Processing system and processing method

Abstract

A processing device (70) has a first pipe (71) through which an object to be processed including a solvent flows, and performs a predetermined process. The object to be processed is introduced into the first pipe (71) through one end (711) of the first pipe (71), is subjected to the predetermined process while flowing through the first pipe (71), and is discharged through the other end (712) of the first pipe (71). In a state in which the other end (712) of the first pipe (71) is open, the first pipe (71) can maintain the pressure of the object to be processed flowing through the first pipe (71) at or above the processing pressure required for the predetermined process.

Description

Processing device, processing system, and processing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a processing system, and a processing method.

[0002] Enzyme treatment, hydrothermal treatment, organosolv treatment, etc. have been known as methods for treating solid-containing objects such as biomass. In enzyme treatment, hydrothermal treatment, organosolv treatment, etc., the solid-containing object is generally treated while being stirred. Patent Document 1, for example, describes a hydrothermal treatment apparatus for performing hydrothermal treatment as an example of an apparatus for treating solid-containing objects while being stirred.

[0003] The hydrothermal treatment device described in Patent Document 1 is a device for hydrothermally treating organic sludge. The hydrothermal treatment device described in Patent Document 1 includes an outer tube, which is a pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container, and a dehydration tube provided inside the outer tube. The hydrothermal treatment device described in Patent Document 1 stores organic sludge, which is the object to be treated, inside the outer tube and closes a valve to seal the inside of the outer tube, and then supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the outer tube. Then, inside the outer tube, the steam is maintained in a subcritical state at high temperature and high pressure, and the dehydration tube is rocked to agitate the organic sludge, thereby performing hydrothermal treatment.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 4898970

[0005] However, the treatment apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires an outer tube, which is a pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container, and a valve for sealing the outer tube. Furthermore, a dehydration pipe must be provided inside the outer tube to agitate the organic sludge, which is the object to be treated. The treatment apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires the dehydration pipe to be oscillated while the valve is closed and the inside of the outer tube is sealed to agitate the organic sludge, and after hydrothermal treatment, the valve is opened to remove the hydrothermally treated organic sludge from the dehydration pipe. Therefore, the treatment apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires a dehydration pipe to be provided inside the outer tube to agitate the object to be treated for hydrothermal treatment. Furthermore, the treatment apparatus can only treat the object in a batchwise manner, leaving room for improvement in the amount of treatment per unit time.

[0006] The present invention provides a processing device, a processing system, and a processing method that improve the processing amount per unit time.

[0007] The present invention is a processing apparatus having a first pipe through which a treated object containing a solvent flows, and which performs a predetermined processing, wherein the treated object is introduced into the first pipe from one end thereof, undergoes the predetermined processing while flowing through the first pipe, and is discharged from the other end thereof, and the first pipe is capable of maintaining the pressure of the treated object flowing through the first pipe at or above the processing pressure required for the predetermined processing when the other end side of the first pipe is open.

[0008] The present invention also provides a processing system comprising: the processing device described above; a pressure transfer device provided upstream of the processing device for pressure transfer of the object to be processed to the processing device at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure; and a heating device provided upstream of the processing device for heating the object to a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature required for the specified processing.

[0009] The present invention also provides a processing method using the above-mentioned processing system, comprising the steps of processing a solvent mixed with raw materials pulverized to a size range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm in the processing device at 100°C to 200°C and a pressure of 0.1 MPa to 15 MPa, and obtaining at least one of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, proteins, carbohydrates, and functional chemical substances.

[0010] According to the present invention, since the pressure of the objects flowing through the first pipe can be maintained at or above the treatment pressure while the other end of the first pipe is open, it is possible to perform a predetermined treatment on the objects while they are flowing through the first pipe. This makes it possible to perform the predetermined treatment on the objects in the treatment device in a continuous manner rather than a batch manner, thereby improving the treatment volume per unit time.

[0011] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a brazed plate heat exchanger of a heating device in the processing system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first pipe of a processing device in the processing system of FIG. 1; and FIG. 4 is a side view of a first pipe of the processing device of FIG.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a processing apparatus and a processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction indicated by the reference numerals.

[0013] (Processing System)

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the processing system 10 of this embodiment includes a crushing device 20, a liquid supply device 30, a mixing device 40, a pressure-feeding device 50, a heating device 60, a processing device 70, and a temperature adjustment device 80. The processing system 10 is a system that performs predetermined processes such as separation, decomposition, extraction, and culture. Examples of the predetermined processes performed in the processing system 10 will be described later. Note that the predetermined processes may be processes other than the examples of the predetermined processes described later.

[0015] The pulverizing device 20 includes a conventionally known pulverizer 21 such as a roller mill, a jet mill, a high-speed rotary pulverizer, a container-driven mill, etc. The pulverizing device 20 pulverizes the raw material to be processed.

[0016] The raw material to be processed that has been pulverized in the pulverizer 20 is supplied to the mixer 40 .

[0017] The liquid supply device 30 includes a liquid supply tank 31. The liquid supply tank 31 stores a solvent to be used in the processing.

[0018] The solvent stored in the liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30 is supplied to the mixing device 40 .

[0019] The mixing device 40 includes a mixing tank 41. The raw material to be processed pulverized in the grinding device 20 and the solvent stored in the liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30 are supplied to the mixing tank 41. The raw material to be processed and the solvent are mixed in the mixing tank 41 to generate a processed object, which is a mixed liquid in which the raw material to be processed is dispersed in the solvent. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "processed object" refers to a mixed liquid of the raw material to be processed and the solvent.

[0020] The mixing device 40 includes a raw material input section 42 that inputs the raw material to be processed pulverized in the pulverizer 20 into the mixing tank 41. In this embodiment, the raw material input section 42 is connected to the mixing tank 41. The raw material input section 42 may be provided with a switching mechanism that switches between executing and blocking input into the mixing tank 41. The switching mechanism may be, for example, an openable / closable shutter. By operating the switching mechanism, it becomes possible to switch between a supply state and a blocking state for the raw material to be processed that is supplied from the raw material input section 42 to the mixing tank 41, and to adjust the supply amount.

[0021] The liquid supply tank 31 and the mixing tank 41 are connected by a liquid supply pipe 91, and the solvent stored in the liquid supply tank 31 is supplied to the mixing tank 41 via the liquid supply pipe 91. A liquid supply valve 91a may be provided on the liquid supply pipe 91. By operating the liquid supply valve 91a, it is possible to open or close the flow of the solvent flowing from the liquid supply tank 31 to the mixing tank 41 via the liquid supply pipe 91, and to adjust the supply amount.

[0022] An agitator may be provided inside the mixing tank 41 to agitate the raw material to be processed and the solvent supplied to the mixing tank 41. By providing the agitator, the raw material to be processed is mixed with the solvent more uniformly in the mixing tank 41.

[0023] In this embodiment, when the object to be treated is produced in the mixing device 40, the pressure inside the mixing tank 41 may be close to atmospheric pressure, and the mixing tank 41 does not have to be sealed.

[0024] The material to be treated produced in the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40 is supplied to the pumping device 50 .

[0025] The pressure-feeding device 50 is provided upstream of the processing device 70 and pumps the object to be processed produced in the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40 to the processing device 70 at a pressure equal to or greater than the processing pressure. The processing pressure is the pressure required to perform a predetermined processing on the object to be processed. The pressure-feeding device 50 includes a pump 51 that pumps the object to be processed at a pressure equal to or greater than the processing pressure. The mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40 and the pump 51 of the pressure-feeding device 50 are connected by a supply pipe 92. The pump 51 is, for example, a plunger pump. The pump 51 may be any pump that can pump the object to be processed at a pressure equal to or greater than the processing pressure.

[0026] The object to be treated, which has been pumped by the pumping device 50 , is supplied to the heating device 60 .

[0027] The heating device 60 is provided upstream of the processing device 70 and heats the object to be processed to a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature. The processing temperature is the temperature required to perform a predetermined processing on the object to be processed. In this embodiment, the heating device 60 is provided downstream of the pumping device 50, i.e., between the pumping device 50 and the processing device 70. The heating device 60 includes a plate heat exchanger 600 that heats the object to be processed to a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature. The plate heat exchanger 600 is, for example, a brazed plate heat exchanger in which multiple plates are brazed together.

[0028] 2, the plate heat exchanger 600 includes a first cover plate 610, a second cover plate 620, and a plurality of (at least three or more) heat transfer plates 630 stacked in a predetermined direction. In the plate heat exchanger 600, the plurality of heat transfer plates 630 are sandwiched between the first cover plate 610 and the second cover plate 620 from both outer sides in the stacking direction of the plurality of heat transfer plates 630.

[0029] The first cover plate 610, the second cover plate 620, and the plurality of heat transfer plates 630 are all thin plates. The first cover plate 610, the second cover plate 620, and the plurality of heat transfer plates 630 have substantially the same projected shape in the direction in which the plurality of heat transfer plates 630 are stacked, and all have a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0030] 2 , for the sake of simplicity and clarity, a Cartesian coordinate system is set for the plate heat exchanger 600, with the overlapping direction of the multiple heat transfer plates 630 defined as the X-axis direction, the short side direction of the first cover plate 610, the second cover plate 620, and the multiple heat transfer plates 630 as viewed from the X-axis direction defined as the Y-axis, and the long side direction of the first cover plate 610, the second cover plate 620, and the multiple heat transfer plates 630 as viewed from the X-axis direction defined as the Z-axis. Also, for the sake of convenience, the side on which the first cover plate 610 is disposed in the X-axis direction is defined as the X1-side, and the side on which the second cover plate 620 is disposed is defined as the X2-side. In the Y-axis direction, one side on the Y-axis direction is defined as the Y1-side, and the other side on the Y-axis direction is defined as the Y2-side. In the Z-axis direction, one side on the Z-axis direction is defined as the Z1-side, and the other side on the Y-axis direction is defined as the Z2-side.

[0031] Each heat transfer plate 630 includes a plate-shaped heat transfer portion 630a that extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and has a thickness in the X-axis direction, and an annular fitting portion 630b that extends from the entire outer periphery of the heat transfer portion 630a toward the second cover plate 620 in the X-axis direction so as to intersect with the heat transfer portion 630a. The heat transfer plate 630 is formed by press-molding a thin plate made of a metal material with excellent heat conductivity, such as stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum. The heat transfer plate 630 in this embodiment is made of stainless steel.

[0032] When viewed from the X-axis direction, the heat transfer portion 630a has a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners, with its short side extending in the Y-axis direction and its long side extending in the Z-axis direction. A plurality of recesses 630a1 and a plurality of protrusions 630a2 are formed on each of the two surfaces of the heat transfer portion 630a in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the recesses 630a1 and protrusions 630a2 of the heat transfer portion 630a are formed by curving the thin plate-shaped heat transfer portion 630a in a wave shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The recesses 630a1 on the X1-side surface form the protrusions 630a2 on the X2-side surface, and the protrusions 630a2 on the X1-side surface form the recesses 630a1 on the X2-side surface.

[0033] In this embodiment, the plurality of recesses 630a1 and the plurality of protrusions 630a2 are formed on both surfaces of the heat transfer portion 630a in the X-axis direction in a herringbone pattern when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the heat transfer unit 630a has circular through-holes that penetrate in the X-axis direction at each of the four corners of the approximately rounded rectangular shape as viewed from the X-axis direction. Specifically, the through-holes provided in the heat transfer unit 630a include a through-hole 630c1 provided at a corner on the Y1 side and the Z1 side of the heat transfer unit 630a, a through-hole 630c2 provided at a corner on the Y1 side and the Z2 side of the heat transfer unit 630a, a through-hole 630c3 provided at a corner on the Y2 side and the Z1 side of the heat transfer unit 630a, and a through-hole 630c4 provided at a corner on the Y2 side and the Z2 side of the heat transfer unit 630a as viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0035] The heat transfer plates 630 include two types of heat transfer plates: first heat transfer plates 631 and second heat transfer plates 632. In the plate heat exchanger 600, the first heat transfer plates 631 and the second heat transfer plates 632 are alternately stacked in the X-axis direction.

[0036] In the first heat transfer plate 631, a peripheral portion 630d1 of a through hole 630c1 in the heat transfer portion 630a and a peripheral portion 630d2 of a through hole 630c2 in the heat transfer portion 630a protrude in the X1 direction. In the second heat transfer plate 632, a peripheral portion 630d3 of a through hole 630c3 in the heat transfer portion 630a and a peripheral portion 630d4 of a through hole 630c4 in the heat transfer portion 630a protrude in the X1 direction.

[0037] A brazing material 640 is interposed between adjacent heat transfer plates 630. Adjacent heat transfer plates 630 are joined by the brazing material 640 such that mating portions 630b of adjacent heat transfer plates 630 are mated with each other.

[0038] At this time, in the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631, the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 protruding in the X1 direction are in close contact, via the brazing material 640, with the X2-side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X1 side of the first heat transfer plate 631. Meanwhile, in the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631, the through holes 630c3 and 630c4 are spaced in the X-axis direction from the X2-side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X1 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 by the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2. In this embodiment, the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 is approximately 4 mm.

[0039] A first space A1 is formed between the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 and the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632, which is spaced apart in the X1 direction by the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631.

[0040] At this time, the through holes 630c3 and 630c4 of the first heat transfer plate 631 and the through holes 630c3 and 630c4 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X1 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 are spaced apart in the X1 direction by the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631, and both are continuous with the first space A1. On the other hand, the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 are in close contact with the X2 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X1 side of the first heat transfer plate 631, and therefore the through holes 630c1 and 630c2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 and the through holes 630c1 and 630c1 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X1 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 are not continuous with the first space A1.

[0041] Furthermore, in the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632, the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4 protruding in the X1 direction are in close contact, via the brazing material 640, with the X2-side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X1 side of the second heat transfer plate 632. Meanwhile, in the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632, the through holes 630c1 and 630c2 are spaced apart in the X-axis direction from the X2-side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X1 side of the second heat transfer plate 632 by the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4. In this embodiment, the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4 of the second heat transfer plate 632 is approximately 4 mm.

[0042] A second space A2 is formed between the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632 and the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631, which is spaced apart in the X1 direction by the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4 of the second heat transfer plate 632.

[0043] At this time, the through holes 630c1 and 630c2 of the second heat transfer plate 632 and the through holes 630c1 and 630c1 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X1 side of the second heat transfer plate 632 are spaced apart in the X1 direction by the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4 of the second heat transfer plate 632, and both are continuous with the first space A1. On the other hand, the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4 of the second heat transfer plate 632 are in close contact with the X2 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X1 side of the second heat transfer plate 632, and therefore the through holes 630c3 and 630c4 of the second heat transfer plate 632 and the through holes 630c3 and 630c4 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X1 side of the second heat transfer plate 632 are not continuous with the second space A2.

[0044] Furthermore, when adjacent heat transfer plates 630 are joined together with the brazing material 640, the convex portion 630a2 formed on the X2-side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the heat transfer plate 630 located on the X1 side and the convex portion 630a2 formed on the X1-side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the heat transfer plate 630 located on the X2 side are in close contact with each other via the brazing material 640.

[0045] Therefore, in the first space A1, a first flow path 630e1 is formed in a complex mesh pattern, surrounded by a protrusion 630a2 formed on the X2 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632 located on the X1 side and a protrusion 630a2 formed on the X1 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 located on the X2 side, which are in close contact with each other.

[0046] Similarly, in the second space A2, a second flow path 630e2 is formed in a complex mesh pattern, surrounded by a protrusion 630a2 formed on the X2 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 located on the X1 side and a protrusion 630a2 formed on the X1 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the second heat transfer plate 632 located on the X2 side, which are in close contact with each other.

[0047] In this embodiment, the protrusion height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631, and the protrusion height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4 of the second heat transfer plate 632 are all approximately 4 mm, so the dimension in the X-axis direction of the first flow path 630e1 and the second flow path 630e2 is approximately 4 mm.

[0048] The first cover plate 610 has circular through-holes that penetrate in the X-axis direction at each of the four corners of the approximately rounded rectangular shape as viewed from the X-axis direction. Specifically, the through-holes provided in the first cover plate 610 include a through-hole 610c1 provided in a corner on the Y1 side and the Z1 side of the first cover plate 610, a through-hole 610c2 provided in a corner on the Y1 side and the Z2 side of the first cover plate 610, a through-hole 610c3 provided in a corner on the Y2 side and the Z1 side of the first cover plate 610, and a through-hole 610c4 provided in a corner on the Y2 side and the Z2 side of the first cover plate 610 as viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0049] A first heat transfer plate 631 is adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610. The first cover plate 610 and the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610 are joined by a brazing material 640.

[0050] At this time, in the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631, the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 protruding in the X1 direction are in close contact with the X2-side surface of the first cover plate 610 via the brazing material 640. Meanwhile, in the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631, the through holes 630c3 and 630c4 are spaced apart in the X-axis direction from the X2-side surface of the first cover plate 610 by the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2.

[0051] A third space A3 is formed between the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 and the first cover plate 610, which is spaced apart in the X1 direction by the protruding height of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 in the X1 direction.

[0052] At this time, the through holes 610c3 and 610c4 of the first cover plate 610 and the through holes 630c3 and 630c4 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610 are spaced apart in the X1 direction by the X1-direction protrusion height of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631, and all are continuous with the third space A3. On the other hand, the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 are in close contact with the X2-side surface of the first cover plate 610, and therefore the through holes 610c1 and 610c2 of the first cover plate 610 and the through holes 630c1 and 630c1 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610 are not continuous with the third space A3.

[0053] Furthermore, when the first cover plate 610 and the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610 are joined with the solder material 640, the convex portion 630a2 formed on the X1 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 and the X2 side surface of the first cover plate 610 are in close contact with each other via the solder material 640.

[0054] Therefore, in the third space A3, a third flow path 630e3 is formed in a complex mesh pattern, surrounded by the protrusion 630a2 formed on the X1 side surface of the heat transfer portion 630a of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610, which are in close contact with each other, and the X2 side surface of the first cover plate 610.

[0055] In this embodiment, the protrusion height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 is approximately 4 mm, so the dimension of the third flow path 630e3 in the X-axis direction is approximately 4 mm.

[0056] A heat transfer plate 630 (either the first heat transfer plate 631 or the second heat transfer plate 632) is adjacent to the X1 side of the second cover plate 620. The second cover plate 620 and the heat transfer plate 630 adjacent to the X1 side of the second cover plate 620 are joined with a brazing material 640.

[0057] A treatment object discharge nozzle 651 is connected to the through hole 610c1 of the first cover plate 610. A treatment object introduction nozzle 652 is connected to the through hole 610c2 of the first cover plate 610. A thermal fluid introduction nozzle 653 is connected to the through hole 610c3 of the first cover plate 610. A thermal fluid exhaust nozzle 654 is connected to the through hole 610c4 of the first cover plate 610.

[0058] A thermal fluid is introduced into the plate heat exchanger 600 through a thermal fluid introduction nozzle 653. The thermal fluid is, for example, oil heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0059] A portion of the thermal fluid introduced from the thermal fluid introduction nozzle 653 flows into the third space A3 through the through-hole 610c3 of the first cover plate 610 and flows through the third flow path 630e3 from the Z1 side toward the Z2 side.

[0060] The remaining thermal fluid passes through the third space A3 and passes in the X2 direction through the through-hole 630c3 of the first heat transfer plate 631 that is spaced apart in the X2 direction and faces the first cover plate 610. At this time, the peripheral portion 630d3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X2 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 is in close contact with the X2-side surface of the first heat transfer plate 631, and therefore the thermal fluid that passed through the through-hole 630c3 of the first heat transfer plate 631 in the X2 direction passes in the X2 direction through the through-hole 630c3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X2 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 without flowing into the second space A2. A portion of the thermal fluid that passes through the through holes 630c3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 in the X2 direction flows from the through holes 630c3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 into the first space A1 and flows through the first flow path 630e1 from the Z1 side to the Z2 side. The remaining thermal fluid passes through the first space A1 and then passes in the X2 direction through the through holes 630c3 of the opposing first heat transfer plate 631 spaced apart in the X2 direction. At this time, the peripheral portion 630d3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X2 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 is in close contact with the X2-side surface of the first heat transfer plate 631. Therefore, the thermal fluid that passes through the through holes 630c3 of the first heat transfer plate 631 in the X2 direction passes in the X2 direction through the through holes 630c3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X2 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 without flowing into the second space A2. A portion of the thermal fluid that has passed through the through-holes 630c3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 in the X2 direction flows into the first space A1 from the through-holes 630c3 of the second heat transfer plate 632 and flows through the first flow path 630e1 from the Z1 side to the Z2 side. The remaining thermal fluid passes through the first space A1 and then passes through the through-holes 630c3 of the opposing first heat transfer plate 631, spaced apart in the X2 direction, in the X2 direction.

[0061] In this way, part of the thermal fluid from the thermal fluid inlet nozzle 653 flows into the third space A3 and through the third flow path 630e3 from the Z1 side to the Z2 side, while the rest of the thermal fluid passes through the third space A3 and flows toward the X2 side while partly flowing into each first space A1 without flowing into each second space A2, and then flows through the first flow path 630e1 of each first space A1 from the Z1 side to the Z2 side. In Figure 2, the flow of the thermal fluid is indicated by dashed lines.

[0062] The thermal fluid that flows through the first flow paths 630e1 of each first space A1 from the Z1 side to the Z2 side flows in the X1 direction from the through holes 630c4 of the second heat transfer plates 632 located on the X1 side of the first space A1. At this time, the peripheral portions 630d4 of the second heat transfer plates 632 are in close contact with the X2-side surface of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X1 side of the second heat transfer plate 632, and therefore the thermal fluid that passes through the through holes 630c4 of the second heat transfer plate 632 passes through the through holes 630c4 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X1 side of the second heat transfer plate 632 without flowing into the second space A2. The thermal fluid that passes through the through hole 630c4 of the first heat transfer plate 631 then passes through the first space A1 formed by the first heat transfer plate 631 and the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the first heat transfer plate 631 on the X1 side, and then passes through the through hole 630c4 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the first heat transfer plate 631 on the X1 side.

[0063] In this way, the thermal fluid that flows through the first flow path 630e1 of each first space A1 from the Z1 side to the Z2 side does not flow into each second space A2, but flows toward the X1 side through each first space A1 that is on the X1 side of the first space A1, flows into the third space A3, and is discharged from the thermal fluid discharge nozzle 654 connected to the through hole 610c4 of the first cover plate 610.

[0064] In the processing system 10, the pump 51 of the pressure-feeding device 50 and the treatment object introduction nozzle 652 of the plate-type heat exchanger 600 are connected by a supply pipe 93, and the treatment object pressurized from the pressure-feeding device 50 is introduced into the plate-type heat exchanger 600 through the treatment object introduction nozzle 652.

[0065] The object to be treated introduced from the object to be treated introduction nozzle 652 passes through the through hole 610c2 of the first cover plate 610 in the X2 direction. At this time, the peripheral portion 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610 is in close contact with the X2-side surface of the first cover plate 610. Therefore, the object to be treated that passes through the through hole 610c2 of the first cover plate 610 in the X2 direction passes through the through hole 630c2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the first cover plate 610 in the X2 direction without flowing into the third space A3. Then, a portion of the object to be treated that passes through the through hole 630c2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 in the X2 direction flows from the through hole 630c2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 into the second space A2 and flows through the second flow path 630e2 from the Z2 side to the Z1 side.

[0066] The remaining objects to be processed pass through the second space A2 and then pass in the X2 direction through the through holes 630c2 of the second heat transfer plate 632 that faces the second heat transfer plate 632 and is spaced apart in the X2 direction. At this time, the peripheral portion 630d2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the second heat transfer plate 632 is in close contact with the X2-side surface of the second heat transfer plate 632. Therefore, the thermal fluid that has passed through the through holes 630c2 of the second heat transfer plate 632 passes in the X2 direction through the through holes 630c2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the X2 side of the second heat transfer plate 632 without flowing into the first space A1. Then, a portion of the objects to be processed that have passed through the through holes 630c2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 flows from the through holes 630c2 of the first heat transfer plate 631 into the second space A2 and flows through the second flow path 630e2 from the Z2 side to the Z1 side.

[0067] In this way, the object to be treated flows from the object to be treated introduction nozzle 652 toward the X2 side without flowing into each first space A1, with a portion flowing into each second space A2, and then flows through the second flow path 630e2 of each second space A2 from the Z2 side to the Z1 side.

[0068] The workpiece flowing through the second flow path 630e2 of each second space A2 from the Z2 side to the Z1 side is heated by heat exchange via the heat transfer plate 630 with the thermal fluid flowing through the first flow path 630e1 of the first space A1 adjacent to the second space A2 on the X1 side, and the thermal fluid flowing through the first flow path 630e1 of the first space A1 adjacent to the second space A2 on the X2 side.

[0069] At this time, the thermal fluid flowing through the first flow path 630e1 in the first space A1 and the third flow path 630e3 in the third space A3 flows from the Z1 side to the Z2 side, while the object to be treated flowing through the second flow path 630e2 in the second space A2 flows from the Z2 side to the Z1 side. In this way, the object to be treated and the thermal fluid undergoing heat exchange flow in counter-flow directions, making it possible to make maximum use of the terminal temperature difference and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0070] Furthermore, the dimensions in the X-axis direction of the first flow path 630e1, the second flow path 630e2, and the third flow path 630e3 are all substantially equal (about 4 mm in this embodiment) to the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d1 and 630d2 of the first heat-transfer plate 631 or the protruding height in the X1 direction of the peripheral portions 630d3 and 630d4 of the second heat-transfer plate 632, so that the dimensions in the X-axis direction of the first flow path 630e1, the second flow path 630e2, and the third flow path 630e3 can be reduced. Therefore, the thermal fluid flowing through the first flow path 630e1 in the first space A1 and the third flow path 630e3 in the third space A3, and the workpiece flowing through the second flow path 630e2 in the second space A2 all become intense vortices due to the recessed portions 630a1 and the protruding portions 630a2 formed in the heat transfer portion 630a of the heat-transfer plate 630. Furthermore, because the first flow path 630e1, the second flow path 630e2, and the third flow path 630e3 are all formed in a complex mesh pattern, the thermal fluid flowing through the first flow path 630e1 and the third flow path 630e3, and the object to be treated flowing through the second flow path 630e2, all have a high degree of turbulence. As a result, the object to be treated flowing through the second flow path 630e2 in the second space A2 can be heated with high heat exchange efficiency between the thermal fluid flowing through the first flow path 630e1 in the first space A1 and the third flow path 630e3 in the third space A3, and the object to be treated can be heated more uniformly to a desired temperature.

[0071] The objects to be processed that flow through the second flow paths 630e2 of each second space A2 from the Z2 side to the Z1 side flow in the X1 direction from the through-holes 630c1 of the first heat transfer plates 631 located on the X1 side of the second space A2. At this time, the peripheral portions 630d1 of the first heat transfer plates 631 are in close contact with the X2-side surface of the second heat transfer plates 632 adjacent to the X1 side of the first heat transfer plate 631, and therefore the objects to be processed that pass through the through-holes 630c1 of the first heat transfer plate 631 pass through the through-holes 630c1 of the second heat transfer plate 632 adjacent to the X1 side of the first heat transfer plate 631 without flowing into the first space A1. Then, the object to be treated that has passed through the through hole 630c1 of the second heat transfer plate 632 passes through the second space A2 formed by the second heat transfer plate 632 and the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the second heat transfer plate 632 on the X1 side, and then passes through the through hole 630c1 of the first heat transfer plate 631 adjacent to the second heat transfer plate 632 on the X1 side.

[0072] In this way, the object to be treated that flows through the second flow path 630e2 of each second space A2 from the Z2 side to the Z1 side does not flow into each first space A1, but flows toward the X1 side through each second space A2 that is on the X1 side of the second space A2, and is discharged from the object to be treated discharge nozzle 651 connected to the through hole 610c1 of the first cover plate 610.

[0073] 1 , the heating device 60 is provided between the pumping device 50 and the treatment device 70, and therefore the object to be treated, which is pumped from the pumping device 50 at a pressure equal to or greater than the treatment pressure, is introduced into the plate heat exchanger 600. This makes it possible to prevent the solid matter contained in the object to be treated from clogging the inside of the plate heat exchanger 600 including the second flow path 630e2 when the object to be treated flows through the inside of the plate heat exchanger 600 including the second flow path 630e2, even if the object to be treated contains solid matter.

[0074] In the plate-type heat exchanger 600, the solvent for the object to be treated, which is heated by heat exchange with the thermal fluid and discharged from the object to be treated discharge nozzle 651, is at a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature and at a pressure equal to or higher than the treatment pressure.

[0075] The object to be treated discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to the treatment device 70 .

[0076] 1, 3, and 4, the processing device 70 has a first pipe 71 through which the object to be processed flows and a housing 72 that houses the first pipe 71. In the processing device 70, predetermined processes such as separation, decomposition, extraction, and culture are performed.

[0077] The first pipe 71 may be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or copper, or may be made of a resin-based material, or may have a radially inner portion made of metal and a radially outer portion coated with a resin-based material. The material for the first pipe 71 may be appropriately selected optimally depending on the temperature of the workpiece flowing through the first pipe 71 during a predetermined treatment.

[0078] The first pipe 71 is a pipe having an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, and a length of 10 m or more and 2500 m or less.

[0079] The inner diameter of the first pipe 71 may be 5 mm or more, and preferably 10 mm or more. On the other hand, when the first pipe 71 is linear, the inner diameter can be easily increased, but when the first pipe 71 is wound in a coil shape as described below, the inner diameter is preferably 200 mm or less, and more preferably 150 mm or less.

[0080] The length of the first pipe 71 may be 10 m or more, preferably 2500 m or less. By setting the length of the first pipe 71 to 2500 m or less, the first pipe 71 can be manufactured from a unit amount of material commonly available on the market using a known manufacturing method without joining multiple pipes. This facilitates manufacturing the first pipe 71 and reduces the manufacturing cost of the first pipe 71. Note that the length is not limited to 2500 m or less and may be set to an optimal length depending on the predetermined process performed in the processing device 70 and the object to be processed. Furthermore, multiple processes may be performed consecutively on the first pipe 71. In this case, the length of the first pipe 71 may be set to an optimal length of 10 m or more.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first pipe 71 is a pipe having an inner diameter of 12.7 mm and a length of 1683 m.

[0082] The first pipe 71 is wound around an axis in a predetermined direction and housed in the housing 72. In this embodiment, the first pipe 71 is wound in a coil shape around an axis in the vertical direction and housed in the housing 72. This makes it possible to increase the length of the first pipe 71 while preventing the processing device 70 from becoming larger.

[0083] The object to be treated is introduced into the first pipe 71 from one end 711 of the first pipe 71 , flows through the first pipe 71 , and is discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 .

[0084] The housing 72 includes a heat retaining section 73. The heat retaining section 73 has a tank shape. In this embodiment, the heat retaining section 73 is a tank with a double structure including an inner tank 731 and an outer tank 732, and a space 734 is formed between the inner tank 731 and the outer tank 732. The first pipe 71 is housed inside the inner tank 731 of the heat retaining section 73.

[0085] The heat retention unit 73 is configured to maintain the temperature of the object to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 at or above the treatment temperature. Specifically, the heat retention unit 73 is configured to be able to maintain the temperature inside the inner tank 731 at or above the treatment temperature. For example, in the heat retention unit 73, the space 734 may be a vacuum, and the interior of the inner tank 731 may be vacuum-insulated from the outside of the outer tank 732. Furthermore, the heat retention unit 73 may be configured so that the thermal fluid flowing through the plate-type heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 or a thermal fluid other than the thermal fluid flowing through the plate-type heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 flows inside the inner tank 731. Furthermore, in the heat retention unit 73, the thermal fluid flowing through the plate-type heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 or a thermal fluid other than the thermal fluid flowing through the plate-type heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 may flow through the space 734. In addition, in the heat retaining section 73 , a heating element may be provided in at least one of the space 734 and the interior of the inner tank 731 .

[0086] In this embodiment, one end 711 of the first pipe 71 penetrates near the lower end of the side surface of the housing 72 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 72. The one end 711 of the first pipe 71 and the treatment target discharge nozzle 651 of the plate-type heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 are connected by a supply pipe 94.

[0087] In this embodiment, the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 passes through the vicinity of the upper end of the side surface of the housing 72 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 72 .

[0088] The object to be treated discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 via the supply pipe 94. The object to be treated supplied to the one end 711 of the first pipe 71 has a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature and a pressure equal to or higher than the treatment pressure.

[0089] The first pipe 71 can maintain the pressure of the objects to be processed flowing through the first pipe 71 at or above the processing pressure with the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 open. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the first pipe 71 communicates with the second pipe 81 via the communication pipe 95, and the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 is open. Therefore, the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 is open. In this state, the first pipe 71 can maintain the pressure of the objects to be processed flowing through the first pipe 71 at or above the processing pressure.

[0090] The object to be treated supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 flows from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. At this time, the object to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature by the heat retention section 73. Therefore, the object to be treated is subjected to a predetermined treatment while flowing through the first pipe 71.

[0091] This allows the objects to be processed while flowing through the first pipe 71 without providing a valve or the like on the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. This allows the objects to be processed continuously rather than batchwise in the processing apparatus 70, thereby improving the processing volume per unit time, i.e., throughput. Furthermore, the ability to process the objects while flowing through the first pipe 71 without providing a valve or the like on the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 allows the processing apparatus 70 to have a simple structure. In particular, Japanese regulations require that pressure vessels be inspected by a prefectural labor bureau or the like at each stage, including manufacturing permits, manufacturing, import, and installation, and that performance inspections be conducted annually by a registered performance inspection organization after use begins. The processing apparatus 70 of this embodiment allows the objects to be processed while flowing through the first pipe 71 without providing a valve or the like on the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. Since no pressure vessel or the like is required, the processing apparatus 70 can be manufactured and installed without the need for approval from a prefectural labor bureau or the like. This allows the processing device 70 to be manufactured and installed in a short period of time.

[0092] The first pipe 71 is configured so that the object to be treated is agitated inside the first pipe 71 as it flows through the first pipe 71 .

[0093] This allows the objects to be stirred while flowing through the first pipe 71, making it possible to make the temperature of the objects to be processed flowing through the first pipe 71 more uniform.

[0094] The inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 is 3500 or more and 100,000 or less. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 is 4000 or more. Therefore, the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 become intensely turbulent. As a result, the objects to be treated are agitated inside the first pipe 71 as they flow through the first pipe 71. In this way, by setting the inner diameter of the first pipe 71 so that the Reynolds number of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 is 3500 or more, the objects to be treated can be circulated through the first pipe 71 while being agitated, using a simple structure. Furthermore, by setting the Reynolds number of the object to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 to 100,000 or less, it is possible to prevent excessive energy loss when the object to be treated is circulated through the first pipe 71, and it is also possible to reduce the treatment pressure. This makes it easier to ensure that the time it takes for the object to be treated to flow from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 is equal to or longer than the treatment time for the object to be treated, and the object to be treated can be more reliably treated as specified while it flows from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71.

[0095] Furthermore, because the first pipe 71 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, the pipe friction resistance when the objects to be treated flow through the first pipe 71 can be increased, and the pressure of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 can be maintained at or above the treatment pressure with a simple structure, and the Reynolds number of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 can be increased. This makes it possible to create a turbulent flow of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 with a simple structure. In this way, because the inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, the pressure of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 can be maintained at or above the treatment pressure with a simple structure, and the objects to be treated can be circulated through the first pipe 71 while being agitated.

[0096] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the first pipe 71 has a length of 10 m or more and 2500 m or less, which increases the flow resistance within the first pipe 71 and makes it possible to maintain the pressure of the object to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 at or above the treatment pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0097] Furthermore, since the length of the first pipe 71 is between 10 m and 2500 m, the time required for the object to flow through the first pipe 71 from one end 711 to the other end 712 can be set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the object to undergo a predetermined treatment. This eliminates the need to stop the object within the first pipe 71 using a valve or the like, and the object can be more reliably subjected to a predetermined treatment while flowing through the first pipe 71 from one end 711 to the other end 712.

[0098] In this way, the processing device 70 can perform a predetermined processing on the objects to be processed while causing them to flow through the first pipe 71. Furthermore, the objects to be processed are maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature by the heat retention unit 73 while they flow from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. In addition, the objects to be processed flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 are maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure and are agitated, so that the objects to be processed can be more reliably processed in a predetermined manner while they flow from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71.

[0099] Furthermore, since the processing system 10 is provided with the pressure feeder 50 and the heating device 60 upstream of the processing device 70, the object to be processed can be supplied to the processing device 70 at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure and at a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature. This allows the object to be processed more reliably in the processing device 70.

[0100] For example, if the first pipe 71 is a pipe with an inner diameter of 12.7 mm and a length of 1683 m, and the Reynolds number of the object to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 is set to approximately 4000, when the object to be treated is circulated through the first pipe 71 at a flow rate of 3.2 L / min, the object to be treated will flow through the first pipe 71 in a highly turbulent manner while being stirred, and the time it takes for the object to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 to reach the other end 712 from one end 711 can be set to approximately 1 hour.

[0101] The object to be treated flows through the first pipe 71 from one end 711 to the other end 712 and is discharged from the other end 712. The object to be treated discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 is supplied to the temperature adjustment device 80.

[0102] The temperature adjusting device 80 is provided downstream of the processing device 70 and adjusts the temperature to a desired level, thereby facilitating the handling of the object to be processed after the predetermined processing in the processing device 70.

[0103] The temperature adjustment device 80 has a second pipe 81 through which the object to be treated flows, and a housing 82 that houses the second pipe 81 .

[0104] The second pipe 81 may be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or copper, or may be made of a resin-based material, or may have a radially inner portion made of metal and a radially outer portion coated with a resin-based material. The material for the second pipe 81 may be appropriately selected optimally depending on the temperature of the workpiece flowing through the second pipe 81 during processing.

[0105] The second pipe 81 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, and a length of 10 m or more and 2500 m or less.

[0106] The inner diameter of the second pipe 81 may be 5 mm or more, and preferably 10 mm or more. On the other hand, when the second pipe 81 is linear, the inner diameter can be easily increased, but when the second pipe 81 is wound in a coil shape as described below, the inner diameter is preferably 200 mm or less, and more preferably 150 mm or less.

[0107] The length of the second pipe 81 may be 10 m or more, preferably 2500 m or less. By setting the length of the second pipe 81 to 2500 m or less, the second pipe 81 can be manufactured from a unit amount of material commonly available on the market using a known manufacturing method without joining multiple pipes. This facilitates manufacturing the second pipe 81 and reduces manufacturing costs for the second pipe 81. The length of the second pipe 81 is not limited to 2500 m or less and may be set to an optimal length depending on the temperature of the workpieces flowing through the second pipe 81 and the temperature required for the workpieces discharged from the second pipe 81. Furthermore, multiple treatments may be performed consecutively in the second pipe 81. In this case, the length of the second pipe 81 may be set to an optimal length of 10 m or more.

[0108] In this embodiment, the second pipe 81 is substantially the same as the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70, and is a pipe having an inner diameter of 12.7 mm and a length of 1683 m.

[0109] The second pipe 81 is wound around an axis in a predetermined direction and housed in the housing 82. Although not shown, in this embodiment, the second pipe 81 is wound in a coil shape around an axis in the vertical direction and housed in the housing 82, similar to the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70. This makes it possible to increase the length of the second pipe 81 while preventing the temperature adjustment device 80 from becoming larger.

[0110] The housing 82 includes a temperature adjustment unit 83. The temperature adjustment unit 83 has a tank shape. In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment unit 83 is a tank with a double structure including an inner tank 831 and an outer tank 832, and a space 834 is formed between the inner tank 831 and the outer tank 832. The second pipe 81 is housed inside the inner tank 831 of the temperature adjustment unit 83.

[0111] The temperature adjustment unit 83 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature inside the inner tank 831 to a desired temperature. For example, the temperature adjustment unit 83 may be configured so that a refrigerant that cools the temperature inside the inner tank 831 to a desired temperature flows through the space 834, or a thermal fluid that heats the temperature inside the inner tank 831 to a desired temperature flows through the space 834, or a heating element that heats the temperature inside the inner tank 831 to a desired temperature may be provided in at least one of the space 834 and the inner tank 831.

[0112] In this embodiment, one end 811 of the second pipe 81 penetrates near the upper end of the side surface of the housing 82 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 82. The one end 811 of the second pipe 81 and the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 are communicated with each other by a communication pipe 95.

[0113] In this embodiment, the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 passes through the vicinity of the lower end of the side surface of the housing 82 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 82 .

[0114] The object to be treated discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the treatment device 70 is supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 via the communication pipe 95. The object to be treated supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 has a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature and a pressure equal to or higher than the treatment pressure.

[0115] The object to be processed supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 flows from one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. At this time, the temperature of the object to be processed flowing through the second pipe 81 is adjusted to a desired temperature by the temperature adjustment unit 83. This makes it easy to handle the object to be processed when the object to be processed that has flowed through the second pipe 81 is discharged from the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 to the outside of the processing system 10.

[0116] The second pipe 81 is configured so that the object to be treated is agitated inside the second pipe 81 as it flows through the second pipe 81 .

[0117] The inner diameter of the second pipe 81 is set so that the Reynolds number of the objects to be treated flowing through the second pipe 81 is equal to or greater than 2500 and equal to or less than 100,000. Therefore, the objects to be treated flowing through the second pipe 81 become turbulent. As a result, the objects to be treated are agitated inside the second pipe 81 as they flow through the second pipe 81.

[0118] Furthermore, since the second pipe 81 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, it is possible to increase the pipe friction resistance when the object to be treated flows through the second pipe 81, and it is possible to increase the Reynolds number of the object to be treated flowing through the second pipe 81 with a simple structure. As a result, it is possible to make the object to be treated flowing through the second pipe 81 into a turbulent state with a simple structure.

[0119] In this way, the objects to be treated flowing through the second pipe 81 are pressure-fed so as to flow in a turbulent state inside the second pipe 81, and are agitated inside the second pipe 81 as they flow through the second pipe 81. As a result, the objects to be treated are temperature-regulated while being agitated as they flow through the second pipe 81, and therefore the temperature of the objects to be treated can be uniformly regulated to a desired temperature in the temperature regulation device 80.

[0120] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the second pipe 81 has a length of 10 m or more and 2,500 m or less, which increases the flow resistance within the second pipe 81, and makes it possible to maintain the pressure of the workpiece flowing from one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0121] Furthermore, since the length of the second pipe 81 is 10 m or more and 2500 m or less, the time required for the object to be treated to flow through the second pipe 81 from one end 811 to the other end 812 can be set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the object to be temperature-controlled to a desired temperature. This eliminates the need to stop the object to be treated within the second pipe 81 using a valve or the like, and allows the object to be temperature-controlled to a desired temperature while flowing through the second pipe 81 from one end 811 to the other end 812.

[0122] The objects to be processed flowing through the second pipe 81 are adjusted to a desired temperature and are discharged to the outside of the processing system 10 from the other end 812. An orifice may be provided at the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. This allows the flow rate of the objects to be discharged from the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 to be set to a desired flow rate without providing a member that requires operation, such as a valve.

[0123] The object to be processed discharged from the second pipe 81 to the outside of the processing system 10 is collected in, for example, a collection container.

[0124] (First Example of Treatment Performed in Treatment System) Next, a first example of treatment performed in the above-mentioned treatment system 10 will be described. In this example, enzyme treatment is performed in the treatment system 10. That is, the predetermined treatment in this example is enzyme treatment. In the treatment system 10, it is possible to perform enzyme treatment in a continuous manner rather than in a batch manner.

[0125] Enzyme treatment is, for example, a process of saccharifying a biomass material with an enzyme to extract sugars (carbohydrates) from the biomass material. Note that the enzyme treatment may be a process of extracting lipids, proteins, hemicellulose, etc. from the biomass material using an enzyme, or a process of extracting ash, etc. from the residue.

[0126] The raw materials to be treated in this example are unused plant waste such as cabbage cores, and biomass raw materials such as rice husks and bamboo.

[0127] The solvent in this example is water containing an enzyme and having an adjusted pH (hereinafter referred to as enzyme-containing pH-adjusted water).

[0128] First, the biomass raw material is pulverized in the pulverizer 20. The biomass raw material pulverized in the pulverizer 20 may be in chip form or powder form. The pulverizer 20 may be replaced with a paste processing device that processes the biomass raw material into a paste form, and the biomass raw material may be in a paste form.

[0129] The liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30 stores enzyme-containing pH-adjusted water. The enzyme-containing pH-adjusted water is first prepared by mixing a pH adjuster with water. The type and amount of pH adjuster are adjusted depending on the enzyme contained in the enzyme-containing pH-adjusted water so that the pH of the pH-adjusted water is appropriate. Then, enzymes are mixed with the pH-adjusted water to produce the enzyme-containing pH-adjusted water. The enzymes mixed with the pH-adjusted water may be saccharifying enzymes (amylases that break down carbohydrates), pectinases that break down pectin, lipases that break down lipids, hemicellulases that break down hemicellulose, laccases that act on lignin, or cellulases that break down cellulose into smaller molecules. They may also be digestive enzymes such as proteases, lipases, nucleases, and cellulases. The appropriate enzymes are mixed with the pH-adjusted water depending on the raw material to be processed and the components to be extracted.

[0130] The biomass raw material pulverized in the pulverizer 20 and the enzyme-containing, pH-adjusted water stored in the liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30 are supplied to the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40. In the mixer 40, the biomass raw material and the enzyme-containing, pH-adjusted water are mixed in the mixing tank 41 to produce a mixed liquid of the biomass raw material and the enzyme-containing, pH-adjusted water. In this example, the object to be treated is this mixed liquid. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "mixed liquid" refers to a mixed liquid of the biomass raw material and the enzyme-containing, pH-adjusted water.

[0131] The mixed liquid stored in the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40 is supplied to the pressure-feeding device 50 via a supply pipe 92 .

[0132] In the pressure-feeding device 50, the mixed solution is pressure-fed by a pump 51 at a pressure equal to or higher than the treatment pressure to the treatment device 70. The treatment pressure in the enzyme treatment can be adjusted appropriately depending on the liquid feed rate, the viscosity of the mixed solution, etc., and may be atmospheric pressure, or a predetermined pressure higher than atmospheric pressure but equal to or lower than 5 MPa may be applied.

[0133] The mixed liquid pumped by the pumping device 50 is supplied to the heating device 60 via a supply pipe 93 .

[0134] The mixed solution supplied to the heating device 60 exchanges heat with a thermal fluid in the plate-type heat exchanger 600 and is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature. The treatment temperature in the enzyme treatment is a predetermined temperature of 10°C or higher and 80°C or lower, and can be adjusted appropriately depending on the maximum activity temperature of the enzyme contained in the solvent. The treatment temperature in the enzyme treatment is preferably 20°C or higher, and more preferably 30°C or higher. The treatment temperature in the enzyme treatment is preferably 70°C or lower, and more preferably 60°C or lower.

[0135] In this embodiment, the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is maintained at or above the treatment pressure by the pressure-feeding device 50 and the first pipe 71. Therefore, the mixed liquid may be partially enzyme-treated while flowing through the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60.

[0136] The mixed liquid discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to the processing device 70 via the supply pipe 94. More specifically, the mixed liquid discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 via the supply pipe 94.

[0137] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 flows from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. At this time, the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at or above the treatment pressure, and the temperature of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at or above the treatment temperature by the heat retention unit 73.

[0138] The inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is 3,500 or more and 100,000 or less. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is 4,000 or more. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 becomes a severe turbulent flow. As a result, the mixed liquid is agitated inside the first pipe 71 as it flows through the first pipe 71.

[0139] Furthermore, since the first pipe 71 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, it is possible to increase the pipe friction resistance when the mixed liquid flows through the first pipe 71, and it is possible to increase the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 with a simple structure. As a result, it is possible to make the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 into a turbulent state with a simple structure.

[0140] By configuring the first pipe 71 in this manner, the flow resistance within the first pipe 71 is increased, and the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 can be maintained at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0141] The mixed liquid is then subjected to enzyme treatment while flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. In this way, in the treatment device 70, the mixed liquid is continuously subjected to enzyme treatment by circulating it through the first pipe 71. Then, sugars are extracted from the biomass material contained in the mixed liquid.

[0142] At this time, as described above, the mixed liquid is pumped through the first pipe 71 so as to flow in a turbulent state, and is agitated within the first pipe 71 as it flows through the first pipe 71. As a result, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 has the raw materials to be processed more uniformly dispersed in the solvent, and has a more uniform temperature.

[0143] Furthermore, since the length of the first pipe 71 is 10 m or more and 2500 m or less, the time required for the mixed liquid to flow through the first pipe 71 from one end 711 to the other end 712 can be set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the enzyme treatment. This eliminates the need to stop the mixed liquid inside the first pipe 71 using a valve or the like, and the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 can be more reliably treated with the enzyme during the time it takes for the mixed liquid to reach the other end 712 from one end 711.

[0144] Furthermore, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature by the heat retaining section 73, so that the enzyme treatment can be carried out more reliably.

[0145] The mixed liquid discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 is supplied to the temperature adjustment device 80 via the communication pipe 95. More specifically, the mixed liquid discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 is supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 of the temperature adjustment device 80 via the communication pipe 95.

[0146] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 is at or above the processing temperature and processing pressure.

[0147] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 flows from one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. At this time, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is heated by the temperature adjustment unit 83. In this embodiment, the temperature of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is adjusted to a predetermined temperature of 20°C or higher and 260°C or lower while flowing from one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. This makes it possible to deactivate the enzyme contained in the mixed liquid that has flowed through the second pipe 81. The predetermined temperature is a temperature or higher at which the enzyme contained in the mixed liquid is deactivated, for example, 100°C.

[0148] The inner diameter of the second pipe 81 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is equal to or greater than 2500 and equal to or less than 100,000. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 becomes a turbulent flow. As a result, the mixed liquid is agitated inside the second pipe 81 as it flows through the second pipe 81.

[0149] Furthermore, since the second pipe 81 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, it is possible to increase the pipe friction resistance when the mixed liquid flows through the second pipe 81, and it is possible to increase the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 with a simple structure. As a result, it is possible to make the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 into a turbulent state with a simple structure.

[0150] Furthermore, by configuring the second pipe 81 in this manner, the flow resistance within the second pipe 81 is increased, and the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing from one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 can be maintained at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like. This prevents a decrease in the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70, which communicates with the second pipe 81 via the communicating pipe 95, and makes it possible to more reliably maintain the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0151] In this way, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is pressure-fed so as to flow turbulently inside the second pipe 81, and is stirred inside the second pipe 81 as it flows through the second pipe 81. This allows the temperature of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 to be more uniformly adjusted to a predetermined temperature of 20°C or higher and 260°C or lower. This makes it possible to more reliably deactivate the enzymes contained in the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81.

[0152] Furthermore, since the length of the second pipe 81 is 10 m or more and 2500 m or less, the time required for the mixed liquid to flow through the second pipe 81 from one end 811 to the other end 812 can be set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the temperature of the mixed liquid to be adjusted to a predetermined temperature of 20° C. or more and 260° C. or less. This eliminates the need to stop the mixed liquid inside the second pipe 81 using a valve or the like, and allows the mixed liquid to be adjusted to a predetermined temperature of 20° C. or more and 260° C. or less while the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 reaches the other end 812 from one end 811.

[0153] The mixed liquid that has flowed through the second pipe 81 is discharged from the other end 812 to the outside of the processing system 10 .

[0154] In this way, it is possible to perform the enzyme treatment continuously rather than batchwise by using the treatment system 10. Furthermore, by performing the enzyme treatment continuously rather than batchwise, it is possible to improve the processing amount per unit time, i.e., the throughput.

[0155] (Second Example of Treatment Performed in Treatment System) Next, a second example of treatment performed in the above-mentioned treatment system 10 will be described. In this example, hydrothermal treatment is performed in the treatment system 10. In the treatment system 10, it is possible to perform hydrothermal treatment in a continuous manner rather than a batch manner.

[0156] Hydrothermal treatment is a process in which, for example, biomass raw materials are heat-treated in high-temperature, high-pressure water to promote hydrolysis or pyrolysis, thereby extracting sugars and proteins from the biomass raw materials. Note that hydrothermal treatment may be a process in which biomass raw materials are heat-treated in high-temperature, high-pressure water to promote hydrolysis or pyrolysis, thereby extracting lipids, proteins, hemicellulose, and the like from the biomass raw materials, or a process in which ash and the like are extracted from the residue.

[0157] The raw materials to be treated in this example are unused plant waste such as cabbage cores, and biomass raw materials such as rice husks and bamboo.

[0158] The solvent in this example is water.

[0159] First, the biomass raw material is pulverized in the pulverizer 20. The biomass raw material pulverized in the pulverizer 20 may be in chip form or powder form. The pulverizer 20 may be replaced with a paste processing device that processes the biomass raw material into a paste form, and the biomass raw material may be in a paste form.

[0160] Water is stored in the liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30.

[0161] The biomass material pulverized in the pulverizer 20 and water stored in the liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30 are supplied to the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40. In the mixer 40, the biomass material and water are mixed in the mixing tank 41 to produce a mixed liquid of the biomass material and water. In this example, the object to be treated is this mixed liquid. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "mixed liquid" refers to a mixed liquid of the biomass material and water.

[0162] In this embodiment, the liquid supply device 30 may be omitted, and water as a solvent may be directly supplied to the mixing tank 41 of the mixing device 40 .

[0163] The mixed liquid produced in the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40 is supplied to the pumping device 50 via a supply pipe 92 .

[0164] In the pressure-feeding device 50, the mixed solution is pressure-fed to the treatment device 70 by a pump 51 at a pressure equal to or higher than the treatment pressure. The treatment pressure in the hydrothermal treatment is a predetermined pressure of 0.1 MPa or more and 30.0 MPa or less, and can be adjusted appropriately depending on the liquid delivery speed, the viscosity of the mixed solution, etc. In this example, the treatment pressure is about 0.6 MPa.

[0165] The mixed liquid pumped by the pumping device 50 is supplied to the heating device 60 via a supply pipe 93 .

[0166] The mixed liquid supplied to the heating device 60 exchanges heat with a thermal fluid in the plate-type heat exchanger 600 and is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature. The treatment temperature in the hydrothermal treatment is a predetermined temperature of 60°C or higher and 400°C or lower. The treatment temperature in the hydrothermal treatment is preferably 80°C or higher. The treatment temperature in the hydrothermal treatment is preferably 220°C or lower, and more preferably 200°C or lower. In this embodiment, the treatment temperature is approximately 180°C. That is, the hydrothermal treatment is performed under treatment conditions of 60°C or higher and 0.1 MPa or higher, and 400°C or lower and 30.0 MPa or lower.

[0167] In this embodiment, the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is maintained at or above the treatment pressure by the pressure-feeding device 50 and the first pipe 71. Therefore, the mixed liquid may be partially hydrothermally treated while flowing through the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60.

[0168] The mixed liquid discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to the processing device 70 via the supply pipe 94. More specifically, the mixed liquid discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 via the supply pipe 94.

[0169] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 flows from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. At this time, the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at or above the treatment pressure, and the temperature of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at or above the treatment temperature by the heat retention unit 73.

[0170] The inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is 3,500 or more and 100,000 or less. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is 4,000 or more. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 becomes a severe turbulent flow. As a result, the mixed liquid is agitated inside the first pipe 71 as it flows through the first pipe 71.

[0171] Furthermore, since the first pipe 71 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, it is possible to increase the pipe friction resistance when the mixed liquid flows through the first pipe 71, and it is possible to increase the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 with a simple structure. As a result, it is possible to make the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 into a turbulent state with a simple structure.

[0172] By configuring the first pipe 71 in this manner, the flow resistance within the first pipe 71 is increased, and the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 can be maintained at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0173] The mixed liquid is then hydrothermally treated while flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. In this way, in the treatment device 70, the mixed liquid is continuously hydrothermally treated by circulating it through the first pipe 71. Then, sugars and proteins are extracted from the biomass raw material contained in the mixed liquid.

[0174] At this time, as described above, the mixed liquid is pumped through the first pipe 71 so as to flow in a turbulent state, and is agitated within the first pipe 71 as it flows through the first pipe 71. As a result, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 has the raw materials to be processed more uniformly dispersed in the solvent, and has a more uniform temperature.

[0175] Furthermore, since the length of the first pipe 71 is 10 m or more and 2500 m or less, the time required for the mixed liquid to flow through the first pipe 71 from one end 711 to the other end 712 can be set to be equal to or longer than the time required for hydrothermal treatment. This eliminates the need to stop the mixed liquid within the first pipe 71 using a valve or the like, and allows the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 to be more reliably hydrothermal treated while it is flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712.

[0176] Furthermore, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature by the heat retaining section 73, so that the hydrothermal treatment can be carried out more reliably.

[0177] The mixed liquid discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 is supplied to the temperature adjustment device 80 via the communication pipe 95. More specifically, the mixed liquid discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 is supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 of the temperature adjustment device 80 via the communication pipe 95.

[0178] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 is at or above the processing temperature and processing pressure.

[0179] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 flows from the one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. At this time, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is cooled by the temperature adjustment unit 83. In this embodiment, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is cooled to a temperature of 100° C. or less while flowing from the one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. As a result, even when the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is discharged from the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 to the outside of the processing system 10, which is at atmospheric pressure, the water contained in the mixed liquid is discharged to the outside of the processing system 10 in liquid form. Therefore, even when the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is discharged from the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 to the outside of the processing system 10, which is at atmospheric pressure, the mixed liquid can be easily handled.

[0180] The inner diameter of the second pipe 81 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is equal to or greater than 2500 and equal to or less than 100,000. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 becomes a turbulent flow. As a result, the mixed liquid is agitated inside the second pipe 81 as it flows through the second pipe 81.

[0181] Furthermore, since the second pipe 81 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, it is possible to increase the pipe friction resistance when the mixed liquid flows through the second pipe 81, and it is possible to increase the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 with a simple structure. As a result, it is possible to make the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 into a turbulent state with a simple structure.

[0182] Furthermore, by configuring the second pipe 81 in this manner, the flow resistance within the second pipe 81 is increased, and the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing from one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 can be maintained at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like. This prevents a decrease in the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70, which communicates with the second pipe 81 via the communicating pipe 95, and makes it possible to more reliably maintain the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0183] In this way, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is pressure-fed so as to flow in a turbulent state inside the second pipe 81, and is agitated inside the second pipe 81 as it flows through the second pipe 81. This allows the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 to be more uniformly cooled to a temperature of 100°C or less. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 can be more reliably cooled to a temperature of 100°C or less.

[0184] Furthermore, since the length of the second pipe 81 is not less than 10 [m] and not more than 2500 [m], the time required for the mixed liquid to flow through the second pipe 81 from one end 811 to the other end 812 can be set to be not less than the time required for the mixed liquid to be cooled to 100 [°C] or less. This eliminates the need to stop the mixed liquid inside the second pipe 81 using a valve or the like, and allows the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 to be cooled to a temperature of 100 [°C] or less while it is flowing from one end 811 to the other end 812.

[0185] The mixed liquid that has flowed through the second pipe 81 is cooled to a temperature of 100° C. or less and is discharged from the other end 812 to the outside of the processing system 10. In this way, in the temperature control device 80, the mixed liquid is circulated through the second pipe 81 and the temperature of the mixed liquid is controlled to an appropriate temperature, which makes it easy to handle the mixed liquid that has been discharged to the outside of the processing system 10.

[0186] (Third Example of Treatment Performed in Treatment System) Next, a third example of treatment performed in the treatment system 10 described above will be described. In this example, subcritical treatment is performed in the treatment system 10. The treatment system 10 makes it possible to perform subcritical treatment in a continuous manner rather than a batch manner. The subcritical treatment in the third example is one aspect of hydrothermal treatment included in the hydrothermal treatment described in the second example.

[0187] Subcritical processing is a process in which, for example, biomass containing sugars and lignin, such as wood, bamboo, or rice straw; waste or food waste containing proteins, amino acids, hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic acids, and sugars; seaweed containing polyphenols and proteins; or plastics containing basic chemicals such as terephthalic acid, is heat-treated in high-temperature, high-pressure water to promote hydrolysis or pyrolysis, thereby extracting carbohydrates and proteins, such as monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, disaccharides such as sucrose and maltose, and polysaccharides such as starch and oligosaccharides, from the raw materials. Note that subcritical processing may be a process in which the raw materials are heat-treated in high-temperature, high-pressure water to promote hydrolysis or pyrolysis, thereby extracting lipids, proteins, hemicellulose, and the like from the raw materials, or a process to extract ash and the like from the residue.

[0188] The raw material to be processed in this embodiment is any of the raw materials described above.

[0189] The solvent in this example is water.

[0190] First, the raw material is pulverized in the pulverizer 20. The raw material pulverized in the pulverizer 20 may be in chip form or powder form. The pulverizer 20 may be replaced with a paste processing device that processes the raw material into a paste form, and the raw material may be in a paste form.

[0191] Water is stored in the liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30.

[0192] The raw material pulverized in the pulverizing device 20 and water stored in the liquid supply tank 31 of the liquid supply device 30 are supplied to the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40. In the mixer 40, the raw material and water are mixed in the mixing tank 41 to produce a mixed liquid of the raw material and water. In this example, the object to be treated is this mixed liquid. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "mixed liquid" refers to a mixed liquid of the raw material and water.

[0193] In this embodiment, the liquid supply device 30 may be omitted, and water as a solvent may be directly supplied to the mixing tank 41 of the mixing device 40 .

[0194] The mixed liquid produced in the mixing tank 41 of the mixer 40 is supplied to the pumping device 50 via a supply pipe 92 .

[0195] In the pressure-feeding device 50, the mixed solution is pressure-fed to the processing device 70 by a pump 51 at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure. The processing pressure in the subcritical processing is a predetermined pressure of 0.1 MPa or more and 22.04 MPa or less, preferably 2 MPa or more, more preferably 5 MPa or more, and preferably 10 MPa or less. The processing pressure can be adjusted appropriately depending on the liquid delivery speed, the viscosity of the mixed solution, etc. In this example, the processing pressure is about 0.6 MPa.

[0196] The mixed liquid pumped by the pumping device 50 is supplied to the heating device 60 via a supply pipe 93 .

[0197] The mixed liquid supplied to the heating device 60 exchanges heat with a thermal fluid in the plate-type heat exchanger 600 and is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature. The processing temperature in the subcritical processing is a predetermined temperature of 100°C or higher and 373.2°C or lower. The processing temperature in the subcritical processing is preferably 120°C or higher. The processing temperature in the subcritical processing is preferably 220°C or lower, and more preferably 200°C or lower. In this embodiment, the processing temperature is approximately 180°C. That is, the subcritical processing is performed under processing conditions of 100°C or higher and 0.1 MPa or higher, and 373.2°C or lower and 22.04 MPa (critical point) or lower.

[0198] In this embodiment, the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is maintained at or above the treatment pressure by the pressure-feeding device 50 and the first pipe 71. Therefore, the mixed liquid may be partially subjected to subcritical treatment while flowing through the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60.

[0199] The mixed liquid discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to the processing device 70 via the supply pipe 94. More specifically, the mixed liquid discharged from the plate heat exchanger 600 of the heating device 60 is supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 via the supply pipe 94.

[0200] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 711 of the first pipe 71 flows from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. At this time, the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at or above the treatment pressure, and the temperature of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at or above the treatment temperature by the heat retention unit 73.

[0201] The inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is 3,500 or more and 100,000 or less. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first pipe 71 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is 4,000 or more. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 becomes a severe turbulent flow. As a result, the mixed liquid is agitated inside the first pipe 71 as it flows through the first pipe 71.

[0202] Furthermore, since the first pipe 71 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, it is possible to increase the pipe friction resistance when the mixed liquid flows through the first pipe 71, and it is possible to increase the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 with a simple structure. As a result, it is possible to make the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 into a turbulent state with a simple structure.

[0203] By configuring the first pipe 71 in this manner, the flow resistance within the first pipe 71 is increased, and the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 can be maintained at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0204] The mixed liquid is then subjected to subcritical treatment while flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712 of the first pipe 71. In this manner, in the treatment device 70, the mixed liquid is continuously subjected to subcritical treatment by circulating it through the first pipe 71. Then, sugars and proteins are extracted from the raw materials contained in the mixed liquid.

[0205] At this time, as described above, the mixed liquid is pumped through the first pipe 71 so as to flow in a turbulent state, and is agitated within the first pipe 71 as it flows through the first pipe 71. As a result, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 has the raw materials to be processed more uniformly dispersed in the solvent, and has a more uniform temperature.

[0206] Furthermore, since the length of first pipe 71 is not less than 10 m and not more than 2500 m, the time required for the mixed liquid to flow through first pipe 71 from one end 711 to the other end 712 can be set to be not less than the time required for subcritical treatment. This eliminates the need to stop the mixed liquid within first pipe 71 using a valve or the like, and allows the mixed liquid flowing through first pipe 71 to be more reliably subjected to subcritical treatment while it is flowing from one end 711 to the other end 712.

[0207] Furthermore, the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 is maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature by the heat retaining section 73, so that subcritical treatment can be performed more reliably.

[0208] The mixed liquid discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 is supplied to the temperature adjustment device 80 via the communication pipe 95. More specifically, the mixed liquid discharged from the other end 712 of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 is supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 of the temperature adjustment device 80 via the communication pipe 95.

[0209] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 is at or above the processing temperature and processing pressure.

[0210] The mixed liquid supplied to one end 811 of the second pipe 81 flows from the one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. At this time, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is cooled by the temperature adjustment unit 83. In this embodiment, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is cooled to a temperature of 100° C. or less while flowing from the one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81. As a result, even when the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is discharged from the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 to the outside of the processing system 10, which is at atmospheric pressure, the water contained in the mixed liquid is discharged to the outside of the processing system 10 in liquid form. Therefore, even when the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is discharged from the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 to the outside of the processing system 10, which is at atmospheric pressure, the mixed liquid can be easily handled.

[0211] The inner diameter of the second pipe 81 is set so that the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is equal to or greater than 2500 and equal to or less than 100,000. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 becomes a turbulent flow. As a result, the mixed liquid is agitated inside the second pipe 81 as it flows through the second pipe 81.

[0212] Furthermore, since the second pipe 81 has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, it is possible to increase the pipe friction resistance when the mixed liquid flows through the second pipe 81, and it is possible to increase the Reynolds number of the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 with a simple structure. As a result, it is possible to make the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 into a turbulent state with a simple structure.

[0213] Furthermore, by configuring the second pipe 81 in this manner, the flow resistance within the second pipe 81 is increased, and the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing from one end 811 to the other end 812 of the second pipe 81 can be maintained at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like. This prevents a decrease in the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70, which communicates with the second pipe 81 via the communicating pipe 95, and makes it possible to more reliably maintain the pressure of the mixed liquid flowing through the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like.

[0214] In this way, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 is pressure-fed so as to flow in a turbulent state inside the second pipe 81, and is agitated inside the second pipe 81 as it flows through the second pipe 81. This allows the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 to be more uniformly cooled to a temperature of 100°C or less. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 can be more reliably cooled to a temperature of 100°C or less.

[0215] Furthermore, since the length of the second pipe 81 is not less than 10 [m] and not more than 2500 [m], the time required for the mixed liquid to flow through the second pipe 81 from one end 811 to the other end 812 can be set to be not less than the time required for the mixed liquid to be cooled to 100 [°C] or less. This eliminates the need to stop the mixed liquid inside the second pipe 81 using a valve or the like, and allows the mixed liquid flowing through the second pipe 81 to be cooled to a temperature of 100 [°C] or less while it is flowing from one end 811 to the other end 812.

[0216] The mixed liquid that has flowed through the second pipe 81 is cooled to a temperature of 100° C. or less and is discharged from the other end 812 to the outside of the processing system 10. In this way, in the temperature control device 80, the mixed liquid is circulated through the second pipe 81 and the temperature of the mixed liquid is controlled to an appropriate temperature, which makes it easy to handle the mixed liquid that has been discharged to the outside of the processing system 10.

[0217] Subcritical processing has been generally described above, but the raw materials of substances extracted by subcritical processing and processing conditions will now be described in more detail.

[0218] [Protein Extraction] For example, when extracting protein, animal residues such as animal and fish bones, fish offal, and sea squirt shells, as well as plant residues rich in protein such as soybean pomace, tomato stems and leaves, and coffee grounds can be used as raw materials. Food residues may be crushed in advance to maximize extraction efficiency. Specifically, it is desirable for the residues to be crushed to a size in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0219] The treatment temperature has a lower limit of 100°C or higher, more preferably 120°C or higher, and an upper limit of 200°C or lower, more preferably 180°C or lower. To achieve subcritical conditions, the pressure has a lower limit of preferably 2 MPa or higher, more preferably 5 MPa or higher, and an upper limit of 15 MPa or lower, more preferably 10 MPa or lower. The treatment environment (pH) may be in either the acidic or alkaline range. In the acidic range, hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds in hemicellulose occurs, while in the alkaline range, alkaline hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds occurs. The acidic range is preferred.

[0220] In one example, the protein extracted by the system of the present invention is initially discharged as a mixture of solids and liquid, and solid-liquid separation is performed using a centrifuge or filtering system. Next, to remove impurities other than proteins from the extract, small molecules other than proteins and salts are removed using ion exchange chromatography, reverse phase chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, or the like. The extract is then concentrated by methods such as evaporation, reverse osmosis, or ultrafiltration, and the protein can be obtained in powder form using spray drying or freeze drying.

[0221] [Extraction of Functional Chemical Substances] In another example, functional chemical substances such as polyphenols, DHA, and EPA can be efficiently extracted. The extraction target can be animal material containing a large amount of oil from fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or plant material including seaweed and polyphenol-rich fruits and leaves, and can be efficiently extracted by crushing the material to an appropriate size, specifically, in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0222] The ground material is mixed with water and extracted. Since only water is used as a solvent, this is an environmentally friendly method that can produce high-quality extracts. The processing temperature is between 100°C and 200°C, depending on the type of functional chemical. The pressure should be at least 0.1 MPa, preferably at least 2 MPa, more preferably at least 5 MPa, and at most 15 MPa, more preferably at most 10 MPa. To further improve extraction efficiency, the processing environment (pH) is adjusted. For example, slightly acidic conditions (pH 2-3) are effective for polyphenol extraction. On the other hand, a neutral to slightly alkaline environment is suitable for the extraction of fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. Functional chemicals can be purified using centrifugation, evaporation / concentration, liquid-liquid extraction, ultrafiltration or nanofiltration, chromatography, and freeze-drying.

[0223] [Hemicellulose Extraction] In another example, hemicellulose can be extracted from woody materials such as cedar, herbaceous materials including bamboo and rice husks, food waste including cabbage and tomato leaves, cotton, and hemp. The raw material is preferably pulverized to a particle size of approximately 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The processing environment (pH) is not particularly specified, but an acidic environment is preferable. It is also preferable to add a thickener to create turbulent conditions and ensure stable stirring.

[0224] The temperature conditions are preferably 100°C or higher but lower than 200°C, and more preferably 120°C or higher but lower than 200°C, in order to promote the solubilization of hemicellulose. The pressure conditions are subcritical conditions, so the lower limit is 0.1 MPa or higher, preferably 2 MPa or higher, more preferably 5 MPa or higher, and the upper limit is 15 MPa, more preferably 10 MPa or lower. After hemicellulose solubilization, solid-liquid separation procedures, including centrifugation and reverse osmosis membrane treatment, are carried out to separate the hemicellulose. The solubilized hemicellulose can be further concentrated by distillation.

[0225] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiment may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0226] For example, the processing system 10 may be a system capable of performing a predetermined process other than those shown in the first and second embodiments of the processing performed by the processing system 10. For example, the processing system 10 may be a system capable of performing an organosolv process. Furthermore, the processing system 10 may be a system capable of performing an enzyme process other than those shown in the first embodiment, a protein extraction process, an ethanol fermentation process, a bacterial / microbial culture process, or the like. Furthermore, the processing system 10 does not need to be a dedicated system for performing a specific predetermined process including those shown in the first and second embodiments of the processing performed by the processing system 10, but may be a general-purpose system capable of performing two or more predetermined processes selected from the processes shown in the first and second embodiments of the processing performed by the processing system 10 and the predetermined processes other than those shown in the first and second embodiments.

[0227] Furthermore, for example, the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 may be folded back and housed in the housing 72. Specifically, the first pipe 71 is folded back in a zigzag pattern at a predetermined width in a horizontal first direction inside the housing 72, extends from one side to the other side in a horizontal second direction perpendicular to the first direction, bends to one side in the vertical direction at a predetermined length in the second direction, and then is folded back again in a zigzag pattern at a predetermined width in the horizontal first direction, extending from the other side to one side in the second direction. Then, after being bent to one side in the vertical direction at a predetermined length in the second direction, is folded back again in a zigzag pattern at a predetermined width in the horizontal first direction, extending from one side to the other side in the second direction. The first pipe 71 is housed in the housing 72 with this repeated shape. This allows the length of the first pipe 71 to be increased while preventing the processing device 70 from becoming larger.

[0228] The second pipe 81 of the temperature adjustment device 80 may be folded back and housed in the housing 82, similar to the example of the first pipe 71 of the processing device 70 described above. This makes it possible to increase the length of the second pipe 81 while preventing the temperature adjustment device 80 from becoming larger.

[0229] Furthermore, for example, in the present embodiment, the heating device 60 includes a plate-type heat exchanger 600, and heats the object to be treated using the plate-type heat exchanger 600. However, the heating device 60 may be configured to heat an object to be treated other than the plate-type heat exchanger 600 as long as it is capable of heating the object to be treated. For example, the heating device 60 may include a plate-type heat exchanger other than a brazed plate-type heat exchanger, or may include a heat exchanger other than a plate-type heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heating device 60 may be provided with a heating element capable of heating the object to be treated using resistance heating, infrared heating, dielectric heating, induction heating, or the like.

[0230] This specification describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0231] (1) A processing device (processing device 70) having a first pipe (first pipe 71) through which a workpiece containing a solvent flows, and performing a predetermined processing, wherein the workpiece is introduced into the first pipe from one end (one end 711) of the first pipe, undergoes the predetermined processing while flowing through the first pipe, and is discharged from the other end (other end 712) of the first pipe, and the first pipe is capable of maintaining the pressure of the workpiece flowing through the first pipe at or above the processing pressure required for the predetermined processing while the other end side of the first pipe is open.

[0232] According to (1), it is possible to perform the specified processing while circulating the object to be processed through the first pipe without providing a valve or the like on the other end side of the first pipe, so that the specified processing of the object to be processed can be performed in the processing device in a continuous manner rather than in a batch manner, thereby improving the processing volume per unit time.

[0233] (2) The processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the first pipe is configured so that the object to be processed is agitated inside the first pipe by flowing through the first pipe.

[0234] According to (2), the objects to be treated can be circulated while being agitated, so that the temperature of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe 71 can be made more uniform.

[0235] (3) The processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the inner diameter of the first pipe is set so that the Reynolds number of the object to be processed flowing through the first pipe is 3500 or more.

[0236] According to (3), the inner diameter of the first pipe is set so that the Reynolds number of the objects to be treated flowing through the first pipe is 3500 or more, so the objects to be treated flow through the first pipe in a turbulent flow. This makes it possible to circulate the objects to be treated through the first pipe while stirring them, using a simple structure.

[0237] (4) The processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the first pipe has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less and a length of 10 m or more.

[0238] According to (4), the first pipe has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less, so that the pipe friction resistance when the treated object flows through the first pipe can be increased, and with a simple structure, the pressure of the treated object flowing through the first pipe can be maintained at or above the treatment pressure, and the treated object can be circulated through the first pipe while being stirred.

[0239] (5) The processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the length of the first pipe is 10 m or more.

[0240] According to (5), since the length of the first pipe is 10 m or more, the flow resistance within the first pipe is large, and the pressure of the workpieces flowing through the first pipe can be maintained at or above the processing pressure without using a valve or the like. Furthermore, since the length of the first pipe is 10 m or more, the time required for the workpieces to flow from one end to the other end of the first pipe can be set to be equal to or longer than the time required to perform the specified processing on the workpieces. This eliminates the need to stop the workpieces in the first pipe using a valve or the like, and allows the workpieces to more reliably perform the specified processing on the workpieces as they flow through the first pipe from one end to the other end.

[0241] (6) The processing apparatus according to (1), further comprising a heat retention unit (heat retention unit 73) that maintains the object to be processed flowing through the first pipe at a temperature equal to or higher than a processing temperature required for the predetermined processing.

[0242] According to (6), the object to be treated is maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the treatment temperature by the heat retention section while flowing through the first pipe, thereby making it possible to more reliably perform the predetermined treatment on the object to be treated while flowing through the first pipe.

[0243] (7) The processing device according to (1), further comprising a housing (housing 72) that houses the first pipe, wherein the first pipe is wound and / or folded back and housed in the housing.

[0244] According to (7), the first pipe is wound and / or folded and housed in the housing, so that the length of the first pipe can be increased while preventing the processing device from becoming larger.

[0245] (8) The processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the inner diameter of the first pipe is set so that the object to be processed flows through the first pipe in a turbulent state.

[0246] According to (8), the object to be treated can be circulated through the first pipe while being agitated.

[0247] (9) The processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the object to be processed is introduced into the first pipe from the one end of the first pipe at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure.

[0248] According to (9), clogging of the inside of the first pipe by solid matter contained in the object to be treated can be suppressed.

[0249] (10) The processing apparatus according to (9), wherein the first pipe has a pipe friction resistance and a flow path resistance set so as to maintain the pressure of the object to be processed introduced into the first pipe from the one end of the first pipe at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure at a pressure equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure.

[0250] According to (10), by setting the pipe friction resistance and flow path resistance of the first pipe, the pressure of the object to be treated can be maintained at a predetermined pressure or higher.

[0251] (11) A processing system (processing system 10) comprising: the processing device according to (1); a pressure-transfer device (pressure-transfer device 50) provided upstream of the processing device, which pressure-transfers the object to be processed to the processing device at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure; and a heating device (heating device 60) provided upstream of the processing device, which heats the object to be processed to a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature required for the predetermined processing.

[0252] According to (11), the processing system is provided with a pressure feeder and a heating device upstream of the processing device, so that the object to be processed can be supplied to the processing device at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure and at a temperature equal to or higher than the processing temperature. This allows the object to be processed more reliably in the processing device.

[0253] (12) The processing system according to (11), wherein the heating device is provided between the pumping device and the processing device and has a plate heat exchanger (plate heat exchanger 600).

[0254] According to (12), the plate heat exchanger can heat the object to be treated with high heat exchange efficiency and more uniformly to the desired temperature. Furthermore, since the heating device is provided between the pumping device and the treatment device, the object to be treated is pumped from the pumping device at a pressure equal to or greater than the treatment pressure and introduced into the plate heat exchanger. This prevents the solid matter contained in the object from clogging the inside of the plate heat exchanger when the object flows through the inside of the plate heat exchanger, even if the object contains solid matter.

[0255] (13) The processing system according to (11), further comprising a temperature control device (temperature control device 80) that is provided downstream of the processing device and that controls the temperature of the object to be processed.

[0256] According to (13), the object to be treated that has been treated in the treatment device is adjusted to a desired temperature by the temperature adjustment device, so that the object to be treated that has been treated in the treatment device can be easily handled.

[0257] (14) The processing system according to (13), wherein the temperature control device includes a second pipe (second pipe 81) through which the object to be processed flows, and a housing (housing 82) in which the second pipe is wound and / or folded back to accommodate the second pipe.

[0258] According to (14), the second pipe is wound and / or folded and housed in the housing, so that the length of the second pipe can be increased while preventing the temperature control device from becoming larger.

[0259] (15) A processing method using the processing system according to any one of (11) to (14), comprising the steps of: processing a solvent mixed with raw materials pulverized to a size range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm in the processing device at 100°C to 200°C and a pressure of 0.1 MPa to 15 MPa; and obtaining at least one of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, proteins, carbohydrates, and functional chemical substances.

[0260] According to (15), by using the treatment device, at least one of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, protein, carbohydrate, and functional chemical substance can be produced continuously.

[0261] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2023-063020) filed on April 7, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0262] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Processing system 50 Pressure feeding device 60 Heating device 600 Plate type heat exchanger 70 Processing device 71 First pipe 711 One end 712 Other end 72 Housing 73 Heat retaining section 80 Temperature control device 81 Second pipe 82 Housing

Claims

1. a processing device having a first pipe through which a solvent-containing object to be processed flows, and performing a predetermined processing; a temperature control device provided downstream of the processing device, having a second pipe, and controlling the temperature of the object to be processed; 1. A processing system for extracting at least one of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, protein, carbohydrates, polyphenols, DHA, and EPA, comprising: The object to be processed is The wastewater is introduced into the first pipe from one end thereof, undergoes the predetermined treatment while flowing through the first pipe, and is discharged from the other end thereof to one end of the second pipe, The gas is introduced into the second pipe from one end thereof, and its temperature is adjusted while flowing through the second pipe, and the gas is discharged from the other end thereof, A processing system in which the first pipe is capable of maintaining a pressure of the object to be processed flowing through the first pipe at or above a processing pressure required for the specified processing, when the first pipe is internally connected from one end of the first pipe to the other end of the second pipe and when the other end of the second pipe is open.

2. 10. The processing system of claim 1, The first pipe is configured so that the object to be processed is agitated inside the first pipe by flowing through the first pipe.

3. 10. The processing system of claim 1, A processing system, wherein the inner diameter of the first pipe is set so that the Reynolds number of the object to be processed flowing through the first pipe is 3500 or more.

4. 10. The processing system of claim 1, A treatment system, wherein the first pipe has an inner diameter of 5 mm or more and 200 mm or less and a length of 10 m or more.

5. 5. The processing system according to claim 1, A treatment system, wherein the length of the first pipe is 10 m or more.

6. 10. The processing system of claim 1, The processing system further comprises a heat retention unit that maintains the object to be processed flowing through the first pipe at a temperature equal to or higher than a processing temperature required for the predetermined processing.

7. 10. The processing system of claim 1, a housing that houses the first pipe; A processing system, wherein the first pipe is wound and / or folded back and housed in the housing.

8. 10. The processing system of claim 1, The inner diameter of the first pipe is set so that the object to be processed flows through the first pipe in a turbulent state.

9. 10. The processing system of claim 1, The object to be treated is introduced into the first pipe from the one end of the first pipe at a pressure equal to or greater than the treatment pressure.

10. 10. The processing system of claim 9, A processing system, wherein the first pipe has a pipe friction resistance and a flow path resistance set so as to maintain the pressure of the object to be processed introduced into the first pipe from the one end of the first pipe at a pressure equal to or higher than the processing pressure.

11. 10. The processing system of claim 1, a pressure-feeding device provided upstream of the treatment device for pumping the object to be treated to the treatment device at a pressure equal to or greater than the treatment pressure; The processing system further comprises a heating device provided upstream of the processing device, for heating the object to a temperature higher than a processing temperature required for the predetermined processing.

12. 12. The processing system of claim 11, The heating device is provided between the pumping device and the processing device and includes a plate-type heat exchanger.

13. 13. The processing system of claim 12, The temperature control device comprises a housing in which the second pipe is wound and / or folded back to accommodate the second pipe.

14. A processing method using the processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a step of treating a solvent mixed with raw materials pulverized to a size of 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less in the treatment device at 100° C. or more and 200° C. or less and a pressure of 0.1 MPa or more and 15 MPa or less; and obtaining at least one of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, protein, carbohydrate, polyphenol, DHA, and EPA.