JP2023100316A - Liquid treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid treatment apparatus capable of keeping a distance between the light source and the liquid substantially constant with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A liquid treatment apparatus includes a light source having a light emitting element capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays and a float on which the light source is installed and capable of floating on the liquid to which the ultraviolet rays are irradiated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to liquid treatment apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art There are liquid treatment apparatuses that irradiate a liquid such as water with ultraviolet rays to remove organic substances contained in the liquid or to sterilize the liquid. In such a liquid processing apparatus, a light source having a light-emitting diode for irradiating ultraviolet rays has been used from the viewpoint of energy saving and long life.

For example, a liquid treatment apparatus has been proposed that includes a container that holds a liquid and a light source that is fixed to the upper end of the container and has a light-emitting diode. However, fixing the light source to the top of the container may change the distance between the light source and the liquid depending on the amount of liquid inside the container. For example, if the amount of liquid inside the container is small, the distance between the light source and the liquid will be large. If the distance between the light source and the liquid increases, there is a risk that the amount of ultraviolet light required for sterilization will be insufficient. In addition, a means for fixing the light source to the upper end of the container is required, which leads to an increase in the size and cost of the liquid treatment apparatus.

A liquid treatment apparatus has also been proposed in which a light source is fixed inside a container. If the light source is fixed inside the container, the light source can be immersed inside the liquid. In this way, the distance between the light source and the liquid can be kept substantially constant regardless of the amount of liquid inside the container. Therefore, the amount of ultraviolet light applied to the liquid can be kept substantially constant. However, there are cases where fins or the like for stirring the liquid are provided inside the container. Therefore, there may be a case where the light source cannot be fixed inside the container. In addition, there is a possibility that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source may enter the worker during maintenance or the like.
Therefore, there has been a demand for development of a liquid treatment apparatus that can keep the distance between the light source and the liquid substantially constant with a simple configuration.

JP 2018-69166 A JP 2017-051290 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid treatment apparatus that has a simple configuration and can keep the distance between the light source and the liquid substantially constant.

A liquid treatment apparatus according to an embodiment includes a light source having a light emitting element capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays; and a float provided with the light source and capable of floating on a liquid irradiated with the ultraviolet rays.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid treatment apparatus that can keep the distance between the light source and the liquid substantially constant with a simple configuration.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a model perspective view for illustrating a light source. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light source in FIG. 2 along line AA. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating a float; It is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus according to another embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus according to another embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus according to another embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating a float according to another embodiment;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, container 200 contains liquid 201 to be processed. The shape and size of the container 200 can be appropriately changed according to the installation environment of the container 200, the amount of liquid 201 to be processed, and the like. The material of the container 200 is preferably resistant to UV rays and highly reflective to UV rays. The material of the container 200 can be, for example, fluorine-based resin or metal such as stainless steel.

For example, a supply section 202 and a discharge section 203 can be connected to the container 200 . The supply unit 202 supplies the unprocessed liquid 201 into the container 200 . The supply unit 202 has, for example, a liquid transfer pump 202a and an on-off valve 202b. The discharge part 203 discharges the treated liquid 201 from the inside of the container 200 . The discharge part 203 has, for example, an on-off valve 203a. Note that the discharge unit 203 may further include a liquid transfer pump or the like. Note that at least one of the supply unit 202 and the discharge unit 203 can be omitted depending on the processing amount of the liquid 201 or the like. Further, fins 206 or the like for stirring the liquid 201 can be provided inside the container 200 .

A liquid treatment apparatus 100 has, for example, a light source 1 and a float 10 . Liquid treatment apparatus 100 floats on liquid 201 . The ultraviolet light emitting side of the light source 1 faces the liquid 201 .

Ultraviolet rays emitted from the liquid processing apparatus 100 (light source 1 ) are incident on the liquid 201 . When ultraviolet rays are incident on the liquid 201, organic matter contained in the liquid 201 is removed or the liquid 201 is sterilized. For example, when water contained in the liquid 201 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, hydroxyl radicals with strong oxidizing power are generated. The hydroxyl radical decomposes total organic carbon (TOC) contained in the liquid 201 into carbon dioxide via organic acid. Hydroxyl radicals are also effective in sterilizing and inactivating bacteria and viruses.

Here, when the liquid 201 is stored inside the container 200, the liquid processing apparatus 100 (light source 1) is floated by the float 10 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the position of the float 10 and thus the position of the light source 1 can be changed according to the amount of the liquid 201 stored inside the container 200 (according to the position of the liquid surface of the liquid 201). If the position of the light source 1 can be changed according to the amount of the liquid 201 stored inside the container 200, the distance between the light source 1 and the liquid 201 can be kept substantially constant.

That is, with the liquid treatment apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the distance between the light source 1 and the liquid 201 can be kept substantially constant with a simple configuration. If the distance between the light source 1 and the liquid 201 can be kept substantially constant, the amount of ultraviolet light with which the liquid 201 is irradiated can be kept substantially constant. Therefore, even if the amount of the liquid 201 fluctuates, it is possible to suppress variations in the quality of the treated liquid 201 .

Also, the liquid treatment apparatus 100 can be easily removed from the container 200 . Therefore, maintenance of the liquid treatment apparatus 100 and maintenance of the container 200 are facilitated. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a hole or the like in the container 200 in order to provide the liquid processing apparatus 100, the structure of the container 200 can be simplified and leakage of the liquid 201 can be suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, even if fins 206 or the like are provided inside the container 200, interference between the liquid treatment apparatus 100 and the fins 206 or the like can be suppressed.

Moreover, in FIG. 1, although the case where the float 10 was provided with the one light source 1 was illustrated, the float 10 can also be provided with the several light source 1. FIG. That is, at least one light source 1 should be provided. The number and arrangement of the light sources 1 can be appropriately changed according to the shape and size of the container 200, the application of the liquid treatment apparatus 100, the amount of liquid 201 treated, and the like.

When one light source 1 is provided, it is preferable that the center of gravity of the light source 1 overlaps the center of gravity of the float 10 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the surface of the float 10 . When a plurality of light sources 1 are provided, it is preferable that the center of gravity of the group of the plurality of light sources 1 overlaps the center of gravity of the float 10 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the surface of the float 10 . By doing so, the posture of the liquid processing apparatus 100 floating on the liquid 201 can be stabilized.

Next, the light source 1 and the float 10 provided in the liquid treatment apparatus 100 will be further described.
The liquid treatment apparatus 100 includes a light source 1 having a light emitting element 3a capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays, and a float 10 provided with the light source 1 and capable of floating on a liquid 201 irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the light source 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light source 1 in FIG. 2 taken along line AA.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light source 1 has, for example, a housing 2, a light emitter 3, a window 4, a seal 5, and a connector 6. FIG.

The housing 2 has, for example, a columnar shape and a concave portion 2a that opens at one end. The planar shape of the housing 2 can be any shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. However, if the planar shape of the housing 2 is circular, polygonal, or the like, the manufacturing of the housing 2 is facilitated, and the attachment to the float 10 is facilitated. The form of the housing 2 is not limited to a columnar shape, and may be plate-like or cannonball-like, for example.
The planar dimension and thickness of the housing 2 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the light emitting section 3 and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a light-emitting portion 3 is provided inside the recess 2a. Since ultraviolet rays are emitted from the light emitting portion 3, the ultraviolet rays are incident on the inner wall of the concave portion 2a. Therefore, it is preferable to form the housing 2 from a material having high resistance to ultraviolet rays. For example, if the housing 2 contains general resin, the housing 2 may be damaged or the life of the housing 2 may be shortened by the ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting unit 3 .

Moreover, the housing 2 may come into contact with the liquid 201 . Therefore, it is preferable to form the housing 2 from a material having high corrosion resistance to the liquid 201 . For example, if the housing 2 contains common metal, the liquid 201 may corrode the housing 2 or shorten the life of the housing 2 .

Therefore, the housing 2 is preferably made of metal such as stainless steel, fluorine-based resin such as PTFE, inorganic material, or the like. The inorganic material can be, for example, ceramics such as steatite. In this way, the housing 2 can have high resistance to ultraviolet light and high corrosion resistance to the liquid 201 . Further, if white ceramics such as steatite is used, the ultraviolet rays incident on the inner wall of the recess 2a are more likely to be reflected. Therefore, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting section 3 .

The light emitting unit 3 is provided inside the recess 2 a of the housing 2 . For example, the light emitting section 3 is provided in a space defined by the recess 2a and the window 4. As shown in FIG. For example, the light emitting part 3 can be detachably provided on the bottom surface of the recess 2a, or can be joined to the bottom surface of the recess 2a.

The light emitting section 3 has, for example, a light emitting element 3a and a substrate 3b.
The light emitting element 3a is provided on the surface of the substrate 3b opposite to the bottom surface of the recess 2a. The light emitting element 3a irradiates the window 4 with ultraviolet rays. At least one light emitting element 3a can be provided. When a plurality of light emitting elements 3a are provided, the plurality of light emitting elements 3a can be connected in series. The light emitting element 3a is not particularly limited as long as it is an element that generates ultraviolet rays. The light emitting element 3a can be, for example, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like.

The light-emitting element 3a can be, for example, a surface-mounted light-emitting element or a bullet-shaped light-emitting element having lead wires. Further, the light-emitting element 3a can be, for example, a chip-shaped light-emitting element. The chip-shaped light emitting element 3a can be mounted on the wiring pattern 3b1 of the substrate 3b by COB (Chip On Board).

The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 3a is not particularly limited as long as the organic matter contained in the liquid 201 can be removed or sterilized. However, if the peak wavelength is 200 nm to 280 nm, removal of organic substances and sterilization can be effectively performed. Therefore, it is preferable to use the light-emitting element 3a capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm.

The substrate 3b has a plate shape and is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 2a, for example. For example, the substrate 3b can be attached to the bottom surface of the recess 2a using fastening members such as screws. In this way, the substrate 3b (light-emitting portion 3) can be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the recess 2a, so maintenance can be improved.

A layer made of thermal conductive grease (radiating grease) can also be provided between the substrate 3b and the bottom surface of the concave portion 2a. If a layer made of thermally conductive grease is provided, it is possible to suppress the formation of a gap between the substrate 3b and the bottom surface of the recess 2a. Therefore, the heat generated in the light emitting element 3a is easily transmitted to the housing 2, so that the temperature of the light emitting element 3a can be suppressed from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

Also, for example, the substrate 3b can be bonded to the bottom surface of the recess 2a using an adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like. In this case, the adhesive is preferably an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. The adhesive can be, for example, an adhesive mixed with a filler using an inorganic material such as steatite.

A wiring pattern 3b1 can be provided on the surface of the substrate 3b opposite to the bottom surface of the recess 2a. The light emitting element 3a can be electrically connected to the wiring pattern 3b1.

The material of the substrate 3b preferably has UV resistance and high thermal conductivity. The material of the substrate 3b can be, for example, ceramics such as steatite. For example, the substrate 3b may be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an inorganic material.

Since ceramics and metal core substrates have high thermal conductivity, the heat generated in the light emitting element 3a can be easily transmitted to the housing 2 by forming the substrate 3b using these substrates. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the light emitting element 3a from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

The window 4 has a plate shape and closes the opening of the recess 2 a of the housing 2 . The window 4 faces the light emitting element 3a. The window 4 is made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet rays and is resistant to ultraviolet rays and the liquid 201 . The window 4 is made of, for example, quartz or fluorine resin that transmits ultraviolet rays. In addition, although the plate-shaped window 4 was illustrated, the convex window 4 can also be used, for example. With the convex window 4, the irradiated ultraviolet rays can be condensed. If the plate-like window 4 is used, a wide range can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

An antireflection film can be provided on the surface of the window 4 on the light emitting element 3a side. If the anti-reflection film is provided, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 3 a from being reflected by the window 4 and becoming difficult to be emitted to the liquid 201 . That is, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 3a.

An antifouling film can be provided on the surface of the window 4 opposite to the light emitting element 3a side. For example, the liquid treatment apparatus 100 may also be used to remove or sterilize organic matter contained in seawater, groundwater, or the like. Seawater, groundwater, and the like contain foreign substances such as sand, dead microorganisms, and inorganic salts. If the foreign matter adheres to the surface of the window 4, it becomes difficult for the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 3a to pass through the window 4, so there is a risk that the removal and sterilization of organic matter contained in the liquid 201 will be suppressed. If the antifouling film is provided on the window 4, it is possible to suppress foreign matter from adhering to the window 4. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the liquid 201 for a long time and reduce the frequency of maintenance. can be

A seal 5 is provided between the window 4 and the housing 2 . The seal 5 can be provided near the opening of the recess 2a. Light source 1 contacts liquid 201 . Therefore, the seal 5 seals the space defined by the recess 2a and the window 4 so as to be liquid-tight. The seal 5 can be formed, for example, by curing softened resin. The resin can be, for example, a silicone resin or a fluororesin. In this manner, the space defined by the recess 2a and the window 4 can be sealed, and the window 4 and the housing 2 can be joined together.

The seal 5 can also be a seal member such as an O-ring. In this way, the window 4 can be detachably attached to the housing 2, so maintenance of the light emitting section 3 is facilitated. When the seal 5 is used as a sealing member, a fitting or the like for holding the window 4 can be provided at the end of the housing 2 where the recess 2a opens.

The connector 6 can be provided on the outer wall of the housing 2 . For example, the connector 6 can be provided on the outer surface of the housing 2 or at the end of the housing 2 opposite to the side where the recess 2a opens. In the case of the light source 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, the connector 6 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 2 .

Since the light source 1 contacts the liquid 201, the connector 6 is preferably a so-called waterproof connector. The connector 6 can be, for example, a connector conforming to IP68 defined in JIS C 0920.

The connector 6 has, for example, a plug 6a and a socket 6b.
The plug 6 a can be provided on the outer wall of the housing 2 . The plug 6a can be liquid-tightly provided in a hole penetrating between the outer wall of the housing 2 and the inner wall of the recess 2a. A terminal provided inside the plug 6a is electrically connected to a wiring pattern 3b1 provided on the substrate 3b via wiring or the like.

The socket 6b is detachably connected to the end of the plug 6a on the side opposite to the housing 2 side. When the socket 6b and the plug 6a are connected, the space between the socket 6b and the plug 6a is sealed so as to be liquid-tight. The provided terminals are electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 1 , terminals provided inside the socket 6 b are electrically connected to a controller 205 via a wiring cable 204 . The controller 205 is provided outside the container 200 and has, for example, a power source and a lighting circuit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the float 10. FIG.
The float 10 can float on the liquid 201 contained inside the container 200 .
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the float 10 can be, for example, a plate-shaped member. In this way, the area of the float 10 that contacts the liquid 201 can be increased. Also, it is possible to suppress the float 10 from becoming heavy. Therefore, it becomes easy to increase the buoyancy of the float 10 . Moreover, since the structure of the float 10 can be simplified, the manufacturing cost of the float 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the liquid treatment apparatus 100 can be reduced.

Also, the float 10 may have, for example, a hollow structure. By doing so, it becomes easier to increase the buoyancy of the float 10 . Therefore, it becomes easy to enlarge the light source 1 or increase the number of the light sources 1 .

The size of the float 10 can be appropriately changed according to the buoyancy required to float the liquid treatment apparatus 100, the internal dimensions of the container 200, and the like. The material of the float 10 preferably has corrosion resistance to the liquid 201 and a small specific gravity. The material of the float 10 can be, for example, polystyrene foam, wood such as paulownia or balsa, or resin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Moreover, it is preferable that the material of the float 10 can block the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 1 . By doing so, it is possible to suppress the leakage of ultraviolet rays to the outside of the container 200 . For example, even if a worker is in the vicinity of the container 200, it is possible to prevent the worker from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

As shown in FIG. 4, the planar shape of the float 10 can be, for example, a circle. However, the planar shape of the float 10 can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the inside of the container 200, for example.

Further, the float 10 can be provided with a hole 10a penetrating in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 1, a light source 1 can be provided inside the hole 10a. For example, the light source 1 may be press-fitted into the hole 10a or adhered to the inner wall of the hole 10a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the end of the light source 1 on the ultraviolet ray emitting side is preferably flush with the liquid 201 side surface of the float 10 or protrudes from the liquid 201 side surface of the float 10 . By doing so, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 1 from entering the inner wall of the hole 10a.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus 100a according to another embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid treatment apparatus 100a has a light source 1a and a float 10, for example. A plate-like flange 2b can be provided on the side surface of the housing 2 provided in the light source 1a. The flange 2b can be attached to the surface of the float 10 opposite to the liquid 201 side. If the flange 2b is provided, it is possible to suppress variation in the position of the end of the light source 1a on the ultraviolet ray emitting side in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the float 10. FIG. Moreover, the mounting strength of the light source 1a can be improved.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus 100b according to another embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid treatment device 100b has, for example, a light source 1 and a float 10b. The float 10b is not provided with the hole 10a for providing the light source 1 (housing 2). As described above, since the light source 1 has a waterproof structure, the light source 1 can be immersed in the liquid 201 . Therefore, the light source 1 can be provided on the liquid 201 side surface of the float 10b. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 1 from entering the float 10b. Therefore, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting section 3 .

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus 100c according to another embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid treatment device 100c has, for example, a light source 1b and a float 10c. The light source 1b has a light emitting part 3, a window 4, a seal 5, and a connector 6, for example. That is, the light source 1b is not provided with the housing 2, and the light-emitting portion 3, the window 4, the seal 5, and the connector 6 are provided on the float 10c. For example, the light-emitting portion 3, the window 4, and the seal 5 can be provided in a hole 10c1 passing through the float 10c in the thickness direction. In this way, the weight of the liquid processing device 100c can be reduced, so that the liquid processing device 100c can be easily floated on the liquid 201. FIG. Also, the cost of the liquid treatment apparatus 100c can be reduced.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a liquid treatment apparatus 100d according to another embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a float 10d according to another embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, the liquid treatment device 100d has, for example, a light source 1 and a float 10d.

A liquid feeding pipe 207 may be provided inside the container 200 . For example, the liquid feed pipe 207 extends between the bottom surface of the container 200 and the open end of the container 200 . One end of the liquid-sending pipe 207 is provided near the bottom surface of the container 200 . The other end of the liquid feeding pipe 207 is provided outside the container 200 . A supply unit 202 is connected to the other end of the liquid-sending pipe 207 , and the liquid 201 before treatment is supplied to the inside of the container 200 via the liquid-sending pipe 207 . Also, the discharge part 203 is connected to the other end of the liquid-sending pipe 207 , and the treated liquid 201 is discharged from the inside of the container 200 via the liquid-sending pipe 207 .

In some cases, fins 206 for stirring the liquid 201 are provided inside the container 200 . For example, fins 206 are provided near the bottom surface of container 200 . A rotating shaft 206 a that rotates the fins 206 extends to the open end side of the container 200 .

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the float 10d is provided with a hole 10c1 through which the liquid feed pipe 207 is inserted and a hole 10c2 through which the rotating shaft 206a is inserted. In this way, the float 10d can be moved along the liquid feeding tube 207 and the rotating shaft 206a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the liquid treatment apparatus 100d. A guide shaft extending inside the container 200 may be provided when the liquid feeding pipe 207 and the rotating shaft 206a are not provided.
That is, the float 10d should just have a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction and through which the shaft is inserted.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof. Moreover, each of the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

1 light source 2 housing 3 light emitting part 3a light emitting element 10 float 10b float 10c float 10c1 hole 10c2 hole 100 liquid treatment device 100a to 100d liquid treatment device 200 container 201 liquid

Claims (3)

a light source having a light-emitting element capable of irradiating ultraviolet light;
a float provided with the light source and capable of floating on the liquid irradiated with the ultraviolet rays;
A liquid treatment device comprising: 2. A liquid treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said float can float on said liquid contained inside a container. 3. The liquid treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the float has a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction and through which a shaft is inserted.

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