Pulsed electric field treatment device

Abstract

A pulsed electric field treatment device (1) is characterized by comprising a first insulating member (2), and a first electrode (6) and a second electrode (8) connected to both ends of the first insulating member, wherein a pulse voltage is applied between the first electrode (6) and the second electrode (8), and between the first insulating member and the first electrode, and between the first insulating member and the second electrode, a first gasket (10) and a second gasket (12) are connected by a clamp-type first fastening member (11) and second fastening member (13).

Description

Pulsed electric field treatment device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pulsed electric field treatment device.

[0002] As an electroporation method for damaging bacterial spores by an electrical action on a liquid such as a beverage to obtain a sterilization effect, a treatment method using a high-voltage pulse is known. In the above treatment, there are various types of electrode structures for generating an electric field, including a counter type and a coaxial type that generate an electric field in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid, and a butt type that generates an electric field in a direction parallel to the flow direction of the liquid.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5750548

[0004] The pulsed electric field treatment device shown in Patent Document 1 belongs to the type called the butt type among the above types because electrodes to which different voltages are applied are arranged in contact along the flow path. As shown in this document, the electrodes are hollow cylindrical and have a tubular space inside, and the liquid to be pulsed electric field treated flows through this space. Based on this figure, it includes a cylindrical electrode that is the positive electrode and ground electrodes arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of this electrode, respectively, and all the electrodes are electrically separated by an insulating material. Based on such an electrode arrangement, an electric field is formed in the direction of the flow of the liquid within this space.

[0005] Since the object to which the pulsed electric field treatment device applies an electric field is a food product such as a beverage, it is necessary to frequently perform disassembling and cleaning in order to prevent contamination by microorganisms. However, according to this prior art, the structure for realizing the above-described butt-type electrode arrangement becomes complicated, so there is a problem that it takes time to disassemble it.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pulsed electric field treatment device that is easy to attach and detach and thus easy to clean.

[0007] The pulsed electric field processing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a first insulating member having a first flange and a second flange at its ends, with a first flow path formed inside through which the liquid to be processed flows and having a circular cross-section; a first electrode connected to the first flange using a first gasket with a first opening formed inside and a first clamp-type fastening member, with a second flow path formed inside that is connected to the first flow path and having a circular cross-section; and a second electrode connected to the second flange using a second gasket with a second opening formed inside and a second clamp-type fastening member, with a third flow path formed inside that is connected to the first flow path and having a circular cross-section, wherein a pulsed voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0008] According to the pulse electric field processing device of this disclosure, the connection between the first insulating member and the first electrode is made using a first gasket and a first fastening member of the clamp type, and the connection between the first insulating member and the second electrode is made using a first gasket and a first fastening member of the clamp type. As a result, the number of fastening parts is reduced, making attachment and detachment easy, and thus making cleaning easy.

[0009] This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 1. This is a top view and a cross-sectional view of the first gasket and the second gasket according to Embodiment 1. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 2. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 3. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 3. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 4. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 4. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 5. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 6. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 7. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 8. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 8. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 9. This is an overall configuration diagram of the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 9.

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts and components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiments of the pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to this disclosure will be described using liquid sterilization as an example, the pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to this disclosure is not limited to liquid sterilization. The pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to this disclosure can be used for a wide range of liquid processing applications, such as extraction of cytoplasm from cells, transfer of substances across cell membranes, atomization of solids in liquids, and activation of cells through cell stimulation.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1 according to Embodiment 1. In this figure, the first insulating member 2 has a first flange 3 and a second flange 4 at its ends, and a first flow path 5 for the liquid to be processed is formed inside. As an insulating material that takes moldability into consideration, ceramics, quartz glass, machinable ceramics, etc. are generally used for the first insulating member 2. In the pulse electric field processing device 1, bubbles may be generated when the liquid to be processed is electrolyzed. If a partial discharge occurs in these bubbles, there is a concern that the bubbles may burn due to this discharge. Therefore, it is preferable to use a non-combustible inorganic material as the material for the first insulating member 2.

[0012] When ceramic is used as the material for the first insulating member 2, the material may be poured into a mold and then fired to finish it, or it may be ground down only the parts requiring processing precision afterward. On the other hand, when machinable ceramic is used, it is generally finished by machining it from the material. In this way, instead of constructing the first insulating member 2 by combining various parts, it is constructed by integral molding or by machining it from a single piece of material, so that no seams are formed, the flow of liquid in contact with the first insulating member 2 does not become stagnant, and the strength can be increased.

[0013] The first electrode 6 has a first flange 3 at one end and is connected to one end of the first insulating member 2 using the first flange 3 and the first flange 3 of the first insulating member 2, and a second flow path 7 leading to the first flow path 5 is formed inside it. Furthermore, the second electrode 8 has a second flange 4 at one end and is connected to the other end of the first insulating member 2 using the second flange 4 of the first insulating member 2, and a third flow path 9 leading to the first flow path 5 is formed inside it. In this embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path is always circular.

[0014] Titanium may be used as the material for the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8. When welding titanium, it reacts with nitrogen or oxygen in the air, causing hardening or embrittlement and making it prone to cracking, so welding is generally difficult to use on titanium. For this reason, it is preferable to machine the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 together as a single piece, including the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. The first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, formed as a single piece in this way, can be made to have high strength and prevent stagnation in the flow of liquid that comes into contact with the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, similar to the first insulating member 2.

[0015] Here, a pulse voltage supplied by an external pulse power supply is applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, thereby creating an electric field in the first channel 5, the second channel 7, and the third channel 9, and the liquid flowing through them is sterilized.

[0016] Between the first flanges 3 of the first insulating member 2 and the first electrode 6, a first gasket 10 is provided to seal the passages to prevent liquid leakage, and a first fastening member 11 is provided to fasten the two first flanges 3 and the first gasket 10 together. Between the second flanges 4 of the first insulating member 2 and the second electrode 8, a second gasket 12 is provided to seal the passages to prevent liquid leakage, and a second fastening member 13 is provided to fasten the two second flanges 4 and the second gasket 12 together.

[0017] The first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 have a first opening 14 and a second opening 15 formed inside, as shown in the top view (left) and cross-sectional view (right) of Figure 2. The material used to make up the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 is an insulating material, which is also a dielectric material. This material is generally different from the one used for the first insulating member 2, and an elastic insulating material such as silicon is used to provide sealing performance against liquids. Looking at the cross-sectional view of the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12, annular projections are formed on the mating surfaces with the first flange 3 and the second flange 4, and annular grooves are formed on the third flange and the fourth flange corresponding to these projections, so that the projections fit into the grooves and seal to prevent leakage of the liquid inside.

[0018] Furthermore, in the cross-sectional view (right side) of Figure 2, a flat area is provided on the outer or inner circumference of this annular projection, which fits tightly with the opposing planar portions (matting surfaces) of the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. This prevents the accumulation of liquid to be processed in this area, which is also preferable from a hygienic standpoint. Here, if the inner diameter D of the first opening 14 and the second opening 15 are the same as the opening diameters of the first flow path 5, the second flow path 7, and the third flow path 9, compared to when they are not the same, steps will be created in each part. This is preferable from a hygienic standpoint as it prevents stagnation of the liquid flow and prevents liquid from accumulating in the corners of the steps.

[0019] The first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 may be of the clamp type or may use bolts and nuts. However, in the case of the clamp type, multiple members connected in an annular shape and screws (such as wing nuts) that tighten them at the ends are integrated, so compared to fastening structures using bolts and nuts, there are advantages in that the number of parts is reduced and the fastening and disassembly of the flanges can be easily performed. Furthermore, when using such a clamp type fastening structure, it is necessary to provide a tapered surface on the back side of the first flange 3 and the second flange 4 opposite to the mating surface with the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12. By providing this tapered surface, when the clamp is tightened, the fastening force is transmitted evenly to the entire flange, and the airtightness between the first flange 3 and the second flange 4 and the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 can be improved. Such a flange structure that improves airtightness is particularly useful when high pressure is applied to the liquid inside.

[0020] Furthermore, the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 are interchangeable, with different first and second openings 14 and 15. An example of a gasket having an annular shape according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 2 as a top view. In this case, the parameter representing the opening can be the inner diameter (D) of the gasket. By applying a pulse voltage between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, an electric field is formed in the first flow path 5, the second flow path 7, and the third flow path 9. The dielectric first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 are present in the electric field formed here, and thus affect the electric field distribution.

[0021] According to the pulse electric field processing device 1 of Embodiment 1, the device comprises a first gasket 10 and a second gasket 12, which are arranged between a first flange 3 and a second flange 4 and have openings formed inside by a dielectric material, and a first fastening member 11 and a second fastening member 13 that fasten the flanges and gaskets. The first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 are interchangeable with those having different first openings 14 and second openings 15. By loosening the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 and replacing the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 with those having different openings, it becomes possible to adjust the arrangement and volume of the dielectric material present in the electric field formed between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8. This allows for adjustment of the electric field distribution. Furthermore, the current value can be limited by reducing the size of the first openings 14 and second openings 15 of the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12, and conversely, by increasing the size of these openings, current can be allowed to flow. As described above, the electric field distribution and current value can be easily adjusted simply by replacing the first opening 14 and the second opening 15 of the first gasket 10 and the second gasket 12 with those having different opening shapes.

[0022] Embodiment 2. Figure 3 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1a according to Embodiment 2. Note that the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 are not described in this figure and subsequent figures, but are assumed to be provided in the same manner as in Figure 1. The pulse electric field processing device 1a according to this embodiment includes, in addition to the pulse electric field processing device 1 according to Embodiment 1, a second insulating member 17 with one end connected to the other end of the second electrode 8 and having a fourth flow path 16 formed inside that leads to the third flow path 9, and a third electrode 19 with one end connected to the other end of the second insulating member 17 and having a fifth flow path 18 formed inside that leads to the fourth flow path 16. The connection between each insulating member and the electrode can be made using gaskets and fastening members similar to those shown in Embodiment 1.

[0023] In this embodiment, because the second insulating member 17 and the third electrode 19 are connected, an electric field is formed not only between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, but also between the second electrode 8 and the third electrode 19. Therefore, the liquid to be processed passes through the electric field formation points twice, thus enhancing the sterilization effect compared to the pulse electric field processing device according to Embodiment 1. Furthermore, by making the pulse voltage applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 different from the pulse voltage applied between the second electrode 8 and the third electrode 19, the electric field formation conditions can be made variable. On the other hand, it is also possible to make the first electrode 6 and the third electrode 19 at the same potential by connecting them with an electric wire or the like. In this case, it is possible to form electric fields at two locations while keeping the pulse power supply to which the pulse voltage should be applied to a single unit, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0024] Embodiment 3. Figure 4 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1b according to Embodiment 3. This pulse electric field processing device 1b is characterized in that, in the pulse electric field processing device 1 according to Embodiment 1, it is equipped with a third insulating member 20 and a fourth insulating member 21 connected to the upstream and downstream sides, respectively, of a series of flow paths consisting of a first flow path 5, a second flow path 7, and a third flow path 9. Figure 5 shows the overall configuration of another pulse electric field processing device 1c according to this embodiment. This pulse electric field processing device 1c is characterized in that, in the pulse electric field processing device 1a according to Embodiment 2, it is equipped with a third insulating member 20 and a fourth insulating member 21 connected to the upstream and downstream sides, respectively, of a series of flow paths consisting of a first flow path 5, a second flow path 7, a third flow path 9, a fourth flow path 16, and a fifth flow path 18.

[0025] The metal materials constituting the liquid flow paths other than the electrodes and the metal materials constituting the first electrode 6, the second electrode 8, and the third electrode 19 may be dissimilar in nature, depending on the required electrical properties. If we consider the case where the third insulating member 20 and the fourth insulating member 21 are not provided, the first electrode 6, the second electrode 8, and the third electrode 19 may come into direct contact with the dissimilar metals constituting the piping material. When dissimilar metal materials come into contact via water contained in the liquid, galvanic corrosion occurs, where the less noble metal with a higher ionization tendency dissolves into the water.

[0026] Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, the metal material constituting the flow channels other than the electrodes and the metal material constituting the various electrodes are insulated from each other by the third insulating member 20 and the fourth insulating member 21. This prevents contact between dissimilar metals even when the metal material constituting the flow channels other than the electrodes and the metal material constituting the various electrodes are of different types, thus preventing corrosion from galvanic contact. Furthermore, even if there is a potential difference between the first electrode 6, the second electrode 8, and the third electrode 19 and the metal material constituting the flow channels other than the electrodes, the third insulating member 20 and the fourth insulating member 21 can be interposed to suppress leakage current between each electrode and the metal material constituting the flow channels other than the electrodes.

[0027] Embodiment 4. Figure 6 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1d according to Embodiment 4, characterized in that the first electrode 6a has a second flow path 7a formed inside it, which has a portion that is smaller than the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10. Figure 7 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1e according to Embodiment 4, characterized in that the second electrode 8a has a third flow path 9a formed inside it, which has a portion that is smaller than the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12.

[0028] According to the pulsed electric field treatment device 1d of this embodiment, the second flow path 7a has a portion that is smaller than the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10, and this portion protrudes inward into the second flow path 7a. Compared to the second flow path 7 which does not have a protruding portion, the concentration of electric field lines on this protruding portion can be increased. As a result, the electric field at the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10 can be relatively weakened, thereby suppressing the insulation degradation of the first gasket 10, and further preventing impurities generated by the brittleness of the first gasket 10 due to insulation degradation from mixing into the liquid to be treated.

[0029] Furthermore, in the pulsed electric field processing device 1e according to this embodiment, the third flow path 9a has a portion that is smaller than the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12, and this portion protrudes inward from the third flow path 9a. Compared to the third flow path 9 which does not have a protruding portion, the concentration of electric field lines on this protruding portion can be increased. As a result, the electric field at the portion of the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12 can be relatively weakened, thereby suppressing the insulation degradation of the second gasket 12, and further preventing impurities generated by the brittleness of the second gasket 12 due to insulation degradation from mixing into the liquid to be processed.

[0030] Embodiment 5. Figure 8 shows the overall configuration of the pulsed electric field processing device 1f according to Embodiment 5. In this pulsed electric field processing device 1f, the first electrode 6 is equipped with a rod-shaped fourth electrode 22 arranged along the second flow path 7, and the second electrode 8b has a third flow path 9b formed inside, which has an opening smaller than the opening of the second flow path 7. Furthermore, the fourth electrode 22 is supported from the first electrode 6 by a support member (not shown), and therefore the first electrode 6 and the fourth electrode 22 are electrically connected.

[0031] In the electrode structures shown in prior art documents, both the high-voltage side electrode and the ground side electrode have a cylindrical structure. As a result, the density of electric field lines formed between them is low in the central region, and therefore the electric field strength is non-uniform, being strong at the periphery of the flow path and weak in the central region. In contrast, according to the pulse electric field processing device 1f of this embodiment, electric field lines are formed toward the fourth electrode 22 located in the second flow path 7, and the electric field lines concentrate near the fourth electrode 22, thereby increasing the electric field strength in this area. This improves the non-uniformity of the electric field distribution that was present in the prior art documents.

[0032] Furthermore, since the second electrode 8b has a third channel 9b formed inside it, which has an opening smaller than the opening of the second channel 7, the distance between the fourth electrode 22 and the second electrode 8b is shortened, which can further increase the electric field strength and enhance the sterilization effect. Although the opening shape of the first channel 5a of the first insulating member 2a does not affect the formation of the electric field, it may be tapered, as shown in Figure 8, with the opening gradually increasing from the first electrode 6 to the second electrode 8b, so that the liquid to be treated flows smoothly.

[0033] Embodiment 6. Figure 9 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1g according to Embodiment 6. In this pulse electric field processing device 1g, the first electrode 6 is arranged along the second flow path 7 and includes a rod-shaped fourth electrode 22a that extends to the first flow path 5. The fourth electrode 22a is supported from the first electrode 6 by a support member (not shown), and therefore the first electrode 6 and the fourth electrode 22a are electrically connected.

[0034] According to the pulse electric field processing device 1g of this embodiment 6, the fourth electrode 22a extends to the first flow path 5, and the electric field is mainly formed between the tip of the fourth electrode 22a and the second electrode 8. Therefore, almost no electric field is formed near the first gasket 10. This has the effect of preventing insulation deterioration of the first gasket 10.

[0035] Embodiment 7. Figure 10 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1h according to Embodiment 7. In this pulse electric field processing device 1h, the first electrode 6 has a support member 23 that supports the fourth electrode 22 in the second flow path 7, and the support member 23 is characterized in that it has a structure that can accommodate multiple types of fourth electrodes 22. With this pulse electric field processing device 1h, since the fourth electrode 22 can be fitted with various shapes, including long and short ones, it is possible to make the electric field distribution formed between the fourth electrode 22 and the second electrode 8 variable.

[0036] Furthermore, by giving the support member 23 a rounded shape at the portion facing the liquid flow in the second channel 7, it is effective in reducing stagnation that occurs when the liquid collides with the support member 23, thereby ensuring a smooth flow.

[0037] Furthermore, the shape of the first opening 14 of the first gasket 10 may be the same as the shape of the opening of the first flange 3, and the shape of the second opening 15 of the second gasket 12 may be the same as the shape of the opening of the second flange. This is also effective in reducing liquid stagnation at the flange connection and ensuring smooth flow.

[0038] Embodiment 8. Figure 11 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1i according to Embodiment 8. This pulse electric field processing device 1i is characterized in that at least one of the first fastening member 11a and the second fastening member 13a is made of an insulating material. In previous embodiments, the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 have been made of commonly used metal materials. In this case, the first fastening member 11 is at the same potential as the first electrode 6, and the second fastening member 13 is at the same potential as the second electrode 8. When a high voltage is applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8, the closest proximity in terms of both potentials becomes the distance between the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13, and the conditions for the start of creepage discharge are determined at this distance.

[0039] Therefore, by making the first fastening member 11 and the second fastening member 13 from an insulating material, the creepage distance can be increased to the distance between the first flange 3 of the first electrode 6 and the second flange 4 of the second electrode 8. As a result, the voltage that can be applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 can be increased, thereby increasing the processing capacity of the pulse electric field processing device 1i.

[0040] Figure 12 shows the overall configuration of another pulse electric field processing device 1j according to Embodiment 8. In this pulse electric field processing device 1j, the first insulating member 2b is characterized by having an uneven outer shape between the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. With this configuration, the creepage distance between the first flange 3 of the first electrode 6 and the second flange 4 of the second electrode 8 can be increased. As a result, the voltage that can be applied between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 can be increased, thereby increasing the processing capacity of the pulse electric field processing device 1j. Furthermore, if the first fastening member 11a and the second fastening member 13a, which are made of insulating material as shown in Figure 11, are combined as shown in Figure 12, the creepage distance can be increased even further, which is effective.

[0041] Embodiment 9. Figure 13 shows the overall configuration of the pulse electric field processing device 1k according to Embodiment 9. This pulse electric field processing device 1k is based on the configuration shown in Figure 3 of Embodiment 2, and is characterized in that the second electrode 8 is arranged along the third flow path 9 and includes a rod-shaped fifth electrode 24 that extends to the first flow path 5 and the fourth flow path 16, and the second electrode 8 and the fifth electrode 24 are electrically connected.

[0042] According to the pulse electric field processing device 1k of this embodiment 9, the fifth electrode 24 extends to the first flow path 5 and the fourth flow path 16, and the electric field is mainly formed between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the first electrode 6 and between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the third electrode 19, so that almost no electric field is formed near the second gasket 12. This has the effect of preventing insulation deterioration of the second gasket 12.

[0043] Furthermore, since an electric field is formed between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the first electrode 6 and between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the third electrode 19, the liquid to be processed will flow through the electric field formation location twice. Therefore, compared with the pulsed electric field processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the sterilization treatment effect can be enhanced. Also, by making the pulsed voltage applied between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the first electrode 6 different from the pulsed voltage applied between the tip of the fifth electrode 24 and the third electrode 19, variability can be imparted to the electric field formation situation. On the other hand, it is also possible to make the first electrode 6 and the third electrode 19 have the same potential by connecting them with an electric wire or the like. In this case, while maintaining one pulsed power source to which a pulsed voltage should be applied, it becomes possible to form an electric field at two locations and enhance the sterilization treatment effect.

[0044] FIG. 14 shows the overall configuration of another pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1m according to Embodiment 9. In this pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1m, based on the configuration shown in FIG. 3 of Embodiment 2, the first electrode 6 is arranged along the second flow path 7 and includes a rod-shaped sixth electrode 25 extending to the first flow path 5, and the third electrode 19 is arranged along the fifth flow path 18 and includes a rod-shaped seventh electrode 26 extending to the fourth flow path 16. Further, the first electrode 6 and the sixth electrode 25 and the third electrode 19 and the seventh electrode 26 are electrically connected. Even such a pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1m having such a configuration exhibits the same effects as the pulsed electric field processing apparatus 1k shown in FIG. 13.

[0045] Although various exemplary embodiments and examples are described in the present disclosure, the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more of the embodiments are not limited to the application of a specific embodiment, but are applicable to the embodiments alone or in various combinations thereof. Therefore, countless variations not illustrated are envisioned within the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification. For example, it includes cases where at least one component is modified, added, or omitted, and further cases where at least one component is extracted and combined with components of other embodiments.

[0046] 3: First flange, 4: Second flange, 5: First flow path, 2, 2b: First insulating member, 14: First opening, 10: First gasket, 11, 11a: First fastening member, 7: Second flow path, 6: First electrode, 15: Second opening, 12: Second gasket, 13, 13a: Second fastening member, 9: Third flow path, 8: Second electrode, 1, 1g, 1i, 1j, 1b, 1a, 1k, 1m: Pulse field treatment device, 22a: Fourth electrode, 20: Third insulating member, 21: Fourth insulating member, 16: Fourth flow path, 17: Second insulating member, 18: Fifth flow path, 19: Third electrode, 24: Fifth electrode, 25: Sixth electrode, 26: Seventh electrode

Claims

1. A pulsed electric field processing device comprising: a first insulating member having a first flange and a second flange at its ends, with a first flow path formed inside through which the liquid to be processed flows and having a circular cross-section; a first electrode connected to the first flange using a first gasket with a first opening formed inside and a clamp-type first fastening member, with a second flow path formed inside that is connected to the first flow path and having a circular cross-section; and a second electrode connected to the second flange using a second gasket with a second opening formed inside and a clamp-type second fastening member, with a third flow path formed inside that is connected to the first flow path and having a circular cross-section, wherein a pulsed voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first gasket and the second gasket have annular projections on the mating surfaces with the first flange and the second flange, and the first flange and the second flange have annular grooves formed at locations corresponding to the projections into which the projections fit.

3. The pulse electric field processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner diameters of the first gasket and the second gasket are the same as the opening diameters of the first flow path, the second flow path and the third flow path.

4. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first electrode is arranged along the second flow path and comprises a rod-shaped fourth electrode extending to the first flow path, and the first electrode and the fourth electrode are electrically connected.

5. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the first fastening member and the second fastening member is made of an insulating material.

6. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first insulating member has an uneven outer shape between the first flange and the second flange.

7. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first insulating member is non-flammable and made of an inorganic material.

8. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the first insulating member, the first electrode, and the second electrode is molded as a single unit.

9. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a series of flow paths comprising the first flow path to the third flow path is further provided with a third insulating member and a fourth insulating member connected to the upstream and downstream sides, respectively.

10. A pulse field treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a second insulating member having one end connected to the other end of the second electrode and having a fourth flow path formed inside which is connected to the third flow path and has a circular cross-section; and a third electrode having one end connected to the other end of the second insulating member and having a fifth flow path formed inside which is connected to the fourth flow path and has a circular cross-section, wherein the pulse voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode.

11. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the second electrode is arranged along the second flow path and comprises a rod-shaped fifth electrode extending to the first flow path and the fourth flow path, and the second electrode and the fifth electrode are electrically connected.

12. The pulse field treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first electrode comprises a rod-shaped sixth electrode arranged along the second flow path and extending to the first flow path, the third electrode comprises a rod-shaped seventh electrode arranged along the fifth flow path and extending to the fourth flow path, and the first electrode and the sixth electrode and the third electrode and the seventh electrode are electrically connected.

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