaped resin.

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