JP2005102923A - Air purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air purifier capable of dissolving and removing a pollutant by bringing them into gas-liquid contact with a process liquid, maintaining pollutant absorption efficiency by cooling the process liquid, improving heat efficiency and having a reduced size. <P>SOLUTION: A gas-liquid contact part and a cooling part of a cooling device are integrated. For a gas-liquid contact method, there are a method using a wet filter for which an air permeable filter is impregnated with the process liquid and a method of emitting the process liquid in an atomization form or a water film form. As the cooling device, a coolant cooling device using a coolant or a Peltier element is used. A process liquid supply route (composed of piping and an emission part) for supplying the process liquid to the gas-liquid contact part and the cooling part may be integrated. By cooling the process liquid at or near the location of gas-liquid contact, cooling efficiency is improved and the purifier is reduced in size further. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an air cleaner. More specifically, the present invention relates to an air cleaner that dissolves and removes contaminants contained in the air using a treatment liquid such as water.

  In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for air purifiers that remove pollutants contained in room air and are used in homes, offices, smoking rooms, hospitals, public institutions, nursing homes, factories, and the like. In particular, the use of air purifiers in places where ventilation is difficult is drawing attention. Examples of the chemical composition of the pollutants include nitrogen compounds such as ammonia and trimethylamine, carboxylic acids such as acetic acid and isovaleric acid, carbonyl compounds such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, and sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. In addition, hundreds of kinds of harmful substances contained in tobacco smoke can be exemplified.

In order to remove the above substances, there is known an air purifier in which contaminated air and a treatment liquid are brought into gas-liquid contact to dissolve and remove the pollutants. When water is used as the treatment liquid, it is possible to effectively remove water-soluble contaminants. However, such an air cleaner has a problem that the water temperature rises and the solubility of the pollutant decreases due to the heat of dissolution accompanying the dissolution of the pollutant and the heat generated from the pump for circulating water. In addition, there is a problem that pollutants re-discrete with an increase in water temperature and a problem that humidity increases. Patent Document 1 below discloses a method in which water as a treatment liquid is cooled by an indoor unit to absorb the pollutant, and the contaminated water is heated by the outdoor unit to release the pollutant to the outdoor. As a gas-liquid contact method between water and air, a method by bubbling is disclosed.
Japanese Patent No. 3156762

  However, an air cleaner equipped with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit has a problem that it cannot be freely carried because the device is large. Further, when water used for bubbling is cooled, a large amount of water needs to be cooled, which causes a problem of high power consumption. In addition, there was a problem of poor thermal efficiency.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an air purifier that makes gas-liquid contact with the processing liquid to dissolve and remove the pollutant, cools the processing liquid, maintains the absorption efficiency of the pollutant, has high thermal efficiency, and can downsize the apparatus. It is an issue to provide.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the air cleaner of the present invention cools the processing liquid, and a gas-liquid contact part that dissolves and reduces contaminants contained in the air by bringing the air into gas-liquid contact. The cooling device includes a cooling device, and the cooling unit of the cooling device and the gas-liquid contact unit form an integral structure, and the main feature is that the processing liquid is cooled by the cooling unit in the gas-liquid contact unit.

  In order to solve the above problems, the air cleaner of the present invention has a gas-liquid contact portion that dissolves and removes at least a part of contaminants contained in the air in the treatment liquid by bringing the air into gas-liquid contact. And a treatment liquid supply path for supplying the treatment liquid to the gas-liquid contact part, and a cooling device for cooling the treatment liquid, and the cooling part of the cooling device and the treatment liquid supply path are integrated. The main feature is that the processing liquid is cooled in the processing liquid supply path.

  The gas-liquid contact portion is, for example, a wet filter obtained by impregnating a treatment liquid into a breathable member such as a filter, or a liquid obtained by discharging the treatment liquid into a spray or water film and flowing it into the air. Point to. When air is introduced with a fan or the like while supplying the treatment liquid to such a gas-liquid contact portion, the contaminant contained in the air dissolves in the treatment liquid, and the air can be purified.

  The cooling part refers to a part of the cooling device that absorbs ambient heat and lowers the temperature. As is well known, the cooling device achieves cooling by transferring heat (except for those using chemical reactions). Therefore, the cooling device necessarily includes a cooling unit and a heat radiating unit. For example, in a cooling device using a refrigerant, an evaporator corresponds to a cooling unit. Further, the treatment liquid refers to a liquid that absorbs contaminants in the air by gas-liquid contact, and specifically, an organic solvent such as alcohol or acetone, or water. Water is particularly desirable because it is inexpensive and effectively absorbs contaminants.

  As described above, if the gas-liquid contact is continued, the temperature of the treatment liquid rises and the pollutant absorption efficiency deteriorates. Therefore, the processing liquid is cooled. In the present invention, the gas-liquid contact part and the cooling part are integrated to obtain high cooling efficiency. “Integrating” means, for example, embedding a cooling part in the inside of a wet filter to form an integrated part. When a refrigerant cooling device is used as the cooling device, a cooling unit (evaporator) is placed inside the wet filter to form an integrated part. The wet filter may be arranged perpendicular to the air flow path or in parallel. When arranged vertically, gas-liquid contact occurs in such a way that air penetrates through the wet filter. In the case of arranging in parallel, a plurality of wet filters are arranged in parallel to the air flow path so that air flows through the gaps of the wet filters, whereby gas-liquid contact occurs on the surface of the wet filter. When the gas-liquid contact part and the cooling part are integrated in this way, the processing liquid can be directly cooled at the place where the gas-liquid contact is made, and the cooling efficiency is improved. Conversely, if the cooling unit is installed in a place other than the gas-liquid contact unit to cool the processing liquid, the liquid temperature rises while the processing liquid moves, so that the thermal efficiency is poor.

  As another method for integrating the gas-liquid contact portion and the cooling portion, for example, a plurality of parallel plates are formed of a material having good thermal conductivity such as metal and connected to the cooling portion, and parallel to the air flow path. Parallel plates are arranged so that Then, by allowing the processing liquid to flow on the surface of the parallel plate, gas-liquid contact between the cooled processing liquid and air occurs.

  When the gas-liquid contact part and the cooling part cannot be integrated, it is desirable to cool the process liquid immediately before being supplied to the gas-liquid contact part. The processing liquid is supplied to the gas-liquid contact portion through a processing liquid supply path (comprising a pipe and a processing liquid discharge portion for discharging the processing liquid to the gas-liquid contact portion). In the present invention, at least a part of the processing liquid supply path is integrated with the cooling unit, so that the processing liquid is cooled immediately before being supplied to the gas-liquid contact unit. If it does in this way, processing liquid can be cooled efficiently and it will lead to size reduction of an apparatus by extension. As a specific method of integration, for example, the cooling unit of the cooling device is fixed so as to surround the piping or the treatment liquid discharge unit.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the air cleaner of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 a shows an embodiment of an air purifier in which contaminated air 1 and treatment liquid 5 are brought into gas-liquid contact using a wet filter 8. In particular, water is used as the treatment liquid 5 used in the present embodiment. The polluted air 1 is sucked into the apparatus through the suction port 2 due to the negative pressure of the air supply section 6 (fan), is introduced into the wet filter 8 and comes into gas-liquid contact with the processing liquid 5. Here, pollutants contained in the air are dissolved in the treatment liquid 5 to become purified air 10 and then discharged outside the apparatus.

  The treatment liquid 5 in which the contaminant is dissolved is once stored in the treatment liquid storage unit 7 and then pumped to the pipe 4 by the pump 3. Thereafter, it is sent to the wet filter 8 through the discharge part 15 and circulated. The pipe 4 is a hollow pipe and has a structure in which the treatment liquid 5 passes. A wet filter 8 is connected to the discharge portion 15, and the treatment liquid 5 is discharged into or on the wet filter to keep the wet state.

  In such a form, since the heat of the pump 3 is transmitted to the treatment liquid 5, the temperature rise is particularly remarkable. Therefore, the wet filter 8 and the cooling unit of the cooling device are integrated to cool the treatment liquid 5. A specific example of integration is shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 a shows an embodiment in which a refrigerant cooler is used and an evaporator as the cooling unit 9 is integrated so as to pass through the wet filter 8. The refrigerant passes through the cooling unit 9, and absorbs ambient heat by evaporating therein. The treatment liquid 5 is cooled by this cooling effect. The refrigerant passes through a compressor and a heat radiator (not shown) to become liquid and returns to the cooling unit 9 again.

  FIG. 2b shows a form using a Peltier element 19 as a cooling device. The Peltier element is an element that utilizes a phenomenon in which a temperature difference occurs when a direct current is passed through two different types of semiconductors, and is used in a CPU cooling device or the like. In the present embodiment, the Peltier element 19 is disposed on the side surface of the wet filter 8 so that the cooling unit 9 and the wet filter 8 are integrated. The processing liquid is cooled by the cooling effect of the Peltier element 19, and the absorbed heat is radiated from the heat radiation surface of the Peltier element 19. Although the Peltier element is arranged on the side surface in FIG. 2b, it is sufficient that a part of the wet filter 8 and the cooling unit are integrated, and the form thereof is not particularly limited, such as being arranged above and below the wet filter 8.

  FIG. 2c shows a heat conducting part 12 made of metal or the like incorporated in a mesh shape inside the wet filter 8. A Peltier element 19 is arranged on the side surface, and the temperature of the cooling part is the heat conducting part. 12 to be transmitted to 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, since the cooling is performed not only from the side surface of the wet filter 8 but also from the heat conducting unit 12 incorporated therein, the effect of cooling the treatment liquid 5 can be enhanced. In this embodiment, the heat conducting unit 12 can be regarded as a part of the cooling unit.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pump 3 is used to circulate the processing liquid 5, but the method for supplying the processing liquid is not limited to this. For example, in FIG. 3a, the pipe 4 is directly connected to the water supply, and water (treatment liquid 5) is supplied by the water pressure of the water supply. Water contaminated by dissolving the pollutant is discharged from the discharge unit 13. In this form, fresh water is always supplied, so that the solubility of contaminants can be kept constant and a large amount of water can be used. In the embodiment of FIG. 3b, the processing liquid tank 14 is arranged on the upper part of the discharge part 15, and the processing liquid 5 stored in the processing liquid tank 14 is supplied to the discharge part 15 by gravity.

  The embodiment of FIG. 4a is an embodiment in which the treatment liquid 5 is discharged in the form of a spray or a water film, is flowed in the air, and the contaminated air 1 is introduced therein to make gas-liquid contact. In this embodiment, the gas-liquid contact part and the cooling part cannot be integrated. Therefore, the processing liquid supply path 11 configured by the pipe 4 and the discharge unit 15 and the cooling unit are integrated. Specifically, the Peltier element 19 is fixed so as to surround the pipe wall 20 that constitutes the pipe 4 and the discharge portion 15, and is configured to be integrated with the pipe wall 20. Then, the processing liquid 5 is cooled through the tube wall 20.

  FIG. 4 b is a sectional view of the pipe 4. The Peltier element 19 includes a conductor 16, a p-type semiconductor 17, and an n-type semiconductor 18, and the cooling unit 9 is fixed so as to surround the tube wall 20. The treatment liquid 5 flows inside the tube wall 20. A DC voltage is applied to the Peltier element 19 so as to cool the treatment liquid 5. FIG. 4 c is a cross-sectional view of the discharge portion 15. The cooling wall 9 is fixed to the tube wall 20 constituting the discharge unit 15 so as to surround the tube wall 20, and the processing liquid 5 is cooled through the tube wall 20. A minute hole is opened on the lower side of the tube wall 20, and the treatment liquid 5 is discharged therefrom. Depending on the shape of the hole, the treatment liquid 5 becomes a spray or a water film.

  In addition to the embodiment of FIG. 4, a method of integrating the processing liquid supply path 11 and the cooling unit 9 can be exemplified. For example, the pipe wall 20 is completely removed, and the piping and the discharge part are configured by the cooling part. Such an embodiment is not shown, but can be configured using a Peltier element.

  In the above embodiment, the mode of cooling the processing liquid has been described. However, it is not always necessary to continuously cool the processing liquid. As long as the temperature of the treatment liquid is maintained within a certain range, a temperature control device may be used for that purpose. For example, the temperature of the treatment liquid may be measured using a temperature sensor, and the operation of the cooling device may be controlled so that the temperature falls within a certain range.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a method is adopted in which the air supply unit 6 (fan) is installed on the exhaust port side and negative air pressure is generated in the apparatus to introduce the contaminated air 1. There is no limitation in particular in the installation place of the part 6, You may install in the inlet 2 side.

The perspective view of the air cleaner which carries out gas-liquid contact using the wet filter 8. FIG. The perspective view explaining embodiment which integrates the wet filter 8 of FIG. 1 and the cooling part of a cooling device. The perspective view which shows another form which supplies a process liquid to a gas-liquid contact part. The perspective view explaining the form which discharge | releases a process liquid in spray form or a water film form, and makes gas-liquid contact, and sectional drawing of the piping 4 and the discharge | release part 15. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Contaminated air 4 Piping 5 Process liquid 8 Wet filter 11 Process liquid supply path 15 Release | release part 19 Peltier element 21 Process liquid discharge | released in spray form or water film form

Claims (15)

  A gas-liquid contact part that dissolves and reduces contaminants contained in the air in the treatment liquid by bringing the air into gas-liquid contact; and a cooling device that cools the treatment liquid, and a cooling part of the cooling device; The air cleaner is characterized in that the gas-liquid contact part has an integral structure, and the processing liquid is cooled by the cooling part in the gas-liquid contact part.   The gas-liquid contact portion includes a heat conductive member therein, and is connected to the heat conductive member so that the temperature of the cooling portion is transmitted, thereby integrating the gas-liquid contact portion and the cooling portion. The air cleaner according to claim 1.   The said cooling device arrange | positions so that a part of said gas-liquid contact part and the said cooling part may contact, The said gas-liquid contact part and the said cooling part are made into an integral structure. Air cleaner.   A cooling device that cools the treatment liquid, and a gas-liquid contact part that dissolves and removes at least a part of the contaminants contained in the air in the treatment liquid by bringing the air into liquid-liquid contact; The air purifier is characterized in that the cooling part directly cools the gas-liquid contact part.   A gas-liquid contact part that dissolves and removes at least a part of contaminants contained in the air by bringing the air into gas-liquid contact, and a process liquid supply that supplies the process liquid to the gas-liquid contact part A cooling unit that cools the processing liquid, and a cooling unit of the cooling device and the processing liquid supply path form an integral structure, and the processing liquid is cooled by the processing liquid supply path. An air purifier characterized by that.   The processing liquid supply path includes a pipe and a processing liquid discharge section, and the processing liquid flows through the pipe, and the processing liquid discharge section discharges the processing liquid to the gas-liquid contact section, and the processing liquid discharge section. Alternatively, the outer surface of the pipe wall constituting the pipe has the cooling part fixed so as to surround the pipe wall, and the processing liquid discharge part or the pipe and the cooling part form an integral structure, and the pipe wall The air cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the treatment liquid is cooled via a heat exchanger.   The processing liquid supply path includes a processing liquid discharge section and a pipe. The processing liquid flows through the pipe, and the processing liquid discharge section discharges the processing liquid to the gas-liquid contact section, and the processing liquid discharge section. 6. The air cleaner according to claim 5, wherein a pipe wall of the pipe is constituted by the cooling unit, and the processing liquid flowing through the processing liquid supply path is directly cooled by the cooling unit.   The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the treatment liquid is pumped by a pump and supplied to the gas-liquid contact portion.   The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the treatment liquid is water and is supplied to the gas-liquid contact portion by water pressure from a tap.   The processing liquid tank for storing the processing liquid is disposed above the gas-liquid contact portion, and the processing liquid is supplied to the gas-liquid contact portion by gravity. The air cleaner according to item 1.   The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gas-liquid contact portion is a wet filter in which an air-permeable filter is impregnated with the treatment liquid.   The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gas-liquid contact part is a part in which the processing liquid is discharged into the air and allowed to flow.   The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cooling device is a Peltier element.   The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cooling device is a refrigerant cooling device.   The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the air cleaner includes a temperature control device, and the temperature of the processing liquid is adjusted by controlling the cooling device.

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