TW202012040A - Water supply device and water supply method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water supply device which can supply water without using a power source needing fuel or electric power, can increase a water supply amount, and can increase a lifting height, and a water supply method. In a water supply device having a plurality of cylindrical cells, the cells are arranged with semipermeable membranes at lower ends, communicate with one another in a vertically-laminated state, and accommodate suspended water in which particles are dispersed in water. The semipermeable membranes are arranged so as to separate the suspended water and water adjacent to a lower side of the cells in which the semipermeable membranes are arranged, the particles in the suspended water are sunk on the semipermeable membranes, and a sedimentary layer is thus formed. In the sedimentary layer, osmotic pressure is generated due to an overlap of electrical double layers which are formed on particle surfaces, and water is supplied from the adjacent water via the semipermeable membranes with the osmotic pressure as a drive source.

Description

Water supply device and water supply method

The invention relates to a water supply device and a water supply method. More specifically, it relates to a water supply device and a water supply method that can supply water without using power such as an electric motor.

In recent years, in order to prevent the development of global desertification, attempts have been made to plant plants in desert areas and dry areas around the world. However, desert areas and dry areas are mostly located in areas far away from large rivers and other water sources. In the area of desert greening, ensuring the water sources required by plants has become an important issue. In areas far away from water sources such as rivers and rivers, water sources are secured by digging wells and pumping groundwater through equipment such as pumps. For desert greening, plants must be continuously and stably supplied with large amounts of water. In terms of pumping, because of the need to use diesel engines, electric motors, gas turbines, etc. as power sources, it also requires a large amount of fuel or electricity to drive various power sources. However, because desert areas and dry areas are mostly in marginal areas, the transportation cost of fuel or electricity required to operate the pump power source has become an obstacle to greening.

Traditionally, the introduction of wind power and solar power has been considered for the supply of power required for pumping operations, but it has been delayed due to the construction cost of equipment and power generation efficiency. When carrying out greening in desert or dry areas, we hope to have a pump that draws groundwater without using fuel and electricity.

As a pump driven without using fuel or electricity, an osmotic pump that uses a semi-permeable membrane to move liquid, that is, an osmotic pressure phenomenon has been proposed (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).

In addition, using a highly filled slurry of alumina particles as the porous layer and immersing these porous layers in the liquid, it has been proposed between the liquid layer on the first surface side and the liquid layer on the second surface side of the porous layer Pumping device that produces a pressure difference (Patent Document 3).

[Prior Technical Literature]

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-115755

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-25067

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-233094

However, the technology described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is a technology that uses the osmotic pressure caused by the difference in the concentration of the solution in two liquid chambers separated by a semi-permeable membrane as a driving force. This osmotic pressure pump requires frequent solution concentration differences between the two liquid chambers, and it takes time to adjust the concentration between the liquid chambers. In addition, once the difference in solution concentration between the two liquid chambers has stabilized, osmotic pressure will not occur, so it is difficult to use it for a long time without interruption. Furthermore, these technologies use liquid-feeding means for controlling fluids in fine structures such as micro-channels or ports formed on substrates called microchannels, and there is a problem of small liquid-feeding amount.

In addition, the technology described in Patent Document 3 is difficult to apply and develop because the principle of pumping is unknown, and there is also a problem that it is difficult to improve the capacity of the device.

In view of the above problems of the conventional technology, the object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device and a water supply method, which can supply water even without using fuel or electricity as a required power source. In addition, the water supply can be increased, and even, It can also increase the head.

In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device and a water supply method, which does not require complicated operations such as adjusting the concentration of adjacent water layers or ensuring negative pressure through a semi-permeable membrane, and can be used continuously for a long time.

The inventors of the present invention have made painstaking research and found that the osmotic pressure generated by the electric double layer overlapping effect existing on the surface of the particles can be used for water supply. According to the present invention, there is provided a water supply device and a water supply method as shown below.

[1] A water supply device including a plurality of cylindrical units. The units are provided with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end and are connected to each other in a vertically stacked state, and contain suspended water in which particles are dispersed in the water; the semi-permeable membrane is configured to configure the suspended water and the semi-permeable membrane The water below the unit of the permeable membrane is separated by adjacent water; the particles in the suspended water settle on the semi-permeable membrane to form a build-up layer, which is caused by the electric double layer overlapping effect formed on the surface of the particles Osmotic pressure, and use the osmotic pressure as the driving source to supply water from the adjacent water through the semi-permeable membrane.

[2] A water supply device including a plurality of cylindrical units. The units are provided with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end and are connected to each other in a vertically stacked state, and contain suspended water in which particles are dispersed in the water; a space is formed between the surface of the suspended water and the inner wall of the unit In the space, a vent hole is provided on the upper side of the water surface; the semi-permeable membrane is configured to separate the suspended water from the water adjacent to the lower side of the unit equipped with the semi-permeable membrane; the suspension The particles in the water settle on the semi-permeable membrane to form a build-up layer. In the build-up layer, the osmotic pressure is generated due to the electric double layer overlapping effect formed on the surface of the particles, and the osmotic pressure is used as the driving source to pass through the semi-permeable layer. The permeable membrane supplies water from the adjacent water.

[3] The water supply device according to item [1] or [2], wherein in the unit, particles in the suspended water settle to form a buildup layer in which the particles accumulate and are adjacent to the upper side of the buildup layer, and The clear layer does not substantially contain the particles.

[4] The water supply device according to item [3], wherein in the unit, a space is formed between the liquid surface of the clear layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit.

[5] The water supply device according to item [4], wherein the pressure of the space formed between the liquid surface of the clarified layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit in the unit is atmospheric pressure.

[6] The water supply device according to any one of items [1] to [5], wherein the particles are particles that form an electric double layer in water.

[7] The water supply device according to any one of items [1] to [6], wherein the particles are metal oxides.

[8] A water supply method, comprising the steps of: filling suspended water with dispersed particles in water, stacking the unit with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end in a vertical direction; making the semi-permeable membrane of the unit at the bottom and the lower end of the unit Adjacent water contact; and by the double layer overlapping effect of the particles deposited on the semi-permeable membrane in each unit, the generated osmotic pressure is used as a driving source, and then from the lower end of each unit The water is supplied upward through the semi-permeable membrane.

[9] The water supply method according to item [8], wherein in each unit, particles in the suspended water settle to form a buildup layer in which the particles accumulate, and the upper side of the buildup layer adjacent to and substantially excluding the A clear layer of particles.

[10] The water supply method according to item [9], wherein in the unit, a space is formed between the liquid surface of the clear layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit.

[11] The water supply method according to item [10], wherein the pressure of the space formed between the liquid surface of the clarified layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit in the unit is atmospheric pressure.

[12] The water supply method according to any one of items [8] to [11], wherein the particles are particles that form an electric double layer in water.

[13] The water supply method according to any one of items [8] to [12], wherein the particles are metal oxides.

According to the water supply device of the present invention, water can be supplied even without using fuel or electricity as a required power source. In addition, it has the effect of increasing the water supply amount and head. In addition, according to the water supply device of the present invention, there is no need for complicated operations such as adjusting the concentration of adjacent water layers through a semi-permeable membrane, and in addition, the effect of long-term uninterrupted use can be achieved.

1‧‧‧ particles

2‧‧‧Electric double layer

3‧‧‧ Semi-permeable membrane

10‧‧‧Water supply device

11‧‧‧Transmission tube

12‧‧‧ Semi-permeable membrane

13‧‧‧ unit

14‧‧‧ water

15‧‧‧Stacked layer

16‧‧‧Mud layer

17‧‧‧Clarification layer

20‧‧‧ unit

21‧‧‧Suction port

22‧‧‧ Semi-permeable membrane

23‧‧‧ vent

24‧‧‧Container

25‧‧‧Stacked layer

26‧‧‧Clarification layer

27‧‧‧Space

28‧‧‧ Outflow

30‧‧‧Water supply device

40‧‧‧Water absorption device

41‧‧‧ unit

42‧‧‧Mud

43‧‧‧membrane filter

44‧‧‧Ion exchanged water

45‧‧‧Water storage tank

46‧‧‧Convex

71‧‧‧Transmission tube

72‧‧‧settler

73‧‧‧membrane filter

74‧‧‧Water storage tank

75‧‧‧Connecting tube

76‧‧‧Stacked layer

77‧‧‧ Mud layer

78‧‧‧Clarification layer

79‧‧‧ distilled water

A‧‧‧Electronic double-layer overlapping field

B‧‧‧Repulsion

C‧‧‧Water storage container

D‧‧‧Connecting tube

h‧‧‧ input height

△h ₀ ‧‧‧ Initial water level difference

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing how electrostatic interaction between particles dispersed in water generates a repulsive force.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a particle is deposited on a semi-permeable membrane to form a build-up layer to generate a water supply mechanism.

3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an embodiment of the water supply device of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of suspended water in the unit.

5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a unit used in another embodiment of the water supply device of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the water supply device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an experimental device used for the confirmation experiment of the water supply mechanism.

Figure 8 is a graph of the relationship between the pH of the mud and the hydrostatic pressure.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the pH value of mud and the potential energy of alumina particles.

Figure 10 is the relationship between time and hydrostatic pressure and the relationship between time and water absorption rate.

Figure 11 is the relationship between time and translational energy and the relationship between time and cumulative water absorption.

Figure 12 is a photograph of a water supply device used for performance evaluation.

Figure 13 is the relationship between time and hydrostatic pressure.

Figure 14 shows the relationship between cumulative water absorption and time when the water level difference is 19cm.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a water-absorbing device used for the confirmation experiment of the influence of the charged symbol of particles.

Figure 16 shows the relationship between time and cumulative water absorption.

Figure 17 shows the relationship between time and cumulative water absorption.

Figure 18 is the relationship between time and cumulative water absorption.

Figure 19 is the relationship between time and cumulative water absorption.

The following describes the embodiments of the present invention, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. That is, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can make appropriate changes and modifications to the following embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

(1) Water supply mechanism

Before describing the water supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the water supply mechanism will be described. In the water supply device of this embodiment, the particles in the suspended water in which the particles were originally dispersed in the water settle down to form a buildup layer. Next, the osmotic pressure generated by the accumulation layer formed by the particles is used as the driving source of the water supply. Here, first, how the electric double layer existing on the particle surface generates osmotic pressure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing how electrostatic interaction between particles dispersed in water generates a repulsive force. The surface of particles dispersed in water is charged due to factors such as dissociation groups or adsorbed ions. Electrolyte ions (hereinafter referred to as "relative ions") with a charge opposite to the particle surface charge form a layered distribution near the particle surface. This distribution of relative ions is called "electric double layer". This electrical double layer is divided into a fixed layer (not shown) and a diffusion layer. The so-called fixed layer refers to the part where the relative ion penetration and the gravity of the particle surface are strongly fixed. The so-called diffusion layer refers to the part of the ion diffusion phenomenon caused by thermal motion, which slowly reduces the relative ion concentration. As shown in FIG. 1, when the particles 1 having the electric double layer 2 are close to each other, the electric double layer 2 included in each particle 1 overlaps. The electric double layer 2 overlap area A has a higher relative ion concentration than the surrounding area, and a pressure (osmotic pressure) in which liquid tends to enter the overlap effect area A is generated. The repulsive force B acts between the particles 1 by this pressure (osmotic pressure).

The water supply device of this embodiment is presumed to supply water by the repulsive force generated by the osmotic pressure. And believe that the water supply through the repulsive force generated by the osmotic pressure is through the mechanism shown in Figure 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a particle is deposited on a semi-permeable membrane to form a build-up layer to generate a water supply mechanism. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric double layer 2 exists on the surface of each particle 1, and the particle 1 settles on the semi-permeable membrane 3 that cannot pass the particle 1 and is deposited to form a deposited layer. In the accumulation layer, the electric double layers 2 between the particles 1 overlap each other. In the lower part of the accumulation layer, since the particles 1 are tightly compressed, the particles 1 do not move. Compared with the lower part of the accumulation layer, the particles 1 are more mobile in the upper part of the accumulation layer. In this accumulation layer, the electric double layer 2 between the particles 1 overlaps with each other, generating osmotic pressure to induce repulsive force. Here, once the area where the electrical double layers 2 overlap between the particles 1 is invaded by water, it will expand due to the swelling phenomenon, so that the mutual overlapping of the electrical double layers 2 is reduced and the osmotic pressure is reduced. However, because the semipermeable membrane 3 prevents the particles 1 from swelling downward and swells, the particles 1 can only swell upwards. Due to this swelling phenomenon, as shown by arrows, an upward flow of water is generated. In addition, the effective gravity of the particles 1 in the accumulation layer becomes equal to the sum of the effectiveness of the fluid and the repulsive force generated by the repulsive force to form a state of equilibrium (dynamic equilibrium), the expansion stops, and the water supply to the upper side can be continued.

(2) Water supply device

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the water supply device of the present invention will be described using the drawings. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an embodiment of the water supply device of the present invention.

The water supply device of this embodiment includes a plurality of cylindrical units. Each unit is provided with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end and communicates in a state of being stacked vertically. Each unit contains suspended water in which particles are dispersed in water. The semi-permeable membrane provided at the lower end of the unit is configured to separate suspended water and water adjacent to the lower side of the unit provided with the semi-permeable membrane. The particles in the suspended water settle on the semi-permeable membrane to form a build-up layer. In the build-up layer, the osmotic pressure is generated through the electrical double-layer overlapping effect formed on the surface of the particles, and then the osmotic pressure is used as the driving source to pass through the semi-permeable membrane. Adjacent water is used for water supply.

As shown in FIG. 3, the water supply device 10 includes a plurality of cylindrical units 13. The unit 13 is cylindrical, and its upper and lower ends are open. Since the unit 13 has openings at both ends like this, it has a hollow structure in which water can pass through the internal space of the unit. The cross-sectional shape of the unit 13 perpendicularly intersecting in the direction of the vertical direction can be exemplified by a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a polygon, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, polygons include: triangles, quadrangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc. That is, the unit 13 may be a cylinder whose cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is a cylinder such as a circle, or a polygonal equiangular columnar shape in a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, from the viewpoint of water supply efficiency, each unit 13 preferably has the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, each unit 13 preferably has the same length in the vertical direction.

The units 13 are connected in a state of being stacked vertically. If the number of stacked units 13 is more than 2, although the number is not limited, it is set appropriately considering the factors such as the head of the water supply.

Here, communication refers to a state in which a plurality of stacked cylindrical units 13 are connected in series, and is configured to allow water to pass through its internal space. In addition, in order to prevent deviation from adjacent cells 13, cells 13 are preferably joined to each other. These units 13 can be joined to each other in various ways. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the lower end is convex and the upper end is concave, and the concave shape of the upper end of the unit 13 and the convex shape of the lower end of the unit 13 adjacent to the upper side are fitted and fixed. In addition, when the adjacent cells 13 are joined to each other, it is preferable that the central axis of the cross-sectional shape of the cells 13 intersecting each other in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction coincide. In addition, in the water supply device 10, an outlet (not shown) for allowing water to flow out may be provided in the unit 13 located at the top. The material of the unit 13 includes resins such as acrylic resin, polypropylene resin, fluororesin, organic materials such as synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester elastomer, inorganic materials such as glass, and metals such as stainless steel, but is not limited thereto.

In the water supply device 10 shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of cylindrical units 13 are stacked on the upper side of the transfer pipe 11. Here, the transfer pipe 11 contains water supplied to the unit 13. The transmission pipe 11 communicates with each other via the water storage container C and the connection pipe D. In addition, the communication with the water storage container C can also be performed at any position such as the bottom and the side of the transfer tube 11 using a connection pipe D such as a hose. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the transmission tube 11 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is not particularly limited. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the transmission tube 11 in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction may be a cylindrical shape such as a circle or the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction may be a polygonal equiangular column shape. In addition, it is preferable that the cross section of the transmission tube 11 in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction coincides with the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of the unit 13 in the same direction. The material of the transmission tube 11 includes resins such as acrylic and polypropylene, organic materials such as synthetic rubber and elastomer, inorganic materials such as glass, and metals such as stainless steel.

In order to prevent the deviation between the transfer tube 11 and the unit 13 stacked on the upper side thereof, it is preferable to join the transfer tube 11 and the unit 13 together. As this joining method, the same method as joining the units 13 to each other can be adopted. In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing water leakage, it is preferable to use a gasket such as an O-ring formed of an elastic material such as rubber as appropriate for the joint portion where the unit 13 is joined to each other and the joint portion where the transmission tube 11 and the unit 13 are joined.

The unit 13 contains suspended water in which particles are dispersed in the water. The so-called suspended water refers to the water in which the particles are dispersed. The particles dispersed in water can make the surface of the particles form an electric double layer in water. As such particles, metal oxide particles, polymer fine particles, and the like can be used. Examples of the metal oxide particles include alumina particles, TiO ₂ particles, and ZrO ₂ particles. In addition, examples of the polymer fine particles include carbon black, paraffin wax, and latex.

In suspended water, the surface of particles dispersed in water is charged through dissociation groups and adsorbed ions. In the present invention, even if the surface of the particle is positively charged, an electric double layer will be formed near the surface of the particle, and even if the surface of the particle is negatively charged, an electric double layer will be formed near the surface of the particle, and water can be supplied in any case. Examples of particles with positively charged surfaces include alumina particles, and examples of particles with negatively charged surfaces include TiO ₂ particles (titanium oxide particles). In addition, by making the particles adsorb the polymer electrolyte, the surface of the particles can also be negatively charged. Examples of such a polymer electrolyte include ammonium polycarboxylate (PCA). Alumina particles that are normally positively charged when dispersed in water can also be negatively charged by adsorbing ammonium polycarboxylate.

In addition, when the particles dispersed in water are plotted with the distance between the particle surfaces as the horizontal axis and the potential energy as the vertical axis, the potential energy curve has a peak value. In the case of particles with no potential energy curve, no electric double layer is formed on the surface of the particles.

For the suspension water contained in the unit 13, for example, particles having a predetermined concentration in the suspension water are added to the water, and a dispersant such as hydrochloric acid is appropriately mixed before mixing. Then use a ball mill and other tools to mix again according to the specified time, and finally get it through vacuum defoaming. In addition, from the point of view of maximizing the water supply capacity, the higher the concentration of suspended water, the better. The concentration that maintains the highest particle dispersion can be appropriately selected to form an accumulation layer of sufficient thickness.

A semi-permeable membrane 12 is provided at the lower end of the unit 13. The semi-permeable membrane 12 is not particularly limited as long as it has a function capable of passing water molecules but not passing particles. The form of the semi-permeable membrane 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply water. For example, it may be a single-layer film or a multilayer film (composite film). Particularly preferred is a single layer, flat film (sheet). The thickness of the semi-permeable membrane 12 is preferably one that can ensure appropriate cutting strength, and has a low pressure loss and a thin thickness. The material of the semi-permeable membrane 12 may include various polymers such as cellulose ester, paper, glass, ceramics, and the like.

The semi-permeable membrane 12 is arranged to separate the suspended water contained in the unit 13 from the water adjacent to the lower side of the unit 13. That is, in other words, the semi-permeable membrane 12 is provided in the unit 13 in which the units are stacked on each other, the water layer of the suspended water contained in the unit 13 and the suspended water contained in the unit 13 adjacent to the lower side of the unit 13 The interface between the water layers. In the water supply device 10, the amount (filling amount) of suspended water in the unit 13 is adjusted so that the water surface of the suspended water contacts the semi-permeable membrane 12 provided at the lower end of the unit 13 adjacent to the upper side of the unit 13. In addition, the semi-permeable membrane 12 is provided at the interface between the suspended water layer contained in the bottom unit 13 of the unit 13 and the water layer contained in the transmission pipe 11 adjacent to the lower side of the unit 13. The volume (filling amount) of the suspended water in the transfer pipe 11 is adjusted so that the water surface of the suspended water contacts the semi-permeable membrane 12 provided at the lower end of the unit 13 adjacent to the upper side of the transfer pipe 11. By providing the semi-permeable membrane 12 in this manner, adjacent cells 13 communicate with each other through the semi-permeable membrane 12 provided between the cells 13. In addition, the unit 13 located at the bottom of the unit 13 and the transfer tube 11 communicate with each other through the semi-permeable membrane 12 provided between the unit 13 and the transfer tube 11. In addition, when water is supplied through the semi-permeable membrane, in order to prevent the semi-permeable membrane 12 from moving along with the flow of water, it has a shape (such as a ring shape) corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the unit 13 from the upper side. A semipermeable membrane made of metal or the like is pressed (not shown) to fix the outer edge of the semipermeable membrane 12. In addition, the unit 13 contains suspended water. From the viewpoint of preventing the suspended water from flowing out from below the unit 13 when the unit 13 is stacked, in the unit 13, it is preferable to provide the semipermeable membrane 12 on the porous body. Such a porous body is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent the suspension water from flowing out from below the unit 13 and does not hinder the resistance of water flowing from the lower side to such a degree. For example, a porous body composed of paper such as Kimwipe (registered trademark), a nonwoven fabric formed of a slurry, sponge, ceramic, resin, or the like can be used. The cross-sectional shape of the porous body preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the unit 13, and the thickness of the porous body is appropriately set so as not to hinder the inflow of water from the lower side.

In the water supply device 10, for example, after the water is filled up to the upper end of the transfer pipe 11, the semipermeable membrane 12 is provided at the lower end of the unit 13 so as to contact the water surface of the transfer pipe 11. After that, the suspended water of a predetermined concentration is filled into the upper end of the unit 13 so as to reach the water surface. By arranging the semi-permeable membrane 12 in this way, the suspended water of the unit 13 is separated from the water filled to the transmission pipe 11 adjacent to the lower side of the unit 13. Next, the semipermeable membrane 12 is placed on the lower end of the unit 13 adjacent to the upper side in such a manner that the water surface of the suspended water of the unit 13 contacts, and the unit 13 is stacked. By arranging the semi-permeable membrane 12 in this way, the suspension water of the unit 13 is separated from the suspension water filled to the unit 13 adjacent to the lower side of the unit 13. In addition, in the water supply device 10, the number of stacked units 13 may be referred to as the "number of segments". For example, when two units 13 are stacked on the upper side of the transfer tube 11, it is called "two-stage water supply device", and when three units 13 are stacked, it is called "three-stage water supply device". When there are N (2 or more) units 13, it is called "N-stage water supply device".

In the water supply device 10, the particles contained in the suspended water contained in the unit 13 settle, and an accumulation layer of particles is formed on the semi-permeable membrane 12. The state of the suspended water in the unit 13 will be explained with FIG. 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of suspended water in the unit. As shown in FIG. 4, after the suspended water is filled on the upper side of the water 14 through the semi-permeable membrane 12 to the upper semi-permeable membrane 12 in the adjacent unit 13 and reaches the water surface, the suspended water separates into particles (no (Illustration) Three layers including a build-up layer 15 deposited on the semi-permeable membrane 12, a slurry layer 16 in which particles (not shown) are dispersed in water, and a clear layer 17, which is a supernatant that does not substantially contain particles. In addition, in the accumulation layer 15, electrical double layers existing on the surface of the particles overlap each other. In addition, all particles in the suspended water are settled, and the mud layer 16 can no longer be recognized by the naked eye, and sometimes separated into two layers such as the accumulation layer 15 and the clarification layer 17. In the water supply device 10 of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the unit 13 is allowed to stand for a predetermined time after the unit 13 is filled with suspended water before forming the accumulation layer of particles. The time for the static unit 13 may be appropriately set according to the type, particle size, suspended water concentration, viscosity, etc. of the particles, and there is no particular limitation. For example, the accumulation layer 15 formed by the accumulation of particles in the unit 13 is separated from the clarification layer 17 which is a supernatant, and if the above phenomenon can be visually confirmed, it can also be judged that the accumulation layer 15 is formed.

In the water supply device 10 of this embodiment, a particle accumulation layer is formed on a semi-permeable membrane 12 provided at the lower end of a plurality of stacked units 13. In each unit 13 forming the accumulation layer, an upward flow of water is generated according to the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2. In the unit 13 at the bottom of the stacked units 13, the water in the transfer tube 11 adjacent to the lower side rises into the unit 13 through the semi-permeable membrane 12. The water rising to the unit 13 further rises to the unit 13 adjacent to the upper side of the unit 13. In the following order, water rises into the unit 13 adjacent to the upper side. In this way, the water in the transfer pipe 11 rises to the top of the water supply device 10 in which a plurality of units 13 are stacked. In addition, the effective gravity of the particles 1 in the accumulation layer becomes equal to the sum of the repulsive force generated by the fluid effect and the repulsive force to form an equilibrium state (dynamic equilibrium), the swelling stops, and the water supply to the upper side can be continued.

(3) Water supply device

Next, other embodiments of the water supply device of the present invention will be described using the drawings. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a unit used in another embodiment of the water supply device of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the water supply device of the present invention.

The water supply device of this embodiment includes a plurality of cylindrical units. Each unit is provided with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end and communicates in a state of being stacked vertically. Each unit contains suspended water in which particles are dispersed in water. A space is formed between the water surface of the suspended water and the inner wall of the unit, and a vent hole is provided above the water surface in the space. In addition, the semi-permeable membrane provided at the lower end of the unit is configured to separate suspended water and water adjacent to the lower side of the unit provided with the semi-permeable membrane. The particles in the suspended water settle on the semi-permeable membrane to form a build-up layer. In the build-up layer, the osmotic pressure is generated through the electrical double-layer overlapping effect formed on the surface of the particles, and then the osmotic pressure is used as the driving source to pass through the semi-permeable membrane. Adjacent water is used for water supply.

As shown in FIG. 5, the unit 20 used in the water supply device of this embodiment has a cylindrical shape, and its upper and lower ends are open. Since the unit 20 has openings at both ends like this, it has a hollow structure in which water can pass through the internal space of the unit. The cross-sectional shape of the unit 20 perpendicularly intersecting in the direction of the vertical direction can be exemplified by a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a polygon, etc., but it is not limited thereto. In addition, polygons include: triangles, quadrangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc. That is, the unit 20 may be a cylinder having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, or a polygonal equirectangular column having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower end side of the unit 20 may also be formed in a funnel shape whose opening diameter gradually becomes smaller than that of the upper end. In addition, a vent hole 23 is provided near the upper end. Further, as shown in Fig. 5, at the lower end of the unit 20, a water suction port 21 having an inner diameter smaller than the opening diameter of the upper end protrudes downward. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the water suction port 21 is preferably the same as the cross-sectional shape of the unit 20. In addition, the cross section of the vertical cross direction of the protruding direction of the water suction port 21 preferably coincides with the central axis of the cross section of the opening of the upper end of the unit 20 in the same direction. In addition, the water suction port 21 is provided with a semi-permeable membrane 22. As the semipermeable membrane 22, the same as the semipermeable membrane used in the above embodiment can be used.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a plurality of units 20 are connected in a state of being stacked vertically. If the number of stacked units 20 is more than 2, although the number is not limited, it is set appropriately considering the factors such as the head of the water supply. Here, communication refers to a state in which a plurality of stacked cylindrical units 20 are connected in series, and is configured to allow water to pass through its internal space. In addition, in order to prevent deviation from adjacent cells 20, cells 20 are preferably joined to each other. These units 20 can be joined to each other in various ways. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the lower end is convex and the upper end is concave, and the concave shape of the upper end of the unit 20 and the convex shape of the lower end of the unit 20 adjacent to the upper side are fitted and fixed. In addition, when joining the adjacent units 20 to each other, it is preferable to make the central axis of the cross-sectional shape of the mutually intersecting units 20 perpendicular to each other in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction coincide. In addition, in the water supply device 30, the unit 20 located at the top is provided with an outlet 28 for allowing water to flow out. As the material of the unit 20, the same unit as that used in the above embodiment can be used.

The unit 20 contains suspended water in which particles are dispersed in the water. As the suspension water, the same suspension water used in the above embodiment can be used. In addition, from the viewpoint of exerting the water supply capacity to the limit, the height of the suspended water (the height from the bottom of the unit to the level of the suspended water) contained in the unit 20 is as high as possible until it reaches a fixed height. Maximize water absorption. In addition, after a predetermined time has passed, the suspended water is separated into the accumulation layer 25 and the clarification layer 26. In the water supply device 30 of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the unit 20 is allowed to stand for a predetermined period of time after the unit 20 is filled with suspended water before forming the accumulation layer of particles. The time when the unit 20 is allowed to stand may be appropriately set according to the type, particle size, suspended water concentration, viscosity, etc. of the particles, and there are no special restrictions.

The water suction port 21 at the lower end of the unit 20 is provided with a semi-permeable membrane 22. When such a semi-permeable membrane 22 is supplied with water, it is preferably fixed by the same method as the above-mentioned embodiment so that the semi-permeable membrane 22 does not move due to the flow of water. In addition, the semi-permeable membrane 22 is also preferably provided on the porous body provided in the water suction port 21. As such a porous body, the above-mentioned porous body can be used.

In the water supply device 30, a plurality of units 20 are vertically stacked on the upper side of the container 24. The container 24 contains water supplied to the unit 20. The shape of the cross section of the container 24 perpendicularly intersecting the vertical direction is not particularly limited. For example, the container 24 may be a cylinder having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, or a polygonal equirectangular column having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Examples of the material of the container 24 include metals such as stainless steel, inorganic materials such as glass and ceramics, and organic materials such as various resins, and there is no particular limitation.

In the unit 20, a space 27 is formed between the water surface of the contained suspended water and the inner wall of the unit 20. In this space 27, a vent hole 23 is provided above the water surface. By providing the vent holes 23 in this way, the pressure in the space 27 formed between the water surface of the suspended water and the inner wall of the unit 20 in the unit 20 is atmospheric pressure. According to this, even if a plurality of units 20 are stacked, it is possible to prevent the water level difference from increasing according to the stacking of the units 20 and keep the water level difference as a unit 20 of one stage. By providing the vent holes 23 in the unit 20 in this way, the water level difference can be kept small, and thus the head can be improved through the stacking unit 20 compared with the case where no vent holes are provided.

The water suction port 21 provided at the lower end of the unit 20 where the adjacent units 20 communicate with each other is soaked in the clarified layer 26 of the suspended water of the unit 20 adjacent to the lower side. In addition, the water inlet 21 of the unit 20 adjacent to the upper side of the container 24 is immersed in the water contained in the container 24. The amount of suspended water respectively contained in the unit 20 is adjusted so that the vent hole 23 is located above the water surface of the clarified layer 26 of suspended water. In addition, the semi-permeable membrane 22 provided in the water suction port 21 protrudingly provided below the unit 20 is in contact with the porous body through the water passing through the clarification layer 26 in the lower unit 20. In this way, the semipermeable membrane 22 separates the water of the clarified layer 26 of the suspended water contained in the unit 20 from the accumulation layer 25 accumulated on the semipermeable membrane 22 of the unit 20 adjacent to the upper side of the unit 20. In addition, the amount of water contained in the container 24 is adjusted so that the water suction port 21 protruding below the unit 20 adjacent to the upper side of the container 24 contacts the water of the container 24. In addition, the container 24 is connected to a connecting pipe such as a hose through an external water storage tank (not shown). When the water in the container 24 decreases due to water supply, the water is drawn from the external water storage tank to supplement the reduced amount of water, so that the container 24 It is also better to keep the water level constant.

As described above, by appropriately adjusting the amount of suspended water of each unit 20, the semi-permeable membrane 22 provided in the water inlet 21, the water of the accumulation layer 25 of the suspended water contained in the unit 20 can be adjacent to the unit below the unit 20 The water in the clear layer 26 of 20 suspended water is separated. In addition, by appropriately adjusting the amount of water in the container 24, the semi-permeable membrane 22 provided in the water inlet 21 can separate the suspended water contained in the unit 20 from the water in the container 24 adjacent to the lower side of the unit 20.

In the water supply device 30, for example, in each unit 20, a porous body is provided at a predetermined position in the lower-end suction port 21, and a semi-permeable membrane 22 is provided thereon. After that, when the suspended water is contained in the unit 20, since the contained suspended water flows to the lower side, the semi-permeable membrane 22 and the porous body are wetted, and the water becomes easily sucked in from the lower side. The amount of suspended water contained in the unit is determined by the following conditions: In addition to allowing the semi-permeable membrane 22 provided in the water inlet 21 of the unit 20 adjacent to the upper side of the unit 20 to contact the permeated water through the porous body, the vent hole 23 Located above the surface of suspended water. After deciding the amount of suspension water, the unit 20 located at the lowermost side is filled with a predetermined amount of suspension water. After that, a new unit 20 is stacked above the unit 20 containing suspended water. A predetermined amount of suspended water is filled into the stacked unit 20. The following repeats the stacking of the unit 20 and the filling of a prescribed amount of suspended water. In addition, in the water supply device 30, the number of stacked units 20 may be referred to as the "number of segments". For example, when two units 20 are stacked on the upper side of the container 24, it is called a "two-stage water supply device", and when three units 20 are stacked, it is called a "three-stage water supply device." When there are N (2 or more) units 20, it is called "N-stage water supply device".

In the water supply device 30, similarly, the particles contained in the suspended water contained in the unit 20 settle on the semi-permeable membrane 22 to form a particle accumulation layer 25, and a clear layer 26 as a supernatant is formed thereon.

In the water supply device 30 of the present embodiment, in each unit 20 forming the accumulation layer, an upward flow of water is generated according to the mechanism described in FIG. 2. In the unit 20 at the bottom of the stacked units 20, the water in the container 24 adjacent to the lower side rises into the unit 20 through the semi-permeable membrane 22. The water that has risen into the unit 20 further rises into the unit 20 adjacent to the upper side of the unit 20. In the following order, water rises into the unit 20 adjacent to the upper side. In this way, the water in the container 24 will rise to the top of the water supply device 30 where a plurality of units 20 are stacked, and flow out from the outlet 28. In addition, the effective gravity of the particles 1 in the accumulation layer becomes equal to the sum of the effectiveness of the fluid and the repulsive force generated by the repulsive force, and an equilibrium state (dynamic equilibrium) is formed, the expansion stops, and the water supply can be continued upward.

(4) Water supply method

An embodiment of the water supply method of the present invention includes the steps of: filling water with particle-dispersed suspension water, stacking a unit with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end in a vertical direction; contacting the semi-permeable membrane of the unit at the bottom The water adjacent to the lower end of the unit; and, the osmotic pressure generated by the overlapping of the electric double layer of the particles deposited on the semi-permeable membrane in each unit as the driving source, and the upward supply of water from the adjacent water at the lower end of each unit through the semi-permeable membrane . The water supply method of this embodiment can be achieved by using the water supply device of the above embodiment.

[Example]

The present invention will be specifically described below based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

First, the confirmation experiment of the water supply mechanism of the water supply device of the present invention will be described.

[Confirmation experiment of water supply mechanism]

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an experimental device used for the confirmation experiment of the water supply mechanism. As shown in FIG. 7, a membrane filter 73 (aperture diameter: 0.2) is arranged between the acrylic resin transfer tube 71 containing distilled water and having an inner diameter of 20 mm and a length of 200 mm and an acrylic resin settling tube 72 having an inner diameter of 20 mm and a length of 200 mm. μm, material: cellulose mixed ester). A pressure sensor (not shown) is installed on the bottom of the transmission tube 71. The pressure sensor measures the water pressure at the bottom of the tube. In addition, the water storage tank 74 is filled with distilled water 79 and communicates with the transfer pipe 71 using the connecting pipe 75. The weight of the water storage tank 74 is weighed through an electronic balance (not shown), and the amount of water sucked in by negative pressure is measured. The connection pipe 75 is kept open.

Easily sintered alumina (AES11E (trade name) manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., average particle diameter: 0.48 μm) was dispersed on the membrane filter 73 in the settling tube 72 to prepare a slurry. In the slurry system, the used alumina powder, distilled water, and dispersant HCl are mixed in a prescribed amount, and after mixing with a ball mill for 1 hour, the slurry is vacuum defoamed for experimental use. Adjust the initial concentration of mud to 20vol%. In addition, the initial water level difference Δh ₀ of the mud (difference between the mud liquid level in the settling pipe 72 and the distilled water level in the water storage tank 74) was 90 mm. The mud is separated into an accumulation layer 76, a mud layer 77, and a clarification layer 78. The alumina particles are dispersed in the mud.

Explore the relationship between the pH of the mud and the pressure. Figure 8 is a graph of the relationship between the pH of the mud and the hydrostatic pressure. Fig. 8 is the use of easily sinterable alumina (average particle size: 0.48μm) in the experimental device of Fig. 7, the initial concentration is adjusted to 20 vol%, and the pH value of the mud with initial water level difference △h ₀ =90mm is adjusted to 6.8 and 6.4 respectively After 5.7 and 4.2, the result of measuring the hydrostatic pressure is displayed. According to the results in FIG. 8, it is shown that the lower the pH value, the greater the difference between the hydrostatic pressure and the atmospheric pressure (0 kPa).

In addition, the relationship between the pH of the mud and the potential energy of the alumina particles was also discussed. Fig. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the pH value of mud and the potential energy of alumina particles. Fig. 9 is the use of easily sinterable alumina (average particle size: 0.48μm) in the experimental device of Fig. 7, the initial concentration is adjusted to 20 vol%, and the pH value of the initial water level difference Δh ₀ = 90mm is adjusted to 6.8 and 6.4 respectively After 5.7 and 4.2, the DLVO theory is used to show the result of calculating the relationship between the distance between particle surfaces and potential energy. According to the results in Fig. 9, it is shown that the lower the pH value, the sharper the peak of the potential energy curve, indicating that the stronger the repulsion between particles.

Using the experimental device shown in FIG. 7, the connection pipe 75 is opened, and the relationship between the time from the water storage tank 74 through the transmission pipe 71 to the settling pipe 72 and the static water pressure, time and water absorption speed is discussed. The type of mud used, the mud concentration, and the initial water level difference △h ₀ of the initial mud are the same as the experimental conditions. Figure 10 is the relationship between time and hydrostatic pressure and the relationship between time and water absorption rate. In FIG. 10, the broken line indicates the relationship between time and hydrostatic pressure, and the solid line indicates the relationship between time and water absorption speed. As shown in FIG. 10, even if the connecting pipe 75 between the transfer pipe 71 and the water storage tank 74 is kept open, after the experiment is started, although the water is discharged for a while, the water is sucked from the middle. That is, even if the connection pipe 75 is initially closed, water absorption (water supply) can be performed without ensuring negative pressure in the system of the transfer pipe 71 and the settling pipe 72. According to this, during the water supply, the operation of water supply can be easily performed without the necessity of ensuring negative pressure.

In the experimental device of FIG. 7, easily sinterable alumina (average particle diameter: 0.48 μm) was used, and a slurry with an initial concentration of 45 vol% was prepared. When the initial water level difference △h ₀ =0mm and 150mm, the connecting pipe 75 is opened, and the relationship between the time from the water storage tank 74 through the transmission pipe 71 to the settlement pipe 72 and the cumulative water absorption, time and translation energy ( Potential energy). Figure 11 is the relationship between time and translational energy and the relationship between time and cumulative water absorption. In FIG. 11, the broken line indicates the relationship between time and translational energy (potential energy), and the solid line indicates the relationship between time and cumulative water absorption. As shown in Fig. 11, even if the initial water level difference Δh ₀ = 0 mm, there is still continuous water supply for a long time. In addition, the initial water level difference when △ h ₀ = 150mm, exhibit long-lasting water supply, and when compared with the initial water level difference △ h ₀ = 0mm, which can translate more.

Water supply experiment

(Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Example 1)

Next, the performance of the water supply device of this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a photograph of a water supply device used for performance evaluation. The water supply device shown in FIG. 12 is schematically shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a membrane filter 12 (aperture diameter: 0.2 μm, material: cellulose mixed ester) has an inner diameter of 20 mm on an acrylic resin transfer tube 11 containing distilled water and having an inner diameter of 20 mm and a length of 200 mm. The unit 13 made of acrylic resin with a length of 30 mm is stacked in three stages (Example 1). A pressure sensor (not shown) is installed on the bottom of the transmission tube 11. The pressure sensor measures the water pressure at the bottom of the tube. In addition, the water storage tank C is filled with distilled water, and the connection pipe D is used to communicate with the transfer pipe 11. The weight of the water storage tank C is measured by an electronic scale, and the amount of water sucked by the negative pressure is measured. The connection pipe D remains open. The unit 13 contains mud. The slurry is prepared by mixing sinterable alumina with a particle size of 0.48 μm using HCl as a dispersant, with a concentration of 45 vol% and a pH value of 4.3, mixing with a ball mill for 1 hour, and then vacuum defoaming. In the step of putting mud into the unit 13, the mud is first put in, the unit 13 is stacked thereon and the units 13 are joined to each other, and then the mud is put into the unit 13. The slurry input height in Example 1 is 90 mm. Set the water level of the unit 13 at the top to be higher than the water level of the storage tank C, and use the difference between the water level of the mud in the unit 13 at the top and the water level in the storage tank C as the "water level difference" . Make the water level difference 190mm. In addition, in FIG. 3, the two-stage water supply device (Example 2) which is the same as the device of Example 1 except that two membrane filters 12 and 12 are installed, except that only the membrane filter 12 is provided The same one-stage water supply device (Comparative Example 1) of Example 1 was used for the experiment.

The measurement results are shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Figure 13 is the relationship between time and hydrostatic pressure. Fig. 13 shows that, compared to the water supply device of the first stage (Comparative Example 1), the water supply device of the third stage (Example 1) and the water supply device of the second stage (Example 2) ensure that the negative pressure in the system is maintained even if the connection pipe D is not opened. Pressure, water absorption is still from the beginning, indicating that a large pressure difference occurs. Therefore, the multi-stage water supply device of Example 1 and Example 2 has a greater driving force for water supply than the one-stage water supply device of Comparative Example 1, and there is no need to ensure negative pressure even in the initial stage of water supply, so it can be easily operated through Provide water. Figure 14 shows the relationship between cumulative water absorption and time when the water level difference is 19cm. In the three-stage water supply device of Example 1, the cumulative water absorption increased with time. On the other hand, in the first-stage water supply device of Comparative Example 1, the cumulative water absorption remained at 0 g under time, indicating no water absorption.

Confirmation experiment of the effect of charged symbols on particles

In the water supply mechanism confirmation experiment, the easily sintered alumina used in the water supply experiments of Examples 1 and 2 is positively charged. To confirm that the water supply operation can be performed even with negatively charged particles, the following experiment was conducted.

(Example 3)

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a water-absorbing device 40 used in an experiment for confirming the influence of the charged sign of particles. As shown in FIG. 15, a water storage tank 45 containing ion-exchanged water 44 and a unit 41 for feeding slurry 42 are arranged. The convex portion 46 protruding from the bottom of the water storage tank 45 in the vertical direction supports the unit 41 into which the slurry 42 is put. An opening is provided on the bottom surface of the unit 41, and in this opening, a membrane filter 43 (pore diameter: 0.2 μm, material: cellulose mixed ester) is used to become an ion exchange between the slurry 42 in the unit 41 and the water storage tank 45 The boundary between the water 44 is set in a manner. The vertical distance h from the membrane screen 43 provided on the bottom surface of the unit 41 to the liquid surface of the slurry 42 is regarded as the slurry input height.

The slurry used was ion-exchanged water as the dispersion medium, and titanium oxide (TA-300, 3.90 g/cm ³ manufactured by Fuji Titanium Industry Co., Ltd.) with a particle size (d ₅₀ ) of 0.52 μm was dispersed at a concentration of 45 vol% and pH The value 6 (ζ=-55mV) was mixed under the condition of a ball mill for 1 hour, and then prepared by vacuum degassing. The input height h of the mud is 1.0 cm, 2.0 cm, and 3.0 cm, respectively.

The measurement results are shown in Figure 16. Figure 16 shows the relationship between cumulative water absorption and time. As can be seen from FIG. 16, even if the negatively charged titanium oxide particle slurry is used, the cumulative water absorption amount increases and water absorption results. In addition, it shows that as the mud input height increases, the cumulative water absorption also increases. In addition, when the slurry input height is 3.0 cm, the cumulative water absorption decreases, presumably due to the effect of the water level difference.

Water supply confirmation experiment of polymer electrolyte adsorbed particles

Using the water absorption device shown in FIG. 15, it was confirmed that water was supplied through the particles adsorbing the polymer electrolyte. The mud used is made of easily sintered alumina (AES-11E, 3.96g/cm ³ ) with a particle size (d ₅₀ ) of 0.48 μm and ammonium polycarboxylate (PCA, Serna D-305) as a polymer electrolyte. Using ion-exchanged water as the dispersion medium, mix until the effective component concentration of the ammonium polycarboxylate is 40 wt% and the particle concentration of alumina is 45 vol%, mix for 1 hour using a ball mill, and then prepare by vacuum defoaming. Ammonium polycarboxylate was added in a ratio of 3.6 mg to 1 g of alumina. In addition, in the water absorption device of FIG. 15, the input height of the slurry is 2.0 cm.

The measurement results are shown in Fig. 17. Figure 17 is the relationship between cumulative water absorption and time. As can be seen from FIG. 17, the ammonium polycarboxylate as a polymer electrolyte is usually adsorbed on the easily sinterable alumina particles that are positively charged on the surface of the particles, and the surface of the alumina particles is negatively charged. Even so, the cumulative water absorption is increased and there is progress. Absorb water.

Confirmation experiment of the effect of particle concentration

Using the water absorption device shown in Fig. 15, the influence on the water absorption performance when the particle concentration in the mud is changed is confirmed. The mud used is to disperse easily sintered alumina (AES-11E, 3.96g/cm ³ ) with a particle size (d ₅₀ ) of 0.52 μm, using ion-exchanged water as the dispersion medium, so that the concentration is 20vol%, 45vol% , And using HCl as a pH adjusting agent, adjusted to pH 3 (ζ=60mV) and mixed, mixed using a ball mill for 1 hour, and then prepared by vacuum defoaming.

The measurement results are shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 is the relationship between cumulative water absorption and time. Figure 18 shows that the larger the particle concentration, the greater the cumulative water absorption.

Confirmation experiment of the influence of mud input height

Use the water absorption device shown in Figure 15 to confirm the effect of the slurry input height on the water absorption performance. The mud used is to disperse easily sintered alumina (AES-11E, 3.96g/cm ³ ) with a particle size (d ₅₀ ) of 0.48 μm using ion-exchanged water as the dispersion medium, so that the concentration is 45 vol%, and use HCl is used as a pH adjusting agent, adjusted to pH 3 (ζ=60mV) and mixed, mixed using a ball mill for 1 hour, and then prepared by vacuum defoaming. In FIG. 15, the slurry input height h is changed to 0.25 cm, 0.50 cm, 1.0 cm, 2.0 cm, and 3.0 cm.

The measurement results are shown in Fig. 19. Figure 19 is the relationship between cumulative water absorption and time. Figure 19 shows that the higher the mud input, the higher the cumulative water absorption. In addition, when the mud height is 3.0 cm, the cumulative water absorption decreases, which is inferred to be due to the water level difference.

[Industry availability]

The water supply device and water supply method of the present invention can be used as a water supply device and water supply method for water supply.

20‧‧‧ unit

21‧‧‧Suction port

22‧‧‧ Semi-permeable membrane

23‧‧‧ vent

24‧‧‧Container

25‧‧‧Stacked layer

26‧‧‧Clarification layer

27‧‧‧Space

28‧‧‧ Outflow

30‧‧‧Water supply device

Claims (13)

A water supply device, which is provided with a plurality of cylindrical units, each of which is provided with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end and communicates with each other in a vertically stacked state, and contains suspended water in which particles are dispersed in the water; the semi-permeable The membrane is configured to separate the suspended water from the water adjacent to the lower side of the unit equipped with the semi-permeable membrane; the particles in the suspended water settle on the semi-permeable membrane to form a build-up layer. The electric double layer effect formed on the surface of the particles generates an osmotic pressure, and uses the osmotic pressure as a driving source to supply water from the adjacent water through the semi-permeable membrane. A water supply device, which is provided with a plurality of cylindrical units, each of which is provided with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end and communicates with each other in a vertically stacked state, and contains suspended water in which particles are dispersed in the water; the suspended water A space is formed between the water surface and the inner wall of the unit, and a vent hole is provided in the space above the water surface; the semi-permeable membrane is configured to configure the suspended water and the semi-permeable membrane The water adjacent to the lower side of the unit is separated; the particles in the suspended water settle on the semipermeable membrane to form a buildup layer, in which the osmotic pressure is generated due to the electric double layer overlapping effect formed on the surface of the particles And use the osmotic pressure as the driving source, through the semi-permeable membrane, from the adjacent water supply. The water supply device as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein in the unit, the particles in the suspended water settle to form a buildup layer where the particles accumulate and are adjacent to the upper side of the buildup layer and do not substantially contain the particles Of clarification. The water supply device as described in item 3 of the patent application scope, wherein in the unit, a space is formed between the liquid surface of the clear layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit. The water supply device as described in item 4 of the patent application scope, wherein the pressure of the space formed between the liquid surface of the clarified layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit in the unit is atmospheric pressure. The water supply device as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application, wherein the particles are particles that form an electric double layer in water. The water supply device as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application, wherein the particles are metal oxides. A water supply method comprising the steps of: filling water with particle-dispersed suspension water, stacking a unit with a semi-permeable membrane at the lower end in a vertical direction; making the semi-permeable membrane of the unit at the bottom adjacent to the lower end of the unit Water contact; and the electric double layer overlapping effect of the particles deposited on the semi-permeable membranes in the units by settling, the generated osmotic pressure is used as a driving source, and then the Water is supplied upward through the membrane. The water supply method as described in item 8 of the patent application scope, wherein in each unit, the particles in the suspended water settle to form a buildup layer in which the particles accumulate and a clear layer adjacent to the upper side of the buildup layer that does not substantially contain the particles . The water supply method as described in item 9 of the patent application scope, wherein a space is formed between the liquid surface of the clear layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit in the unit. The water supply method as described in item 10 of the patent application range, wherein in the unit, the pressure of the space formed between the liquid surface of the clarified layer that does not substantially contain the particles and the inner wall of the unit is atmospheric pressure. The water supply method as described in item 8 of the patent application, wherein the particles are particles that form an electric double layer in water. The water supply method as described in item 8 of the patent application, wherein the particles are metal oxides.

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