Defoaming device

Abstract

To simplify a configuration of a defoaming device.SOLUTION: A defoaming device 100 comprises: a flow channel formation part material 11 to define an annular flow channel 20; an inflow port 21 to make fluid F flow into the annular flow channel 20; an outflow port 22 to make the fluid F flow out from the annular flow channel 20; a partition part 16 to partially partition the annular flow channel 20; an actuator 29 to produce a pressure gradient of the fluid F in the annular flow channel 20 by relatively rotating at least a part of the flow channel formation part material 11 to the partition part 16 along a circumferential direction of the annular flow channel 20; and an air vent port 23 to open to the annular flow channel 20 at a position where the pressure of the fluid F is lower than that in the outflow port 22 and discharge bubbles A mixed in the fluid F from the annular flow channel 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a defoaming device.

Background Art

[0002] In a system that intermittently discharges a fluid from a dispenser, a defoaming device may be provided on the supply path that supplies the fluid from a tank to the dispenser. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a defoaming device including a tube having gas permeability and constituting a part of the supply path, a housing portion that hermetically houses the tube, and a vacuum pump that decompresses the inside of the housing portion. Bubbles contained in the fluid pass through the tube and are discharged into the decompressed inside of the housing portion before being supplied to the dispenser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the above configuration, it is difficult to ensure the airtightness inside the housing portion, and a pump is required. Therefore, it causes complication or enlargement of the configuration of the defoaming device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to simplify the configuration of the defoaming device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention comprises an annular channel through which a fluid flows, a channel forming member that defines the annular channel and has an inner circumferential portion arranged on the inner circumference side of the annular channel, an outer circumferential portion arranged on the outer circumference side of the annular channel, and a pair of side wall portions arranged on both axial sides of the annular channel, an inlet provided on the channel forming member that opens into the annular channel and allows the fluid to flow into the annular channel, an outlet provided on the channel forming member that opens into the annular channel and allows the fluid to flow out of the annular channel, a partition provided on the channel forming member that divides the annular channel in the circumferential direction, and the inner circumferential portion, the The present invention provides a defoaming device comprising: an actuator that rotates the outer periphery and at least one of the pair of side wall portions relative to the partition portion along the circumferential direction of the annular flow path, so that the pressure of the fluid in the annular flow path increases towards the partition portion in the relative rotation direction with respect to the partition portion, thereby creating a pressure gradient of the fluid in the annular flow path; and an air vent provided on the flow path forming member, which opens into the annular flow path at a position where the pressure of the fluid is lower than that of the outlet, and discharges air bubbles mixed in the fluid from the annular flow path.

[0007] As can be seen from the well-known phenomenon that when a liquid containing bubbles is poured into a glass, the bubbles naturally float to the surface, bubbles mixed into a fluid are naturally transported from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure within the fluid. The defoaming device described above achieves defoaming using this principle with a simple configuration.

[0008] More specifically, the annular flow path is divided circumferentially by a partition, thereby forming a C-shape. The actuator partially rotates the flow path forming member that defines the annular flow path. The pressure of the fluid in the annular flow path is high on one side circumferentially and low on the other side as viewed from the partition, creating a pressure gradient within the annular flow path. The fluid flows into the annular flow path through the inlet and flows out through the outlet. The air vent opens into the annular flow path at a position where the fluid pressure is lower than that of the outlet. As the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet within the annular flow path, any air bubbles mixed in the fluid are guided to the air vent, which is the low-pressure side, and discharged from the annular flow path.

[0009] Thus, a pressure gradient can be created in the fluid within the annular flow path using a simple configuration that divides the annular flow path and rotates the component that defines the annular flow path. Furthermore, by simply placing an air vent on the low-pressure side, air bubbles can be automatically transferred to the air vent. Moreover, the actuator that rotates the component has a simpler configuration than a pump that applies negative pressure to the chamber. Therefore, the configuration of the defoaming device can be simplified. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the configuration of the defoaming device can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram showing a discharge system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view of the degasser according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the degasser according to the first embodiment, shown by cutting along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the positional relationship between the pressure difference sensor and the rear liquid level. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a degasser, showing the initial stage of fluid inflow. [Figure 5B] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a degasser during the filling stage of a fluid. [Figure 5C] It is an operation diagram of a defoamer showing a steady operation state. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a second embodiment taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a sixth embodiment taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] A cross-sectional view of a defoamer according to a seventh embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, a discharge system 1 according to a first embodiment is introduced into a manufacturing site such as an electronic component assembly factory or a food factory for the purpose of intermittently discharging a fluid F toward an application target. The fluid F may be any object that can flow while generating a pressure gradient as described below, excluding gases. The fluid F is not limited to liquids such as water and oil, and may also be a sol-like or gel-like flowable object such as a sealant, a coating liquid, mayonnaise, or minced fish meat.

[0014] The discharge system 1 includes a tank 2, a discharger 3, a supply path 4, a supply pump 5, and a defoamer 10. The tank 2 stores a fluid F. Air bubbles A (see FIG. 5A) may be mixed into the fluid F in the tank 2. The discharger 3 intermittently discharges the fluid F. The discharger 3 may be in any form as long as it can alternately repeat discharging and stopping. For example, the discharger 3 is composed of a dispenser, an on-off valve, or a pump (e.g., a single-axis eccentric screw pump or a plunger pump). The supply path 4 supplies the fluid F from the tank 2 to the discharger 3. The supply pump 5 and the defoamer 10 are interposed in this order from the upstream side on the supply path 4. The supply pump 5 sucks in the fluid F in the tank 2 and pumps the fluid F from its discharge port 5a. The discharge port 5a is fluidly connected to the defoamer 10 via a discharge line 4a that forms a part of the supply path 4. The defoamer 10 removes the air bubbles A from the fluid F. Thereby, the discharger 3 can discharge the fluid F without air bubbles A being mixed in. The discharge system 1 contributes to improving the quality of the products handled at the introduced manufacturing site.

[0015] The defoamer 10 is installed on an installation target such as, for example, the floor surface of the manufacturing site, the discharger 3, or the supply pump 5. The defoamer 10 may directly supply the fluid F to the discharger 3 as shown in the illustrated example, or may supply the fluid F to a cartridge (not shown) that is detachably attached to the discharger 3.

[0016] The discharge system 1 includes a defoaming device 100. The defoaming device 100 includes, in addition to the defoamer 10, a pressure difference sensor 6 and a controller 7. It is also possible to include the supply pump 5 and the supply path 4 (particularly its discharge line 4a) in the defoaming device 100.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the defoamer 10 has a flow path forming member 11, an annular flow path 20, an inlet 21, an outlet 22, an air vent 23, and an actuator 29.

[0018] The flow path forming member 11 defines an annular flow path 20 through which the fluid F flows. The flow path forming member 11 has an inner circumferential portion 12 located on the inner circumference side of the annular flow path 20, an outer circumferential portion 13 located on the outer circumference side of the annular flow path 20, a first side wall portion 14 and a second side wall portion 15 located on both the axial sides of the annular flow path 20, and a partition portion 16 that divides the annular flow path 20 in the circumferential direction. The four portions 12 to 15 of the flow path forming member 11 are provided as multiple parts. The flow path forming member 11 is a group of these multiple parts. The partition portion 16 is provided on one of the parts that make up the flow path forming member 11 and is integrated with one of the four portions 12 to 15.

[0019] The inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23 are provided on the flow path forming member 11 and open into the annular flow path 20. The inlet 21 allows the fluid F to flow into the annular flow path 20. The outlet 22 allows the fluid F to flow out of the annular flow path 20. The air vent 23 discharges air bubbles A (see Figure 5A) mixed in the fluid F (see Figure 5A) from the annular flow path 20.

[0020] The actuator 29 rotates at least one of the inner circumference 12, outer circumference 13, and side wall portions 14, 15 along the circumferential direction of the annular flow path 20 in a predetermined rotational direction R around the central axis C. The actuator 29 is composed of, for example, an electric motor.

[0021] In this embodiment, the flow path forming member 11 is composed of three parts: an inner member 11a, a first outer member 11b, and a second outer member 11c. The inner member 11a is cylindrical and constitutes the inner circumference 12. The first outer member 11b is bottomed and integrally has an outer circumference 13 and a first side wall 14. The second outer member 11c is plate-shaped and constitutes the second side wall 15. The annular flow path 20 is formed when the inner member 11a is housed in the space closed by the first outer member 11b and the second outer member 11c. The actuator 29 rotates the inner circumference 12 of the four parts 12 to 15. The inner member 11a is a rotating body that is rotated by the actuator 29. The outer members 11b and 11c are fixed bodies that are stationary relative to the installation target and are not rotated by the actuator 29. The partition section 16 is provided on the fixed body together with the inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23.

[0022] The first outer member 11b has an internal space defined by the inner surface of the first side wall portion 14 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential portion 13. The inner circumferential surface has a circular cross-section centered on the central axis C. The inner surface is perpendicular to the central axis C. The inner member 11a is housed in the internal space of the first outer member 11b. The inner member 11a is cylindrical or axial and is arranged coaxially with the first outer member 11b. The outer circumferential surface of the inner circumferential portion 12 has a circular cross-section. The second outer member 11c is joined to the axial end face of the outer circumferential portion 13 when the inner member 11a is housed in the first outer member 11b, closing the internal space of the first outer member 11b. The inner circumferential portion 12 has an axial length slightly shorter than that of the outer circumferential portion 13. Both end faces of the inner circumferential portion 12 slide against or closely face the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 14 and 15, respectively.

[0023] The outer circumferential surface of the inner member 11a has a smaller diameter than the inner circumferential surface of the outer member 11b. The annular flow channel 20 is defined by the outer circumferential surface of the inner portion 11, the inner circumferential surface of the outer portion 12, and the inner surfaces of the side wall portions 14 and 15. The annular flow channel 20 is circular when viewed in the axial direction and has a flow channel width corresponding to the difference in radius between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces. The cross-sectional shape of the annular flow channel 20 is constant in the axial direction.

[0024] The actuator 29 is attached to the outer surface of the outer members 11b, 11c, which are fixed bodies, specifically to the outer surface of either of the side wall portions 14, 15 (in this embodiment, the second side wall portion 15). The inner member 11a has a transmission shaft portion 17 that protrudes from the end face of the inner circumference portion 12, and the transmission shaft portion 17 is rotatably supported on the second side wall portion 15 to which the actuator 29 is attached. The rotational driving force generated by the actuator 29 is transmitted to the transmission shaft portion 17. The inner circumference portion 12 rotates (spins) in the positive direction R around the central axis C together with the transmission shaft portion 17.

[0025] The partition portion 16 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential portion 13 into the annular flow channel 20. The protruding end 16p of the partition portion 16 has a concave surface with the same curvature as the outer circumferential surface of the inner member 11a, and slides against or is in close proximity to the outer circumferential surface of the inner member 11a. The partition portion 16 serves as a partition wall that partially divides the annular flow channel 20 in the circumferential direction. The partition portion 16 extends in the axial direction. One end of the partition portion 16 is integrated with the inner surface of the first side wall portion 14. The other end of the partition portion 16 is in contact with or is in close proximity to the inner surface of the second side wall portion 15.

[0026] In Figure 2, the "positive direction R," which is the rotation direction of the inner member 11a as a rotating body, is represented by an arc arrow drawn within an angular region where the partition portion 16 does not exist. The arrowhead side of the arrow (the side of rotation) is the "front side" of the positive direction R, and the shaft base point side of the arrow (the side opposite to the side of rotation) is the "rear side" of the positive direction R. The annular flow path 20 extends in a C-shape from the first end 20a to the second end 20b in the opposite direction to the positive direction R (counterclockwise) when viewed in the axial direction. The partition portion 16 is sandwiched circumferentially between the first end 20a and the second end 20b of the annular flow path 20. The annular flow path 20 is also defined by the first surface 16a and the second surface 16b of the partition portion 16. When the partition 16 provided on the fixed body is at the 12 o'clock position and the positive direction R is clockwise, the first surface 16a and the first end 20a are on the left side of the partition 16, and the second surface 16b and the second end 20b are on the right side of the partition 16. With this configuration, the fluid F is substantially unable to pass from the first end 20a side of the annular flow path 20 over the partition 16 to the second end 20b side.

[0027] The inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23 are open to the annular flow path 20. These ports 21-23 are provided on the outer periphery 13 of the first outer member 11b and open to the outer and inner surfaces of the outer periphery 13. The inlet 21 is connected to the discharge line 4a (see Figure 1) and allows the fluid F supplied from the supply pump 5 to flow into the annular flow path 20. The air vent 23 discharges air bubbles A mixed in the fluid F from the annular flow path 20. The air vent 23 is open to the atmosphere, and the air bubbles A are released into the atmosphere. The outlet 22 allows the fluid F from which the air bubbles A have been removed to flow out of the annular flow path 20.

[0028] The outlet 22 is opened at the first end 20a. The air vent 23 is opened at the second end 20b. The inlet 21 is located between the outlet 22 and the air vent 23 in the circumferential direction. The inlet 21 opens into the annular flow path 20 at a position diametrically opposite the partition 16.

[0029] Referring to Figure 4, the pressure difference sensor 6 detects the pressure difference between two points in the annular flow path 20. The pressure difference sensor 6 may consist of a single sensor that detects gauge pressure relative to a reference pressure, or it may consist of two sensors that detect the pressure at two points, respectively. In this embodiment, the pressure difference sensor 6 consists of two sensors, a first pressure sensor 6a and a second pressure sensor 6b, and the pressure difference is determined from the detection results of the two sensors.

[0030] The first pressure sensor 6a is installed at a first detection position located circumferentially at a first installation angle θ1 counterclockwise (opposite to the positive direction R) from the partition 16. The first pressure sensor 6a detects a first pressure P1, which is the pressure of the fluid F at the first detection position. The second pressure sensor 6b is installed at a second detection position located circumferentially at a second installation angle θ2 counterclockwise from the partition 16. The second pressure sensor 6b detects a second pressure P2, which is the pressure of the fluid F at the second detection position. The second installation angle θ2 is greater than the first installation angle θ1. In this embodiment, as merely an example, the first installation angle θ1 is 60 degrees and the second installation angle θ2 is 150 degrees. The first installation angle θ1 and the second installation angle θ2 are set between the inlet 21 of the annular flow path 20 and the first surface 16a of the partition 16.

[0031] Returning to Figure 1, the controller 7 is connected to the pressure difference sensor 6 (first pressure sensor 6a and second pressure sensor 6b), the actuator 29, and the supply pump 5. The controller 7 may also be connected to the discharger 3. The controller 7 controls the actuator 29 while the defoaming device 100 is in operation, rotating the rotating body (in this embodiment, the inner member 11a). The controller 7 controls the liquid level of the fluid F in the annular channel 20 based on the pressure difference detected by the pressure difference sensor 6. To control the liquid level, the controller 7 controls the flow rate Q of the supply pump 5, for example.

[0032] The operation of the defoaming device 100 will be described below. Before starting the defoaming device 100, the annular flow path 20, inlet 21, and outlet 22 are empty. When the defoaming device 100 is started, the supply pump 5 is activated and the fluid F is supplied from the supply pump 5 to the defoamer 10. The actuator 29 is also activated and the inner member 11a, which acts as a rotating body, is rotated. The discharge pressure and discharge flow rate of the supply pump 5 and the rotation speed of the rotating body are adjusted as appropriate according to the properties of the fluid F (e.g., viscosity).

[0033] As shown in Figure 5A, when the defoaming device 100 is activated, the fluid F mixed with air bubbles A is supplied from the supply pump 5 (see Figure 1) to the inlet 21 via the discharge line 4a (see Figure 1). Figure 5B shows the stages of the process in which the fluid F is filled into the annular channel 20, and the liquid level of the fluid F in the annular channel 20 has not yet reached either the outlet 22 or the air vent 23.

[0034] The fluid F introduced into the annular channel 20 is dragged by viscous friction between the fluid F and the outer surface of the inner member 11a, which acts as a rotating body, around the area where it is in contact with the outer surface. As a result, a pressure gradient is created within the annular channel 20, such that the pressure of the fluid F is higher towards the front side in the positive direction R (and lower towards the rear side in the positive direction R). Bubbles A contained in the fluid F are transported from the area of ​​higher pressure to the area of ​​lower pressure within the fluid F. In other words, bubbles A are naturally transported towards the rear side in the positive direction R.

[0035] The rear liquid level FLR of the fluid F is in communication with the atmosphere via the second end 20b of the annular channel 20 and the air vent 23. Therefore, the pressure at the rear liquid level FLR is approximately atmospheric pressure. As a result, bubbles A that have been guided to the rear liquid level FLR can escape from the fluid F and be released into the atmosphere through the air vent 23.

[0036] Figure 5C shows the state in which the fluid F is filled into the annular channel 20 and the defoamer 10 is in steady operation. A pressure gradient is generated in the fluid F within the annular channel 20 based on the same principle as described above. The fluid F is completely filled up to the point where it contacts the first surface 16a of the partition 16 on the front side, relative to the inlet 21. The outlet 22 opens at the first end 20a facing the first surface 16a. That is, the outlet 22 is located in the part of the annular channel 20 where the pressure of the fluid F is as high as possible. The relatively high-pressure fluid F flows smoothly out through the outlet 22.

[0037] On the other hand, the fluid F does not reach the second surface 16b of the partition 16 on the rear side with respect to the inlet 21, and the rear liquid level FLR is formed within the annular flow path 20. Therefore, even in steady-state operation, the same principle as above applies, and the bubbles A that are guided to the rear liquid level FLR escape from the fluid F and are released into the atmosphere through the air vent 23.

[0038] Thus, according to the defoaming device 100 of this embodiment, by partially partitioning the annular flow path 20 in the circumferential direction, rotating a part of the flow path forming member 11 that defines the annular flow path 20 (in this embodiment, the inner circumference portion 12), and providing an air vent 23 on the low-pressure side, a pressure gradient can be generated in the fluid F within the annular flow path 20, and bubbles A are naturally transferred to the air vent 23. Sufficient defoaming can be obtained even if a device requiring higher airtightness, such as a vacuum chamber, is omitted from the defoamer 10. Furthermore, the actuator 29 that generates rotational driving force can be configured more simply than an actuator (vacuum pump) that applies negative pressure into the chamber. Therefore, the configuration of the defoaming device 100 can be simplified.

[0039] The outlet 22 opens at the first end 20a on the high-pressure side, defined by the partition 16 of the annular flow path 20, while the air vent 23 opens at the second end 20b on the low-pressure side, opposite the partition 16 of the annular flow path 20. The outlet 22 and the air vent 23 are physically as far apart as possible and also as far apart as possible in terms of pressure difference. Therefore, the risk of air bubbles A contained in the fluid F leaking out from the outlet 22 can be suppressed.

[0040] The inlet 21 opens into the annular flow path 20 at a position where the pressure of the fluid F is lower than that of the outlet 22 and higher than that of the air vent 23. The inlet 20 is positioned so that the outlet 22 and the air vent 23 are on opposite sides of the inlet 21. Therefore, the risk of air bubbles A contained in the fluid F leaking out from the outlet 22 can be suppressed.

[0041] The inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral portion 12 that define the annular flow path 20 are perfectly circular. Therefore, bubbles A do not get caught on these parts 12 and 13 and are smoothly transferred to the rear liquid level FLR within the annular flow path 20.

[0042] Referring to Figure 4, if the discharge pressure or discharge flow rate of the supply pump 5 is excessive, the rear liquid level FLR will rise, and there is a risk that the fluid F will leak into the atmosphere through the air vent 23. Therefore, the controller 7 controls the position of the rear liquid level FLR during steady-state operation to prevent leakage of the fluid F.

[0043] Specifically, the controller 7 estimates the position of the rear liquid level FLR, specifically the counterclockwise angle θw from the partition 16 to the rear liquid level FLR, based on the following equation (1). θw=P2×(θ2-θ1) / (P1-P2)+θ2 ……(1) Here, P1 is the value detected by the first pressure sensor 6a, and P2 is the value detected by the second pressure sensor 6b.

[0044] The controller 7 compares the estimated angle θw of the rear liquid level FLR with a set value. The set value is set near the air vent 23 in the annular flow path 13. If the estimated value exceeds the set value, the controller controls the operation of the supply pump 5 by reducing the flow rate Q of the fluid F discharged from the supply pump 5. This prevents leakage of the fluid F.

[0045] In this embodiment, the outer and inner surfaces, each having a circular cross-section, are arranged concentrically. Since the width of the annular flow path 20 is constant throughout the circumferential direction, the pressure gradient becomes approximately linear. Therefore, the liquid level position can be estimated with high accuracy, and the liquid level position can be controlled with high accuracy.

[0046] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0047] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, in the degasser 10 according to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the inner member 11a constitutes the inner circumference 12, the first outer member 11b constitutes the outer circumference 13 and the first side wall 14, the second outer member 11c constitutes the second side wall 15, and the actuator 29 rotates the inner circumference 12. The inner member 11a is a rotating body, and the outer members 11b and 11c are stationary bodies. The partition 16 is provided on the stationary body together with the inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23.

[0048] In this embodiment, the inner circumference 12 and the outer circumference 13, and consequently the annular flow path 20, are longer in the axial direction compared to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, because the annular flow path 20 is shorter in the axial direction, the inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23 were located at the same position in the axial direction (see Figure 3). In contrast, in this embodiment, the outlet 22 and the air vent 23 are separated in the axial direction of the annular flow path 20. The inlet 21 is closer to the air vent 23 than to the outlet 22 in the axial direction of the annular flow path 20. The inlet 21 and the air vent 23 open at one end of the annular flow path 20. The outlet 22 opens at the other end of the annular flow path 20 in the axial direction.

[0049] The air vent 23 is positioned axially offset from the region where the outlet 22 is formed. The circumferential positional relationship of the three ports 21 to 23 is the same as in the first embodiment. The pressure of the fluid in the annular flow path 20 increases circumferentially as it moves towards the front side in the positive direction R. Therefore, the pressures P21 at the inlet 21, P22 at the outlet 22, and P23 at the air vent 23 satisfy the condition P22 > P21 > P23.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the configuration of the defoaming device 100 can be simplified in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the outlet 23 is axially separated from the inlet 21, the time that the fluid F passes through the annular flow path 20 is increased. As a result, the time that bubbles A are guided to the air vent 23 is further increased as the fluid F flows to the outlet 22, and the risk of bubbles A leaking out of the outlet 22 is further suppressed.

[0051] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0052] Referring to Figure 8, in the degasser 10 according to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the inner member 11a constitutes the inner circumference 12, and the first outer member 11b constitutes the outer circumference 13 and the first outer member 14. Although not shown in detail, the second outer member is positioned on the near side of the page in Figure 8 and constitutes the second side wall. The actuator 29 rotates the inner circumference 12. The inner member 11a is a rotating body, and the first outer member 11b and the second outer member are stationary bodies. The axial dimensions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0053] In this embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the partition portion 16 is provided on the inner member 11a, which acts as a rotating body, together with the inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23. The partition portion 16 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the inner circumference portion 12 into the annular flow path 20. The protruding end portion 16p of the partition portion 16 forms a convex surface having the same curvature as the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumference portion 13, and slides against or closely faces the inner circumferential surface. Both ends of the partition portion 16 are flush with both end faces of the inner circumference portion 12, and slide against or closely faces the inner surfaces of the first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion, respectively.

[0054] In this embodiment, the front side of the inner member 11a in the forward direction R, which is the rotation direction, is the low-pressure side, and the rear side is the high-pressure side. With respect to the partition 16, the outer member 11b rotates relative to the inner member 11a in the forward direction R and the opposite direction R'. With respect to the partition 16, the front side of the relative rotation direction (opposite direction R') of the outer member 11b and the inner member 11a is the high-pressure side, and the rear side is the low-pressure side. The first surface 16a of the partition 16 and the first end 20a of the annular flow path 20 are on the front side in the relative rotation direction (opposite direction R'). The second surface 16b of the partition 16 and the second end 20b of the annular flow path 20 are on the rear side in the relative rotation direction (opposite direction R'). When the inner member 11a rotates, the pressure of the fluid F decreases from the first end 20a to the second end 20b.

[0055] The inlet 21 opens midway between the first end 20a (first surface 16a) and the second end 20b (second surface 16b) in the circumferential direction, and faces the partition 16 in the diametrical direction. The outlet 22 opens at the first end 20a, and the air vent 23 opens at the second end 20b. The pressures P21 at the inlet 21, P22 at the outlet 22, and P23 at the air vent 23 satisfy the condition P22 > P21 > P23.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the configuration of the defoaming device 100 can be simplified in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0057] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiments.

[0058] Referring to Figure 9, in the degasser 10 according to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the inner member 11a constitutes the inner circumference 12, and the first outer member 11b constitutes the outer circumference 13 and the first outer member 14. Although not shown in detail, the second outer member is positioned on the near side of the page in Figure 9 and constitutes the second side wall. The actuator 29 rotates the inner circumference 12. The inner member 11a is a rotating body, and the first outer member 11b and the second outer member are stationary bodies. The axial dimensions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0059] In this embodiment, the center C12 of the inner circumference 12 is eccentric with respect to the center C13 of the outer circumference 13. The outer surface of the inner circumference 12 is in contact with the inner surface of the outer circumference 13. The partition 16 is formed by this contact rather than a partition wall as in previous embodiments and is provided on the rotating body. Due to the eccentric arrangement of the inner circumference 12, the annular flow path 20 is formed in a C shape. As viewed from the partition 16, the front side in the positive direction R, which is the rotation direction of the inner circumference 12, is the high-pressure side, and the rear side in the positive direction R is the low-pressure side. The first end 20a of the C-shaped annular flow path 20 is formed on the front side in the positive direction R, which is the rotation direction of the inner circumference 12, as viewed from the partition 16. The second end 20b of the C-shaped annular flow path 20 is formed on the rear side in the positive direction R, which is the rotation direction of the inner circumference 12, as viewed from the partition 16. The pressure of the fluid F decreases from the first end 20a to the second end 20b.

[0060] Although the partition 16 is provided on the rotating body, its circumferential position relative to the stationary body remains constant. Therefore, the inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23 are provided on the stationary body. The inlet 21 opens at a position midway between the first end 20a (first surface 16a) and the second end 20b (second surface 16b) in the circumferential direction, and faces the partition 16 in the diametrical direction. The outlet 22 opens at the first end 20a, and the air vent 23 opens at the second end 20b. The pressures P21 at the inlet 21, P22 at the outlet 22, and P23 at the air vent 23 satisfy the condition P22 > P21 > P23.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the configuration of the defoaming device 100 can be simplified in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0062] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiments.

[0063] Referring to Figure 10, in the degasser 10 according to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the inner member 11a constitutes the inner circumference 12, and the first outer member 11b constitutes the outer circumference 13 and the first outer member 14. Although not shown in detail, the second outer member is positioned on the near side of the page in Figure 10 and constitutes the second side wall. The axial dimensions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0064] In this embodiment, unlike the first to fourth embodiments, the actuator 29 rotates at least the first outer member 11b. The first outer member 11b is a rotating body, and the inner member 11a is a stationary body. The second outer member may be either a stationary or rotating body, but as an example, it is a rotating body. Similar to the third embodiment, the partition 16 is provided on the inner member 11a, which is a stationary body, along with the inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first surface 16a of the partition 16 and the first end 20a of the annular flow channel 20 are located on the front side in the positive direction R, which is the rotation direction of the outer member 11 as a rotating body. The second surface 16b of the partition 16 and the second end 20b of the annular flow channel 20 are located on the rear side in the positive direction R. When the outer member 12a rotates, the fluid F is dragged along the inner surface of the outer circumference 13, and the pressure of the fluid decreases from the first end 20a to the second end 20b.

[0066] The inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23 are provided on the inner member 11a, which acts as a fixed body. The inlet 21 opens at a position midway between the first end 20a (first surface 16a) and the second end 20b (second surface 16b) in the circumferential direction, and faces the partition 16 in the diametrical direction. The outlet 22 opens at the first end 20a, and the air vent 23 opens at the second end 20b. The pressures P21 at the inlet 21, P22 at the outlet 22, and P23 at the air vent 23 satisfy the condition P22 > P21 > P23.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the configuration of the defoaming device 100 can be simplified in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0068] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiments.

[0069] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, in the degasser 10 according to this embodiment, the flow path forming member 11 is composed of two parts: a first member 11d and a second member 12e. The first member 11d integrally has an inner circumference 12, an outer circumference 13, and a first side wall 14. The second member 12e constitutes the second side wall 15. The axial dimensions are the same as in the first embodiment. The actuator 29 rotates the second side wall 15. The second member 11e is a rotating body, and the first member 11d is a stationary body. The partition 16 is provided on the rotating body together with the inlet 21, outlet 22, and air vent 23. The partition 16 protrudes axially from the inner surface of the second side wall 15 and slides against or closely faces the inner surface of the first side wall 15.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first surface 16a of the partition 16 and the first end 20a of the annular flow channel 20 are located on the front side in the positive direction R, which is the rotation direction of the second member 11e as a rotating body. The second surface 16b of the partition 16 and the second end 20b of the annular flow channel 20 are located on the rear side in the positive direction R. When the second member 11e rotates, the fluid F is dragged along the inner surface of the second side wall 15 and pushed by the partition 16, causing the pressure of the fluid to decrease from the first end 20a to the second end 20b.

[0071] The inlet 21 opens midway between the first end 20a (first surface 16a) and the second end 20b (second surface 16b) in the circumferential direction, and faces the partition 16 in the diametrical direction. The outlet 22 opens at the first end 20a, and the air vent 23 opens at the second end 20b. The pressures P21 at the inlet 21, P22 at the outlet 22, and P23 at the air vent 23 satisfy the condition P22 > P21 > P23.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the configuration of the defoaming device 100 can be simplified in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0073] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiments.

[0074] Referring to Figure 13, in the degasser 10 according to this embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment, the inner member 11a constitutes the inner circumference 12, the first outer member 11b constitutes the outer circumference 13 and the first outer member 14, and the second outer member 11c constitutes the second side wall 15. The axial dimensions are the same as in the first embodiment. The actuator 29 rotates at least the first outer member 11b. The first outer member 11b is a rotating body, while the inner member 11a and the second outer member 11c are stationary bodies.

[0075] In this embodiment, the partition portion 16 is provided on the second outer member 11c, which acts as a fixed body. The partition portion 16 protrudes axially from the inner surface of the second side wall portion 15 and slides against or closely faces the inner surface of the first side wall portion 14. Although detailed illustration is omitted, in this case, it is preferable that the inlet, outlet, and air vent are provided on the fixed body. In this embodiment as well, a pressure gradient can be generated within the annular flow path 20, and the configuration of the defoaming device 100 can be simplified in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0076] Embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, but the above configurations can be modified, added to, and deleted as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] In the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the pressure difference sensor 6 (see Figure 1) is not shown, but the liquid level may be controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In controlling the liquid level, the discharge flow rate of the supply pump 5 was controlled, but in addition to or instead of this, the rotational speed of the rotating body may be controlled.

[0078] At least one of the inner circumferential surfaces of the outer circumferential portion 13 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner circumferential portion 12 does not need to be a perfect circle, and may be, for example, elliptical. The position of the inlet 21 is not limited to a position opposite the partition portion 16 or the circumferential center of the annular flow path 20, but can be changed as appropriate. The supply pump 5 may be outside the range of the defoaming device 100. In that case, the controller 7 may transmit the liquid level estimation result to another controller that controls the supply pump 5. The controller 7 may control the rotational speed of the rotating body for liquid level control based on the liquid level estimation result.

[0079] In the above embodiment, at least one part of the inner circumference 12, outer circumference 13, and side wall parts 14, 15 was rotationally driven, while other parts were not. However, all parts may be rotationally driven.

[0080] The inner surface of the outer circumference 13 or the outer surface of the inner circumference 12 may be configured to have a variable diameter. In the operating state, the defoaming device 100 has a single inner member 11a housed in the outer members 11b and 11c, but in the flow state, it may have multiple inner members 11a that are interchangeably attached to the outer members 11b and 11c. The diameters of the multiple inner members 11a are different from each other. By selecting one of the multiple inner members 11a according to the properties of the fluid F being handled and attaching it to the outer members 11b and 11c, the flow path width of the annular flow path 20 can be set to a value suitable for the fluid F. In this case, the required height of the partition 16 also changes, so it is preferable to prepare multiple partition 16 with different heights from each other, similar to the inner members 11a.

[0081] For example, if the viscosity of the fluid is high, the torque can be reduced by increasing the width of the flow channel. If the fluid is a pseudoplastic fluid, the fluid will only flow in the immediate vicinity of the rotating body, so a smooth flow can be obtained within the annular flow channel 20 by narrowing the width of the flow channel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100 Deaerator 1. Discharge System 2 tanks 3 Dispenser 4. Supply routes 4a Discharge line 5. Supply pump 6. Pressure difference sensor 7. Controller 10 Deaerator 11 Flow channel forming member 11a Inner member 11b First outer member 11c Second outer member 12 Inner circumference 13 Outer perimeter 14. First side wall section 15. Second side wall section 16 Partition section 16p protruding end 17 Transmission shaft section 20 Circular channel 20a First end 20b 2nd end 21 Inlet 22 Outlet 23 Air vent 29 Actuators A bubbles F Fluid

Claims

1. An annular channel through which a fluid flows, A channel forming member that defines the annular channel, having an inner circumferential portion arranged on the inner circumferential side of the annular channel, an outer circumferential portion arranged on the outer circumferential side of the annular channel, and a pair of side wall portions arranged on both axial sides of the annular channel, The flow channel forming member is provided with an inlet that opens into the annular flow channel and allows the fluid to flow into the annular flow channel, The flow channel forming member is provided with an outlet that opens into the annular flow channel and causes the fluid to flow out of the annular flow channel, A partition portion is provided in the channel forming member, which partially partitions the annular channel, An actuator that rotates at least one of the inner circumference, the outer circumference, and the pair of side walls relative to the partition along the circumferential direction of the annular flow path, so that the fluid in the annular flow path becomes more high pressure towards the partition in the relative rotation direction with respect to the partition, thereby creating a pressure gradient in the fluid within the annular flow path. The aforementioned flow path forming member is provided with an air vent that opens into the annular flow path at a position where the pressure of the fluid is lower than that of the outlet, and which discharges air bubbles mixed in the fluid from the annular flow path, Equipped with, The pressure gradient generated by the actuator moves the bubbles to the low-pressure side of the annular channel. Defoaming device.

2. The outlet opens at the high-pressure end of the annular flow path defined by the partition, and the air vent opens at the low-pressure end of the annular flow path, opposite the high-pressure side, across the partition. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The inlet opens into the annular flow path at a position where the pressure of the fluid is lower than that of the outlet and higher than that of the air vent. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inlet and outlet are separated in the axial direction of the annular flow path. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. A pressure difference sensor for detecting the pressure difference of the fluid between two different points in the circumferential direction of the annular flow path, A controller that estimates the liquid level position in the annular channel based on the detected pressure difference sensor, The defoaming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

6. The flow path forming member includes an inner member that constitutes the inner circumference, a first outer member that is separate from the inner member and constitutes the outer circumference and one of the pair of side wall portions, and a second outer member that constitutes the other of the pair of side wall portions. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The inner member is a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the actuator, and the first outer member and the second outer member are stationary bodies that are not rotationally driven by the actuator. The partition portion is provided on the fixed body together with the inlet, outlet, and air vent. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The inner member is a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the actuator, and the first outer member and the second outer member are stationary bodies that are not rotationally driven by the actuator. The partition portion is provided on the rotating body together with the inlet, outlet, and air vent. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The first outer member and the second outer member are rotating bodies that are rotationally driven by the actuator, and the inner member is a stationary body that is not rotationally driven by the actuator. The partition portion is provided on the fixed body together with the inlet, outlet, and air vent. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 6.

10. The second outer member is a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the actuator, and the inner member and the first outer member are stationary bodies that are not rotationally driven by the actuator. The partition portion is provided on the rotating body together with the inlet, outlet, and air vent. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 6.

11. The flow path forming member includes a first member that constitutes the inner circumference, one of the pair of side wall portions, and the outer circumference, and a second member that constitutes the other of the pair of side wall portions. The second member is a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the actuator, and the first member is a stationary body that is not rotationally driven by the actuator. The partition portion is provided on the rotating body together with the inlet, outlet, and air vent. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images