JP2755436B2 - Ozone treatment equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ozone processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for performing deodorization, sterilization, freshness preservation, and the like of a food factory, a food storage, a pharmaceutical factory, an animal breeding room, a hospital, a clean room, and the like using the oxidizing power of ozone.

(B) Conventional technology A method for deodorizing and sterilizing using ozone has been known in the art, and for example, various proposals have been made on specific methods and implementing devices (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-119371).
No. 62-57557 and No. 63-59961).

However, in these methods, ozone has effects on the human body and animals, the operation is complicated, the device is large, the processing takes time, or the efficiency of deodorization and sterilization is poor. There were various problems.

(C) Problems to be Solved by the Invention The present invention is a single small-sized device that can easily and efficiently perform processes such as deodorization, sterilization, and maintaining depth in a space, and can be applied to human bodies, animals, foods, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of efficiently decomposing harmful residual ozone.

(D) Means for Solving the Problems Thus, according to the present invention, the apparatus main body is provided with two openings for forming a gas flow path, and in the gas flow path, a blowing means, an ozone generator, and An inorganic catalyst layer capable of adsorbing or decomposing at least ozone is disposed, and the blowing means is constituted by one or a plurality of fans for blowing in both forward and reverse directions and a blowing direction selecting means, and the ozone generator includes: An ozone treatment apparatus is provided that includes an adjusting unit for adjusting the amount of generated ozone in conjunction with the blowing direction selecting unit.

According to the present invention, a fan, an ozone generator, and an ozone adsorbing / decomposing catalyst layer are arranged in a gas flow path set in an apparatus main body with two openings to change an ozone generation amount and a gas flow direction. This is an ozone treatment apparatus configured to perform processing such as deodorization, sterilization, and freshness maintenance in a space, and decomposition of residual ozone simply and reliably with one apparatus.

The air blowing means in the apparatus of the present invention may be arranged between the opening and the ozone generator, between the ozone generator and the inorganic catalyst layer, or between the inorganic catalyst layer and the opening. Usually, it is suitable to arrange in the gas flow path the air supply means, the ozone generator and the inorganic catalyst layer in this order, or the ozone generator, the air supply means and the inorganic catalyst layer in this order.

The blowing means of the present invention comprises one or a plurality of fans for blowing air in both forward and reverse directions, and includes blowing direction selecting means. The fan can be configured by one reversible motor fan, can be configured by two motor fans having different rotation directions from each other, or can be configured by a plurality of motor fans. Also,
The blowing direction selecting means can be constituted by a changeover switch, a relay or the like, and the selection can be automatically controlled. In the case of performing automatic control, a timer, a gas sensor (an ozone sensor, an odor sensor, an ethylene sensor, etc.) are further provided, and the selecting means is configured to operate in conjunction therewith. This interlock can be realized by a normal control circuit. In this case, it is preferable that the timer and the gas sensor are attached to the apparatus main body. However, these timers and gas sensors do not necessarily have to be linked, and may be one notification means.

The ozone generator of the present invention is provided with adjusting means for adjusting the amount of ozone generated in conjunction with the above-mentioned airflow direction selecting means. Here, the term “interlock” means that when the blowing in the forward (or reverse) direction is selected by the blowing direction selecting means, the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator is set to the maximum side, while the amount of the ozone generated by the blowing direction selecting means is reversed ( Or, when the blow in the positive direction is selected, it means that the ozone generator of the ozone generator is set to the decreasing side or the stopping side. More specifically, when the blowing direction is the direction (positive direction) from the inorganic catalyst layer to the ozone generator, the ozone generator is set to the maximum ozone generation amount, In the case of the direction (reverse direction) from the generator to the inorganic catalyst layer, the means for switching the ozone generator to the side where the amount of generated ozone is reduced (or stopped) or the means for performing the reverse control is used. included.

Such an adjusting means varies depending on the type of the ozone generator, but is operated in accordance with the mode of the selecting means.
It can be constituted by switching means such as an F changeover switch and a high output-low output changeover switch.

The inorganic catalyst layer in the present invention may be any air-permeable one capable of adsorbing or decomposing ozone.
Those capable of promoting deodorization and sterilization in the presence of ozone are preferred. Specific examples thereof include, for example, activated carbon, alumina, silica, cordierite, sepiolite, zeolite, titania, zirconia, magnesia, iron oxide,
Examples thereof include copper oxides, manganese oxides, cobalt oxides, and the like, and mixtures thereof. In addition, an alkali metal compound, an alkaline earth metal compound, a platinum group compound, or the like may be added to or supported on a single product or a mixture thereof. The contact treatment with the inorganic catalyst layer may be performed by filling the inorganic catalyst layer in a granular form or in the fibrous form.
The treatment can be performed by passing the gas to be treated through a filter such as a honeycomb or a perforated plate, and the filter is preferably used. In this case, one kind of these filters may be used, but in some cases, two or more kinds of filters may be appropriately combined to improve the deodorizing effect, the sterilizing efficiency, and the ozone decomposing efficiency.

When driving the apparatus of the present invention, the ozone treatment conditions vary depending on the odorous components, bacteria, the type of space, and the like.For example, the amount of ozone generated and the air volume of the fan have an ozone concentration of 0.
It is good to adjust so as to be in the range of 1 to 10,000 ppm, preferably 1 to 5,000 ppm. The ozone treatment time (ozone release time) is 1 minute or more, preferably 5 minutes or more. -50 to 100 ° C, preferably -30 to 70 ° C.

As the ozone generator, for example, a normal ozone generator such as a silent discharge system, an ultraviolet irradiation system, a water electrolysis system, or the like can be applied.

(E) Action Since the switching of the blowing direction and the ON / OFF of the generation of ozone or the switching of the amount of generation of ozone are performed in conjunction, the switching of the blowing direction enables, for example, sterilization by ozone release,
The processing mainly for deodorization and the processing mainly for removing and removing ozone by the inorganic catalyst layer can be selectively performed by one apparatus according to the situation.

(F) Examples Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples.
First, FIG. 1 shows a processing apparatus (7A) according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a box-shaped gas flow path (23920 cm ³ ) has one opening 1 and an inorganic catalyst layer made of activated carbon. 3, a silent discharge type ozone generator 4, a reversible fan 6, and the other opening 2 are arranged in this order. Reference numeral 5 denotes an ozone-gas mixing ejector. In addition to the ON-OFF switch, the fan 6 is provided with a manual changeover switch (not shown) for changing the air blowing direction. Further, by selecting this changeover switch, the air blowing direction changes from left to right in the drawing. When the output of the ozone generator is set to the maximum (frequency 11.76kHz, voltage 8.4kVpp), when the air blowing direction changes from right to left, the output of the ozone generator becomes zero (stop) An ozone generation amount adjusting means (not shown) comprising a switching control circuit is provided. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the space 8 to be subjected to ozone treatment and the ozone treatment device 7A.

 The drive and function of the processing device 7A will be described.

First, the rotation direction of the fan 6 is set so that the gas flows from the opening 1 to the opening 2. At this time, the ozone generator 4 is set so that the amount of generated ozone is maximized, and the suction gas and ozone are mixed and the mixed gas is discharged from the opening 2. As a result, high-concentration ozone is diffused into the space, and the ozone reacts with odorous components, floating bacteria, ethylene, etc. in the space, and also acts on foods, adherent bacteria, etc. existing in the space. It exerts effects such as deodorization, sterilization, and keeping freshness.

At this time, the gas sucked by the fan includes unreacted unpleasant odor components, ethylene, floating bacteria, ozone, etc., which come into contact with the catalyst layer 3 via the opening 1 and It is efficiently decomposed and further improves the effects of deodorization, sterilization, and keeping freshness. The gas that has passed through the catalyst layer 3 is
As described above, it is remixed with ozone and diffuses again into the space. By continuing this operation for a certain period of time, the ozone concentration in the space becomes substantially constant, and the actions of deodorization, sterilization and freshness maintenance are continued. In this step, there is also a disadvantage that a part of the ozone is decomposed in the catalyst layer, so that the gas can bypass the catalyst layer.

On the other hand, the rotation direction of the fan is reversed so that the gas flows from the gas opening 2 to the opening 1. At this time, the ozone generator 4 is set so that the ozone generation amount becomes zero.
As a result, the suctioned gas passes through the catalyst layer 3, and the unreacted surplus ozone is completely decomposed, so that no harm is caused to humans, animals, and the like. Then, the ozone treatment such as deodorization, sterilization, freshness maintenance, etc. can be easily performed automatically by controlling not only manual operation but also such operation and / or stopping of the entire apparatus by a timer, an ozone sensor 9 or the like. Also, the operation and / or the stopping of the device can be repeated. This automatic control can be performed by switching the air flow direction selection means of the fan 6 at predetermined intervals by a timer attached to the apparatus main body or based on the magnitude of the output of the ozone sensor.
As a preferred embodiment, a control circuit which uses an ozone sensor of a semiconductor thin film [EBARA BUSINESS CO., LTD.] And performs the above-described drive when the detection output exceeds 5 ppm, and performs the above-described drive when the detected output is less than 5 ppm. An example in which the configuration is made by using is described.

On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows a processing apparatus 7B according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which a box-shaped gas flow path (1490 cm ³ ) has one opening 1, 10 wt% manganese dioxide. An inorganic catalyst layer 3 made of cordierite honeycomb, a reversible fan 6, an ozone generator 4, and the other opening 2 are arranged in this order.

In addition to the ON-OFF switch, the fan 6 is provided with a manual changeover switch (not shown) for changing the air blowing direction. Further, by selecting this changeover switch, the air blowing direction changes from right to left in the drawing. Sometimes, the output of the ozone generator is set to the maximum (frequency 1.8KHz, voltage 7.0KVpp), and when the blow direction changes from left to right, the output of the ozone generator is reduced to the minimum (frequency 0.15V KHz, voltage 7.0KVp
p)) is provided with an ozone generation amount adjusting means (not shown) including a switching control circuit.

 The drive and function of the processing device 7B will be described.

First, by setting the rotation direction of the fan 6 so that the gas flows from the opening 1 to the opening 2, the ozone generator 4 is set so that the amount of generated ozone is minimized. The gaseous mixture is released from the opening 2, and a relatively low concentration of ozone diffuses into the space, and the ozone reacts with malodorous components, airborne bacteria, ethylene, etc. in the space, and the gaseous mixture is converted into a catalyst layer. By distributing to, it exhibits effects such as deodorization, sterilization, and keeping freshness. Since the ozone concentration in this space is relatively low, an atmosphere that is harmless to humans, animals, plants, and the like is maintained.

On the other hand, the direction of rotation of the fan is reversed,
Is set so that the ozone generation amount is maximized by flowing the gas to the opening 1, and by mixing the suction gas and the ozone and flowing the mixed gas through the catalyst layer,
Ozone oxidizes and decomposes odorous components, airborne bacteria and ethylene in the suction gas, deodorizing, sterilizing, maintaining freshness, etc. effectively, and ozone is almost completely decomposed by the catalyst layer.
It becomes a clean gas and goes out of the opening 1 into the space.

This and / or the operation of stopping the apparatus and / or the operation of repeatedly stopping the apparatus can also be controlled by the timer, the ozone sensor 9 and the like in the same manner as described above.

(G) Effects of the Invention Ozone has a strong oxidizing power and exhibits a wide range of effects such as deodorization, sterilization, freshness maintenance, and decolorization.

It is considered that the oxidation reaction of the main malodorous component by ozone is as follows.

Sterilization with ozone is thought to be due to the fact that ozone acts on the cell walls or cell membranes of bacteria and destroys or decomposes, and is easier to treat than other sterilizing gases and has no persistence.

The preservation of the freshness of foods by ozone is based on the above-mentioned bactericidal action or on the oxidative decomposition of ethylene which promotes the aging of plants such as vegetables and fruits.

On the other hand, unreacted ozone is easily decomposed on the surface of the catalyst body to become oxygen. O ₃ → O ₂ According to the processing apparatus of the present invention, the generation and decomposition of the above-mentioned ozone can be controlled by one apparatus according to the situation at the site or automatically. Therefore, air treatment with ozone can be performed accurately and simply according to the purpose, which is impossible with the conventional apparatus, and the apparatus can be downsized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of an ozone treatment apparatus according to the present invention, which is premised mainly on sterilization and freshness preservation. FIG. 2 is a configuration explanatory view showing an embodiment of a treatment apparatus using ozone mainly on the premise of deodorization, floating sterilization, and maintaining freshness. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a space to be subjected to ozone treatment and an ozone treatment device. 1 ... opening, 2 ... opening, 3 ... inorganic catalyst layer, 4
…… Ozone generator, 5 …… Ozone mixed ejector, 6…
... Fan, 7 ... Ozone treatment device, 8 ... Space to be treated with ozone, 9 ... Ozone sensor.

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. An apparatus main body is provided with two openings for forming a gas flow path, and blowing means is provided in the gas flow path.
An ozone generator and at least an inorganic catalyst layer capable of adsorbing or decomposing ozone are arranged, and the blowing means is constituted by one or more fans for blowing in both forward and reverse directions and a blowing direction selecting means, and An ozone treatment apparatus characterized in that the generator includes an adjusting means for adjusting the amount of ozone generated in conjunction with the blowing direction selecting means. 2. The adjusting means sets the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator to the maximum side when the air blowing in the forward (or reverse) direction is selected by the air blowing direction selecting means, while the air blowing direction selecting means sets the amount of ozone generated in the reverse direction. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ozone generation amount of the ozone generator is set to a decreasing side or a stopping side when air blowing in the (or forward) direction is selected. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a blowing means, an ozone generator and an inorganic catalyst layer are arranged in this order in the gas flow path. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ozone generator, a blowing means, and an inorganic catalyst layer are arranged in this order in the gas flow path. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus body is provided with an ozone sensor. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the blow direction selecting means is linked with the ozone sensor. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a timer is provided in the apparatus main body. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the blow direction selecting means is linked with a timer. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fan comprises one reversible fan. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fan comprises two fans, each of which is set and arranged so as to be able to blow air in both forward and reverse directions.