Method for producing gas-containing solution and system for producing gas-containing solution

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a gas-containing solution and a system for producing a gas-containing solution that effectively utilize a gas and manufacture a gas-containing solution with high efficiency. A method for producing a gas-containing solution according to the present invention comprises: an atomization step for atomizing a liquid that is stored within a first container; a production step for bringing a gas into contact with the atomized liquid, thereby producing droplets in which the gas is dissolved; a movement step for moving the droplets in which the gas is dissolved into a second container via a first flow path, separating the droplets in which the gas is dissolved, and moving residual gas into the first container via a second flow path; and a recovery step for recovering the separated droplets.

Description

Method for producing gas-containing solution and system for producing gas-containing solution

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a gas-containing solution and a gas-containing solution production system 100 manufacturing system.

[0002] Conventionally, bubbling technology has been used to manufacture gas-containing solutions by dissolving gas components into a liquid phase. A typical example is in the aquaculture industry, where air is bubbled into a tank to prevent a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration. However, unlike air, there are issues with bubbling when using expensive, rare, or harmful gases, and improvements are needed.

[0003] Patent No. 4933206

[0004] However, the gas-containing solution described in Patent Document 1 employs an ejector to dissolve the gas, but the gas dissolution efficiency per unit area is low.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for producing a gas-containing solution that effectively utilizes gas and produces a gas-containing solution with high efficiency.

[0006] A method for generating a gas-containing solution according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an atomization step of atomizing a liquid stored in a first container; a generation step of bringing a gas into contact with the atomized liquid to generate droplets having dissolved gas; a transfer step of transferring the droplets having dissolved gas into a second container via a first flow path, separating the droplets having dissolved gas, and transferring the remaining gas into the first container via the second flow path; and a recovery step of recovering the separated droplets having dissolved gas.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for producing a gas-containing solution and a system 100 for producing a gas-containing solution that effectively utilizes gas and produces a solution containing gas with high efficiency.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a production system for producing a gas-containing liquid by circulating a gas. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a production system for producing an ozone-containing gas-containing liquid by circulating an ozone-containing gas. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a production system for producing an ozone-containing gas-containing liquid by circulating an ozone-containing gas using a fractionating tube as a separation mechanism. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a production system for producing an ozone-containing gas-containing liquid by circulating an ozone-containing gas using beads as a separation mechanism. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a production system for producing an ozone-containing gas-containing liquid by circulating an ozone-containing gas using a mesh-type ultrasonic unit as an atomization unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a production system for producing an ozone-containing gas-containing liquid by circulating an ozone-containing gas using a liquid feed pump spray as an atomization unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a production system for producing an ozone-containing gas-containing liquid by circulating an ozone-containing gas, equipped with an active oxygen generation unit.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the concept of the present disclosure more than necessary.

[0010] In the present invention, the fine droplets generated through the atomization process refer to droplets having an average diameter of 1 mm or less. The atomization unit used in the atomization process is not particularly limited, but a device used for piezoelectric atomization is a preferred embodiment.

[0011] Piezoelectric atomization devices can be broadly divided into two types. One is a throw-in type, which is installed in a liquid and breaks the liquid near the gas-liquid interface into microdroplets. The other is a mesh type, in which piezoelectric elements are arranged around a mesh plate and microdroplets of liquid are supplied through the mesh holes via a liquid supply medium. Both the throw-in type and the mesh type are preferred embodiments of the present invention. The liquid atomization unit is not limited to the above; an atomization unit that sprays high-pressure liquid and gas from a micropore nozzle using a pump is also a preferred embodiment. The method for moving droplets suspended in the gas phase in the transfer process is not particularly limited, and a blower mechanism such as a blower fan or diaphragm pump is a preferred embodiment. Furthermore, the mechanism for separating the droplets from the gas is not particularly limited, but a preferred embodiment is a glass filter with gas-liquid separation properties, which has an irregular cross-sectional area for the gas flow path. By making the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path irregular, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path changes, thereby changing the flow rate and pressure of the gas flowing through the flow path, thereby enabling gas-liquid separation.

[0012] The method for producing a gas-containing solution and the system for producing a gas-containing volume according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a gas-containing solution generation system 100. The gas-containing solution generation system 100 includes a first container 103 isolated from the outside air and having an atomization unit 102 disposed therein that atomizes a liquid 101 stored therein, and a second container 104 isolated from the outside air. The gas-containing solution generation system 100 also includes a first flow path 105 and a second flow path 106 that communicate between the first container 103 and the second container 104. The gas-containing solution generation system 100 includes a supply mechanism 107 that supplies gas to the liquid atomized by the atomization unit 102, and a blower mechanism 108 that moves the gas in the second flow path to the first container 103 via the second flow path 106. The gas-containing solution generation system 100 further includes a separation mechanism 109 that separates the gas from the liquid containing the atomized gas.

[0014] The gas-containing solution generating system 100 in this embodiment has the above-described functional configuration, and generates droplets 110 in which the gas is dissolved by bringing the gas supplied by the gas supply mechanism 107 into contact with the atomized liquid. Furthermore, the system is characterized in that the droplets in which the gas is dissolved are separated by the separation mechanism 109, the remaining gas is moved by the blower mechanism 108 via the second flow path 106 into the first container 103, and the separated droplets are collected via the second container 104. Here, the method of storing the liquid in the first container 103 may be such that the liquid is supplied to the first container 103 by connecting the first container 103 to an external liquid supply source via a supply pipe.

[0015] Here, by generating droplets with an average diameter of 1 mm or less using the atomization unit 102, the droplets can remain suspended in the gas-containing gas phase for a long period of time and the proportion of the gas-liquid interface per droplet volume can be increased. This allows for efficient dissolution of the gas. In other words, gas-containing solutions can be produced with high efficiency. The atomization unit 102 generates fine bubbles of 20 μm or less in the droplets. Fine bubbles are small gas bubbles (foam) less than 100 μm in diameter. It has been reported that the inclusion of fine bubbles stabilizes gas dissolution, and this is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Ultrafine bubbles (UFB) with a diameter of 1 μm or less are particularly preferred because they do not float in the liquid. Here, the UFB number ratio refers to the proportion of ultrafine bubbles among fine bubbles of 20 μm or less. In this embodiment, the proportion of ultrafine bubbles among fine bubbles of 20 μm or less is 99% or more. Furthermore, the particle size distribution of the fine bubbles of 20 μm or less generated by the atomization unit 102 is preferably 5 or less. Above this value, the bubble rise rate increases, potentially hindering efficient gas utilization. The particle size distribution is defined as the ratio (dw / dn) of the volume average particle size (dw) to the number average particle size (dn). The particle size, particle shape distribution, and concentration of fine bubbles were measured using a Shimadzu measuring instrument (model SALD-7500 nano). In this specification, fine bubbles (abbreviated as FB) refer to small bubbles (foam) composed of gas. Furthermore, fine bubble-containing liquid refers to a liquid containing fine bubbles, which are small bubbles. The gas (gas) of fine bubbles may be composed of one or multiple components, and the proportion of gas components can be adjusted by controlling the gas components within the recovery mechanism of the fine bubble-containing liquid. The desired gas component may exist as fine bubbles in the liquid or may be dissolved in the liquid.

[0016] Furthermore, when an ultrasonic vibrator is used as the atomization unit 102, it is preferable that the thickness of the liquid above the vibrator from the liquid surface be 15 cm or less, although this depends on the output strength. If the thickness of the liquid from the liquid surface exceeds 15 cm, the intensity of the ultrasonic irradiation for atomization increases, raising concerns about its effect on the liquid medium. Taking water as a specific example of a liquid, this is because there is a concern that water molecules will become hydroxyl radicals and react with, for example, dissolved nitrogen in the atmosphere, generating nitrogen oxide ions.

[0017] The gas supply mechanism 107 includes, for example, a gas cylinder 1071 that is a gas supply source, and a valve 1072 for adjusting the supply of gas provided from the gas supply source through a gas supply pipe into the gas-containing solution generation system 100. The gas supply mechanism may also include a pressure reducing pump for exhausting the gas.

[0018] The blower mechanism 108 moves the gas and the droplets in which the gas is dissolved to the second container 104 via the first flow path 105 .

[0019] The separation mechanism 109 separates the gas from the droplets in which the gas is dissolved. The air blowing mechanism 108 and the separation mechanism 109 collect the gas-containing droplets into the second container 104, while the gas is transferred back into the first container 103 via the second flow path 108. This configuration allows the gas to be used effectively. The droplets in which the gas is dissolved, separated by the separation mechanism 109, can be collected using a cock or the like provided in the second container 104. The method of collecting the droplets in the second container 104 is not limited to this, and it is also a preferred embodiment to provide a collection port in the second container 104 and collect the droplets from the collection port into a collection container.

[0020] The supply mechanism 107 for supplying gas is, for example, a gas cylinder filled with gas.

[0021] Furthermore, when a gas with an increased oxygen concentration is used as the gas, an oxygen generator for increasing the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere may be used as the supply mechanism 107. When a gas with an increased ozone concentration is used as the gas, it is also a preferred embodiment to use an ozone generation unit 120 or the like as the supply mechanism 107. There are no particular limitations on the separation mechanism 108 that separates the droplets and the gas, but a preferred embodiment is a glass filter that has an irregular cross-sectional area for the gas phase flow path and has gas-liquid separation properties.

[0022] In order to efficiently produce a gas-containing solution containing dissolved gas by the gas-containing solution production system 100, it is preferable to create an environment in which the average relative humidity derived from the droplet components in the system is 90% or more. If this average value is less than 90%, there is a concern that the amount of liquid recovered will be small due to evaporation of the mist before the gas and liquid are separated.

[0023] The method for generating a gas-containing solution is not limited to the above system configuration, as long as it includes the atomization step, generation step, transfer step, and recovery step, which are described below. The atomization step is a step of atomizing a liquid stored in a first container, and the generation step is a step of contacting a gas with the atomized liquid to generate droplets in which the gas is dissolved. The transfer step is a step of transferring the droplets in which the gas is dissolved into a second container via a first flow path, separating the droplets in which the gas is dissolved, and transferring the remaining gas into the first container via a second flow path. The recovery step is a step of recovering the separated droplets in which the gas is dissolved.

[0024] In this embodiment, the gas-containing solution production system 100 is configured as described above, so that gas can be effectively utilized and a gas-containing solution can be produced with high efficiency.

[0025] Second Embodiment A system 100 for generating a gas-containing solution containing ozone will be described with reference to Figure 2. Note that descriptions of functional configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted where appropriate. In this embodiment, an ozone generation unit 120 is provided instead of the gas supply mechanism in the first embodiment. The ozone generation unit 120 generates ozone within the system 100 for generating a predetermined gas-containing solution by irradiating oxygen with ultraviolet light.

[0026] Here, the ozone generating unit 120 is preferably an Xe excimer lamp or an ozone lamp that converts oxygen into ozonation using ultraviolet light. Another preferred embodiment is to use a discharge-type ozone generating unit 120 to generate ozonation. Another preferred embodiment is to provide an electrolysis-type ozone generating unit 120 to incorporate ozone into water by electrolysis. The ozone generating unit 120 is preferably provided, for example, in the path leading to the recovery of atomized droplets in the second container, for example, in the first flow path 105 or the second container 104.

[0027] Furthermore, the gas-containing solution generating system can decompose ozone by irradiating the ozone-containing solution with ultraviolet light after generating the solution, thereby enabling the disposal of ozone.

[0028] Modifications of the first and second embodiments will be described below. The following modifications may be configured independently or in combination as appropriate.

[0029] [Variation 1] A mechanism for separating droplets containing dissolved gas from a gas phase will be described using Figures 1, 3, and 4. The separation mechanism is not particularly limited. For example, in Figure 1, a glass filter that makes the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas phase flow path irregular and has gas-liquid separation properties is provided as a separation mechanism 109 constituting a gas-containing solution production system 100. In Figure 3, a fractionation tube 130 used in distillation operations is provided as a separation mechanism 130 constituting a gas-containing solution production system. The separation mechanism may be any mechanism capable of separating droplets containing dissolved gas from a gas phase. A cooling tube used for reflux or a fractionation tube provided with a filler that makes the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas phase flow path irregular and causes aggregation, as in the separation mechanism 140 of Figure 4, are also preferred embodiments.

[0030] [Variation 2] An example of an atomization unit constituting the gas-containing solution generation system 100 will be described using Figures 1, 5, and 6. The atomization unit is not particularly limited, but a device used for piezoelectric atomization is a preferred embodiment. Piezoelectric atomization devices are broadly divided into two types. One is a throw-in type atomization unit 102 that is installed in liquid and converts the liquid near the gas-liquid interface into fine droplets, as in the atomization unit 102 constituting the gas-containing solution generation system 100 of Figure 1. The other is a mesh type atomization unit 151 that has piezoelectric elements arranged around a mesh plate and supplies fine droplets of liquid through mesh holes via a liquid supply medium 152, as in the atomization unit 151 constituting the gas-containing solution generation system of Figure 5. Either of these is a preferred embodiment of the atomization unit constituting the present invention. Another preferred embodiment is an atomization unit that sprays high-pressure liquid or liquid and gas from a micro-hole nozzle 161 using a pump 162, as in the atomization unit of the gas-containing solution generation system of Figure 6.

[0031] [Other Modifications] It should be noted that, for the purpose of improving the gas-containing solution generation system 100 of the present invention, it is of course possible to add useful mechanisms, such as, for example, a stirring mechanism, a liquid level sensor, a liquid supply mechanism and a liquid drainage mechanism, an intake pump, an exhaust pump, a temperature control mechanism, etc.

[0032] The liquid to be atomized by the atomization unit is not particularly limited to water, organic liquid, ionic liquid, etc., but water is preferred. The means for supplying the liquid to be atomized by ultrasonic irradiation is not particularly limited. For example, when water is used as the liquid to be atomized, water may be supplied to a tank in a batch system, water may be supplied through a pipe from a water pipe, or moisture in the air may be supplied as condensed water using a Peltier element or the like. Shaking and stirring the liquid to be atomized by ultrasonic irradiation in a desired gas atmosphere produces water with the desired gas dissolved therein according to Henry's law. In an oxygen atmosphere, water containing 45 ppm of oxygen is produced. On the other hand, in the atmosphere, water with approximately 8.4 ppm of dissolved oxygen can be produced at room temperature.

[0033] Examples of water include purified water with high purity (ultrapure water), tap water, and hard water. These waters may also contain solutes that dissolve in them (e.g., electrolytes formed by dissociation of sodium chloride, silver nitrate, etc., free chlorine, amino acids, sugars, buffers, dyes, etc.), and may also contain dispersants (e.g., pigments, dispersants, cells, bubbles, emulsions, titanium oxide, emulsifiers, etc.).

[0034] A mixture of water and an organic liquid can also be used. The water-soluble organic solvent to be used is not particularly limited, but specific examples include the following: C1 to C4 alkyl alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol; amides such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, N,N-dimethylformamide, and N,N-dimethylacetamide; ketones or ketoalcohols such as acetone and diacetone alcohol; cyclic ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol.

[0035] 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and glycols such as 1,5-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and thiodiglycol.

[0036] Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and triethylene glycol monobutyl ether.

[0037] Polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. Triols such as glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and trimethylolpropane. The water-soluble organic solvents listed above may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] Furthermore, as the liquid for the gas dissolving solution, it is also possible to use a liquid derived from a living body, specifically blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or the like.

[0039] Although there are no particular limitations on the ultrasonic irradiation unit for atomization, piezoelectric materials are preferred. Piezoelectric materials are widely used in applications such as actuators, ultrasonic vibrators for emitting ultrasonic waves, micropower sources, and high-voltage generators. Many of the piezoelectric materials used in these devices are known as PZT, an oxide containing lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti). Therefore, due to environmental concerns, the development of lead-free piezoelectric materials is underway. Here, it is preferable for the lead content of the piezoelectric material to be less than 1000 ppm, and materials that satisfy this content are defined as lead-free piezoelectric materials. Examples of lead-free piezoelectric materials include Ba-based perovskite oxides represented by the general formula BaM'O3. Here, M' represents a mixed crystal of one element or two or more elements in a certain composition ratio, but the general formula BaM'O3 must be charge-neutral. Examples of piezoelectric materials represented by BaM'O3 include BaTiO3, which has a tetragonal crystal structure near room temperature.

[0040] Commercially available units can be used as the ultrasonic irradiation unit. Examples include, but are not limited to, the IM1-24 immersion ultrasonic atomization unit manufactured by Seiko Giken Co., Ltd. and the Muji cordless aroma diffuser MJ-CAD1 44486320, which is marketed as a humidifier. Nebulizers are also suitable examples of commercially available ultrasonic atomization generators. A suitable embodiment involves separating the liquid that serves as the raw material for the fine bubble-containing liquid from a liquid phase equipped with a piezoelectric atomization unit that irradiates ultrasonic waves, and then performing indirect piezoelectric atomization. The liquid phase equipped with the piezoelectric atomization unit that irradiates ultrasonic waves is not particularly limited, but a Kaijo Quaba Mini or the like is preferred. The oscillator frequency is also not particularly limited, but 1.6 MHz is preferred.

[0041] In the case of a spray-type atomizer, there are no particular limitations, but a preferred embodiment is one that comprises a unit in which a liquid is pressurized and sent by a liquid pump and a hose is provided at the end with fine holes.

[0042] In this study, an electric sprayer (product name: Ozone Nano Mist Sprayer) manufactured by HOLDWELL was used to produce microdroplets in a spray-only mode that does not generate ozone. During production, the 420 ml water storage tank was removed, and the untreated liquid 101 was supplied from a water supply pipe 162 containing a liquid pump, which was installed inside the first container 103, to produce microdroplets.

[0043] Furthermore, as an example of improving acid resistance, alkali resistance, solvent resistance, and corrosion resistance (ozone water, etc.), it is also preferable to coat the liquid-contacting parts of the piezoelectric element with a fluorine-based resin, a titanium-based material, or a glass material such as quartz.

[0044] The humidity of the gas-containing solution generation system 100 will be described below. The humidity described in this specification is relative humidity, and an atmosphere in which the target gas component for relative humidity is completely absent in the recovery mechanism is defined as 0%, and an atmosphere in which the gas component condenses in the recovery mechanism is defined as 100%. If the target liquid is water, it can be observed with a general-purpose hygrometer. However, if the target liquid is something other than water, it is necessary to confirm that the component of the liquid is not present in the recovery container at the start of production. For this confirmation, a method such as using a gas detection tube for the target liquid component is useful. After confirmation, production of the gas-containing solution is started, and the state in which condensation occurs in the gas-containing solution generation system 100 is defined as a state in which the target liquid has a relative humidity of 100%. Therefore, from this state onwards, the state of 100% relative humidity will continue while atomization is occurring. In this specification, the "average relative humidity" refers to the average relative humidity in the space of the gas-containing solution generation system 100 from the start of production of the gas-containing solution to the end of production.

[0045] The relative humidity was measured using a temperature and humidity data logger (model number KT-255F) manufactured by Fujita Electric Works.

[0046] EXAMPLES Hereinafter, fine bubble-containing liquids were produced using the gas-containing solution production system 100 under various production conditions, and the results of verifying the produced fine bubble-containing liquids will be described.

[0047] A measuring instrument manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation (model SALD-7500 nano) was used to measure the particle size distribution of the fine bubbles in the produced fine bubble-containing liquid. The raw material liquid before fine bubbles were generated was used for comparison. The average particle size (converted into number), concentration (cumulative number of bubbles with a particle size of 20 μm or less per ml), and particle size distribution (ratio (dw / dn) of number-converted average molecular weight (dn) to volume-converted average particle size (dw)), minimum value 1) of the fine bubbles contained in the fine bubble-containing liquid were measured.

[0048] A Pack Test manufactured by Kyoritsu Chemical Research Institute was used to quantify the components in the liquid to be analyzed. A DO meter (HQ30D) manufactured by Hack was used to measure the amount of dissolved oxygen. A LAQUA pH meter manufactured by HORIBA was used to measure pH. In the experiment under atmospheric pressure, the gas atmosphere was set to 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, and the concentrations of the dissolved gas components were calculated based on the measurement results of the oxygen concentration.

[0049] The evaluation items and evaluation criteria are as follows:

[0050] Productivity: The rate of the amount of liquid recovered per unit time relative to the amount of liquid recovered by the method of Example 1 was evaluated according to the following criteria: A: 90% or more B: 80% or more but less than 90% C: 50% or more but less than 80% D: Less than 50%

[0051] Ozone-containing gas solubility: The dissolved ozone concentration was determined based on a color reaction caused by oxidative coupling with Trinder's reagent. When the upper limit of the concentration was reached, the ozone concentration was diluted with ultrapure water and converted into a concentration. The determination was based on the following criteria: A: 25 ppm or more B: 10 ppm or more but less than 25 ppm C: 5 ppm or more but less than 10 ppm D: Less than 5 ppm

[0052] Dissolved ozone concentration storage stability: The percentage change from the initial value after 2 days at room temperature was evaluated according to the following criteria: A: 90% or more B: 70% or more but less than 90% C: 50% or more but less than 70% D: Less than 50%

[0053] Gas solubility: For gases that do not contain ozone, oxygen gas and nitrogen gas were used, and the mixing ratio was adjusted to verify the gas dissolution efficiency. Quantitative analysis was performed using an oxygen gas concentration meter (JIKCO Oxygen Monitor JKO-25 Ver.3) and a dissolved oxygen concentration meter (Hack Fluorescent Dissolved Oxygen Meter), and the concentration was adjusted with degassed water as needed to calculate the solubility. Evaluation was based on the following criteria: A: 90% or more B: 70% or more but less than 90% C: 50% or more but less than 70% D: Less than 50%

[0054] (Example 1) A piezoelectric atomization element (1.6 MHz) manufactured by Seiko Giken was used as the piezoelectric element serving as the atomization FB generator 101 for generating ultrasonic waves as the atomization unit. The piezoelectric element was placed in a 500 ml beaker, and 300 ml of ultrapure water was poured into it. The height at which the piezoelectric element was installed was adjusted so that the distance between the gas-liquid interface and the piezoelectric element surface was 3.5 cm. An ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced using the production system shown in Figure 2.

[0055] A chemical pump (LIQUIPORT (registered trademark) NF 1.100 RC manufactured by KNF Corporation) was used as the air blowing mechanism.

[0056] The ozone gas concentration in the gas-containing solution generation system 100 was adjusted to 150 ppm by intermittently lighting an Xe excimer lamp.

[0057] The separation mechanism used a glass filter with a filter hole diameter of 20 to 30 μm.

[0058] The average value of the relative humidity in the collection container during production (referred to as the average relative humidity) was 99%. In the following examples, unless otherwise specified, the average relative humidity is 80% or more.

[0059] 6, an electric sprayer (product name: Ozone Nano Mist Sprayer) manufactured by HOLDWELL was used as the atomization unit, and fine droplets were produced in a spray-only mode that does not generate ozone. An ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the 420 ml water storage tank was removed during production, and the untreated liquid 101 was supplied from a water supply pipe 162 equipped with a liquid pump inside the first container 103 to produce fine droplets.

[0060] (Example 3) Referring to FIG. 1, a gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an oxygen cylinder was used as a supply mechanism for supplying gas, the oxygen concentration of the gas atmosphere in the system was adjusted to 50%, and ethanol was used as the liquid 101.

[0061] Example 4 A gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the gas atmosphere in the gas-containing solution production system was pure oxygen and the liquid 101 was water.

[0062] Example 5 A gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the gas atmosphere in the gas-containing solution production system was pure nitrogen and the liquid 101 was water.

[0063] (Example 6) An ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the height at which the piezoelectric element was installed was adjusted so that the distance between the gas-liquid interface and the surface of the piezoelectric element, which is the atomization unit, was 15 cm.

[0064] (Example 7) An ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the height at which the piezoelectric element was installed was adjusted so that the distance between the gas-liquid interface and the surface of the piezoelectric element, which is the atomization unit, was 16 cm.

[0065] 7, an ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an ultraviolet lamp 171 having a peak wavelength near 254 nm was provided. Conventionally, the ozone gas concentration measured in the system 30 minutes after production was about 120 ppm, but after turning on the ultraviolet lamp 171 for 30 minutes, the ozone gas concentration was 0.1 ppm, and the ozone was discharged.

[0066] Example 9 An ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that atomization was performed intermittently so that the relative humidity in the gas-containing solution production system was 85%.

[0067] (Example 10) With reference to Figure 5, an ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a float-type mesh atomizer (Rechargeable Cordless Floating Humidifier PR-HF043 manufactured by Life on Products) was used as the atomization generating unit. Although the productivity was lower than in Example 1, the result was that the specifications as an atomization unit were followed.

[0068] Comparative Example 1 An ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the atomization unit was not energized.

[0069] Comparative Example 2 A desired gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the atomization unit was not energized.

[0070] Comparative Example 3 An ozone-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the blower mechanism was not energized.

[0071] Comparative Example 4 A desired gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the air blowing mechanism was not energized.

[0072] Comparative Example 5 An ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no separation mechanism was provided in the gas-containing solution production system.

[0073] Comparative Example 6 In Example 1, the first and second flow paths were blocked, and the ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced only in the first container.

[0074] (Comparative Example 7) In Example 2, the nozzle part of the electric sprayer was disassembled, the micro-hole nozzle was removed, and the water was sprayed into the first container as a water stream instead of droplets, but an ozone gas-containing gas-containing solution was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0075] Below, a table summarizing the above examples and comparative examples is provided.

[0076]

[0077]

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0079] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-145292, filed on September 7, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A method for generating a gas-containing solution comprising: an atomization step of atomizing a liquid stored in a first container; a generation step of bringing a gas into contact with the atomized liquid to generate droplets having the gas dissolved therein; a transfer step of transferring the droplets having the gas dissolved therein to a second container via a first flow path, separating the droplets having the gas dissolved therein, and transferring the remaining gas into the first container via the second flow path; and a recovery step of recovering the separated droplets having the gas dissolved therein.

2. A method for producing a gas-containing solution as described in claim 1, characterized in that the atomization process atomizes the liquid using ultrasound generated by vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator placed in the first container.

3. The method for producing a gas-containing solution according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid contains at least water.

4. The method for producing a gas-containing solution according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas is a gas containing at least ozone.

5. A method for producing a gas-containing solution described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the liquid in which the gas is dissolved and recovered by the recovery process contains fine bubbles of 20 μm or less in the liquid.

6. A method for producing a gas-containing solution as described in claim 5, characterized in that the proportion of ultra-fine bubbles in the fine bubbles of 20 μm or less is 99% or more.

7. The method for generating a gas-containing solution according to claim 6, characterized in that the ratio (dw / dn) of the volume average particle diameter (dw) to the number average particle diameter (dn) of the ultra-fine bubbles of 20 μm or less is 5 or less.

8. The method for producing a gas-containing solution according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the liquid to the liquid surface in the atomization step is 15 cm or less from the ultrasonic vibrator.

9. The method for producing a gas-containing solution according to claim 1, characterized in that the production step produces droplets in which the gas is dissolved in an environment having an average relative humidity of 90% or more.

10. A method for producing a gas-containing solution according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising irradiating the solution with ultraviolet light in a subsequent step.

11. A system for generating a gas-containing solution comprising: a first container isolated from outside air and equipped with an atomization unit that atomizes liquid stored therein; a second container isolated from outside air; a first flow path and a second flow path communicating between the first container and the second container; a supply mechanism that supplies a gas to the atomized liquid; a blowing mechanism that moves gas in the second flow path to the first container via the second flow path; and a separation mechanism that separates the gas and the atomized liquid, wherein the gas supplied by the gas supply mechanism is brought into contact with the atomized liquid to generate droplets in which the gas is dissolved, the droplets in which the gas is dissolved are separated by the separation mechanism, the remaining gas is moved by the blowing mechanism into the first container via the second flow path, and the separated droplets in which the gas is dissolved are recovered via the second container.

12. The system for generating a gas-containing solution according to claim 11, wherein the atomization unit includes an ultrasonic vibrator.

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