JP5589478B2 - Microorganism concentration device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a microorganism concentrating device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, technologies relating to so-called bioreactors, which are apparatuses for synthesizing and decomposing substances from raw materials in solution using enzyme reactions or biological reactions using microorganisms, have been actively developed.

  In general, biological reactions are slower than chemical reactions, but they do not require high temperatures and pressures unlike chemical reactions, so they have excellent energy savings, and the reaction equipment does not need to be heat and pressure resistant. ing. Furthermore, since it has the feature that a reaction system with few side reactions can be constructed from a specific raw material to a target product according to the species used in the reaction, it is industrially advantageous. Has attracted much attention (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as an equipment for treating domestic wastewater and industrial wastewater using biological reactions of microorganisms, equipment that uses activated sludge mainly composed of aerobic microorganisms to purify organic pollution in wastewater (active (Sludge tank) is known.

  In a bioreactor using microorganisms, in order to increase the reaction efficiency, a technique for retaining microorganisms that catalyze the reaction in a high concentration in the reaction apparatus is very important. Conventionally, techniques for concentrating microorganisms have been used, such as a method of supporting microorganisms with a structure (carrier) formed of a substance that is not easily decomposed by microorganisms, or a method of using aggregates in which aggregating microorganisms naturally self-aggregated. I came. Alternatively, there is a technique for maintaining the microorganism concentration in the reaction apparatus at a high concentration by extracting the microorganisms contained in the solution discharged from the reaction apparatus by a method such as centrifugation or membrane separation and returning it to the reaction system.

  Among these conventional techniques, the method of performing centrifugation / membrane separation has a high initial cost and running cost, and therefore, a concentration method using a carrier or self-aggregate is preferable for industrialization.

  Such carriers can be roughly classified into a fixed type that is fixed inside the reaction vessel and a fluid type that freely flows in the reaction vessel. Comparing these, the carrier that flows is more advantageous than the fixed carrier because the contact efficiency between the carrier and the raw material in the reaction vessel can be increased, and the reaction efficiency can be easily increased.

  As a fluid type carrier, for example, when forming a carrier with a gel-like substance (for example, calcium alginate) having a fine gap (water channel), it is formed by encapsulating microorganisms, and a high concentration of microorganisms is formed inside the carrier. The embedding type | mold carrier implement | achieved can be mentioned. There is also known an attachment-type carrier that separately forms a carrier for attaching microorganisms to the surface and realizes a high concentration of microorganisms on the surface of the carrier.

  A common problem in such a fluid type carrier is to maintain good convection in the reaction system. Therefore, it is preferable that the carrier has a specific gravity enough to settle in the raw material solution. When the carrier has such a specific gravity, the inside of the system can be convected well and the reaction efficiency can be improved due to the balance between the rise of the carrier due to the stirring of the reaction system and the precipitation due to its own weight. Examples of the carrier whose specific gravity is adjusted in this way include an adhesion type carrier described in Patent Document 2.

JP 2006-325577 A JP 2001-292765 A

  However, it is conceivable that the fluid type carrier deteriorates due to the carriers colliding with each other during long-term use and the carrier is worn or peeled off. Therefore, a method of concentrating with self-aggregates can be mentioned as an alternative method of concentrating microorganisms with a fluid carrier. The self-aggregate can increase the contact efficiency with the raw material in the reaction vessel in the same manner as the fluid type carrier, and can easily increase the reaction efficiency. In addition, when the size (particle size) of the aggregate is increased, it is easy to settle in the raw material solution, and the inside of the reaction system can be favorably convected. Furthermore, since the microorganisms used for the reaction are aggregated, there is no possibility that foreign matters such as fragments of the carrier are mixed into the reaction system.

  However, until now, the technology for self-aggregating desired microorganisms was immature, and thus could not be used for the reaction. Further, the phenomenon of self-aggregation occurs when the microorganism to be used is an aggregating microorganism, and thus cannot be applied to a non-aggregating microorganism.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the apparatus which accelerates | stimulates the aggregate formation of microorganisms and implement | achieves the favorable biological reaction using an aggregate.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a microorganism concentrating device of the present invention is a microorganism concentrating device that forms an aggregate containing aggregating microorganisms, and is a raw material for biological reaction using the aggregating microorganisms and the aggregating microorganisms. A flocculation container for aggregating the flocculating microorganism, and a supply device for supplying the flocculating microorganism, the raw material, and the filament contained in the raw material solution into the flocculation container. , And at least a part of the aggregating vessel is rotated around a predetermined rotation axis penetrating the aggregating vessel to agitate the raw material solution.

  As the biological reaction progresses in the aggregation container, the aggregating microorganisms grow in the aggregation container, thereby forming minute aggregates in the raw material solution and attaching to the inner wall of the aggregation container. Here, since the raw material solution is agitated while the agglomeration container rotates, the fine aggregates formed in the raw material solution collide with each other due to convection generated by the agitation and become enlarged near the bottom of the agglomeration container. Alternatively, aggregating microorganisms (adherent microorganisms) adhering to the inner wall are partially separated from the inner wall due to frictional force between the raw material solution and the adhering microorganisms by stirring or gravity applied to the adhering microorganisms, and the raw material as aggregates of the aggregating microorganisms Float in solution.

  Aggregates that have grown in solution in this way, or aggregates that have been peeled off from the wall surface, roll in the direction of rotation while taking in micro-aggregates in the raw material solution and adhering microorganisms adhering to the inner wall. It grows into large aggregates. Since such agglomeration of aggregates occurs simultaneously at a plurality of locations in the aggregation container, a plurality of aggregates are formed in the aggregation container.

  Furthermore, since the raw material solution contains a filamentous material, the aggregating microorganisms adhere to the filamentous material in the aggregation container to form an aggregate, or the aggregates of the filamentous materials contained in each aggregate are entangled. The filaments function as an agglomeration aid that promotes aggregation, such as when the aggregates are further enlarged, and the formation of aggregates is facilitated.

  The filaments contained in the agglomerates function as fillers (fillers) that improve the strength of the agglomerates, so the agglomerates collapse due to collisions between the agglomerates during agitation and collisions with the wall of the agglomeration vessel Can be suppressed.

  As described above, in the microorganism aggregating apparatus having the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to realize a favorable biological reaction using the aggregate by promoting the aggregation of the microorganism and forming the aggregate of the microorganism.

  The microorganism aggregating apparatus of the present invention can be operated mainly for the purpose of forming aggregates by controlling reaction conditions such as the concentration of the raw material solution and the amount of aggregating microorganisms. Can also be used as a reaction vessel using the formed aggregates. When used as a reaction vessel, high reaction efficiency can be realized because microorganisms form aggregates and are concentrated to a high concentration.

In the present invention, the supply device has a filamentous material supply device for supplying the filamentous material into the aggregation container, and the filamentous material supply device is a dispersion liquid in which the filamentous material is dispersed in a dispersion medium. It is desirable to supply a filament.
According to this configuration, since the filamentous body can be uniformly dispersed in the raw material solution, it is possible to suppress the coarsening of the aggregate and favorably form an aggregate of a desired microorganism.

In the present invention, the filamentous body is preferably a filamentous microorganism.
According to this configuration, by controlling the reaction conditions to grow or reduce the filamentous microorganisms, the amount of filaments can be controlled in the aggregation container, and the aggregates can be formed satisfactorily.

In the present invention, the filament may be a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.
For example, when a reaction system using an aggregating microorganism causes ethanol fermentation, ethanol and carbon dioxide are produced as products, so that ethanol is mixed in the raw material solution, and carbon dioxide is dissolved in the raw material solution. Acidify. Since the above-mentioned filamentous microorganisms are killed by ethanol or acid, they cannot be used in a reaction system for ethanol fermentation. In such a case, an agglomerate can be satisfactorily formed regardless of the reaction system environment by using non-living fibers such as natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

In the present invention, there is provided a reaction vessel to which the raw material solution containing the aggregate is supplied from the aggregation vessel, and in the reaction vessel, the reaction liquid containing the aggregate and the raw material solution is stirred, and the coagulation is performed. It is desirable to culture the microorganisms contained in the collection.
When a large-capacity agglomeration container is used, the required power required for the rotation of the agglomeration container increases, and it becomes difficult to rotate the agglomeration container to form an aggregate. However, according to this configuration, an aggregate can be formed using a relatively small aggregation container, and the intended reaction can be performed in a relatively large reaction container using the formed aggregate. Therefore, it becomes possible to set it as the apparatus structure which can perform a large-scale reaction, without enlarging an aggregation container.

  Further, when aggregating microorganisms are aggregated, if the raw material solution contains massive solids such as wood chips and leaves, the solids inhibit aggregation between the aggregating microorganisms, so that aggregates do not occur. However, according to this configuration, the aggregation container that mainly forms aggregates and the reaction container that is mainly used as a field for biological reaction are separated, and therefore, the aggregates are first formed using a solution that does not contain solids. After forming the agglomerate, it is possible to supply the aggregate to the solution containing the solid and perform a good reaction.

In the present invention, the supply device includes a first supply device that supplies non-aggregating microorganisms to the raw material solution. In the aggregation container, the aggregation microorganisms and the non-aggregation are based on rotation of the aggregation container. It is desirable to form the aggregate containing sex microorganisms.
According to this configuration, since non-aggregating microorganisms can be incorporated into the aggregates of the aggregating microorganisms and aggregated together (heteroaggregation), an aggregate including the non-aggregating microorganisms is formed, and the non-aggregating microorganisms are used. Reaction can be performed. Furthermore, by controlling the supply amount of the non-aggregating microorganisms, the abundance ratio between the aggregating microorganisms contributing to the reaction and the non-aggregating microorganisms can also be controlled. Therefore, the degree of freedom of selection of microorganisms is expanded, and a reaction in which microorganisms more suitable for the reaction are maintained at a high concentration can be performed.

  In the present invention, for the same reason, there is provided a second supply device for supplying non-aggregating microorganisms to the reaction solution, and the reaction vessel is configured such that the aggregating microorganisms and the non-aggregating microorganisms are based on stirring of the reaction vessel. The aggregate containing the aggregating microorganism may be formed.

In the present invention, it is desirable to have a detection device that detects the particle size of the aggregate and a control device that controls the rotation speed of the aggregation container based on the detection result of the detection device.
When the particle size of the aggregate is too large, the surface area of the aggregate is reduced, so that the reaction efficiency is lowered, and there is a possibility that the piping and the like are blocked. On the other hand, if the rotation of the aggregation container is slow, the aggregate in the aggregation container becomes a large aggregate because the aggregate rolls for a long time without collapsing, and conversely if the rotation is fast Because of the frequent collapse of, it becomes a small aggregate. By utilizing such a property of the aggregate and changing the rotation speed based on the particle size of the aggregate in the aggregation container, the aggregate can be controlled to have a particle size that enables a good continuous reaction. .

In the present invention, it is desirable to have a detection device that detects the particle size of the aggregate and a control device that controls the stirring condition of the reaction vessel based on the detection result of the detection device.
When the stirring of the reaction vessel is slow, the agglomerates in the reaction vessel are less likely to disintegrate because the shearing force due to stirring is small, and agglomerates due to collision of the agglomerates in the reaction vessel to form large agglomerates. . In addition, when the rotation is fast, a shearing force is applied by stirring, and the aggregates are frequently collapsed, resulting in small aggregates. Therefore, by changing the stirring condition based on the particle size of the aggregate in the reaction vessel, the aggregate can be controlled to have a particle size that enables a good continuous reaction.

In the present invention, it is desirable to perform batch operation control.
When the rotation of the aggregation container is temporarily stopped, more aggregates can be settled. Therefore, only the supernatant liquid or only the settled aggregate can be selectively taken out, and the microorganism concentration in the apparatus can be managed with high accuracy.

In the present invention, continuous operation control may be performed.
When the rotation of the aggregating vessel is temporarily stopped, depending on the type of the aggregating microorganism to be used and the stopping time, the precipitated aggregates may be integrated to form an agglomerate unsuitable for the reaction. In this configuration, since continuous operation control is performed, such a coagulum is not generated, and a suitable continuous reaction is possible.

In the present invention, the aggregation container includes a container main body that stores the raw material solution, and an aggregator that is provided in the container main body and rotates around a predetermined rotation axis that penetrates the container main body. The aggregator is a cylindrical member having an axis of rotation as the axis of symmetry, and the aggregating microorganisms roll on the inner wall of the aggregator based on the rotation of the aggregator and aggregate together with the filaments. The aggregates may be formed.
According to this configuration, the function of the aggregation container for storing the reaction solution and the function of rotating to aggregate the microorganisms are divided for each configuration. Then, since the container body itself storing a large amount of reaction solution does not need to rotate, the power required is smaller than the structure for rotating the entire aggregating container, and the structure is suitable for increasing the size of the apparatus.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the microorganisms concentration apparatus which accelerates | stimulates aggregation of an aggregating microorganism and forms a favorable aggregate can be provided. The biological reaction using the formed microbial aggregates can be suitably used for the production of pharmaceuticals and foods because there is no risk of contamination.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the microorganisms concentration apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the mode of the aggregation container which stopped rotation. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the mode of formation of the aggregate in the aggregation container. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the microorganisms concentration apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the microorganisms concentration apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the mode of formation of the aggregate in the aggregation container. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the microorganisms concentration apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the microorganisms concentration apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the aggregation container of the microorganism concentration apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the microorganism concentration apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In all the following drawings, the ratio of dimensions of each component is appropriately changed in order to make the drawings easy to see.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a microorganism concentrating device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the microorganism concentrating device 1 of the present embodiment includes an aggregating container 100 that rotates around the rotation axis L, a rotating device 110 for rotating the aggregating container 100, and a filament F in the aggregating container 100. A supply device (filament supply device) 101 for supply.

  In the aggregation container 100, a raw material solution SS1 containing a coagulant microorganism, a raw material for a biological reaction using the microorganism, and a filament F that promotes formation of an aggregate AG1 of the coagulant microorganism is stored. A plurality of aggregates AG1 of aggregating microorganisms are suspended in the raw material solution SS1.

  The supply device 101 includes a tank 102 that stores a dispersion liquid in which the filaments F are dispersed in a dispersion medium, and is configured to supply the filaments into the aggregation container 100 via a pipe 103. The pipe 103 is provided with a pump 104 for supplying a dispersion containing the filaments F on the way.

  As the filament F, a filament having a thickness of about 1 μm to 20 μm and a length of about 100 μm to 1 cm can be used. As such a filamentous body, for example, fragments of cellulose fibers such as cotton and pulp, non-living materials using synthetic resin as a forming material, and living organisms such as filamentous microorganisms can be used. A suitable one can be selected according to the biological reaction to be performed.

  As the dispersion medium for dispersing the filaments F, the same material as the solvent of the raw material solution SS1 such as the raw material solution SS1 or water may be used. Further, the filaments F in the dispersion liquid may be stably suspended in the dispersion medium, or may be precipitated after a certain time has elapsed. In the case where the filamentous body F precipitates, the dispersion in the tank 102 may be agitated to uniformly disperse the filamentous body F before adding the filamentous body F from the supply device 101.

  The microorganism concentrating device 1 includes a tank 140 that stores the raw material solution SS1 and supplies the raw material solution SS1 to the inside of the aggregation container 100 via a pipe 150. The pipe 150 is provided with a pump 145 for supplying the raw material solution SS1 on the way. The tank 140, the pump 145, and the pipe 150 constitute a supply device for the raw material solution SS1.

  Further, the microorganism concentrating device 1 is provided with a pipe 170 for discharging the raw material solution SS1 inside the aggregation container 100 to the outside of the container, and a discharge pump 160 is disposed in the middle of the pipe 170. At the time of discharge, a part of the aggregate AG1 is also discharged together with the raw material solution SS1. When the aggregate AG1 is used at the discharge destination, if the discharge pump 160 is of a type having a small shearing force in the pump such as a diaphragm pump, the aggregate AG1 is not crushed when passing through the pump. preferable.

  The pipe 170 is provided with a bypass 175 in part. A detector 120 that detects the size (particle size) of the aggregate AG1 is provided in the middle of the bypass, and is configured to measure the particle size of the aggregate AG1 as the raw material solution SS1 is discharged. The detection device 120 is not particularly limited as long as the particle size of the aggregate AG1 can be detected. For example, an apparatus configured to acquire an image of the aggregate AG1 with an image sensor or the like and calculate the average particle size of the aggregate AG1 is used. be able to.

  The particle size of the aggregate AG1 detected by the detection device 120 is output to the control device 130 connected to the detection device 120. The control device 130 stores the set particle size of the aggregate in the storage device, and compares the stored set particle size with the detected particle size of the aggregate AG1 using a comparison circuit, It is determined whether or not the operating condition is an operating condition for obtaining a desired aggregate.

  A rotation device 110 is also connected to the control device 130, and the rotation speed of the aggregation container 100 is controlled based on the particle size of the aggregate AG1 detected by the detection device 120, thereby controlling the particle size of the aggregate AG1.

  In the raw material solution SS1 discharged through the pipe 170, reaction products generated by biological reactions using aggregating microorganisms are also dissolved. Therefore, the target product (reaction product) can be obtained by recovering the raw material solution SS1 downstream of the pipe 170 and separating the reaction product.

  The microorganism concentrating device 1 of this embodiment controls the supply speed of the raw material solution SS1 by the pump 145 and the discharge speed of the raw material solution SS1 by the discharge pump 160 equally, and is used as a continuous reaction apparatus. When the rotation of the aggregation vessel 100 is temporarily stopped, depending on the type and stop time of the aggregating microorganism used as shown in FIG. 2, the precipitated aggregate AG1 is integrated and becomes an agglomerate X unsuitable for the reaction. There is a fear. However, in the case of the continuous type, the raw material solution SS1 is always stirred, and the supply of a new raw material solution SS1 and the discharge of the raw material solution SS1 in the aggregation container 100 are performed. Since it does not stagnate so much, a suitable continuous reaction becomes possible.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how the aggregate AG1 is formed in the aggregation container 100, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line AA in FIG. In the microorganism concentrating device 1 having the above-described configuration, the aggregation raw material solution SS1 is agitated by the rotation of the aggregation container 100, the biological reaction using the aggregating microorganisms is promoted, and the aggregate AG1 is formed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the biological reaction proceeds, the aggregating microorganisms grow and form minute aggregates ag1 in the raw material solution SS1, and adhere to the inner wall of the aggregation container 100. Since the aggregation container 100 rotates and stirs the raw material solution SS1, the aggregating microorganisms (adherent microorganisms MO1) adhering to the inner wall cause frictional force between the raw material solution SS1 and the adhered microorganisms MO1 by stirring, gravity applied to the adhered microorganisms MO1, etc. As a result, a part is peeled off from the inner wall. The minute aggregates ag1 formed in this way include those in which aggregating microorganisms adhere to the filaments F partly contained in the raw material solution SS1 and the aggregates ag1 are partly provided with the filaments F. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the detached attached microorganism MO1 rolls in the rotation direction while taking in the attached attached microorganism MO1 and the minute aggregate agl in the raw material solution, and enlarges to a snowball type. Aggregates AG1 are formed. Such enlargement of the aggregate AG1 occurs simultaneously at a plurality of locations in the aggregation container 100, and a plurality of aggregates AG1 are formed in the aggregation container 100.

  At this time, the filaments F included in the minute aggregates ag1 are entangled with each other, whereby the minute aggregates ag1 are further enlarged and the formation of the aggregate AG1 is promoted.

  Further, since the filament F contained in the formed aggregate AG1 functions as a filler for improving the strength of the aggregate AG1, it is caused by collision between the aggregates AG1 being stirred or collision with the wall surface of the aggregation container 100. The collapse of the aggregate AG1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the aggregate AG1 is collapsed, the collapsed aggregate becomes a nucleus, which is similarly enlarged to a snowball type and becomes an aggregate AG1 again. Thus, the aggregate AG1 of the aggregating microorganism is formed.

  The aggregating microorganism that can be used to form the aggregate AG1 is not particularly limited, and examples of the filament F include non-living materials such as natural fibers and synthetic fibers, and living organisms such as filamentous microorganisms and filamentous bacteria. Can be used.

  Here, when a yeast that performs ethanol fermentation such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae KF-7 strain is used as the aggregating microorganism and the microorganism concentrating device 1 is used as a device for producing ethanol, ethanol or dioxide as a product is contained in the raw material solution SS1. Produces carbon. Then, ethanol is mixed in the raw material solution SS1, and the raw material solution SS1 is acidified by dissolving carbon dioxide in the raw material solution SS1. Therefore, a living organism such as a filamentous microorganism cannot be used as the filament F.

  Therefore, in the ethanol fermentation reaction system, agglomerates can be favorably formed by using non-living fibers such as natural fibers and synthetic fibers as the filaments F regardless of the environment of the reaction system.

  Examples of the non-living filaments F include cellulose fiber fragments such as cotton and pulp, protein fibers such as silk, and fibers made of synthetic resin. Here, when the adhesion of microorganisms to the filamentous body F and the entanglement between the filamentous bodies F are assumed, since the fiber surface of the synthetic resin fiber is smooth, the adhesion of the desired microorganisms and the entanglement between the filamentous bodies are caused. It seems unlikely to occur. Therefore, it is preferable to use natural fibers such as cotton, pulp and silk as the non-living filaments F.

  In addition, bacteria such as Zoogloea genus, Bacillus genus, Pseudomonas genus, and Flavobacterium genus are used as aggregating microorganisms, and the microbial concentration apparatus 1 is used as an apparatus for wastewater treatment. You can also In this case, the wastewater to be treated is a raw material solution SS1.

  In such a case, the filamentous body F can be used regardless of whether it is a non-living organism or a living organism. Filamentous microorganisms can be grown or reduced by controlling the reaction conditions, and the amount of filamentous microorganisms used as the filamentous body F in the aggregation container 100 can be controlled. Therefore, the filamentous microorganisms can be used to control the formation of aggregates. It is possible and preferable. Since methods for suppressing the growth of filamentous microorganisms are generally well studied, the promotion or suppression of the growth of filamentous microorganisms can be controlled (for example, Tetsuro Kawano; control of filamentous bulking in batch activated sludge process, Drainage, Vol.29, No.4, p.354-361, 1987).

  The particle size of the aggregate AG1 thus formed can be controlled by changing the rotation speed (the number of rotations per unit time) of the aggregation container 100. That is, when the rotation is slow, the aggregate AG1 rolls for a long time without collapsing, so that a large aggregate is formed. Conversely, when the rotation is fast, the aggregate AG1 collides with each other, or the aggregate AG1 and the aggregation container 100 Due to the collision with the wall surface, the aggregate AG1 is likely to collapse, resulting in a small aggregate.

  The reaction efficiency of the biological reaction can be controlled using such a difference in particle size of the aggregate AG1. Even when aggregates of the same volume are formed, if the aggregates are small, the surface area (contact area with the raw material solution SS1) is widened, so that the reaction efficiency is high, and if the aggregates are large, the reaction efficiency is low. Become. Therefore, it is possible to control the particle size of the aggregate AG1 and control the reaction efficiency by controlling the rotation speed of the aggregation container 100.

  The microorganism concentrating device 1 of the present embodiment is configured as described above.

  According to the microorganism concentrating device 1 configured as described above, the aggregation of the flocculent microorganisms is promoted by the filaments F, the microorganisms AG1 are well formed, and a good biological reaction using the aggregates AG1 is performed. Can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the aggregate AG1 is partially discharged together with the discharge of the raw material solution SS1, but only the raw material solution SS1 may be discharged.

  In the present embodiment, the raw material solution SS1 supplied to the detection device 120 may be returned to the aggregation container 100 again after detecting the particle size of the aggregate AG1.

  In the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the aggregation container 100 is controlled based on the detection result of the detection device 120 connected to the control device 130. However, the particle size measurement of the aggregate AG1 is performed manually, It is good also as operating the control apparatus 130 separately and controlling a rotation speed.

  Moreover, although the microorganism concentration apparatus 1 of this embodiment performed continuous operation control, it is good also as performing batch-type (batch type) operation control. For example, with the pump 145 and the discharge pump 160 stopped, the aggregation container 100 is rotated to react in the container, and after the rotation of the aggregation container 100 is stopped, the discharge of the raw material solution SS1 by the discharge pump 160, The raw material solution SS1 may be supplied by the pump 145. In the case of performing such an operation, if the rotation of the aggregation container 100 is temporarily stopped, more aggregate AG1 can be settled. Therefore, only the supernatant liquid or only the precipitated aggregate AG1 can be selectively removed, and the microorganism concentration in the apparatus can be managed with high accuracy.

  Further, in the microorganism concentrating device 1 of the present embodiment, the supply device 101 that supplies the filament F into the aggregation container 100 and the supply device (tank 140, pump 145, pipe 150) that supply the raw material solution SS1 are separated. However, a configuration in which the filament F and the raw material solution SS1 are collectively added by a common supply device may be employed. In that case, for example, the filament F can be appropriately mixed in the raw material solution SS1, and a mixed solution in which the filament F and the raw material are mixed can be added from a common apparatus.

  Furthermore, when the aggregating microorganisms in the aggregation container 100 are insufficient, a supply facility for adding the aggregating microorganisms to the aggregation container 100 can be separately provided. Even in this case, the aggregating microorganism supply device, the supply device 101 that supplies the filament F, and the supply device that supplies the raw material solution SS1 may be separated from each other. Alternatively, the configuration may be added in a lump.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the microorganism concentrating device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The microorganism concentrating device 2 of this embodiment is partially in common with the microorganism concentrating device 1 of the first embodiment. The difference is that a reaction vessel 200 is separately provided on the downstream side of the pipe 170 as a place for performing a biological reaction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component which is common in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in the figure, a reaction vessel 200 provided in the microorganism concentrating device 2 is filled with a reaction solution RS1 containing a raw material solution SS1 supplied via a pipe 170, and is mainly an aggregate AG1 formed in the aggregation vessel 100. There are several floating. Further, since the supplied raw material solution SS1 also contains the filament F, the reaction solution RS1 in the reaction vessel 200 also contains the filament F.

  The composition of the reaction solution RS1 is not limited to the same composition as the raw material solution SS1, and a solution containing various raw materials that perform a desired reaction using an aggregating microorganism that forms the aggregate AG1 can be used. Furthermore, the reaction solution RS1 may contain a large solid solid with respect to the aggregate AG1, such as wood chips and leaves.

  The reaction vessel 200 includes a stirring device 210 that stirs the reaction solution RS1, a detection device 220 that detects the particle size of the aggregate AG1 in the reaction vessel 200, and a liquid that is contained in the reaction solution RS1 that flows out of the reaction vessel 200. And a solid-liquid separation tank 230 for separating solids. The microorganism concentrating device 2 performs continuous operation control in which the raw material solution SS1 continuously flows into the reaction vessel 200 and the reaction solution RS1 continuously flows out of the reaction vessel 200. Operation control may be performed.

  The stirrer 210 has a stirrer 212 and a rotary motor 214 that operates the stirrer 212. In the present embodiment, the stirring method is performed with stirring by the stirrer 212. However, a fluidized bed method in which the reaction liquid RS1 is stirred with a gas blown into the reaction vessel 200 may be used. Moreover, you may provide both.

  A device similar to the detection device 120 can be used as the detection device 220. The particle size of the aggregate AG1 detected by the detection device 220 is output to the control device 130 connected to the detection device 220. A rotation motor 214 is connected to the control device 130, and the rotation speed of the agitator 212 is controlled based on the input particle size, and the particle size of the aggregate AG1 in the reaction vessel 200 is controlled.

  Aggregate AG1 in reaction vessel 200 is pulverized by the shearing force generated by stirring by stirring device 210 and flows out from reaction vessel 200 as small pieces SP of aggregating microorganisms. Alternatively, the aggregated microorganisms that proliferate in the reaction vessel 200 adhere to the filaments F and aggregates AG1, or adhere due to collisions between the aggregates AG1, etc. And then sink. The detection device 220 detects such a change in particle size of the aggregate AG1.

  If the detected particle size is larger than the set particle size, the aggregate AG1 is pulverized by increasing the rotation speed of the rotary motor 214 in order to increase the shearing by the stirring device 210, and the detected particle size Is smaller than the set particle size, control is performed to reduce the rotational speed of the rotary motor 214.

  Further, when the particle size of the aggregate AG1 in the reaction vessel 200 is larger than the set particle size, the particle size may be controlled by reducing the aggregate flowing into the reaction vessel 200. A detection device 120 and a rotation device 110 are also connected to the control device 130 of the present embodiment. Therefore, when the particle size of the aggregate AG1 detected by the detection device 220 is larger than the set particle size, the control device 130 controls the rotation device 110 so as to increase the rotation speed of the aggregation vessel 100, and thereby the reaction vessel 200. It is also possible to reduce the particle size of the agglomerates flowing into the water.

  When the particle size of the aggregate AG1 in the aggregation container 100 is detected by the detection device 120 based on the same idea and is larger than the set particle size, the stirring speed of the stirring device 210 is fast and smaller than the set particle size. Alternatively, the particle size of the aggregate AG1 in the reaction vessel 200 can be controlled by controlling the stirring speed of the stirring device 210 to be slow.

The solid-liquid separation tank 230 has a function of causing solids contained in the reaction liquid RS1 flowing out from the reaction vessel 200 to settle and separate from the liquid. In the solid-liquid separation tank 230, since the small pieces SP included in the reaction liquid RS1 flowing out also settle, the settled small pieces SP are collected and put into the reaction vessel 200 again to keep the microorganism concentration in the reaction vessel 200 at a high concentration. be able to.
The microorganism concentrating device 2 of the present embodiment is configured as described above.

  In the microorganism concentrating device 2 configured as described above, the aggregate AG1 is formed while using the filaments F in the aggregation container 100, and the biological reaction mainly using the aggregate AG1 is performed in the reaction container 200. The usage of each container is changed. Usually, when aggregating microorganisms are aggregated, if the raw material solution contains a massive solid that is larger than the aggregates, the solids inhibit aggregation between the aggregating microorganisms, so that the aggregates are hardly generated. However, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the reaction solution RS1 contains a solid such as a plant residue, the aggregate AG1 is formed in the aggregation container 100 using the raw material solution SS1 that does not contain a solid. Later, by supplying the aggregate AG1 to the reaction vessel 200, the reaction of the reaction solution RS1 using the aggregate AG1 becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to perform a good reaction even with a reaction liquid containing massive solids, and the degree of freedom in selecting the reaction liquid RS1 is expanded.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the microorganism concentrating device 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The microorganism concentrating device 3 of this embodiment is partly in common with the microorganism concentrating device 1 of the first embodiment. The difference is that a structure for supplying non-aggregating microorganisms to the raw material solution in the aggregation container 100 is provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component which is common in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The microorganism concentrating device 3 includes a supply device (first supply device) 300 </ b> A that supplies non-aggregable microorganisms in the aggregation container 100. The supply device 300A includes a tank 300a that stores a solution containing non-aggregating microorganisms, and supplies the non-aggregating microorganisms to the inside of the aggregation container 100 via a pipe 320a and a pipe 150 to which the pipe 320a is connected. It has become. The pipe 320a is provided with a pump 310a for supplying a solution containing non-aggregating microorganisms on the way. In the present embodiment, the pipe 320a is connected to the pipe 150, but a solution containing non-aggregating microorganisms may be directly supplied to the inside of the aggregation container 100 via the pipe 320a.

  In the aggregating vessel 100, aggregating microorganisms, non-aggregating microorganisms, a raw material for biological reaction using these microorganisms, and a raw material solution SS2 containing filaments F are stored. A plurality of aggregates AG2 of microorganisms and non-aggregating microorganisms are suspended.

  6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state of formation of the aggregate AG2 in the aggregation container 100, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line segment BB in FIG.

  The microorganism concentrating device 3 according to the present embodiment positively utilizes a phenomenon (heteroaggregation) in which non-aggregating microorganisms adhere to aggregating microorganisms and form aggregates including both, thereby not only aggregating microorganisms. Non-aggregating microorganisms are also maintained at a high concentration. The filament F has a function of promoting heteroaggregation.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the raw material solution SS2, the attached microorganism MO1 adheres to the inner wall of the aggregation container 100, and the formation of minute aggregates ag2 due to heteroaggregation in the raw material solution SS2 occurs. . A part of the attached microorganism MO1 is peeled off from the inner wall due to frictional force between the raw material solution SS2 and the attached microorganism MO1 by stirring, gravity applied to the attached microorganism MO1, or the like. The minute aggregate ag2 formed in this way includes those in which aggregating microorganisms adhere to the filament F contained in the raw material solution SS2 in part and the filament a is part of the aggregate ag2. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the peeled attached microorganisms MO1 include unattached attached microorganisms MO1, fine aggregates ag2 in the raw material solution, and further non-aggregating microorganisms MO2 in the raw material solution SS2. It rolls in the rotational direction while taking in, and is enlarged to a snowman type to form an aggregate AG2. In addition, the filaments F included in each of the minute aggregates ag2 are entangled with each other, whereby the minute aggregates ag2 are further enlarged and the formation of the aggregate AG2 is promoted.

  Such enlargement of the aggregate AG2 occurs simultaneously at a plurality of locations in the aggregation container 100, and a plurality of aggregates AG2 are formed in the aggregation container 100. Thus, the aggregate AG2 of the aggregating microorganism is formed.

  The non-aggregating microorganism MO2 that can be used to form the aggregate AG2 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Saccharomyces cerevisiae EP1 strain.

  In the microorganism concentrating device 3 configured as described above, the aggregate AG2 containing non-aggregating microorganisms can be efficiently formed. Therefore, the non-aggregating microorganisms can be concentrated and an efficient reaction can be performed. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting microorganisms is expanded, and a reaction in which microorganisms more suitable for the reaction are maintained at a high concentration can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, one tank 300a is provided as a configuration for storing a solution containing non-aggregating microorganisms. However, a plurality of types of microorganisms may be supplied to the raw material solution by providing a plurality of tanks.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the microorganism concentrating device 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The microorganism concentrating device 4 of the present embodiment is partly in common with the microorganism concentrating device 2 of the second embodiment, and is different in that it has a configuration for supplying non-aggregating microorganisms to the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 200. ing.

  The microorganism concentrating device 4 includes a supply device (second supply device) 300 </ b> B that supplies non-aggregable microorganisms in the reaction vessel 200. The supply device 300B includes a tank 300b that stores a solution containing non-aggregating microorganisms, and supplies the non-aggregating microorganisms to the inside of the reaction vessel 200 via a pipe 320b and a pipe 170 to which the pipe 320b is connected. It has become. The pipe 320b is provided with a pump 310b for supplying a solution containing non-aggregating microorganisms on the way. In the present embodiment, the pipe 320b is connected to the pipe 170, but a solution containing non-aggregating microorganisms may be directly supplied into the reaction vessel 200 through the pipe 320b.

  The reaction vessel 200 stores a reaction liquid RS2 containing aggregating microorganisms, non-aggregating microorganisms, and raw materials for biological reactions using these microorganisms, and the reaction liquid RS2 contains aggregating microorganisms and non-aggregating substances. A plurality of microbial aggregates AG2 are suspended. Further, since the supplied raw material solution SS2 also includes the filament F, the reaction fluid RS2 in the reaction vessel 200 also includes the filament F.

  Aggregate AG2 is formed by heteroaggregation of aggregate AG1 and aggregating microorganisms supplied from aggregation container 100 and non-aggregating microorganisms supplied to reaction container 200. Usually, agglomerated microorganisms and non-aggregable microorganisms are mixed in an agitation-type reaction vessel 200 as shown in the figure and agglomerates are not formed only by stirring. However, in this embodiment, the aggregate AG1 already aggregated is supplied from the aggregation container 100. In the presence of such an aggregate, it has been confirmed that aggregation of the aggregating microorganism is promoted also in the stirring type reaction vessel 200, and heteroaggregation is also promoted in the process of aggregation. Furthermore, the aggregates AG1 including the filaments F are likely to be aggregated by mutual entanglement of the filaments F, and heteroaggregation is also promoted by involving non-aggregating microorganisms in such an aggregation process.

  In the microorganism concentrating device 4 having the above-described configuration, even in a reaction solution containing a solid, an aggregate that maintains a high concentration of microorganisms suitable for the reaction selected from aggregating microorganisms and non-aggregating microorganisms is used. It becomes possible to perform a favorable reaction.

  In the present embodiment, the non-aggregating microorganisms are supplied to the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 200. However, it is also provided with a configuration for supplying the non-aggregating microorganisms to the raw material solution in the aggregation vessel 100 together. It doesn't matter.

[Fifth Embodiment]
8 and 9 are explanatory views showing a microorganism concentrating device 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the microorganism concentrating device 5 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the aggregation container of the microorganism concentration apparatus 5 which concerns on a form. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to the microorganism concentrating device 1 of the first embodiment.

  In the microorganism concentrating device described in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the aggregating microorganism is cultured while the entire aggregating vessel rotates, but the microorganism concentrating device 5 of the present embodiment is a reaction solution. The difference is that the container for storing the agglomerate and the aggregator that rotates and agglutinates the microorganisms are separated. In the following description, the aggregating apparatus included in the microorganism aggregating apparatus 5 will be mainly described, and the description common to the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the aggregation container 400 according to the microorganism concentrating device 5 of the present embodiment rotates the container body 410 that stores the reaction solution SS1, the aggregator 420 that rotates around the rotation axis L, and the aggregator 420. And a rotating device 430.

  The container body 410 is a rectangular container in plan view with a top part 410a covered and a bottom part 410b having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and stores the reaction solution SS1 therein. Through holes 411 and 412 are provided in opposing side walls of the container body 410, and a shaft 431 that is a part of the rotating device 430 is provided through both the through holes. Pipes 440 extending from the supply devices for the raw material solution SS1 and the filamentous body F are inserted from the through holes 411, and the raw material solution SS1 or the filamentous body F is supplied through the pipes 440.

  Further, in the biological reaction by the aggregating microorganism, oxygen dissolved in the raw material solution SS1 is consumed. Since the consumed oxygen is supplied from the gas phase portion G into the liquid, the oxygen in the gas phase portion G is consumed. Therefore, oxygen may be supplied from the through holes 411 and 412 to the gas phase portion G to prevent depletion of oxygen in the system.

  The bottom 410b of the container body 410 is designed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and the end is rounded in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis L of the aggregator 420. By setting it as such a bottom part shape, it is preventing that a convection stagnates at the edge of a bottom part, or a solid substance accumulates. Of course, the shape of the bottom may not be round.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the aggregator 420 is a cylindrical member whose cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis L is an annular shape, and the figure shows a hollow cylindrical aggregator having both ends open. Yes. The aggregator 420 is disposed in the container body 410 so that at least a part is exposed from the liquid surface of the raw material solution SS1 and the remaining part is immersed in the raw material solution SS1.

  The rotation axis L of the aggregator 420 is set in a substantially horizontal direction (a direction parallel to the liquid surface of the raw material solution SS1 stored in the container body 410). The aggregator 420 agitates the interface between the raw material solution SS1 and the gas phase part G of the container body 410 by rotating in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis L, and agglomerates the aggregate AG1 that rolls on the inner wall of the aggregator 420. To promote. The rotation axis L may be set to be inclined from the horizontal direction.

  The rotating device 430 includes a shaft (shaft portion) 431 penetrating the inside of the aggregator 420, rollers 432 provided at a plurality of locations (two locations in the drawing) of the shaft 431, and an end portion of the shaft 431. And a motor 433 that rotates the shaft 431 around the axis.

  The shaft 431 is in contact with the inner wall of the aggregator 420 via a roller 432, and suspends the aggregator 420 from the inside. By rotating the shaft 431, friction between the roller 432 and the inner wall of the aggregator 420 is generated, and the aggregator 420 is rotated in the same direction as the rotation direction of the shaft 431 by the friction force.

  The shaft 431 is disposed in parallel with the liquid level. Moreover, since it arrange | positions above a liquid level, even if it performs continuous operation, the damage by the rust etc. which may arise by being immersed in raw material solution SS1 is suppressed.

  In the microorganism concentrating device 5 having such a configuration, since it is not necessary to rotate the container body 410 itself that stores a large amount of the reaction solution SS1, the stirring of the reaction solution SS1 is performed in comparison with the configuration in which the entire aggregation container is rotated to stir the reaction solution SS1. The power required is small, and the configuration is suitable for increasing the size of the apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the container body 410 is covered with the upper portion 410a. However, the container body 410 may be configured without the upper lid.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. The above-described example is an example, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. In the following examples, a model experiment using a round bottom flask as a small aggregation container was performed, and it was confirmed that the formation of aggregates was promoted when a filamentous body was used.

  A 500 ml round bottom flask was charged with 300 ml of an organic substance (main component: acetic acid and glucose) 0.2 wt% aqueous solution containing about 2000 mg / L of microorganisms. In this example, filamentous microorganisms were grown using activated sludge (aggregation of aggregated microorganisms, slightly containing filamentous microorganisms (Eikelboom Type 021N)) that had been used to treat food wastewater as microorganisms.

  The round bottom flask was attached to a rotary evaporator, kept at 25 ° C., rotated for 1 month, and stirred. Once a day, the rotation of the round-bottomed flask is stopped and the aggregates are allowed to settle. Then, 150 ml of the supernatant is discarded, and 150 ml of an organic substance (main component: acetic acid and glucose) 0.2 wt% aqueous solution is added repeatedly. It was.

  In order to compare the effects of filamentous microorganisms, a system in which filamentous microorganisms are difficult to grow was also performed at the same time. That is, the apparatus and operation were the same as those described above, and an organic substance (main component: phenol) 0.02 wt% aqueous solution was used instead of the organic substance (main component: acetic acid and glucose) 0.2 wt% aqueous solution.

  As a result of the evaluation, the microorganisms adhered to the inner wall of the round bottom flask under both experimental conditions regardless of the ease of the growth of filamentous microorganisms, and the formation of aggregates was confirmed. In addition, under the conditions in which filamentous microorganisms do not exist (the organic main component is phenol), the diameter of the formed aggregate is 50 μm to 100 μm, whereas in the condition in which filamentous microorganisms coexist (main organic matter). It was confirmed that filamentous microorganisms proliferated in the components of acetic acid and glucose), and the aggregates had a larger aggregate with a diameter of 1 to 3 mm.

  Furthermore, when the aggregate formed in the presence of filamentous microorganisms was divided and the internal structure of the aggregate was confirmed by microscopic observation, filamentous microorganisms were entangled inside the aggregate, and the aggregate was trapped inside Thus, it was found that a larger aggregate was formed.

  From the above results, it can be confirmed that the aggregate of the flocculating microorganism can be formed satisfactorily by the present invention and that the particle size of the aggregate can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the aggregation container. The usefulness of the invention was confirmed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... Microbe concentration apparatus, 100 ... Aggregation container, 101 ... Supply apparatus (filament body supply apparatus), 120, 220 ... Detection apparatus, 130 ... Control apparatus, 200 ... Reaction container, 300A ... Supply Apparatus (first supply apparatus), 300B ... second supply apparatus, 400 ... aggregation container, AG1, AG2 ... aggregate, F ... filamentous body, RS1, RS2 ... reaction liquid, SS1, SS2 ... raw material solution,

Claims (11)

A microorganism concentrating device that forms aggregates containing aggregating microorganisms,
An aggregating vessel for storing a raw material solution containing the aggregating microorganisms and a raw material for biological reaction using the aggregating microorganisms, and aggregating the aggregating microorganisms;
A supply device for supplying the aggregating microorganisms, the raw material and the filamentous material contained in the raw material solution into the aggregation container;
A reaction vessel to which the raw material solution containing the aggregate is supplied from the aggregation vessel ,
The raw material solution is stirred by rotating at least a part of the aggregation container around a predetermined rotation axis penetrating the aggregation container ;
The microorganism concentrating device , wherein the reaction vessel stirs a reaction solution containing the aggregate and the raw material solution to culture microorganisms contained in the aggregate . The supply device has a filamentous material supply device for supplying the filamentous material into the aggregation container,
2. The microorganism concentrating device according to claim 1, wherein the filament supply device supplies the filament as a dispersion liquid in which the filament is dispersed in a dispersion medium.   The microorganism concentration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the filament is a filamentous microorganism.   3. The microorganism concentrating device according to claim 2, wherein the filament is a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber. The supply device has a first supply device for supplying non-aggregating microorganisms to the raw material solution,
The said aggregation container forms the said aggregate containing the said aggregating microorganisms and the said non-aggregating microorganisms based on rotation of the said aggregation container, The any one of Claim 1 to 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Microorganism concentration device.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection device that detects a particle size of the aggregate; and a control device that controls a rotation speed of the aggregation container based on a detection result of the detection device. 2. The microorganism concentrating device according to item 1. A second supply device for supplying non-aggregating microorganisms to the reaction solution;
The said reaction container forms the said aggregate containing the said flocculent microorganisms and the said non-aggregable microorganisms based on stirring of the said reaction container, The any one of Claim 1 to 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Microorganism concentration device. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection device that detects a particle size of the aggregate; and a control device that controls a stirring condition of the reaction vessel based on a detection result of the detection device. The microorganism concentrating device according to item 1 . The microorganism concentration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein batch-type operation control is performed . The microbial concentration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein continuous operation control is performed . The aggregation container includes a container body for storing the raw material solution,
An aggregator provided in the container body and rotating around a predetermined rotation axis penetrating the container body;
The aggregator is a cylindrical member having the rotation axis as an axis of symmetry,
The flocculent microorganisms roll on the inner wall of the aggregator based on the rotation of the aggregator, and agglomerate together with the filaments to form the agglomerate. The microorganism concentrating device according to item 1 .

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