Hydrogen addition unit

Abstract

In a hydrogenation device, the dissolved hydrogen concentration is increased in a short time in response to the demand for purified water with dissolved hydrogen. [Solution] The hydrogenation device 1 includes a tank 2 for storing purified water, an electrolytic unit 3 for electrolyzing purified water supplied from the tank 2 to produce dissolved hydrogen purified water, and a porous membrane module 4 having a porous membrane that allows hydrogen gas to pass through. The porous membrane module 4 is divided by a porous membrane 40 into a first chamber 41 to which dissolved hydrogen purified water is supplied and a second chamber 42 to which purified water is supplied, and hydrogen gas is moved from the first chamber 41 to the second chamber 42 to produce water for preparing dialysate. The hydrogenation device 1 also includes a first water channel 61 for returning dissolved hydrogen purified water containing hydrogen gas that did not pass through the porous membrane 40 back to the tank 2, and a hydrogen recovery device 5 for recovering hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank 2 and supplying it to the porous membrane module 4.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen addition device, and particularly to a device for producing dissolved hydrogen purified water used for hemodialysis treatment for a large number of people. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, dissolved hydrogen water having hydrogen gas dissolved therein has attracted attention in hemodialysis for reducing oxidative stress in dialysis patients. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 5940689 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In a large-scale hospital that treats a large number of people, the number of patients receiving simultaneous treatment may rapidly increase or decrease. However, when the demand for dissolved hydrogen water rapidly increases along with a sudden fluctuation in the number of patients, it has sometimes been difficult to immediately provide dissolved hydrogen water having a sufficient dissolved hydrogen concentration.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above actual circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a hydrogen addition device capable of increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration in a short time. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The present invention is a hydrogen addition device, comprising: a tank that stores purified water subjected to purification treatment; an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes the purified water supplied from the tank to generate dissolved hydrogen purified water; and a porous membrane module having a porous membrane that allows hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water to permeate therethrough. The porous membrane module is divided by the porous membrane into a first chamber to which the dissolved hydrogen purified water is supplied and a second chamber to which the purified water is supplied, and the hydrogen gas is moved from the first chamber to the second chamber to produce water for preparing dialysate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Since the hydrogenation device of the present invention has the above configuration, it can increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration in a short time in response to the demand for purified water with dissolved hydrogen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system including the hydrogenation device of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration of the electrolytic cell included in the electrolytic unit. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing another modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing yet another modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing another modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing yet another modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing a modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing another modified configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated expressions and expressions different from the dimensional ratios of actual structures in order to facilitate understanding of the content of the invention. Also, throughout the respective embodiments, identical or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and the drawings are for the purpose of understanding the content of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations illustrated.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system 100 including a hydrogenation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

[0011] The dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system 100 includes a purification treatment apparatus 101, a hydrogenation apparatus 1, a dialysate preparation apparatus 102, and a dialysis apparatus 103. The dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system 100 is a dialysis system compatible with hemodialysis for a large number of patients 104 including a plurality of dialysis apparatuses 103.

[0012] The purification treatment apparatus 101 performs purification treatment on supplied water and supplies the purified water to the hydrogenation apparatus 1. An example of the purification treatment apparatus 101 is a reverse osmosis treatment apparatus that performs reverse osmosis treatment on supplied water. Reverse osmosis treatment is a treatment in which water is purified by allowing it to permeate through a reverse osmosis membrane, thereby producing reverse osmosis treated water (RO water) which is ultrapure water.

[0013] The apparatus applied as the purification treatment apparatus 101 is not limited to the reverse osmosis treatment apparatus described above, and may be one that uses a filtration mode capable of producing purified water satisfying the standards for dialysis water, for example, an ion exchange (EDI: Electro-deionization) module.

[0014] A pretreatment device (not shown) is disposed upstream of the purification treatment device 101. The pretreatment device is constituted by, for example, a water softening treatment device and an activated carbon treatment device. The water softening treatment device removes hardness components such as calcium ions and magnesium ions from raw water to soften the water. The activated carbon treatment device has activated carbon, which is a fine porous substance, and adsorbs and removes chlorine and the like from the water supplied from the water softening treatment device. A tank for storing raw water may be provided on the upstream side of the water softening treatment device.

[0015] The hydrogen adding device 1 generates water for dialysate preparation for preparing dialysate by adding hydrogen gas to the purified water supplied from the purification treatment device 101. The water for dialysate preparation generated by the hydrogen adding device 1 is purified water in which hydrogen gas is added and dissolved, that is, dissolved hydrogen purified water (hereinafter may be simply referred to as dissolved hydrogen water).

[0016] In the dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system 100, each device constituting a conventional dialysis system that does not use dissolved hydrogen water can be applied to the pretreatment device, the purification treatment device 101, the dialysate preparation device 102, and the dialysis device 103, respectively. Then, by inserting the hydrogen adding device 1 between the purification treatment device 101 and the dialysate preparation device 102 in the conventional dialysis system, the dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system 100 can be constructed at low cost.

[0017] The water for dialysate preparation generated by the hydrogen adding device 1 is supplied to the dialysate preparation device 102. The dialysate preparation device 102 mixes the water for dialysate preparation supplied from the hydrogen adding device 1 with a drug to prepare dialysate. As the drug to be mixed with the water for dialysate preparation, liquid drugs as well as powdered drugs are applicable. Since dissolved hydrogen purified water with added hydrogen is supplied to the dialysate preparation device 102, the dialysate generated by the dialysate preparation device 102 is a dissolved hydrogen dialysate.

[0018] The dialysate prepared by the dialysate preparation device 102 is supplied to the dialysis machine 103. This dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system 100 is connected to multiple dialysis machines 103 to accommodate hemodialysis for a large number of patients. Each dialysis machine 103 is connected in parallel to the dialysate preparation device 102.

[0019] The dialysis machine 103 is connected to the patient 104. The dialysis machine 103 uses a dialyzer to remove waste products, excess water, and electrolytes from the blood taken from the patient 104, and returns the purified blood to the patient 104's body. The dialyzer moves waste products and other substances contained in the patient 104's blood through a semipermeable membrane into the dialysate. Dialysis fluid is continuously supplied from the dialysate preparation device 102 to the dialysis machine 103, and hemodialysis is performed by circulating blood between the patient 104 and the dialysis machine 103.

[0020] The hydrogen gas dissolved in the dialysis fluid reacts with lipid peroxides generated during dialysis, reducing oxidative stress in the blood of dialysis patients.

[0021] Figure 2 shows the electrical configuration of the hydrogenation device 1. The hydrogenation device 1 of this embodiment includes a tank 2 for storing purified water supplied from the purification treatment device 101, an electrolytic unit 3 for generating electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water supplied from the tank 2, a porous membrane module 4 located downstream of the electrolytic unit 3, and a hydrogen recovery device 5 for recovering hydrogen gas and supplying it to the porous membrane module 4.

[0022] The purified water supplied from the purification treatment device 101 is stored in tank 2. By storing purified water in tank 2, a large amount of purified water necessary for dissolved hydrogen water dialysis for multiple patients can be supplied to the dialysis fluid preparation device 102 via the electrolysis unit 3 and the porous membrane module 4. A water level sensor (not shown) is provided at the top of tank 2, and purified water at a predetermined level is stored therein.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the tank 2 and the electrolytic unit 3 are connected by a flow path 53 (first flow path). Purified water stored in the tank 2 is supplied to the electrolytic unit 3 via the flow path 53.

[0024] The electrolysis unit 3 includes an electrolytic cell 3A (see Figure 3, described later) for electrolyzing water. To generate a large amount of electrolyzed water per unit time, it is desirable that multiple electrolytic cells 3A are connected in parallel within the electrolysis unit 3.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the electrolytic cell 3A. The electrolytic cell 3A comprises an electrolytic chamber 30, which contains a first power supply 31 and a second power supply 32. That is, the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32 are located in the electrolytic chamber 30.

[0026] A diaphragm 33 is provided between the first power supply unit 31 and the second power supply unit 32. The electrolysis chamber 30 is divided by the diaphragm 33 into a first electrode chamber 30a where the first power supply unit 31 is located, and a second electrode chamber 30b where the second power supply unit 32 is located. Purified water from the purification treatment device 101 is filled into the first electrode chamber 30a and the second electrode chamber 30b.

[0027] The polarity of the first power supply unit 31 and the second power supply unit 32, and the voltage applied to the first power supply unit 31 and the second power supply unit 32 are controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0028] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the first power supply unit 31 will be described as the anode and the second power supply unit 32 as the cathode. However, it is also possible to operate with the first power supply unit 31 as the cathode and the second power supply unit 32 as the anode.

[0029] A current detector (not shown) is provided in the current supply line between the power supply units 31 and 32 and the control unit. The current detector detects the electrolytic current supplied to the first power supply unit 31 and the second power supply unit 32 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to that value to the control unit.

[0030] The control unit is responsible for controlling each part of the hydrogenation unit 1. The control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various calculations and information processing, a program that controls the CPU's operation, and memory for storing various information. The various functions of the control unit are realized by the CPU, memory, and program.

[0031] The control unit controls the DC voltage applied to the first power supply unit 31 and the second power supply unit 32 based on, for example, an electrical signal output from the current detector. More specifically, the control unit feedback-controls the DC voltage applied to the first power supply unit 31 and the second power supply unit 32 so that the electrolytic current detected by the current detector is a preset desired value. For example, if the electrolytic current is excessive, the control unit decreases the voltage, and if the electrolytic current is insufficient, the control unit increases the voltage. This appropriately controls the electrolytic current supplied to the first power supply unit 31 and the second power supply unit 32.

[0032] In the electrolysis chamber 30, water is electrolyzed, generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. For example, in the second electrode chamber 30b on the cathode side, hydrogen gas is generated, producing dissolved hydrogen water in which these hydrogen molecules are dissolved. This dissolved hydrogen water produced through electrolysis is also called "electrolyzed hydrogen water," and dialysis treatment using electrolyzed hydrogen water is also called "electrolyzed water dialysis," which is effective in reducing the oxidative stress of the patient 104. On the other hand, oxygen gas is generated in the first electrode chamber 30a on the anode side.

[0033] The diaphragm 33 is appropriately made of a solid polymer membrane, for example, a fluorine-based resin having sulfonic acid groups. The solid polymer membrane moves oxonium ions generated in the first electrode chamber 30a on the anode side to the second electrode chamber 30b on the cathode side by electrolysis, and uses them as raw materials for hydrogen gas production. Therefore, hydroxide ions are not generated during electrolysis, and the pH of the dissolved hydrogen water does not change.

[0034] The amount of hydrogen gas generated in the second electrode chamber 30b depends on the electrolysis current. Increasing the electrolysis current generates a large amount of hydrogen gas, increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the electrolyzed water produced in the second electrode chamber 30b. On the other hand, if the electrolysis current becomes excessively large, hydrogen gas that does not dissolve in the electrolyzed water will be mixed into the electrolyzed water as bubbles.

[0035] In the following, unless otherwise specified, "electrolyzed water" refers to the electrolyzed water produced in the second electrode chamber 30b, but it can also be applied to the electrolyzed water produced in the first electrode chamber 30a if necessary.

[0036] Furthermore, the hydrogenation device 1 may be configured in a way that, instead of the electrolysis unit 3, generates dissolved hydrogen purified water by, for example, bringing hydrogen gas into contact with purified water by bubbling.

[0037] The electrolytic unit 3 and the porous membrane module 4 are connected by a flow channel 55 (second flow channel). The dissolved hydrogen purified water generated in the second electrode chamber 30b of the electrolytic unit 3 is supplied to the porous membrane module 4 via the flow channel 55, as shown in Figure 2. The porous membrane module 4 is divided into a first chamber 41 and a second chamber 42 by a porous membrane 40.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a porous membrane module 4 in which a first chamber 41 is arranged on the outside of a cylindrical porous membrane 40 and a second chamber 42 is arranged on the inside. The porous membrane module 4 is not limited to this configuration, and the first chamber 41 may be arranged on the inside of the porous membrane 40 and the second chamber 42 on the outside. In Figure 2, etc., a single cylindrical porous membrane 40 is shown for convenience, but the porous membrane module 4 may be composed of multiple cylindrical porous membranes 40.

[0039] The first electrode chamber 30a of the electrolytic unit 3 and the first chamber 41 outside the porous membrane 40 are connected by a flow path 55. Dissolved hydrogen water from the first electrode chamber 30a of the electrolytic unit 3 is supplied to the first chamber 41 via the flow path 55. Since the electrolytic unit 3 generates dissolved hydrogen water by electrolyzing purified water supplied from the tank 2, the dissolved hydrogen water supplied to the first chamber 41 is purified water in which hydrogen gas has dissolved, i.e., dissolved hydrogen purified water.

[0040] Meanwhile, purified water is supplied to the second chamber 42 from the purification treatment device 101. The purified water is supplied via a branch passage 52 that branches off from the flow path 51 leading from the purification treatment device 101 to the tank 2. Part of the flow path 51 and the branch passage 52 are located inside the hydrogenation device 1.

[0041] In the hydrogenation device 1, the branching path 52 supplies purified water to the second chamber 42 from a separate system from the purified water stored in the tank 2. Furthermore, the branching path 52 also supplies purified water to the second chamber 42 from a separate system from the dissolved hydrogen purified water produced in the electrolysis unit 3. This configuration simplifies the supply path of purified water to the second chamber 42, making it extremely easy to maintain the purity of the purified water in a good state.

[0042] In the hydrogenation device 1, it is desirable that the flow path 51 and branch path 52 be configured to be sterilized and disinfected by the circulation of chemical solution or hot water or by irradiation with ultraviolet light. With such a configuration, the purity of the purified water supplied to the second chamber 42 is ensured.

[0043] The porous membrane 40 allows hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first chamber 41 to permeate to the second chamber 42. An example of the porous membrane 40 is a hollow fiber membrane. The hydrogen gas that has moved to the second chamber 42 dissolves into the purified water in the second chamber 42. As a result, dissolved hydrogen purified water is generated in the second chamber 42.

[0044] The porous membrane 40 has a three-dimensional network structure of micropores, allowing only hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first chamber 41 to pass through the micropores of the porous membrane 40 and move to the second chamber 42. On the other hand, the second chamber 42 contains purified water, which is ultrapure water treated by the purification treatment device 101. Therefore, in the second chamber 42, the hydrogen gas that has moved from the first chamber 41 dissolves into the purified water, producing extremely high-purity dissolved hydrogen purified water. Such dissolved hydrogen purified water is suitable for use as water for preparing dialysis fluid.

[0045] By sufficiently increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen-purified water in the first chamber 41 to the saturation value or close to it, the hydrogen gas in the first chamber 41 rapidly permeates through the porous membrane 40 and moves to the second chamber 42.

[0046] The second chamber 42 of the porous membrane module 4 is connected to the dialysate preparation device 102. The dissolved hydrogen purified water generated in the second chamber 42 is supplied to the dialysate preparation device 102 as dialysate preparation water and mixed with the drug (dialysis raw material). This prepares a dialysate containing dissolved hydrogen.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the hydrogenation device 1 includes a first chamber 41 and a first water channel 61 connected to the tank 2. The first water channel 61 returns the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first chamber 41 to the tank 2. The first chamber 41 contains dissolved hydrogen purified water containing hydrogen gas that did not permeate the porous membrane 40. As new dissolved hydrogen purified water is continuously or intermittently supplied from the electrolysis unit 3, the dissolved hydrogen purified water containing hydrogen gas is returned to the tank 2 via the first water channel 61. As a result, purified water (dissolved hydrogen purified water) circulates through the path of tank 2, electrolysis unit 3, first chamber 41, first water channel 61, and tank 2, and the hydrogen gas generated in the electrolysis unit 3 moves from the first chamber 41 through the porous membrane 40 to the second chamber 42.

[0048] Furthermore, the hydrogenation device 1 may also include a second water channel 62 connected to the electrolysis unit 3 and the tank 2. The second water channel 62 returns the dissolved hydrogen purified water generated in the second electrode chamber 30b that was not supplied to the porous membrane module 4 back to the tank 2. As new purified water is continuously or intermittently supplied from the tank 2, the dissolved hydrogen purified water containing hydrogen gas is returned to the tank 2 via the second water channel 62. As a result, purified water (dissolved hydrogen purified water) circulates through the path of tank 2, electrolysis unit 3, second water channel 62, and tank 2. At this time, by continuing electrolysis by the electrolysis unit 3, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank 2 is increased.

[0049] Meanwhile, tank 2 contains a mixture of purified water supplied from the purification treatment device 101, purified water with dissolved hydrogen returned from the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4, and purified water with dissolved hydrogen returned from the second electrode chamber 30b of the electrolysis unit 3. Over time, the hydrogen gas contained in the purified water with dissolved hydrogen in tank 2 separates from the purified water and floats to the top of tank 2.

[0050] The hydrogen addition device 1 includes a hydrogen recovery device 5 that recovers hydrogen gas floating in the upper part of the tank 2. The hydrogen recovery device 5 may be configured to recover hydrogen gas contained in the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank 2.

[0051] The hydrogen recovery device 5 recovers hydrogen gas from the tank 2 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. The hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen recovery device 5 dissolves into the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first chamber 41, increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration and promoting the movement of hydrogen gas from the first chamber 41 to the second chamber 42. This makes it possible to quickly increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration in response to the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0052] The hydrogen recovery device 5 may be configured to include, for example, a porous membrane that allows only hydrogen gas to pass through, similar to the porous membrane 40. The hydrogen recovery devices 5C to 5H described later may be configured in a similar manner.

[0053] In Figure 2, the hydrogenation device 1 is provided with a first channel 61 and a second channel 62, but it may also consist of only one of the channels (the same applies to the hydrogenation devices 1A and 1B described later).

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the hydrogenation device 1 is provided with a branching path 54 (first channel) that branches off from the channel 53 and leads to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. The channel 53 and the branching path 54 are located within the hydrogenation device 1. In this configuration, either the branching path 54 or the channel 55 serves as a supply path for dissolved hydrogen purified water to the first chamber 41, and either supply path can be omitted. In a configuration where both the branching path 54 and the channel 55 coexist, the control unit of the hydrogenation device 1 controls both.

[0055] For example, the control unit enables or disables either or both of the supply paths by controlling the operation of flow control valves (not shown) provided in the branch path 54 and the flow path 55.

[0056] More specifically, before starting dialysis treatment, that is, before supplying water for dialysis fluid preparation to the dialysis fluid preparation device 102, the control unit activates the branching path 54 and supplies water with sufficient dissolved hydrogen concentration to the first chamber 41 by continuing electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 3 while circulating the dissolved hydrogen purified water through a path including the tank 2, the electrolysis unit 3, and the second water channel 62, until the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the purified water in the tank 2 is sufficiently increased. This makes it possible to supply water with sufficient dissolved hydrogen concentration for dialysis fluid preparation from immediately after starting treatment.

[0057] At this time, by temporarily stopping the electrolysis of the electrolytic unit 3 or suppressing the electrolysis current, an energy-saving effect can be obtained. In addition, the hydrogen gas bubbles generated by excessive electrolysis block the minute pores formed in the porous membrane 40 or the hollow fiber membrane in the dialyzer, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the function of the porous membrane 40 or the hollow fiber membrane in the dialyzer.

[0058] On the other hand, when the supply of water for preparing the dialysate to the dialysate preparation device 102 is started, if the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the purified water in the tank 2 has not been sufficiently increased, the control unit activates the flow path 55 and supplies purified water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration, which has been increased by the electrolysis unit 3.

[0059] Furthermore, when the branching path 54 is enabled and dissolved hydrogen purified water is supplied from the tank 2 to the first chamber 41, if the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank 2 falls below a preset threshold and / or if the rate of decrease is greater than a preset threshold, the control unit enables the flow path 55 and compensates for the decrease in the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water with the electrolysis unit 3. This stabilizes the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first chamber 41. At this time, the control unit further stabilizes the dissolved hydrogen concentration by increasing the electrolysis current of the electrolysis unit 3.

[0060] Furthermore, when the branching path 54 and the flow path 55 are enabled and dissolved hydrogen purified water is supplied from the tank 2 and the electrolysis unit 3 to the first chamber 41, if the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank 2 rises above a preset threshold and / or if the rate of rise is greater than a preset threshold, the control unit disables or restricts the flow path 55. This stabilizes the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first chamber 41. At this time, the control unit suppresses the electrolysis current of the electrolysis unit 3, thereby achieving an energy-saving effect and suppressing a deterioration in the function of the porous membrane 40 or the hollow fiber membrane in the dialyzer.

[0061] Furthermore, the state of the branching path 54 and the flow path 55 may be configured to be controlled after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, in accordance with the changes in the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank 2.

[0062] The flow control valves for the branch 54 and the flow path 55 may be configured to be operable by the user (i.e., the operator of the dissolved hydrogen water dialysis system 100). In this case, it is desirable that a display unit be provided to show the change in the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank 2. Furthermore, it may be configured to notify the user by voice or display when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0063] The dissolved hydrogen concentration of the purified water in tank 2 is measured, for example, by a dissolved hydrogen concentration measuring device installed in tank 2. Alternatively, it can be obtained by calculation from the amount of purified water supplied from the purification treatment device 101 and the integral value of the electrolysis current of the electrolysis unit 3.

[0064] Figure 4 is a block diagram of hydrogen addition apparatus 1A, which is a modified version of hydrogen addition apparatus 1 in Figure 2. For parts of hydrogen addition apparatus 1A not described below, the configuration of hydrogen addition apparatus 1 described above may be adopted.

[0065] Hydrogenation device 1A differs from hydrogenation device 1 in that it is configured to supply purified water stored in tank 2 to the second chamber 42 as well. The purified water is supplied, for example, via a branching channel 57 that branches off from a branching channel 54 that branches off from a flow path 53. Flow path 53, branching channel 54, and branching channel 57 are located within hydrogenation device 1A. A flow control valve is provided in branching channel 57 as needed.

[0066] In the hydrogenation unit 1A, the branching path 57 supplies purified water to the second chamber 42 from the same system as the purified water stored in the tank 2. Initially, the branching path 57 also supplies purified water (before circulation) from a different system than the dissolved hydrogen purified water produced in the electrolysis unit 3 to the second chamber 42. This configuration simplifies the supply path of purified water supplied to the second chamber 42, making it easy to maintain a good purity level of the purified water.

[0067] In the hydrogenation device 1A, it is desirable that the tank 2, the flow path 53, and the branching path 54 be configured to be sterilized and disinfected by the circulation of chemical solution or hot water or by irradiation with ultraviolet light. With such a configuration, the purity of the purified water supplied to the second chamber 42 is ensured.

[0068] In the hydrogenation unit 1A, the hydrogen recovery unit 5 recovers hydrogen gas from the tank 2 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4, so that the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased in a short time in response to the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0069] Figure 5 is a block diagram of hydrogenation apparatus 1B, which is another modified example of hydrogenation apparatus 1 in Figure 2. For parts of hydrogenation apparatus 1B not described below, the configuration of hydrogenation apparatus 1 and the like described above may be adopted.

[0070] The hydrogenation device 1B differs from the hydrogenation device 1 and others in that it is configured to supply the dissolved hydrogen purified water produced in the electrolysis unit 3 to the second chamber 42 as well. The dissolved hydrogen purified water is supplied, for example, via a branch passage 56 that branches off from a flow path 55 leading from the electrolysis unit 3 to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. The flow path 55 connects the second electrode chamber 30b of the electrolysis unit 3 to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. The branch passage 56 branches off from the flow path 55 and leads to the second chamber 42 of the porous membrane module 4. The flow path 55 and the branch passage 56 are provided within the hydrogenation device 1B.

[0071] According to the hydrogenation device 1B, since the dissolved hydrogen purified water produced in the electrolysis unit 3 is supplied to the second chamber 42 from the beginning, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the second chamber 42 can be rapidly increased.

[0072] In the hydrogenation device 1B, it is desirable that the tank 2, electrolysis unit 3, flow path 55, and branch path 56 be configured to be sterilized and disinfected by the circulation of chemical solution or hot water or by irradiation with ultraviolet light. With such a configuration, the purity of the dissolved hydrogen purified water supplied to the second chamber 42 is ensured.

[0073] In the hydrogenation unit 1B, the hydrogen recovery unit 5 recovers hydrogen gas from the tank 2 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4, so that the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased in a short time in response to the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0074] Figure 6 is a block diagram of hydrogen addition apparatus 1C, which is another modified example of hydrogen addition apparatus 1 in Figure 2. For parts of hydrogen addition apparatus 1C not described below, the configuration of hydrogen addition apparatus 1 etc. described above may be adopted.

[0075] Hydrogen addition device 1C differs from hydrogen addition device 1, etc., in that a hydrogen recovery device 5C is installed in the first water channel 61. In hydrogen addition device 1C, the hydrogen recovery device 5C recovers hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water flowing through the first water channel 61 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4.

[0076] In the hydrogenation unit 1C, the hydrogen recovery unit 5C recovers hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4, so that the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased in a short time in accordance with the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0077] In the hydrogenation device 1C, in addition to the hydrogen recovery device 5 of the hydrogenation device 1, a hydrogen recovery device 5C may also be provided.

[0078] In the hydrogenation unit 1C shown in Figure 6, a first channel 61 and a second channel 62 are provided, but the second channel 62 may be omitted (the same applies to the hydrogenation units 1D and 1E described later).

[0079] Figure 7 is a block diagram of hydrogen addition apparatus 1D, which is another modified example of hydrogen addition apparatus 1C in Figure 6. For parts of hydrogen addition apparatus 1D not described below, the configuration of hydrogen addition apparatus 1C and others described above may be adopted.

[0080] In the hydrogen addition unit 1D, a hydrogen recovery unit 5D is installed in the first water channel 61, similar to the hydrogen recovery unit 5C in the hydrogen addition unit 1C.

[0081] The hydrogenation device 1D differs from the hydrogenation device 1C and others in that it is configured to supply purified water stored in tank 2 to the second chamber 42 as well. Similar to the hydrogenation device 1A, purified water is supplied, for example, via a branch passage 54 that branches off from the flow path 53 leading from tank 2 to the electrolysis unit 3. The flow path 53 and the branch passage 54 are provided within the hydrogenation device 1D.

[0082] In the hydrogenation unit 1D, the hydrogen recovery unit 5D recovers hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water flowing through the first water channel 61 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. This allows the dissolved hydrogen concentration to be increased in a short time in accordance with the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0083] Figure 8 is a block diagram of hydrogen addition apparatus 1E, which is another modified example of hydrogen addition apparatus 1C in Figure 6. For parts of hydrogen addition apparatus 1E not described below, the configuration of hydrogen addition apparatus 1C etc. described above may be adopted.

[0084] In the hydrogen addition unit 1E, a hydrogen recovery unit 5E is installed in the first water channel 61, similar to the hydrogen recovery unit 5C in the hydrogen addition unit 1C.

[0085] The hydrogenation device 1E differs from the hydrogenation device 1C and others in that it is configured to supply the dissolved hydrogen purified water generated in the electrolysis unit 3 to the second chamber 42 as well. The dissolved hydrogen purified water is supplied, for example, via a branch passage 56 that branches off from a flow path 55 that runs from the second electrode chamber 30b of the electrolysis unit 3 to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. The flow path 55 and the branch passage 56 are provided within the hydrogenation device 1E.

[0086] In the hydrogenation unit 1E, the hydrogen recovery unit 5E recovers hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water flowing through the first water channel 61 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. This allows the dissolved hydrogen concentration to be increased in a short time in accordance with the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0087] Figure 9 is a block diagram of hydrogen addition apparatus 1F, which is another modified example of hydrogen addition apparatus 1 in Figure 2. For parts of hydrogen addition apparatus 1F not described below, the configuration of hydrogen addition apparatus 1 etc. described above may be adopted.

[0088] Hydrogen addition unit 1F differs from hydrogen addition unit 1, etc., in that hydrogen recovery unit 5F is installed in the second water channel 62. In hydrogen addition unit 1F, hydrogen recovery unit 5F recovers hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water flowing through the second water channel 62 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4.

[0089] In the hydrogen addition unit 1F, the hydrogen recovery unit 5F recovers hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. This allows the dissolved hydrogen concentration to be increased in a short time in accordance with the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0090] In hydrogen addition unit 1F, in addition to the hydrogen recovery unit 5 of hydrogen addition unit 1 and / or the hydrogen recovery unit 5C of hydrogen addition unit 1C, a hydrogen recovery unit 5F may also be provided.

[0091] In Figure 9, hydrogenation unit 1F is provided with a first channel 61 and a second channel 62, but the first channel 61 may be omitted (the same applies to hydrogenation units 1G and 1H described later).

[0092] Figure 10 is a block diagram of hydrogen addition apparatus 1G, which is another modified example of hydrogen addition apparatus 1F shown in Figure 9. For parts of hydrogen addition apparatus 1G not described below, the configuration of hydrogen addition apparatus 1F and others described above may be adopted.

[0093] In hydrogen addition unit 1G, a hydrogen recovery unit 5G is installed in the second water channel 62, similar to the hydrogen recovery unit 5F in hydrogen addition unit 1F.

[0094] The hydrogenation unit 1G differs from the hydrogenation unit 1F and others in that it is configured to supply purified water stored in tank 2 to the second chamber 42 as well. Similar to the hydrogenation unit 1A, purified water is supplied, for example, via a branch passage 54 that branches off from the flow path 53 leading from tank 2 to the electrolysis unit 3. The flow path 53 and the branch passage 54 are provided within the hydrogenation unit 1G.

[0095] In the hydrogenation unit 1G, the hydrogen recovery unit 5G recovers hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water flowing through the second water channel 62 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. This allows the dissolved hydrogen concentration to be increased in a short time in accordance with the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0096] Figure 11 is a block diagram of hydrogen addition apparatus 1H, which is another modified example of hydrogen addition apparatus 1F in Figure 9. For parts of hydrogen addition apparatus 1H not described below, the configuration of hydrogen addition apparatus 1F etc. described above may be adopted.

[0097] In hydrogen addition unit 1H, a hydrogen recovery unit 5H is installed in the second water channel 62, similar to the hydrogen recovery unit 5F in hydrogen addition unit 1F.

[0098] The hydrogenation device 1H differs from the hydrogenation device 1F and others in that it is configured to supply the dissolved hydrogen purified water generated in the electrolysis unit 3 to the second chamber 42 as well. The dissolved hydrogen purified water is supplied, for example, via a branch passage 56 that branches off from the flow path 55 leading from the electrolysis unit 3 to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. The flow path 55 and the branch passage 56 are provided within the hydrogenation device 1H.

[0099] In the hydrogenation unit 1H, the hydrogen recovery unit 5H recovers hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water flowing through the second water channel 62 and supplies it to the first chamber 41 of the porous membrane module 4. This allows the dissolved hydrogen concentration to be increased in a short time in accordance with the demand for dissolved hydrogen purified water used in the preparation of dialysate.

[0100] Although the hydrogenation apparatus 1 and other components of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0101] [Note] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0102] [Invention 1] A hydrogenation device, A tank for storing purified water that has undergone treatment, An electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the purified water supplied from the tank to produce purified water with dissolved hydrogen, The module includes a porous membrane module having a porous membrane that allows hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water to permeate, The porous membrane module is configured such that a first chamber supplied with dissolved hydrogen purified water and a second chamber supplied with purified water are separated by the porous membrane, and the hydrogen gas is moved from the first chamber to the second chamber to produce water for preparing dialysate. Hydrogenation device. [2nd Invention] The hydrogenation apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, further comprising a first channel for returning the dissolved hydrogen purified water containing the hydrogen gas that did not permeate the porous membrane back to the tank. [Invention 3] The hydrogen addition apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the hydrogen gas is recovered from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank and supplied to the porous membrane module. [Invention 4] The hydrogen addition apparatus according to the present invention, further comprising a hydrogen recovery device for recovering the hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first water channel and supplying it to the porous membrane module. [5th ​​Invention] A second water channel returns the dissolved hydrogen purified water generated in the electrolysis unit back to the tank, The hydrogen addition apparatus according to the present invention 1, further comprising a hydrogen recovery device that recovers the hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the second water channel and supplies it to the porous membrane module. [Invention 6] The hydrogenation apparatus according to any one of inventions 1 to 5, wherein the porous membrane is a hollow fiber membrane. [7th Invention] The hydrogenation apparatus according to any one of inventions 1 to 5, wherein the second chamber is supplied with purified water from a separate system from the purified water stored in the tank. [8th Invention] The hydrogenation apparatus according to any one of inventions 1 to 5, wherein the first chamber is supplied with purified water from a separate system from the purified water with dissolved hydrogen produced in the electrolysis unit. [Invention 9] The hydrogenation apparatus according to the present invention, further comprising a first channel for supplying the purified water or the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank to the first chamber. [10th Invention] The hydrogenation apparatus according to the present invention, further comprising a second channel for supplying the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the electrolytic section to the first chamber. [Invention 11] The porous membrane module is connected to a dialysate preparation device that mixes water for dialysate preparation with a drug to prepare dialysate, thereby providing a hydrogenation device according to any one of inventions 1 to 10. [Invention 12] The hydrogenation device according to the present invention 11, wherein the dialysate preparation device is connected to a plurality of dialysis machines for performing hemodialysis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1: Hydrogenation unit 1A: Hydrogenation unit 1B: Hydrogen addition unit 1C: Hydrogen addition unit 1D: Hydrogenation Unit 1E: Hydrogen addition unit 1F: Hydrogen Addition Unit 1G: Hydrogen addition unit 1H: Hydrogen addition unit 2: Tank 3: Electrolytic section 4: Porous membrane module 5: Hydrogen recovery device 5C: Hydrogen recovery device 5D: Hydrogen recovery device 5E: Hydrogen recovery device 5F: Hydrogen recovery equipment 5G: Hydrogen recovery device 5H: Hydrogen recovery device 40: Porous membrane 41: 1st room 42: 2nd room 53: Flow channel (first flow channel) 54: Branching road (First channel) 55: Flow channel (second flow channel) 61:1st waterway 62: 2nd waterway 102: Dialysate preparation device 103: Dialysis machine

Claims

1. A hydrogenation device, A tank for storing purified water that has undergone treatment, An electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the purified water supplied from the tank to produce purified water with dissolved hydrogen, The module includes a porous membrane module having a porous membrane that allows hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water to permeate, The porous membrane module is configured such that a first chamber supplied with dissolved hydrogen purified water and a second chamber supplied with purified water are separated by the porous membrane, and the hydrogen gas is moved from the first chamber to the second chamber to generate water for preparing dialysate. The system further includes a first water channel connected to the first chamber and the tank, which returns the dissolved hydrogen purified water containing the hydrogen gas that did not permeate the porous membrane back to the tank. The hydrogen gas is recovered from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank and supplied to the porous membrane module. Hydrogenation device.

2. A hydrogenation device, A tank for storing purified water that has undergone treatment, An electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the purified water supplied from the tank to produce purified water with dissolved hydrogen, The module includes a porous membrane module having a porous membrane that allows hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water to permeate, The porous membrane module is configured such that a first chamber supplied with dissolved hydrogen purified water and a second chamber supplied with purified water are separated by the porous membrane, and the hydrogen gas is moved from the first chamber to the second chamber to generate water for preparing dialysate. The system further includes a first water channel connected to the first chamber and the tank, which returns the dissolved hydrogen purified water containing the hydrogen gas that did not permeate the porous membrane back to the tank. The system further includes a hydrogen recovery device that recovers the hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the first water channel and supplies it to the porous membrane module. Hydrogenation device.

3. A hydrogenation device, A tank for storing purified water that has undergone treatment, An electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the purified water supplied from the tank to produce purified water with dissolved hydrogen, The module includes a porous membrane module having a porous membrane that allows hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water to permeate, The porous membrane module is configured such that a first chamber supplied with dissolved hydrogen purified water and a second chamber supplied with purified water are separated by the porous membrane, and the hydrogen gas is moved from the first chamber to the second chamber to generate water for preparing dialysate. A second water channel is connected to the electrolysis unit and the tank, and returns the dissolved hydrogen purified water generated in the electrolysis unit to the tank. The system further includes a hydrogen recovery device that recovers the hydrogen gas from the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the second waterway and supplies it to the porous membrane module. Hydrogenation device.

4. A hydrogenation device, A tank for storing purified water that has undergone treatment, An electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the purified water supplied from the tank to produce purified water with dissolved hydrogen, The module includes a porous membrane module having a porous membrane that allows hydrogen gas dissolved in the dissolved hydrogen purified water to permeate, The porous membrane module is configured such that a first chamber supplied with dissolved hydrogen purified water and a second chamber supplied with purified water are separated by the porous membrane, and the hydrogen gas is moved from the first chamber to the second chamber to generate water for preparing dialysate. The first chamber is supplied with purified water from a separate system from the purified water with dissolved hydrogen produced in the electrolysis unit. Hydrogenation device.

5. The hydrogenation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the porous membrane is a hollow fiber membrane.

6. The hydrogenation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second chamber is supplied with purified water from a separate system from the purified water stored in the tank.

7. The hydrogenation apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a first channel for supplying the purified water or the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the tank to the first chamber.

8. The hydrogenation apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a second channel for supplying the dissolved hydrogen purified water in the electrolytic unit to the first chamber.

9. The hydrogenation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the porous membrane module is connected to a dialysate preparation apparatus that mixes water for dialysate preparation with a drug to prepare dialysate.

10. The hydrogenation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the dialysate preparation apparatus is connected to a plurality of dialysis apparatuses for performing hemodialysis.

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