JP3245322U - Liquid dispersion device and liquid dispersion apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid dispersion device and a liquid dispersion apparatus using the same, which can reduce the energy required for various operations such as distillation, mixing, and stirring of a processing liquid. A liquid dispersion device 100 includes at least one liquid flow member 120 that can be attached to a rotating shaft 121. The liquid flowing member includes a plurality of cylindrical liquid suction parts 122 extending along the rotation axis and having liquid suction ports 124 at the lower ends, one end communicating with the upper end of the liquid suction parts, and a discharge port 125 at the other end. and at least one discharge portion 123 extending at an angle with respect to the liquid suction portion. The liquid suction portions are linear tubes extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and are densely provided along the rotating shaft. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid dispersion device and a liquid dispersion apparatus using the same.

In recent years, oils and fats have attracted attention as raw materials for conversion into fuels and chemicals. In particular, active attempts are being made to synthesize long-chain fatty acid esters from animal oils and/or vegetable oils through chemical reactions and to utilize this as biodiesel fuel that can replace light oil.

On the other hand, techniques for synthesizing various compounds through reactions such as asymmetric synthesis reactions in reaction systems of two or more liquid phases using phase transfer catalysts or slurry catalysts are attracting attention. Many of these reactions are promoted by vigorously stirring the reaction system.

Two-liquid phase reactions may be employed, for example, in the production of biodiesel fuel. For example, a transesterification reaction may be carried out by an enzyme-catalyzed method using an enzyme such as lipase as a catalyst. In such a transesterification reaction using an enzyme contact method, an enzyme (immobilized enzyme) immobilized on a carrier such as a liquid enzyme or an ion exchange resin is used as the enzyme. Liquid enzymes are less expensive than immobilized enzymes because they are made from concentrated and purified culture fluids. Furthermore, since the enzyme remains in the glycerin water, which is a by-product produced by the transesterification reaction, this can be used in the next batch of reactions. This makes it possible to repeatedly use the liquid enzyme and reduce the cost required for producing biodiesel fuel (Non-Patent Document 1).

In the transesterification reaction using a liquid enzyme, a two-phase system of an oil layer and an aqueous layer is used, and an emulsion is formed by, for example, stirring the reactants at high speed. Here, high-speed stirring of the reactants requires a considerable energy load to the stirrer. On the other hand, in order to increase productivity as an industrial product, it is desired to reduce the energy required for operations such as stirring of reactants. However, this results in a contradiction in that the ability to form an emulsion using the above-mentioned reactants is reduced and the transesterification reaction cannot be carried out effectively.

Alternatively, there is also a method of using an alkaline catalyst instead of the above enzyme. In this case as well, a two-liquid phase reaction system is employed, and the reaction requires powerful stirring.

M. Nordblad et al., Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2014, Vol.11, No.12, pp.2446-2453

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a dispersion device and An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispersion device using the same.

The present invention is a liquid dispersion device comprising at least one liquid flow member attachable to a rotating shaft,
The liquid flow member is
at least one cylindrical liquid suction portion extending along the rotation axis and having a liquid suction port at the lower end;
The liquid dispersion device includes at least one discharge portion having one end communicating with the upper end of the liquid suction portion, and having a discharge port at the other end and extending obliquely with respect to the liquid suction portion.

In one embodiment, the liquid suction portion of the liquid flow member is a linear tube extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

In one embodiment, the liquid dispersion device of the present invention includes a plurality of the liquid absorption parts, and all of the lower ends of the liquid absorption parts are provided at the same position with respect to the rotation axis.

In one embodiment, the liquid dispersion device of the present invention comprises a plurality of the liquid absorbing parts, and one of the lower ends of the liquid absorbing parts is closer to the rotation axis than the other one of the lower ends. are located at different positions.

In one embodiment, the liquid dispersion device of the present invention includes a plurality of the discharge portions, and all of the other ends of the discharge portions are provided at the same position with respect to the rotation axis.

In one embodiment, the liquid dispersion device of the present invention includes a plurality of the discharge portions, and one of the other ends of the discharge portion is closer to the rotation axis than the other one of the other ends. are located at different positions.

In one embodiment, the liquid suction part is constituted by one tube and comprises at least two of the said discharge parts at the upper end of the liquid suction part.

The present invention also provides a liquid dispersion apparatus comprising a processing tank for accommodating a processing liquid, the above-mentioned liquid dispersion device provided in the processing tank, and a rotating shaft to which the liquid dispersion device is attached. .

In one embodiment, the treatment liquid is comprised of an oil phase and an aqueous phase.

According to the liquid dispersion device of the present invention, the scooped-up treatment liquid can be moved above the liquid level and dispersed. Thereby, the vertical movement and circulation of the processing liquid placed around the liquid dispersion device can be promoted. The liquid dispersion device of the present invention can be incorporated as a part of a liquid dispersion apparatus, thereby reducing the energy required for physical operations such as distillation, mixing, stirring, etc. of the treatment liquid. For example, when the liquid dispersion device of the present invention accommodates a reaction liquid consisting of two phases, an oil phase and an aqueous phase, as a treatment liquid, the reaction liquid can be emulsified and/or processed without using extra power. Alternatively, extraction of by-products (eg glycerin) with water can be facilitated.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a liquid flowing member that constitutes the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. (a) is a sectional view of the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 10 in the AA direction, and (b) is a sectional view of the liquid distribution device shown in FIG. 10 in the BB direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing another example of a baffle plate that can be incorporated into the liquid dispersion device of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view of a baffle plate formed by combining two sets of two parallel plates; FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a baffle board constructed by combining two sets of boards, It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion device (reactor) in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 and the baffle plate shown in FIG. 12(a) are incorporated. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 3 is incorporated. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 4 is incorporated. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 5 is incorporated. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 6 is incorporated. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 7 is incorporated. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 8 is incorporated.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that structures that are given the same reference numerals in all the drawings below are the same as those shown in other drawings.

(dispersion device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

A liquid dispersion device 100 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes two cylindrical liquid flow members 120 and 120' that can be attached to a rotating shaft 121. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the rotating shaft 121 is arranged along the vertical direction. Although two liquid flow members are shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to include at least one cylindrical liquid flow member.

The liquid flowing member 120, 120' has a cylindrical liquid suction part 122, 122', one end communicates with the upper end of the liquid suction part 122, 122', and the other end has a discharge port 125, 125'. It is composed of parts 123 and 123'.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the liquid flow member 120 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. On the other hand, the liquid dispersing member 120' shown in FIG. 1 is the same as the liquid flowing member 120, and therefore will be omitted.

The liquid suction portion 122 constituting the liquid dispersion member 120 is provided with a liquid suction port 124 whose lower end is open. In FIG. 2, the liquid suction portion 122 is constituted by a tube whose outer diameter and inner diameter extend substantially in a straight line from the upper end toward the liquid suction port 124 at the lower end.

The cross-sectional shape of the liquid absorbing portion 122 is not particularly limited as long as it is cylindrical. Examples of cross-sectional shapes that may constitute the liquid-absorbing portion 122 include circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, and other polygonal shapes. The liquid dispersion device of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of liquid absorption parts having mutually different cross-sectional shapes. In the present invention, the liquid absorbing portion 122 preferably has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape in order to reduce resistance during movement within the processing liquid, which will be described later. Alternatively, instead of what is shown in FIG. 2, the liquid suction portion may be composed of a tube twisted around the rotating shaft 121.

Although the size of the liquid absorbing portion 122 is not particularly limited, for example, when the liquid absorbing portion 122 has a circular cross-sectional shape, its outer diameter is, for example, 5 mm to 50 mm.

The shape of the liquid suction port 124 is also not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the liquid absorbing portion 122 may be the same or different. Examples of the shape of the liquid suction port 124 include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and other polygons. Note that the liquid suction port 124 may be cut obliquely to the axis of the liquid suction portion 122 to expand the opening area so that more processing liquid can be introduced into the liquid suction portion 122. good.

The straight line structure (length) of the liquid absorbing portion 122 is approximately parallel to the rotation axis 121 shown in FIG. It is designed accordingly. From the lower end (liquid suction port 124) of the liquid suction part 122 constituting this linear structure, to the lowermost part of the joint between the liquid suction part 122 and the discharge part 123 (the bending point P of the liquid dispersion member 120). ) is not particularly limited. For example, the distance t can be adjusted as appropriate by those skilled in the art depending on the capacity of the processing tank 110 used.

The discharge portion 123 has one end communicating with the upper end of the liquid suction portion 122 and is provided at an angle with respect to the liquid suction portion 122 . Further, the other end of the discharge portion 123 is provided with a discharge port 125 for discharging the processing liquid that has passed through the cylinder of the discharge portion 123 to the outside. Further, the discharge portion 123 shown in FIG. 2 has a cylindrical shape.

In the present invention, the inclination angle θ of the discharge portion 123 with respect to the axial direction of the liquid suction portion 122 can be set to any angle by those skilled in the art, but is, for example, 10° to 89°, preferably 15° to 45°. When the inclination angle θ is less than 10°, it is necessary to rotate the liquid dispersing member 120 at a higher speed in order for the processing liquid sucked up from the liquid suction portion 122 to pass through the discharge portion 123 and be discharged from the discharge port 125. However, the resulting dispersion device may require a lot of energy to operate. If the inclination angle θ exceeds 89°, the discharge portion 123 may exceed the level of the processing liquid and immerse into the interior, and the function of the liquid dispersion may not be properly performed. Note that the inclination angle θ of the discharge portion 123 and the corresponding inclination angle of the discharge portion 123' shown in FIG. 1 may be the same or different.

The shape of the discharge port 125 of the discharge portion 123 is also not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the liquid absorbing portion 122 may be the same or different. Examples of the shape of the discharge port 125 include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and other polygons. In the present invention, the inner diameter of the discharge portion 123 may be constant from the side communicating with the liquid suction portion 122 to the discharge port 125, or may be reduced in diameter gradually or in stages.

The length of the discharge portion 123 (for example, the shortest distance from the bending point P of the liquid dispersion member 120 to the discharge port 125) is not particularly limited, and can be set to any length by those skilled in the art.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the ends of the liquid suction ports 124, 124' of the liquid suction portions 122, 122' are aligned in a substantially straight line in the horizontal direction. In such a case, the liquid dispersion members 120 and 120' constituting the liquid dispersion device 100 both supply the stored treatment liquid from a portion at approximately the same depth through the liquid suction ports 124 and 124'. can absorb liquid.

In the liquid dispersion device 100 of the present invention, the liquid dispersion members 120, 120' are fixed to, for example, the rotating shaft 121 (for example, around the axis of the rotating shaft 121). Note that it is preferable that the liquid dispersing members 120, 120' be arranged in a dense manner so as to be located as close to the rotating shaft 121 as possible. Since the liquid dispersing members 120, 120' are all densely packed together, the horizontal cross section of the liquid dispersing members 120, 120' with respect to the rotating shaft 121 becomes smaller. As a result, the resistance in the processing liquid when the liquid dispersion members 120, 120' rotate via the rotating shaft 121 can be reduced as much as possible.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

The liquid dispersing device 100a shown in FIG. 3 includes liquid dispersing members 120a and 120' having mutually different shapes. Here, the discharge portion 123 configuring the liquid scattering member 120a shown in FIG. 3 and the discharge portion 123' forming the liquid scattering member 120' are the same as those shown in FIG. 1.

On the other hand, the liquid dispersion member 120a shown in FIG. 3 includes a liquid suction portion 122a that is shorter than the liquid suction portion 122' constituting the other liquid distribution member 120'. 124a and the liquid suction port 124' of the liquid suction portion 122' have a difference corresponding to the length S. This length S varies depending on the type and amount of the processing liquid used, the size of the processing tank of the liquid dispersion device described below, etc., and is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 10 mm to 2000 mm, preferably 20 mm to 1000 mm. . Due to the difference in length between the liquid suction port 124a of the liquid suction portion 122a and the liquid suction port 124' of the liquid suction portion 122' in the vertical direction, the liquid suction of the liquid suction portion 122a The type and composition of the processing liquid sucked by the port 124a and the liquid suction port 124' of the liquid suction portion 122' can be different. On the other hand, in the liquid dispersion members 120a, 120' shown in FIG. 3, the discharge ports 125, 125' are arranged so as to be at substantially the same height in the vertical direction.

For example, when a two-phase reaction liquid consisting of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is used as the processing liquid, adjusting the amount of the oil phase and the amount of the aqueous phase to The liquid suction port 124a of the liquid portion 122a can preferentially absorb a processing liquid composed of an oil phase component or a component containing a larger amount of oil phase components. On the other hand, the liquid suction port 124' of the liquid suction portion 122' disposed further downward can preferentially absorb the processing liquid composed of the aqueous phase component or a component containing a larger amount of the aqueous phase component. can. From this, it is possible for the processing liquid absorbed by the liquid suction port 124a and the processing liquid sucked by the liquid suction port 124' to have different compositions of components, and both , and is discharged from the discharge ports 125 and 125' through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121. Here, since the discharge ports 125 and 125' are at substantially the same height in the vertical direction as described above, the absorbed oil phase components and water phase components are mixed and/or stirred in a more complicated manner. becomes possible.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

The liquid dispersing device 100b shown in FIG. 4 includes liquid dispersing members 120b and 120'b having mutually different shapes.

The liquid dispersion member 120b shown in FIG. 4 includes a liquid suction portion 122b that is shorter than the liquid suction portion 122'b constituting the other liquid distribution member 120'b. 124b and the liquid suction port 124'b of the liquid suction portion 122'b, there is a difference corresponding to the length _S2 . This length _S2 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the processing liquid used, the size of the processing tank of the liquid dispersion device described later, and the like. Due to the difference in length between the liquid suction port 124b of the liquid suction portion 122b and the liquid suction port 124'b of the liquid suction portion 122'b in the vertical direction, the length of the liquid suction portion 122b is The type and composition of the processing liquid sucked by the liquid suction port 124b and the liquid suction port 124'b of the liquid suction portion 122'b can be different.

The liquid spray member 120b shown in FIG. 4 includes a discharge part 123b shorter than the discharge part 123'b constituting the other liquid sprinkler member 120'b, so that the discharge port 125b of the discharge part 123b in the vertical direction There is a difference corresponding to the length _t2 between the portion 123'b and the outlet 125'b. This length _t2 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the processing liquid used, the size of the processing tank of the liquid dispersion device described later, and the like. Due to the length difference in such a range between the discharge port 125b of the discharge portion 123b and the discharge port 125'b of the discharge portion 123'b in the vertical direction, the discharge port 125b of the discharge portion 123b and the discharge port 125'b of the discharge portion 123b are The location (for example, height) from which the part 123'b and the discharge port 125'b are discharged can be made different.

For example, when a two-phase reaction liquid consisting of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is used as the processing liquid, adjusting the amount of the oil phase and the amount of the aqueous phase to The liquid suction port 124b of the liquid portion 122b can preferentially absorb a processing liquid composed of an oil phase component or a component containing a larger amount of oil phase components. On the other hand, the liquid suction port 124'b of the liquid suction portion 1220'b disposed further downward preferentially absorbs the processing liquid composed of a component of the aqueous phase or a component containing a larger amount of the component of the aqueous phase. be able to. For this reason, the processing liquid absorbed by the liquid suction port 124b and the processing liquid sucked by the liquid suction port 124'b can have different compositions of components. Furthermore, through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, these are discharged from discharge ports 125b and 125'b having different heights. This makes it possible to mix and/or stir the absorbed oil phase components and water phase components in a more complicated manner.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

A liquid dispersing device 100c shown in FIG. 5 includes liquid dispersing members 120c and 120'c having mutually different shapes.

The liquid dispersion member 120c shown in FIG. 5 includes a liquid suction portion 122c that is shorter than the liquid suction portion 122'c constituting the other liquid distribution member 120'c. 124c and the liquid suction port 124'c of the liquid suction portion 122'c, there is a difference corresponding to the length _S3 . This length _S3 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the processing liquid used, the size of the processing tank of the liquid dispersion device described later, and the like. Due to the difference in the length of such a range between the liquid suction port 124c of the liquid suction portion 122c and the liquid suction port 124'c of the liquid suction portion 122'c in the vertical direction, the liquid suction portion 122c is The type and composition of the processing liquid sucked by the liquid suction port 124c and the liquid suction port 124'c of the liquid suction portion 122'c can be made different.

The liquid spray member 120c shown in FIG. 5 includes a discharge part 123c that is longer than the discharge part 123'b constituting the other liquid sprinkler member 120'c, so that the discharge port 125c of the discharge part 123c in the vertical direction There is a difference corresponding to the length _t3 between the portion 123'c and the outlet 125'c. This length _t3 is not necessarily limited because it varies depending on the type and amount of the processing liquid used, the size of the processing tank of the liquid dispersion device described later, and the like. Due to the length difference in the range between the discharge port 125c of the discharge portion 123c and the discharge port 125'c of the discharge portion 123'c in the vertical direction, the discharge port 125b of the discharge portion 123c and the discharge port 125'c of the discharge portion 123c are The location (for example, height) from which the part 123'b and the discharge port 125'b are discharged can be made different.

For example, when a two-phase reaction liquid consisting of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is used as the processing liquid, adjusting the amount of the oil phase and the amount of the aqueous phase to The liquid suction port 124c of the liquid portion 122c can preferentially absorb a processing liquid composed of an oil phase component or a component containing a larger amount of oil phase components. On the other hand, the liquid suction port 124'c of the liquid suction portion 1220'c disposed further downward preferentially absorbs the processing liquid composed of a component of the aqueous phase or a component containing a larger amount of the component of the aqueous phase. be able to. From this, it is possible to make the processing liquid sucked by the liquid suction port 124c and the treatment liquid sucked by the liquid suction port 124'c have different compositions of components. Furthermore, through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, these are discharged from the discharge ports 125c and 125'c, which have different heights from each other. This makes it possible to mix and/or stir the absorbed oil phase components and water phase components in a more complicated manner.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

A liquid dispersing device 100d shown in FIG. 6 uses two liquid dispersing members similar to those of the liquid dispersing device 100 shown in FIG. Here, with respect to one liquid dispersing member 120d shown in FIG. 6, the other liquid dispersing member 120'd is moved upward by a predetermined length along the rotating shaft 121 and fixed to the rotating shaft 121. ing. Thereby, the suction port of the liquid dispersing member 120d is created such that a step corresponding to the length _u1 is created between the liquid suction port 124d of the liquid dispersing member 120d and the liquid suction port 124'd of the liquid dispersing member 120'd. The liquid port 124d is arranged below the liquid suction port 124'd of the liquid dispersion member 120'd. On the other hand, the discharge port of the liquid dispersion device 120'd is adjusted such that a step corresponding to the length _u2 is generated between the discharge port 125d of the liquid dispersion device 120d and the discharge port 125'd of the liquid dispersion device 120'd. 125'd is arranged above the discharge port 125d of the liquid dispersion device 120d. For example, when the liquid dispersing members 120d and 120'd have the same size, the steps u ₁ and u ₂ are the same (i.e., u ₁ =u ₂ ).

In the liquid dispersion device 100d shown in FIG. 6, the liquid suction port 124d absorbs the processing liquid located below the liquid suction port 124'd due to the step _u1 between the liquid suction ports 124d and 124'd. I can do it. When the processing liquid that exists near the liquid suction port 124d and the processing liquid that exists near the liquid suction port 124'd have different compositions (for example, a difference in composition such as a water phase and an oil phase as described later). (if there is one), by rotating the rotating shaft 121, the composition of the processing liquid discharged from each of the discharge ports 125d and 125'd can be made different.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

The liquid dispersing device 100e shown in FIG. 7 is composed of one liquid dispersing member 120e.

The liquid dispersion member 120e shown in FIG. 7 includes a liquid absorption portion 122e extending in a straight line along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121, and two discharge portions 123e and 123'e are provided at the upper end thereof at an angle. ing. The inclination angles of the discharge portions 123e and 123'e with respect to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121 may be the same or different.

One liquid suction port 124e is provided at the lower end of the liquid suction portion, and the shape of the liquid suction port 124a is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the liquid suction port 124e include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, and other polygons. In addition, in the present invention, the inner diameter of the liquid absorbing portion 122e may be constant from the lower end to the upper end, may be reduced in diameter gradually or in stages, or may be expanded in diameter gradually or in stages. It may be something. Further, although the inner diameter of the liquid suction portion 122e is shown to be larger than the inner diameter of the discharge portions 123e and 123'e in FIG. 7, it is not particularly limited to this size. The inner diameter of the liquid suction portion 122e may be smaller than the inner diameter of the discharge portions 123e, 123'e, or the inner diameters of the liquid suction portion 122e and the discharge portions 123e, 123'e may be substantially the same. .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, one liquid suction portion 122e rotates due to the rotation of the rotation shaft 121, and processing is performed around the rotating liquid suction portion 122e, compared to the case shown in FIG. 1, for example. The occurrence of liquid turbulence can be reduced. As a result, the processing liquid is sucked through the liquid suction part 125e while being stirred relatively quietly, and is discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125'e of the discharge parts 123e, 123'e. This makes it possible to mix and/or stir the absorbed processing liquid in a quiet state.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

The liquid dispersion device 100f shown in FIG. 8 includes liquid absorption parts 122f and 122'f, which are obtained by extremely shortening the liquid absorption parts 122 and 122' that constitute the liquid dispersion device 100 shown in FIG. The configuration is similar to that shown in FIG.

Also in the liquid dispersion device 100f shown in FIG. 8, the processing liquid sucked from the liquid suction ports 124f, 124'f of the liquid suction parts 122f, 122'f is transferred to the discharge parts 123, 123' connected to the upper ends of the respective liquids. It can be discharged from the discharge ports 125 and 125'.

The above-mentioned liquid dispersion member and fixing device constituting the liquid dispersion device of the present invention are both made of a material that has sufficient strength and has appropriate durability against the processing liquid. Materials that can be used to construct the liquid dispersion member and fixture are, but are not necessarily limited to, metals such as iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium, and combinations thereof. These may be provided with a coating known in the art, such as Teflon (registered trademark), glass lining, or rubber lining, to increase chemical resistance.

(Sprinkling device)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion apparatus in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. In FIG. 9, a case will be described in which the liquid dispersion apparatus 200 is used as a reaction apparatus in which a two-phase reaction liquid composed of an oil phase 116a and an aqueous phase 116b is used as the treatment liquid 116.

The liquid dispersion apparatus 200 of the present invention includes a treatment tank 110 for making use of a treatment liquid, a liquid dispersion device 100 shown in FIG. Equipped with.

The processing tank 110 is a sealable tank capable of containing and stirring the processing liquid 116, and has, for example, a flat bottom, a round bottom, a conical bottom, or a bottom portion 109 that slopes downward.

The size (capacity) of the treatment tank 110 is appropriately set depending on the purpose of the liquid dispersion device 200 (for example, the type of operation such as reaction or distillation performed using it), the amount of treatment liquid to be processed, etc. For example, but not necessarily limited to, from 0.1 liter to 1,000,000 liter.

In one embodiment, the processing tank 110 also includes a processing liquid inlet 112 and a product outlet 114. The processing liquid supply port 112 is an inlet for newly supplying the processing liquid 116 into the processing tank 110. The processing liquid supply port 112 is provided, for example, above the processing tank 110 (for example, on the top lid). Alternatively, the processing liquid supply port 112 may be provided on the side surface of the processing tank 110. The number of processing liquid supply ports 112 provided in the processing tank 110 is not limited to one. For example, a plurality of processing liquid supply ports may be provided in the processing tank 110.

The product etc. outlet 114 is an outlet for taking out products and concentrates (herein collectively referred to as "products etc.") obtained in the processing tank 110 from the processing tank 110. The product outlet 114 can discharge reaction residues, waste liquid, etc. in addition to the products, and the discharge can be regulated, for example, by opening and closing a valve 115 provided downstream of the product outlet 114. The product outlet 114 is also provided, for example, in communication with the center of the bottom 109 in the processing tank 110.

The upper part of the processing tank 110 may have a structure that can be opened and closed, such as a lid or a maintenance hole. Furthermore, a pressure adjustment port (not shown) may be provided at the top of the processing tank 110 to adjust the pressure inside the processing tank 110. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment port may be connected to, for example, a decompression pump (not shown).

The processing liquid 116 contained in the processing tank 110 is, for example, a liquid such as an aqueous solution or a slurry. When the liquid dispersion device 400 is used, for example, to produce a fatty acid ester by a transesterification reaction described below, the treatment liquid 116 is composed of, for example, a two-phase system of an oil phase 116a and an aqueous phase 116b. and aqueous phase 116b each contain a reactant such as a starting material and a medium such as a solvent.

The processing tank 110 is made of, for example, the same material as the above-mentioned liquid dispersion member. If necessary, the same surface treatment as that for the liquid spray member may be performed.

The rotating shaft 121 is a shaft having a predetermined rigidity, and has, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical shape. The rotating shaft 121 is normally arranged in the vertical direction within the processing tank 110. The thickness of the rotating shaft 121 is, for example, 8 mm to 200 mm, although it is not necessarily limited. The length of the rotating shaft 121 varies depending on the size of the processing tank 110 used, and an appropriate length can be selected by a person skilled in the art.

One end of the rotating shaft 121 is connected to rotating means such as a motor 140 at the upper part of the processing tank 110. For example, the other end of the rotating shaft 121 is not connected to the bottom 109 of the processing tank 110 and is arranged at a constant distance from the bottom 109 of the processing tank 110. Thereby, the area in which the rotating shaft 121 contacts the reaction liquid 116 can be reduced. Alternatively, the other end of the rotating shaft may be accommodated in a predetermined bearing provided at the bottom 109 of the processing tank.

The rotating shaft 121 is made of, for example, the same material as the liquid dispersion member. If necessary, the same surface treatment as that for the liquid spray member may be performed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the liquid dispersion device 100 is fixed directly around the axis of rotation 121. In the embodiment shown in FIG.

According to the liquid dispersion device 200 shown in FIG. 9, by rotating the rotating shaft 121 with the motor 140, the liquid flow members 120, 120' in the liquid dispersion device 100 supply the processing liquid 116 from the liquid suction ports 124, 124'. imbibe (i.e., taken up). The sucked processing liquid moves to the discharge ports 125, 125' through the flow paths in the liquid suction parts 122, 122' and the discharge parts 123, 123' due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the rotating shaft 121. The liquid is discharged from the discharge ports 125 and 125' into the processing tank 110, specifically above the liquid level 128 of the processing liquid 116 in the processing tank 110. This allows the processing liquid 116 to collide with the inner wall 111 and the liquid surface 128 of the processing tank 110 and to move upward from the bottom 109 of the processing tank 110, so that the processing liquid 116 in the height direction of the processing tank 110 Mixing back (for example, stirring or circulation in the vertical direction) and flowing down after colliding with the inner wall 111 can be promoted. As a result, for example, when a predetermined reaction liquid is used as the treatment liquid, the production of the reaction product performed within the liquid dispersion apparatus 200 can proceed more effectively.

In the liquid dispersion device 200 of the present invention, a predetermined amount of the treatment liquid 116 is stored in the treatment tank 110 in order to efficiently discharge the treatment liquid 116 from the liquid dispersion device 100 by rotating the rotating shaft 121. It is preferable. Specifically, whether the rotating shaft 121 rotates or not, the liquid level 128 of the processing liquid 116 is the same as that between the liquid suction portions 122, 122' and the discharge portions 123, 123' that constitute the liquid dispersion device 100. The joint part, more specifically, from the lower end of the liquid suction part 122 (liquid suction port 124) to the lowest part of the joint part between the liquid suction part 122 and the discharge part 123 (i.e., the part of the liquid dispersion member 120). It is preferable that the processing liquid 116 is contained in the processing tank 110 so as to be located above the bending point P). When the liquid dispersion device 100 and the liquid level 128 of the processing liquid 116 satisfy such a relationship, the processing liquid 116 exists up to a part of the lower end direction of the discharge parts 123, 123' together with the liquid absorption parts 122, 122'. become. In this relationship, when the liquid dispersion device 100 is rotated via the rotation shaft 121, the processing liquid 116 forms a vortex (eddy current) as the liquid dispersion device 100 rotates, and the internal slope of the discharge portions 123, 123' The flow path can be raised to the discharge ports 125, 125' by centrifugal force based on the rotation. Then, the processing liquid 116 that has finally risen can be effectively discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' to the outside of the liquid dispersion members 120, 120'.

In the above, in order for the processing liquid 116 to be effectively discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' to the outside of the liquid dispersion members 120, 120', the above-mentioned vortex must be formed as the liquid dispersion device 100 rotates. It is also preferable that the liquid level (vortex surface) of the processing liquid 116 is located above the bending point P of the liquid dispersion member 120 even when

1 and 9, the liquid dispersion device 100 has been described as an example in which the two liquid dispersion members 120, 120' are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotating shaft 121, but the present invention There are no particular limitations on the number and arrangement of the . The liquid dispersing device of the present invention may be composed of only one liquid dispersing member, or may include a plurality of (for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight) liquid dispersing members. It may be composed of. When using a plurality of liquid dispersion members, it is preferable that the interval (for example, angle) between each liquid dispersion member is kept substantially constant so that the rotating shaft can rotate smoothly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a case is described in which the aqueous phase 116b is arranged below the oil phase 116a. It is not limited only to placement. For example, in a system in which methanol is added to the water phase, the arrangement of the oil phase and the water phase may be reversed, and the oil phase may be located below the water phase. The liquid dispersion device of the present invention can also be used for a two-phase reaction liquid including an oil phase and a water tank arranged in this manner.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a liquid dispersion apparatus in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. Furthermore, FIG. 11(a) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 10 in the AA direction, and FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 10 in the BB direction. be.

In the liquid dispersion device 300 of the present invention, a plurality of baffle plates 310 are provided on the inner wall 111 of the processing tank 110, extending from the bottom 109 of the processing tank 110 to a height above the liquid level 128 of the reaction liquid 116 (Fig. 10 and FIGS. 11(a) and (b)). In FIG. 10, the baffle plate 310 is positioned, for example, in the vicinity of the liquid level 128 of the processing liquid 116 left still (that is, the upper end of the baffle plate 310 is at approximately the same height as the bending point P of the liquid dispersing member 120). or slightly below it).

The baffle plate 310 serves to prevent the liquid flowing members 120, 120' from rotating through the rotating shaft 121, thereby preventing the processing liquid 116 in the processing tank 110 from following and rotating together. In other words, the baffle plate 310 acts as a barrier when the processing liquid 116 rotates in the horizontal direction within the processing tank 110, and can prevent or reduce the formation of vortexes. As a result, even when the liquid dispersing members 120 and 120' rotate, the liquid level (vortex surface) of the processing liquid 116 is located above the bending point P of the liquid dispersing member, and as a result, the liquid dispersing member 120 , 120' are easily filled with the processing liquid 116, and the processing liquid 116 is more effectively ejected from the ejection ports 125, 125'. Finally, a large amount of the processing liquid 116 can be discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125', and the efficiency of mixing and stirring the processing liquid 116 in the processing tank 110 can be increased.

Although the number of baffle plates 310 provided in the processing tank 110 is not necessarily limited, for example, one to eight baffles are provided on the inner wall 111 of the processing tank 110 at approximately equal intervals.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing another example of a baffle plate that can be incorporated into the liquid dispersion device of the present invention.

The liquid dispersion device of the present invention may include a baffle plate 400a as shown in FIG. 12(a).

The baffle plate 400a has a structure in which two balanced plates 402a and 404a and two other balanced plates 406a and 408a intersect with each other so that the angle of intersection is approximately 90°. It is configured. The baffle plate 400a is designed to have a size such that the entire baffle plate 400a can be installed at the bottom of the processing tank of the liquid dispersion device. The material constituting the baffle plate 400a is not particularly limited, and any material having sufficient durability against the processing liquid and a predetermined strength may be employed.

Alternatively, the baffle plate may have a structure as shown in FIG. 12(b).

The baffle plate 400b shown in FIG. 12(b) is configured such that two plates 402b and 404b intersect with each other so that the intersecting angle is approximately 90°. The baffle plate 400b is also designed to have a size that allows the entire baffle plate to be installed at the bottom of the processing tank of the liquid dispersion device. The same material as the material forming the baffle plate 400a may be used as the material forming the baffle plate 400b.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 and the baffle plate shown in FIG. 12(a) are incorporated.

In the liquid dispersion device 500a shown in FIG. 13, a baffle plate 400a is arranged approximately at the center of the bottom 109 of the processing tank 110. A predetermined gap is provided between the baffle plate 400a and the liquid absorption parts 124, 124' of the liquid dispersion device 100. By disposing such a baffle plate 400a on the bottom portion 109 of the processing tank 110, even if the liquid dispersion device 100 is rotated around the axis of the rotation shaft 121 through the rotation shaft 121, the baffle plate 400a does not interfere with the processing tank 110. It is possible to prevent the processing liquid 116 from freely rotating within the chamber, thereby preventing the formation of a large vortex (vortex).

Regarding the liquid dispersing device 500a shown in FIG. 13, when the liquid dispersing members 120, 120' rotate, the liquid level (vortex surface) of the processing liquid 116 is lower than the bending point P of the liquid dispersing member due to the presence of the baffle plate 400a. As a result, the discharge portions 123, 123' of the liquid dispersion members 120, 120' are easily filled with the processing liquid 116, and the discharge of the processing liquid 116 from the discharge ports 125, 125' becomes more effective. . Finally, a large amount of the processing liquid 116 can be discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125', and the efficiency of mixing and stirring the processing liquid 116 in the processing tank 110 can be increased.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a liquid dispersion apparatus in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated.

In the liquid dispersion apparatus 600 shown in FIG. 14, a jacket 610 for temperature adjustment is provided around the outer periphery of the processing tank 110. In FIG. 14, a jacket 610 is made of, for example, a hollow material, and a heat medium such as steam, water, or heat transfer oil is introduced from a jacket inlet 612 through a pipe (not shown) and discharged from a jacket outlet 614. I can do it. The heat medium introduced into the jacket 610 heats the processing liquid 116 from the outside of the processing tank 110, thereby making it possible to control the temperature of the processing liquid 116 inside the processing tank 110.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, an example has been described in which a heating medium for heating the inside of the processing tank 110 is used as a heating medium, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead of the heating heat medium, a cooling heat medium such as liquefied nitrogen, water, brine, or a gas refrigerant (eg, carbon dioxide, fluorocarbon) may be introduced into the jacket 610.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion apparatus in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 3 is incorporated.

In a liquid dispersion apparatus 700a shown in FIG. 15, liquid suction ports 124a and 124' of liquid dispersion members 120a and 120'a constituting a liquid dispersion device 100a are located at different heights in the vertical direction.

In such a configuration, the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b constituting the treatment liquid 116 are placed at positions as shown in FIG. When the rotating shaft 121 is rotated through the motor 140, the liquid dispersion device 100a The liquid suction port 124a of the liquid dispersing member 120a is configured to absorb a processing liquid 116 containing most or a large amount of the components in the oil phase 116a (although some of the oil phase 116a and the water phase 116b may mix with each other due to the rotation of the oil phase 116a). The liquid suction port 124' of the liquid dispersion member 120'a can absorb the processing liquid 116 containing most or many of the components in the aqueous phase 116b. Then, the processing liquid 116 absorbed from the liquid suction ports 124a, 124' is transferred from the discharge ports 125, 125' of the liquid dispersion members 120a, 120'a onto the liquid surface 128 or the inner wall of the processing tank 110, respectively. It is discharged towards 111.

Here, when the processing liquid 116 discharged by a certain rotation of the liquid dispersion members 120a and 120'a hits the inner wall 111, it becomes a thin film and flows down the inner wall 111. Thereafter, when the newly discharged processing liquid 116 due to further rotation of the liquid dispersion members 120a and 120'a also hits the inner wall 111, it becomes a thin film and flows down on the inner wall 111. When the liquid dispersing members 120a and 120'a continue to rotate in this manner, the processing liquids 116 having different compositions are layered on the inner wall 111, which are absorbed from the liquid suction ports 124a and 124', respectively. It flows down in the form of a thin film.

As a result, the components constituting the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b of the treatment liquid 116 can be effectively mixed or stirred within the treatment tank 110.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 4 is incorporated.

In the liquid dispersion apparatus 700b shown in FIG. 16, the liquid suction ports 124b, 124'b of the liquid dispersion members 120b, 120'b constituting the liquid dispersion device 100b are located at different heights in the vertical direction. Further, the discharge ports 125b, 125'b of the liquid dispersion members 120b, 120'b constituting the liquid dispersion device 100b are also located at different heights in the vertical direction.

In such a configuration, the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b constituting the treatment liquid 116 are placed at the positions shown in FIG. When the rotating shaft 121 is rotated through the motor 140, the liquid dispersion device Although some of the oil phase 116a and aqueous phase 116b may mix with each other due to the rotation of the oil phase 100b, the liquid suction port 124b of the liquid dispersion member 120b absorbs the processing liquid containing most or a large amount of the components in the oil phase 116a. 116, and the liquid suction port 124'b of the liquid dispersion member 120'b can absorb the processing liquid 116 containing most or many of the components in the aqueous phase 116b. The processing liquid 116 sucked from the liquid suction ports 124b and 124'b is transferred from the discharge ports 125b and 125'b of the liquid dispersion members 120b and 120'b onto the liquid surface 128 and into the processing tank 110, respectively. It can be discharged toward the inner wall 111 of.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 5 is incorporated.

In a liquid dispersion device 700c shown in FIG. 17, liquid suction ports 124c and 124'c of liquid dispersion members 120c and 120'c constituting a liquid dispersion device 100c are located at different heights in the vertical direction. Further, the discharge ports 125c and 125'c of the liquid dispersion members 120c and 120'c constituting the liquid dispersion device 100c are also located at different heights in the vertical direction.

In such a configuration, the oil phase 116a and the aqueous phase 116b constituting the treatment liquid 116 are placed at the positions shown in FIG. When the rotating shaft 121 is rotated through the motor 140, the liquid dispersion device Although some of the oil phase 116a and aqueous phase 116b may be mixed with each other due to the rotation of the oil phase 100b, the liquid suction port 124c of the liquid dispersion member 120c absorbs a processing liquid containing most or a large amount of the components in the oil phase 116a. 116, and the liquid suction port 124'c of the liquid dispersion member 120'c can absorb the processing liquid 116 containing most or many of the components in the aqueous phase 116b. Then, the processing liquid 116 absorbed from the liquid suction ports 124c and 124'c is transferred from the discharge ports 125c and 125'c of the liquid dispersion members 120c and 120'c onto the liquid surface 128 and into the processing tank 110, respectively. It can be discharged toward the inner wall 111 of.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion apparatus in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 6 is incorporated.

In a liquid dispersing device 700d shown in FIG. 18, liquid suction ports 124d and 124'd of liquid dispersing members 120d and 120'd constituting a liquid dispersing device 100d are located at different heights in the vertical direction, and the liquid dispersing members The discharge ports 125d and 125'd of the discharge ports 120d and 120'd are also located at different heights in the vertical direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the liquid suction port 124d of the liquid dispersion member 120d is disposed within the aqueous phase 116b, and the liquid suction port 124'd of the liquid dispersion member 120'd is disposed within the oil phase 116a. ing. When the rotating shaft 121 is rotated in such a state, the liquid suction port 124d of the liquid dispersion member 120d absorbs the constituent components of the aqueous phase 116b or the constituents rich in the constituent components of the aqueous phase 116b (hereinafter, these are referred to as the components of the aqueous phase 116b). The liquid absorption port 124'd of the liquid dispersing member 120'd preferentially absorbs the constituent components of the oil phase 116a or the components rich in the oil phase 116a (hereinafter, these are referred to as components of the oil phase 116a). component, etc.) can be preferentially absorbed.

Furthermore, since the discharge port 125'd of the liquid dispersion member 120'd is opened above the discharge port 125d of the liquid dispersion member 120d, the components of the oil phase 116a from the discharge port 125'd are It is discharged upward toward the inner wall 111 of the processing tank 110 than the components of the aqueous phase 116b from the outlet 125d. The components of the oil phase 116a that collided with the inner wall 111 flow down a longer distance to the liquid level 128 than the components of the aqueous phase 116b that similarly collided with the inner wall 111. As a result, the flow distance between the components of the oil phase 116a and the components of the aqueous phase 116b is different, and the components of the oil phase 116a and the components of the aqueous phase 116b differ near the inner wall 111 and the liquid surface 128. provides the opportunity for more complex mixing.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the liquid dispersion device shown in FIG. 7 is incorporated.

In a liquid dispersion device 700e shown in FIG. 19, a liquid suction port 124e of a liquid dispersion member 120e constituting a liquid dispersion device 100e is oriented toward the bottom 109 of the stirring tank 110. In FIG. 19, the liquid suction port 124e of the liquid dispersion member 120e is arranged near the interface between the oil phase 116a and the water phase 116b of the processing liquid 116, but the arrangement is not particularly limited to this. When the treatment liquid 116 is in a stationary state, the liquid suction port 124e of the liquid dispersion member 120e may be placed on either the oil phase 116a side or the aqueous phase 116b side.

In such a configuration, when the rotating shaft 121 is rotated through the motor 140, the oil phase 116a and the water phase 116b are mixed and absorbed from the liquid suction port 124e of the liquid dispersion member 120e due to the rotation of the liquid dispersion device 100e. . The processing liquid 116 sucked from the liquid suction port 124e can be discharged from the discharge ports 125e, 125'e of the liquid dispersion member 120e toward the liquid surface 128 or the inner wall 111 of the processing tank 110, respectively, for example. .

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dispersion apparatus (reaction apparatus) in which the dispersion device shown in FIG. 8 is incorporated.

In the liquid dispersion device 700f shown in FIG. 20, the liquid suction ports 124f, 124'f of the liquid dispersion members 120f, 120'f constituting the liquid dispersion device 100f are located at substantially the same height in the vertical direction. Further, the discharge ports 125, 125' of the liquid dispersion members 120f, 120'f constituting the liquid dispersion device 100f are also located at different heights in the vertical direction.

As described above, in the liquid dispersing device 100f, the liquid absorbing portions 122f and 122'f that constitute the liquid dispersing members 120f and 120'f are relatively short. Even if the amount of liquid is relatively small (that is, the amount of each liquid constituting the oil phase 116a and the water phase 116b is small), the processing liquid 116 can be absorbed from the liquid absorption parts 124f, 124'f through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, and The processing liquid can be discharged from the discharge ports 125f and 125'f toward the liquid surface 128 and the inner wall 111 of the processing tank 110, respectively.

For example, when the liquid dispersion apparatus of the present invention is used as a reaction apparatus, the apparatus is useful in the production of various reaction products in which stirring of the reaction liquid (reactant) is desired. In particular, when using a conventional stirrer in a two-phase system (heterogeneous reaction system) such as an oil phase and an aqueous phase, or a reaction system consisting of multi-phase (e.g. two-phase) chemical substances. The reaction product can be obtained more effectively than the conventional method. For example, two-phase systems include transesterification reactions to produce fatty acid esters.

In the present invention, the liquid-absorbing portion of the liquid-sprinkling member constituting the liquid-sprinkling device extends in the vertical direction, and the liquid-absorbing portion can be rotated with a relatively small rotation radius by the attached rotating shaft. On the other hand, since the discharge portion is inclined at a predetermined angle, the processing liquid can pass through the internal flow path and be easily discharged to the outside by utilizing the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation. As a result, the liquid dispersion device of the present invention can rotate within the processing liquid with less energy, and can efficiently discharge the processing liquid, that is, perform various operations such as mixing, stirring, reaction, evaporation, and distillation of the processing liquid. can.

(Method for producing reaction product)
Next, a method for producing a predetermined reaction product using a dispersion apparatus incorporating the dispersion device of the present invention will be described.

In this manufacturing method, stirring is performed by circulating the treatment liquid within a dispersion apparatus incorporating the above-mentioned dispersion device. Here, in this specification, the term "agitation by circulation" refers to agitation by applying rotation in the horizontal direction to a target liquid (for example, a reaction liquid), and agitation by applying rotation in the horizontal direction to a target liquid (for example, a reaction liquid), as well as agitation when using the above-mentioned liquid dispersion device. This includes both vertical movement of the liquid and mixing of the entire liquid through circulation.

The processing liquid used contains an inorganic or organic liquid medium, and generally allows the chemical reaction to proceed and be controlled by stirring with a stirrer or the like. For example, the processing liquid is a heterogeneous reaction liquid. For example, a reaction solution composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase is useful in that emulsification of the reaction solution can be improved and promoted through stirring by the above-mentioned circulation.

When the treatment liquid is a heterogeneous reaction liquid, the treatment liquid contains, for example, raw material fats and oils, a liquid enzyme, an alcohol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and water.

The raw material oil is an oil that can be used, for example, in the production of fatty acid ester for biodiesel fuel. The raw material fat may be either a previously refined fat or oil or an unrefined fat containing impurities. Examples of feedstock fats and oils include edible fats and their waste edible fats, crude oil, and other waste-based fats and oils, and combinations thereof. Examples of edible fats and fats and their waste edible fats include vegetable oils, animal fats, fish oils, microbially produced fats and oils, these waste oils, and mixtures thereof (mixed fats and oils). Examples of vegetable oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, and olive oil. Examples of animal fats and oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, beef tallow, pork fat, chicken fat, whale oil, and mutton fat. Fish oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, sardine oil, tuna oil, and squid oil. Examples of microbially produced fats and oils include, but are not necessarily limited to, fats and oils produced by microorganisms such as Mortierella or Schizochytrium.

Crude oil is an unrefined or unprocessed fat obtained, for example, from a conventional edible oil extraction process, free of gummy impurities such as phospholipids and/or proteins, free fatty acids, pigments, trace metals and other chars. It may contain hydrogen-based oil-soluble impurities, as well as combinations thereof. The content of the impurity contained in crude oil is not particularly limited.

Examples of waste oils and fats include soapstock, heat-treated oil, press oil, and rolling oil obtained by refining crude oil produced in the process of producing food oils and fats in the presence of an alkali, and combinations thereof. .

The raw material oil or fat may contain any amount of water within a range that does not impede the inherent properties of the oil or fat. Furthermore, as the raw material oil or fat, unreacted oil or fat remaining in a solution used in a separate fatty acid ester production reaction may be used.

Examples of liquid enzymes include those that have liquid properties at room temperature among any enzyme catalysts that can be used in the fatty acid ester production reaction. Examples of liquid enzymes include lipase, cutinase, and combinations thereof. Here, the term "lipase" as used herein refers to a linear enzyme that has the ability to act on glycerides (also referred to as acylglycerols) and decompose the glycerides into glycerin or partial glycerides and fatty acids, and An enzyme that has the ability to generate fatty acid esters by transesterification in the presence of lower alcohols.

Lipases can be 1,3-specific or non-specific. The lipase is preferably non-specific in that it can produce linear lower alcohol esters of fatty acids. Examples of lipases include lipases derived from filamentous fungi belonging to the genus Rhizomucor (Rhizomucor miehei), Mucor, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Penicillium, etc.; lipase derived from yeast belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, Candida rugosa, Candida cylindracea, Pichia, etc.; lipase derived from bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, Serratia, etc.; and porcine pancreas Examples include lipases derived from animals such as. Liquid lipase can be obtained, for example, by concentrating and purifying a culture solution of these microorganisms containing lipase produced by these microorganisms, or by dissolving powdered lipase in water. Commercially available liquid lipases may also be used.

The amount of the liquid enzyme used is not necessarily limited, as it varies depending on the type and/or amount of the raw material fat, for example, but is preferably 0.1 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass, preferably 0.1 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass of raw material fats and oils used. is 0.2 parts by mass to 30 parts by mass. If the amount of the liquid enzyme used is less than 0.1 part by mass, it may not be possible to catalyze the transesterification reaction effectively, which may reduce the yield and/or yield of the desired fatty acid ester. When the amount of liquid enzyme used exceeds 50 parts by mass, no change is observed in the yield and/or yield of the desired fatty acid ester obtained through the transesterification reaction, and there is a possibility that the production efficiency may be reduced.

The alcohol is a linear or branched lower alcohol (for example, an alcohol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms). Straight chain lower alcohols are preferred. Examples of straight chain lower alcohols include, but are not necessarily limited to, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol, and combinations thereof.

The amount of the alcohol used is not necessarily limited as it varies depending on the type and/or amount of the raw material fat or oil, for example, but is preferably 5 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass, preferably 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the raw material fat or oil. parts to 30 parts by mass. If the amount of alcohol used is less than 5 parts by mass, an effective transesterification reaction cannot be carried out, and there is a possibility that the yield and/or yield of the desired fatty acid ester may be reduced. When the amount of alcohol used exceeds 100 parts by mass, there is no longer any change in the yield and/or yield of the desired fatty acid ester obtained through the transesterification reaction, and there is a possibility that the production efficiency may be reduced.

The water used may be distilled water, ion exchange water, tap water, or pure water. The amount of water to be used is not necessarily limited as it varies depending on the type and/or amount of the raw material fat and oil, for example, but is preferably 0.1 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass, preferably 0.1 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass of raw material fats and oils. The amount is 2 parts by mass to 30 parts by mass. If the amount of water used is less than 0.1 part by mass, the amount of water layer formed in the reaction system will be insufficient, making it impossible to carry out an effective transesterification reaction using the raw material oil, liquid enzyme, and alcohol. , the yield and/or yield of the desired fatty acid ester may be reduced. When the amount of water used exceeds 50 parts by mass, there is no longer any change in the yield and/or yield of the desired fatty acid ester obtained through the transesterification reaction, and there is a possibility that the production efficiency may be reduced.

In this method, a predetermined electrolyte may be added to the treatment liquid. Anions constituting the electrolyte include, but are not necessarily limited to, bicarbonate ions, carbonate ions, chloride ions, hydroxide ions, citrate ions, hydrogen phosphate ions, dihydrogen phosphate ions, and phosphate ions. and combinations thereof. Examples of cations constituting the electrolyte include alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, and combinations thereof; more specific examples include sodium ions, potassium ions, calcium ions, and combinations thereof. can be mentioned. Examples of electrolytes include sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, trisodium citrate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, and trisodium phosphate; A combination of these is preferred. Sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) is more preferred because it is highly versatile and easily available.

The raw material oil, catalyst, alcohol, and water are added simultaneously or in any order to the treatment tank 110 of the liquid dispersion device 200 shown in FIG. A processing liquid 116 is formed. Thereafter, by rotating the liquid flow members 120, 120' of the liquid dispersion device 100 within the processing tank 110 through the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, the processing liquid 116 is absorbed from the liquid flow members 120, 120' as described above. The sucked processing liquid moves upward through the channels in the liquid suction parts 122, 122' and the discharge parts 123, 123', and is discharged from the discharge ports 125, 125' of the liquid flow members 120, 120'. Ru. Such movement of the processing liquid 116 promotes stirring of the processing liquid 116, and the production of fatty acid ester as a reaction product is performed. The temperature applied in the processing tank 110 is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 5°C to 80°C, preferably 15°C to 80°C, more preferably 25°C to 50°C.

Note that the rotation shaft in the liquid dispersion device 200 does not necessarily have to be rotated at high speed (for example, 600 rpm or more). For example, the speed may be set to a low speed (for example, 80 rpm or more and less than 300 rpm) or a medium speed (for example, 300 rpm or more and less than 600 rpm). Furthermore, since the reaction time varies depending on the amounts of the raw material oil, catalyst, alcohol, and water used, it is not necessarily limited and can be set as any time by those skilled in the art.

After completion of the reaction, the products and reaction residues are taken out from the treatment tank 110 of the liquid dispersion device 200 and separated into a layer containing the fatty acid ester and a layer containing the by-product glycerin, for example, using means well known to those skilled in the art. separated. Thereafter, the layer containing the fatty acid ester can be further isolated and purified, if necessary, using methods well known to those skilled in the art.

The fatty acid ester obtained as described above can be used, for example, as a biodiesel fuel or a component thereof.

100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f Liquid dispersion device 109 Bottom 110 Processing tank 111 Inner wall 112 Processing liquid supply port 114 Product outlet 115 Valve 116 Processing liquid 116a Oil phase 116b Water phase 120, 120', 120a , 120'a, 120b, 120'b, 120c, 120'c, 120d, 120'd, 120e, 120'e, 120f, 120'f Flowing liquid member 121 Rotating shaft 122, 122', 122a, 122b, 122 'b, 122c, 122'c, 122e, 122'e, 122f, 122'f Liquid suction part 123, 123', 123b, 123'b, 123c, 123'c, 123e, 123'e Discharge part 124, 124 ', 124b, 134'b, 124c, 124'c, 124d, 124'd, 124e, 124f, 124'f Liquid suction port 125, 125', 125'' Discharge port 128 Liquid level 140 Motor 200, 300, 500a, 600, 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d, 700e, 700f Liquid dispersion device 310, 400a, 400b Baffle plate 610 Jacket 612 Jacket inlet 614 Jacket outlet

Claims (7)

A liquid dispersion device comprising at least one liquid flow member attachable to a rotating shaft,
The liquid flow member is
a plurality of cylindrical liquid suction portions extending along the rotation axis and having a liquid suction port at the lower end;
at least one discharge portion, one end communicating with the upper end of the liquid suction portion, the other end having a discharge port, and extending obliquely with respect to the liquid suction portion;
A liquid dispersion device, wherein the liquid absorbing portion is a linear tube extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and is densely provided along the rotating shaft. The liquid dispersion device according to claim 1, wherein all of the lower ends of the liquid absorption portion are provided at the same position with respect to the rotation axis. The liquid dispersion device according to claim 1, wherein one of the lower ends of the liquid absorption portion is provided at a different position with respect to the rotation axis compared to the other one of the lower ends. The liquid dispersion device according to claim 1, wherein all of the other ends of the discharge portion are provided at the same position with respect to the rotation axis. The liquid dispersion device according to claim 1, wherein one of the other ends of the discharge portion is provided at a different position with respect to the rotation axis compared to the other one of the other ends. A treatment tank for containing a treatment liquid, a liquid dispersion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 provided in the treatment tank, and a rotating shaft to which the liquid dispersion device is attached. Sprinkling equipment. The liquid dispersion device according to claim 6, wherein the treatment liquid is composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase.

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