JP2893525B2 - Weathered reef coral grains / powder, method and apparatus for producing the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to weathered reef coral grains and powders (hereinafter, weathered reef coral grains and powders may be abbreviated as weathered reef coral grains), particularly weathered reefs suitable for food use. The present invention relates to a method for producing coral grains or a filter medium thereof, particularly a method for producing a filter medium for a water purifier and a disinfectant, or an apparatus for producing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Weathered reef-building corals are known as coral reefs that inhabit temperate, subtropical, and tropical seas and form reefs.
During several tens of thousands of years, parts of the coral
Fine-grained, weathered reef-building coral grains on the sea floor are washed away by the ocean current, and the ocean current acts as a water sieve and is deposited and deposited according to particle size. This weathered reef coral
It has a very porous structure and physical properties, and as described above, the fine structure of the house where coral insects have inhabited while staying on the lunar sea floor for many years includes various seaweeds and microorganisms living in the sea (for example, Vibrio bacteria) and organic substances. This weathered reef coral is used as a raw material for supplementing calcium in food, as a filter for water purifiers, and as a soil improver for agriculture. It is required to take measures such as killing (killing) bacteria to remove the above-mentioned organic substances and ensure microbial safety.

Conventionally, the production of edible weathered reef coral grains suitable for food has been generally carried out by the following method. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing one example of a conventional method for producing edible weathered reef coral grains according to steps. That is, the process went through the steps of sieving, tap water washing, dehydration, drying, dry heat killing (killing) bacteria, pulverization, and edible weathered reef coral grains.

[0004] In Fig. 1, first, weathered reef-building coral grains are collected from the seabed with a predetermined particle size according to the product purpose by a pump ship, landed, and then placed in a stock yard.
Sprinkle with tap water to remove coarse sea salt and air dry. This is transported to the factory, and then sieved at a factory yard using a vibrating sieve to obtain a predetermined particle size.
Dehydration and drying are performed, and the bacteria are dry-killed (killed) usually at 100 to 200 ° C., and crushed to obtain a powder having a predetermined particle size, and then packaged or commercialized, or sieved, washed, dehydrated, After drying, the roasted material at a temperature (250 to 600 ° C.) within a range not losing the essence of the weathered reef coral grains (main component: calcium carbonate) is crushed to obtain an edible weathered reef coral powder.

[0005] The production of conventional filter media for water purifiers has been generally carried out by the following method. That is, after collecting the weathered reef-building coral grains in the same manner as described above, bringing them into the factory, and adjusting the particle size to a filter medium suitable for a water purifier using a vibrating sieve,
It is washed again with a washing machine, washed, dehydrated, and dried. Normally, the weathered reef coral grains are activated by roasting (250-600 ° C) and heat killing (killing) bacteria to increase the elution amount and increase the amount of filter media for water purifiers. (See FIG. 1).

[0006] It has been known that silver-coated weathered reef coral grains having a high sterilizing ability are produced by coating silver on the surface of weathered reef coral grains (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-17 / 1982).
9107, etc.). The silvered weathered reef coral grains are mainly suitable for water purifiers (particle size 0.71 mm or more) and those used for other purposes (particle size 0.71 m).
m) have been produced, and the silver-coated weathered reef coral grains are manufactured by the following process. That is, weathered reef coral grains-immersed in silver solution-
It was manufactured through a process of adding a reducing agent such as an ascorbic acid solution, heating, cooling, washing with water, drying, packaging, and a product (see FIG. 1). However, in such a conventional method, even if the surface of the weathered reef coral grain is coated with silver, silver is not coated on every corner of the microstructure in the porous structure of the weathered reef coral grain, and therefore, the sterilizing ability is reduced. Only poor ones were obtained.

[0007]

Conventional weathered reef coral grains are produced by the above-described method. In such a method, various types of seaweed growing on weathered reef coral grains for many months are used. However, it is insufficient as a means for removing various microorganisms such as Vibrio bacteria living in seawater and other organic substances to ensure safety.

Further, when a filter medium having undergone the above-mentioned dry heat killing (killing) bacteria process is installed in a water purifier, a small amount of minerals is discharged when water is passed, and as a result, the taste of water is improved. It is a fact that is well-known from the experience of studying. However, in this method, it cannot be said that mineral elution can be performed so as to greatly increase the total hardness elution amount, and the adsorption rate of impurities and the like cannot be said to be good because the degree of activation is not sufficient. Further, even if silver is coated on the weathered reef-building coral grains, the conventional method only coats the surface of the coral grains, and does not coat the internal microstructure of the porous structure.

[0009] The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide various seaweeds retained by weathered reef-building coral grains, vibrio bacteria living in the sea, and the like. The purpose of the present invention is to provide weathered reef coral grains that can remove various microorganisms and other organic substances and ensure safety, particularly weathered reef coral grains that are suitable for food use. It is intended to provide a method for producing the same.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a filter medium for a water purifier using the above-mentioned weathered reef coral grains to increase the amount of mineral outflow and the degree of activation (rate).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a silver additive coated with silver up to the surface of weathered reef coral grains and the microstructure inside the porous structure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a production apparatus suitable for producing the above-mentioned weathered reef coral grains, its filter medium and silver-coated silver additive.

[0013]

Means for Solving the Problems The present inventors have made intensive studies on the above problems and found that the above objects can be achieved by subjecting weathered reef coral grains to alkali treatment under specific conditions. Thus, the present invention has been completed. That is, in the present invention, the weathered reef coral was immersed in an alkaline aqueous solution under reduced pressure or vacuum to perform an alkali treatment to penetrate the alkaline aqueous solution up to the microstructure inside the porous tissue of the weathered reef coral. A method for producing weathered reef-building coral grains and powders, wherein washing with water is performed until the washing solution from the inside of the porous tissue becomes neutral, and the production of food materials, filter media and silver additives obtained thereby. The present invention relates to a method or an apparatus for manufacturing the method.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The conventional method for producing weathered reef coral grains is as described above. Here, when the roasting temperature is set to 250 ° C. or more and the dry heat killing (killing) bacteria is performed,
It removes seaweeds and organic substances contained in the coral grains of weathered reefs, and removes Vibrio bacteria that live in the fine structure of the seabed for many months. However, as described above, such a conventional method cannot completely remove various seaweeds, microorganisms, and other organic substances and cannot ensure safety.

On the other hand, the production of weathered reef coral grains in the present invention is generally carried out by the following method. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing edible weathered reef coral grains according to the present invention. That is, sieving-tap water washing-alkaline aqueous solution, heating under reduced pressure or vacuum-dealkalization with tap water (until neutral pH)-drying-dry heat killing (killing) bacteria-crushing-edible weathered reef coral Produced through a granulation process.

This flowchart shows the steps after the factory yard in the conventional flowchart for producing weathered reef coral grains shown in FIG. A weathered reef coral grain having a particle size sieved to a particle size suitable for the purpose is used as a raw material, and after washing, dehydration, drying, dry heat killing (killing) bacteria (120 to 300 ° C.)
Or roasting (100 to 750 ° C.), pulverizing, sieving, immersing in an aqueous alkali solution, and heating, while heating under reduced pressure or vacuum, to reduce the microstructure in the porous structure of the weathered reef coral grains. This operation is repeated 2 to 5 times so that the alkaline aqueous solution permeates sufficiently until the surface of the weathered reef-building coral grains and the microstructure in the porous tissue are treated with alkalis to remove proteins such as seaweeds, organic substances, and microorganisms. It can be dissolved in an aqueous solution and removed. After the completion of this operation, washing is performed. Similarly, the washing operation is repeated under reduced pressure or vacuum, and washing is performed with water until the pH of the internal solution becomes neutral. After that, if necessary, it is sieved, dried and crushed to obtain weathered reef coral powder. The weathered reef coral powder obtained in this way ensures microbial safety, and a clear and extremely clean weathered reef coral powder can be obtained.

Hereinafter, an example of the process for producing weathered reef coral grains according to the present invention will be described in more detail. The raw reef building coral grains are received from the factory yard and sieved through a vibrating sieve. Put the weathered reef coral grains of the particle size according to the purpose in a container such as a tank, inject tap water,
Stir and wash with water for ~ 30 minutes. The cleaning liquid is drained and sent to a wastewater treatment tank. Depressurize or vacuum the washing tank,
An alkaline aqueous solution is injected into this. The optimal pressure in the system at the time of this alkali washing depends on the size of the weathered reef-building coral grains presenting in the form of small pieces, granules or powder, but for example, an average particle size of 0.18 to 0.71 mm. 70mmH for powder
g or less, and the average particle size is 8.0 to 8.0.
In the case of a granular material of 16.0 mm, the pressure is preferably 30 mmHg or less.

Examples of the alkaline aqueous solution include NaOH, KO
An aqueous solution of H, Na ₂ CO ₃ , K ₂ CO ₃ or the like is preferably used, and a single solution of each alkali or a mixed solution of two or more alkalis can be used. The concentration is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 6 N, and 0.1 to 6 N.
1N is more preferred. The concentration of the alkaline aqueous solution is 0.01
If it is less than N, it is quite difficult to completely elute proteins and organic substances possessed by seaweeds, microorganisms, etc. existing on the surface of weathered reef corals and the microstructure in the porous tissue. Is more than 6N, the number of washings until the pH of the wastewater becomes neutral during washing with water in the subsequent stage is significantly increased, which may hinder work efficiency.

The alkaline aqueous solution is stored in a separately prepared tank, from which it is poured into a container containing weathered reef coral grains. The injection amount is added until the contents are sufficiently immersed in the alkaline aqueous solution or until the contents are in a fluffy state. After injecting the alkaline aqueous solution, 80 ~ 100 ° C
It is preferred that the mixture be heated to a temperature of Heating may be performed by passing hot water through a heating pipe for the container. Heating time is usually 30 ~
It may be about 60 minutes. Also, so that the alkaline aqueous solution works efficiently on the weathered reef coral immersed there,
Forcing the alkaline aqueous solution through the weathered reef coral (ie, forming a liquid flow such that the alkaline aqueous solution flows through the weathered reef coral immersed in the alkaline aqueous solution) ) Alternatively, it is preferable to stir the weathered reef coral immersed in an alkaline aqueous solution. When the weathered reef coral is agitated, the weathered reef coral easily collides with each other during the agitation and easily becomes fine powder. Therefore,
Depending on the use of the weathered reef coral, the weathered reef coral may be agitated if it may be finely powdered, or may be an alkaline aqueous solution if the initial particle size is maintained after the alkali treatment. Is preferably forced to flow.
Such an alkali treatment may be repeated a plurality of times.

When the above-mentioned alkali treatment is completed, the supply of the heated hot water is stopped, the reduced pressure or the vacuum state is returned to normal pressure, the drain valve is opened to completely discharge the alkaline aqueous solution inside, and water is injected to inject the alkali treatment. Wash by the same operation as described above. Water can be tap water, hot water
It is preferred to use In this washing process,
Will force water into weathered reef corals, or
It is preferable to stir the weathered reef coral in water. Washing
Thereafter, the system is returned to normal pressure and drained . Washing is repeated until the pH of the drainage becomes neutral. Usually this wash is 2
About three times is sufficient, but sometimes three to five times. The time required for cleaning is generally about 30 to 60 minutes in total. As described above, by performing this treatment, the weathered reef-building coral grains remove proteins and organic matter such as microorganisms such as seaweed and vibrio present in seawater that have existed for many months over many months. It is possible to achieve an extremely clean state.

When the washing step is completed, the weathered reef coral grains are taken out of the tank, dehydrated by a dehydrator (centrifuge) or the like, and then dried. The weathered reef coral grains thus obtained become weathered reef coral grains that can be used for various uses such as food materials, filter materials, and soil improvement materials. Therefore,
The weathered reef coral grains are adjusted in particle size according to the application, packaged, and shipped as food materials, filter media, soil improvement materials, and the like. However, when the weathered reef-building coral grains are used as food materials, it is preferable to dry heat kill (kill) bacteria or roast in order to ensure microbial safety.

Here, dry heat sterilization means that the bacterial concentration is 100%.
Dry heat treatment is carried out to 10 pieces / 10 g or less, and dry heat sterilization means dry heat treatment to 10 pieces / 10 g or less. As the dry heat killing (killing) bacteria, for example, 120
What is necessary is just to perform dry heat treatment at -300 degreeC for 30 to 60 minutes. Also,
As the roasting operation , roasting at 100 to 750 ° C.
Preferably, roasting at 250 to 750C is more preferable. By going through this step, the weathered reef-building coral grains will be completely microbiologically safe, and will be sufficiently available for food use.

The conventional edible weathered reef coral powder has the following characteristics:
50 mesh (103 μm) to 500 mesh (27.
(28 μm). this
In terms of particle size, when ingesting weathered reef coral powder as food
The mouth feels rough and the texture is not good. Weathering of the present invention
There are no particular restrictions on the shape and size of reef-building coral grains.
And, for example, include forms such as block, granule, powder, etc.
You. However, when weathered reef coral grains are used as food material,
Has a grain size of 500 mesh to improve the texturethat's all
(Particle size 27.28 μmLess than)It is preferable to prepare
Good. 500 mesh or more (27.28 μm or less)
An example of the particles prepared to have a particle size is shown in Example 1 below.
However, this weathered reef coral flour has a very
It is easy.

Regarding the definition of the particle size, the “mesh” used in the present invention is Tyler or Tyler.
This is an ASTM sieve called Tyler sieve, which is widely used not only in the United States but also in other countries such as Japan. For reference, “mesh” and “granularity (μ
3), as shown in FIG. 3, but it is said that, in the case of a particle size of 500 mesh or less, the particle size can be correctly expressed by indicating in μm.

In the present invention, the weathered reef coral grains obtained as described above are effectively used as a filter medium for a water purifier. Conventionally, filter media for water purifiers have been produced in the following steps. That is, selection of weathered reef coral grains having a particle size suitable for water purification-sieving-tap water washing-dehydration-drying-roasting (250 to 600C) activation-cooling-particle size adjustment (sieving)
-Filter media for water purifier-Packaging-Product (see FIG. 1).

However, in the present invention, the following steps are performed: sieving, tap water washing, treatment with an aqueous alkali solution under reduced pressure or vacuum, heating, and dealkalization with tap water (until the pH becomes neutral). -Drying-roasting (250-7
(50 ° C) ・ Activation-cooling-particle size adjustment (sieving)-filter material for water purifier-packaging-product (see Fig. 2). Through the above steps in the present invention, organic substances such as seaweed present in the microstructure of the porous tissue having weathered reef-building coral grains and Vibrio bacteria and other microorganisms living in the sea are converted to an aqueous alkaline solution. By dissolving and heating to increase the efficiency, the dissolving efficiency is further increased, and organic substances such as proteins and microorganisms are removed, and a product which is extremely microbiologically safe can be obtained. Thereby, the fine structure of the porous structure of the weathered reef-building coral grains can be cleaned and activated to increase the adsorption capacity. This is further roasted (25
(0 to 750 ° C.), it is possible to further enhance the degree of activation of various properties such as odor adsorption ability, mineral elution ability, and dye adsorption ability, and to further enhance the performance as a filter material for a water purifier as compared with conventional products.

Furthermore, the present inventors have analyzed and studied the characteristics of weathered reef coral grains based on their abundant experience in training, and as a result of applying the above-described production method of the present invention, It has been found that silver can be coated to the surface of weathered reef coral grains and to every corner of the microstructure in the porous structure, and it is possible to produce silver-impregnated reef coral grains with extremely excellent sterilizing ability. It became.

In the present invention, the following steps are performed: sieving-washing with tap water-decompression or immersion in an aqueous alkali solution under vacuum-heating-dealkalization with tap water-drying-sieving (0.71 mm) -decompression. -It is produced through the steps of vacuum silver solution injection-stirring-silver solution removal-reducing agent addition-heating-cooling-water washing-drying-packaging (see Fig. 2). In the above steps, the steps up to the step of cleaning the weathered reef coral grains and the filter material thereof, such as the alkali removal treatment and the subsequent drying step, may be inherited as they are. As described above, weathered reef coral grains sieved to have an average particle size of 0.71 mm or more depending on the purpose are subjected to dry heat killing (killing) or roasting, and then sufficiently reduced in silver solution under reduced pressure or vacuum. Immerse. In this case, an aqueous silver nitrate solution or the like can be preferably used as the aqueous silver solution. The concentration is appropriately determined according to the amount of silver to be coated, but is usually preferably 4 to 6% by weight. The degree of vacuum when the weathered reef coral grains are immersed in the aqueous silver solution can be the same as in the case of the above-described alkali treatment or washing. After the weathered reef coral grains are immersed in the silver aqueous solution under reduced pressure or vacuum, the silver aqueous solution is drained, a source agent is injected, and the silver solution of the silver aqueous solution adhering to the weathered reef coral grains is discharged. Is reduced and coated. As the reducing agent, an aqueous solution of a reducing agent such as an ascorbic acid solution, an erythorbic acid solution, or a glucose solution can be used. After the silver has sufficiently adhered (about 60 minutes), the remaining reducing agent liquid is discharged, and the silver reduction is completed by heating at about 400 ° C. for about 30 to 60 minutes. Heating may be performed by separately transferring the heating to an electric furnace or the like. Thereafter, the product is manufactured through processes such as cooling, washing, drying, and packaging.

According to the conventional method, organic substances such as seaweeds and microorganisms remain attached to the microstructure in the porous structure of the weathered reef coral grains. This contributes to the impediment that silver cannot be coated to every corner of the microstructure in the porous structure.
However, according to the method of the present invention, it is possible to coat silver on the surface of weathered reef coral grains and on every corner of the microstructure in the porous tissue,
As a result, the life of the silver-coated weathered reef coral grains is extended, and the sterilizing effect is enhanced. At the same time, the silver aqueous solution immersion time required about 96 hours in the conventional method is 30 minutes to 1 minute.
It has the advantage of being time consuming, and can dramatically increase production capacity. The silver-added weathered reef coral grains thus obtained exhibit an extremely excellent bactericidal effect. That is, it has an excellent bactericidal effect against food poisoning bacteria such as Escherichia coli group, Escherichia coli, pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, and Enterococcus.

Next, an apparatus for processing weathered reef coral grains suitable for carrying out the method for producing weathered reef coral grains of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of one embodiment of the weathered reef coral grain processing device of the present invention. The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a hermetically sealed container 2 for accommodating a weathered reef coral grain 1 to be treated, a stirring blade 4 located at a central cylindrical portion of the container, and a motor 5 for rotating the stirring blade 4. It is preferable to provide a hollow cylindrical stainless steel basket 3 for storing the weathered reef coral grains 1 in the closed vessel 2. The basket 3
Are supported by 4 to 6 support members 13. A storage tank 6 for an aqueous alkaline solution is provided alongside the closed container 2, and the closed container 2 is provided with an injection pipe 7 for introducing an alkaline aqueous solution from the storage kunk 6 into the closed container 2. In the closed container 2, an injection pipe 8 for introducing water or an aqueous silver solution into the closed container 2, an injection pipe 9 for introducing a reducing agent into the closed container 2, and a drainage for discharging waste liquid from the closed container 2. A tube 10 is also attached. And
The injection pipes 7, 8, 9 and the drainage pipe 10 are provided with valves for regulating the amount of liquid to be injected or discharged. A heater for heating the inside of the closed container 2 is built in the bottom or the side of the closed container 2, and a heating medium passes through a heating pipe 11. Further, a vacuum pump 12 for reducing the pressure inside the closed container 2 to a vacuum is connected to the closed container 2. Here, it is important that at least the inner surfaces of the closed container 2, the injection pipes 7, 8, 9 and the drain pipe 10 are formed of a metal having corrosion resistance to an alkaline aqueous solution. In addition, the vacuum pump 12 controls the inside of the closed
Use a material that can be evacuated to 0 mmHg or less, preferably 30 mmHg or less.

As a method for performing alkali treatment of the weathered reef coral grains 1 by this processing apparatus, first, the weathered reef coral grains 1 are put into the basket 3 of the closed container 2. Next, an alkaline aqueous solution is injected from the injection pipe 7. Then, the pressure inside the sealed container 2 is reduced to 70 mmHg or less, preferably 30 mmHg or less by the vacuum pump 12. Further, in parallel with the decompression, the motor 5 is driven to rotate the rotor 4,
Thereby, a liquid flow is formed in the basket 3, and the alkaline aqueous solution is forcibly passed through the weathered reef coral grains 1 in the basket 3. In addition, warm water is passed through the heating pipe 11 to heat the sealed container 2 to 80 to 100 ° C. Such an alkali treatment is usually performed for 30 to 60 minutes. As a result, organic substances derived from seaweeds, microorganisms, and the like existing on the surface of the weathered reef-building coral grains 1 and the microstructure inside the porous tissue can be dissolved in the alkaline water solution and removed.

As a method for performing alkali treatment of weathered reef coral grains by the processing apparatus of FIG. 4, the steps of immersing weathered reef coral grains 1 in the above-mentioned alkaline aqueous solution and depressurizing the inside of the closed vessel 2 are exchanged. After reducing the pressure inside the sealed container 2 with the vacuum pump 12, an alkaline aqueous solution may be injected to immerse the weathered reef-building coral particles 1 in the alkaline aqueous solution. After the weathered reef-building coral grains 1 are immersed in an alkaline aqueous solution, the inside of the closed container 2 is decompressed, and the workability is improved.
On the contrary, when the inside of the closed vessel 2 is decompressed and the weathered reef coral grains 1 are immersed in an alkaline aqueous solution, the weathered reef coral grains 1 reach the microstructure inside the porous structure. Alkaline aqueous solution can be spread in a short time.

After the alkali treatment, the used aqueous alkali solution is discharged from the drain pipe 10. Further, as a method of washing the weathered reef coral grains 1 with water after the above-described alkali treatment in the treatment apparatus of FIG. 3, the same operation may be repeated using water instead of the alkaline aqueous solution in the case of the alkali treatment. That is, water is injected into the sealed container 2 from the injection pipe 8 to immerse the weathered reef-building coral grains 1 in water, and then the pressure in the sealed container 2 is reduced. Alternatively, after the inside of the closed vessel 2 in which the weathered reef coral grains 1 are housed is preliminarily depressurized, water is injected from the injection pipe 8 to immerse the weathered reef coral grains 1 in water. And
By rotating the stirring blade 4, water is forced to flow through the weathered reef-building coral grains 1. Thereafter, the used washing water is discharged from the drain pipe 10. This washing operation is repeated until the pH of the used washing water from the drain pipe 10 becomes neutral.

The processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4 can also be used for producing a silver additive for weathered reef coral grains 1. In this case, the weathered reef coral grains 1 to be coated with silver, preferably subjected to the alkali treatment and washing described above, dried,
In addition, dry heat killing (killing) bacteria or roasted weathered reef coral grains 1
Into basket 3. Then, an aqueous silver solution is injected into the sealed container 2 from the injection pipe 8, and the weathered reef-building coral particles 1 are sufficiently immersed in the aqueous silver solution under reduced pressure. Next, after discharging the excess silver aqueous solution from the drainage pipe 10, a reducing agent such as ascorbic acid solution is injected from the injection pipe 9 under reduced pressure, and adheres to the surface of the weathered reef-building coral grains 1 and the microstructure inside the porous structure. The reduced silver aqueous solution is reduced, and then the remaining reducing agent is discharged from the drain pipe 10. Then, the weathered reef coral grains 1 are separately transferred to a heating means such as an electric furnace, and are heated at about 400 ° C. for 30 minutes.
Heat for ~ 60 minutes. As a result, it is possible to obtain a silver additive that is coated with silver all over the surface of the weathered reef-building coral grain 1 and every corner of the microstructure inside the porous structure, and has an enhanced sterilization effect.

[0035]

EXAMPLES The present invention will now be described specifically with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Example 1 A weathered reef coral as a raw material was sieved through a vibrating sieve to obtain a particle size of 2
20 kg of weathered coral reef having a size of 1 mm to 1 mm was put in the basket 3 of the closed container 2 of the processing apparatus shown in FIG. In order to pre-wash the weathered reef coral, tap water was injected from the injection pipe 8 and the stirring blade 4 was rotated to force water to flow through the weathered reef coral for 30 minutes. The cleaning liquid was sent as waste water from a drain pipe 10 to a waste water treatment tank. The closed cleaning tank 2 is evacuated (10 mm water column) by the vacuum pump 12 and
25 L of the 0.1N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution prepared in 6 was injected through the injection tube 7. After that, the temperature 8
Hot water at 0 ° C. was passed through the heating pipe 11 to heat the inside of the closed container 2 in which the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was forcibly passed through the weathered reef coral for 30 minutes. After this operation was completed, the supply of hot water for heating was stopped, and the vacuum was returned to normal pressure. The aqueous sodium hydroxide solution in the closed container 2 was completely discharged from the drain pipe 10. Tap water was again injected, and the same operation as in the above-described alkali treatment was performed to repeatedly perform washing. After the first washing, drainage was taken from the pipe 10 and its pH was measured to be 8.1. Wastewater after second washing
Since H reached 7.0, further washing was stopped. The time required for the alkali treatment and cleaning was a total of 30 minutes. Thereafter, the sample obtained by washing, dehydration, and drying was used as a sample, and the amount of crude protein (calculated from total nitrogen by the semi-micro Kjeldahl method) and the number of general bacteria were measured. Here, the amount of crude protein was calculated from the total nitrogen by the semi-micro Kjeldahl method, and the number of general bacteria (cells / g) was determined by a microorganism test (standard agar medium method). For comparison, the crude protein content and the number of general bacteria of weathered reef corals used as raw materials were measured in the same manner. Table 2 shows the results.

Further, weathered reef coral grains for food materials were produced as follows. That is, using the weathered reef coral grains obtained above,
Pulverize with a crusher, 500 mesh or more (27.28
A portion having a particle size of not more than 1 μm) is separated, and as a raw material, 31.0% of coral calcium (the weathered reef coral grain), 23.8% of lactose, 12.5% of maltitol, 6.5 of sucrose
%, 2.7% vitamin C, 4.7% caseinhoshopeptide, and 18.8% dextrin. A texture test of the granules was performed by five panelists, and it was confirmed that none of the granules was mixed with weathered reef-building coral, and there was no graininess at all, and the texture was extremely mild. Separately, the particle size analysis of the weathered reef-building coral particles was performed as follows using a laser diffraction type particle size distribution analyzer (SALD-2000) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. First, a small amount of a sample is placed in a 200 ml beaker, and methanol (1
) And dispersed by ultrasonic irradiation for about 2 minutes to obtain a measurement sample. Next, methanol is put in a circulation stirring tank in advance, and the above-mentioned measurement sample is put therein so that the intensity of diffraction / scattered light becomes 30 to 40% while stirring with a propeller. Irradiation measured the particle size distribution. Table 4 shows the results.

[0038]

[Table 1]

Example 2 Example 1 was repeated except that the weathered reef coral grains shown in Table 2 were used and the particle size was changed to 25% of a 1.0N sodium hydroxide solution instead of 25L of a 0.1N sodium hydroxide solution. Alkali treatment and cleaning were performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The pH values of the wastewater after the first to third washings were 8.8, 8.1, and 7.4, respectively. Since the pH of the wastewater after the fourth washing became 7.0, the subsequent washing was stopped. . The time required for the alkali treatment and the cleaning was 55 minutes in total. A sample obtained by washing, dehydration, and drying was used as a test sample, and the amount of crude protein and the number of general bacteria were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 2 shows the results.

[0040]

[Table 2]

Example 3 In Example 1, the weathered reef coral grains having a grain size of 8 mm to 5 mm were replaced with 20 kg of the weathered reef coral grains having a grain size of 2 mm to 1 mm.
Except for using kg, alkali treatment was performed in the same manner as in Example 1,
Subsequent washing was performed twice, and it was confirmed that the pH of the wastewater was 7.0. After that, wash, dehydrate, dry,
Roasting (500 ° C., 60 minutes) ・ Activation, cooling, particle size adjustment (sieving) to obtain a filter medium for a water purifier. The bacteria count (cells / g) of the obtained filter medium for water purifier was measured by a microbial test (standard agar medium method) in the same manner as in Example 1. In addition, in order to determine the adsorptive capacity of this filter medium, an inner diameter of 130 mm and a height of 1 mm were used.
Using a 30 mm column, put 50 g of sample, 0.002%
A decolorization test was performed using 100 ml of methylene blue. Then, the adsorption rate of methylene blue in the methylene blue solution passed through the column is represented by the following equation: adsorption rate (%) = [(transmittance of methylene blue solution after passing through column) / (transmittance of methylene blue solution before passing through column)] × 100. Further, the activity (that is, the adsorption rate of methylene blue) of the filter medium was calculated by the following equation: activity (%) = 100−adsorption rate. Table 3 shows the results.

Example 4 In Example 2, the weathered reef coral grains having a grain size of 5 mm to 8 mm were replaced with 20 kg of weathered reef coral grains having a grain size of 5 mm to 4 mm.
Except for using kg, alkali treatment and subsequent washing were performed four times in the same manner as in Example 2, and it was confirmed that the pH of the wastewater was 7.0. Then, it was washed with water, dehydrated, dried, and roasted (500 ° C., 60 minutes). Activation, cooling, and particle size adjustment (sieving) to obtain a filter medium for a water purifier. A decolorization test was performed in the same manner as in Example 3 in order to measure the number of general bacteria and determine the degree of activation of the obtained filter medium for a water purifier. Table 3 shows the results.

[0043]

[Table 3]

Examples 5 and 6 A filter for a water purifier was obtained in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the concentration of the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution used during the alkali treatment was changed. A decolorization test was performed on the obtained filter for the water purifier.
The degree of activation was measured. The results were as follows: Alkali concentration Decolorization test% Activation degree Example 5 2.0 Normal 10.2 89.2 Example 6 6.0 Normal 9.1 90.9 By comparing Examples 4 to 6, the higher the alkali treatment concentration, the higher the activation degree and the microorganisms in the water. It turns out that other organic substances can be purified.

Example 7 The filter medium for a water purifier obtained in Example 3 was put into the basket 3 of the sealed container 2 of the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4, and the pressure in the sealed container 2 was reduced to 5% of silver. Silver nitrate aqueous solution 2
0 liter was injected, and the solution was forced through for 30 minutes. After discharging the silver aqueous solution, 20 liters of a 1.5% aqueous solution of ascorbic acid was injected, and the solution was forcibly passed for 30 minutes. After draining the ascorbic acid solution, the weathered reef coral grains are taken out, and
The mixture was placed in an electric furnace at 50 ° C. and reduced by heating for 50 minutes. After completion of the heating, the product was cooled, washed with water, dried and adjusted for particle size, and then packaged to obtain a silver-added product. Table 4 shows the amount of silver coating applied to the obtained silver additive.

Example 8 Except for using the filter medium for a water purifier obtained in Example 4,
A silver additive was obtained in the same manner as in Example 7. Table 4 shows the amount of silver coating applied to the obtained silver additive.

[0047]

[Table 4]

[0048]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, a variety of seaweeds retained by weathered reef coral grains, various microorganisms including vibrio bacteria living in the sea, and other organic substances are removed to ensure the safety of weathered reefs. Reef coral grains, especially weatherable reef coral grains suitable for food use, can be obtained, and a filter medium for a water purifier with an increased amount of mineral outflow and the degree of activation (rate) can be obtained. Further, it is possible to obtain a silver additive fungicide coated with silver on the surface of weathered reef-building coral grains and the fine structure inside the porous structure. Further, a processing apparatus suitable for producing the weathered reef-building coral grain of the present invention is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a conventional method for producing a weathered reef coral grain according to steps.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing a weathered reef-building coral grain according to the present invention according to steps.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between “mesh” and “grain size (μm)”.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of a processing apparatus suitable for producing weathered reef coral grains in the present invention.

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI C02F 1/50 510 C02F 1/50 510A 520 520B 531 531E 540 540F 550 550D 560 560B 1/68 510 1/68 510B 520 520M 540 540G (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) C02F 1/28 A01N 25/08 A01N 59/16 A23L 1/325 C02F 1/50 C02F 1/68

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] Claims: 1. An alkali treatment for immersing a weathered reef coral in an alkaline aqueous solution under reduced pressure or vacuum to permeate the alkaline aqueous solution up to the microstructure inside the porous structure of the weathered reef coral. A method for producing weathered reef-building coral grains and powder, wherein washing with water is carried out until the washing liquid from inside the porous tissue becomes neutral. 2. The weathered reef coral particles / powder according to claim 1, wherein the alkaline treatment is carried out by forcibly passing an alkaline aqueous solution through the weathered reef coral or by stirring the weathered reef coral in the alkaline aqueous solution. Manufacturing method. 3. A process according to claim 1 carried out under heating the alkali treatment or
Other manufacturing method of the weathered reef-building coral grains, flour according to 2. 4. An alkaline aqueous solution comprising NaOH, KO
_H, using _{Na 2 CO 3, K 2 CO} 3 in 0.01~6N aqueous method for producing a weathered reef-building coral grains, flour according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A method according to claim 1 to 4 noise to perform washing by stirring the weathered reef-building coral water weathered reef-building coral under reduced pressure or vacuum or force liquid passing, or in water
2. The method for producing weathered reef coral grains and powder according to claim 1 . 6. The method for producing a weathered reef-building coral grain / powder according to claim 1 , wherein the water washing is carried out while heating under reduced pressure or vacuum. 7. A weathered reef-building coral grain / powder obtained by the production method according to claim 1 is subjected to dry heat killing (killing) or roasting, and further pulverized and sieved to obtain a particle size. Is 500 mesh or more (27.28 μm or less). 8. A weathered reef coral grain / powder obtained by the production method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
A filter material for a water purifier consisting of weathered reef-building coral grains and powders that have been activated by roasting at 750 ° C. and have enhanced adsorption capacity. 9. A weathered reef-building coral grain / powder obtained by the production method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which is subjected to dry heat killing (killing) or roasting, and then under reduced pressure or vacuum. By immersing in a silver aqueous solution, the silver aqueous solution is infiltrated to the fine structure in the bolus structure of the weathered reef coral grains / powder, and then reduced with a reducing agent to reduce the silver in the porous tissue of the weathered reef coral grains / powder. A method for producing a silver additive comprising weathered reef coral grains and powder coated with silver up to the fine structure of silver. 10. A weathering reef coral grain / powder processing apparatus having a stirring blade for forming a liquid flow in a closed container by rotating in a central cylinder of the closed container capable of reducing the pressure to a vacuum inside. 11. The weathering reef coral grain / powder processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a hollow cylindrical basket for storing the weathered reef coral in a closed container, and a heating device.