Ozone water storage tank and ozone water generator

Abstract

This technology helps to suppress the formation of bubbles in ozonated water stored in a storage tank, thereby making it easier to detect the water level of the ozonated water. [Solution] The device comprises a tank section 1 having a cylindrical peripheral wall 10 positioned in a vertically extending position, an ozone water inlet pipe 2 provided on the upper peripheral wall section 11 of the peripheral wall 10, an ozone water outlet pipe 3 provided on the lower peripheral wall section 12 of the peripheral wall 10, and a measuring pipe 4 that extends vertically on the outer circumference of the peripheral wall 10. The upper end of the measuring pipe 4 is connected to the upper peripheral wall section 11 and communicates with the inner circumference of the peripheral wall 10, and the lower end of the measuring pipe 4 is connected to the lower peripheral wall section 12 and communicates with the inner circumference of the peripheral wall 10. A first water level sensor 51 capable of detecting ozone water present on the inner circumference of the measuring pipe 4 is provided on the outer circumference of the measuring pipe 4 at a position horizontal to the ozone water inlet pipe 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology that can contribute to a storage tank and a generation device for ozone water.

Background Art

[0002] Ozone water obtained by dissolving ozone in a solvent (for example, raw water such as pure water) has a strong oxidizing power. Therefore, in addition to being used in fields such as cleaning, decontamination, and disinfection, attempts have been made to use it in various fields. The use of such ozone water is evaluated as an environmentally friendly means because ozone is easily decomposed into oxygen in the end and does not leave residual chemicals or the like.

[0003] As a device for generating ozone water, there is known a configuration having a circulation line for circulating a solvent capable of dissolving ozone gas, a gas-liquid mixer capable of dissolving ozone gas in the solvent in the circulating state of the circulation line to generate ozone water, and a storage tank capable of introducing the ozone water generated by the gas-liquid mixer for storage and discharging the stored ozone water to the circulation line (refluxing to the upstream side of the gas-liquid mixer) (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One method for adjusting the amount of ozonated water introduced into a storage tank is to adjust the amount while detecting the water level in the storage tank (hereinafter simply referred to as "water level") using a water level sensor. While there are known water level sensors that detect the water level while in contact with (e.g., immersed in) the ozonated water (contact-type water level sensors), keeping such a water level sensor in contact with the ozonated water may easily lead to a deterioration in the quality of the ozonated water (contamination, etc.).

[0007] On the other hand, a water level sensor that can detect the water level in a non-contact state with respect to ozonated water, such as an optical water level sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as a non-contact water level sensor), can maintain a non-contact state with respect to the ozonated water, making it easier to avoid the aforementioned deterioration of water quality. However, if air bubbles remain in the ozonated water within the detection area of ​​a non-contact water level sensor, these bubbles can easily interfere with water level detection, potentially leading to false detections.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the formation of bubbles in the ozonated water stored in the storage tank.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that can help suppress the formation of bubbles in ozonated water stored in a storage tank and make it easier to detect the water level of said ozonated water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The ozone water storage tank and generating apparatus according to this invention can contribute to solving the above-mentioned problems. In one embodiment of the storage tank, the tank has a cylindrical peripheral wall arranged in a position extending in the vertical direction, and comprises a tank section on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall capable of storing ozone water, an ozone water introduction pipe provided on the upper peripheral wall section, which is the upper side of the peripheral wall, for introducing the ozone water to the inner circumference of the peripheral wall, an ozone water discharge pipe provided on the lower peripheral wall section, which is the lower side of the peripheral wall, for guiding the stored ozone water to the outer circumference of the tank section, and a measuring pipe that extends vertically on the outer circumference of the peripheral wall. Furthermore, the measuring tube is characterized in that its upper end is connected to the upper peripheral wall and communicates with the inner side of the peripheral wall, its lower end is connected to the lower peripheral wall and communicates with the inner side of the peripheral wall, and a first water level sensor capable of detecting the ozone water present on the inner side of the measuring tube is provided at a position on the outer circumference of the measuring tube that is horizontal with respect to the ozone water introduction tube.

[0011] In one embodiment of the storage tank, the ozone water inlet pipe has an inlet pipe extension that extends to the inner circumference of the peripheral wall, and is provided such that the inlet pipe extension is inclined to one side at a position offset to one side in the circumferential direction from the position on the peripheral wall where the measuring pipe is provided, and the ozone water outlet pipe has an outlet pipe extension that extends to the inner circumference of the peripheral wall, and is provided such that the outlet pipe extension is inclined to the other side at a position offset to the other side in the circumferential direction from the position on the peripheral wall where the measuring pipe is provided.

[0012] Furthermore, the extension portion of the inlet pipe may be characterized in that its tip in the extension direction is sealed, and at least one discharge port is provided on either the lower portion of the inlet pipe, which is the radially downward side of the extension portion, or the lateral portion of the inlet pipe, which is the radially horizontal side of the extension portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the extension portion of the outlet pipe may be characterized in that its tip in the extension direction is sealed, and one or more inlet ports are provided in the lower part of the outlet pipe, which is the radially lower side of the extension portion of the outlet pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the measuring tube may be characterized by comprising a vertically extending riser section, an upper connecting section that curves and extends from the upper end of the riser section toward the circumferential wall and is connected to the upper circumferential wall, and a lower connecting section that curves and extends from the lower end of the riser section toward the circumferential wall and is connected to the lower circumferential wall, wherein a second water level sensor is provided between the first water level sensor on the outer circumference of the riser section and the upper connecting section, and a third water level sensor is provided between the first water level sensor on the outer circumference of the riser section and the lower connecting section.

[0015] One embodiment of the generating apparatus is characterized by comprising: a circulation line for circulating a solvent capable of dissolving ozone gas; a control unit for controlling the circulation flow rate of the solvent; a gas-liquid mixer through which the solvent flows and through which the ozone gas is supplied at an arbitrary supply pressure in a circulating state; and the storage tank.

[0016] Another embodiment of the generating apparatus comprises a circulation line for circulating a solvent capable of dissolving ozone gas, a control unit for controlling the circulation flow rate of the solvent, a gas-liquid mixer through which the solvent flows and through which the ozone gas is supplied at an arbitrary supply pressure in a circulating state, and the storage tank, wherein at least a portion of the circulation line is a corner that extends horizontally in an L-shape, and the tank is provided in such a position that the measuring tube is located on the inner corner side of the corner in the circulation line.

[0017] Another embodiment of the generating apparatus may be characterized in that a pipe is provided on the inner corner side of the corner portion of the upper peripheral wall portion for introducing one or more of the following into the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall: inert gas, carbon dioxide, or low-concentration ozone gas.

[0018] Further, an exhaust pipe for exhausting the gas on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall may be provided on the inner angle side of the corner portion in the upper peripheral wall portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to suppressing the formation of bubbles in the ozone water stored in the storage tank and making it easier to detect the water level of the ozone water.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram (viewed from the horizontal direction) for explaining the main configuration of the storage tank T according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic configuration diagram for explaining the storage tank T (external perspective view omitting the depiction of the water level sensor 5). [Figure 3] Schematic configuration diagram for explaining the storage tank T (viewed from above the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall 10 with the upper lid portion 1a removed and omitting the depiction of the water level sensor 5). [Figure 4] Schematic configuration diagram for explaining the ozone water introduction pipe 2 ((a) is a view from the horizontal direction, (b) is a view from the lower side). [Figure 5] Schematic configuration diagram for explaining the ozone water discharge pipe 3 ((a) is a view from the horizontal direction, (b) is a view from the lower side). [Figure 6] Schematic diagram for explaining the main configuration of the generation device 6 (perspective view omitting the depiction of the water level sensor 5).

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The ozone water storage tank and generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention are completely different from a configuration that simply stores ozone water (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a conventional configuration) as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.

[0022] In other words, this embodiment comprises a tank section having a cylindrical peripheral wall positioned to extend vertically, an ozone water inlet pipe provided on the upper peripheral wall section, an ozone water outlet pipe provided on the lower peripheral wall section, and a measuring pipe with a shape that extends vertically on the outer circumference of the peripheral wall.

[0023] The measuring tube is configured such that its upper end is connected to the upper peripheral wall and communicates with the inner side of the peripheral wall, and its lower end is connected to the lower peripheral wall and communicates with the inner side of the peripheral wall. A water level sensor (first water level sensor) capable of detecting ozone water present on the inner side of the measuring tube is provided on the outer circumference of the measuring tube at a position horizontal to the ozone water introduction tube.

[0024] With this embodiment, when the water level in the tank is located between the upper and lower peripheral walls, the ozonated water stored in the tank flows into the measuring tube. Furthermore, fluctuations in the water level near the ozonated water introduction tube can be easily detected by the water level sensor.

[0025] In this way, by detecting fluctuations in the water level near the ozone water inlet pipe using a water level sensor and appropriately adjusting the amount (flow rate) of ozone water introduced into the tank, the water level can be controlled to be located near or above the ozone water inlet pipe.

[0026] For example, if ozonated water is introduced into the tank through the ozonated water introduction pipe when the water level has dropped significantly below the pipe's level, the introduced ozonated water will be struck against the water surface in the tank, creating conditions that make it easier for bubbles to form.

[0027] On the other hand, as mentioned above, if the water level is controlled to be located near or above the ozone water introduction pipe, it becomes easier to avoid the introduced ozone water hitting the water surface in the tank, and it becomes possible to suppress the formation of bubbles.

[0028] Furthermore, since the water level is detected by a non-contact water level sensor installed on the outer circumference of the measuring tube, it is possible to avoid a deterioration in the quality of the ozonated water caused by the water level sensor. In addition, if the formation of bubbles is suppressed as described above, the water level becomes easier to detect, and it becomes easier to maintain the desired detection accuracy.

[0029] The storage tank and generation apparatus of this embodiment may be configured such that a non-contact water level sensor is provided on the outer circumference of the measuring tube, which is located on the outer circumference of the tank section, at a position horizontal to the ozone water introduction tube.

[0030] In other words, it is possible to appropriately apply common technical knowledge from various fields (for example, the fields of ozone gas and ozonated water generation, water level gauges, etc.) and modify the design by appropriately referring to the contents disclosed in prior art documents, etc., as needed. One example of this is the embodiment described below. In the embodiment described below, detailed explanations are appropriately omitted, for example, by referring to the same reference numerals for similar contents.

[0031] Examples <Example of the main configuration of storage tank T according to the embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main configuration of a storage tank T according to an embodiment. This storage tank T mainly comprises a tank section 1 capable of storing ozonated water on the inner circumference of a cylindrical peripheral wall 10 arranged in a position where the central axis S extends in the vertical direction, an ozonated water introduction pipe 2 provided on the upper peripheral wall section 11, which is the upper side of the peripheral wall 10, an ozonated water outlet pipe 3 provided on the lower peripheral wall section 12, which is the lower side of the peripheral wall 10, a measuring pipe 4 with a shape that extends in the vertical direction on the outer circumference of the peripheral wall 10, and a non-contact type first water level sensor 51 provided on the outer circumference of the measuring pipe 4. In the case of the measuring pipe 4 in Figure 1, in addition to the first water level sensor 51, a second water level sensor 52 and a third water level sensor 53 are provided (the first water level sensor 51, the second water level sensor 52, and the third water level sensor 53 are appropriately collectively referred to simply as water level sensor 5).

[0032] Such a storage tank T is applied by connecting it to an ozone water generator 6 (details to be described later), such as the one shown in Figure 6, and is used to appropriately store the ozone water generated by the generator 6, and to allow the stored ozone water to be returned to the generator 6.

[0033] <Example of Tank Section 1 Configuration> In the tank section 1, ozonated water can be introduced and stored via the ozonated water introduction pipe 2, and the stored ozonated water can be discharged to the outer periphery of the tank section via the ozonated water discharge pipe 3. Various configurations can be applied.

[0034] The tank section 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 10, and the central axis S of the peripheral wall 10 is positioned to extend vertically. Furthermore, the upper peripheral wall portion 11 of the peripheral wall 10 is sealed by the top cover portion 1a, and the lower peripheral wall portion 12 of the peripheral wall 10 is sealed by the bottom cover portion 1b, thereby enabling the storage of ozonated water within the tank section 1.

[0035] The upper peripheral wall portion 11 of the peripheral wall 10 is provided with a through hole 11a for inserting the ozone water introduction pipe 2 and a through hole 11b for connecting the upper communication portion 41 of the measuring pipe 4, which will be described later.

[0036] The through-hole 11a is provided considering the positional relationship between the ozone water introduction pipe 2, which is inserted through the through-hole 11a, and the upper communication section 41 of the measurement pipe 4 (described later) and the water level sensor 5. In the case of Figures 1 to 3, the through-hole 11a is provided at a position lower than the through-hole 11b in order to position the ozone water introduction pipe 2 lower than the upper communication section 41 of the measurement pipe 4 (described later).

[0037] Furthermore, the through-hole 11a is positioned to offset from the position of the through-hole 11b to one side in the circumferential direction of the circumferential wall 10 (the clockwise direction in Figure 3; hereinafter referred to as simply one side in the circumferential direction) (in the case of Figure 3, offset so that the central angle with respect to the central axis S is approximately 45°) in order to move the ozone water introduction pipe 2 away from the communication position of the upper communication section 41 (i.e., the position of the through-hole 11b). In addition, the through-hole 11a does not simply penetrate in the thickness direction of the circumferential wall 10 (hereinafter referred to as simply the thickness direction of the circumferential wall), but rather penetrates at an angle inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the circumferential wall, so that it is offset to one side in the circumferential direction as it moves from the outside to the inside of the thickness direction of the circumferential wall (hereinafter referred to as simply the inclined through-hole shape).

[0038] The lower peripheral wall portion 12 of the peripheral wall 10 is provided with a through hole 12a for inserting the ozone water outlet pipe 3 and a through hole 12b for connecting the lower communication portion 42 of the measuring pipe 4, which will be described later.

[0039] The through-hole 12a is provided considering the positional relationship between the ozone water outlet pipe 3, which is inserted through the through-hole 12a, and the lower connecting section 42 of the measuring pipe 4 (described later) and the water level sensor 5. In the case of Figures 1 to 3, the through-hole 12a is provided at a position below the third water level sensor 53 in order to position the ozone water outlet pipe 3 below the third water level sensor 53.

[0040] Furthermore, the through-hole 12a is positioned to offset from the position of the through-hole 12b to the other side in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 10 (in Figure 3, the counterclockwise direction as shown; hereinafter referred to as the other side in the circumferential direction) (in the case of Figure 3, offset so that the central angle with respect to the central axis S is approximately 45°) in order to move the ozone water outlet pipe 3 away from the communication position of the lower communication section 42 (i.e., the position of the through-hole 12b). In addition, the through-hole 12a does not simply penetrate in the direction of the thickness of the peripheral wall, but has an inclined through-hole shape such that it is offset to the other side in the circumferential direction as it moves from the outside to the inside in the direction of the thickness of the peripheral wall.

[0041] Furthermore, if the ozone water inlet pipe 2 and the ozone water outlet pipe 3 are cylindrical pipes as described later, the openings of the inclined through-holes 11a and 12a will be elliptical in shape.

[0042] <Example configuration of ozone water inlet pipe 2> The ozone water introduction pipe 2 only needs to be able to introduce ozone water generated by, for example, the generating device 6 into the tank section 1, and various configurations can be applied.

[0043] The ozone water introduction pipe 2 shown in Figures 1 to 4 has a cylindrical pipe shape that can be inserted into the through hole 11a, and is installed by being inserted into the through hole 11a from the outer circumference side to the inner circumference side of the upper peripheral wall portion 11.

[0044] As a result, the ozone water inlet tube 2 has an inlet tube extension 21 that extends inward on the inner circumference side of the upper peripheral wall portion 11. Furthermore, because the through hole 11a penetrates at an angle inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the peripheral wall, the inlet tube extension 21 is inclined to one side in the circumferential direction and is positioned away from the central axis S. Consequently, the axis of the inlet tube extension 21 is located on the opposite side of the central axis S from the through hole 11b (measuring tube 4).

[0045] The extension portion 21 of the inlet pipe has its tip 22 in the extension direction sealed, and discharge ports 20 are provided for the lower inlet pipe portion 23, which is the radially downward side of the extension portion 21, and for the lateral inlet pipe portions 24a and 24b, which are the radially horizontal side of the extension portion 21. These discharge ports 20 may be provided for at least one of the lower inlet pipe portion 23 and the lateral inlet pipe portions 24a and 24b, and multiple discharge ports may be provided for each.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferable not to provide a discharge port 20 on the radially upper side of the inlet pipe extension 21 for the following reasons. Specifically, if a discharge port 20 is provided on the radially upper side of the inlet pipe extension 21, the ozonated water discharged from that discharge port 20 tends to fall after being discharged upwards. Therefore, when the water level is below the inlet pipe extension 21, the ozonated water is more likely to hit the water surface in the tank compared to when a discharge port 20 is provided on the lower part 23 of the inlet pipe or the lateral parts 24a and 24b of the inlet pipe.

[0047] Therefore, it is preferable to provide the discharge port 20 appropriately in at least one of the lower part 23 of the inlet pipe and the side parts 24a and 24b of the inlet pipe.

[0048] The number and shape of the discharge ports 20 provided in the inlet pipe extension 21 are not particularly limited, but the more ports there are, and / or the larger the shape, the easier it is to suppress the force of the ozonated water flowing through the inlet pipe extension 21, and the easier it is to suppress the discharge force of the ozonated water discharged from the discharge ports 20.

[0049] As a specific example, the discharge ports 20 are appropriately arranged such that the opening area of ​​the discharge ports 20 (or the total opening area if multiple discharge ports 20 are provided) is several times (approximately 2 to 3 times) the radial cross-sectional area on the inner circumference side of the inlet pipe extension 21. In the case of the inlet pipe extension 21 shown in Figure 4, three discharge ports 20 are provided in the lower part 23 of the inlet pipe, aligned along the axis of the inlet pipe extension 21, and two discharge ports 20 are provided in the side parts 24a and 24b of the inlet pipe, respectively.

[0050] Furthermore, if, for example, the inlet pipe extension 21 has a cylindrical pipe shape, it is conceivable that the larger the inclination angle of the inlet pipe extension 21 with respect to the wall thickness direction of the circumferential wall, the larger the major axis dimension of the elliptical through hole 11a will become. In this case, the machinability of the through hole 11a and the ease of installation of the inlet pipe extension 21 may be reduced.

[0051] Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately set the shape of the ozone water inlet pipe 2 (for example, the extension direction dimension and outer diameter of the inlet pipe extension 21) and the inclination angle with respect to the circumferential wall thickness direction, taking into consideration the shape of the tank section 1 (volume, etc.), and also considering factors such as ensuring that it does not interfere with surrounding elements of the inlet pipe extension 21 (for example, the outlet pipe extension 31), as well as the machinability of the through hole 11a and the ease of mounting the inlet pipe extension 21.

[0052] <Example configuration of ozone water outlet pipe 3> The ozone water outlet pipe 3 only needs to be able to discharge the ozone water stored in the tank section 1 to the outer circumference of the tank section 1 (for example, to recirculate it to the generator 6, or to take it out for use as appropriate), and various configurations can be applied.

[0053] The ozone water outlet pipe 3 shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 has a cylindrical pipe shape that can be inserted into the through hole 12a, and is installed by being inserted into the through hole 12a from the outer circumference to the inner circumference of the lower peripheral wall portion 12.

[0054] As a result, the ozone water outlet pipe 3 has an outlet pipe extension 31 that extends inward on the inner circumference side of the lower peripheral wall portion 12. Furthermore, because the through hole 12a penetrates at an angle inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the peripheral wall, the outlet pipe extension 31 is inclined to the other side in the circumferential direction and is positioned away from the central axis S (and the inlet pipe extension 21). Consequently, the axis of the outlet pipe extension 31 is located on the opposite side of the central axis S from the through hole 12b (measuring pipe 4).

[0055] The extension portion 31 of the outlet pipe has its tip 32 in the extension direction sealed, and an intake port 30 is provided on the lower part of the outlet pipe 33, which is the radially downward side of the extension portion 31. This intake port 30 may be provided as a single port or as multiple ports on the lower part of the outlet pipe 33.

[0056] Furthermore, it is preferable not to provide an intake port 30 on the radial horizontal side and upward side of the outlet pipe extension 31 for the following reasons. First, if bubbles remain in the ozonated water stored in the tank section 1, for example, if the ozonated water is not being discharged from the outlet pipe extension 31, these bubbles tend to float to the water surface.

[0057] However, when ozonated water is being drawn in from the intake port 30 of the outlet extension 31, the suction force from the drawing may act particularly on bubbles close to the intake port 30. Also, when ozonated water is being discharged from the discharge port 20 of the inlet extension 21, a water flow is more likely to occur from the point where the discharged ozonated water lands towards the intake port 30. This can cause the bubbles to be attracted to the intake port 30 and condense. For example, if the ozonated water outlet 3 is connected to the generator 6, it is possible that the ozonated water containing the aforementioned bubbles may be more easily returned to the generator 6.

[0058] Therefore, it is preferable to provide the intake port 30 as far down as possible from the outlet extension 31, that is, in the lower part of the outlet 33.

[0059] The number and shape of the intake ports 30 provided in the outlet extension 31 are not particularly limited, but the more intake ports there are, and / or the larger the shape, the smoother the flow of ozonated water discharged from the outlet extension 31 tends to be. Specifically, the intake ports 30 can be provided so that their opening area (or the total opening area if multiple intake ports 30 are provided) is similar to the radial cross-sectional area on the inner circumference of the outlet extension 31 (for example, slightly more than 1).

[0060] However, in order to prevent bubbles from being drawn into the intake port 30 along with the ozonated water as described above, it is preferable to set the opening shape of the intake port 30 so as not to be too large, and also to set the number of intake ports 30 so as not to be too large.

[0061] In the case of the outlet extension 31 shown in Figure 5, two intake ports 30 are provided in the lower part 33 of the outlet, aligned along the axis of the outlet extension 31. Furthermore, the intake ports 30 shown in Figure 5 have a smaller opening shape and fewer number compared to the intake ports 30 of the introduction pipe extension 21 shown in Figure 4.

[0062] Furthermore, if, for example, the extension pipe portion 31 has a cylindrical pipe shape, it is conceivable that the larger the inclination angle of the extension pipe portion 31 with respect to the wall thickness direction of the circumferential wall, the larger the major axis dimension of the elliptical through hole 12a will become. In this case, the machinability of the through hole 12a and the ease of mounting the extension pipe portion 31 may be reduced.

[0063] Therefore, similar to the ozone water inlet pipe 2, the shape of the ozone water outlet pipe 3 (for example, the extension direction dimension and outer diameter of the outlet pipe extension 31) and the inclination angle with respect to the circumferential wall thickness direction should be set appropriately, taking into consideration the shape of the tank section 1 (volume, etc.), and also considering, for example, that it should not interfere with surrounding elements of the outlet pipe extension 31 (for example, the inlet pipe extension 21), as well as the machinability of the through hole 12a and the ease of mounting the outlet pipe extension 31.

[0064] <Example configuration of measuring tube 4 and water level sensor 5> The measuring tube 4 only needs to be able to detect fluctuations in the water level near the ozone water introduction tube 2 using the water level sensor 5, and various configurations can be applied.

[0065] The measuring tube 4 shown in Figures 1 to 3 has a cylindrical pipe shape and is configured to include a vertical section 40 that extends vertically, an upper connecting section 41 that extends from the upper end of the vertical section 40 toward the peripheral wall 10 in a curved shape and is connected to the through hole 11b (connected to the upper peripheral wall section 11), and a lower connecting section 42 that extends from the lower end of the vertical section 40 toward the peripheral wall 10 in a curved shape and is connected to the through hole 12b (connected to the lower peripheral wall section 12).

[0066] Furthermore, a first water level sensor 51 is provided on the outer circumference of the riser section 40 at a position horizontal to the inlet pipe extension section 21. A second water level sensor 52 is provided between the first water level sensor 51 and the upper communication section 41 on the outer circumference of the riser section 40, at a position above the inlet pipe extension section 21. A third water level sensor 53 is provided between the first water level sensor 51 and the lower communication section 42 on the outer circumference of the riser section 40, at a position above the outlet pipe extension section 31. Each water level sensor 5 can be a non-contact type water level sensor that can detect the water level inside the measuring pipe 4 at its installation position on the outer circumference of the measuring pipe 4 (detection without contact with the ozonated water), and an optical water level sensor is one example.

[0067] With the measuring tube 4 described above, when the water level in the tank section 1 is above the through-hole 12b, ozonated water flows into the measuring tube 4. Also, when the water level in the tank section 1 fluctuates between the through-hole 12b and the through-hole 11b, the water level of ozonated water in the measuring tube 4 will also fluctuate.

[0068] For example, if the water level fluctuates near the ozone water inlet pipe 2, this can be detected by the first water level sensor 51, which is positioned horizontally to the ozone water inlet pipe 2. This allows the water level to be controlled (for example, via the control unit 61 of the generator 6 described later) so that it is located near or above the ozone water inlet pipe 2 (i.e., so that the ozone water inlet pipe is submerged in the ozone water) by appropriately adjusting the amount (flow rate) of ozone water introduced into the tank 1 while detecting fluctuations in the water level near the ozone water inlet pipe 2 using the first water level sensor 51. By controlling the water level in this way, it is possible to avoid the ozone water introduced from the ozone water inlet pipe 2 hitting the water surface in the tank, thereby suppressing the formation of bubbles.

[0069] If the water level is above the detection range of the first water level sensor 51, it is preferable to control the water level appropriately to prevent it from rising too high. For example, if the second water level sensor 52, located above the first water level sensor 51, detects the water level, the amount of ozone water introduced (flow rate) from the ozone water introduction pipe 2 can be limited, or the operation of the generator 6 can be stopped (for example, a high water level alarm can be issued to the administrator, and the system can be completely stopped to maintain safety). This makes it possible to prevent the amount of ozone water in the tank section 1 from exceeding the allowable capacity of the tank section 1.

[0070] On the other hand, if the water level is below the detection range of the first water level sensor 51, it is preferable to control the water level appropriately to prevent it from dropping too low. For example, when the third water level sensor 53, located below the first water level sensor 51, detects the water level, it is possible to increase the amount of ozone water introduced from the ozone water introduction pipe 2, limit the amount of ozone water discharged from the ozone water outlet pipe 3, or stop the operation of the generator 6 (for example, by issuing a low water level alarm to the administrator and completely stopping the system to maintain safety). This makes it possible to avoid, for example, the tank section 1 becoming empty and to avoid any impact on the generator 6 (for example, the impact of air inflow).

[0071] As mentioned above, the positions in the measuring tube 4 that communicate with the peripheral wall 10, namely the through holes 11b and 12b, are located away from the discharge port 20 of the inlet extension 21 and the intake port 30 of the outlet extension 31. This makes it easier to suppress the inflow of air bubbles into the measuring tube 4 through the through hole 12b, even if, for example, air bubbles tend to accumulate near the intake port 30 of the outlet extension 31.

[0072] The measuring tube 4 can be manufactured by various methods. For example, when manufactured by bending a single cylindrical pipe, it is possible to obtain a structure in which the vertical section 40, the upper connecting section 41, and the lower connecting section 42 are integrally molded. With a measuring tube 4 in this integrally molded structure, it is possible to create a continuous smooth surface on the inner wall surface of the curved section 43 between the vertical section 40 and the upper connecting section 41, and on the inner wall surface of the curved section 44 between the lower connecting section 42 and the vertical section 40. By making the inner wall surfaces of the curved sections 43 and 44 continuous smooth surfaces, it becomes easier to prevent bubbles from accumulating on the inner wall surfaces (especially the upper side of the inner wall surface) if, for example, air bubbles flow into the measuring tube 4.

[0073] In the curved sections 43 and 44, the respective radii of curvature can be set as appropriate and are not particularly limited. For example, the larger the radius of curvature, the easier it is to prevent air bubbles from accumulating on the inner wall surface of the curved sections 43 and 44, as mentioned above, and the easier it is to perform bending processes. On the other hand, the smaller the radius of curvature, the easier it is to secure the vertical length of the riser section 40, and the wider the installation range for the water level sensor 5. For example, the second water level sensor 52 can be placed higher up (for example, it becomes easier to suppress the issuance of high water level alarms to the administrator and prevent situations that result in a complete shutdown), and the third water level sensor 53 can be placed lower down (for example, it becomes easier to suppress the issuance of low water level alarms to the administrator and prevent situations that result in a complete shutdown).

[0074] Therefore, the radius of curvature of each of the curved sections 43 and 44 can be appropriately set according to the intended use of the storage tank T (appropriately set considering the balance of safety, operational continuity, etc.). For example, the radius of curvature of each of the curved sections 43 and 44 can be appropriately set to R10 mm or more or R20 mm or more.

[0075] The upper and lower connecting portions 41 and 42 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are depicted simply as extending horizontally, but are not limited to this and can be configured in various ways. The upper and lower connecting portions 41 and 42 do not have to be the same shape (for example, approximately the same diameter), and may be different shapes (for example, different diameters).

[0076] In the upper connecting portion 41, the upper side of its inner wall surface is made inclined so that it is biased upward from the vertical pipe portion 40 side towards the through hole 11b side. Specifically, the through hole 11b is made inclined so that it is biased upward from the outside to the inside in the direction of the circumferential wall thickness, and the through hole 11b is appropriately shaped so that the upper connecting portion 41 can be inserted through it.

[0077] In the lower connecting section 42, the upper side of its inner wall surface is made inclined so that it is biased upward from the through-hole 12b side towards the vertical pipe section 40 side. Specifically, the through-hole 12b is made inclined so that it is biased upward from the inside to the outside in the circumferential wall thickness direction, and the lower connecting section 42 is appropriately shaped so that it can be inserted through the through-hole 12b.

[0078] If the upper side of the inner wall surface of the upper connecting section 41 and the lower connecting section 42 is inclined in this way, it becomes easier to prevent air bubbles from accumulating on the upper side of the inner wall surface.

[0079] Furthermore, if, for example, the upper connecting portion 41 and the lower connecting portion 42 each have a cylindrical pipe shape, it is conceivable that the larger the angle of inclination with respect to the wall thickness direction, the larger the major axis dimension of the elliptical through-holes 11b and 12b with the aforementioned inclined through-hole shape will become. In this case, the machinability of the through-holes 11b and 12b, and the ease of installation of the upper connecting portion 41 and the lower connecting portion 42, respectively, may be reduced.

[0080] Therefore, when the through holes 11b and 12b are made in an inclined through shape, they should be set appropriately according to the intended use of the storage tank T (appropriately set considering the balance between the conditions under which air bubbles may form in the tank section 1 and processing costs).

[0081] <Example configuration of generating device 6> The ozonated water stored in the storage tank T can be produced by appropriately applying various generating devices, such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. One example is the generating device 6 with the configuration shown in Figure 6.

[0082] The generating apparatus 6 in Figure 6 mainly comprises a circulation line 60 for circulating a solvent capable of dissolving ozone gas, a control unit 61 capable of controlling the circulation flow rate of the solvent in the circulation line 60, and a gas-liquid mixer 62 that supplies ozone gas at an arbitrary supply pressure while the solvent is circulating. A storage tank T is provided connected to a part of the circulation line 60.

[0083] The control unit 61 can be appropriately connected to equipment (e.g., measuring instruments, regulators, controllers, on / off valves, circulation pumps, resistance thermometers, etc.) configured in the circulation line 60 and the gas-liquid mixer 62, as well as to the water level sensor 5 of the storage tank T, via signal lines (not shown). With this configuration, it is possible to operate each line as needed to acquire status information of the equipment and the water level sensor 5, and to output control commands to the equipment based on the acquired status information to control it.

[0084] In the gas-liquid mixer 62, for example, an ejector, aspirator, jet pump, etc., may be applied, but it is not limited to these, and various configurations can be applied. That is, the gas-liquid mixer 62 may have a solvent flow passage (not shown) through which the solvent flows, and an ozone gas introduction passage (not shown) connected to the solvent flow passage and provided to introduce the ozone gas supplied to the gas-liquid mixer 62 into the solvent flow passage.

[0085] In the circulation line 60, as shown in Figure 6, there is an configuration in which it is arranged to extend in a ring shape in the horizontal direction, and a part of it may have a corner portion (hereinafter simply referred to as a line corner portion) that extends by bending in an L-shape (for example, bending at a right angle) in the horizontal direction. For example, in the case of the circulation line 60 in Figure 6, it extends in a substantially rectangular shape in the horizontal direction, and a storage tank T is connected to and provided at one of the four corners of the rectangle, which is a line corner portion 6a.

[0086] In the case of the storage tank T shown in Figure 6, since both the ozone water inlet pipe 2 and the ozone water outlet pipe 3 extend in directions perpendicular to each other, they can be easily connected to the line corner 6a. Also, in the case of the storage tank T shown in Figure 6, the measuring pipe 4 is positioned on the inner corner side of the line corner 6a.

[0087] As described above, connecting the storage tank T to the circulation line 60 makes it easier to reduce the installation area and save space for the generating device 6.

[0088] <Other> In addition to supplying and storing ozonated water from the generating device 6 as described above, the tank section 1 may also be supplied with a back pressure adjustment gas (for example, one or more of inert gases such as N2, Ar, He, carbon dioxide, or low-concentration ozone gas) to adjust the back pressure inside the tank section 1.

[0089] In this case, the pressure regulating gas piping (not shown) for supplying back pressure regulating gas to the tank section 1 may be connected not simply to the top lid 1a of the tank section 1, but to the inner corner of the line corner 6a of the upper peripheral wall 11, and preferably to a position above the second water level sensor 52. This contributes to reducing the installation area and saving space of the generating device 6, and also makes it easier to miniaturize the generating device 6 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the back pressure regulating gas is flowed along the water surface on the water surface of the tank section 1, it is possible to create moderate waves on the water surface, which may make it easier to suppress the formation of bubbles below the water surface.

[0090] Furthermore, the tank section 1 may be provided with an exhaust pipe (not shown) to exhaust the gas (for example, the gas phase separated from the solvent) inside the tank section 1 while maintaining a constant pressure inside the tank section 1.

[0091] In this exhaust pipe, as with the pressure regulating gas piping, instead of simply connecting it to the upper lid portion 1a of the tank portion 1, for example, it may be connected to the inner corner of the line corner portion 6a of the upper peripheral wall portion 11, and preferably connected to a position above the second water level sensor 52. This contributes to reducing the installation area and saving space of the generating device 6, and also makes it easier to miniaturize the generating device 6 in the vertical direction.

[0092] The storage tank T can be constructed using various materials, for example, by applying materials that have ozone resistance. Specific examples include using perfluoroalkoxyalkanes, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc. The measuring tube 4, at least in the portion facing the water level sensor 5, should be given the desired transparency (for example, sufficient transparency for the water level sensor 5 to detect the water level), and a preferred example is to construct it using perfluoroalkoxyalkanes.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described in detail only with respect to the specific examples described above, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that a wide variety of modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, and it is natural that such modifications fall within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] T...Storage tank 1... Tank section 10...Peripheral wall 11...Upper side peripheral wall part 12...Lower side peripheral wall part 2…Ozone water inlet pipe 20…Discharge port 21...Introduction pipe extension part 3…Ozone water outlet tube 30... Inlet 31...Outlet pipe extension part 4… Measuring tube 51, 52, 53… Water level sensors 6…Generation device

Claims

1. It has a cylindrical peripheral wall positioned in a vertically extending orientation, and a tank section capable of storing ozonated water is located on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall, An ozone water introduction pipe is provided in the upper peripheral wall portion, which is the upper side of the peripheral wall, and introduces the ozone water to the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall, An ozone water outlet pipe is provided in the lower peripheral wall portion, which is the lower side of the peripheral wall, and for guiding the stored ozone water to the outer periphery of the tank portion, A measuring tube having a shape that extends vertically on the outer circumference of the aforementioned peripheral wall, Equipped with, The measuring tube has an upper end connected to the upper peripheral wall and communicating with the inner side of the peripheral wall, and a lower end connected to the lower peripheral wall and communicating with the inner side of the peripheral wall. An ozone water storage tank characterized in that a first water level sensor capable of detecting the ozone water present on the inner circumference of the measuring tube is provided at a position on the outer circumference of the measuring tube that is horizontal with respect to the ozone water introduction tube.

2. The aforementioned ozone water introduction pipe is It has an introduction pipe extension that extends to the inner side of the aforementioned peripheral wall, The introduction pipe extension is provided such that it is inclined to one side at a position offset to one side in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall from the position on the peripheral wall where the measuring pipe is provided. The ozone water outlet pipe is It has an outlet pipe extension that extends inward on the inner side of the peripheral wall, The ozone water storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet pipe extension is provided at a position offset to the other side in the circumferential direction from the position on the peripheral wall where the measuring pipe is provided, such that it is inclined toward the other side.

3. The extension portion of the introduction pipe has its tip in the extension direction sealed. The ozone water storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the lower part of the inlet pipe extension, which is the radially downward side of the inlet pipe extension, and the lateral part of the inlet pipe extension, which is the radially horizontal side of the inlet pipe extension, is provided with one or more discharge ports.

4. The extension portion of the outlet pipe has its tip in the extension direction sealed. The ozone water storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that one or more intake ports are provided in the lower part of the outlet pipe, which is the radially downward side of the outlet pipe extension.

5. The aforementioned measuring tube is A vertical pipe section with a shape extending in the vertical direction, It has a shape that extends from the upper end of the riser section toward the circumferential wall, curving toward the upper circumferential wall section, and has an upper connecting section connected to the upper circumferential wall section, A shape that extends from the lower end of the riser section toward the circumferential wall, curving toward the lower circumferential wall section, and a lower connecting section connected to the lower circumferential wall section, It consists of having, A second water level sensor is provided between the first water level sensor on the outer circumference of the riser section and the upper communication section. A third water level sensor is provided between the first water level sensor on the outer circumference of the riser section and the lower communication section. An ozone water storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A circulation line that circulates a solvent capable of dissolving ozone gas, A control unit that controls the circulation flow rate of the solvent, A gas-liquid mixer in which the solvent flows and the ozone gas is supplied at an arbitrary supply pressure, in a circulating state in which the solvent is circulating. An ozone water storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An ozone water generating device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

7. A circulation line that circulates a solvent capable of dissolving ozone gas, A control unit that controls the circulation flow rate of the solvent, A gas-liquid mixer in which the solvent flows and the ozone gas is supplied at an arbitrary supply pressure, in a circulating state in which the solvent is circulating. The ozonated water storage tank according to claim 2, Equipped with, At least a portion of the aforementioned circulation line is a corner that extends horizontally in an L-shape, An ozone water generating apparatus characterized in that the tank section is provided in such a position that the measuring tube is located on the inner corner side of the corner in the circulation line.

8. The ozonated water generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a pipe is provided on the inner corner side of the corner portion of the upper peripheral wall portion for introducing one or more of an inert gas, carbon dioxide, or low-concentration ozone gas to the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall.

9. The ozone water generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that an exhaust pipe is provided on the inner corner side of the corner portion of the upper peripheral wall portion for exhausting the gas on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall.

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