AU2020306889A1

AU2020306889A1 - Isostatic pressing device, storage container for isostatic pressing device, and isostatic pressing treatment method

Info

Publication number: AU2020306889A1
Application number: AU2020306889A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tomoya Minamino; Kazuya Suzuki
Original assignee: Kobe Steel Ltd
Current assignee: Kobe Steel Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-26
Filing date: 2020-06-15
Publication date: 2021-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-15
Also published as: AU2020306889B2; JP2021004692A; WO2020262090A1; CN113966173A; JP6905552B2; TW202106603A; TWI770538B

Abstract

Provided are an isostatic pressing device, a storage container for the isostatic pressing device, and an isostatic pressing treatment method that make it possible to perform pressing treatment and thermal treatment on a treatment subject. A pressing device (1) has a pressure vessel (2) and a storage container (50). The storage container (50) has a first flow path (L1), a second flow path (L2), a first check valve (503), and a second check valve (504). Flow of a pressure medium between a treatment space (S1) of the pressure vessel (2) and a containment space (S2) of the storage container (50) during pressing is limited to the first flow path (L1), and as a result, by pre-charging warm water and the treatment subject (W) into the containment space (S2) of the storage container (50), the thermal treatment can be performed on the treatment subject (W) during pressing.

Description

Description Title of Invention ISOSTATIC PRESSING DEVICE, STORAGE CONTAINER FOR ISOSTATIC PRESSING DEVICE, AND ISOSTATIC PRESSING TREATMENT METHOD Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an isostatic pressing device, a storage container for the isostatic pressing device, and an isostatic pressing treatment method. Background Art

[0002] For the purpose of sterilizing microorganisms adhering to a treatment subject such as food, conventionally known is a pressurizing device (isostatic pressing device) that applies pressurization treatment (HPP: High Pressure Processing) to the treatment subject. In such a pressurizing device, a treatment subject is stored in a cylindrical pressure container, and a pressure medium is enclosed in the pressure container to perform pressurization treatment. Although such pressurization treatment is effective because taste, texture, flavor, and the like of food are less impaired as compared with heat treatment at a high temperature, it is difficult to sterilize bacteria (e.g. spore bearing bacteria) having pressure resistance.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for sterilizing spore bearing bacteria by combining the above-described pressurization treatment with heat treatment at 100°C or lower. Specifically, it is disclosed that a treatment subject is subjected to hydrostatic treatment at 100 kg/cm 2 or more under a temperature condition of 100°C or lower, and then subjected to heat treatment at 55°C to 100°C for one minute or more. Citation List Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6 -153880

[0005] Patent Literature 1 does not disclose a specific pressurizing device capable of performing the above-described pressurization treatment and heat treatment on a treatment subject. Conventionally, in order to apply pressurization treatment and heat treatment to a treatment subject, a pressure container needs to have high heat insulating properties and high pressure resistance, and such a pressure container has not been put into practical use due to problems such as an increase in device size and an increase in cost. Summary of Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an isostatic pressing device, a storage container for the isostatic pressing device, and an isostatic pressing treatment method which enable pressurization treatment and heat treatment to be performed on a treatment subject.

[0007] Provided according to the present invention is an isostatic pressing device that performs isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the isostatic pressing device including: a pressure container in which a processing space capable of accepting a pressure I medium is formed; and a storage container disposed in the processing space of the pressure container, the storage container having therein a storage space capable of storing the treatment subject. The storage container includes: a first flow path that allows the storage space and the processing space to communicate with each other; a second flow path provided independently of the first flow path and communicating the storage space and the processing space with each other; a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in thefirst flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space.

[0008] Also provided by the present invention is a storage container for an isostatic pressing device, the storage container being detachably attached to a pressure container of the isostatic pressing device that performs isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the pressure container including a cylindrical inner peripheral surface and having therein a processing space in which the treatment subject can be stored. The storage container for an isostatic pressing device includes: a storage space; a first flow path that allows the storage space and the processing space to communicate with each other; a second flow path provided independently of the first flow path and communicating the storage space and the processing space with each other; a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in the first flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space.

[0009] Provided by the present invention is an isostatic pressing treatment method for performing isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the isostatic pressing treatment method including: a preparation step of preparing a pressure container in which a processing space capable of accepting a pressure medium is formed, and a storage container in which a storage space capable of storing the treatment subject is formed, the storage container including at least one flow path that communicates the storage space with the outside of the storage container; a treatment subject storing step of storing the treatment subject in the storage space of the storage container and filling the storage space with a first pressure medium; a storage container disposing step of disposing the storage container including the treatment subject in the processing space of the pressure container; and a pressurization treatment step of supplying a second pressure medium set to a temperature lower than the first pressure medium to the processing space of the pressure container and pressurizing the second pressure medium, and while allowing the second pressure medium to flow into the storage space from the processing space through the at least one flow path, performing isostatic pressing treatment on the treatment subject in the storage container. Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an isostatic pressing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure container and a storage container of the isostatic pressing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the isostatic pressing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a storage container of an isostatic pressing device according to a first modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a storage container of an isostatic pressing device according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments

[0011] Hereinafter, a pressurizing device 1 (a cold isostatic pressing device and an isostatic pressing device) according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pressurizing device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure container 2 and a storage container 50 of the pressurizing device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage container 50 of the pressurizing device 1 according to the present embodiment. The pressurizing device 1 performs isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject W using a pressure medium.

[0012] Although in the following description, the treatment subject W to be processed is food, the treatment subject W may be a product (e.g., beverage) other than food, or may be an inorganic substance (inorganic powder) such as metal powder or ceramic powder.

[0013] The pressurizing device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the pressure container 2 (FIG. 2), the storage container 50, and a pressurizing device main body 100 (FIG. 1). The pressurizing device main body 100 includes a press frame 10, a loading rail 11, an unloading rail 12, a rail for moving 13, a water supply and discharge unit 31 (pressure medium supply mechanism), a pump unit 32 (pressurization mechanism), and a control unit 35.

[0014] The pressure container 2 stores the treatment subject W therein and applies the isostatic pressing treatment to the treatment subject W. The pressure container 2 has a container main body , a first lid portion 21, and a second lid portion 22. The pressure container 2 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel in order to have high pressure resistance.

[0015] The container main body 20 includes a cylindrical inner peripheral surface formed around a central axis CLI extending along the horizontal direction. Aprocessing space Si defined by the inner peripheral surface is formed inside the container main body 20, and both axial end portions of the inner peripheral surface are opened (FIG. 2).

[0016] The first lid portion 21 and the second lid portion 22 are respectively attached to both axial end portions of the container main body 20 to seal the processing space SI. The first lid portion 21 includes an enclosing portion 21A and a flange 21B, and the second lid portion 22 includes an enclosing portion 22A and a flange 22B. The enclosing portion 21A and the enclosing portion 22A are inserted into a first opening portion 20A and a second opening portion 20B (FIG. 1) of the container main body 20, respectively, to seal the processing space SI. The flange 21B and the flange 22B abut on both axial end portions of the container main body 20.

[0017] The first lid portion 21 has a water supply and discharge path 211, and the second lid portion 22 has a water supply and discharge path 221. The water supply and discharge path 211 makes the outside of the first lid portion 21 communicate with the processing space Si, and a pressure medium after the pressurization treatment is discharged from the processing space Si through the water supply and discharge path 211. The water supply and discharge path 221 communicates with the water supply and discharge unit 31 and the pump unit 32 via a flow path (not illustrated), so that the pressure medium flows into the processing space Si through the water supply and discharge path 221 and is discharged from the processing space Si through the water supply and discharge path 221. A valve (not illustrated) that can be opened and closed as necessary is disposed in the water supply and discharge path 211 and the water supply and discharge path 221.

[0018] The storage container 50 stores the treatment subject W and is disposed in the processing space S 1of the pressure container 2 (FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, a storage space S2 in which the treatment subject W can be stored is formed inside the storage container 50 (FIG. 2).

[0019] The press frame 10 (FIG. 1) has a function of supporting an axial force acting on both end lid portions of the pressure container 2. The press frame 10 has a frame structure, and when the pressure container 2 is disposed at a pressurizing position P in the frame, the treatment subject W in the pressure container 2 is subjected to the isostatic pressing treatment.

[0020] The rail for moving 13 guides the container main body 20 of the pressure container 2 so that the container main body 20 is movable between the pressurizing position P and a standby position Q. The container main body 20 moves between the pressurizing position P and the standby position Q upon reception of a driving force of a driving mechanism (not illustrated). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the standby position Q is a position spaced apart from the pressurizing position P. The first lid portion 21 and the second lid portion 22 of the pressure container 2 are constantly disposed at the pressurizing position P. When the container main body 20 is disposed at the pressurizing position P, a driving cylinder (not illustrated) moves the first lid portion 21 and the second lid portion 22 along the axial direction, so that the lid portions are attached to both end portions of the container main body 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0021] The loading rail 11 guides the storage container 50 toward the inside of the container main body 20 that stands by at the standby position Q before the pressurization treatment. On the other hand, the unloading rail 12 guides the storage container 50 so as to pull out the storage container 50 from the container main body 20 moved to the standby position Q after the pressurization treatment.

[0022] The water supply and discharge unit 31 includes a tank 31A and supplies a pressure medium to the processing space Si of the pressure container 2. In the present embodiment, water and warm water are used as the pressure medium.

[0023] The pump unit 32 pressurizes the pressure medium enclosed in the processing space SI. In the present embodiment, the pressure medium is supplied to the processing space Sl, and at the same time, the pressure medium is pressurized by the pump unit 32.

[0024] The control unit 35 controls operations of the water supply and discharge unit 31, the pump unit 32, the driving mechanism, and the driving cylinder. The control unit 35 includes an operation panel (not illustrated).

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the storage container 50 includes a storage container main body 501, a lid portion 502 (opening and closing member), a first check valve 503, a second check valve 504, and a seal member 505.

[0026] The storage container main body 501 is a main body portion of the storage container 50, and has a cylindrical shape formed around a central axis CL2. Inside the storage container main body 501, the storage space S2 is formed which is defined by a cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the storage container main body 501 and which stores the treatment subject W. Further, in the storage container main body 501, an opening portion is formed by opening one of both axial end portions of the storage container main body 501. The opening portion allows the treatment subject Wto pass therethrough such that the treatment subject W is disposed in the storage space S2. In other words, an operator can input the treatment subject W into the storage space S2 through the opening portion.

[0027] The lid portion 502 is attached to the axial end portion of the storage container main body 501, and opens and closes the opening portion. A plurality of bolt insertion portions 502A are formed in the lid portion 502. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a fastening bolt 506 inserted into the bolt insertion portion 502A is fastened into a bolt hole (not illustrated) opened in the lid portion 502 and the storage container main body 501, whereby the lid portion 502 is fixed to the storage container main body 501. The seal member 505 is interposed in a joint portion between the storage container main body 501 and the lid portion 502, and prevents the pressure medium from flowing between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 through the joint portion.

[0028] In addition, a first flow path LI and a second flow path L2 are formed in the lid portion 502. The first flow path Li and the second flow path L2 allow the outside (the processing space Si in FIG. 2) of the storage container 50 and the storage space S2 to communicate with each other, and allow the pressure medium to flow.

[0029] The first check valve 503 is disposed in the first flow path LI. In a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is higher than the pressure in the storage space S2, thefirst check valve 503 allows the flow, in the first flow path L1, of the pressure medium from the processing space SI to the storage space S2 in a state where the flow, in the first flow path LI, of the pressure medium from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si is blocked. On the other hand, in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space S2, the first check valve 503 blocks the flow of the pressure medium between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 in the first flow path L and seals the storage space S2.

[0030] The second check valve 504 is disposed in the second flow path L2. In a case where the pressure in the storage space S2 is higher than the pressure in the processing space Si, the second check valve 504 allows the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si in a state where the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium from the processing space Sl to the storage space S2 is blocked. Onthe other hand, in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space S2, the second check valve 504 blocks the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 and seals the storage space S2.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the fact that the pressure in the processing space Si is equal to the pressure in the storage space S2 means, for example, that the pressure difference between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 is 0.3 MPa (check valve operation threshold) or less. The check valve operation threshold may be set according to use conditions of the first check valve 503 and the second check valve 504. As will be described later, since the pressure in the processing space Si is set to 600 MPa during the pressurization treatment, a state in which the differential pressure between the processing space S and the storage space S2 is equal to or less than the check valve operation threshold can be regarded as a state in which the pressure in the processing space Si and the pressure in the storage space S2 are equal to each other.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the storage container main body 501 and the lid portion 502 of the storage container 50 are made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pressure container 2. Specifically, the storage container main body 501 and the lid portion 502 may be made of vinyl chloride, MC nylon, Teflon (registered trademark), or the like. In addition, a mode can be applied in which these materials are used for a part of the storage container main body 501 and the lid portion 502. According to such a configuration, heat retaining property of the storage container 50 can be maintained high. On the other hand, as described above, the pressure container 2 is made of a metal material having high pressure resistance in order to perform the pressurization treatment.

[0033] In a case where the isostatic pressing treatment is applied to the treatment subject W, first, the pressure container 2, the storage container 50, and the pressurizing device main body 100 are prepared (a preparation step). As described above, the container main body 20 of the pressure container 2 is disposed at the standby position Q on the rail for moving 13, and the first lid portion 21 and the second lid portion 22 of the pressure container 2 are disposed on the press frame 10. The storage container 50 is disposed on the loading rail 11. The operator stores the treatment subject W such as food in the storage container main body 501 through the opening portion of the storage container main body 501 from which the lid portion 502 is removed (a treatment subject storing step). When the operator attaches the lid portion 502 to the storage container main body 501 and closes the opening portion of the storage container main body 501, a pipe (not illustrated) is attached to an inlet of the first flow path LI, and then warm water (afirst pressure medium) at 80°C is supplied to the storage space S2 through the first flow path LI (a treatment subject storing step). At this time, when the storage space S2 is filled with warm water by the action of the first check valve 503, the first flow path LI is closed. Note that warm water may be supplied to the processing space Si through the opening portion of the storage container main body 501 in a state where the lid portion 502 is detached from the storage container main body 501. Inthiscase,itis desirable that the position of the storage container main body 501 is changed such that the central axis CL2 in FIG. 3 faces the vertical direction and the opening portion of the storage container main body 501 faces upward.

[0034] Next, the operator inserts the storage container 50 into the container main body 20 along the loading rail I I(a storage container disposing step). The operator operates the control unit 35 to set the container main body 20 at the pressurizing position P in the press frame 10 along the rail for moving 13. At the pressurizing position P on the rail for moving 13, the first lid portion 21 and the second lid portion 22 are disposed to face the container main body 20. Then, when the container main body 20 is disposed at the pressurizing position P, the driving cylinder (not illustrated) extends to attach the first lid portion 21 and the second lid portion 22 to the container main body 20 via a pressure receiving board (not illustrated) (FIG. 2). As a result, the processing space Si is sealed.

[0035] Next, the control unit 35 controls the water supply and discharge unit 31 in response to an operation command from the operator, so that water (a second pressure medium) at room temperature (20°C) is supplied from the water supply and discharge unit 31 into the processing space Si of the pressure container 2. The amount of the water is, for example, 200 liters. The water is set to a temperature lower than the temperature of the warm water charged into the storage space S2. The water is charged until the processing space Si is filled up.

[0036] Next, the control unit 35 controls the pump unit 32 to pressurize the water in the processing space Si (an isostatic pressing treatment, a pressurization treatment step). At this time, since the volume of water in the processing space Si is reduced by pressurization, water at normal temperature (for example, 32 liters) is additionally supplied. At the time of pressurization, the pressure in the processing space Si is set to about 600 MPa. On the other hand, the storage space S2 in the storage container 50 is set to the atmospheric pressure at the start of the pressurization. Therefore, the first check valve 503 opens the first flow path LI upon reception of the differential pressure between the processing space Si and the storage space S2, thereby allowing water (the second pressure medium) to flow from the processing space Si into the storage space S2 through the first flow path LI. In other words, the isostatic pressing treatment is applied to the treatment subject W in the storage container 50 while an inflow path of water from the processing space Si to the storage space S2 during pressurization is limited to the first flow path Li opened by thefirst check valve 503. Eventually, when the pressure in the processing space Si and the pressure in the storage space S2 become equal to each other, in other words, when the pressure in the storage space S2 becomes about 600 MPa, the first check valve 503 closes the first flow path LI, so that inflow of water from the processing space Si to the storage space S2 stops. As described above, replacement of the pressure medium between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 is suppressed by the action of the first check valve 503, and a high pressure is applied to the treatment subject W for a predetermined time while the temperature in the storage space S2 is maintained at °C to 80°C (a heat retaining function) by heat insulation performance of the storage container 50, so that high sterilization action on the treatment subject W in the storage container 50 is exhibited.

[0037] When the pressurization treatment is finished, the processing space Si is subjected to depressurization treatment. Specifically, water is discharged from the water supply and discharge path 211 of thefirst lid portion 21 and the water supply and discharge path 221 of the second lid portion22. At this time, when the water is discharged from the processing space Si, the second flow path L2 is opened by the second check valve 504 following the differential pressure generated between the processing space Si and the storage space S2. As a result, a pressure medium (water obtained by mixing warm water initially charged into the storage space S2 and the water additionally supplied to the processing space S) is discharged from the storage space S2 to the processing space S, so that the pressure inside the pressure container 2 is reduced while the pressure inside the storage space S2 approaches the atmospheric pressure (a depressurization treatment step).

[0038] Thereafter, the driving cylinder (not illustrated) causes the first lid portion 21 and the second lid portion 22 to be detached from the container main body 20 via the pressure receiving board. Thereafter, the container main body 20 including the storage container 50 is moved again to the standby position Q (FIG. 1). Then, the storage container 50 is pulled out from the container main body 20 along the unloading rail 12, and the treatment subject W having been subjected to the pressurization treatment is taken out from the storage container 50.

[0039] Note that a plurality of storage containers 50 may be prepared for one container main body 20. In this case, while one storage container 50 is put into the container main body 20 and subjected to the pressurization treatment at the pressurizing position P, input of the treatment subject W and warm water (the first pressure medium) supply work may be conducted in the storage container 50 on the loading rail 11.

[0040] As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage container 50 includes the first flow path LI, the second flow path L2, the first check valve 503, and the second check valve 504. According to such a configuration, the isostatic pressing treatment can be applied to the treatment subject W by storing the treatment subject W in the storage space S2 of the storage container 50, disposing the storage container 50 in the processing space Si of the pressure container 2, and then supplying the pressure medium to the processing space Si. In particular, the storage container 50 is provided with the first flow path LI and the second flow path L2, and thefirst check valve 503 and the second check valve 504 are disposed in each flow path. Therefore, when a pressure medium made of warm water is supplied to the storage space S2 together with the treatment subject W in advance, and a pressure medium made of water having a temperature lower than that of the warm water is supplied to the processing space Si of the pressure container 2 and pressurized, the pressure medium flows from the processing space Siinto the storage space S2 by the action of the first check valve 503, and the treatment subject W is isostatically pressurized. At this time, since the pressure medium is suppressed from flowing out from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si by the action of the second check valve 504, it is possible to perform the pressurization treatment on the treatment subject W while maintaining the temperature in the storage space S2 at a temperature close to the temperature of warm water. As a result, the treatment subject W can be subjected to the pressurization treatment and the heat treatment in parallel. In addition, since it is not necessary to fill the processing space Si of the pressure container 2 with a pressure medium made of warm water in order to perform the heat treatment on the treatment subject W, the need to use a material having high heat resistance for the pressure container 2 is reduced. When the pressure medium is discharged from the processing space Si after the pressurization treatment is finished, upon receiving the differential pressure between the processing space Si and the storage space S2, the second check valve 504 allows the pressure medium to flow out from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si. Therefore, damage of the storage container 50 is suppressed, the damage being caused by the differential pressure between the processing space Si and the storage space S2. As described in the foregoing, during the pressurization treatment on the treatment subject W, even if there is a temperature difference of I 0 C or more in the pressure medium between the inside and the outside of the storage container 50, the pressurization treatment can be performed on the treatment subject W while keeping the temperate inside the storage container 50 warm. In other words, since it is not necessary to supply warm water to the processing space Si in order to perform heat treatment on the treatment subject W, the pressure container 2 can be designed with emphasis on pressure resistance, so that the need to design and select materials for withstanding high temperatures in the pressure container 2 and its peripheral members is reduced.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the storage container 50 is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pressure container 2. Therefore, since the heat insulation performance of the storage container 50 is set higher than that of the pressure container 2, it is possible to enhance the heat retention performance of the storage space S2 during the pressurization treatment and to stably perform the heat treatment on the treatment subject W. For the pressure container 2, it is less necessary to use a material having high heat resistance, and a material having high pressure resistance can be used.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the first flow path LI and the second flow path L2 are disposed in the lid portion 502 so as to allow a pressure medium to flow between the storage space S2 and the processing space Si via the lid portion 502. Additionally, the first check valve 503 and the second check valve 504 are attached to the lid portion 502 in correspondence with the first flow path Li and the second flow path L2, respectively. Therefore, the treatment subject W can be easily put into the storage space S2 through the opening portion of the storage container main body 501. In addition, by collectively disposing the first flow path LI, the second flow path L2, the first check valve 503, and the second check valve 504 in the lid portion 502, the configuration of the storage container 50 can be simplified, and maintainability of the storage container 50 can be improved.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the lid portion 502 is attached to the storage container main body 501 so as to close (seal) the opening portion of the storage container main body 501 along the axial direction. As described above, since the opening portion is formed at the axial end portion of the storage container main body 501, the rigidity of the storage container main body 501 can be maintained high as compared with a case where the opening portion is formed at a center portion in the axial direction of the storage container main body 501. In addition, the treatment subject W and a pressure medium can be easily put into the storage space S2 through the axial end portion of the storage container main body 501, and the sealability of the storage container 50 can be enhanced.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the pressurizing device main body 100 of the pressurizing device I further includes the water supply and discharge unit 31 that supplies a pressure medium to the processing space Si of the pressure container 2, and the pump unit 32 that pressurizes the pressure medium supplied to the processing space Si. Therefore, the isostatic pressing treatment can be stably performed on the treatment subject W.

[0045] Furthermore, the isostatic pressing treatment method for performing the isostatic pressing treatment on the treatment subject W using a pressure medium according to the present embodiment includes the following steps. The isostatic pressing treatment method includes a preparation step, a treatment subject storing step, a storage container disposing step, and a pressurization treatment step.

[0046] In the preparation step, there are prepared the pressure container 2 in which the processing space Si capable of accepting a pressure medium is formed, and the storage container 50 in which the storage space S2 capable of storing therein the treatment subject W is formed, the storage container 50 including the first flow path LI and the second flow path L2 that communicate the storage space S2 with the outside of the storage container 50.

[0047] In the treatment subject storing step, the treatment subject W is stored in the storage space S2 of the storage container 50, and the storage space S2 is filled with thefirst pressure medium made of warm water.

[0048] In the storage container disposing step, the storage container 50 including the treatment subject W is disposed in the processing space Si of the pressure container 2.

[0049] In the pressurization step, the second pressure medium made of water set to a temperature lower than the temperature of the warm water is supplied to the processing space Si of the pressure container 2 and the second pressure medium is pressurized, and the isostatic pressing treatment is applied to the treatment subject W in the storage container 50 while allowing the second pressure medium to flow from the processing space Si into the storage space S2 through the first flow path LI.

[0050] According to such a method, when the first pressure medium made of warm water is supplied to the storage space S2 together with the treatment subject W in the treatment subject storing step, and the second pressure medium made of water having a temperature lower than that of the warm water is supplied to the processing space S of the pressure container 2 and pressurized in the pressurization treatment step, the second pressure medium flows into the storage space S2 from the processing space Si through the first flow path L1, and the treatment subject W is isostatically pressurized. Therefore, it is possible to subject the treatment subject W to the pressurization treatment while keeping the inside of the storage space S2 at a temperature close to the temperature of the warm water. As a result, the treatment subject W can be subjected to the pressurization treatment and the heat treatment in parallel.

[0051] Further, in the present embodiment, the preparation step includes preparing, as the storage container 50, a storage container having a flow path configured with the first flow path LI and the second flow path L2 independent of each other and including the first check valve 503 and the second check valve. The first check valve is disposed in the first flow path LI, and in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is higher than the pressure in the storage space S2, the first check valve allows the flow, in the first flow path LI, of the pressure medium from the processing space S to the storage space S2 in a state where the flow, in the first flow path L1, of the pressure medium from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space S2, the first check valve blocks the flow of the pressure medium between the processing space Siand the storage space S2 in the first flow path Li and seals the storage space

S2. The second check valve is disposed in the second flow path L2, and in a case where the pressure in the storage space S2 is higher than the pressure in the processing space Si, the second check valve allows the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si in a state where the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium from the processing space Sito the storage space S2 is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space S2, blocking the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 and sealing the storage space S2.

[0052] Further, the pressurization treatment step includes applying the isostatic pressing treatment to the treatment subject W in the storage container 50 while limiting the inflow path of the second pressure medium from the processing space Si to the storage space S2 during pressurization to the first flow path LI opened by the first check valve 503.

[0053] The isostatic pressing treatment method further includes, after the pressurization treatment step, a depressurization treatment step of discharging the second pressure medium from the processing space Si and opening the second flow path L2 by the second check valve 504 following a differential pressure generated between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 to depressurize the inside of the pressure container 2 while allowing the pressure medium including the first pressure medium and the second pressure medium to be discharged from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si.

[0054] According to such a method, the second pressure medium flows from the processing space Si into the storage space S2 by the action of thefirst check valve 503, and the treatment subject W is isostatically pressurized. At this time, since the first pressure medium is suppressed from flowing out from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si by the action of the second check valve 504, it is possible to perform the pressurization treatment on the treatment subject W while stably maintaining the temperature in the storage space S2 at a temperature close to the temperature ofwarmwater. In addition, when the pressure medium is discharged from the processing space Si after the pressurization treatment is finished, upon receiving the differential pressure between the processing space Si and the storage space S2, the second check valve 504 allows the pressure medium to flow out from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si. Therefore, damage of the storage container 50 is more suppressed, the damage being caused by the differential pressure between the processing space Si and the storage space S2.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the preparation step includes preparing, as the storage container , a storage container including the storage container main body 501 and the lid portion 502. The storage container main body has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface that defines the storage space S2 and has formed an opening portion that allows the treatment subject W to pass therethrough such that the treatment subject W is disposed in the storage space S2. The lid portion is capable of opening and closing the opening portion and having disposed therein the first flow path LI, the second flow path L2, the first check valve 503, and the second check valve 504.

[0056] The treatment subject storing step includes storing the treatment subject W in the storage space S2 through the opening portion, filling the storage space S2 with thefirst pressure medium, and closing the opening portion with the lid portion 502.

[0057] According to such a method, the treatment subject W can be easily put into the storage space S2 through the opening portion of the storage container main body 501. Inaddition,by collectively disposing the first flow path LI, the second flow path L2, the first check valve 503, and the second check valve 504 in the lid portion 502, maintainability of the storage container 50 can be improved.

[0058] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the preparation step includes preparing, as the storage container 50, a storage container made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pressure container 2.

[0059] Further, the pressurization treatment step includes limiting the inflow path of the second pressure medium from the processing space S to the storage space S2 to the first flow path LI during pressurization, suppressing the first pressure medium from flowing out from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si, and keeping the storage space S2 warm by the storage container 50.

[0060] According to such a method, the heat insulation performance of the storage container 50 is set higher than that of the pressure container 2, and thefirst pressure medium is suppressed from flowing out from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si, so that the heat retention performance of the storage space S2 during pressurization can be enhanced.

[0061] Furthermore, the storage container 50 according to the present embodiment is a storage container for an isostatic pressing device, the storage container being detachably attached to the pressure container 2 of the pressurizing device I that performs isostatic pressing treatment on the treatment subject W using a pressure medium, the pressure container including the cylindrical inner peripheral surface and having therein the processing space Si in which the treatment subject W can be stored. The storage container 50 includes: the storage space S2; the first flow path Li that allows the storage space S2 and the processing space Si to communicate with each other; the second flow path L2 that is provided independently of the first flow path Li and allows the storage space S2 and the processing space Si to communicate with each other; the first check valve 503 that is disposed in the first flow path LI, and that in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is higher than the pressure in the storage space S2, allows the flow, in the first flow path Li, of the pressure medium from the processing space Si to the storage space S2 in a state where the flow, in the first flow path LI, of the pressure medium from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space S2, blocking the flow, in the first flow path Li, of the pressure medium between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 and sealing the storage space S2; and the second check valve 504 that is disposed in the second flow path L2, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space S2 is higher than the pressure in the processing space S, allows the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium from the storage space S2 to the processing space Si in a state where the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium from the processing space Si to the storage space S2 is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space Si is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space S2, blocking the flow, in the second flow path L2, of the pressure medium between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 and sealing the storage space S2.

[0062] According to this configuration, the storage container 50 is provided with the first flow path LI and the second flow path L2, and the first check valve 503 and the second check valve 504 are disposed in each flow path. Therefore, when a pressure medium made of, for example, warm water is supplied in advance to the storage space S2 together with the treatment subject W, and a pressure medium made of water having a temperature lower than that of the warm water is supplied to the processing space Si of the pressure container 2 and pressurized, the low-temperature pressure medium flows from the processing space Si into the storage space S2 by the action of the first check valve 503, and the treatment subject W is isostatically pressurized. At this time, since the pressure medium made of warm water is suppressed from flowing out of the storage space S2 into the processing space Si by the action of the second check valve 504, it is possible to perform the pressurization treatment on the treatment subject W while maintaining the temperature in the storage space S2 at a temperature close to the temperature of warm water. As a result, the treatment subject W can be subjected to the pressurization treatment and the heat treatment in parallel.

[0063] Although the pressurizing device I (the isostatic pressing device), the storage container 50 (the storage container for the isostatic pressing device), and the isotropic pressing method according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these modes, and the following modified embodiments are possible.

[0064] (1) Although the above embodiment has been described assuming that the temperature of the warm water (the first pressure medium) charged into the storage space S2 of the storage container in advance is 80°C, and that the temperature of the water (the second pressure medium) supplied to the processing space Si at the time of pressurization is 20°C, the present invention is not limited thereto. On the assumption that the temperature of the first pressure medium is higher than the temperature of the second pressure medium, each temperature need only be adjusted according to the treatment subject W.

[0065] (2) Although in the above embodiment, the description has been made of the mode in which one lid portion 502 is attached to the axial end portion of the storage container 50, and thefirst flow path LI, the second flow path L2, thefirst check valve 503, and the second check valve 504 are disposed in the lid portion 502, the present invention is not limited thereto. FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a storage container 50A of an isostatic pressing device according to a first modified embodiment of the present invention. In the storage container 50, opening portions are formed at both end portions in the axial direction of the storage container main body 501, and a pair of the lid portions 502 is attached to the storage container main body 501 so as to close the opening portions. In addition, the first flow path LI and the first check valve 503 are disposed in the lid portion 502 on the right side of FIG. 4, and the second flow path L2 and the second check valve 504 are disposed in the lid portion 502 on the left side of FIG. 4. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to perform the isostatic pressing treatment on the treatment subject W while maintaining the heat retaining property of the storage space S2 of the storage container 50. Also in FIG. 4, the first flow path LI, the second flow path L2, thefirst check valve 503, and the second check valve 504 may be collectively disposed in one lid portion 502. As described above, the number of the opening portions and the lid portions 502 formed in the storage container main body 501 is not limited to one, and a plurality of the opening portions and a plurality of the lid portions may be disposed.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a storage container 50B of an isostatic pressing device according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. In the storage container B, an openable and closable opening and closing lid portion 51 (an opening and closing member) is disposed in a central portion of the storage container main body 501. Since the opening and closing lid portion 51 is capable of sealing and opening the storage space S2, when the opening and closing lid portion 51 is closed with respect to the storage container main body 501, no flow of a pressure medium between the processing space Si and the storage space S2 through a peripheral edge portion of the opening and closing lid portion 51 will occur. In addition, the first flow path LI, the second flow path L2, thefirst check valve 503, and the second check valve 504 are disposed at an axial end portion of the storage container main body 501. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to perform the isostatic pressing treatment on the treatment subject W while maintaining the heat retaining property of the storage space S2 of the storage container 50.

[0067] Provided according to the present invention is an isostatic pressing device that performs isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the isostatic pressing device including: a pressure container in which a processing space capable of accepting a pressure medium is formed; and a storage container disposed in the processing space of the pressure container, the storage container having therein a storage space capable of storing the treatment subject. The storage container includes: a first flow path that allows the storage space and the processing space to communicate with each other; a second flow path provided independently of the first flow path and communicating the storage space and the processing space with each other; a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in thefirst flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space.

[0068] According to this configuration, the isostatic pressing treatment can be applied to the treatment subject by storing the treatment subject in the storage space of the storage container, disposing the storage container in the processing space of the pressure container, and then supplying the pressure medium to the processing space. In particular, the storage container is provided with the first flow path and the second flow path, and thefirst check valve and the second check valve are disposed in each flow path. Therefore, when a pressure medium made of, for example, warm water is supplied in advance to the storage space together with the treatment subject, and a pressure medium made of water having a temperature lower than that of the warm water is supplied to the processing space of the pressure container and pressurized, the low-temperature pressure medium flows from the processing space into the storage space by the action of the first check valve, and the treatment subject is isostatically pressurized. At this time, since the pressure medium made of warm water is suppressed from flowing out of the storage space into the processing space by the action of the second check valve, it is possible to perform the pressurization treatment on the treatment subject while maintaining the temperature in the storage space at a temperature close to the temperature of the warm water. As a result, the treatment subject can be subjected to the pressurization treatment and the heat treatment in parallel. In addition, since it is not necessary to fill the processing space of the pressure container with a pressure medium made of warm water in order to perform the heat treatment on the treatment subject, the need to use a material having high heat resistance for the pressure container is reduced. Furthermore, when the pressure medium is discharged from the processing space after the pressurization treatment is finished, upon receiving a differential pressure between the processing space and the storage space, the second check valve allows the pressure medium to flow out from the storage space to the processing space. Therefore, the storage container is suppressed from being damaged by the differential pressure between the processing space and the storage space.

[0069] In the above configuration, the storage container is desirably made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pressure container.

[0070] According to this configuration, since the heat insulation performance of the storage container is set higher than that of the pressure container, the heat retention performance of the storage space during the pressurization treatment can be enhanced.

[0071] In the above configuration, it is desirable that the storage container includes: a storage container main body having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface defining the storage space, and having at least one opening portion that allows the treatment subject to pass therethrough such that the treatment subject is disposed in the storage space; and at least one opening and closing member attached to the storage container main body so as to be capable of opening and closing the at least one opening portion, and the first flow path and the second flow path are disposed in the at least one opening and closing member, and the first check valve and the second check valve are attached to the at least one opening and closing member in correspondence with the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0072] According to this configuration, the treatment subject can be easily put into the storage space through the opening portion. In addition, since the opening and closing member has the first flow path, the second flow path, the first check valve, and the second check valve, maintainability of the storage container can be enhanced.

[0073] In the above configuration, it is desirable that the at least one opening portion of the storage container main body is formed by opening at least one of both end portions in an axial direction of the storage container main body, and the at least one opening and closing member is attachable to the at least one end portion of the storage container main body so as to open and close the at least one opening portion.

[0074] According to the present configuration, since the opening portion is formed at the axial end portion of the storage container main body, the rigidity of the storage container main body can be maintained high as compared with a case where the opening portion is formed at a center portion in the axial direction of the storage container main body. In addition, it is possible to easily put the treatment subject and the pressure medium into the storage space through the axial end portion of the storage container main body.

[0075] In the above configuration, it is desirable to further include a pressure medium supply mechanism configured to supply a pressure medium to the processing space of the pressure container, and a pressurization mechanism configured to pressurize the pressure medium supplied to the processing space.

[0076] According to this configuration, the isostatic pressing treatment can be stably performed on the treatment subject.

[0077] Also provided by the present invention is a storage container for an isostatic pressing device, the storage container being detachably attached to a pressure container of the isostatic pressing device that performs isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the pressure container including a cylindrical inner peripheral surface and having therein a processing space in which the treatment subject can be stored. The storage container for an isostatic pressing device includes: a storage space; a first flow path that allows the storage space and the processing space to communicate with each other; a second flow path provided independently of the first flow path and communicating the storage space and the processing space with each other; a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in the first flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space.

[0078] According to this configuration, the storage container for an isostatic pressing device is provided with the first flow path and the second flow path, and the first check valve and the second check valve are disposed in each flow path. Therefore, when a pressure medium made of, for example, warm water is supplied in advance to the storage space together with the treatment subject, and a pressure medium made of water having a temperature lower than that of the warm water is supplied to the processing space of the pressure container and pressurized, the low temperature pressure medium flows from the processing space into the storage space by the action of the first check valve, and the treatment subject is isostatically pressurized. At this time, since the pressure medium made of warm water is suppressed from flowing out of the storage space into the processing space by the action of the second check valve, it is possible to perform the pressurization treatment on the treatment subject while maintaining the temperature in the storage space at a temperature close to the temperature of the warm water. As a result, the treatment subject can be subjected to the pressurization treatment and the heat treatment in parallel.

[0079] Provided by the present invention is an isostatic pressing treatment method for performing isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the isostatic pressing treatment method including: a preparation step of preparing a pressure container in which a processing space capable of accepting a pressure medium is formed, and a storage container in which a storage space capable of storing the treatment subject is formed, the storage container including at least one flow path that communicates the storage space with the outside of the storage container; a treatment subject storing step of storing the treatment subject in the storage space of the storage container and filling the storage space with a first pressure medium; a storage container disposing step of disposing the storage container including the treatment subject in the processing space of the pressure container; and a pressurization treatment step of supplying a second pressure medium set to a temperature lower than the first pressure medium to the processing space of the pressure container and pressurizing the second pressure medium, and while allowing the second pressure medium to flow into the storage space from the processing space through the at least one flow path, performing isostatic pressing treatment on the treatment subject in the storage container.

[0080] According to the present method, when the first pressure medium made of, for example, warm water is supplied to the storage space together with the treatment subject in the treatment subject storing step, and the second pressure medium made of water having a temperature lower than that of the warm water is supplied to the processing space of the pressure container and pressurized in the pressurization treatment step, the second pressure medium flows from the processing space into the storage space through at least one flow path, and the treatment subject is isostatically pressurized. Therefore, it is possible to subject the treatment subject to the pressurization treatment while keeping the inside of the storage space at a temperature close to the temperature of the warm water. As a result, the treatment subject can be subjected to the pressurization treatment and the heat treatment in parallel.

[0081] In the above method, it is desirable that the preparation step includes, preparing, as the storage container, a storage container that has the at least one flow path configured with the first flow path and the second flow path independent of each other and that has: a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in the first flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space, and the pressurization treatment step includes applying isostatic pressing treatment to the treatment subject in the storage container while limiting an inflow path of the second pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space during pressurization to the first flow path opened by the first check valve, the isostatic pressing treatment method further including, after the pressurization treatment step, a depressurization treatment step of discharging the second pressure medium from the processing space and opening the second flow path by the second check valve following a differential pressure generated between the processing space and the storage space to depressurize the inside of the pressure container while allowing the pressure medium including the first pressure medium and the second pressure medium to be discharged from the storage space to the processing space.

[0082] According to the present method, the second pressure medium flows from the processing space into the storage space by the action of the first check valve, and the treatment subject is isostatically pressurized. At this time, since thefirst pressure medium is suppressed from flowing out from the storage space to the processing space by the action of the second check valve, it is possible to perform the pressurization treatment on the treatment subject while stably maintaining the temperature in the storage space at a temperature close to the temperature of thefirst pressure medium. In addition, when the pressure medium is discharged from the processing space after the pressurization treatment is finished, upon receiving a differential pressure between the processing space and the storage space, the second check valve allows the pressure medium to flow out of the storage space into the processing space. Therefore, damage of the storage container is more suppressed, the dame being caused by the differential pressure between the processing space and the storage space.

[0083] In the above method, it is desirable that the preparation step includes preparing, as the storage container, a storage container including a storage container main body having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface that defines the storage space and having at least one opening portion that allows the treatment subject to pass therethrough such that the treatment subject is disposed in the storage space, and including at least one opening and closing member attached to the storage container main body so as to be capable of opening and closing the at least one opening portion and having disposed therein the first flow path, the second flow path, the first check valve, and the second check valve, and the treatment subject storing step includes storing the treatment subject in the storage space through the at least one opening portion, filling the storage space with the first pressure medium, and closing the at least one opening portion with the at least one opening and closing member.

[0084] According to the present method, the treatment subject can be easily put into the storage space through the opening portion. In addition, since the opening and closing member has the first flow path, the second flow path, the first check valve, and the second check valve, maintainability of the storage container can be enhanced.

[0085] In the above method, it is desirable that the preparation step includes preparing, as the storage container, a storage container made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pressure container, and the pressurization treatment step includes limiting the inflow path of the second pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space to the at least one flow path during pressurization, suppressing the first pressure medium from flowing out from the storage space to the processing space, and keeping the storage space warm by the storage container.

[0086] According to the present method, the heat insulation performance of the storage container is set higher than that of the pressure container, and the first pressure medium is suppressed from flowing out from the storage space to the processing space, so that the heat retention performance of the storage space during pressurization can be enhanced.

[0087] According to the present invention, there are provided an isostatic pressing device, a storage container for the isostatic pressing device, and an isostatic pressing treatment method which enable pressurization treatment and heat treatment to be performed on a treatment subject in parallel.

Claims

Claims 1. An isostatic pressing device that performs isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the isostatic pressing device comprising: a pressure container in which a processing space capable of accepting a pressure medium is formed; and a storage container disposed in the processing space of the pressure container, the storage container having therein a storage space capable of storing the treatment subject, wherein the storage container includes: a first flow path that allows the storage space and the processing space to communicate with each other; a second flow path provided independently of the first flow path and communicating the storage space and the processing space with each other; a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in the first flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space.
2. The isostatic pressing device according to claim 1, wherein the storage container is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pressure container.
3. The isostatic pressing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage container includes: a storage container main body having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface defining the storage space, and having at least one opening portion that allows the treatment subject to pass therethrough such that the treatment subject is disposed in the storage space; and at least one opening and closing member attached to the storage container main body so as to be capable of opening and closing the at least one opening portion, the first flow path and the second flow path are disposed in the at least one opening and closing member, and the first check valve and the second check valve are attached to the at least one opening and closing member in correspondence with the first flow path and the second flow path.
4. The isostatic pressing device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one opening portion of the storage container main body is formed by opening at least one of both end portions in an axial direction of the storage container main body, and the at least one opening and closing member is attachable to the at least one end portion of the storage container main body so as to open and close the at least one opening portion.
5. The isostatic pressing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a pressure medium supply mechanism configured to supply a pressure medium to the processing space of the pressure container; and a pressurization mechanism configured to pressurize the pressure medium supplied to the processing space.
6. A storage container for an isostatic pressing device, the storage container being detachably attached to a pressure container of the isostatic pressing device that performs isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the pressure container including a cylindrical inner peripheral surface and having therein a processing space in which the treatment subject can be stored, the storage container for an isostatic pressing device comprising: a storage space; a first flow path that allows the storage space and the processing space to communicate with each other; a second flow path provided independently of the first flow path and communicating the storage space and the processing space with each other; a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in the first flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space.
7. An isostatic pressing treatment method for performing isostatic pressing treatment on a treatment subject using a pressure medium, the isostatic pressing treatment method comprising: a preparation step of preparing a pressure container in which a processing space capable of accepting a pressure medium is formed, and a storage container in which a storage space capable of storing the treatment subject is formed, the storage container including at least one flow path that communicates the storage space with the outside of the storage container; a treatment subject storing step of storing the treatment subject in the storage space of the storage container and filling the storage space with a first pressure medium; a storage container disposing step of disposing the storage container including the treatment subject in the processing space of the pressure container; and a pressurization treatment step of supplying a second pressure medium set to a temperature lower than the first pressure medium to the processing space of the pressure container and pressurizing the second pressure medium, and while allowing the second pressure medium to flow into the storage space from the processing space through the at least one flow path, performing isostatic pressing treatment on the treatment subject in the storage container.
8. The isostatic pressing treatment method according to claim 7, wherein the preparation step includes, preparing, as the storage container, a storage container that has the at least one flow path configured with the first flow path and the second flow path independent of each other and that has: a first check valve that is disposed in the first flow path, and that in a case where a pressure in the processing space is higher than a pressure in the storage space, allows a flow, in the first flow path, of a pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space in a state where a flow, in thefirst flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or lower than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the first flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space; and a second check valve that is disposed in the second flow path, and that in a case where the pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the processing space, allows a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the storage space to the processing space in a state where a flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space is blocked, while in a case where the pressure in the processing space is equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage space, blocking the flow, in the second flow path, of the pressure medium between the processing space and the storage space and sealing the storage space, the pressurization treatment step includes applying isostatic pressing treatment to the treatment subject in the storage container while limiting an inflow path of the second pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space during pressurization to the first flow path opened by the first check valve, and the isostatic pressing treatment method further comprises, after the pressurization treatment step, a depressurization treatment step of discharging the second pressure medium from the processing space and opening the second flow path by the second check valve following a differential pressure generated between the processing space and the storage space to depressurize the inside of the pressure container while allowing the pressure medium including the first pressure medium and the second pressure medium to be discharged from the storage space to the processing space.
9. The isostatic pressing treatment method according to claim 8, wherein the preparation step includes preparing, as the storage container, a storage container including a storage container main body having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface that defines the storage space and having at least one opening portion that allows the treatment subject to pass therethrough such that the treatment subject is disposed in the storage space, and including at least one opening and closing member attached to the storage container main body so as to be capable of opening and closing the at least one opening portion and having disposed therein the first flow path, the second flow path, the first check valve, and the second check valve, and the treatment subject storing step includes storing the treatment subject in the storage space through the at least one opening portion, filling the storage space with thefirst pressure medium, and closing the at least one opening portion with the at least one opening and closing member.
10. The isostatic pressing treatment method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the preparation step includes preparing, as the storage container, a storage container made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pressure container, and the pressurization treatment step includes limiting the inflow path of the second pressure medium from the processing space to the storage space to the at least one flow path during pressurization, suppressing the first pressure medium from flowing out from the storage space to the processing space, and keeping the storage space warm by the storage container.