JP5252141B1 - Method and apparatus for obtaining water from air - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a method and an apparatus for obtaining water from the air more efficiently without selecting a place even in a place where there is no liquid water such as on a desert or a mountain and by a simpler method than a conventional method.
A water collecting tank 2 containing a predetermined deliquescent material 4, a stirrer 3 for stirring the deliquescent material 4, a water collecting device 100 having a blower 1 for blowing air to the deliquescent material 4, and water was taken in the water collecting tank 2. Distillation tank 5 containing 4 L of deliquescent liquid, heater 6 for heating distillation tank 5, and heating distillation having condenser 7 for condensing water vapor heated from heater 6 and evaporated from deliquescent liquid 4 L to form distilled water W And dehydrating the deliquescent material 4 while blowing the air A to take the moisture contained in the air into the deliquescent material 4 to obtain 4L of the deliquescent solution 4L. Water is obtained from the air by regenerating the deliquescent material 4 by heating and condensing the water vapor evaporated from the deliquescent solution 4L and collecting it as distilled water W.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for collecting water contained in air to obtain water. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for easily obtaining distilled water that can be used as agricultural water, industrial water, power generation water, and even drinking water from the air.

  Removing water in the air is called dehumidification. Conventionally, various types of dehumidifiers are known. For example, a cooling system that dehumidifies by contacting air with a refrigerant and cooling it below the dew point temperature, a compression system that compresses air to increase relative humidity to condense moisture, or separates water vapor in compressed air with a permeable membrane Also known are adsorption systems that absorb air by passing air through columns filled with substances that easily absorb moisture, hygroscopic rotors, and absorption systems that perform dehumidification by bringing air into contact with liquids that easily absorb moisture. It has been. However, these dehumidifiers are merely intended to lower the humidity in the room, and a large amount of water cannot be obtained from the air at a time.

  By the way, recently, various problems and damages caused by water shortage have been widely screamed all over the world. Currently, as a solution, drinking water, agricultural water, industrial water, and the like are produced and used from various water sources such as seawater, river and lake water, and groundwater. However, removal of salt contained in seawater and removal of organic and inorganic harmful substances mixed in river and lake water, groundwater, etc. are major problems. Furthermore, the biggest drawback of these methods is that they can only be used where there is a water source where the water is in liquid form.

  Therefore, conventionally, various methods for actively collecting moisture (water vapor) contained in the air and obtaining water are proposed instead of simple dehumidification as described above. For example, a method using a heat exchanger or an electric heating element (Peltier element) or a method using a water adsorbent is known.

  As a method of using the water adsorbent, moisture in the air is adsorbed on an adsorbent containing silica gel as a water adsorbent, and then the adsorbent is heated using sunlight to be adsorbed on the adsorbent. A method of removing condensed water from the adsorbent and condensing it to extract condensed water (see Patent Document 1), as a first process, adsorbing moisture in the atmosphere on a solid adsorbent such as zeolite or silica gel, Next, as a second process, the adsorbent that has adsorbed the water is heated with heated air to desorb the water adsorbed as water vapor, and this is led to a condenser to be water (see Patent Document 2). The regeneration air is circulated through the regeneration passage by heating the regeneration air supplied to the regeneration region of the hygroscopic rotor, which is pivotally supported and has hygroscopicity, with sunlight. Regenerating the wet rotor, cooling the regeneration air after regenerating the moisture absorption rotor to produce condensed water, collecting the condensed water from the drain hole, and rotating the moisture absorption rotor A method of taking out water from the air by changing the part on the hygroscopic rotor (see Patent Document 3), and bringing the water having water vapor into contact with the hygroscopic liquid mixture, thereby absorbing the moisture-rich hygroscopic liquid mixture Generating at least a portion of the moisture rich hygroscopic liquid mixture to produce a gas mixture comprising water vapor and at least one other gas component; and (b) in the gas mixture Condensing at least a portion of the water vapor to produce liquid water and a depleted gas mixture at a first pressure; and at least one other gaseous component Removing at least a portion and maintaining the first pressure below a predetermined pressure (d), wherein the depleted gas mixture is in fluid communication with the moisture-rich hygroscopic liquid mixture (see Patent Document 4) .) Furthermore, deliquescent porous material that makes it easy to absorb moisture by absorbing deliquescent substances (salts) such as nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer into bamboo charcoal, charcoal, activated carbon, etc., which have a large surface area. Moisture in the desert, etc., is obtained by adsorbing moisture (night dew) in the air at night and collecting and storing the moisture that evaporates from the porous member by daylight or hot air using the temperature difference. And the like (see Patent Document 5) have been proposed.

JP 54-127870 A Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 62-21666 JP 2004-169321 A Special table 2007-519512 gazette JP 2006-316402 A

  However, in the conventional method of obtaining water from the air using the water adsorbent as described above, the amount of moisture absorbed and released by the adsorbent is not sufficient, and in order to obtain a large amount of water, water adsorption and desorption steps are required. It is necessary to repeat frequently, and there are many things that use air as a medium at the time of desorption of water, which is not efficient, and there are many complicated operations and devices for sucking and releasing water. Therefore, in view of the problems in the conventional method for obtaining water from the air as described above, the present invention is simpler than the conventional method without selecting a place even if there is no water source such as a desert or a mountain. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for obtaining water from the air more efficiently.

  As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above object, the present inventors put a deliquescent substance mass-produced and easily available from the market into a container, and slowly stirring the deliquescent substance, The deliquescence containing a large amount of water can be easily obtained by simply blowing air onto the liquefaction, and by heating the deliquescence liquid, the water taken into the deliquescence liquid can be easily recovered as distilled water and at the same time deliquescent. It has been found that materials can be regenerated and reused, and the present invention has been completed.

  That is, in the method for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention, air is blown into the deliquescent substance while stirring the powdery or granular deliquescent substance, and moisture in the air is taken into the deliquescent substance. A water collecting step for obtaining a deliquescent solution and a heating distillation step for regenerating the deliquescent material by heating the deliquescent solution and condensing water vapor evaporated from the deliquescent solution to obtain distilled water.

  Even if the deliquescent substance is not agitated and air blowing (air blowing) is not performed, the moisture in the air is gradually taken into the deliquescent substance, so that a deliquescent liquid can be obtained. In that case, however, the moisture uptake rate in the air is extremely slow and takes a long time, which is inefficient.

  According to the method of the present invention, the deliquescent substance can be regenerated by simply heating the deliquescent liquid that has taken in moisture in the air. That is, it is a feature of the present invention that a deliquescent material used as a water adsorbent can be used repeatedly indefinitely without being reduced even if repeated deliquescing and heating distillation. That is, the water collection step and the heating distillation step can be repeated. Moreover, compared to the case of using a conventional water adsorbent, according to the method of the present invention that takes in water until the deliquescent material becomes a deliquescent liquid by blowing air to the deliquescent material and stirring the deliquescent material. Since the amount of water absorbed and released (absorbed / desorbed) into the deliquescent material as the water absorbent is remarkably large, a large amount of water can be easily obtained from the air more efficiently than the conventional method. Furthermore, since water vapor generated by heating the deliquescent liquid is condensed and obtained as distilled water, water can be efficiently recovered as compared with the conventional method in which water is desorbed from the adsorbent using heated air as a medium.

  In the present invention, the method of stirring the deliquescent substance when taking in moisture from the air is not particularly limited, but a method of stirring the water collection tank containing the deliquescent substance with a stirring blade is simple. When the deliquescent material is stirred, the stirring speed may be slow enough to stir by hand, and the power for stirring may be small.

  Further, the apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention includes at least a water collecting tank containing a powdery or granular deliquescent substance, an agitator for stirring the deliquescent substance, and the deliquescent substance. A water collecting device that blows air on the water collecting device, a distillation tank that contains a deliquescent liquid that has taken in moisture in the water collecting tank, a heater that heats the distillation tank, and a deliquescence heated by the heater. A heating distillation apparatus having a condenser that condenses water vapor evaporated from the liquid to form distilled water.

In a preferred embodiment, the water collection tank is provided with a stirring blade for stirring the stored deliquescent material.
Moreover, in one embodiment, although the said water collection tank and the distillation tank are provided separately, in another preferable embodiment, it combines with the said water collection tank and the distillation tank. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to transfer the deliquescent liquid from the water collection tank to the distillation tank by moving the combined water collection / distillation tank from the water collection device to the heating distillation device. In a more preferred embodiment, a moving device for moving a combined water collection / distillation tank is provided.

  In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of water collecting devices are provided for one heating distillation apparatus. In this embodiment, since the deliquescent liquid used for water collection by a plurality of water collection devices is transferred to the heating distillation device and sequentially heated and distilled, the water collection time can be secured longer than the heating evaporation time. .

  Moreover, in another embodiment, the water storage tank which stores the distilled water obtained from the said heating distillation apparatus is provided. In this embodiment, the water stored in the water storage tank can be used at any time.

  According to the method and apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention as described above, even in places where there is no liquid water, such as deserts and mountains, that is, places where there is no water source, simple operations and apparatuses are used. Water can be obtained efficiently and can be used as agricultural water, industrial water, and even drinking water. Moreover, in this invention, since the water | moisture content (water vapor | steam) in air is collect | recovered as distilled water, the obtained water is suitable also for the utilization as drinking water. Further, in the present invention, the deliquescent substance is regenerated by heating at the time of recovering distilled water from the deliquescent solution that has taken in water, so that it can be used repeatedly and does not require additional supply of raw materials. Therefore, the present invention can be operated for a very long time with only a very small stirring power and the amount of heat required for heating distillation, and it is possible to obtain low-priced water without limiting the running cost and selecting a place.

Explanatory drawing which shows one Embodiment of the method and apparatus which obtain water from the air based on this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows other embodiment of the method and apparatus which obtains water from the air based on this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows other embodiment of a heating distillation apparatus. The perspective view which shows the outline | summary of other embodiment of the method and apparatus which obtain water from the air based on this invention. Explanatory drawing of the deliquescence test method of Example 2. FIG. It is a photograph which shows an example (A type) of the container provided with the stirrer, (a) is a side view, (b) is a perspective view. It is a photograph which shows an example (B type) of a container provided with a stirrer, (a) is a side view, (b) is a perspective view. It is a photograph which shows an example (C type) of a container provided with a stirrer, (a) is a side view, (b) is a perspective view. Explanatory drawing which shows embodiment of a heating distillation apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows embodiment of a heating distillation apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows embodiment of a heating distillation apparatus. Schematic of hydroelectric power generation. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline of various embodiment of the stirring blade of a stirrer. The side view which shows an example of other embodiment of the apparatus based on this invention which obtains water from underwater. The top view which shows the outline of a structure of the moving apparatus of the example shown in FIG. The side view which shows the other example of other embodiment of the apparatus which obtains water from underwater based on this invention. The top view which shows a part of schematic structure of the moving apparatus of the example shown in FIG.

  In the method for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention, the deliquescent material is stirred to blow the air to the deliquescent material, and moisture (water vapor) contained in the air is taken into the deliquescent material to obtain a deliquescent solution. And a water collecting step of regenerating the deliquescent material by heating the deliquescent liquid and condensing water vapor evaporated from the deliquescent liquid to obtain distilled water.

A major feature of the present invention is that, when collecting water in the air, the adsorbent such as silica gel or zeolite in the conventional method does not simply absorb water, but the amount of deliquescent substance becomes liquid (deliquescent liquid). The point is to take in moisture from the air. There is no particular limitation on the deliquescent material used in the present invention, and any known deliquescent material can be used. From the viewpoint of reusing and reusing by repeated heating, a deliquescent inorganic substance with little alteration due to heating is preferable. Among the deliquescent substances, those recognized as food additives are particularly preferable when the water obtained from the air according to the present invention is used for beverages.
Examples of preferable deliquescent materials used in the present invention include, for example, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium sulfate (bow glass), calcium chloride, zinc chloride ammonium, sodium monophosphate, acidic sodium metaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, pyrophosphate Potassium, choline chloride, potassium acetate, magnesium chloride, potassium carbonate, iron (III) chloride and the like are preferable from the viewpoint of water absorption capability, and calcium chloride is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of water absorption capability and price. These deliquescent materials have a high melting point and can be used repeatedly without deterioration even after repeated deliquescence and heating distillation. The form of these deliquescent materials is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the form of powder or granules from the viewpoint of efficiently contacting with moisture in the air by stirring.

  The method and apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention will be described in more detail based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a method and apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a blower (fan, blower, etc.) for blowing air A into the deliquescent substance 4, reference numeral 2 is a water collecting tank for collecting water from the air by the deliquescent substance 4 accommodated therein, reference numeral 3 Is a stirrer attached to the water collecting tank 2, and the stirrer 3 shown in the figure includes a stirring blade 3b disposed in the water collecting tank 2 and a driving means 3a such as a motor. Reference numeral 4 is a deliquescent material that collects water by taking in moisture in the air blown by the blower 1 and becoming deliquescent liquid. The water collecting device 100 is constituted by the blower 1, the water collecting tank 2, and the stirrer 3.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a distillation tank for storing the deliquescent solution 4 L after moisture is taken into the deliquescent substance 4 in the water collecting tank 2 and performing heating distillation with a heater (heater) 6. The reference numeral 7 includes a steam chamber 7 a disposed above the distillation tank 5 and a cooling portion 7 b extending from the steam chamber 7 a, and evaporates from the deliquescent liquid heated by the heater 6 in the distillation tank 5. This is a condenser for collecting the water vapor to be collected and condensing it with a refrigerant such as a cooling liquid or a cooling gas, which is indicated by reference numeral 8 in the figure, and collecting it as distilled water W. These distillation tank 5, heater 6, and condenser 7 constitute a heating distillation apparatus 200.

  Further, what is denoted by reference numeral 9 is a water storage tank for storing the distilled water W collected by the condenser 7. The water storage tank 9 is not indispensable, and the distilled water W recovered from the condenser 7 passes through a drain, a pipe, etc., and is further sterilized using, for example, chlorine, ozone, metal ions, etc. You may comprise so that it may supply directly to. In the method of the present invention, since the moisture in the air taken into the deliquescent substance is recovered as liquid water (distilled water) by heating distillation, for general bacteria and viruses that can be removed by heating sterilization, etc. It is almost sterilized. Moreover, you may make it supply the distilled water W collect | recovered with the condenser 7 to the process which adds a mineral and a taste component and processes it into water with higher added value.

  Moreover, what is shown by 10 in FIG. 1 is a shielding plate for preventing the steam chamber 7a and the heater 6 from being cooled by the refrigerant 8 that cools the cooling unit 7b.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the surrounding air A is directly blown to the deliquescent substance 4 in the water collecting tank 2 using the blower 1, but water is obtained from the air containing dust or other harmful substances. In this case, a removal filter (not shown) for removing dust or harmful substances in the intake air is provided in front of the blower 1 or between the blower 1 and the deliquescent material 4 of the water collecting tank 2. Thus, it is possible to prevent contamination of the deliquescent substance and to enable extremely long-term repeated use, and to prevent contamination of the recovered distilled water W with dust and harmful substances as much as possible.

  The operation procedure and action mechanism of the method and apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention as described above will be described in more detail below.

The structure of the blower indicated by reference numeral 1 is not particularly limited, and any known blowing means such as a fan or a blower can be used as long as it can blow air into the deliquescent material 4 accommodated in the water collecting tank 2. Can be used. As power for the blower 1, a household electric fan is sufficient. By using this level of power, it is possible to prevent the deliquescent material from being diffused out of the water collection tank 2.
Further, before and after the blower 1, in addition to the above-described removal filter for filtering and removing dust and harmful substances, air is introduced into the air intake side of the blower 1 (in the illustrated embodiment, above the blower 1). An intake port, a cyclone or the like may be provided, and guide means for guiding the air blown into the deliquescent substance 4 in the water collecting tank 2 to the air ejection side (the lower side of the blower 1 in the illustrated embodiment). For example, a ventilation tube or a blowing nozzle can be provided.

  Next, the shape of the water collecting tank 2 for containing the deliquescent material 4 is not particularly limited, but if a shallow container with a shallow depth and a container with a flat bottom surface are used, the contained deliquescent material is more It is preferable because it can be spread thinly and uniformly, and the contact efficiency between the air blown from the blower 1 and the deliquescent material is good. In addition, when a container having a depth as shown in FIG. 6 is used, the blown air collides with the space portion in the container and the flow becomes worse, so that new air containing water vapor does not come into contact with the deliquescent substance. It is estimated that there is a case. Although it may be possible to improve the air circulation in the space in the container by improving the air blowing method, it is easy to use a shallow and wide container, and the water absorption efficiency is good. The relationship between the depth of the shallow and wide container and the size of the bottom depends on the amount of deliquescent material used. For example, when the container is cylindrical, the ratio of the diameter and depth of the bottom is 3 / 1 or less.

Moreover, as the stirrer 3 for stirring the deliquescent substance 4 accommodated in the water collecting tank 2, the stirring blade 3b arranged in the water collecting tank 2 is driven by driving means 3a such as a motor as in the illustrated embodiment. An apparatus having a rotating structure is one of simple and efficient configurations because it has good stirring efficiency and requires less power. At this time, the deliquescent material 4 is also agitated by a slow speed enough to be rotated by hand. In particular, when a container having a shallow depth as described above is used as the water collection tank, it is possible to prevent the deliquescent material from being diffused out of the container.
The structure of the stirring blade 3b is not particularly limited, and those commonly used in a stirrer can be used. For example, a propeller blade, a paddle blade, an inclined paddle blade, FIG. 7B and FIG. ), And the like in which each blade is curved in the rotation direction. In addition, as shown to Fig.13 (a)-(e), what used several blade | wing 3b which provided the some through-hole 3c in the radial direction of the water collection tank 2 at 1 row (FIG. 13 (a)), mesh shape One using the blades 3b of the structure 3d and the blades 3b of the lattice-like structure 3e (FIG. 13 (b)), one using a plurality of the blades 3b of the comb-like structure 3f (FIG. 13 (c)), and the cylindrical mesh structure 3g Using a plurality of blades 3b (FIG. 13 (d)), a plurality of protrusions 3i provided on the bottom surface of the water collecting tank 2, and a blade having a comb-like structure having a plurality of protrusions 3h protruding between the protrusions 3i The thing using two or more 3b (FIG.13 (e)) etc. are mentioned. Each stirring blade 3b may use a plurality of the same structure as shown in FIGS. 13 (a), (c) to (e), or have a different structure as shown in FIG. 13 (b). May be combined. For example, the blades shown in FIGS. 13A to 13E can be appropriately combined. The number of stirring blades is not particularly limited, but two or more are preferable from the viewpoint of stirring efficiency. In this case, for example, in FIG. 13B, the blades 3b of the mesh-like structure 3d and the blades 3b of the lattice-like structure 3e are arranged to face the central axis, but depending on the number of blades 3b. Arbitrary placement can be determined.
The stirring means is not limited to this, and instead of rotating the stirring blade, the water collecting tank 2 itself is rotated or vibrated to stir the deliquescent material 4 accommodated in the water collecting tank 2. You may comprise as follows. Furthermore, in that case, a stirring plate (baffle) etc. can be suitably provided in the inner wall of the water collection tank 2, and stirring efficiency can also be improved.

  In the present invention, first, in the water collecting step as the first step, the air A is forcibly applied to the deliquescent material 4 being stirred by the stirrer 3 in the water collecting tank 2 of the water collecting apparatus 100 by the blower 1. By spraying, moisture (water vapor) contained in the air is taken into the deliquescent substance 4 to obtain a deliquescent liquid. In the present invention, as described above, the deliquescent material 4 absorbs moisture until it takes in moisture in the air and becomes a deliquescent solution, and therefore, compared with the conventional method of simply adsorbing moisture to the water adsorbent. With this operation, a large amount of moisture can be taken up efficiently.

  Next, in the heating distillation process which is the second process, the deliquescent liquid 4L in which moisture in the air is taken in is heated by the heater (heater) 6 in the distillation tank 5 of the heating distillation apparatus 200, and the deliquescent liquid 4L. The water vapor evaporated from is sent from the vapor chamber 7a of the condenser 7 to the cooling unit 7b, condensed and liquefied by the refrigerant 8, and recovered as distilled water W. In the illustrated embodiment, the distilled water W is stored in the water storage tank 9 from the cooling unit 7b of the condenser 7, and can be used as needed. On the other hand, after the moisture is evaporated and removed from the deliquescent liquid 4L by heating, the regenerated deliquescent material 4 remains and is again stored in the water collecting tank 2 of the water collecting device 100 in the first step. Used for moisture uptake.

The heater 6 of the heating distillation apparatus 200 may have any structure as long as the structure can heat the deliquescent liquid 4L in the distillation tank 5 to evaporate the water. Any of the combustion type may be used, and electricity, oil, gas, hot air, coal, coke, wood, etc. can be used as the heat source, and these may be used in combination. Further, the heating may be either direct heating or indirect heating. As a configuration of the heater, for example, (i) an electric heater as a heating means is provided so as to be in contact with the outer wall surface of the distillation tank 5, (ii) an oil burner or a gas burner is used as the heating means, and the flame is used as the distillation tank. (Iii) Burning coal and wood, and providing the flame and (far) infrared radiation directly to the outer wall surface of the distillation tank 5, (iv) The distillation tank 5 Examples include, but are not limited to, a configuration in which a heated oil bath (oil bath) that is directly contacted or heated sand is provided as a heating means. In addition, as in the specific example, the heater may be configured so that the distillation tank 5 and the heating means of the heater are in direct contact with each other, but through a heat transfer member formed of a material having high thermal conductivity. You may comprise so that the heat by a heating means may be transmitted to the outer wall face of the distillation tank 5. FIG.
Furthermore, in order to heat uniformly, a stirrer etc. for stirring the deliquescent solution 4L can also be used together.

  Further, the shape of the distillation tank 5 is not particularly limited, but as with the water collecting tank 2, when a shallow container with a shallow depth and a container with a flat bottom are used, water vapor is efficiently discharged from the deliquescent liquid 4L. It is preferable because it can be evaporated and water recovery efficiency and deliquescent substance regeneration efficiency are good.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a water collection tank 2 that obtains a deliquescent liquid by spraying moisture in the air onto the deliquescent substance 4, and 4 L of the obtained deliquescent liquid is heated and distilled to collect distilled water, Distillation tanks 5 for regenerating the active substances are provided separately. In this case, the deliquescent solution 4L is transferred from the water collecting tank 2 to the distillation tank 5.
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing the deliquescent liquid from being transferred, the water collecting tank 2 in which the deliquescent material 4 accommodated therein has taken in water to become the deliquescent liquid 4L may be used as the distillation tank 5 as it is. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, both a stirrer 3 and a heater 6 can be provided in one tank 11 to provide a water collection / distillation tank that serves both as a water collection tank and a distillation tank. In this case, as a structure which performs a water collection process and a heat distillation process continuously, for example, (i) Condensation of the air blower 1 of the water collection apparatus 100 and the heat distillation apparatus 200 with respect to the water collection / distillation tank 11 (Ii) from the fan 1 of the water collecting device 100 and the condenser 7 of the heating distillation device 200 to the water collecting / distilling tank 11 from each of the blower 1 A passage for sending air to the water collector / distiller 11 is provided, and a passage for passing the evaporated water vapor from the water collector / distillation tank 11 to the condenser 7 is provided to create a deliquescent solution in the first water collection step. It is possible to adopt a configuration such as switching the flow of air and steam by opening and closing each passage at the time and during the recovery of distilled water from the deliquesed liquid and the deliquescent material regeneration in the heating distillation process which is the second process. It is not limited to these.
In any case, an open type may be used in the state connected to the blower 1 in the first step (water collecting step), but from the viewpoint of water recovery efficiency, the state connected to the condenser 7 in the second step (heated distillation) In the step (step), it is preferable to constitute a sealed type.

  Further, the structure of the condenser 7 is not particularly limited, and water vapor evaporated by heating from the deliquescent liquid 4L in the distillation tank 5 can be collected, condensed, and recovered as liquid water (distilled water W). If it is. As the condenser 7, for example, as in the illustrated embodiment, a retort (retort) in which a cooling part (tube) 7 b constricted from a dome-shaped steam chamber 7 a covering the upper side of the distillation tank 5 extends downward. ) Type equipment is used to condense (condensate) the water vapor evaporated from the distillation tank 5 into the steam chamber 7a at the cooling section (pipe) 7b, and pass through the pipe 7b to open its tip opening 7c. Various structures such as a structure that is discharged as distilled water W and led to the water storage tank 9 can be used. Further, a condenser (condenser) such as a double tubular Liebig cooler may be provided as a condenser in the tube 7b.

Further, FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the heating distillation apparatus 200. In this embodiment, a large number of cooling pipes 13 are connected to a cooling pipe 7b extending from the vapor chamber 7a of the condenser 7 via a heat insulating material 12 made of rubber, plastic or the like. According to the apparatus of this embodiment, the heat insulating material 12 blocks the heat transmitted from the heater 6 and the steam chamber 7a, and the cooling area is increased by increasing the contact area with the refrigerant by the large number of cooling pipes 13. Can be made. Furthermore, it is also a preferred embodiment to improve the cooling efficiency by providing a cooling fin or the like in the cooling unit 7b. The arrangement of the cooling pipes 13 is not particularly limited as long as each cooling pipe and the refrigerant can be contacted, and the cooling pipes can be arranged in one or a plurality of rows in parallel in the axial direction. In the case of arranging in a plurality of rows, the cooling efficiency can be ensured by providing gaps between the cooling pipes or further providing the cooling fins. Moreover, in the form shown in FIG. 3, although the terminal by the side of the water storage tank 9 of each cooling pipe 13 is opened separately, the gathering part (pipe) which collects the distilled water produced in each cooling pipe 13 collectively (FIG. (Not shown) may be provided so that distilled water flows to the water storage tank through the collecting portion.
Although the heat insulating effect can be expected by using the heat insulating material as described above, the heat insulating material may not be used in some cases by adjusting conditions such as the configuration of the refrigerant and the cooling pipe.
In FIG. 3, parts other than those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

Further, shown in FIG. 4 is another preferred embodiment of a method and apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention. In this embodiment, three water collecting devices 100 are combined with one heating distillation apparatus 200, and three blowers 1, 1, 1 and one condenser 7 are connected, for example, A plurality of, for example, four water collection / distillation tanks 11,... Are moved with respect to the blower 1 of each water collection device 100 and the condenser 7 of the heating distillation device 200. On the other hand, the water collecting process by the water collecting apparatus 100 and the heating distillation process by the heating distillation apparatus 200 are sequentially performed. Thus, by setting it as the structure which combined the several water collection apparatus 100 with respect to the one heating distillation apparatus 200, the time concerning a water collection process is longer than the time concerning a heating distillation process, for example, in the example of a figure In the embodiment, a time three times as long as the heating distillation process can be secured in the water collecting process, and water can be continuously obtained from the air from the heating distillation apparatus 200.
In addition, the movement of the water collecting / distillation tank is, for example, (i) a base on which each tank is installed, a rotating device that rotates the base, (ii) a circular rail, and each tank arranged on the rail. (Iii) A moving device having a configuration such as a rail laid circularly and a driving device that allows each tank to self-run on the rail, but is not limited thereto. Absent. Furthermore, although not illustrated, in addition to rotating each tank as described above, a plurality of blowers are arranged radially around the condenser of one heating distillation apparatus, and a plurality of water collection / distillation tanks are arranged. The water collecting step by the water collecting device and the heating distillation step by the heating distillation device can be sequentially performed by reciprocating between the condenser and the blower in order.
These mobile devices are equipped with position control means such as limit switches and infrared sensors to stop the water collection / distillation tank at a desired position, and the amount of deliquescent liquid produced, the temperature of the deliquescent liquid and the water collection / distillation tank In addition, a measuring means and a recording means for measuring the decrease in deliquescent water and the amount of distilled water generated over time are provided to manage the water collection process and the heating distillation process, and to determine the start time of movement of each water collection / distillation tank. A process control means for determining may be provided (none of which is shown). Further, these control means can be automatically operated using a calculation device such as a general personal computer.

  A more specific example of another embodiment of the apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Each of the examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is an apparatus including a water collection / distillation tank that serves both as a water collection tank and a distillation tank. 14 and 15, only the water collection / distillation tank reciprocates between the blower and the condenser. In the examples shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the water collection / distillation tank and the stirrer of the water collection apparatus are used. And the heater of a heating distillation apparatus unites, and reciprocates between an air blower and a condenser. 14 and 16 are partial cross-sectional views.

14 and 15 includes a water collecting device 500A, a heating distillation device 600A, a moving device 700A, and a water storage tank 616. The outline of each component is as follows.
The water collecting apparatus 500 </ b> A includes a blower 501, a water collection / distillation tank 502, and a stirrer 503. The stirrer 503 includes a stirring blade 507, a blade-side rotating shaft 506, a driving-side rotating shaft 505, and driving means (motor) 504. The blade-side rotating shaft 506 and the driving-side rotating shaft 505 have detachable connecting portions 514 and 515 at their respective ends, and can be integrated so as to be separable. The drive unit 504 and the drive side rotation shaft 505 are disposed on the lift table 508, and can be moved up and down by moving the lift table 508 up and down by a drive unit (not shown).
A heating distillation apparatus 600A includes a water collection / distillation tank 502, a condenser 617 including a steam chamber 607, a cooling unit 610, and a connecting pipe 609, a heater 618 including a heating furnace 601, a heat transfer tank 603, and a heating means 602. A cooling fan 615 is provided. The heater 618 is disposed on the lifting platform 606, and can be moved up and down by moving the lifting platform 606 up and down by a driving means (not shown).
The moving device 700A includes a driving device 715 having a chain 706, a driving means (motor) 701, a speed reducer 702, a sprocket 704, and a driving shaft 705, a rail 707 for inducing movement of the water collection / distillation tank 502, a driving device 715, A rack 714 on which a rail 707 and the like are placed is provided.

The outline of the arrangement of the water collecting device 500A, the heating distillation device 600A and the moving device 700A in this example is as follows. On the gantry 714, the blower 501 of the water collecting device 500A and the steam chamber 607 of the heating distillation device 600A are arranged to face each other, and the water collection / distillation tank 502 can reciprocate between the blower 501 and the steam chamber 607. As such, a pair of rails 707 are arranged. Each rail 707 is constructed between a pair of support columns 709. Stop plates 710 are installed on the support 709 on the blower 501 side and the steam chamber 607 side, respectively, and a water collection / distillation tank 502 is in contact with a substantially central portion of each stop plate 710 so that a driving device (motor) 715 is provided. A limit switch 711 for stopping the operation is disposed. A pair of chains 706 are arranged outside each rail 707 in parallel with the rail 707.
In the water collecting / distilling tank 502 of the water collecting apparatus 500A, a guide portion 511 for moving along the rail 707 and a connecting portion 513 for connecting to the chain 707 are connected via arm portions 510 and 512, respectively. . The water collection / distillation tank 502 is reciprocated between the blower 501 and the steam chamber 607 by driving the chain 707. In the water collecting apparatus 500 </ b> A, the driving side rotating shaft 505 and the driving means 504 are disposed below the gantry 714, and the other configurations are disposed on the gantry 714. When the drive-side rotary shaft 505 of the stirring device 503 protrudes from the through-hole 712 of the mount 714 to the upper side of the mount 714, the blade-side rotary shaft 506 disposed in the water collection / distillation tank 502 on the upper side of the mount 714 Connect detachably. In FIG. 14, the upper side of the drive side rotating shaft 505 is disposed below the gantry 714, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the water collection / distillation tank 502 can move toward the heating distillation apparatus side. If it is about a certain level, it may protrude above the frame 714. The limit switch 711 on the side of the water collecting apparatus 500A can stop the water collecting / distillation tank 502 at a position where the blade-side rotating shaft 506 and the driving-side rotating shaft 505 can be attached and detached when the lifting platform 508 moves up and down. Installed.
The steam chamber 607 of the heating distillation apparatus 600 </ b> A is supported by a support body 608 whose support arm portion can move up and down on the frame 714. Below the gantry 714, a heater 618 for heating the water collection / distillation tank 502 when it is located on the heating distillation apparatus 600A side is disposed. When the heater 618 protrudes from the through hole 713 of the gantry 714 to the upper side of the gantry 714 by the lifting platform 606, the heat transfer tank 603 having the recesses 604 and 605 for receiving the water collection / distillation tank 502 on the upper side of the gantry 714. Adhere to and fit in. In FIG. 14, the upper side of the heat transfer tank 603 is disposed below the mount 714, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the water collection / distillation tank 502 is movable toward the water collection device side. As long as it is about, it may protrude above the mount 714. The limit switch 711 on the heating distillation apparatus 600A side can stop the water collection / distillation tank 502 at a position where the water collection / distillation tank 502 and the heat transfer tank 603 can be detached when the lifting platform 606 moves up and down. Installed. The cooling unit 610 of the heater 618 is disposed outside the gantry 714 in the example of this figure. A cooling fan 615 for blowing air as a medium for cooling the cooling unit 610 is disposed so as to face the cooling unit 610. A water storage tank 616 is disposed below the cooling unit 610.

The operation of the apparatus for obtaining water from the air of the present example will be described while further explaining in detail each device constituting the apparatus for obtaining water from the air shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 14, a predetermined deliquescent substance is introduced into the water collection / distillation tank 502 in a state where the water collection / distillation tank 502 is disposed below the rotor blades of the blower 501. At the same time, the driving means 504 and the driving side rotating shaft 505 are raised by the lifting platform 508, and the driving side rotating shaft 505 is protruded upward from the through hole 712 of the mount 714. Then, the connecting portion 515 provided at the upper end portion of the drive side rotating shaft 505 and the connecting portion 514 provided at the lower end portion of the blade side rotating shaft 506 are connected. By connecting both connecting portions 515 and 514, the rotational driving force of the driving means 504 is transmitted to the stirring blade 507 via both rotating shafts 505 and 506. The lifting platform 508 stops rising when the connecting portions 515 and 514 are in a positional relationship where they can be connected. The stop mechanism may use a manual switch, or may use an automatic control device that recognizes the distance between the two connecting portions 515 and 514 from an image or a measurement result and automatically stops the distance. In this example, the connecting portion 514 provided at the lower end portion of the blade-side rotating shaft 506 has a structure in which four projecting portions protruding in the direction orthogonal to the rotating shaft direction are provided at the end portion, The connecting portion 515 provided at the upper end portion of the shaft 505 has a structure in which four cutout portions for receiving the four protrusions provided on the connecting portion 514 of the blade-side rotating shaft 506 are provided.
The driving means 504 is driven to rotate the stirring blade 507 to slowly stir the deliquescent material 4 in the tank, and to operate the blower 501 to blow air toward the deliquescent material 4. After the desired amount of deliquescent liquid is generated, the driving unit 504 is stopped, the stirring blade 507 is stopped, and the blower 501 is stopped. The amount of the deliquescent liquid may be confirmed by visual observation, or the liquid level can be detected by an image, a level sensor or the like. The driving means 504 may be stopped by using a manual switch or a control means for stopping based on the amount of deliquescent liquid.
Thus, the water collection process is completed.

After the rotation of the stirring blade 507 is stopped, the lifting platform 508 is lowered to cancel the connection between the connecting portion 515 of the drive side rotating shaft 505 and the connecting portion 514 of the blade side rotating shaft 506. And the drive means 701 of the moving apparatus 700A installed in the water collecting apparatus 500A side is driven, and a pair of chain 706 is driven. As a result, the water collection / distillation tank 502 is guided to the heating distillation apparatus 600 </ b> A side by the chain 707 through the connecting portion 513 and the arm portion 513 provided on the side surface. The water collection / distillation tank 502 is moved along the rail by the guide portion 511 provided on the side surface portion via the arm portion 510. As a configuration of the guide portion 511, a sliding surface may be provided on the contact surface with the rail 707 and may slide with respect to the rail 707, or a wheel may be provided to run on the contact surface with the rail 707. Anyway.
Here, the drive mechanism of the moving device 700A will be described. In this example, the driving device (motor) 715 is driven, and the rotation speed is reduced by the speed reducer 702. The rotation of the speed reducer 702 is transmitted to two sprockets 704 provided on a drive shaft 705 supported by two bearings 703 to drive a pair of chains 707. Sprockets 704 are disposed at both ends of each chain 707. The sprocket 704 on the heating distillation apparatus 600 </ b> A side is provided at both ends of the drive shaft 705. Bearings 703 are disposed at both ends of the drive shaft 705 on the heating distillation apparatus 600A side. The chain 704 is configured to be endless.

  When the water collection / distillation tank 502 moves and comes into contact with the limit switch 711 on the heating distillation apparatus 600A side, the driving apparatus of the movement apparatus 700A stops. The stop position of the water collection / distillation tank 502 is determined in advance so that the distillation chamber 607 and the heat transfer tank 603 can be fitted to the water collection / distillation tank 502. Thereafter, the support arm 608 of the support 608 is lowered to lower the distillation chamber 607, and stops at a position where the lower peripheral edge 619 is fitted with the fitting portion 516 of the water collection / distillation tank 502. The heater 618 is raised by the lifting platform 606, and the heat transfer tank 603 protrudes above the mount 714 from the through hole 713 of the mount 714, receives the water collection / distillation tank 502 in the recess 604, and has an outer surface. Stop at the position where it touches. The recessed portion 605 receives a part of the blade-side rotating shaft 506 protruding outward from the bottom surface of the water collection / distillation tank 502. The lowering of the distillation chamber 607 and the raising of the heater 618 may be started by a manual switch, or automatically started by providing a control device and operating the limit switch 711 on the heating distillation apparatus 600A side. You may do it. As a mechanism for stopping the lowering of the distillation chamber 607 and the raising of the heater 618, a manual switch may be used. For example, an automatic control device that recognizes a distance from an image or a measurement result and automatically stops the distance is used. Also good.

After the distillation chamber 607 is connected to the water collection / distillation tank 502 and the heat transfer tank 603 of the heater 618 receives the water collection / distillation tank 502, heating by the heating means 602 is started and the heating distillation process is started. In addition, when the temperature raising time is required by the heating means 602, heating may be started in advance. As the heating means 602, the various types described above can be used. For example, an oil bath heated by an electric heater may be used. The structure of the heating furnace can be changed as appropriate depending on the mode of the heating means 602.
When water in the deliquescent liquid evaporates due to heating by the heater 618, the water vapor reaches the cooling unit 610 from the vapor chamber 607 through the connecting pipe 609. The cooling unit 610 is disposed on the downstream side of the cooling pipe 612 and the distribution pipe 611 that distributes the water vapor (including condensed water) from the plurality of cooling pipes 612 and the connection pipe 609 to the cooling pipes 612, respectively. A collecting pipe 613 for collecting condensed water (distilled water) condensed at 612 is provided. The collecting pipe 613 is provided with an on-off valve 614 that discharges distilled water to the water storage tank 616. The cooling pipes 612 shown in this example are arranged in a line so that the axial directions are parallel. The distribution pipe 611 and the collecting pipe 613 are inclined so that distilled water flows to the on-off valve 614 by its own weight. In FIG. 14, the air from the cooling fan 615 is blown toward one end of the aligned cooling pipes 612, but may be blown toward each cooling pipe 612. In that case, two air blowers may be used and air may be blown from both sides toward the cooling pipe 612. The connecting pipe 609 preferably has a telescopic structure such as a bellows structure so that it can move in accordance with the vertical movement of the steam chamber 607.
When the water contained in the deliquescent water evaporates and the deliquescent material is regenerated, the heater 618 is lowered and the steam chamber 607 is raised. The start of the lowering of the heater 618 and the raising of the evaporation chamber 607 may be performed by a manual switch, and the temperature of the deliquescence and water collection / distillation tank, the amount of deliquescent water decreased, the amount of distilled water generated, etc. over time. Measurement means and recording means for measuring may be provided, and it may be performed by a control means for starting up the lifting platform 602 and the support 608 upon sensing that the evaporation of water from the deliquescent water has ended. The heating means 602 may or may not be stopped. Incidentally, the regenerated deliquescent material may be one with almost no water remaining, or about 5 to 10% by weight.
This is the end of the heating distillation step.

  The heater 618 is lowered, the steam chamber 607 is raised, and the limit switch 711 on the heating distillation apparatus 600A side is released manually or automatically, and the driving apparatus 715 of the moving apparatus 700A is started, and the water collection / distillation tank 502 is started. Is moved to the water collecting apparatus 500A side. When the water collection / distillation tank 502 contacts the limit switch on the water collection apparatus 500A side, the drive device 715 can be stopped and the water collection / distillation tank 502 can be returned to the original position. Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, distilled water can be obtained by repeatedly performing the water collecting step, movement, and heating distillation step.

Next, an apparatus for obtaining water from the air shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 will be described.
The apparatus for obtaining water from the air shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 includes a water collecting device 500B, a heating distillation device 600B, a moving device 700B, and a water storage tank 616. The outline of each component is as follows. In addition, the substantially same structure as the apparatus which obtains water from the air shown in FIG.14 and 15 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In addition, the components such as the air blower 501, the stirrer 523, the evaporation chamber 607, the heater 638, the cooling air blower 615, and the limit switch 730 constituting the respective devices are substantially the same as the above-described example. Can be adopted.

The water collecting apparatus 500 </ b> B includes a blower 501, a water collection / distillation tank 502, and a stirrer 523. In this example, the heater 638 used in the heating distillation process is also provided so as to cover the lower side of the water collection / distillation tank 502. The stirrer 523 includes a stirring blade 507, a rotating shaft 526, and driving means (motor) 524. Four wheels 532 are provided on the bottom surface side of the stirrer 523, and the water collection / distillation tank 502 and the like are movable along the rail 727 of the moving device 700B.
The heating distillation apparatus 600B includes a water collection / distillation tank 502, a condenser 617 including a steam chamber 607, a cooling unit 610, and a connecting pipe 609, a heater 638 including a heating furnace 621 and heating means 622, and a cooling fan 615. Have.
The moving device 700B includes a driving device 735 including a screw 726, a driving means (motor) 721, and a speed reducer 722, a rail 727 for guiding the movement of the water collecting / distilling tank 502, a rail portion 727 on which a rail 727 and the like are arranged. And a recess 736 in which the driving device 715 is disposed. The concave portion 736 has a bottom surface portion that is lower than the base portion 734.

  The examples shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are different from the examples shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 in that the water collection / distillation tank 502, the stirrer 523, and the heater 638 are integrated, and the configuration of the moving device 700B. Therefore, these points will be mainly described.

In this example, the lower outer periphery of the water collection / distillation tank 502 is directly covered with the heating furnace 621, and the heating means 622 is arranged in the heating furnace. In this example, the heat transfer tank is not used, but may be used. The stirring blade 527 is disposed in the water collection / distillation tank 502, and the rotary shaft 536 is continuous from the water collection / distillation tank 502 to the bottom surface thereof, the heating furnace 621, and the bottom surface thereof to the driving means 524. . On the bottom surface of the stirring device 523, four wheels 532 are arranged near the four corners. In addition, an arm portion 530 protrudes from a central portion of the bottom surface, and a guide portion 531 is provided at an end portion thereof. The guide portion 531 has a ridge or ridge corresponding to the spiral ridge or groove of the screw 726 on the contact surface with the screw 726 of the moving device 700B. Then, the guiding portion 531 moves along the screw 726 by the rotation of the screw 726. As a result, the water collection / distillation tank 502 and the stirring device 523 can move along the pair of rails 727 arranged in parallel with the screw 726.
The moving device 700B includes a driving device 715 including a screw 726, a driving means (motor) 721, a speed reducer 722, and a bearing 723, a pair of rails 727 for guiding the movement of the water collection / distillation tank 502, and the water collection / distillation tank 502. It has a pair of stop plates 730 for restricting movement, a pair of limit switches 711 arranged on each stop plate 730, a base portion 734 on which rails 707 and the like are installed, and a recess 736 in which a driving device 735 is arranged. The screw 726 is disposed between the pair of rails 707 in parallel to both. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a chain may be used instead of the screw 726.

The operation of the apparatus for obtaining water from the air in this example will be briefly described.
As shown in FIG. 16, in a state where the water collection / distillation tank 502 is disposed below the rotor blades of the blower 501, the predetermined deliquescent material 4 is introduced into the water collection / distillation tank 502. The agitation blade 507 is slowly rotated to slowly agitate the deliquescent material 4, and the blower 501 is operated to blow air toward the deliquescent material 4. After the desired amount of deliquescent liquid is generated, the driving unit 524 is stopped, the stirring blade 507 is stopped, and the blower 501 is stopped (the water collecting step is ended).
And the drive means 721 of the moving apparatus 700A installed in the water collecting apparatus 500B side is driven, and the screw 726 is driven. As a result, the water collection / distillation tank 502, the stirring device 523, and the like are moved by the guide portion 531 along the pair of rails 727 toward the heating distillation device 600B. When the stirring device 523 comes into contact with the limit switch 711 on the heating distillation device 600B side, the driving unit 721 stops, and the stirring device 523 and the like stop. And the distillation chamber 607 descend | falls and the lower side peripheral part 619 and the fitting part 516 of the water collection / distillation tank 502 are fitted.
Next, the deliquescent water is heated by the heater 638, and distilled water is obtained by the condenser 617. If necessary, the stirring blade 507 may be operated. When the water contained in the deliquescent water evaporates and the deliquescent material is regenerated, the heating means 602 is stopped and the steam chamber 607 is raised (the heating distillation process is thus completed).
Thereafter, the driving device 735 of the moving device 700B is started, and the water collecting / distillation tank 502 is moved to the water collecting device 500B side. When the water collection / distillation tank 502 comes into contact with the limit switch on the water collection apparatus 500B side, the drive device 735 can be stopped and the water collection / distillation tank 502 can be returned to the original position. Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, distilled water can be obtained by repeatedly performing the water collecting step, movement, and heating distillation step.

  As described above, the method of the present invention is simple in apparatus and operation, and requires less power and heat for blowing, heating and distillation / condensation, and a deliquescent material for collecting water in the air. Since it can also be reused, the running cost for obtaining water from the air can be kept low.

  Hereinafter, although an example shows an operation effect of the present invention, the present invention is not limited at all by these examples.

(Example 1: No ventilation or stirring)
A plastic (polypropylene) ball (container) with an opening diameter of 20 cm x 18 cm (ellipse) on the top surface, a depth of 8 cm, and a bottom surface diameter of 18 cm, and 300 g each of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium acetate as deliquescent substances. Each was housed and observed for changes in water absorption and deliquescence over time. Tables 1 and 2 show the test conditions and test results at this time.

(Example 2: With blowing and without stirring)
300 g each of the same three types of deliquescent substances as in Example 1 were stored in the same container as in Example 1, and air was blown from the top 30 cm with a blower (fan), and the water absorption and deliquescent states were similarly observed ( See FIG. The test conditions and test results at this time are shown in Tables 3 and 4.
Used fan: “ORIXFAN” MV825S-13, manufactured by Oriental Motor Co., Ltd., air volume: 0.45 to 0.55 (m ³ / min)

  From the comparison of Examples 1 and 2 (Tables 2 and 4), it can be seen that the deliquescence speed is improved by blowing air to the deliquescent substance with a blower (fan).

(Example 3: with blowing and stirring)
300 g of calcium chloride is placed in a pan-bottomed stainless steel container (diameter B, which will be described later; see FIG. 7) having a diameter of 20 cm and a depth of 5 cm and equipped with stirring and mixing blades, and the stirring speed is changed in three stages as shown below. While stirring, air was blown by a fan from the top 30 cm in the same manner as in Example 2 to observe water absorption and deliquescence. The test conditions and test results at this time are shown in Tables 5 and 6.
Air volume: 0.45 to 0.55 (m ³ / min)
Stirring speed: Low; 20 rpm
Medium; 30 rpm
High: 45 rpm

  From the results of Examples 2 and 3 (Tables 4 and 6), it is possible to further improve the deliquescence speed and to lower the agitation speed by blowing the deliquescent material while stirring, that is, according to the present invention. Thus, it can be seen that even if the power for stirring is small, a deliquescent solution can be obtained efficiently.

(Example 4: with blowing and stirring, difference in amount (thickness) of deliquescent material)
Using the same stirrer-equipped container and blower as in Example 3, the amount of calcium chloride (thickness) accommodated in the container was changed in three stages, and the water absorption and deliquescence states were observed in the same manner as in Example 3. Tables 7 and 8 show the test conditions and test results at this time.
Air volume: 0.45 to 0.55 (m ³ / min)
Stirring speed: 20rpm

  From the results shown in Example 4 (Table 8), it can be seen that the deliquescent material can be obtained more efficiently if the deliquescent substance is housed in a thin container. As much as 215 g of deliquescent liquid was obtained with 200 g of calcium chloride.

(Example 5: with blowing and stirring, difference in container shape)
Using the same three types of containers with stirrers shown in Table 9 and FIGS. 6 to 8 and the same fan as in Examples 2 and 3, water absorption and deliquescence were observed for 300 g of calcium chloride in the same manner as in Example 3. . Tables 10 and 11 show the test conditions and test results at this time.
Air volume: 0.45 to 0.55 (m ³ / min)
Stirring speed: 20rpm

  From the results shown in Example 5 (Table 11), it is more efficient to use a large and shallow container as a container for containing the deliquescent substance, and to store the deliquescent substance in the container more efficiently. It can be seen that it can be obtained.

(Example 6: with blowing and stirring, difference in air volume)
Using the B-type (diameter 20 cm, depth 5 cm, pan bottom) container with a stirrer and the same fan as in Examples 2 and 3, the air volume was changed in three stages, and 300 g of calcium chloride was used in the same manner as in Example 3. The water absorption and deliquescent state after the time were observed. The test conditions and test results at this time are shown in Tables 12 and 13.
Stirring speed: 20rpm

  As shown in Example 6 (Table 13), the amount of deliquescent increased as the amount of air blown to the deliquescent material increased, but even if the amount of air was increased further, there was no significant change in the amount of deliquescent. From this, considering the power efficiency, an air volume of about 0.9 to 2.5 seems to be appropriate.

(Example 7: with blowing and stirring, influence of water addition)
A container with a stirrer of B type (diameter 20 cm, depth 5 cm, pan bottom) and the same fan as in Examples 2 and 3, with a small amount of water sprayed on 200 g of calcium chloride as a deliquescent material Observed water absorption and deliquescence. Tables 14 and 15 show the test conditions and test results at this time.
Air volume: 0.45 to 0.55 (m ³ / min)
Stirring speed: 20rpm

  From the results of Example 7 (Table 15), it can be seen that the deliquescence speed is increased by adding water to the deliquescent material. When 5% or 10% of water was added to the deliquescent substance, the solution was completely deliquescent in 3 hours.

(Example 8: Repeated reproduction test)
As a deliquescent solution, 500 g of calcium chloride and 500 g of water are mixed to prepare a calcium chloride aqueous solution. This calcium chloride aqueous solution is placed in an aluminum container (2 L: diameter 18 cm, height 9 cm) and heated with a 600 W electric stove. The water was evaporated and the amount of calcium chloride remaining was measured. Further, water was added to the remaining calcium chloride at a ratio of 1: 1 (weight ratio) to form an aqueous solution, and the mixture was heated again to evaporate the water, and the remaining amount of calcium chloride was measured. The same operation was repeated 5 times to measure the remaining amount of calcium chloride. The results are shown in Table 16.

  As is apparent from the results of Example 8 (Table 16), it can be seen that even when the addition of water and evaporation is repeated, the weight of calcium chloride is not reduced, and it can be repeatedly used as a deliquescent substance by heating distillation.

(Example 9: Deliquescent test of regenerated calcium chloride)
As a deliquescent solution, 300 g of calcium chloride was mixed with 300 g of calcium chloride to prepare an aqueous calcium chloride solution, dried at 130 ° C. to evaporate the water, and calcium chloride was recovered. Using the recovered calcium chloride as a raw material, the B-type container with a stirrer (see FIG. 7) was used, and air was blown from the top 30 cm in the same manner as in Example 2 (air volume: 0.45 to 0.55). m ³ / min)) and compared the deliquescence speed. Further, the same method was repeated and tested in the same manner. The results are shown in Table 17.

  As shown in Table 17, there was no change in deliquescence even when the deliquescent substance was heated and regenerated and repeatedly used.

(Reference example: Relationship between amount and thickness of deliquescent material)
When 25 kg of calcium chloride is spread to a thickness of about 10 mm, it becomes a disk shape with a diameter of 1.5 m. From the test results of the above examples, it can be seen that 30 kg of water can be obtained from the air in a few hours using a 1.5 m diameter container. Therefore, if a container of this size is used, it will be possible to produce water of 30 kg × 8 = 240 kg, that is, more than a normal drum (200 L) by operating 8 times a day (24 hours). . Furthermore, a large amount of water can be obtained from the air by using a large device or by arranging a plurality of devices in parallel.

(Example 10: pH and taste of deliquescence and distilled water)
The pH and taste of the deliquescent solution and distilled water obtained by the method of the present invention were examined. That is, 300 g each of the same three types of deliquescent substances as in Example 1 are stored in a B-type container with a stirrer similar to that in Example 3, and blown with a fan from the upper 30 cm, and after 4 hours while stirring. The water was absorbed and deliquescent to obtain a deliquescent solution. The obtained deliquescent liquid was heated at 130 ° C. for 80 minutes by a heating distillation apparatus shown in FIG. 9 described later to evaporate and condense water to obtain distilled water. The pH and taste of deliquescence and distilled water at this time were examined. The results are shown in Table 18.

  As shown in Table 18, the recovered distilled water was slightly acidic and both were tasteless.

(Example 11: Evaporation rate and temperature of deliquescence)
As a deliquescent solution, 300 g of calcium chloride and 300 g of water were mixed to prepare a calcium chloride aqueous solution. This calcium chloride aqueous solution was placed in the same aluminum container (2 L) as in Example 8 and heated with a 600 W electric stove. Eight minutes after the start of heating, the liquid temperature exceeded 100 ° C., and evaporation started. Thereafter, the liquid temperature rose to 130 ° C., and evaporation was completed 45 minutes after the start of heating. When the temperature of calcium chloride remaining in the container when the evaporation was completed was measured, it was 145 ° C. Thereafter, the mixture was further spun for 5 minutes, and the temperature of calcium chloride reached 165 ° C.
From this result, there is no particular problem even if it is aired after completion of evaporation. However, in order to eliminate waste of energy such as a heat source, it is preferable to install a moisture measuring device, a weight meter, or a timer in the evaporation container.

(Example 12: Difference in water evaporation rate from deliquescent liquid due to difference in container shape)
As a deliquescent solution, 300 g of calcium chloride and 300 g of water were mixed to prepare a calcium chloride aqueous solution. This calcium chloride aqueous solution was placed in a cylindrical metal container having an outer diameter of 140 mm and a height of 150 mm and a liquid depth of 30 mm and a length of 195 mm. In a thin metal container having a width of 260 mm and a height of 50 mm, the liquid depth is 7 mm, and the time until the evaporation is completed by heating with a 600 W electric stove is 51 minutes for the cylindrical container and 44 minutes for the thin container. Met.
As a result, it was found that the rate of evaporation of moisture from the deliquescent solution was faster when a container having a larger bottom area was used.

(Example 13: Distillation test)
The heated distillation apparatus 200A used is shown in FIG. As the heater 201, a 600 W electric stove was used. A copper container having a diameter of 17 cm, a height of 10 cm, and an upper opening diameter of 7.5 cm is placed on the heater 201 as a distillation tank 202, and an aluminum bellows-shaped duct having a length of 20 cm is placed in the upper opening of the distillation tank 202. 203 is connected, and an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of 7 cm and a length of 20 cm is connected to the tip of the bellows-like duct 203 as a cooling unit 204, and a cardboard is connected to the boundary between the cooling unit 204, the heater 201, and the distillation tank 202. A heat shield plate 205 made of a plate was provided.
A deliquescent solution composed of a calcium chloride aqueous solution in which 300 g of calcium chloride and 300 g of water are mixed is placed in the distillation tank 202, and heated by a heater 201 while being cooled by a blower (not shown) from a position 30 cm above the cooling unit 204. A distillation test was conducted. As a result, 101 g of distilled water was recovered in the container 210 in 64 minutes. The surface temperature of the cooling unit 204 was 45 ° C.

(Example 14: Distillation test)
The used heating distillation apparatus 200B is shown in FIG. This apparatus was configured in the same manner as in FIG. 9 except that an aluminum bellows-like duct 206 having a length of 20 cm was further connected downward to the tip of an aluminum cylinder as the cooling unit 204. A distillation test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 13 using this heating distillation apparatus 200B. As a result, 223 g of distilled water was recovered in the container 210 in 66 minutes. The surface temperature of the cooling unit 204 was 45 ° C. By extending the tip of the cooling section and bending it further downward, the amount of water recovered from the deliquescent solution increased significantly.

(Example 15: Distillation test)
The heating distillation apparatus 200C used is shown in FIG. In this apparatus, the aluminum cylinder as the cooling unit 204 in the heating distillation apparatus 200B shown in FIG. 10 is changed to a 45 cm long aluminum cylinder with a flat (elliptical) cross section having a short side of 1 cm and a long side of 10 cm (cooling unit). 204a), an aluminum bellows-shaped duct 207 was connected to the tip thereof. Further, the outside of the cooling unit 204 a and the bellows-shaped duct 207 is covered with a cardboard cover 208, and a blower 209 is installed at a position near the distillation tank 202 on the upper surface of the cover 208. The cover side surface 208a was opened to create an air passage for the blower 209 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the cooling unit 204a.
The same liquefaction liquid which consists of the same calcium chloride aqueous solution as Example 13 was put into the distillation tank 202, and it heated with the heater 201, sending it in the cover 208 from the air blower 209, and performed the same distillation test. As a result, 286 g of distilled water was recovered in the container 210 in 66 minutes. The surface temperature of the cooling unit 204a was 53 ° C. By lengthening the cooling section and further covering with the cover 208, the amount of water recovered from the deliquescent solution was further greatly increased, and almost no loss occurred.

As described above, according to the present invention, water can be efficiently obtained by simple operations and devices even in places where liquid water does not exist, such as deserts and mountains, that is, where there is no water source. It can also be used as industrial water or drinking water. For example, by installing the apparatus of the present invention in a vinyl house or tent house installed on the soil, it is possible to efficiently recover water from air containing moisture in the ground that has evaporated.
Moreover, it is possible to obtain safe drinking water by installing water on wetlands and swamps that are not necessarily safe water sources, and efficiently recovering water from air containing water evaporated from the wetlands. .
Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, from a water storage tank 300 storing water obtained in the present invention, water before use or after use through a water conduit 301 is a hydroelectric generator, a small one. If there is, energy can be extracted as electric power by supplying it to a micro hydroelectric generator such as a water turbine type. The taken-out electric power can be charged to a storage battery as needed and used for the operation of this apparatus. The water used for power generation can be supplied from the drainage pipe 302 to another application.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Blower 2 Catchment tank 3 Stirrer 3a Drive means (motor)
3b Stirring blade 4 Deliquescent material 4L Deliquescent liquid 5 Distillation tank 6 Heater (heater)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 Condenser 7a Steam room 7b Cooling part 7c Cooling part front-end opening part 8 Refrigerant 9 Water storage tank 10 Shielding plate 11 Water collection / distillation tank 12 Heat insulating material 13 Cooling pipe 100 Water collection apparatus 200A-C Heating distillation apparatus 201 Heater 202 Distillation Tank 203 Bellows-shaped ducts 204, 204a Cooling unit 205 Heat shield plates 206, 207 Bellows-shaped duct 208 Cover 209 Blower 210 Container 300 Water storage tank 301 Water conduit 302 Drain pipe 400 Hydroelectric generator

Claims (8)

A step of collecting water to obtain a deliquescent liquid by blowing air to the deliquescent material while stirring the deliquescent material in the form of powder or granules, and incorporating moisture in the air into the deliquescent material;
Heating the deliquescent liquid to regenerate the deliquescent material, condensing the water vapor evaporated from the deliquescent liquid to obtain distilled water,
A method for obtaining water from the air.   The method for obtaining water from the air according to claim 1, wherein in the water collecting step, air is blown onto the deliquescent material while stirring the deliquescent material with a stirring blade.   The method of obtaining water from the air of Claim 1 or 2 which performs the said water collection process and the said heating distillation process repeatedly. A water collecting apparatus having a water collecting tank containing powdered or granular deliquescent material, a stirrer for stirring the deliquescent material, and a blower for blowing air to the deliquescent material;
A distillation tank that contains deliquescent fluid that has taken in moisture in the water collection tank, a heater that heats the distillation tank, and condensation that condenses water vapor that has been heated by the heater and evaporated from the deliquescent liquid to form distilled water A heating distillation apparatus comprising:
A device for obtaining water from the air.   The apparatus which obtains water from the air of Claim 4 which combines the said water collection tank and the said distillation tank.   The apparatus which obtains water from the air of Claim 4 or 5 provided with several water collection apparatus with respect to one heating distillation apparatus.   The apparatus which obtains water from the air in any one of Claims 4-6 provided with the water storage tank which stores the distilled water obtained from the said heating distillation apparatus. A water collection / distillation tank that serves as both the water collection tank and the distillation tank, and further includes a moving device that moves the water collection / distillation tank between the water collection device and the heating distillation apparatus. Item 8. An apparatus for obtaining water from the air according to any one of Items 5 to 7.

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