JP5976325B2 - Separation device and separation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for separating a solution, which is a solvent containing a solute, into a solute and a solvent.

For example, an alcohol solution such as biomass alcohol, liquor, or a liquor raw material contains water as a solvent and alcohol as a solute (ethanol) (the relationship between the two may be interchanged, but is described here for convenience). There are cases where it is desired to separate water and alcohol from such an alcohol solution. Such techniques have multiple ways of capturing water, concentrating alcohol, and the like, but from a chemical standpoint, the solute and solvent are simply separated.
Further, the seawater solution (seawater) roughly includes other minerals and includes water as a solvent and sodium chloride as a solute. In some cases, it is desired to separate water and sodium chloride from such seawater. In this case as well, there are multiple ways of capturing water, concentration of sodium chloride, etc., but from a chemical point of view, the solute and solvent are simply separated.
Separation of water and alcohol in an alcohol solution can be applied to, for example, replacement of a brewed liquor with a process of making distilled liquor.
Separation of water and sodium chloride in seawater can be applied to manufacture of salt or desalination of seawater.
As described above, the technology for separating a solution, which is a solvent containing a solute, into a solute and a solvent has various uses.
A technique for separating a solute and a solvent has been practically used for a long time, and various types are known. And this inventor is researching about the separation technique of the solute and solvent using the atomization as follows.

The technology is roughly as follows.
In the separation technique using atomization, a solution that is a solvent containing a solute is atomized using an appropriate technique such as spraying, ultrasonic atomization, electrostatic atomization, or the like. Then, many fine particles of the solution are generated by being atomized.
By the way, the fine particles of this solution vary in size. There is a correlation between the size of each fine particle and the concentration of the solution in each fine particle (ratio of solute to solvent). The inventor who realized that there is such a correlation realized that the solute and the solvent in the solution can be separated by classifying the fine particles generated by atomization according to the size.
In fact, in the case of an alcohol solution, the fine particles produced by atomization tend to contain more alcohol as it is smaller, and in the case of seawater, the fine particles produced by atomization are It has been found by the inventor's research that the larger the value, the more the sodium chloride tends to be contained.

  This separation technique using atomization consumes less energy than distillation and other techniques that use heating, so it is particularly useful for concentrating bioethanol solutions for fuels and large volumes of solutions such as seawater desalination. Suitable for separation technology when it is necessary to process. The development of bioethanol production technology and seawater desalination technology is well-known, and of course there are other uses, and there is a strong demand for early commercialization of atomization separation technology. Yes.

In order to put the atomization separation technology into practical use, improvement in efficiency is essential.
For example, when using a separation technique by atomization, energy is consumed when atomizing the solution. In this regard, the electrostatic atomization technique is suitable for application to the separation technique by atomization because the energy consumed when atomizing the solution is small.

However, it cannot be said that the electrostatic atomization apparatus used in the conventional electrostatic atomization technique has no problem to be solved.
A conventional electrostatic atomizer is a ring-shaped device that creates an appropriate electric field between a hollow and thin needle-like electrode (capillary) whose lower end is immersed in a solution to be atomized and the needle-like electrode. The solution that has risen inside the needle electrode due to capillary action is finely cut by an electrostatic field between the needle electrode and the counter electrode, so that the solution is atomized and finely divided. It is designed to generate fine particles of the solution.
The conventional electrostatic atomizer described above has a certain function, and is applied to a separation device in addition to a humidifier.

  However, since the conventional electrostatic atomizer generates mist using the hollow needle-like electrode as described above, if it is intended to increase the amount of fine particles of the solution generated per unit time to some extent or more. It is necessary to increase the number of needle electrodes. In fact, such technologies are already in practical use in fields other than separation technologies, but the resulting increase in costs for the production of electrostatic atomizers and the increase in maintenance costs tend to be excessive. is there.

  This invention makes it the subject to improve the separation technique using an electrostatic atomization technique so that an increase in cost as described above can be suppressed.

In order to solve the above problems, the present inventor proposes the following invention.
The present invention is roughly divided into two inventions, the first invention and the second invention described below.

First, the common points of the first invention and the second invention will be described.
Both the separation device of the first invention and the second invention have an electrostatic atomizer that makes a solution, which is a solvent containing a solute, fine particles, and the size of the particles of the solution generated by the electrostatic atomizer. And collecting the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard to obtain a first solution, a classifier for passing the fine particles not collected, and collecting the fine particles not collected by the classifier A separation tank that is used to separate the solution into a solute and a solvent.
Roughly speaking, the difference between the two inventions is the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer.
The electrostatic atomizer of the first invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “first electrostatic atomizer”) has a predetermined gap between a surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface and the surface electrode. And an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state where the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a solution to be atomized in a thin film shape. The fine particles of the solution are generated from a plurality of portions on the surface of the solution covering the surface electrode.
On the other hand, the electrostatic atomizer of the second invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second electrostatic atomizer”) has a plate-like shape having a two-dimensional surface and a large number of holes. A surface electrode, and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode, and the diameter of the solution to be atomized from the rear surface side of the surface electrode through the hole is 1 mm to 0 mm By forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode with a .01 mm droplet supplied in the vicinity of the surface of the surface electrode, microparticles of the solution smaller than the droplet are generated from the droplet. It is like that.
In both cases of the first invention and the second invention, the potential difference between the surface electrode and the counter electrode can be, for example, about 3 kV to 50 kV.
Note that the first electrostatic atomizer and the second electrostatic atomizer can be applied only to the separation device of the present application, and can be realized as an invention alone.

As described above, the conventional electrostatic atomizer is provided with a hollow needle electrode, and it has been considered common sense. However, according to the research of the present inventor, even when a surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface is used instead of a hollow needle electrode, the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a thin film solution, When an appropriate electric field was formed between the electrode and the counter electrode, it was confirmed that fine particles of the solution were generated from the thin film solution.
Moreover, since the first electrostatic atomizer having such a structure is easier to work than the conventional electrostatic atomizer that requires a large number of hollow needle-like electrodes, it produces a large amount of fine particles in the solution. Even in this case, it is easy to suppress an increase in manufacturing costs, and it is easy to suppress an increase in maintenance costs because the number of fine parts can be reduced.
Therefore, the separation device according to the first aspect of the present invention having the first electrostatic atomizer as the electrostatic atomizer can easily suppress an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in maintenance cost.
Further, according to the research of the present inventor, even when a surface electrode having a two-dimensionally spreading surface is used instead of a hollow needle-like electrode, the surface electrode has a two-dimensionally spreading surface. It was confirmed that when droplets of the solution were supplied and an appropriate electric field was formed between the surface electrode and the counter electrode, the droplets were finely divided and fine particles of the solution were generated.
Moreover, the second electrostatic atomizer having such a structure is easier to work than conventional electrostatic atomizers that require a large number of hollow needle-like electrodes, and thus produces a large amount of solution fine particles. Even in this case, it is easy to suppress an increase in manufacturing costs, and it is easy to suppress an increase in maintenance costs because the number of fine parts can be reduced.
Therefore, the separation device according to the first aspect of the invention having the second electrostatic atomizer as the electrostatic atomizer can easily suppress an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in maintenance cost.
The droplets in the second electrostatic atomizer may be solid or hollow (bubbles). For example, solid droplets can be obtained by using a spray, and hollow droplets can be obtained by arranging a diffuser in the solution. Of course, it is also possible to generate droplets by any other appropriate means.
Both the first electrostatic atomizer and the second electrostatic atomizer can increase the generation amount of solution fine particles per unit power or unit area by design.

The surface electrode in the 1st electrostatic atomizer of this application has the surface which spreads in two dimensions as mentioned above. On the other hand, the counter electrode can take an appropriate shape such as a linear shape, a rod shape, or a planar shape including a plate shape. The same applies to the second electrostatic atomizer.
For example, the counter electrode may have a two-dimensional surface. By making the counter electrode have a two-dimensionally spreading surface, it becomes easy to stably generate fine particles of the solution from a wide range of the surface of the surface electrode. The counter electrode in this case may have a surface that spreads in a two-dimensional shape opposite to a range where at least the fine particles of the solution are planned to be generated, among the surfaces of the surface electrode. In this way, it is easy to create a potential gradient under the same conditions with the counter electrode in the range where the fine particles of the solution of the surface electrode are expected to be generated. The generation of fine particles is facilitated as intended. When the counter electrode has a two-dimensionally spreading surface, the surface of the counter electrode may be parallel to the surface of the surface electrode (if the surface of the surface electrode is a curved surface, The surface of the counter electrode is also curved.) This also causes the potential gradient between the counter electrode and the surface electrode to be in a wide range on the surface electrode surface (for example, the entire region or the range on the surface electrode surface where the fine particles of the solution are planned to be generated). To help make it constant.

As described above, the surface electrode of the first electrostatic atomizer has a two-dimensionally spreading surface. Here, the two-dimensional surface may be a smooth surface, or may have irregularities, and may be perforated, grooved, or mesh-shaped. Also good. It is sufficient if it spreads in two dimensions as a whole. The two-dimensional surface may be a flat surface or a curved surface, a plurality of flat surfaces, a plurality of curved surfaces, or a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface. The same applies to the second electrostatic atomizer.
Further, as the material of the surface electrode, a metal (for example, a metal having conductivity) can be adopted including the case of the second electrostatic atomizer. In the case of the first electrostatic atomizer, the surface electrode may be a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. The woven fabric includes a knitted fabric (knitted fabric).
Unless the surface electrode is mesh-shaped or the material is woven or non-woven, the surface of the surface electrode can be a smooth surface as described above. May have a large number of protrusions having a height of 1 mm or less. By doing so, the solution efficiently becomes fine particles of the solution at the portions of the many protrusions, which are the points where the potential gradient on the surface of the surface electrode is specifically larger than the surroundings. The protrusion can be formed, for example, by fixing particles having a diameter of 1 mm or less (for example, metal particles) to the surface of the surface electrode.

A layer made of a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode. By doing so, when the solution contains a solute and a solvent, the ratio of the solution to the solvent in the fine particles of the generated solution can be more easily changed. The same applies to the second electrostatic atomizer.
As the hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, for example, a resin containing a fluororesin, alumina, ceramic, or the like can be used.
The layer made of a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material needs to be thin enough not to insulate the surface electrode and the counter electrode.
In the first electrostatic atomizer, the ratio of the solute and the solvent in the fine particles of the solution can be changed more for the following reason. For example, when a hydrophobic liquid is placed on the surface of a hydrophobic substance, its contact angle is generally smaller than when it is placed on the surface of a hydrophilic substance. Here, the ratio of the solute and the solvent in a part of the solution spread like a thin film on a certain surface (for example, the surface of the surface electrode) is reduced in wettability with respect to the surface (more easily rounded droplets). In this state, the solution in that part is more likely to become fine particles of the solution than in the other part. That is, when there is a difference in wettability between one and the other of the solute and the solvent contained in the solution and there is a slight deviation in the ratio of the solute and the solvent in the solution, the surface of the surface electrode is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. If so, fine particles of the solution can be generated in such a state that the deviation of the ratio of the solute and the solvent in the solution covering the surface of the surface electrode in a thin film shape is emphasized.
Even in the case of the second electrostatic atomizer, the ratio of the solute and the solvent in the fine particles of the solution can be changed more for the following reason. When there is a layer made of a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material on the surface of the electrode, at least the inside of the hole corresponding to the layer is formed of a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material. In the case of the second electrostatic atomizer, droplets having a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm of the solution to be atomized are applied to the surface of the surface electrode from the back surface side of the surface electrode through the holes provided in the surface electrode. By supplying an electric field in the vicinity and the electric field formed between the surface electrode and the counter electrode, the liquid droplet is further divided into fine particles of the solution from the liquid droplet. Here, when at least a part of the inside of the hole is hydrophobic or hydrophilic, the droplet can be selectively passed to some extent according to the wettability of the droplet passing therethrough. Thereby, the fine particles of the solution to be generated can contain more desired ones of the solvent or the solute. In order to make this possible, the diameter of the hole should be small to some extent. For example, the diameter should be about 10 to 100 times the diameter of the droplet.

In the first electrostatic atomizer, as described above, the solution to be atomized covers the surface of the surface electrode in a thin film shape. What is necessary is just to select suitably how the surface of a surface electrode is covered with a solution.
The solution covering the surface of the surface electrode in a thin film is atomized and gradually decreases, and the thickness is gradually decreased. Therefore, it is necessary to supply a new solution to the surface of the surface electrode in addition to supplying the solution first. The supply of a new solution may be performed continuously or batchwise. However, if it is desired to obtain a large amount of solution fine particles at a low cost, it is a balance with the design of the apparatus. It may be desirable to supply the solution.
Hereinafter, some measures for covering the surface of the surface electrode in the form of a thin film will be described, including a new method for supplying the solution to the surface of the surface electrode.

When the surface electrode is mesh-shaped, the solution may be supplied to the surface of the surface electrode from the back surface side of the mesh-shaped surface electrode through the mesh-shaped eye of the surface electrode. it can. In this case, the solution supplied to the surface of the surface electrode becomes a thin film so as to cover the surface of the surface electrode. For example, a mesh surface electrode is placed horizontally near the water surface of the solution pool, and the thickness of the thin film solution slightly exceeding the surface height of the solution pool is kept within a certain range. It is like this.
In this case, the counter electrode may have, for example, a surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode, for example, facing the entire surface of the surface electrode.

When the surface electrode is a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, the solution is supplied to the surface of the surface electrode from the back surface side of the surface electrode, which is a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, via a gap between fibers of the woven fabric or the non-woven fabric. Can be. In this case, the solution supplied to the surface of the surface electrode becomes a thin film so as to cover the surface of the surface electrode. For example, a woven or non-woven surface electrode is horizontally disposed near the water surface of the solution pool, and the water surface height of the solution pool is maintained so as to touch the back surface of the surface electrode. In this way, the surface of the woven or non-woven fabric is wetted, but the solution remains in the form of a thin film on the surface of the surface electrode to that extent.
In this case, the counter electrode may have, for example, a surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode, for example, facing the entire surface of the surface electrode.

The surface of the surface electrode is horizontal, the surface of the surface electrode is provided with a number of holes for supplying the solution to the surface of the surface electrode, and the solution is supplied from the holes. The solution may be formed into a thin film to cover the surface of the surface electrode.
For example, as in the case of a mesh-shaped surface electrode, a surface electrode with a large number of holes is horizontally disposed near the surface of the solution pool, and the surface height of the solution pool is slightly higher than the surface of the surface electrode. It seems to keep to the extent. Alternatively, a solution supply tube may be connected to each of the holes so that the thickness of the thin film solution covering the surface of the surface electrode is kept within a certain range.
In this case, the counter electrode may have, for example, a surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode, for example, facing the entire surface of the surface electrode.

The surface electrode may have a cylindrical shape, and the surface of the surface electrode may be an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical surface electrode, and the surface electrode may rotate around a horizontal cylindrical axis. In addition, the lower outer peripheral surface can be immersed in the solution. In this case, when the surface electrode rotates, the solution attached to the surface of the surface electrode becomes a thin film and covers the surface of the surface electrode.
In this case, the counter electrode may have, for example, a surface that is a curved surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode, for example, facing at least a portion of the surface of the surface electrode not immersed in the solution.

The surface electrode may be cylindrical, and the surface of the surface electrode may be an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical surface electrode, and the surface electrode may be around a horizontal cylindrical axis. It can be made to rotate and the inner peripheral surface below can be immersed in the solution. In this case, when the surface electrode rotates, the solution attached to the surface of the surface electrode becomes a thin film and covers the surface of the surface electrode.
In this case, the counter electrode can be a linear or rod-like electrode arranged on the shaft portion. Alternatively, the counter electrode is a curved surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode, for example, which is a part of a cylindrical member coaxial with the shaft and is opposed to, for example, at least a part of the surface electrode surface not immersed in the solution. It may have a certain surface.

Means for supplying the solution to the surface of the surface electrode; and air blowing means for blowing gas to the surface of the surface electrode, wherein the solution supplied to the surface of the surface electrode is the gas. The surface of the surface electrode may be covered by proceeding as a thin film in the air blowing direction.
In this way, the surface of the surface electrode can be easily covered with a thin film solution. In this case, the surface of the surface electrode may be horizontal.
In this case, the counter electrode can be, for example, opposed to, for example, the entire surface of the surface electrode and have, for example, a surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode.
And a means for supplying the solution to the surface of the surface electrode, the surface of the surface electrode is inclined, and the solution supplied to the surface of the surface electrode is The surface of the surface electrode may be covered by proceeding as a thin film by drooping due to gravity.
The surface of the surface electrode can be easily covered with a thin film solution, and it is not necessary to input energy for advancing the solution.
In this case, the counter electrode can be, for example, opposed to, for example, the entire surface of the surface electrode and have, for example, a surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode.
The surface electrode has a disk shape arranged horizontally, the surface of the surface electrode is an upper surface of the disk-shaped surface electrode, and the surface electrode rotates around a disk-shaped vertical axis. And is provided with means for supplying the solution in the vicinity of the rotation axis of the surface of the surface electrode, and by rotating the surface electrode, in the vicinity of the rotation axis of the surface of the surface electrode The solution supplied to may be configured to cover the surface of the surface electrode by traveling in a thin film state by centrifugal force.
In this way, the surface of the surface electrode can be easily covered with a thin film solution. In this case, the surface of the surface electrode may be horizontal.
In this case, the counter electrode may be, for example, opposed to a certain range (for example, a ring shape) outside the surface of the surface electrode, and may have a surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode, for example. . The portion closer to the outer edge of the surface electrode surface tends to keep the thickness of the thin film solution constant. Therefore, such a counter electrode is mainly used to generate solution fine particles mainly from the portion. preferable.
The surface electrode has a slope of 0 or less in all parts, and a line segment in the first quadrant, which is a straight line, a curve, or a combination thereof, whose both ends are in contact with the X axis and the Y axis, is rotated around the Y axis. The surface of the surface electrode is an outer peripheral surface of the surface electrode, and the surface electrode It can be configured to rotate around an axis of a rotating body. The electrostatic atomizer in this case includes means for supplying the solution near the rotation axis of the surface of the surface electrode, and the rotation of the surface of the surface electrode is caused by the rotation of the surface electrode. The solution supplied in the vicinity of the shaft may travel in the form of a thin film by centrifugal force so as to cover the surface of the surface electrode.
In this way, the surface of the surface electrode can be easily covered with a thin film solution. In this case, the surface of the surface electrode may include a horizontal portion, but regardless of whether the surface has a downward slope toward the outside, the solution on the surface of the surface electrode, which is the outer peripheral surface of the upwardly convex surface electrode, Anyway, it will go outward.
The counter electrode in this case may be, for example, opposed to the entire range of the surface of the surface electrode, for example, having a surface parallel to the surface of the surface electrode.
In all these four examples, the traveling direction of the thin film solution is determined. In these cases, after making the surface of the surface electrode a smooth surface, a groove having a depth of 1 mm or less is provided on the surface of the surface electrode in a direction along the traveling direction of the solution that proceeds in a thin film shape. May be. Due to the presence of such grooves, it is possible to promote the progress of the solution that proceeds as a thin film.

  In the first electrostatic atomizer, the thickness of the thin film solution can be set to 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, for example. If the thickness of the thin film solution is kept within this range, fine particles of the solution can be obtained efficiently.

Next, the second electrostatic atomizer will be described.
The surface electrode in the second electrostatic atomizer may be mesh-shaped. The surface electrode in the second electrostatic atomizer may be made of metal.
The counter electrode in the second electrostatic atomizer is as described in the description of the first electrostatic atomizer.

In both the first and second inventions, there is no need to have a collection tank. When it is not necessary to collect the second solution, the following configuration can be employed. Other parts are the same as those of the first invention and the second invention described above.
In the case of the first invention, for example, an electrostatic atomizer that makes a solution containing a solute a fine fine particle, and fine particles of the solution generated by the electrostatic atomizer are classified according to the size. And collecting the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard to form a first solution and a classifier for passing the fine particles not collected, and the fine particles not collected by the classifier A separation device that is released into the environment and is used to separate the solution into a solute and a solvent, the electrostatic atomization device comprising a surface electrode having a two-dimensionally spreading surface; A counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode and the surface electrode in a state where the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a solution to be atomized as a thin film. Forming an electric field between an electrode and said counter electrode More, so that the resulting fine particles of the solution from the plurality of portions of the surface of the solution covering the surface electrode, the separator device.
In the case of the second invention, for example, an electrostatic atomizer that makes a solution, which is a solvent containing a solute, fine particles, and fine particles of the solution generated by the electrostatic atomizer are classified according to their sizes. And collecting the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard to form a first solution and a classifier for passing the fine particles not collected, and the fine particles not collected by the classifier A separation device that is released into the environment and is used to separate the solution into a solute and a solvent, the electrostatic atomization device having a two-dimensionally spreading surface, and a large number A plate-like surface electrode having a plurality of holes, and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrodes, and an atomization target from the back surface side of the surface electrode through the holes A droplet with a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm By forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state of being supplied near the surface of the recording electrode, fine particles of the solution smaller than the droplet are generated from the droplet. It becomes a separation device.

In both the separation apparatus of the first invention and the second invention, a catalyst tower packed with a catalyst for decomposing the solute, allowing the fine particles not recovered by the classifier to pass between the classifier and the recovery tank. May be provided.
When there is no recovery tank, the catalyst tower may be provided after the classifier.
This is useful when the solute is to be removed. This effect will be described in detail later.

An electrostatic fog having the same effect as that of the separation device of the first invention, for example, a surface electrode having a two-dimensionally spreading surface and a counter electrode forming a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode Forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state in which the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a solution that is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized in the form of a thin film. A fine particle generation process for generating fine particles of the solution from a plurality of portions of the surface of the solution covering the surface electrode, and classifying the fine particles of the solution generated in the fine particle generation process according to the size, and a predetermined reference A separation method (hereinafter referred to as “the first solution”), which includes a classification process of collecting larger fine particles to form a first solution and a collection process of collecting the fine particles not collected in the classification process to form a second solution. Sometimes referred to as “1 separation method of the invention”. That.) Even obtained.
Further, the same effect as that of the separation device of the second invention can be obtained by, for example, forming a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode and a plate-like surface electrode having a two-dimensionally expanding surface and a large number of holes. A liquid having a diameter of 1 mm to 0.01 mm of a solution that is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized from the back side of the surface electrode through the hole. A fine particle generating process for generating fine particles of the solution smaller than the droplet from the droplet by forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state where the droplet is supplied near the surface of the surface electrode; The fine particles of the solution produced in the fine particle production process are classified according to their sizes, and the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard are collected to form a first solution, and the fine particles not collected in the classification process The fine particles are collected and the second solution A recovery process that, separation methods including (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "method of separating the second invention".) Any obtained.
In both the separation method of the first invention and the separation method of the second invention, the viscosity of the solution can be about 0.01 cP to 100 cP. Within such a viscosity range, it is easy to obtain fine particles of the solution.

Both the separation method of the first invention and the separation method of the second invention can be carried out by repeating the fine particle production process, the classification process, and the recovery process one or more times using the first solution as the solution. Using the second solution as the solution, the fine particle generation process, the classification process, and the recovery process can be repeated one or more times.
In the former case, when focusing on the first solution of the first solution and the second solution finally obtained, the solute whose concentration is higher in the first solution is to be further concentrated, or in the second solution This is useful when it is desired to further remove solutes having higher concentrations from the solution. Of course, if the above-described process is repeated twice or more, for example, the effect is further increased as the number of repetitions is increased.
In the latter case, when focusing on the second solution of the first solution and the second solution finally obtained, the solute whose concentration is higher in the second solution is to be further concentrated, or the first solution This is useful when it is desired to further remove solutes having higher concentrations from the solution. Of course, if the above-described process is repeated twice or more, for example, the effect is further increased as the number of repetitions is increased.

The solution can be appropriately selected according to the purpose as long as it contains a solute and a solvent. For example, the solution can be seawater. When the solution is seawater, the fine particles produced by atomization tend to contain more sodium chloride as it is larger, as already described. Therefore, when seawater is used as the solution, the salinity is transferred more by the large fine particles captured by the classifier, so the first solution has a higher salinity than the original solution, and the second solution has a lower salinity. If attention is paid to the first solution, this corresponds to the concentration of salt, and if attention is paid to the second solution, this corresponds to desalination of seawater. Of course, if necessary, as described above, the fine particle production process, classification process, and recovery process may be repeated for the first solution or the second solution.
When seawater is used as a solution, it is possible to concentrate a trace mineral (for example, lithium) other than sodium chloride. However, since the amount of trace minerals other than sodium chloride is small, it is necessary to concentrate the fine particle generation process, classification process, and recovery process at least twice.
For example, lithium is concentrated in the second solution. In addition, other trace minerals are similarly concentrated in the first solution or the second solution, but generally, the low atomic weight mineral moves to the second solution side, and the high molecular weight mineral moves to the first solution side. .

When the solute is a non-volatile substance having a vapor pressure lower than that of water and the solvent is water, the solute concentrates in the second solution. If the fine particle generation process, classification process, and recovery process are repeated for the second solution, the concentration of the non-volatile substance proceeds. If these processes are repeated for the first solution, the non-volatile substance is removed from the first solution mainly composed of water. become. Examples of the non-volatile substance having a vapor pressure lower than that of water include at least one of a salt, an amino acid, an organic acid, a surfactant, and a protein.
When the solute is a volatile substance having a higher vapor pressure than water and the solvent is water, the solute concentrates in the first solution. Concentration of volatile substances proceeds if the fine particle generation process, classification process, and recovery process are repeated for the first solution, and volatile substances are removed from the second solution mainly composed of water if these processes are repeated for the second solution. become. Examples of non-volatile substances having a higher vapor pressure than water include hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, ammonia, and VOC (volatile organic compounds: volatile) At least one of organic compounds).
The volatile substances and non-volatile substances described above are often contained in the solution when the solution is waste water (whether it is factory waste water or household waste water).
When the solution contains a nonvolatile substance, the nonvolatile substance can be removed from the first solution mainly composed of water by repeating the fine particle generation process, the classification process, and the recovery process for the first solution, and the solution contains a volatile substance. In some cases, volatile substances can be removed from the second solution mainly composed of water by repeating the fine particle generation process, classification process, and recovery process for the second solution. This means that the separation method of the present invention can be applied to sewage treatment.

When the solution contains a non-volatile substance, the separation method of the first invention and the separation method of the second invention are both recovered by the catalyst for decomposing the solute and the classification process between the classification process and the recovery process. There may be included a decomposition process in which the fine particles that have not been contacted are brought into contact with each other to decompose solutes contained in the fine particles that have not been recovered in the classification process.
In particular, when the purpose is sewage treatment, the purpose is to remove the solute from the second solution. In particular, when a solution in which the solute is a non-volatile substance is atomized, the non-volatile substance migrates more to larger fine particles. Even the small particles contain non-volatile substances. Therefore, if a non-volatile substance is removed from the fine particles using a catalyst, the effect of sewage treatment is further enhanced. The fine particles that come into contact with the catalyst are small enough to pass through the classifier and have a large surface area.

In both the separation method of the first invention and the separation method of the second invention, the second solution may not be recovered. Other than that, the separation method of the first invention and the separation method of the second invention described above are the same.
In this case, the separation method of the first invention includes, for example, an electrostatic atomization including a surface electrode having a two-dimensionally spreading surface and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode. By forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state where the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a solution that is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized in the form of a thin film. A fine particle generation process for generating fine particles of the solution from a plurality of portions of the surface of the solution covering the surface electrode, and the fine particles of the solution generated in the fine particle generation process are classified according to their sizes, and according to a predetermined standard The separation method includes a classification process of collecting the fine particles to form a first solution and a release process of releasing the fine particles not collected in the classification process into the environment.
In this case, the separation method according to the second aspect of the invention is, for example, a plate-like surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface and a large number of holes, and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrodes. A droplet having a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm of a solution that is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized from the back surface side of the surface electrode through the hole. A fine particle generating process for generating fine particles of the solution smaller than the liquid droplets by forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state of being supplied near the surface of the surface electrode; The fine particles of the solution produced in the production process are classified according to their sizes, and the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard are collected to form a first solution, and the fine particles not collected in the classification process are treated as an environment. Release process , A separation method, including.
When the second solution is not recovered, both the separation method of the first invention and the separation method of the second invention are recovered in the classification process with the catalyst for decomposing the solute before releasing the fine particles not recovered in the classification process. The decomposition process which decomposes | disassembles the solute contained in the said microparticles | fine-particles which were not collect | recovered in the said classification process by making it contact with the said microparticles | fine-particles which were not performed may be performed.

The side view which shows roughly the whole structure of the separation apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 1 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The (A) top view and the (B) side view which show the structure of the surface electrode of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 2 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The side view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 3 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The side view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 4 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The top view which shows the structure of the surface electrode shown by FIG. The side view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 5 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the surface electrode shown by FIG. The side view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 6 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the surface electrode shown by FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 7 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 8 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The figure for demonstrating the shape of the surface electrode which can be used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 9 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the other example of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 9 used with the separation apparatus shown by FIG. The side view which shows roughly the whole structure of the separation apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows roughly the whole structure of the separation apparatus by 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
In the description of each embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the overlapping objects, and the overlapping description is omitted in some cases.

<< First Embodiment >>
The separation device of the first embodiment is used to separate a solution, which is a solvent containing a solute, into a solute and a solvent. Details of the solution will be described later.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall configuration of the separation apparatus of the present application.
As shown in FIG. 1, the separation device of the present invention includes an atomization chamber 10, a storage tank 11, a classifier 20, a first recovery tank 21, and a second recovery tank 30.
The atomization chamber 10 and the storage tank 11, the atomization chamber 10 and the classifier 20, the classifier 20 and the first recovery tank 21, and the classifier 20 and the second recovery tank 30 are each made of, for example, a general metal and have a circular cross section, for example. Are connected by connecting pipes 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D.

The atomization chamber 10 is a room for making a solution into fine particles, and houses an electrostatic atomizer that makes the solution into fine particles. Although the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer will be described later, there may be one electrostatic atomizer or a plurality of electrostatic atomizers accommodated in the atomization chamber 10. The atomizing chamber 10 is not limited to this, but is made of metal and is airtight in this embodiment.
In the atomization chamber 10, in addition to the fine particles of the solution, gas is generated by the evaporation of the solution. As a result, even if there is no air in the atomizing chamber 10 at the beginning, a gas containing fine particles is generated in the atomizing chamber 10.
The storage tank 11 is a tank for storing a solution, and supplies the solution to the atomization chamber 10 through the connecting pipe 1A as appropriate. Although not shown, a pump and the like necessary for it are appropriately provided.
The gas containing fine particles is sent from the atomization chamber 10 to the classifier 20 through the connecting pipe 1B.

The classifier 20 classifies fine particles contained in a gas containing fine particles sent from the atomization chamber 10. The classifier 20 of this embodiment classifies the fine particles contained in the gas containing fine particles sent from the atomization chamber 10 according to the size, and collects fine particles larger than a predetermined standard. Yes.
Any classifier 20 may be used as long as it can classify fine particles, and a known classifier using a cyclone, a mesh demister, a corrugated plate, or the like can be used. Although omitted, the classifier 20 of this embodiment is a classifier using a cyclone.
The classifier 20 also includes a first recovery tank 21 that can store a liquid. In this classifier 20, fine particles are classified according to their sizes, and fine particles larger than a certain standard are sent to the first recovery tank 21 via the connecting pipe 1C, and liquefied by a known technique to the first recovery tank 21. Can be saved. What is recovered in the first recovery tank 21 is the first solution.
Fine particles that are not captured by the classifier 20 and are not directed to the first recovery tank 21 and a gas including the same (that is, fine particles that have passed through the classifier 20 and a gas including the fine particles) are connected to the first through the connection pipe 1D. 2 It goes to the collection tank 30. The fine particles are liquefied by a known method in the second recovery tank 30 and stored in the second recovery tank 30. What is recovered in the second recovery tank 30 is the second solution.
As described above, since the solution evaporates in the atomization chamber 10, the atmospheric pressure in the atomization chamber 10 is relatively higher than that in the second recovery tank 30. Accordingly, a gas flow from the atomization chamber 10 toward the second recovery tank 30 is generated in the entire separation device. The fine particles move along the gas flow. However, if the gas flow is insufficient, the pressure in the atomization chamber 10 is increased by, for example, supplying air, the pressure in the second recovery tank 30 is lowered, or the atomization chamber 10 to the second recovery tank. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a blower that promotes the flow of gas up to 30 can be provided or appropriately devised.

The structure of the electrostatic atomizer provided in the atomization chamber 10 is demonstrated.
As will be described below, in this embodiment, several electrostatic atomizers are exemplified below, but all the electrostatic atomizers described in this embodiment are planar electrodes having a two-dimensional surface. And a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field with the surface electrode.
Each electrostatic atomizer covers the surface electrode by forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state where the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a solution to be atomized into a thin film. The fine particles of the solution are generated from a plurality of portions on the surface of the solution.
What is different between the electrostatic atomizers is mainly a mechanism for covering the surface electrode with a thin film solution.
Hereinafter, a specific example of the electrostatic atomizer will be described.
The electrostatic atomizer provided in the atomization chamber 10 may be any of the following, and the electrostatic atomizers described below may be the same type or different types. A plurality may be installed.

<Example 1 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1 is as shown in FIG. 2, and is configured by the entire atomization chamber 10, so to speak.
In FIG. 2, 10 </ b> A is a wall surrounding the atomizing chamber 10. In this embodiment, the wall 10A of the atomization chamber 10 forms a rectangular parallelepiped space.
The pipe 1A is connected to the wall 10A corresponding to the floor portion, and the pipe 1B is connected to the vertical wall 10A so as to communicate with the inside of the atomizing chamber 10.

Inside the atomization chamber 10 is a plate-like rectangular surface electrode 101. The surface electrode 101 is arranged horizontally. In this embodiment, each of the four sides of the surface electrode 101 is fixed to four vertical surfaces of the wall 10A by appropriate fittings (not shown). However, in order to keep the rigidity of the surface electrode 101 horizontal. If it is insufficient, the surface electrode 101 can be supported at an appropriate position.
The surface electrode 101 of this embodiment has a mesh shape. More specifically, the surface electrode 101 of this embodiment is a fine mesh made by welding a metal wire of a certain thickness that runs vertically and horizontally. The thickness of the wire that forms the fine mesh, the size of the eyes, and the like can be appropriately determined. The mesh surface electrode 101 may be other gratings.
The surface electrode 101 of this embodiment is made of a conductive metal. For example, the surface electrode 101 can be made of iron, copper, or the like, but the surface electrode 101 is likely to be corroded when the solution is seawater, as will be described later. In order to avoid this, the surface electrode 101 may be made of a metal resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel. About the raw material in case the surface electrode 101 is a metal, it is the same also in the electrostatic atomizer by another example.
Further, the surface electrode 101 is at least a surface (the surface of the surface electrode 101 means a surface facing a counter electrode described later. In this embodiment, it is a surface on the upper side of the surface electrode 101). It may be covered with a hydrophilic or hydrophilic layer. In the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1, the entire surface of the surface electrode 101 is covered with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer. As the hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, for example, a resin containing a fluororesin, alumina, ceramic, or the like can be used. For example, it is easy to coat the entire fine mesh surface electrode 101 with a fluororesin or alumina. It should be noted that at least the surface of the surface electrode 101 may be covered with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer, except that the surface electrode 101 is made of a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric even in an electrostatic atomizer according to another example. It is the same.

The atomizing chamber 10 is provided with a counter electrode 102. The counter electrode 102 is an electrode for forming a predetermined electric field with the surface electrode 101. In order to make this possible, the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are connected via a conducting wire 103 connected to the power source 104 in the middle thereof. The potential difference between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 by the power source 104 may be such that the electric field formed between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 can make the solution into fine particles as described later. The potential difference between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 at that time is, for example, about 3 kV to 50 kV. At this time, the distance between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 can be set to 1 to 30 cm. As a result, an electrostatic field is formed between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102. The direction of the electrostatic field between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 may be any. That is, either the surface electrode 101 or the counter electrode 102 may have a high potential. The relationship between the potential difference and the electric field between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 described above is the same in the electrostatic atomizer described below. That is, in the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102, an electric field in the vicinity of the surface of the surface electrode 101 is allowed to generate fine particles of the solution from a thin film solution.
The counter electrode 102 can take an appropriate shape such as a line shape or a rod shape. However, in this embodiment, the counter electrode 102 has a plate shape and is not necessarily required to be horizontal. Means the surface facing the surface electrode 101. In this embodiment, the surface below the counter electrode 102 is parallel to the surface electrode 101. Although not necessarily limited thereto, the counter electrode 102 according to this embodiment is rectangular and is slightly smaller than the surface electrode 101.

The solution L is supplied into the atomization chamber 10 from the storage tank 11 through the pipe 1A. The solution L supplied from the storage tank 11 evaporates to generate a gas. On the other hand, the solution L is adjusted so that the liquid level is slightly higher than the surface of the surface electrode 101 (in FIG. 2, the liquid level is much higher than the upper surface of the surface electrode 101 for easy understanding). Come to.). This adjustment is achieved, for example, by monitoring the position of the liquid level with an appropriate sensor that detects the position of the liquid level and supplying the solution L from the storage tank 11 when the liquid level drops and the surface electrode 101 is exposed. can do. As described above, the distance from the surface of the surface electrode 101 of the solution L to the liquid surface, that is, the thickness of the thin film-like solution, is emphasized in FIG. It exceeds the upper surface of the surface electrode 101 by about ˜2.0 mm. That is, the surface of the surface electrode 101 of this embodiment is covered with a thin film solution L having a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. Note that the thickness of the thin film solution covering the surface electrode 101 is maintained in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm even in the electrostatic atomizer described below.
As described above, an electric field is generated between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102. The solution L, which is a thin film on the surface electrode 101 (except for the eyes), basically has a force in the direction of the electric lines of force that is conceived according to the electric field, When the viscosity is 100 cP or less, for example, fine particles are formed. In this way, fine particles of the solution L are generated. This condition for the viscosity of the solution is the same in other electrostatic atomizers described below. In this embodiment, fine particles of the solution L are generated from the entire surface of the surface electrode 101 excluding the eye portion.
The fine particles and the gas of the solution L are directed to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.

<Example 2 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer of Example 2 has substantially the same configuration as that of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
The difference is the surface electrode 101.
The surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 2 is a rectangle having the same size as the surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1, and the surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1 Similarly, the four sides are fixed to the wall 10A. At least the surface that is the upper surface of the surface electrode 101 is a smooth surface and is horizontal. The surface of the surface electrode 101 may be covered with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer. If the smooth surface is covered, it will be easy to form the layer with the processed ceramic. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer does not need to cover the entire surface of the surface electrode 101, but for example, a portion intended to generate solution fine particles from a thin film solution (for example, the surface of the counter electrode 102 On the surface of the surface electrode 101 facing the surface).
The surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 2 is a metal plate, and is configured as shown in the plan view (A) of FIG. 3 and the AA sectional view (B) thereof. The surface electrode 101 has a rectangular shape, and a plurality of holes 105 are formed in the vicinity of one long side, although not necessarily limited thereto. Although the hole 105 of this embodiment is circular, it is not restricted to this.
The solution slightly overflows from the hole 105 to the surface which is the upper surface of the surface electrode 101. The hole 105 is formed on the entire surface of the surface electrode 101, and the overflowing solution may cover the entire surface of the surface electrode 101 in a thin film shape. In this embodiment, a blower (not shown) is used in the a direction. The solution overflowing from the hole 105 by the wind blowing on the surface of the surface electrode 101 moves in the a direction in a thin film shape so as to cover substantially the entire surface of the surface electrode 101.
Further, although the interval may be finer or wider, in this embodiment, a thin film is formed on the surface of the surface electrode 101 from the vicinity of each hole 105 in a direction parallel to the short side of the surface electrode 101, that is, a blower. A groove 106 is cut along the direction in which the liquid solution moves. The depth of the groove 106 is, for example, 1 mm or less. The solution in the form of a thin film is assisted by the grooves 106 and can easily move on the surface electrode 101 or become a thin film.
The solution spread in a thin film shape on the surface electrode 101 becomes fine particles of the solution in an electric field, as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
Although illustration is omitted, a large number of protrusions may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101 by, for example, fusing metal particles having a diameter of 1 mm or less, for example. By doing so, the solution can be promoted to become particles of the solution.
The fine particles of the solution and the gas go to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.
If the surface of the surface electrode 101 can be a smooth surface, if the surface of the surface electrode 101 is a smooth surface, projections can be provided there, and the direction of the solution moving on the surface of the surface electrode 101 is determined. For example, the ability to provide the groove 106 along the direction is common to the following electrostatic atomizers, except when the surface electrode 101 is made of woven fabric or non-woven fabric.

<Example 3 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M3 of Example 3 is shown in the side view of FIG.
Although the electrostatic atomizer M3 of Example 3 is arrange | positioned in the atomization chamber 10, multiple electrostatic atomizers M3 may be arrange | positioned.
The electrostatic atomizer M3 of Example 3 also includes a surface electrode 101 and a counter electrode 102.
The surface electrode 101 of this embodiment is made of cloth, and is made of woven cloth (including knitting) or non-woven cloth. The fibers constituting the woven or non-woven fabric may be either natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Moreover, what has electroconductivity, such as a metal fiber and a carbon fiber, may be used.
Although not restricted to this, the surface electrode 101 of this embodiment is a rectangle. The surface electrode 101 is suspended by an appropriate method inside the atomization chamber 10 by a method of connecting one side to the ceiling and suspending the surface electrode 101 from the ceiling.
The counter electrode 102 is a metal plate made of a conductive metal. The counter electrode 102 is erected on the floor of the atomization chamber 10 by an appropriate method. The counter electrode 102 is connected to the surface electrode 101 by a lead wire (not shown), and this also forms a predetermined electric field with the surface electrode 101 by a power source (not shown). The counter electrode 102 in this embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto, but is a rectangle having the same size as that of the surface electrode 101. Although not necessarily limited thereto, the counter electrode 102 corresponds to the surface electrode 101 when viewed from the front. The electrode 101 is arranged in parallel.
On the back side of the surface electrode 101, a pipe 107 connected to the pipe 1A and a spreader 108 attached to the pipe 107 are arranged. The spreader 108 spreads the solution supplied from the storage tank 11 through the pipe 1A and the pipe 107 to the surface electrode 101 from the back side. The sprayed solution soaks into the surface electrode 101 and oozes out from the entire surface of the surface electrode 101 through the gaps between the fibers constituting the woven or non-woven fabric.

The solution that has oozed out on the surface of the surface electrode 101 becomes a thin film by clinging to fibers constituting the surface electrode 101 which is a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. The solution spread in a thin film shape on the surface electrode 101 becomes fine particles of the solution as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
The fine particles of the solution and the gas go to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.
In addition, when the electrostatic atomizer M3 of Example 3 is operated, the solution drops on the floor of the internal space of the atomization chamber 10. If the electrostatic atomizer M3 of Example 3 is used, an appropriate mechanism for recovering the solution dripped into the atomization chamber 10 should be provided.

When the fiber constituting the woven or non-woven fabric that is the surface electrode 101 is not a conductive fiber, a conductive metal plate or foil is pasted on the back side of the surface electrode 101 so as to be along the surface electrode 101. Can also be connected to the conductor. This makes it easier to form an electric field between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102.
In this case, it may be difficult to supply the solution from the back side to the surface electrode 101 which is a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. In that case, for example, a hole or slit is made in an appropriate part of a metal plate or foil, or a solution is supplied to the uppermost part of the woven or non-woven fabric, and the inside of the surface electrode 101 that is a woven or non-woven fabric is passed through. By allowing the solution to ooze out on the surface while dripping, the surface of the surface electrode 101 can be covered with a thin film solution.

<Example 4 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M4 of Example 4 is as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and is configured by the whole of the atomization chamber 10 as in the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
A tube 1A and a tube 1B are connected to the wall 10A of the atomizing chamber 10.
The electrostatic atomizer M4 of Example 4 includes a plate-like surface electrode 101 and a counter electrode 102.
The surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 in the electrostatic atomizer M4 of Example 4 are both made of metal having conductivity and rectangular. The counter electrode 102 is slightly smaller than the surface electrode 101. The opposing surfaces of the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are parallel to each other, and both are inclined. A groove 106 is cut on the surface of the surface electrode 101. The direction of the groove 106 is along the inclination direction of the surface electrode 101. The depth of the groove 106 is 1 mm or less as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 2. Also, the surface of the surface electrode 101 may have a projection similar to that provided in the surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer of Example 2.
In this embodiment, the disperser 108 for spraying the solution received from the tube 1A is disposed in the vicinity of the short side of the surface electrode 101 that is relatively higher than the other short side. A plurality are provided along. In this embodiment, the spreader 108 spreads the solution all over the short side direction of the surface electrode 101.
Air is blown onto the surface of the surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer M4 of Example 4 by a blower (not shown) in the direction indicated by the arrow a in the drawing along the direction of inclination of the surface electrode 101. It has become.

In the electrostatic atomizer M4 of Example 4, the solution sprayed by the spreader 108 spreads and thins in a thin film while dripping down the surface of the surface electrode 101 according to the inclination of the surface electrode 101. The air blown by the groove 106 and the blower helps the solution to become a thin film and the movement of the thin film solution.
An electric field is generated between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102. The solution in the form of a thin film on the surface of the surface electrode 101 becomes fine particles of the solution as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
The fine particles of the solution and the gas go to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.

<Example 5 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M5 of Example 5 is as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and is constituted by the entire atomization chamber 10 in the same manner as the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
A tube 1A and a tube 1B are connected to the wall 10A of the atomizing chamber 10. The tube 1A is connected to the floor of the wall 10A, and the floor stores a solution L having a predetermined depth.
The electrostatic atomizer M5 of Example 5 includes two sets of a cylindrical surface electrode 101 and two counter electrodes 102 having an inner surface parallel to the surface electrode 101 facing a part of the surface electrode 101. The cylindrical outer surface of the surface electrode 101 is the surface referred to in the present invention. Although not limited thereto, the lengths of the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 (the length in the depth direction in FIGS. 7 and 8) are the same. Both the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are made of metal having conductivity.
The surface electrode 101 is fixed to the shaft 109 via a metal support rod 110 in this embodiment. The shaft 109 is pivotally supported at both ends by a predetermined bearing (not shown) and can be rotated by predetermined power. The surface electrode 101 rotates in the direction of the arrow indicated by b in FIG.
The surface of the surface electrode 101 is a smooth surface. A large number of protrusions may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101. Further, a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101.
The surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are connected to a power source 104 via a conductive wire 103, and an electric field is formed between them. The connection between the counter electrode 102 and the conductive wire 103 can be performed by a general method, but the connection between the conductive wire 103 and the surface electrode 101 is performed by the brush electrode 111 in consideration of the rotation of the surface electrode 101. Is doing. Needless to say, the portion of the conductive wire 103 immersed in the solution L is insulated.

When the surface electrode 101 as described above rotates in the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 7, the solution L adheres to the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the surface electrode 101 in a thin film shape. The thin film-like solution L adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the surface electrode 101 reaches the portion where the electric field between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 is generated by the rotation of the surface electrode 101, and the electrostatic mist of Example 1 As in the case of the conversion apparatus M1, fine particles of the solution L are obtained.
The fine particles and the gas of the solution L are directed to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.
The liquid level of the solution L is controlled so that the lower end of the surface electrode 101 is always immersed in the solution L and the brush electrode 111 is not covered.

<Example 6 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M6 of Example 6 is as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and is configured by the whole of the atomization chamber 10 in a manner similar to the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
A tube 1A and a tube 1B are connected to the wall 10A of the atomizing chamber 10. The configuration of the tube 1A and the control of the depth of the solution L are the same as those described in the description of the electrostatic atomizer M5 of Example 5.
Similarly to the electrostatic atomizer M5 of Example 5, the electrostatic atomizer M6 of Example 6 includes two sets of cylindrical surface electrodes 101 formed of conductive metal. The inner surface of the surface electrode 101 is the surface referred to in the present invention.
The surface electrode 101 is fixed to a counter electrode 102 formed of a conductive metal that also serves as an axis via a support rod 110. Note that the connection between the support rod 110 and the counter electrode 102 serving also as the shaft is made through an insulating ring 112 made of an insulator and a ring-shaped member, so that the support rod 110 has conductivity. However, the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 do not conduct. Therefore, an electric field is formed between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 as described later.
The counter electrode 102 can be rotated by being supported by both ends of the bearing. As a result, the surface electrode 101 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The same as M5.
The surface of the surface electrode 101 is a smooth surface. A large number of protrusions may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101. Further, a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101.
The surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are connected to a power source 104 via a conductive wire 103, and an electric field is formed between them. The connection between the conductive wire 103 and the surface electrode 101 is performed by the brush electrode 111 in consideration of the rotation of the surface electrode 101 in the same manner as in the electrostatic atomizer M5 of Example 5. In the electrostatic atomizer M6, the counter electrode 102, which also serves as the shaft, is rotated, and the connection between the counter electrode 102 and the conductive wire 103 is also performed by the brush electrode 111.

When the surface electrode 101 as described above rotates in the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 9, the solution L adheres to the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the surface electrode 101 in a thin film shape. The thin film solution L adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the surface electrode 101 is converted into fine particles of the solution L by the electric field between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1. Become. In addition, since the thickness of the solution riding on the portion below the surface electrode 101 is thick, the particles of the solution L are practically not generated from this portion.
The fine particles and the gas of the solution L are directed to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.
In the above example, the counter electrode 102 also serves as the axis. However, the axis does not have the function of the counter electrode 102, and an electrode different from the axis is arranged inside the cylindrical surface electrode 101. It is also possible.

<Example 7 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M7 of Example 7 is as shown in FIG. A plurality of electrostatic atomizers M <b> 7 may be arranged in the atomization chamber 10.
The electrostatic atomizer M7 is provided with a supply pipe 113 that stands vertically from the floor. The supply pipe 113 is a metal pipe, and the solution is supplied from the storage tank 11 through the pipe 1A connected to the lower end of the supply pipe 113 as indicated by an arrow c. The upper end of the supply pipe 113 is open, and the solution overflows from the upper end of the supply pipe 113.
The supply pipe 113 is attached with a rotary pipe 114 that is a cylindrical member that surrounds the supply pipe 113. In this embodiment, the rotary tube 114 is made of metal, and a substantial gap is not formed between the inner peripheral surface of the rotary tube 114 and the outer peripheral surface of the supply tube 113. The rotary tube 114 is connected at its outer peripheral surface to a rotary body 115 connected to a predetermined driving device, and rotates in the direction of arrow e by the rotation of the rotary body 115 in the direction of arrow d. .

The electrostatic atomizer M7 also includes a surface electrode 101 and a counter electrode 102.
The surface electrode 101 has a disk shape, and the upper surface thereof is horizontal, and the inner peripheral surface of a hole formed in the center thereof is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary tube 114. The surface electrode 101 is coaxial with the supply tube 113 and the rotating tube 114. Therefore, the surface electrode 101 rotates around a vertical line passing through the center thereof as the rotating tube 114 rotates. As described above, the solution overflows from the upper end of the supply pipe 113. The overflowing solution travels along the upper surface of the supply tube 113, the upper surface of the rotating tube 114, and the side surface of the rotating tube 114 to the surface of the surface electrode 101, and moves to the outside in the radial direction on the surface of the surface electrode 101 by centrifugal force. To go. In this way, the solution spreads in the form of a thin film on the surface of the surface electrode 101.
The upper surface of the surface electrode 101 is a smooth surface. A large number of protrusions may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101. Further, a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101. Although not shown, a plurality of grooves along the radial direction may be formed on the surface of the surface electrode 101.
On the other hand, the counter electrode 102 is provided on the surface electrode 101 at a certain distance from the surface electrode 101. Although not limited to this, the counter electrode 102 is made of a conductive metal. The counter electrode 102 is a donut-shaped disk. The outer diameter of the counter electrode 102 is equal to the outer diameter of the surface electrode 101, and the center of the counter electrode 102 coincides with the center of the surface electrode 101 when viewed in plan. The surface that is the lower surface of the counter electrode 102 is parallel to the surface of the surface electrode 101.
The surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are connected to a power source via a lead wire (not shown), and an electric field is formed between them. In consideration of the fact that the surface electrode 101 is rotating, the conductive wire and the surface electrode 101 are connected by, for example, bringing the brush electrode into contact with the side surface of the surface electrode 101 or the outer peripheral surface of the rotary tube 114. .

When the surface electrode 101 as described above rotates in the direction of the arrow e in FIG. 11, the surface of the surface electrode 101 is covered with a thin film solution. When the thin film solution proceeds outward on the surface of the surface electrode 101 and approaches the surface of the counter electrode 102, as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1, the fine particles of the solution L become. When viewed in plan, the counter electrode 102 is present corresponding to the portion from the outer periphery of the surface electrode 101. The thin film solution on the surface electrode 101 surface is the outer periphery of the surface electrode 101. This is because the portion closer to the portion has a smaller thickness and the thickness is more stable, and it is easy to generate solution fine particles from the solution.
The fine particles of the solution and the gas go to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.
Note that the upper surfaces of the supply tube 113 and the rotary tube 114 may be flush with the surface of the surface electrode 101. Further, the solution does not necessarily have to be supplied from the supply pipe 113 that also serves as a shaft for rotating the surface electrode 101, and can be supplied near the center of the surface of the surface electrode 101 from above the surface electrode 101.
Further, the solution hangs down from the outer periphery of the surface electrode 101. For example, the floor of the atomization chamber 10 may need to be provided with an appropriate mechanism for collecting the dropped solution.

<Example 8 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M8 of Example 8 is as shown in FIG. A plurality of electrostatic atomizers M8 may be disposed in the atomization chamber 10.
The electrostatic atomizer M8 of Example 8 has substantially the same structure as the electrostatic atomizer M7 of Example 7. The difference is the shape of the surface electrode 101, and the shape of the counter electrode 112 whose shape is deformed with the change of the shape of the surface electrode 101.
The electrostatic atomizer M8 of Example 8 includes the same supply pipe 113, rotary tube 114, and rotary body 115 as the electrostatic atomizer M7 of Example 7. These operations are the same as those of the electrostatic atomizer M7.
Unlike the electrostatic atomizer M7 of Example 7, which has a disk shape, the surface electrode 101 has a conical shape. However, since the upper end thereof coincides with the edge of the rotary tube 114, the surface electrode 101 has a truncated cone shape close to a conical shape. The surface electrode 101 has a hole in its center, and the inner peripheral surface of the hole is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary tube 114. The periphery of the surface electrode 101 is an inclined surface that inclines toward the outside at all portions.
The inclined surface of the surface electrode 101 is the surface of the surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer M8 of Example 8. The surface of the surface electrode 101 is a smooth surface. A large number of protrusions may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101. Further, a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer may be provided on the surface of the surface electrode 101. Although not shown, a plurality of grooves along the radial direction may be formed on the surface of the surface electrode 101.
On the other hand, the counter electrode 102 is provided on the surface electrode 101 at a certain distance from the surface electrode 101. Although not limited to this, the counter electrode 102 is made of a conductive metal. The counter electrode 102 is a plate shaped along the side surface of the truncated cone. The outer diameter of the counter electrode 102 is equal to the outer diameter of the surface electrode 101, and the center of the counter electrode 102 coincides with the center of the surface electrode 101 when viewed in plan. The surface that is the inclined surface on the lower side of the counter electrode 102 is parallel to the surface of the surface electrode 101.
The surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are connected to a power source via a lead wire (not shown), and an electric field is formed between them. In consideration of the fact that the surface electrode 101 is rotating, for example, the brush electrode is brought into contact with an appropriate portion of the inclined surface of the surface electrode 101 or the outer peripheral surface of the rotary tube 114 in connection between the conductive wire 103 and the surface electrode 101. To do this.

When the surface electrode 101 as described above is rotated in the direction of the arrow e in FIG. 12, the surface of the surface electrode 101 is covered with a thin film solution. When the thin film solution proceeds outward on the surface of the surface electrode 101 and approaches the surface of the counter electrode 102, as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1, the fine particles of the solution L become.
The fine particles of the solution and the gas go to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.
The solution does not necessarily have to be supplied from the supply pipe 113 that also serves as a shaft for rotating the surface electrode 101, and may be supplied near the center of the surface of the surface electrode 101 from above the surface electrode 101.
Further, the solution hangs down from the outer periphery of the surface electrode 101. For example, the floor of the atomization chamber 10 may need to be provided with an appropriate mechanism for collecting the dropped solution.

Note that the surface electrode 101 is a rotating body, more specifically, a first quadrant that is a straight line, a curve, or a combination thereof in which all portions have an inclination of 0 or less and both ends thereof are in contact with the X axis and the Y axis, respectively. It is only necessary to have the shape of a rotating body generated by rotating a line segment around the Y axis.
For example, the rotating body according to the above-described example is a rotating body obtained by rotating a line segment that is a straight line illustrated in FIG. 13A around the Y axis. The line segment is not necessarily a straight line, and may be a curve as shown in FIG. 13B or a combination of a curve and a straight line as shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D. But it ’s good. The line segment in (d) of FIG. 13 includes a part where the slope is 0, but it does not matter as long as it does not include a part where the slope is positive.

<Example 9 of electrostatic atomizer>
The electrostatic atomizer M9 of Example 9 is as follows.
The electrostatic atomizer M9 of Example 9 is as shown in FIG. 14 and is configured by the entire atomization chamber 10.
In the electrostatic atomizer M9, similarly to the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1, the tube 1A and the tube 1B are connected to the atomization chamber 10, respectively.
Inside the atomization chamber 10 is a plate-like rectangular surface electrode 101. The surface electrode 101 is arranged horizontally, and its four sides are fixed to the wall 10A as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1.
The surface electrode 101 of the electrostatic atomizer M9 of Example 9 may be mesh-like as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1, but is a plate having a large number of holes 116 formed therein. ing. The upper surface of the surface electrode 101 is a surface, and the surface of the surface electrode 101 is not limited to this, but is horizontal. The surface electrode 101 of this embodiment is made of a conductive metal.
The surface of the surface electrode 101 may be covered with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic layer. For example, the diameter of the hole 116 is preferably about 10 to 100 times the diameter of the droplet. With such a small hole, the droplet passing through the hole 116 can be selected to some extent depending on the ratio of solvent to solute.

  The atomizing chamber 10 is provided with a counter electrode 102. The counter electrode 102 is configured in a plate shape as in the case of the electrostatic atomizer M1 of Example 1. The surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102 are connected to a power source 104 via a conducting wire 103, and a predetermined potential difference is formed between them. As a result, an electrostatic field is formed between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102.

The solution L is supplied into the atomization chamber 10 from the storage tank 11 through the pipe 1A. Unlike the electrostatic atomizer M1 in Example 1, the liquid level of the solution L is kept slightly below the surface electrode 101. A part of the wall 10A of the atomizing chamber 10 constituting the floor is provided with a plurality of air diffusers 117 so as to blow out air bubbles. Thereby, a part of the solution L becomes bubble-like and jumps out of the liquid level L. The solution that has bubbled out of the liquid surface of the solution L is positioned near the surface of the surface electrode 101 through the hole 116. There is an electric field generated by a potential difference existing between the surface electrode 101 and the counter electrode 102.
The thickness of the bubbled solution L is very small. Accordingly, the solution L present as bubbles in the electric field becomes fine particles of the solution L by the electric field, as in the case where the solution L is on the surface of the surface electrode 101 in a thin film shape.
The generated fine particles of the solution L and the gas go to the classifier 20 through the pipe 1B.

In the electrostatic atomizer M <b> 9, the solution L is present on the lower side of the surface electrode 101, and the solution L is bubbled by the diffuser 117 and reaches the surface side of the surface electrode 101 through the hole 116 of the surface electrode 101. I was going to do that.
However, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the solution is made into droplets by a spray 118 that makes the solution into fine droplets, and reaches the surface side of the surface electrode 101 through the holes 116 of the surface electrode 101 in this state. It can also be made. However, the means for turning the solution into droplets is not limited to the spray 118.
The diameter of the droplet is, for example, about 0.001 mm to 1 mm. A droplet of this size is further finely divided by an electric field, like a solution spread in a thin film on an electrode. Thereby, also in this case, fine particles of the solution are generated.

  As described above, fine particles of the solution are formed in the atomization chamber 10, and the gas containing the fine particles is sent to the classifier 20.

Next, the operation and usage of this separation apparatus will be described.
In this separation apparatus, as described above, fine particles of the solution are formed in the atomization chamber 10, and are sent to the classifier 20 together with the gas generated in the atomization chamber 10.
The fine particles of the solution generated in the atomization chamber 10 are not necessarily limited to this, but the size is distributed between 1 nm and 10 μm, and variation occurs. This variation does not occur in a normal distribution, and a certain size of particles is clearly larger than the size of the surrounding particles. When a graph is drawn with the size of the fine particles on the horizontal axis and the number of fine particles of that size on the vertical axis, the peak of the number of fine particles comes when the fine particles have a plurality of specific sizes. The graph looks like a normal distribution graph centered on. In general, the number of peaks is about two to three.

The classifier 20 collects fine particles larger than a predetermined standard among the fine particles contained in the gas containing the fine particles sent from the atomization chamber 10. The predetermined reference in this case is generally provided between the above-mentioned peaks when the number of peaks is two. Thereby, a group of fine particles having different sizes belonging to both peaks can be roughly divided.
Also, when there are three peaks, the peak between the smallest particle size and the second smallest particle size peak or the second smallest particle size and the first particle size It is usual to provide the above-mentioned standard between peaks having a large size. This also applies when there are four or more peaks.
In any case, the classifier 20 captures fine particles larger than a certain standard and sends them to the first recovery tank 21 via the connection pipe 1C. The fine particles are liquefied in the first recovery tank 21 and stored in the first recovery tank 21 as a first solution.

  The fine particles that have not been captured by the classifier 20 and have not been directed to the first recovery tank 21 and the gas containing the fine particles are directed to the second recovery tank 30. The fine particles are liquefied in the second recovery tank 30 by a known method and stored in the second recovery tank 30 as the second solution.

As described above, there is a correlation between the size of the fine particles in the solution and the concentration of the solution (the ratio of the solute) in each fine particle. Therefore, which of the first solution and the second solution has a higher solute concentration depends on the kind of the solute and the solvent, but the solute concentration is different.
Both the first solution and the second solution described above can be further separated as described above using the above-described method. The separation may be repeated twice or more instead of once.
When the first solution is used as a solution, the change in the concentration of the solute generated in the first solution is further promoted each time separation is repeated. When the second solution is used as a solution, the change is repeated every time separation is performed. The change in the concentration of the solute occurring in the two solutions is further promoted.

  Hereinafter, the case where it isolate | separates with the above-mentioned separation apparatus specifically using various solutions is mentioned.

[When the solution is seawater]
In the separation device of the first embodiment, the solution can be seawater.
When the solution is seawater, the fine particles of the solution produced by atomization tend to contain more sodium chloride as it is larger. Therefore, when seawater is used as a solution, a larger amount of salt is transferred to large fine particles captured by the classifier. As a result, the first solution has a higher salt concentration than the original solution, and the second solution has a lower salt concentration. If attention is paid to the first solution, this corresponds to the concentration of salt, and if attention is paid to the second solution, it corresponds to the desalination of seawater.
Since seawater desalination technology is desired in countries where fresh water is scarce or in remote islands, desalination of seawater focusing on the second solution has great significance.
When the separation is performed only once, it is insufficient to desalinate the seawater to the extent that it can be used for drinking, and the above-described separation may be repeated using the second solution as a solution.
On the other hand, when separation is performed using the first solution as a solution, a very concentrated saline solution is obtained particularly when the separation is repeated. This saline solution can be used as a raw material for making salt, for example. If unnecessary, the first solution may be discarded.

As described above, sodium chloride can be removed from the second solution by repeating the separation twice or more using the second solution as a solution. However, trace minerals other than sodium chloride are also condensed in the second solution. Separation using the solution as seawater may be performed not for desalination but for the purpose of condensing trace minerals.
Trace minerals other than sodium chloride can also be obtained by repeating the separation twice or more using the first solution as a solution.
Examples of trace minerals include lithium (ion). Lithium ions can be condensed into the second solution by repeatedly separating the second solution as a solution.
Other trace minerals are similarly concentrated in the first solution or the second solution, but generally, the low atomic weight mineral moves to the second solution side, and the high molecular weight mineral moves to the first solution side.

[When the solution contains non-volatile substances]
The case where the solution is a non-volatile substance having a vapor pressure lower than that of water and the solvent is water will be described. Such a solution is typically wastewater. Examples of the non-volatile substance having a vapor pressure lower than that of water include at least one of a salt, an amino acid, an organic acid, a surfactant, and a protein.
When the solute and the solvent are as described above, the fine particles of the solution generated by atomization tend to contain more solute as the size of the solution becomes smaller. That is, the solute concentrates in the second solution. As a result, the concentration of the solute that is a non-volatile substance in the first solution is lower than that in the original solution, and the concentration of the solute that is a non-volatile substance is increased in the second solution. If attention is paid to the first solution, this corresponds to the removal of the solute, which is a non-volatile substance. If attention is paid to the second solution, this corresponds to the condensation of the solute, which is a non-volatile substance.
Focusing on the first solution, the first solution obtained by performing the separation is more suitable for release into the environment than at least the original solution. If attention is paid to releasing the first solution into the environment, the above technique can be regarded as a sewage treatment technique.
If the degree of contamination of the first solution is not so small that it can be released into the environment by performing the separation once, the above-described separation may be repeated using the first solution as a solution.
On the other hand, when separation is performed using the second solution as a solution, the non-volatile substance is condensed. If a non-volatile substance is worth reusing, the second solution may be used as a material for obtaining the substance. If necessary, the separation using the second solution as a solution can be repeated once more. If unnecessary, the second solution may be discarded.

[When the solution contains volatile substances]
The case where the solution is a volatile substance having a higher vapor pressure than water and the solvent is water will be described. Such a solution is typically wastewater. Examples of volatile substances having a higher vapor pressure than water include hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, ammonia, and at least one of VOCs excluding these. be able to.
When the solute and the solvent are as described above, the fine particles of the solution generated by atomization tend to contain more solute as the size of the solution becomes larger. That is, the solute concentrates in the first solution. As a result, the concentration of the solute that is a non-volatile substance is lower in the second solution than the original solution, and the concentration of the solute that is a volatile substance is increased in the first solution. If attention is paid to the second solution, this corresponds to the removal of the solute, which is a volatile substance, and if the attention is paid to the first solution, it corresponds to the condensation of the solute, which is a volatile substance.
Focusing on the second solution, the second solution obtained by the separation is more suitable for release into the environment than at least the original solution. If attention is paid to releasing the second solution into the environment, the above technique can be regarded as a sewage treatment technique.
If the degree of contamination of the second solution is not so small that it can be released into the environment by performing the separation once, the above-described separation may be repeated using the second solution as a solution.
On the other hand, when the first solution is separated as a solution, volatile substances are condensed. If a volatile substance is worth reusing, the first solution may be used as a material for obtaining the substance. If necessary, the separation using the first solution as a solution can be repeated once more. If unnecessary, the first solution may be discarded.

<< Second Embodiment >>
The separation device of the second embodiment is as shown in FIG.
The separation device of the second embodiment has a structure that is substantially the same as the separation device of the first embodiment. The separation device of the second embodiment is different from the separation device of the first embodiment in that a catalyst tower 40 is provided in the middle of the pipe 1D. All other parts are the same as those of the separation apparatus of the first embodiment.

  The catalyst tower 40 is configured to pass a gas containing fine particles of the solution passing through the classifier 20 toward the second recovery tank 30, and decomposes the solute contained in the fine particles of the solution passing therethrough. In order to make this possible, the catalyst tower 40 is packed with, for example, a granular catalyst. The catalyst tower 40 may be a known catalyst tower that decomposes the target chemical substance among the chemical substances that have passed therethrough.

The separation device of the second embodiment can target various solutions described in the first embodiment.
However, the separation device of the second embodiment is particularly useful when the solute contained in the fine particles of the solution going to the second recovery tank 30 is to be removed from the second solution. Furthermore, the second solution separation device is useful when the solute contained in the fine particles of the solution is difficult to transfer to the second solution (transfers more to the first solution). If the solute contained in the solution is difficult to transfer to the second solution, the second solution obtained in the second recovery tank 30 can be obtained by passing the catalyst tower 40 through the fine particles of the solution going to the second recovery tank 30. The solute contained in the solution becomes smaller and smaller because it meets the purpose of removing the solute from the second solution.
In particular, when the solution is sewage, the solute contained in the solvent water should be removed, but in general, what is ultimately required is water from which the solute has been removed. As described above, in the solution in which the solute is a non-volatile substance and the solvent is water, the amount of the solute is reduced in the second solution. It is preferable to further reduce the solute using a catalyst tower, since its purpose will be promoted. That is, the separation device of the second embodiment is suitable for sewage treatment, particularly for treating a solution in which the solute is a nonvolatile substance and the solvent is water.

«Third embodiment»
The separation device of the third embodiment is as shown in FIG.
The separation device of the third embodiment has a structure that is substantially the same as the separation device of the first embodiment. The separation device of the third embodiment is different from the separation device of the first embodiment in that there is no second recovery tank 30 at the end of the pipe 1D. All other parts are the same as those of the separation apparatus of the first embodiment.

In the separation device according to the third embodiment, the gas containing the fine particles of the solution that has passed through the classifier 20 and headed to the second recovery tank 30 in the first embodiment is directly released into the environment from the end of the tube 1D. Is done. If there is no need to recover the second solution, the separation device may have such a structure.
For example, if the solution is seawater and the purpose is to remove salt from seawater, the first solution with higher salinity needs to be recovered, but the first embodiment has a lower salinity. For example, the fine particles of the solution that has passed through the classifier 20 collected as the second solution need not be collected. In such a case, the separation device of the third embodiment can be used.
Note that the catalyst tower described in the second embodiment may be provided in the middle or at the end of the pipe 1D.

1A tube 1B tube 1C tube 10 atomization chamber 11 storage tank 10A wall 20 classifier 21 first recovery tank 30 second recovery tank 40 catalyst tower 101 surface electrode 102 counter electrode

Claims (22)

An electrostatic atomizer that makes fine fine particles of a solution containing a solute; and
The fine particles of the solution generated by the electrostatic atomizer are classified according to their sizes, and the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard are collected to form a first solution, and the fine particles that have not been collected are allowed to pass through. And
A collection tank for collecting the fine particles not collected by the classifier to form a second solution;
With
A separation device used to separate the solution into a solute and a solvent,
The electrostatic atomizer is
A surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface;
A counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field with the surface electrode;
With
By forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state where the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a solution to be atomized in a thin film shape, the solution of the solution covering the surface electrode To produce fine particles of the solution from a plurality of portions of the surface,
Separation device. An electrostatic atomizer that makes fine fine particles of a solution containing a solute; and
The fine particles of the solution generated by the electrostatic atomizer are classified according to their sizes, and the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard are collected to form a first solution, and the fine particles that have not been collected are allowed to pass through. And
A collection tank for collecting the fine particles not collected by the classifier to form a second solution;
With
A separation device used to separate the solution into a solute and a solvent,
The electrostatic atomizer is
A plate-like surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface and a large number of holes;
A counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field with the surface electrode;
With
A droplet having a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm of the solution to be atomized is supplied to the vicinity of the surface of the surface electrode from the back surface side of the surface electrode through the hole. By forming an electric field in between, the droplets produce smaller particles of the solution,
Separation device. A layer made of a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material is provided on the surface of the surface electrode.
The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Between the classifier and the recovery tank, a catalyst tower filled with a catalyst for decomposing the solute that allows the fine particles not recovered by the classifier to pass therethrough is provided.
The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. An electrostatic atomizer comprising: a surface electrode having a two-dimensionally extending surface; and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode. A plurality of surfaces of the solution covering the surface electrode are formed by forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state of being covered with a solution that is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized. A fine particle producing process for producing fine particles of the solution from a portion;
Classifying the fine particles of the solution produced in the fine particle production process according to the size, and collecting the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard to form a first solution; and
A recovery process of recovering the fine particles not recovered in the classification process to form a second solution;
Including separation method. An electrostatic atomizer comprising a plate-like surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface and a large number of holes, and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode, The surface in a state in which droplets having a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm of a solution, which is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized, are supplied to the vicinity of the surface of the surface electrode from the back surface side of the surface electrode. A microparticle generation process for generating smaller microparticles of the solution from the droplets by forming an electric field between an electrode and the counter electrode;
Classifying the fine particles of the solution produced in the fine particle production process according to the size, and collecting the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard to form a first solution; and
A recovery process of recovering the fine particles not recovered in the classification process to form a second solution;
Including separation method. Using the first solution as the solution, the fine particle generation process, the classification process, and the recovery process are repeated one or more times.
The separation method according to claim 5 or 6. Using the second solution as the solution, the fine particle generation process, the classification process, and the recovery process are repeated one or more times.
The separation method according to claim 5 or 6. The solution is sea water;
The separation method according to claim 5 or 6. Using the first solution as the solution, the fine particle generation process, the classification process, and the recovery process are repeated twice or more.
The separation method according to claim 9. The second solution is used as the solution, and the fine particle generation process, the classification process, and the recovery process are repeated twice or more.
The separation method according to claim 9. The solute is a non-volatile substance having a lower vapor pressure than water, and the solvent is water;
Concentrating the solute in the second solution;
The separation method according to claim 5 or 6. The solute is at least one of a salt, an amino acid, an organic acid, a surfactant, and a protein.
The separation method according to claim 12. The solute is a volatile substance having a higher vapor pressure than water, and the solvent is water;
Concentrating the solute into the first solution;
The separation method according to claim 5 or 6. The solute is at least one of hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, ammonia, and VOC.
The separation method according to claim 14. Between the classification process and the recovery process,
Contacting the catalyst for decomposing the solute with the fine particles not recovered in the classification process, and decomposing the solute contained in the fine particles not recovered in the classification process,
The separation method according to claim 5, 6, 12 or 14. The solution is waste water;
The separation method according to claim 5, 6, 13 or 14. The viscosity of the solution is 0.01 to 100 cP.
The separation method according to claim 5 or 6. An electrostatic atomizer that makes fine fine particles of a solution containing a solute; and
The fine particles of the solution generated by the electrostatic atomizer are classified according to their sizes, and the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard are collected to form a first solution, and the fine particles that have not been collected are allowed to pass through. And
With
The fine particles that have not been collected by the classifier are released into the environment, and are separation devices used to separate the solution into a solute and a solvent,
The electrostatic atomizer is
A surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface;
A counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field with the surface electrode;
With
By forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state where the surface of the surface electrode is covered with a solution to be atomized in a thin film shape, the solution of the solution covering the surface electrode To produce fine particles of the solution from a plurality of portions of the surface,
Separation device. An electrostatic atomizer that makes fine fine particles of a solution containing a solute; and
The fine particles of the solution generated by the electrostatic atomizer are classified according to their sizes, and the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard are collected to form a first solution, and the fine particles that have not been collected are allowed to pass through. And
With
The fine particles that have not been collected by the classifier are released into the environment, and are separation devices used to separate the solution into a solute and a solvent,
The electrostatic atomizer is
A plate-like surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface and a large number of holes;
A counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field with the surface electrode;
With
A droplet having a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm of the solution to be atomized is supplied to the vicinity of the surface of the surface electrode from the back surface side of the surface electrode through the hole. By forming an electric field in between, the droplets produce smaller particles of the solution,
Separation device. An electrostatic atomizer comprising: a surface electrode having a two-dimensionally extending surface; and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode. A plurality of surfaces of the solution covering the surface electrode are formed by forming an electric field between the surface electrode and the counter electrode in a state of being covered with a solution that is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized. A fine particle producing process for producing fine particles of the solution from a portion;
Classifying the fine particles of the solution produced in the fine particle production process according to the size, and collecting the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard to form a first solution; and
A release process for releasing the fine particles not recovered in the classification process into the environment;
Including separation method. An electrostatic atomizer comprising a plate-like surface electrode having a two-dimensional surface and a large number of holes, and a counter electrode that forms a predetermined electric field between the surface electrode, The surface in a state in which droplets having a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm of a solution, which is a solvent containing a solute to be atomized, are supplied to the vicinity of the surface of the surface electrode from the back surface side of the surface electrode. A microparticle generation process for generating smaller microparticles of the solution from the droplets by forming an electric field between an electrode and the counter electrode;
Classifying the fine particles of the solution produced in the fine particle production process according to the size, and collecting the fine particles larger than a predetermined standard to form a first solution; and
A release process for releasing the fine particles not recovered in the classification process into the environment;
Including separation method.

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