Sterilization and filtration device equipped with a bubble generator and ship equilibrium water treatment system using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a sterilization and filtration device for sterilizing and filtering seawater flowing in from the outside, which includes an air supply unit for supplying air, a bubble generator for injecting the air supplied from the air supply unit into the seawater to disperse the air in the seawater and at the same time generate a turbulent flow to generate fine bubbles in the seawater, and a filter device for filtering the seawater in which the fine bubbles are generated through a filtration hole and applying an impact to organisms in the seawater passing through the filtration hole with the fine bubbles to kill the organisms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization filtration device provided with a bubble generator and a ship's ballast water treatment system using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in a ship, a ballast tank capable of storing ship's ballast water is installed to adjust the balance and draft of the ship.

[0003] FIG. 1 shows a conventional ship.

[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, in a conventional ship 10, during a ballasting operation, a ballast pump 13 provided on a seawater line 12 is operated, and seawater is supplied from a sea chest 11 to a ballast tank 14 via the seawater line 12.

[0005] Also, during a deballasting operation, the front end of the seawater line 12 is blocked via valve control, the ballast pump 13 is operated, and the ballast water discharged from the ballast tank 14 via a ballast water line 15 is discharged outside the hull via the seawater line 12 and a discharge line 16.

[0006] In such a manner, a normal ship fills the ballast tank with seawater through a ballasting operation at a port as needed and then operates. When it arrives at the destination, the ballast water stored in the ballast tank is discharged outside through a deballasting operation.

[0007] At this time, in the case of a ship that has traveled to a distant area or overseas, if the ballast water is directly discharged by a deballasting operation, the alien organisms contained in the ballast water may cause disturbance to the surrounding marine ecosystem and may act as a cause of environmental destruction.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a sterilization filtration device equipped with a bubble generator and a ship equilibrium water treatment system using the same, specifically, a sterilization filtration device equipped with a bubble generator that can sterilize and filter seawater by using microbubbles generated via the bubble generator during seawater filtration to kill marine organisms, and a ship equilibrium water treatment system using the same.

[0009] The technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains from the description below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the problems described above, the present invention provides a sterilization and filtration apparatus for sterilizing and filtering seawater that flows in from the outside, comprising: an air supply unit for supplying air; a bubble generator that injects the air supplied from the air supply unit into the seawater, dispersing the air in the seawater and simultaneously generating turbulence to generate microbubbles in the seawater; and a filter device that filters the seawater in which microbubbles have been generated through filtration holes, thereby shocking and killing marine organisms passing through the filtration holes with the microbubbles.

[0011] Furthermore, the sterilization filtration device also includes a steam supply unit that supplies steam using a bubble generator to accelerate the killing of organisms.

[0012] Furthermore, the bubble generator includes a pipe member having a channel through which seawater passes and an air inlet for injecting air supplied from an air supply unit into the seawater; a perforated plate installed on the channel and having multiple dispersion holes; a first turbulence generator installed behind the perforated plate on the channel and having a first turbulence generating hole; and a second turbulence generator installed behind the first turbulence generator on the channel and having a second turbulence generating hole with a larger diameter than the first turbulence generating hole. The device provides a sterilization filtration system that, when seawater flows into the channel, injects air into the seawater through the air inlet, disperses the injected air in the seawater through multiple dispersion holes, generates turbulence through the first and second turbulence generating holes, and generates microbubbles in the seawater.

[0013] Furthermore, the perforated plate, the first turbulence generator, and the second turbulence generator are provided in multiple quantities according to the size of the holes formed inside each, and the sterilization filtration device is provided that is interchangeable with pipe members to generate fine bubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration holes.

[0014] Furthermore, the perforated plate, the first turbulence generator, and the second turbulence generator each include a throttling aperture, and the throttling aperture is used to adjust the size of the dispersion holes, the first turbulence generation holes, and the second turbulence generation holes so as to generate microbubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration holes.

[0015] Furthermore, the pipe member is formed of multiple pipes connected by mutual flanges, and the perforated plate, the first turbulence generator and the second turbulence generator each have protruding pieces corresponding to the flanges, and the protruding pieces have fastening holes for bolting to the flanges, thereby providing a sterilization filtration device in which the perforated plate, the first turbulence generator and the second turbulence generator are fastened to the corresponding flanges between the multiple pipes.

[0016] Furthermore, the filtration holes are formed with a width of 30 to 50 μm, the dispersion holes are formed with a diameter of 15 to 20 mm, the first turbulence generating hole is formed to block 40 to 60% of the flow path inside the pipe member, and the second turbulence generating hole is formed to block 20 to 40% of the flow path inside the pipe member, thereby providing a sterilization filtration device that forms microbubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration holes via the dispersion holes, the first turbulence generating hole, and the second turbulence generating hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the bubble generator provides a sterilization and filtration device that generates microbubbles of 1 to 100 μm in size to kill marine organisms through the impact or pressure caused by the bursting of bubbles, within a seawater line that transports seawater, a ballast tank into which seawater flows, or a filter device.

[0018] Furthermore, the filter device provides a sterilization filtration device that includes a main housing with an inlet and an outlet, a filter member having multiple filtration holes for filtering seawater flowing in through the inlet, which kills seawater passing through the filtration holes via microbubbles in the seawater, and an air discharge valve for discharging air accumulated in the main housing due to the inflow of microbubbles to the outside.

[0019] Furthermore, the sterilization filtration device is provided with multiple filter components of different sizes of filtration holes, which are detachably attached to the main housing.

[0020] Furthermore, the filter element provides a sterilization filtration device that mitigates the phenomenon of foreign matter getting stuck in the filtration holes by forming an air layer in the filter element due to microbubbles in the seawater as seawater passes through multiple filtration holes, and accumulating in the air layer during the filtering process of foreign matter contained in the seawater.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention provides a sterilization and filtration device that includes a backwashing section located inside the main housing for backwashing the filter components.

[0022] The invention also provides a sterilization filtration device that includes a first flow sensor provided on the connecting line between the air supply unit and the bubble generator for detecting the flow rate of air supplied from the air supply unit to the bubble generator, and a first control valve provided behind the first flow sensor on the connecting line, and supplies an adjusted amount of air to the bubble generator by adjusting the opening and closing amount of the first control valve using the flow rate value detected by the first flow sensor, thereby supplying an adjusted amount of air to the bubble generator in accordance with the flow rate value.

[0023] The sterilization filtration device also includes a second flow sensor, which is provided on the connecting line between the steam supply unit and the bubble generator and detects the flow rate of steam supplied from the steam supply unit to the bubble generator, and a second control valve, which is provided behind the second flow sensor on the connecting line. By adjusting the amount of opening and closing of the second control valve using the flow rate value detected by the second flow sensor, the device supplies a steam amount adjusted to correspond to the flow rate value to the bubble generator.

[0024] On the other hand, in another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a ship equilibrium water treatment system that sterilizes and filters seawater flowing in from the outside through a seawater inlet and supplies it to a ballast tank, and includes a seawater line connected between the seawater inlet and the ballast tank and equipped with a ballast pump for seawater transfer, a bubble generator provided on the seawater line and generating microbubbles in the seawater flowing in through the seawater line, an air supply unit that supplies air for generating microbubbles in the bubble generator, a filter device provided on the seawater line that filters the seawater that has passed through the bubble generator to kill marine organisms via microbubbles and discharge it to the ballast tank, an equilibrium water line with one end connected to the ballast tank and the other end connected to the front end of the seawater line, a discharge line connected to the rear end of the seawater line and, during deballasting operation, discharges equilibrium water transferred from the ballast tank through the equilibrium water line and the seawater line to the outside, and a control unit that controls ballasting operation and deballasting operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The sterilization and filtration device according to an embodiment of the present invention can sterilize and filter seawater by flowing fine bubbles generated through a bubble generator into a filter device, and killing organisms in the seawater using the fine bubbles during seawater filtration through the filter device.

[0026] Further, by adjusting the sizes of the dispersion holes and the turbulent flow generation holes that generate fine bubbles in the bubble generator, fine bubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration holes of the filter member provided in the filter device can be generated. During seawater filtration through the filter member, organisms in the seawater can easily collide with the fine bubbles in the process of passing through the filtration holes of the filter member together with the fine bubbles, and the organisms in the seawater can be easily killed through this.

[0027] Also, in the process of sterilizing and filtering seawater through the filter device, an air layer is formed on the filter member by the fine bubbles, and foreign substances are laminated on the air layer, so that the phenomenon that the foreign substances are sandwiched between the filter members can be effectively alleviated. Thereby, when backwashing the filter member, the foreign substances laminated on the filter member can be easily removed, and the backwashing efficiency can be increased.

[0028] Further, the ship's ballast water treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention can supply seawater that has been sterilized and filtered using a bubble generator and a filter device to a ballast tank. Even during deballasting operation, the ballast water discharged from the ballast tank is re-sterilized and re-filtered using a bubble generator and a filter device and then discharged to the outside of the hull, thereby effectively preventing ecosystem disturbance and environmental damage caused by the inflow of alien organisms inside and outside the sea area.

[0029] The effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] This shows a conventional ship. [Figure 2] This shows a sterilization and filtration device equipped with a bubble generator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This shows the detailed configuration of a bubble generator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This illustrates the principle by which organisms die when microbubbles burst, as demonstrated by one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This shows the form of a filter member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This shows a state in which an air layer and foreign matter are laminated on a filter member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a sterilization and filtration device equipped with a steam supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the configuration and operating state of a ship-based equilibrium water treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the configuration and operating state of a ship-based equilibrium water treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] The detailed description disclosed below, along with the accompanying drawings, is intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and not to show the only possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] In the drawings, parts unrelated to the description may be omitted in order to clearly illustrate the present invention, and the same reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0034] In embodiments of the present invention, expressions such as "or" or "at least one" can indicate one of the words listed together, or a combination of two or more words.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a sterilization filtration device 100 equipped with a bubble generator 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 shows the detailed configuration of the bubble generator 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] A sterilization and filtration device 100 equipped with a bubble generator 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a seawater line 220 connected to a ballast tank inside a ship. As a device for sterilizing and filtering seawater (or freshwater) flowing through the seawater line 220, it can kill organisms contained in the seawater using microbubbles generated via the bubble generator 120, mitigate the phenomenon of foreign matter getting stuck in the filter member 134 with the microbubbles, and increase the cleaning efficiency when backwashing the filter member 134.

[0037] In particular, the bubble generator 120 can generate microbubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration holes of the filter member 134. During seawater filtration, marine organisms can easily collide with the microbubbles as they pass through the filtration holes of the filter member 134, thereby easily killing the marine organisms.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a sterilization filtration device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an air supply unit 110, a bubble generator 120, and a filter device 130. The air supply unit 110 is connected to the bubble generator 120 and can supply air to the bubble generator 120.

[0039] Furthermore, a first flow sensor 111 is provided in the connection line between the air supply unit 110 and the bubble generator 120, allowing for the detection of the air flow rate supplied to the bubble generator 120 via the first flow sensor 111.

[0040] Furthermore, a first control valve 112 is provided behind the first flow sensor 111 on the connecting line, and the amount of air supplied from the air supply unit 110 to the bubble generator 120 can be adjusted by controlling the opening and closing amount of the first control valve 112.

[0041] At this time, by controlling the opening and closing amount of the first control valve 112 using the flow rate value detected by the first flow sensor 111, the amount of air adjusted in accordance with the flow rate value can be supplied to the bubble generator 120.

[0042] The bubble generator 120 can generate fine bubbles using air supplied from the air supply unit 110.

[0043] Such a bubble generator 120 can be connected to the front end of the filter device 130, or connected to the filter device 130 via a seawater line 220 (see Figure 8), to supply fine bubbles to the filter device 130.

[0044] Here, the bubble generator 120 can generate microbubbles of a size corresponding to the size of the filtration holes in the filter device 130, which will be described later. For example, in this embodiment, the bubble generator 120 can generate microbubbles of 1 to 100 μm, thereby generating microbubbles that correspond to the size of the filtration holes of 30 to 50 μm.

[0045] Specifically, the bubble generator 120 of this embodiment may include a pipe member 121 with a flow path formed on its interior for seawater to pass through and an air inlet 122 for injecting air into the flow path; a perforated plate 123 installed on the flow path of the pipe member 121; a first turbulence generator 125 positioned behind the perforated plate 123 on the flow path of the pipe member 121; and a second turbulence generator 127 positioned behind the first turbulence generator 125 on the flow path of the pipe member 121.

[0046] Here, the pipe member 121, in the form of a pipe with its front and rear ends open, is connected to the seawater line 220 (see Figure 8) through which seawater flows, allowing the seawater that flows in via the seawater line 220 (see Figure 8) to pass through the inner channel.

[0047] At this time, an air inlet 122 is formed on the front end side of the pipe member 121, which is connected to the air supply unit 110, allowing air supplied from the air supply unit 110 to flow into the inner flow path through the air inlet 122.

[0048] Furthermore, the perforated plate 123 may be made of a plate body in which a plurality of dispersion holes 124 are formed, and can be installed on the flow path of the pipe member 121 to disperse the air that flows in together with the seawater.

[0049] In other words, by installing the perforated plate 123 in a manner that obstructs the flow path of the pipe member 121, seawater flowing into the inner flow path through the front end of the pipe member 121 passes through the multiple dispersion holes 124 formed in the perforated plate 123 together with the air injected into the air inlet 122. In this process, the multiple dispersion holes 124 formed in the perforated plate 123 can disperse the air contained in the seawater in a bubble-like manner.

[0050] Furthermore, the first turbulence generator 125 may be formed from a plate body with a first turbulence generation hole 126 formed in the center, and the second turbulence generator 127 may be formed from a plate body with a second turbulence generation hole 128 having a larger diameter than the first turbulence generation hole 126 formed in the center.

[0051] In this configuration, the first turbulence generator 125 and the second turbulence generator 127 are also installed in a manner that obstructs the flow path of the pipe member 121. However, the first turbulence generator 125 may be installed behind the perforated plate 123 on the flow path of the pipe member 121, and the second turbulence generator 127 may be installed behind the first turbulence generator 125 on the flow path of the pipe member 121.

[0052] As a result, seawater flowing into the inner channel through the front end of the pipe member 121 passes through the porous plate 123 together with the air injected into the air inlet 122, and the air contained in the seawater is dispersed into bubbles. Subsequently, as it passes through the first and second turbulence generating holes 126 and 128 that cause turbulence, microbubbles can be generated in the seawater due to the generation of turbulence.

[0053] At this time, the microbubbles generated by the bubble generator 120 can be used to kill organisms in the seawater by flowing into the filter device 130.

[0054] For example, each dispersion hole 124 formed in the perforated plate 123 may be formed to have a diameter of approximately 15 to 20 mm, the first turbulence generating hole 126 formed in the first turbulence generator 125 may be formed to shield 40 to 60% of the flow path in the pipe member 121, and the second turbulence generating hole 128 formed in the second turbulence generator 127 may be formed to shield 20 to 40% of the flow path in the pipe member 121. Microbubbles of 1 to 100 μm can be generated through such dispersion holes 124, first turbulence generating holes 126, and second turbulence generating holes 128.

[0055] In this case, the product can be generated including fine bubbles of a size corresponding to the 30 to 50 μm filtration holes of the filter device 130 described later.

[0056] Furthermore, the perforated plate 123, the first turbulence generator 125, and the second turbulence generator 127 may be detachably attached to the pipe member 121.

[0057] As a result, for example, the filter device 130 may be equipped with multiple perforated plates 123 with different diameters of dispersion holes 124, multiple first turbulence generators 125 with different diameters of first turbulence generating holes 126, and multiple second turbulence generators 127 with different diameters of second turbulence generating holes 128. When the size of the filtration holes in the filter device 130 is changed, the perforated plates 123, the first turbulence generators 125, and the second turbulence generators 127 can be selectively replaced to generate microbubbles corresponding to the changed size of the filtration holes.

[0058] As another example, the dispersion holes 124 of the perforated plate 123, the first turbulence generation holes 126 of the first turbulence generator 125, and the second turbulence generation holes 128 of the second turbulence generator 127 may be formed to be size-adjustable by applying a throttling structure or the like, and when the size of the filtration holes of the filter device 130 is changed, the sizes of the dispersion holes 124, the first turbulence generation holes 126, and the second turbulence generation holes 128 can be selectively adjusted to generate microbubbles corresponding to the changed size of the filtration holes.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3, when installing the perforated plate 123, the first turbulence generator 125, and the second turbulence generator 127 on the pipe member 121, as an example, the pipe member 121 may be formed from a first pipe 121a, a second pipe 121b, a third pipe 121c, and a fourth pipe 121d connected by mutual flanges, with the perforated plate 123 installed between the flanges of the first pipe 121a and the second pipe 121b, the first turbulence generator 125 installed between the flanges of the second pipe 121b and the third pipe 121c, and the second turbulence generator 127 installed between the flanges of the third pipe 121c and the fourth pipe 121d.

[0060] At this time, the perforated plate 123, the first turbulence generator 125, and the second turbulence generator 127 are formed with protruding pieces 123a, 125a, and 127a that are sandwiched between the flanges of the pipe, and fastening holes 123b, 125b, and 127b are formed in the protruding pieces 123a, 125a, and 127a so that bolts that fasten the flanges together can pass through them, and the protruding pieces 123a, 125a, and 127a may be fastened between the flanges of the pipe.

[0061] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the filter device 130 can sterilize and filter the seawater that flows in after passing through the bubble generator 120.

[0062] Specifically, the filter device 130 of this embodiment may include a main body housing 131 having an inlet 132 and an outlet 133, a filter member 134 for sterilizing and filtering seawater flowing in through the inlet 132, an air discharge valve 135 for discharging air that has flowed into the main body housing 131, and a backwashing unit 136 for backwashing the filter member 134.

[0063] Here, the main housing 131 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, with an inlet 132 formed on one side for seawater that has passed through the bubble generator 120 to flow in, and an outlet 133 formed on the other side for seawater that has been sterilized and filtered by the filter member 134 to be discharged. As an example, the main housing 131 of this embodiment may have an inlet 132 formed at the front end and an outlet 133 formed at the bottom.

[0064] Furthermore, the filter member 134 may be formed in the shape of a pipe with an open front end, and multiple filtration holes may be formed on its outer surface so that seawater flowing in through the open front end can be filtered and discharged.

[0065] For example, the filter member 134 may have an outer surface formed of a grid-like mesh, with filtration holes formed between the mesh, and the filtration holes may be formed with a width of 30 to 50 μm so as to effectively filter out various foreign substances in seawater.

[0066] At this time, the filter member 134 is provided interchangeably in the main body housing 131 and can be replaced with a filter member having a different size of filter hole than the one described above, depending on the type of foreign matter.

[0067] Such a filter member 134 may be positioned horizontally along the center inside the main housing 131, with its open front end connected to the inlet 132 of the main housing 131, thereby allowing seawater flowing into the inlet 132 to move inside the filter member 134.

[0068] At this time, the seawater that flows into the inside of the filter member 134 and passes through the filtration holes on the outer surface flows along the inner edge of the main housing 131 and can be discharged to the outlet 133 at the bottom of the main housing 131.

[0069] In the process of sterilizing and filtering seawater via the filter member 134, seawater containing microbubbles from the bubble generator 120 flows into the inside of the filter member 134 through the inlet 132 of the main housing 131. As the incoming seawater passes through the filtration holes of the filter member 134, foreign matter in the seawater is filtered out by the filtration holes, and organisms in the seawater can die by colliding with the microbubbles as they pass through the filtration holes together.

[0070] At this time, the microbubbles generated by the bubble generator 120 are formed to a size corresponding to the filtration holes of the filter member 134. As the microbubbles pass through the filtration holes of the filter member 134, they can easily collide with organisms flowing into the filtration holes, and the organisms can be killed by the impact of the microbubbles.

[0071] In other words, this method involves using microbubbles to disrupt the surface cell walls of organisms, thereby killing them.

[0072] Furthermore, organisms in seawater can also be killed by the impact of bursting microbubbles. For example, microbubbles generated via the bubble generator 120 can burst as they flow through the seawater line 220 (see Figure 8) and the filter device 130, or after they flow into the ballast tank. The impact of these bursting microbubbles can kill surrounding organisms, and this will be explained in detail later in Figure 4.

[0073] Furthermore, the air discharge valve 135 may be provided on the upper part of the main housing 131.

[0074] In other words, the microbubbles that pass through the filter member 134 are accumulated in the upper part of the main housing 131 due to the difference in specific gravity, and the accumulated air can be discharged to the outside using the air discharge valve 135.

[0075] Furthermore, the backwashing section 136 may include a rotating pipe 137 installed along the inner center of the filter member 134, a plurality of suction members 138 provided along the longitudinal direction of the rotating pipe 137 to suck up foreign matter adhering to the inner surface of the filter member 134 and allow it to flow into the rotating pipe 137, and a motor section 139 for rotating the rotating pipe 137.

[0076] Here, a backwash pump (not shown) may be connected to the rotating pipe 137 to provide suction force so that the suction member 138 can suck in foreign matter.

[0077] In this backwashing unit 136, when backwashing the filter member 134, the motor unit 139 rotates the rotating pipe 137, causing multiple suction members 138 provided on the rotating pipe 137 to rotate around the axis of the rotating pipe 137, sucking in all the foreign matter attached to the inner surface of the filter member 134 and allowing it to flow into the rotating pipe 137 along with seawater. The foreign matter that has flowed into the rotating pipe 137 can be discharged through the discharge line 250 (see Figure 8).

[0078] Figure 4 illustrates the principle by which organisms are killed by the bursting of microbubbles according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] In this embodiment, microbubbles having a size of 1 to 100 μm can be generated via the bubble generator 120. Of the generated microbubbles, those with a size corresponding to the filtration holes of the filter member 134 (e.g., 30 to 50 μm) can collide with organisms in the seawater as they pass through the filtration holes of the filter member 134, thereby killing the organisms.

[0080] Furthermore, the microbubbles generated via the bubble generator 120 can kill surrounding organisms as they flow through the seawater line 220 (see Figure 8) and the filter device 130, and as they burst after entering the ballast tank.

[0081] Specifically, referring to Figure 4, the microbubbles generated via the bubble generator 120 rise to the water surface due to buoyancy and form a hemispherical shape surrounded by the membrane 1 at the water surface. As the membrane 1 thins due to gravity and capillary force and begins to burst, a rim 2 may be formed.

[0082] Furthermore, as the rim 2 and membrane 1 are drawn into the water surface by surface tension, water accumulates inside the rim 2 and membrane 1, increasing their volume. As the rim 2 moves symmetrically, it can meet and collide with the lower part of the cavity 3 at a single point, generating high pressure.

[0083] Furthermore, the high pressure generated in this way can push the surrounding fluid, creating a fluid jet 4 and a submerged jet 5.

[0084] In the process described above, the collision or pressure generated by the kinetic energy of rim 2 can effectively kill surrounding organisms, and when the size of the microbubbles is 100 μm or less, the organism-killing effect can be particularly pronounced.

[0085] Figure 5 shows the form of a filter member 134 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 shows the state in which an air layer a and foreign matter f are laminated on the filter member 134 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the filter member 134 of this embodiment may be formed of a mesh woven in a zigzag pattern.

[0087] In such a filter member 134, when seawater passes through the filtration holes h, an air layer a is formed in the filter member 134 by the fine bubbles contained in the seawater, and foreign matter contained in the seawater is accumulated in the air layer a, thereby mitigating the phenomenon of foreign matter f being trapped in the filtration holes h.

[0088] Furthermore, the air layer a of the filter member 134 mitigates the phenomenon of foreign matter getting stuck, so when the filter member 134 is backwashed, the foreign matter f accumulated on the filter member 134 can be easily removed, and the filter member 134 can be thoroughly cleaned in the process.

[0089] Thus, the sterilization filtration device 100 according to this embodiment generates microbubbles via the bubble generator 120 and introduces them into the filter device 130. This allows for the effective killing of organisms contained in seawater using the microbubbles during seawater filtration through the filter member 134 in the filter device 130, the formation of an air layer a in the filter member 134 via the microbubbles to mitigate the phenomenon of foreign matter f getting stuck, and the increased cleaning efficiency during backwashing of the filter member 134.

[0090] On the other hand, the sterilization filtration device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a steam supply unit 140.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a sterilization and filtration device 100 equipped with a steam supply unit 140 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to Figure 7, the pipe member 121 of the bubble generator 120 may have an additional steam inlet 129 into which high-temperature steam supplied from the steam supply unit 140 is injected.

[0093] Furthermore, a second flow sensor 141 is provided in the connection line between the steam supply unit 140 and the bubble generator 120, allowing for the detection of the flow rate of steam supplied to the bubble generator 120 via the second flow sensor 141.

[0094] Furthermore, by providing a second control valve 142 behind the second flow sensor 141 on the connecting line and controlling the amount of opening and closing of the second control valve 142, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit 140 to the bubble generator 120 can be adjusted.

[0095] At this time, by controlling the opening and closing amount of the second control valve 142 using the flow rate value detected by the second flow sensor 141, the amount of steam adjusted in accordance with the flow rate value can be supplied to the bubble generator 120.

[0096] The high-temperature steam supplied from the steam supply unit 140 is injected into the pipe member 121 of the bubble generator 120 and flows into the filter device 130 together with the microbubbles generated by the bubble generator 120. In the filter device 130, the high-temperature steam flows in simultaneously during the process of killing organisms in the seawater via the microbubbles, thereby accelerating the death of the organisms.

[0097] On the other hand, Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the configuration and operating state of a ship-based equilibrium water treatment system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a ship equilibrium water treatment system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a seawater inlet 210, a seawater line 220, a bubble generator 120, a filter device 130, a backwash water line 230, an equilibrium water line 240, a discharge line 250, and a control unit (not shown).

[0099] Here, the seawater inlet 210 may be formed in a sea chest through which seawater enters and exits the hull, and the seawater flowing in from the seawater inlet 210 can be transferred to the ballast tank T via the seawater line 220 through the bubble generator 120 and the filter device 130.

[0100] Furthermore, a ballast pump 221 and a flow meter 222 may be provided in front of the bubble generator 120 on the seawater line 220.

[0101] The bubble generator 120 may be connected to an air supply unit 110, and a steam supply unit 140 may be selectively connected to it.

[0102] Furthermore, the connecting line between the bubble generator 120 and the air supply unit 110 may be equipped with a first flow sensor 111 and a first control valve 112, and the connecting line between the bubble generator 120 and the steam supply unit 140 may also be equipped with a second flow sensor 141 and a second control valve 142.

[0103] In the filter device 130, a backwash water line 230 is connected to the part where the washing water is discharged, and the backwash water line 230 may be connected to a discharge line 250 for seawater discharge in the hull. Here, a backwash pump 231 and a flow meter 232 may be provided on the backwash water line 230.

[0104] Furthermore, a bypass line 260 that bypasses the filter device 130 is connected to the seawater line 220, allowing seawater that has selectively passed through the bubble generator 120 to be transported via the bypass line 260, bypassing the filter device 130.

[0105] The ballast tank T may be connected to an equilibrium water line 240 for discharging equilibrium water during deballasting operations, and the equilibrium water line 240 may be connected to the front end of the seawater line 220.

[0106] Furthermore, a discharge line 250 is connected to the rear end of the seawater line 220, allowing the equilibrium water transferred from the ballast tank T via the equilibrium water line 240 and the seawater line 220 to be discharged to the outside of the hull via the discharge line 250 during deballasting operations.

[0107] A control unit (not shown) can control ballasting and deballasting operations.

[0108] Specifically, referring to Figure 8, the control unit (not shown) can operate the ballast pump during ballasting operation to transfer seawater from the seawater inlet 210 to the bubble generator 120 via the seawater line 220.

[0109] Simultaneously, the air supply unit 110 can be operated to supply air to the bubble generator 120 for the generation of fine bubbles. Alternatively, the air supply unit 110 and the steam supply unit 140 can be selectively operated at the same time to supply air and steam to the bubble generator 120.

[0110] Next, the seawater containing microbubbles, passing through the bubble generator 120, is transferred to the filter device 130 via the seawater line 220. The filter device 130 filters out foreign matter contained in the seawater and simultaneously kills organisms contained in the seawater via the microbubbles.

[0111] When the air supply unit 110 and the steam supply unit 140 are operated simultaneously, seawater containing microbubbles and steam is transferred to the filter device 130 as it passes through the bubble generator 120. This allows the high-temperature steam to accelerate the death of organisms when they are killed via the microbubbles.

[0112] Next, the seawater that has been sterilized and filtered by the filter device 130 can be supplied to the ballast tank T via the rear end of the seawater line 220.

[0113] During the sterilization and filtration process of seawater by the filter device 130, backwashing of the inside of the filter device 130 may be performed simultaneously. The inside of the filter device 130 is cleaned, and the discharged wash water can be sterilized and discharged to the outside of the hull via the backwash water line 230 and the discharge line 250 by the backwash pump 231.

[0114] During the ballasting operation described above, the control unit (not shown) can analyze and predict the degree of organism death due to microbubbles in the filter device 130 using the flow rate of incoming seawater detected via a flow meter 222 installed on the seawater line 220, the amount of air injected detected via a first flow sensor 111 of the air supply unit 110, or the amount of steam injected detected via a second flow sensor 141 of the steam supply unit 140, and can store the analyzed and predicted information in an internal database.

[0115] This allows the amount of air or steam supplied to the bubble generator 120 to be adjusted in response to the amount of seawater inflow, based on the information stored in the database.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit (not shown) can detect the flow rate of the wash water discharged from the filter device 130 via a flow meter 232 provided on the backwash water line 230, and calculate in real time the flow rate of seawater supplied from the filter device 130 to the ballast tank T via the seawater line 220.

[0117] Referring to Figure 9, during deballasting operation, the control unit (not shown) can shut off the front inlet side of the seawater line 220 via valve control, and operate the ballast pump 221 to allow equilibrium water discharged from the ballast tank T to flow into the seawater line 220 via the equilibrium water line 240.

[0118] Furthermore, the equilibrium water flowing into the seawater line 220 is transferred to the filter device 130 while passing through the bubble generator 120, containing microbubbles or microbubbles and steam. The filter device 130 then re-sterilizes and re-filters the equilibrium water before discharging it, and the discharged equilibrium water can be discharged to the outside of the hull via the discharge line 250.

[0119] In this case, the rear end of the seawater line 220, which is connected to the ballast tank T via valve control, may be shut off, allowing the equilibrium water transferred from the filter device 130 to the seawater line 220 to flow into the discharge line 250.

[0120] Thus, in this embodiment, during ballasting operations, seawater can be sterilized and filtered using the bubble generator 120 and filter device 130 before being supplied to the ballast tank T. Similarly, during deballasting operations, the equilibrium water discharged from the ballast tank T can be re-sterilized and re-filtered using the bubble generator 120 and filter device 130 before being discharged outside the hull. This effectively prevents ecosystem disruption and environmental damage caused by the influx of alien species into the sea area.

[0121] On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, during deballasting operation, the equilibrium water discharged from the ballast tank T is re-sterilized and re-filtered using the bubble generator 120 and the filter device 130 before being discharged. However, if re-sterilization and re-filtration of the equilibrium water are not necessary, the equilibrium water discharged from the ballast tank T can be bypassed via the bypass line 260, bypassing the filter device 130 and discharged to the outside.

[0122] Furthermore, although the above-described example of the ship equilibrium water treatment system 200 of this embodiment describes the use of microbubbles or steam to kill organisms in seawater, it is obvious that auxiliary means such as a UV sterilizer, an electrolyzer that generates hypochlorous acid, and a disinfectant injector may be included.

[0123] As described above, the sterilization and filtration apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can sterilize and filter seawater by using the microbubbles generated via the bubble generator 120 to kill organisms in the seawater during seawater filtration via the filter device 130.

[0124] Furthermore, by adjusting the size of the dispersion holes 124 and turbulence generating holes 126 and 128 that generate microbubbles within the bubble generator 120, it is possible to generate microbubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration holes h of the filter member 134 provided in the filter device 130. During seawater filtration through the filter member 134, organisms in the seawater can easily collide with the microbubbles as they pass through the filtration holes h of the filter member 134 together, thereby easily killing the organisms in the seawater.

[0125] Furthermore, during the sterilization and filtration process of seawater via the filter device 130, an air layer a is formed on the filter member 134 by microbubbles, and foreign matter f is deposited in the air layer a. This effectively mitigates the phenomenon of foreign matter f getting stuck in the filter member 134. As a result, when the filter member 134 is backwashed, the foreign matter deposited on the filter member 134 can be easily removed, thereby increasing the backwashing efficiency.

[0126] Furthermore, the ship equilibrium water treatment system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention can supply seawater to the ballast tank T after sterilizing and filtering it using the bubble generator 120 and the filter device 130. During deballasting operations, the equilibrium water discharged from the ballast tank T can be re-sterilized and re-filtered using the bubble generator 120 and the filter device 130 before being discharged outside the hull, thereby effectively preventing ecosystem disruption and environmental damage caused by the influx of alien species into the sea area.

[0127] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein and in the drawings are merely examples to facilitate the technical aspects of the invention and to aid in understanding the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0128] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be interpreted as including all modifications or alterations derived from the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In a sterilization and filtration system that sterilizes and filters seawater flowing in from the outside, An air supply unit for supplying air, A bubble generator that injects air supplied from the air supply unit into the seawater, dispersing the air in the seawater and simultaneously generating turbulence to produce microbubbles in the seawater, The filter device includes a filter that filters seawater in which the microbubbles are generated through filtration holes, and kills organisms in the seawater passing through the filtration holes by shocking them with the microbubbles, The bubble generator generates microbubbles to induce collisions between the microbubbles passing through the filtration holes and organisms in the seawater during seawater filtration by the filter device. A first flow sensor is provided on the connecting line between the air supply unit and the bubble generator, and detects the flow rate of air supplied from the air supply unit to the bubble generator. The connection line includes a first control valve located behind the first flow sensor, A sterilization filtration device that supplies an adjusted amount of air to a bubble generator by adjusting the opening and closing amount of the first control valve using the flow rate value detected by the first flow sensor.

2. The sterilization filtration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a steam supply unit that supplies steam from the bubble generator to promote the death of the organisms.

3. The bubble generator is, A pipe member having a channel through which seawater passes, and an air inlet formed for injecting air supplied from the air supply unit into the seawater, A porous plate is installed on the aforementioned flow path and has multiple dispersed holes formed on it, A first turbulence generator is installed behind the perforated plate in the aforementioned flow path, and a first turbulence generation hole is formed therein. The system includes a second turbulence generator installed behind the first turbulence generator in the flow path, which forms a second turbulence generation hole with a larger diameter than the first turbulence generation hole, The sterilization filtration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when seawater flows into the flow path, air is injected into the seawater through the air inlet, the air injected into the seawater is dispersed through the plurality of dispersion holes, and turbulence is generated through the first turbulence generating hole and the second turbulence generating hole to generate microbubbles in the seawater.

4. The perforated plate, the first turbulence generator, and the second turbulence generator are, The sterilization filtration device according to claim 3, wherein multiple filtration devices are provided, each with a different size of internally formed holes, and the pipe member is interchangeably formed to generate microbubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration holes.

5. The perforated plate, the first turbulence generator, and the second turbulence generator are, The sterilization filtration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each includes a constrictor, and the sizes of the dispersion hole, the first turbulence generating hole, and the second turbulence generating hole are adjustable by the constrictor so as to generate microbubbles of a size corresponding to the filtration hole.

6. The bubble generator is, The sterilization filtration apparatus according to claim 1, which generates fine bubbles of 1 to 100 μm in a seawater line for transporting seawater, a ballast tank into which seawater flows, or the filter device, so as to kill organisms in the seawater by the impact or pressure caused by the bursting of the bubbles.

7. The aforementioned filter device is A main housing having an inlet and an outlet, A filter member is formed which a plurality of filtration holes are formed to filter the seawater flowing in through the inlet, and which kills the seawater passing through the filtration holes via microbubbles in the seawater, The sterilization filtration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an air discharge valve for discharging air accumulated in the main housing due to the inflow of the fine bubbles to the outside.

8. The filter member is The sterilization filtration device according to claim 7, comprising multiple filtration holes of different sizes, which are detachably formed to the main housing.

9. The filter member is The sterilization filtration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the seawater passes through the plurality of filtration holes, an air layer is formed in the filter member by microbubbles in the seawater, and the foreign matter contained in the seawater is deposited in the air layer during the filtering process, thereby mitigating the phenomenon of the foreign matter being trapped in the filtration holes.

10. A second flow sensor is provided on the connecting line between the steam supply unit and the bubble generator, and detects the flow rate of steam supplied from the steam supply unit to the bubble generator. The connection line includes a second control valve located behind the second flow sensor, The sterilization filtration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the amount of steam adjusted in accordance with the flow rate value is supplied to the bubble generator by adjusting the opening and closing amount of the second control valve using the flow rate value detected by the second flow sensor.

11. In a ship equilibrium water treatment system that sterilizes and filters seawater flowing in from the outside via a seawater inlet before supplying it to a ballast tank, A seawater line is connected between the seawater inlet and the ballast tank and is equipped with a ballast pump for seawater transfer, A bubble generator provided on the seawater line, which generates microbubbles in the seawater flowing in through the seawater line, The bubble generator includes an air supply unit that supplies air for generating microbubbles, The filter device, which is installed on the seawater line, filters the seawater that has passed through the bubble generator through filtration holes, and after the microbubbles shock and kill organisms in the seawater passing through the filtration holes, discharges the water into the ballast tank, The bubble generator generates microbubbles to induce collisions between the microbubbles passing through the filtration holes and organisms in the seawater during seawater filtration by the filter device. A first flow sensor is provided on the connecting line between the air supply unit and the bubble generator, and detects the flow rate of air supplied from the air supply unit to the bubble generator. The connection line includes a first control valve located behind the first flow sensor, A ship's equilibrium water treatment system that supplies an adjusted amount of air to a bubble generator by adjusting the opening and closing amount of the first control valve using the flow rate value detected by the first flow sensor.

12. A flow meter provided on the seawater line for detecting the flow rate of seawater flowing in from the seawater inlet, The ship equilibrium water treatment system according to claim 11, further comprising: a control unit that analyzes the degree of death of organisms by microbubbles in the filter device using the flow rate of seawater detected via the flow meter and the amount of air detected via the first flow sensor, and stores the analyzed data internally, thereby adjusting the amount of air in response to the flow rate of inflowing seawater based on the stored data.

13. The steam supply unit that supplies steam to the bubble generator, The system further includes a second flow sensor for detecting the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit to the bubble generator, The control unit, The ship equilibrium water treatment system according to claim 12, wherein when the steam supply unit is operated, the degree of death of organisms in the filter device is analyzed using the flow rate of seawater detected via the flow meter, the amount of air detected via the first flow sensor, and the amount of steam detected via the second flow sensor, and the analyzed data is stored internally, and the amount of air or steam is adjusted in accordance with the flow rate of inflowing seawater based on the stored data.

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