Classification module, classification device, and classification system

Abstract

To provide a separation module which can inhibit clogging.SOLUTION: A separation module 40 includes: a filter 10 having filter holes 14 linearly extending along a thickness direction and formed of an organic material or a metal material; and a support 20 supporting the filter 10 with its surface and having support holes 23 extending linearly along the thickness direction, a first support 21, a second support 22, a spacer 30 sandwiched between the first support 21 and the second support 22, and a space 24 connected to the support holes 23 and disposed among the first support 21, the second support 22, and the spacer 30. An opening 112 at the support 20 side of the filter hole 14 overlaps with an opening 231 at the filter 10 side of the support hole 23. The filter 10 includes: a first filter 11 disposed at one side of the support 20; and a second filter 12 disposed at the other side of the support 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

Technical Field

[0003] , , , , , , Classification , , Classification , , , ,

[0004] , , , , , , , Classification

[0001] The present invention relates to Classification modules, Classification devices and Classification systems.

Background Art

[0002] As a technique for separating a separated fluid (such as a slurry) containing particles of a desired size from a fluid to be separated (such as a slurry), the technique described in Patent Document 1 is known. Patent Document 1 describes an inorganic filter having a one-dimensional through-nano pore membrane. This inorganic filter is manufactured by forming a ceramic thin film composed of columnar ceramic phases grown perpendicularly to the membrane surface and a ceramic matrix phase surrounding it on a dense substrate that can be made porous by elution treatment, and then subjecting the entire substrate on which the ceramic thin film is formed to elution treatment to remove the columnar ceramic phases and make the dense substrate porous.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the inorganic filter described in Patent Document 1, nanoparticles pass through linearly formed one-dimensional nano pores and the eluted portions in the substrate. The flow paths constituted by the eluted portions in the substrate have a complex inner wall shape as shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, and thus are likely to be clogged. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide Classification modules, Classification devices and Classification systems capable of suppressing clogging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This invention Classification The module is, First slurry containing particles of various sizes from Second slurry containing particles of the desired size of Classification do Classification A module that extends linearly along the thickness direction inner diameter 1 nm to 1 mm It has filter pores and is made of organic or metallic material. Furthermore, the second slurry is flowed into the filter holes by bringing the first slurry into contact with it, thereby performing classification. A filter and a surface that supports the filter and extends linearly along the thickness direction The inner diameter is longer than 1 mm and less than 10 mm. A support hole, a first support, a second support, a spacer sandwiched between the preceding first support and the preceding second support, and a space connected to the support hole and disposed between the preceding first support, the preceding second support and the spacer, An extraction opening that communicates with the aforementioned space, The filter comprises a support having a filter hole on the support side, the opening of the filter hole on the support side overlapping the opening of the support hole on the filter side, and the filter includes a first filter disposed on one side of the support and a second filter disposed on the other side of the support. Other solutions will be described later in embodiments for carrying out the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, clogging can be suppressed. Classification module, Classification Apparatus and Classification We can provide the system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of the separation module of this embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1A. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the separation module of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the separation device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of the separation system of this embodiment. [Figure 5]System diagram of a separation system according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] Top view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Top view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 8A] Top view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 8B] Cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] Top view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] Top view of the second support that can be used in combination with the first support of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] Perspective view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] Perspective view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] Perspective view of the first support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] Perspective view of the first and second supports constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] Perspective view of the first and second supports constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 17A] Perspective view of the support constituting the separation module according to another embodiment. [[ID=4]] [Figure 17B] Cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 17A. [Figure 18] Exploded perspective view of the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] Exploded perspective view of the separation module according to another embodiment. [Figure 20A] Diagram for explaining the separation method by the separation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 20B]This figure illustrates a separation method using a separation apparatus of another embodiment. [Figure 20C] This figure illustrates a separation method using a separation apparatus of another embodiment. [Figure 21] This is an exploded perspective view of a separation module in another embodiment. [Figure 22] This is an exploded perspective view of a separation module in another embodiment. [Figure 23A] This figure illustrates a separation method using a separation apparatus of another embodiment. [Figure 23B] This figure illustrates a separation method using a separation apparatus of another embodiment. [Figure 23C] This figure illustrates a separation method using a separation apparatus of another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments (referred to as "models") for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Within the description of one embodiment below, other embodiments applicable to that embodiment will also be described as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and different embodiments can be combined or modified as appropriate without significantly impairing the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. In addition, components having the same function will be given the same name. The contents of the illustrations are for illustrative purposes only, and for illustrative purposes, the actual configuration may be changed to the extent that it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the separation module 40 of this embodiment. As an example, in a top view, the direction of the line connecting the notches 291, 291 formed at both ends of the diameter of the circular support 20 is the x-direction, the direction perpendicular to the x-direction in the plane direction of the support 20 is the y-direction, and the direction perpendicular to the x and y directions and in the thickness direction of the filter 10 (described later) is the z-direction. The same applies to the other figures.

[0010] The separation module 40 separates a fluid T (slurry, etc.) containing metal particles of a desired size from a fluid L1 (slurry, etc.) containing metal particles of various sizes. In this case, the separation module 40 enables wet classification of the metal particles and particle sieving. The separation module 40 comprises a filter 10 and a support 20.

[0011] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 1A. The filter 10 includes a first filter 11 positioned (supported) on one side (the top surface in the illustrated example) of a support 20, which is configured, for example, in the shape of a disc, and a second filter 12 positioned (supported) on the other side (the bottom surface in the illustrated example) of the support 20. The support 20 includes, for example, stacked first support 21 and second support 22 and a spacer 30. As will be described in detail later, a space 24 is formed inside the support 20, that is, between the first support 21, the second support 22 and the spacer 30 in the illustrated example. The fluid to be separated T, separated by the first filter 11 and the second filter 12, flows through the support holes 23 into the space 24. The fluid to be separated T in the space 24 is removed from the separation module 40 through the outlet 25.

[0012] Since the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 are similar except for their orientation relative to space 24, the explanation will focus on the first filter 11 when describing the first filter 11 and the second filter 12. Similarly, since the first support 21 and the second support 22 have similar configurations except for their orientation relative to space 24, the explanation will focus on the first support 21 when describing the first support 21 and the second support 22.

[0013] The filter 10 has filter holes 14 that extend linearly along the thickness direction. The filter holes 14 have an opening 111 on the surface side (opposite side from the support 20) and an opening 112 on the central side (side where the support 20 is located). The filter holes 14 have a predetermined inner diameter, and the fluid to be separated T is separated as it flows through the filter holes 14 from the surface side to the central side.

[0014] The filter 10 is made of an organic material such as resin (polycarbonate, polyester, polyimide, etc.) or a metallic material such as a single metal (copper, etc.) or an alloy. Among these, using an organic material makes it easy to handle, mold, and attach the filter 10 to the support 20. On the other hand, using a metallic material allows for stable separation of the fluid to be separated, even in the case of strongly alkaline fluids.

[0015] It is preferable that the filter 10 is made of a different material from the fluid to be separated T contained in the fluid to be separated L1. Specifically, for example, when separating metal particles of a desired size as the fluid to be separated T from the fluid to be separated L1 which contains metal particles, it is preferable that the filter 10 be made of an organic material. By doing so, contamination of the fluid to be separated T due to the constituent material of the filter 10 can be suppressed.

[0016] The thickness direction, which is the direction in which the filter holes 14 extend, is the direction in which the fluid to be separated T flows through the filter holes 14, i.e., the direction of permeation of the fluid to be separated T. Furthermore, the thickness direction, which is the direction in which the filter holes 14 extend, is the z-direction shown in the figure, which is the thickness direction of the filter 10, and is perpendicular to the plane direction (x-direction and y-direction) of the filter 10. The direction in which the filter holes 14 extend does not need to strictly coincide with the z-direction, and may extend diagonally with respect to the z-direction at a predetermined angle such as 1° to 10°.

[0017] The filter holes 14 extend linearly through the filter 10. Linear means, for example, that the inner walls are smoothly formed and that the holes extend in the same direction from one side to the other. However, the direction of extension of the filter holes 14 may vary depending on the position in the z direction, as long as this does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, while it is preferable that the inner diameter of the filter holes 14 be the same from one side to the other, it may also vary depending on the position in the z direction, such as becoming larger from the surface side towards the center, as long as this does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. The inner walls of the filter holes 14 may consist only of flat or curved surfaces, or may include both flat and curved surfaces. By extending linearly, the filter holes 14 can prevent the fluid to be separated T from getting caught on the inner wall and clogging the filter holes when it flows through them, thereby maintaining stable separation performance over a long period of time.

[0018] The method for forming the filter holes 14 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the material of the filter 10. For example, if the filter 10 is made of an organic material, linear filter holes 14 can be formed by irradiating it with laser light having a beam diameter of a desired size. Alternatively, if the filter 10 is made of a metallic material, linear filter holes 14 can be formed by etching, for example. In this case, the inner diameter of the filter holes 14 can be controlled by etching time, the composition of the etching solution, etc.

[0019] The inner diameter of the filter pores 14 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 nm or more, preferably 5 nm or more, with an upper limit of, for example, 1 mm or less, preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less, even more preferably 500 nm or less, and particularly preferably 200 nm or less. By setting the inner diameter of the filter pores 14 within this range, the fluid T to be separated can be separated on the order of microns and nanometers. The inner diameter of the filter pores 14 refers to the distance of the shortest part of the filter pores 14, which determines the size of particles, etc., contained in the fluid T to be separated. When viewed from above, it refers to the inner diameter if it is circular, and the distance between two opposing sides if it has corners such as a rectangle.

[0020] The support 20 supports the filter 10 across its surface and has support holes 23 extending linearly along the z-direction (thickness direction of the filter 10) on the support surface of the filter 10. The filter 10 is supported by, for example, attaching, bonding, or welding the filter 10 to the surface of the support 20. The phrase "extending linearly along the thickness direction of the filter 10" is the same as described above for the filter 10. All the openings 231 are the same size and shape, but some may be different. The support 20 has higher rigidity than the filter 10. The support 20 is made of a resin such as polystyrene or polycarbonate.

[0021] The support hole 23 has an opening 231 on the surface side (the side where the filter 10 is placed) and an opening 232 on the central side (the side opposite to the filter 10). Of these, the opening 231 is formed on the support surface of the filter 10. The support hole 23 is, for example, a perfect circle when viewed from above.

[0022] The opening 112 of the filter hole 14 on the support 20 side overlaps with the opening 231 of the support hole 23 on the filter 10 side. In this way, the fluid to be separated T that has flowed through the filter hole 14 and reached the support 20 can flow further through the support hole 23. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the support hole 23 is larger than the inner diameter of the filter hole 14, for example, between 1 mm and 10 mm. In this way, the fluid to be separated T after separation by the filter 10 can flow into the support hole 23 without excessively increasing the pressure loss.

[0023] The support 20 comprises a space 24 formed inside the support 20 and connected to the support hole 23, and an outlet 25 communicating with the space 24. The outlet 25 has an opening 251 on the surface side (the side where the filter 10 is placed) and an opening 252 on the central side (the side facing the space 24). By providing the space 24 and the outlet 25, the fluid to be separated by the filter 10 can flow into the space 24 and be extracted from the space 24 through the outlet 25.

[0024] Space 24 is located between the first support 21 and the second support 22. In this way, space 24 can be easily formed by stacking the first support 21 and the second support 22, which are constructed separately. In particular, in the illustrated example, space 24 is located between the first support 21, the second support 22 and the spacer 30. In this way, space 24 can be easily formed by stacking the first support 21, the spacer 30 and the second support 22, which are constructed separately.

[0025] The support 20 is sandwiched between the first filter 11 and the second filter 12. This allows the fluid to be separated T to be separated from both sides of the support 20, thereby improving separation efficiency.

[0026] The support body 20 has a disc shape, and the extraction port 25 is positioned to include the center P of the support body 20 (Figure 1A). This arrangement makes it easier to direct the fluid to be separated T, which flows into the space 24 through the filter holes 14 and support holes 23 that surround the extraction port 25, towards the extraction port 25 located at the center. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, by positioning the extraction port 25 at the center, the separation module 40 can be rotated around a rotation axis that penetrates the extraction port 25 and extends in the z direction. The extraction port 25 is, for example, a perfect circle when viewed from above.

[0027] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the separation module 40 of this embodiment. The support holes 23 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential and radial directions, respectively, so as to surround the extraction opening 25. The spacer 30 is sandwiched between the first support 21 and the second support 22. When the first support 21 and the second support 22 are stacked with the spacer 30 in between, a space 24 (Figure 1B) is formed between the first support 21, the second support 22 and the spacer 30. With such a support 20, the space 24 can be easily formed by stacking the first support 21, the spacer 30 and the second support 22, which are constructed as separate components. Furthermore, the size of the space 24 can be easily changed by changing the height of the spacer 30 (in the same direction as the thickness direction of the filter 10).

[0028] The spacer 30 is annular in shape, and in the illustrated example, the outer diameter of the spacer 30 matches the outer diameter of the support 20. The spacer 30 also has multiple branches 31 that are evenly spaced from the outer circumference of the annular shape toward the center P (Figure 1A). The branches 31 can support the first support 21 and the second support 22 up to near the center, thereby improving the strength of the separation module 40.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the separation device 100 of this embodiment. The separation device 100 includes, for example, a replaceable separation module 40 and is a classifier for inorganic particles contained in the fluid L1 to be separated. Inorganic particles are, for example, metal particles, and metal particles include particles of elemental metals or metal compounds, specifically including, for example, particles of elemental metals, particles of metal oxides, etc. For the sake of simplicity in the following explanation, inorganic particles will be assumed to be metal particles.

[0030] In another embodiment, the separation device 100 is, for example, a classifier for organic particles contained in the fluid L1 to be separated. The organic particles include, for example, resin particles.

[0031] If the separation module 40 deteriorates over time, it can be replaced with another separation module 40. In the illustrated example, there is only one separation module 40, but there may be two or more. The number of separation modules 40 to be installed can be determined, for example, according to the desired filtration area.

[0032] The separation device 100 comprises a housing 60 that rotatably houses the separation module 40, and a rotating mechanism 50 that rotates the separation module 40. The rotation mechanism 50 drives the separation module 40 to rotate inside the housing 60. The rotating mechanism 50 is, for example, a motor. As will be described in detail later, the separation of the fluid to be separated T from the fluid to be separated L1 is performed while the separation module 40 is rotating. Therefore, by providing a rotating mechanism 50, the separation efficiency can be improved by utilizing the shear force generated by the rotation and by suppressing the adhesion of cake to the filter 10 (i.e., the occurrence of fouling) by the rotation.

[0033] The housing 60 is airtight and has a space 61 inside. The housing 60 has a supply port 63 for the fluid to be separated L1, and an outlet 64 and an outlet 65 for the fluid to be processed C1, all of which are connected to the space 61. The outlet 65 is for extracting the fluid to be separated L1 or the fluid to be processed C1 (or both) that overflows from the space 61, and the outlet 65 can suppress an excessive pressure rise in the space 61.

[0034] Inside the space 61, baffles 62 are provided above and below the separation module 40. The baffles 62 prevent the fluid to be separated L1 from simply flowing circumferentially in the space 61 as the separation module 40 rotates, thereby promoting separation by the separation module 40.

[0035] A cylinder 70 is connected to one end (the upper side of the separation module 40 in the illustrated example) of the extraction port 25 (Figure 1A) of the separation module 40, and a closing member 71 is connected to the other end (the lower side of the separation module 40 in the illustrated example). The cylinder 70 is detachably connected to the separation module 40. This allows, for example, an aged and deteriorated separation module 40 to be replaced with another separation module 40. A rotating mechanism 50 is connected to the cylinder 70, and the rotation of the cylinder 70 by the drive of the rotating mechanism 50 causes the separation module 40 to which the cylinder 70 is connected to rotate. The cylinder 70 has an outlet 72 for the fluid to be separated on the side opposite to the connection side of the separation module 40.

[0036] The separation method using the separation device 100 will now be explained. After the rotation of the separation module 40 by the rotating mechanism 50 begins, the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied to the space 61 through the supply port 63. A shear force is generated in the fluid to be separated L1 that comes into contact with the rotating separation module 40, making it easier for the fluid to be separated T to flow through the filter 10 (Figure 1B). In addition, the supply pressure of the fluid to be separated L1 to the space 61 makes the fluid to be separated L1 somewhat high pressure. That is, a differential pressure is generated between the supply side of the fluid to be separated L1 and the discharge side of the fluid to be separated T. Therefore, using the above-mentioned shear force and differential pressure as driving forces, the fluid to be separated T passes through the filter 10 and flows into the space 24 (Figure 1B). The fluid to be separated T in the space 24 is removed through the extraction port 25 and the cylinder 70, for example, from the discharge port 72 which is open to the atmosphere. On the other hand, the treated fluid C1, which is the residue of the fluid to be separated L1 after the fluid to be separated T has been separated, is removed through the outlets 64 and 65.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram of the separation system 1000 of this embodiment. The separation system 1000 is a dead-end type that separates the fluid to be separated T by continuously supplying the fluid to be separated L1 to the separation device 100, or by supplying a washing solution L2 after the supply of the fluid to be separated L1 has been stopped. The washing solution L2 is preferably the same type of solvent or liquid as the one used to dissolve or disperse the fluid to be separated T in the fluid to be separated L1. For example, if the fluid to be separated L1 contains metal particles and is a slurry containing a predetermined additive such as a pH adjuster or dispersant and water to disperse the metal particles, then the washing solution L2 is preferably a solution containing a predetermined additive such as a pH adjuster or dispersant and water. This suppresses the dilution of the predetermined additive in the fluid to be separated T and maintains the dispersion of the metal particles. However, the washing solution L2 may be a solvent such as water if it can achieve the desired effect.

[0038] The separation system 1000 comprises a separation device 100, a tank 201 for containing the fluid to be separated L1, a tank 202 for containing the washing liquid L2, and a tank 203 for containing the fluid to be separated T. However, the tank 202 may be a plurality of tanks, each containing at least one of the components that make up the washing liquid L2. That is, for example, a pH adjuster, a classifier, and water may be contained in separate tanks and supplied to the separation device 100 independently from each tank.

[0039] The separation system 1000 includes systems 221 and 222 that supply pressurized gas G1 (e.g., high-pressure nitrogen gas) to tanks 201 and 202, respectively, and systems 221 and 222 each include valves 271 and 272 that control the flow of pressurized gas G1. The separation system 1000 also includes systems 223 and 224 that supply the fluid to be separated L1 and the cleaning liquid L2 contained in tanks 201 and 202, respectively, to the space 61 (Figure 3) of the separation device 100. The separation system 1000 also includes a system 225 that supplies the fluid to be separated T separated by the separation device 100 to tank 203, and a system 226 that discharges the fluid to be processed C1 and the used cleaning liquid L2 generated in the separation device 100 to the outside. System 226 includes a valve 276.

[0040] The separation system 1000 includes a pressure gauge 233 for measuring the pressure in space 61 (Figure 3) and a mass gauge 234 for measuring the mass of the fluid to be separated T. The pressure gauge 233 allows for the measurement of the pressure in space 61. The mass gauge 234 allows for the measurement of the permeation rate of the fluid to be separated T in the separation module 40.

[0041] The separation system 1000 includes a supply device 300 that supplies the fluid to be separated L1 at a higher pressure than the discharge side (tank 203 side) of the fluid to be separated T to the separation device 100. The supply device 300 creates a differential pressure in the separation module 40, and separation is performed using this differential pressure as the driving force. In the illustrated example, the supply device 300 includes systems 221, 223, valves 271, 273 and a tank 201. By supplying pressurized gas G1 to the gas phase of the tank 201, the gas phase is pressurized, pushing out the liquid phase fluid to be separated L1, which is then supplied to the separation device 100. The supply device 300 may also be a depressurization device (not shown) that reduces the discharge side of the fluid to be separated T to a vacuum, for example. Even when a depressurization device is provided, the fluid to be separated L1 can be supplied at a higher pressure than the depressurized discharge side. The fluid to be separated L1 and the washing liquid L2 may be supplied using a liquid transfer pump (not shown) instead of, or in conjunction with, the supply of pressurized gas G1.

[0042] When valves 271, 273, and 276 are opened and valves 272 and 274 are closed, pressurized gas G1 is introduced into system 221, and the fluid to be separated L1 contained in tank 201 is supplied to the separation device 100 through system 223. In the separation device 100, the fluid to be separated T is separated by a rotating separation module 40 (Figure 1A) and supplied to tank 203 through system 225. Meanwhile, the residue fluid to be processed C1 is discharged to the outside through system 226. In this embodiment, the fluid to be separated L1 is continuously supplied, and the fluid to be separated T is continuously separated.

[0043] In another embodiment, when the rotation of the separation module 40 (Figure 1A) is stopped, valves 271 and 273 are opened, and valves 272, 274, and 276 are closed, pressurized gas G1 is flowed into the system 221, and the fluid to be separated L1 contained in the tank 201 is supplied to the separation device 100 through the system 223. Since valve 276 is closed, high pressure is generated in the space 61 (Figure 1B) of the separation device 100. In this state, valves 271 and 273 are closed, and the supply of the fluid to be separated L1 is stopped. Next, valves 272, 274, and 276 are opened, and the supply of cleaning liquid L2 is started. Furthermore, when the rotation of the separation module 40 is started, the separation of the fluid to be separated T is performed in the separation device 100 due to shear force and the pressurization of the fluid to be separated L1 in the separation device 100 due to the supply of cleaning liquid L2. The residue, the fluid to be processed C1, is discharged to the outside through the system 226.

[0044] With the separation module 40, separation device 100, and separation system 1000 described above, clogging of the filter 10 can be suppressed, and particles of a desired size can be continuously separated over a long period of time. For example, the particle size of metal pastes used in electronic materials and chemical materials is nano-sized. Nano-sized particles can have their properties improved and their added value increased by classifying them to match their particle size. Therefore, by using the separation module 40 to produce and use a fluid to be separated (e.g., slurry) containing particles of a uniform particle size, the properties of the particles can be utilized in products using the fluid to be separated, such as capacitors.

[0045] Figure 5 is a diagram of the separation system 1100 in another embodiment. The separation system 1100 separates using a diafiltration method. In the diafiltration method, the fluid to be separated T is separated by adding a washing solution L2 equal to the amount of fluid to be separated obtained while circulating the fluid to be separated L1 to the fluid to be separated L1. Therefore, the separation speed and separation efficiency can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0046] The separation system 1100 has the same basic configuration as the separation system 1000 (Figure 4), except that it includes a supply device 301, such as a liquid transfer pump, instead of the supply device 300 (Figure 4). However, the separation system 1100 further includes a flow meter 235 for measuring the flow rate of the cleaning liquid L2 flowing through the system 224, and a mass meter 236 for measuring the mass of the fluid in the tank 201. Feedback control is performed on the opening degree of the valve 274 while measuring the flow rate with the flow meter 235 so that the mass measured by the mass meter 236 remains constant.

[0047] When the supply device 301 is driven, the separation device 100 generates a circulating fluid C3 whose flow rate is reduced by the amount of the fluid to be separated T. The circulating fluid C3 is supplied to the tank 201 through a system 227 equipped with a valve 277. The tank 201 is further supplied with a washing liquid L2 equal to the reduced amount of the fluid to be separated T through a system 224. As a result, a constant flow rate of the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied to the separation device 100, enabling stable and continuous separation in the separation device 100.

[0048] Figure 6 is a top view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The shape and location of the openings 231 and 251 are not particularly limited. In the example of Figure 6, the opening 231 is not formed over the entire surface, unlike in the example of Figure 1A, and the shape of the openings 231 is not entirely the same but partially different. Specifically, the openings 231 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the opening 251, having a rectangular (e.g., square) shape on one side and a triangular (e.g., equilateral triangle) shape on the other side. The openings 231 are each located in a 90° region, which is the range between the x and y directions.

[0049] Figure 7 is a top view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The size of the opening 231 is not particularly limited. In the example of Figure 7, the opening 231 is formed over the entire surface of the first support 21, but unlike the example of Figure 1A, it has various sizes. Specifically, in the example of Figure 7, the opening 231 has various sizes and various shapes such as rhombic, circular, and square.

[0050] Figure 8A is a top view of the first support 21 constituting the isolation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The openings 231 and 232 (Figure 1B) do not need to be in the same position in the x and y directions, i.e., they do not need to be in the same position on the front and back sides; the openings 231 and 232 are arranged in different positions on the front and back sides. In the illustrated example, four openings 231 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the opening 251.

[0051] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 8A. The open white arrow indicates the rotation direction R of the separation module 40 (Figure 1A) relative to the support hole 23 shown in the figure, and the dashed arrow indicates the relative movement direction P1 of the fluid to be separated L1 when the separation module 40 rotates. Note that the fluid to be separated L1 does not necessarily have to actually move in the direction of the dashed arrow; the dashed arrow indicates the direction of flow of the fluid to be separated L1 as viewed from the rotating separation module 40.

[0052] Unlike the example shown in Figure 1B above, the support holes 23 are arranged at an angle to the z-direction. That is, the support holes 23 are arranged obliquely to the z-direction, which is the thickness direction of the filter 10, and the support holes 23 have a slope that descends to the left of the paper. However, the support holes 23 may also have a slope that descends to the right of the paper. The inner wall of the support holes 23 may have a streamlined shape.

[0053] The first support 21 of this embodiment is suitable for a rotating separation module 40. Therefore, for example, the separation device 100 shown in Figure 3 comprises a separation module 40 including the first support 21 shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The support hole 23 has an upward slope in the rotation direction R (direction of the white arrow) driven by the rotation mechanism 50 (Figure 3). By configuring the support hole 23 in this way, the fluid to be separated T (Figure 3) can be easily passed into the support hole 23 during rotation, and an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0054] Figure 9 is a top view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. In the example of Figure 1A, the first support 21 and the second support 22 have the same configuration, but they may have different configurations. The first support 21 shown in Figure 9 has the same inner and outer edge shape as the second support 22 shown in Figure 10, but circular openings 231 are arranged across the entire surface at equal intervals in the circumferential and radial directions, with an opening 251 at the center.

[0055] Figure 10 is a top view of a second support 22 that can be used in conjunction with the first support 21 shown in Figure 9. The second support 22 shown in Figure 10 has a different configuration from the first support 21 shown in Figure 9, specifically, for example, the shape of the openings 231 is different. In the second support 22 shown in Figure 10, rhombic openings 231 are arranged across the entire surface at equal intervals in the circumferential and radial directions, with an opening 251 at the center. Even if the first support 21 and the second support 22 have different configurations, the separation module 40 can still be constructed.

[0056] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. In the example of Figure 1A, the first support 21 is circular in top view, but the shape of the first support 21 is not limited to a circular shape. The first support 21 in Figure 11 has a rectangular shape in top view, and more specifically, a square shape. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals across the entire surface of the square-shaped first support 21 so as to surround the openings 251.

[0057] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the first support 21 constituting the separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The first support 21 in Figure 12 has a circular shape when viewed from above, similar to Figure 1A, but unlike Figure 1A, it has an elliptical shape. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals across the entire surface of the elliptical first support 21 so as to surround the openings 251.

[0058] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The first support 21 in Figure 13 has a polygonal shape, similar to that in Figure 11, but unlike in Figure 11, it has a hexagonal shape, more specifically a regular hexagon. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals across the entire surface of the regular hexagonal first support 21 so as to surround the openings 251.

[0059] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the first support 21 constituting the separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The first support 21 in Figure 14 has a polygonal shape, similar to that in Figure 11, but unlike in Figure 11, it has alternating convex portions 292 and concave portions 293 formed on its edges. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals across the entire surface of the first support 21, which has the alternating convex portions 292 and concave portions 293, surrounding the opening 251.

[0060] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the first support 21 and the second support 22 that constitute the separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The separation module 40 shown in Figure 1A is equipped with a spacer 30 (Figure 1A), but the separation module 40 shown in Figure 15 is not equipped with a spacer 30, and a space 24 (Figure 1B) is formed inside.

[0061] An annular protrusion 262 is arranged on the lower surface 261 of the first support 21, for example, along (or not along) the edge. The first support 21 of this shape can be formed, for example, by hollowing out a cylinder. The first support 21 and the second support 22 are then stacked so that the protrusion 262 is in contact with the upper surface 263 of the disc-shaped second support 22. At this time, the protrusion 262 and the upper surface 263 are attached, bonded, or welded together. As a result, a space 24 is formed between the lower surface 261, the protrusion 262, and the upper surface 263.

[0062] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the first support 21 and the second support 22 that constitute the separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. Similar to Figure 15 above, the separation module 40 shown in Figure 16 does not have a spacer 30 (Figure 1A), and a space 24 (Figure 1B) is formed inside.

[0063] Multiple protrusions 264, for example, columnar (or cylindrical) in shape, are arranged on the upper surface 263 of the second support 22 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. An annular, for example, plate-shaped elastic body 267 is arranged to surround the multiple protrusions 264. The first support 21 and the second support 22 are then stacked with the elastic body 267 interposed so that the protrusions 264 come into contact with the lower surface 261 of the disc-shaped first support 21. At this time, the protrusions 264 and the lower surface 261 are attached, bonded, or welded together. As a result, a space 24 is formed between the lower surface 261, the upper surface 263, the protrusions 264, and the elastic body 267.

[0064] Figure 17A is a perspective view of a support 20 constituting a separate module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. In each of the above examples, the support 20 includes a first support 21 and a second support 22 which are configured separately, but the support 20 in Figure 17A is not divided into a first support 21 and a second support 22, but is molded as a single unit. Openings 231, 231 are formed on the upper surface 265 and lower surface 266 of the support 20, similar to the support 20 in each of the above examples.

[0065] Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view along the CC line of Figure 17A. As described above, the support 20 shown in Figure 17B is a single molded product. This increases the airtightness of the space 24, thereby increasing the pressure within the space 24 and improving the separation performance. The support 20 can be formed, for example, by a 3D printer.

[0066] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of a separation module 40 of another embodiment. The support 20 each includes a first support 21 and a second support 22, which are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. Unlike the above examples, the separation module 40 shown in Figure 18 does not have a space 24 (Figure 1B) between the first support 21 and the second support 22, nor does it have an extraction port 25. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fluid to be separated T is obtained from the other side of the separation module 40 by contact of the fluid to be separated L1 with one side of the separation module 40.

[0067] The filter 10 is formed to have the same shape and size as the first support 21 and the second support 22, and is sandwiched between the first support 21 and the second support 22. This improves the support strength of the filter 10. The filter 10 is attached, bonded, or welded to at least one of the first support 21 or the second support 22.

[0068] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the isolation module 40 of another embodiment. The support 20 is configured in a rectangular shape, similar to the example in Figure 18, but unlike the example in Figure 18, it is configured as a single unit. The filter 10 is formed to the same shape and size as the support 20 and is supported, for example, on the top surface of the support 20 in the illustrated example, but may be supported on the bottom surface.

[0069] Figure 20A illustrates a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. The separation device 100 comprises, for example, a mounting table 80 formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and housings 81, 82, 83 having spaces 61, 61 inside into which the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied. The mounting table 80 is, for example, a mounting table hole (not shown) on which a rectangular separation module 40 is placed, and which discharges the fluid to be separated T to the opposite side from the supply side of the fluid to be separated L1. The mounting table 80 is made of, for example, a resin plate with mesh holes, perforated metal, etc.

[0070] The housings 81, 82, and 83 are configured as separate units, one above the other, separated by the mounting base 80, and each is connected to an actuator (not shown). The housings 81, 82, and 83 are separated vertically by the drive of the actuators.

[0071] Each housing 81, 82, and 83 is equipped with supply ports 811 and 821 (the supply port provided in housing 83 is not shown) for supplying the fluid to be separated L1 into the space 61. Each housing 81, 82, and 83 is equipped with discharge ports 822 and 832 (the discharge port provided in housing 81 is not shown) for discharging the fluid to be separated T. Each housing 81, 82, and 83 is equipped with supply ports 813, 823, and 833 for supplying a dry gas G2 (Figure 20B; for example, air) into the space 61.

[0072] The separation device 100 further includes an exchange mechanism 89 (Figure 20C) for replacing a separation module 40 placed on a mounting base 80 with another separation module 40. The exchange mechanism 89 includes, for example, a hydraulic suction cup (not shown) that can attach and detach the separation module 40 by suction, and the separation module 40 is replaced by holding and transporting the separation module 40 with the suction cup. The separation device 100 also includes, for example, a shelf (not shown) for placing the separation modules 40 that are placed on the mounting base 80, and the exchange mechanism 89 transports the placed separation modules 40 to the mounting base 80.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 20A, the separation module 40 shown in Figure 18 is used, but the separation module 40 shown in Figure 19 may also be used. When the separation module 40 shown in Figure 19 is used, it is preferable to position the separation module 40 so that the support 20 is in contact with the mounting base 80.

[0074] When the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied to space 61, the fluid to be separated T is obtained through flow to the separation module 40. On the other hand, the residue, which is the cake (not shown), remains on the space 61 side of the separation module 40 (the top surface in the illustrated example).

[0075] Figure 20B illustrates a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. For example, the supply of the fluid to be separated L1 (Figure 20A) to the space 61 is stopped by closing a valve (not shown) on piping (not shown) connected to, for example, supply ports 811, 821, etc. When drying gas G2 is supplied in this state, the gas pressure of the drying gas G2 causes the fluid to be separated T in the fluid to be separated L1 to flow through the separation module 40 and be discharged. At the same time, the cake on the separation module 40 is dried.

[0076] Figure 20C illustrates a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. After the dry gas G2 (Figure 20B) is stopped, the housings 81, 82, and 83 are separated vertically by the drive of an actuator (not shown). Next, the exchange mechanism 89 moves the separation module 40 that was placed on the mounting base 80 away from the mounting base 80 to the left of the paper, and places a new separation module 40 on the mounting base 80. Then, by returning the housings 81, 82, and 83 to their original positions using the actuator, the separation device 100 returns to the state shown in Figure 20A.

[0077] By providing a mounting base 80 and a replacement mechanism 89, the separation module 40 whose separation performance has deteriorated due to cake accumulation can be replaced with a new separation module 40 by the replacement mechanism 89, thereby suppressing a decrease in the separation performance of the separation device 100.

[0078] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the isolation module 40 of another embodiment. The support 20 in Figure 21 is the same as in the example in Figure 18, except that it is configured as a circle in top view.

[0079] Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the isolation module 40 of another embodiment. The support 20 in Figure 22 is the same as in the example in Figure 19, except that it is configured as a circle in top view.

[0080] Figure 23A illustrates a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. The separation device 100 comprises a housing 90 having, for example, a circular mounting base 80 and a space 61 inside when viewed from above, and the housing 90 is made of, for example, a pressure vessel. The mounting base 80 is placed on the bottom plate 98 (for example, a steel plate) of the housing 90. The housing 90 further comprises a supply port 91 for supplying the fluid to be separated L1 to the space 61, a compression mechanism 92 for compressing the cake C2 (Figure 23B) accumulated in the separation module 40, a supply port 93 for supplying dry gas G2 to the space 61, and an outlet port 94 for discharging the fluid to be separated T. The housing 90 further comprises outlets 96, 97 (see Figure 23C for outlet 97) for discharging the cake C2 accumulated inside, and a lid 95 for closing the outlet 97.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 23A, the separation module 40 shown in Figure 21 is used, but the separation module 40 shown in Figure 22 may also be used. When the separation module 40 shown in Figure 22 is used, it is preferable to position the separation module 40 so that the support 20 is in contact with the mounting base 80.

[0082] Similar to the example shown in Figure 20A, when the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied to the space 61 with the outlet 97 closed, the fluid to be separated T is obtained, and the residue, cake C2 (Figure 23B), remains on, for example, the upper surface of the separation module 40.

[0083] Figure 23B illustrates a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. For example, the supply of the fluid to be separated L1 to the space 61 is stopped by closing a valve (not shown) on a pipe (not shown) connected to the supply port 91. In this state, when the compression mechanism 92 is driven while supplying the drying gas G2, the cake C2 is dried.

[0084] Figure 23C illustrates a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. When the blockage by the lid 95 is released, the discharge port 97 opens. The accumulated cake C2 can be removed, for example, by scraping it out through the discharge ports 96 and 97. After scraping out the cake C2, separation may be performed again without replacing the separation module 40, or separation may be performed after replacing the separation module 40 with another separation module (for example, a new one). The replacement is usually done manually, but may also be done by a replacement mechanism 89 (Figure 20C), for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 filters 100 Separation equipment 1000 Separation System 111,112 aperture 12. Second filter 14 filter holes 20 Support 201,202,023 tanks 21 First support 212, 213, 214, 216 valves 22 Second support 221,222,223,224,225,226,227 system 23 Support hole 231,232 aperture 233 Pressure Gauge 234 Mass meter 235 Flow meter 236 Mass meter 24 Space 25 Dispensing opening 251,252 aperture 261 Bottom surface 262 Convex part 263 Top surface 264 Protrusion 265 Top 266 Bottom surface 267 Elastic body 27,271,272,276 valves 291 Notch 262 Convex part 293 recess 30 Spacers 300,301 Feeding device 31 branches 40 Separation Modules 50 Rotation Mechanism 60 cabinets 61 Space 62 Obstacle board 63 Supply port 64 Outlet 65 Outlet 70 Cylinder 71 Closure member 72 Outlet 80 Mounting platform 81, 82, 83 enclosures 811, 813, 821, 823 supply ports 822,832 outlet 89 Exchange mechanism 90 cabinets 91, 93 Supply ports 92 Compression mechanism 94,96,97 Outlet 95 Lid 98 Bottom plate C1 Fluid to be treated C2 Cake C3 Circulating fluid G1 Pressurized gas G2 Dry Gas L1 Fluid to be separated L2 Cleaning Solution P center P1 Movement direction T Fluid to be separated

Claims

1. A classification module for classifying a second slurry containing particles of a desired size from a first slurry containing particles of various sizes, A filter having filter holes that extend linearly along the thickness direction and have an inner diameter of 1 nm to 1 mm, and made of an organic material or a metallic material, which classifies by bringing the first slurry into contact with the filter holes and flowing the second slurry through the filter holes, The filter is supported by a surface and comprises a support hole that extends linearly along the thickness direction and has an inner diameter of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, a first support, a second support, a spacer sandwiched between the first support and the second support, a space connected to the support hole and disposed between the first support, the second support and the spacer, and an outlet communicating with the space, The opening of the filter hole on the support side overlaps with the opening of the support hole on the filter side. The aforementioned filter is A first filter is disposed on one side of the support, Includes a second filter disposed on the other side of the support. A classification module characterized by the following features.

2. A classification module for classifying a second slurry containing particles of a desired size from a first slurry containing particles of various sizes, A filter having filter holes that extend linearly along the thickness direction and have an inner diameter of 1 nm to 1 mm, and made of an organic material or a metallic material, which classifies by bringing the first slurry into contact with the filter holes and flowing the second slurry through the filter holes, The filter is supported by a surface and comprises a support having a support hole that extends linearly along the thickness direction and has an inner diameter of 1 mm or more and an inner diameter of 10 mm or less, a first support, and a second support. The opening of the filter hole on the support side overlaps with the opening of the support hole on the filter side. The filter is sandwiched between the first support and the second support. A classification module characterized by the following features.

3. When the first slurry comes into contact with one side of the filter, the second slurry flows to the other side of the filter through the filter holes. The classification module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The opening of the filter hole on the support side is positioned such that the second slurry discharged from the filter hole flows into the support hole. The classification module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The classification module is provided according to claim 1 or 2. A classification apparatus characterized by the following features.

6. A classification apparatus according to claim 5, The classification apparatus is further provided with a supply device that supplies the first slurry at a higher pressure than the discharge side of the second slurry. A classification system characterized by the following features.

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