WO2006054348A1

WO2006054348A1 - Electric field treatment apparatus and treatment method

Info

Publication number: WO2006054348A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/017200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masakazu Washio; Akihiro Oshima; Takaharu Miura; Takehiko Abe
Original assignee: Waseda University; Ksa:Kk
Priority date: 2004-11-18
Filing date: 2004-11-18
Publication date: 2006-05-26

Abstract

A water treatment apparatus (10) as an electric field treatment apparatus comprises a cylindrical bottomed tank (15) for containing water, an outer electrode (17) applied to the inner circumferential surface (15A) of the tank (15), a cylindrical central column (18) arranged in the central part of the tank (15), and an inner electrode (19) applied to the outer circumferential surface (18A) of the central column (18). The space between the outer electrode (17) and the inner electrode (19) serves as an electric field treatment area E for treating water with electric field. AC voltages of the same polarity are applied to the electrodes (17, 19) so that a plus electric field and a minus electric field are alternately generated in the electric field treatment area E.

Description

Specification

Electric field processing apparatus and electric field processing method

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric field processing apparatus and an electric field processing method. More specifically, an electric field treatment is performed on an object to be processed in the electric field by forming an electric field by applying an alternating voltage of the same polarity to an electrode. The present invention relates to an electric field processing apparatus and an electric field processing method.

Background art

[0002] As an electric field processing apparatus for performing electric field processing on a predetermined object to be processed, there is known a thawing container that applies a negative electron to frozen food to thaw the frozen food (see Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 11, the thawing cabinet 100 is connected to the shelf plate 102 made of stainless steel and disposed in the cabinet 101 where external force is also insulated, and is shaded by electrostatic induction. And an anion generator 103 for generating electrons in the chamber, and the frozen food F placed on the shelf board 102 is defrosted by application of the anions.

[0003] In addition, as another electric field treatment device, by applying an electric field treatment to food, water in the food is not frozen even at 5 ° C! / Known refrigerator is known! / Speak (see Patent Document 2). As shown in FIG. 12, an electric field processing chamber 111 provided inside the refrigerator 110 has an upper high voltage electrode 112 in the same figure and a flat plate counter electrode 113 disposed on the lower side so as to face it. And a high voltage power source 115 for applying an alternating voltage having different polarities to the high voltage electrode 112 and the flat plate counter electrode 113. In this electric field treatment chamber 111, the food F is placed on the plate counter electrode 113, and a high-voltage weak current is applied to both the high-voltage electrode 112 and the plate counter electrode 113. A weak voltage current is applied, and the moisture in the food F can be improved.

Note that Patent Document 2 also discloses that a ground is connected to the flat plate electrode 113 from the viewpoint of safety with respect to the configuration of FIG.

[0004] Further, as another electric field treatment apparatus, a fryer that fries fried food with oil is known (see Patent Document 3). As shown in FIG. 13, the fryer 120 includes an oil tank 121 in which the oil L is accommodated, a heating pipe 122 that is disposed in the oil tank 121 and heats the oil L, and a heating tank 122. It is arranged above the heat pipe 122, and includes an energizing electrode 125 to which an AC voltage is applied from the voltage control device 123, and a ground electrode 126 disposed relatively above the energizing electrode 125. In the fryer 120, when an AC voltage is applied to the energizing electrode 125 while the fried food F is in contact with the lower surface side of the earth electrode 126, an electric field is generated between the energizing electrode 125 and the earth electrode 126. In a state where the leakage current from the energizing electrode 125 is controlled, a high-voltage weak current is applied to the frying oil L and the fried food F to suppress the oxidation of the frying food F and shorten the processing time of the fried food F. Is possible.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-257867

Patent Document 2: JP-A-9-138055

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-142997

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, in the thawing cabinet 100 of Fig. 11, the frozen food F to be thawed is in direct contact with the energized shelf 102, so that the shelf 102 and the frozen There is an inconvenience that frozen food F cannot be thawed uniformly due to contact resistance with food F. That is, with this structure, the frozen food F cannot be completely aligned and aligned at the molecular level, and can only be unevenly thawed. In addition, as a container for storing frozen food F, there are many types of containers such as metal containers, insulated grease containers, pottery, paper processing containers, etc. In this case, since the frozen food F is directly energized through the shelf 102, there is a disadvantage that the electric effect on the frozen food F varies depending on the material of each container.

[0006] In the refrigerator 110 of FIG. 12, when a high voltage weak current is applied to the high voltage electrode 112 and the flat plate counter electrode 113, the leakage current to the outside gradually increases according to the separation distance of the high voltage electrode 112 side force. Therefore, there is a problem that the electric field treatment cannot be applied to the entire food F due to a difference in reforming between the high voltage electrode 112 side and the flat electrode electrode 113 side of the outer surface of the food F. is there. In addition, when the plate counter electrode 113 is connected to the ground, the leakage current flows by force toward the plate counter electrode 113 side, but the electric power on the plate counter electrode 113 side decreases. Applying uniform electric field treatment to the entire food F Can not.

[0007] In the thawing cabinet 100 and the refrigerator 110, the occurrence of a discharge phenomenon causes a problem that the applied voltage is limited. There are many types of containers for storing food F, such as metal containers, insulated grease containers, pottery, paper processing containers, etc., and the thawing cabinet 100 and the refrigerator 110 are both Since the food F is directly energized, the electric field treatment effect on the food may vary depending on the material of each container.

[0008] Further, in the thawing cabinet 100 and the refrigerator 110, when a part or all of the container for storing the food F is made of an insulating material, an electric current applied to the food F is supplied. If there is an element to be shielded, it may be inconvenient if the electric field treatment effect on food F is hindered.

[0009] Further, in the thawing cabinet 100 and the refrigerator 110, water is spilled inadvertently, and when this water is left untreated, the electric lines of force in the electric field concentrate on the water, and the food There are also inconveniences such as reduced electric field treatment effect on F.

[0010] In the flyer 120 shown in FIG. 13, shortening the frying time is the most important requirement from the machining site, but in order to further shorten the machining time, a higher voltage is applied. Even if it is applied to 125, the discharge current increases accordingly, so there is a certain limit to shortening the machining time.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fryer 120, when the fried food F having a large volume and weight and the skin contains a large amount of moisture! When closely attached, there is an inconvenience that the progress of the formation of the epidermis differs between the upper and lower surfaces of the fried food F. In other words, when the fried food F is in close contact with the current-carrying electrode 125, the difference in permittivity between the fried food 125 and the surrounding oil L affects the difference between the part that is in close contact with the current-carrying electrode 125 and the exception part. , Heating does not progress uniformly.

[0012] In the fryer 120, various products such as a hydrolyzate and a heat-modified product generated during the frying process are attached to the electrode, and the force is also extended to the ground electrode 126 side. Since it is fixed, the various products adhere to the fried food F, and the quality of the fried food F after processing is significantly reduced. [0013] Further, in the flyer 120, since the energizing electrode 125 and the ground electrode 126 need to be arranged in parallel upward and downward, the ground electrode 126 closes the opening at the top of the flyer 120. In other words, the ground food 126 cannot be moved and the fried food cannot be taken in and out of the oil tank 121, and the usability is not necessarily good. In addition, even if the energizing electrode 125 and the ground electrode 126 are turned upside down, the same inconvenience is caused.

[0014] Further, in the thawing cabinet 100, the refrigerator 110, and the fryer 120, when the separation distance between the electrodes is increased, the electric field strength is attenuated to the square of the separation distance between the electrodes and is greatly reduced. . Accordingly, there is a certain limitation in increasing the separation distance between the electrodes, and there is also a disadvantage that it is not possible to easily cope with the enlargement of the electric field processing area.

[0015] The present invention has been devised by paying attention to such inconveniences, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an electric field processing device and an electric field capable of uniformly applying an electric field process to an object to be processed. It is to provide a processing method.

[0016] A second object of the present invention is to provide an electric field processing apparatus and an electric field processing method capable of performing highly efficient electric field processing on an object to be processed.

[0017] A third object of the present invention is to provide an electric field processing apparatus and an electric field processing capable of making it difficult for a discharge phenomenon to occur between electrodes or between an electrode and a workpiece even when a high voltage is applied to the electrodes. Is to provide a method.

[0018] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an electric field processing apparatus and an electric field processing method capable of making it difficult to reduce the electric field processing effect on the object to be processed even when the distance between the electrodes is long. .

[0019] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an electric field processing apparatus and an electric field processing method capable of performing electric field processing on a target object with high efficiency by positively supplying ions to the target object. It is to provide. Means for solving the problem

[0020] (1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a plurality of electrodes to which alternating voltages having the same polarity are applied, and an object to be processed in an electric field processing region located between the electrodes. In the electric field processing device that performs electric field processing on! The electrode has at least an inner electrode and an outer electrode disposed around the inner electrode;

The object to be processed is a fluid that functions as a dielectric and a substance that functions as Z or a dielectric,

A configuration is adopted in which a positive electric field and a negative electric field are alternately generated in the electric field processing region by applying an alternating voltage of the same polarity to the electrodes.

[0021] (2) The present invention also includes a plurality of electrodes to which alternating voltages having the same polarity are applied to each other, and an electric field treatment is performed on an object to be processed in an electric field treatment region located between the electrodes. In the electric field processing device that performs

The electrodes include at least a pair of electrodes that are not opposed to each other and have a positional relationship, and the object to be processed is a fluid that functions as a dielectric and a substance that functions as Z or a dielectric,

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a positive electric field and a negative electric field are alternately generated in the electric field processing region by applying an alternating voltage of the same polarity to each electrode.

[0022] (3) Furthermore, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the electrode is disposed at least at three locations around the object to be processed.

[0023] (4) The electric field processing region may be configured such that a fluid functioning as a dielectric and a substance having a dielectric constant different from the fluid exists.

(5) Furthermore, an insulating layer may be provided around the electrode.

(6) Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a fluid layer having a dielectric constant lower than that of the target object is provided between the electrode and the target object.

[0026] (7) Further, it is preferable that the electrode has a configuration in which an uneven surface portion is formed at least partially.

[0027] (8) Further, the electric field processing method according to the present invention includes a fluid functioning as a dielectric and a Z or dielectric between a plurality of electrodes having at least an inner electrode and an outer electrode arranged around the inner electrode. And an alternating voltage of the same polarity is applied to each of the electrodes to generate a positive electric field and a negative electric field alternately in the electric field processing region between the electrodes. The electric field treatment is performed on the workpiece. It is.

[0028] (9) In addition, the electric field processing method according to the present invention includes a fluid functioning as a dielectric and Z or an electric charge between a plurality of electrodes including at least a pair of electrodes in a positional relationship that does not face each other. By placing an object to be processed consisting of an object that functions as a body and applying an alternating voltage of the same polarity to each electrode, a positive electric field and a negative electric field are generated alternately in the electric field processing region between the electrodes. In other words, an electric field process is performed on the object to be processed.

The invention's effect

[0029] According to the configurations of (1) and (2) and the methods of (8) and (9), when an AC voltage of the same polarity is applied to each electrode, the infinity point region is grounded. Thus, a positive electric field and a negative electric field are alternately generated in the electric field processing region, and accordingly, positive charges and negative charges in the object to be processed existing in the electric field processing region are alternately and repeatedly aligned. As a result, modification such as changing the structure of molecules in the object to be processed can be performed, electric field processing at the molecular structure level becomes possible, and the object to be processed can be processed regardless of the installation conditions of the object to be processed. A uniform electric field treatment effect can be imparted. In addition, by reversing the polarity of the AC voltage applied to the electrode, ion supply is positively performed on the constituent molecules of the object to be processed into an electrode body, resulting in a high charge for the object to be processed. Efficient electric field processing can be performed. Furthermore, it becomes possible to increase the degree of freedom of electrode arrangement.

[0030] According to the configuration of (3), at least the three-direction force object to be processed is surrounded, so that the electric field strengths are mutually complemented between the electrodes, so that any position in the electric field processing region is substantially uniform. One high potential state can be maintained. Therefore, variations in electric field processing within the electric field processing region can be reduced. In addition, since more electric lines of force are transmitted through the object to be processed in the electric field processing region, it is possible to perform highly efficient electric field processing on the object to be processed.

[0031] Further, according to the configuration of (4), even when frying food having a different dielectric constant from that of frying oil is processed using a fluid such as frying oil as in the case of a fryer, Electric field treatment can be performed effectively.

[0032] Further, with the configuration of (5), the discharge phenomenon between the electrodes can be suppressed, and the applied power can be reduced. The electric field treatment can be efficiently performed by increasing the pressure.

[0033] Further, with the configuration of (6), the electrode and the object to be processed are in a non-contact state in which a fluid layer such as air having a low dielectric constant is interposed, so that the state of the voltage from the electrode is reduced. The electric field treatment can be performed on the object to be processed without much lowering, and the electric field treatment can be effectively performed even when the object to be processed is contained in the container.

[0034] Also, with the configuration of (7), the number of lines of electric force drawn out from the electrodes can be increased, and the electric field treatment effect can be further enhanced.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Example 1

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a water treatment apparatus as an electric field treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the direction of the line AA in FIG. A schematic cross section of the water treatment system is shown. In these drawings, the water treatment apparatus 10 includes a treatment tank 12 in which water as an object to be treated is accommodated, and a voltage supply device 13 that applies an alternating voltage to the treatment tank 12 side.

[0037] The treatment tank 12 includes a main body tank 15 having a bottomed cylindrical shape, an outer electrode 17 attached to an inner peripheral surface 15A of the main body tank 15, and a cylinder disposed in a central portion of the main body tank 15. A central column 18, an inner electrode 19 attached to the outer peripheral surface 18 A of the central column 18, and an adsorption sheet 21 installed on the bottom inner surface of the main body tank 15 are configured. Water is accommodated inside the main body tank 15 and the central column 18, and in particular, the region between the outer electrode 17 and the inner electrode 19 is an electric field processing region E for electric field processing of water. Reference numeral 23 in the figure is a drain 23 for discharging the water in the main body tank 15 to the outside.

[0038] The outer electrode 17 is provided in a cylindrical shape with both upper and lower ends open, and has a vertical dimension smaller than the inner peripheral surface 15A. An AC voltage is applied to the outer electrode 17 by the voltage supply device 13.

[0039] The central column 18 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the main body tank 15, and in the plan view, the main body tank

It is arranged concentrically with 15.

[0040] The inner electrode 19 is provided in a cylindrical shape with both upper and lower ends open, and is substantially the same as the outer electrode 17. They have the same vertical dimension, and are arranged so as to face the outer electrode 17 almost exactly. The inner electrode 19 is applied with an AC voltage having the same polarity and the same magnitude as the outer electrode 17 by the voltage supply device 13.

As shown in FIG. 3, the voltage supply device 13 includes an AC power supply 25 that generates an AC voltage having a commercial frequency, and a transformer 26 that is connected to the AC power supply 25. The transformer 26 generates a voltage different from the voltage of the primary side circuit 27 to which the AC voltage from the AC power source 25 is applied, and the primary side circuit 27, and the outer electrode 17 and the inner electrode via the resistor 28. 19 is configured to include a secondary side circuit 29 that applies AC voltages synchronized with each other. In this voltage supply device 13, the output voltage is adjusted to a high voltage in the range of 3000V—10000V, and the output current is adjusted to a weak current in the range of 10mA—100mA.

The voltage supply device 13 is not limited to the circuit configuration described above as long as it can apply a predetermined AC voltage to the outer electrode 17 and the inner electrode 19.

Next, the operation of the water treatment apparatus 10 will be described.

[0043] When the voltage supply device 13 is operated in a state where water that functions as a dielectric is contained in the electric field treatment region E, an AC voltage having the same polarity is applied to the outer electrode 17 and the inner electrode 19. Is done. That is, when the outer electrode 17 has a positive potential, the inner electrode 19 also has a positive potential. For this reason, the electric field processing region E located between these electrodes 17 and 19 is in the substantially same positive potential state at any position. Therefore, the more the one electrode 17 (19) force is separated, the lower the potential caused by the one electrode 17 (19) force, and the other electrode 19 (17) having the same polarity can increase the potential accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to make the electric field processing region E almost the same potential at any location. At this time, in contrast to the positive electric field in the electric field processing region E, the infinity point regions located on the upper and lower sides of the processing tank 12 in FIG. 1 are grounded and have a relatively negative potential. As a result, the constituent molecules of water in the electric field treatment region E are induced to polarize, and the positive charges in the constituent molecules are attracted to the infinity point region side where the potential is negative and are aligned in a certain direction. It becomes like this.

On the other hand, when the outer electrode 17 becomes negative potential, the inner electrode 19 also becomes negative potential. Therefore, the electric field processing region E becomes a negative electric field, and the infinity point region has a relatively brass potential. Also at this time, the constituent molecules of water in the electric field treatment region E are induced to polarize, and the negative charges in the constituent molecules are attracted to the infinity point region side where the potential becomes a positive potential, so that the alignment aligns in a certain direction. become.

Therefore, by applying an alternating voltage, the electric field processing region E is alternately changed into a positive electric field and a negative electric field, and accordingly, the arrangement of the positive charge and the negative charge in the polarized constituent molecule itself is constant. It will be reversed repeatedly. As a result, the water cluster is micronized, the molecular density of the water is increased, and the phase transition temperature is lowered.

[0044] Further, as described above, in the electric field processing region E, the polarity that exists in water and functions as a dielectric is present in almost the same potential state in which the polarity is periodically reversed at any position. In the electric field treatment region E, the substance functions as a floating electrode whose polarity reverses with the reversal of the electric field polarity, like the constituent molecules of water described above. When the electric field processing region E is a positive electric field, the electric field lines from the electrode are spouted toward the infinity point region on both the upper and lower sides in Fig. 1 having zero potential. It is separated from different water, affected by gravity, and descends along the lines of electric force that are directed downward in the figure. In other words, the polar substance separated from the water becomes agglomerated by electrical coupling, descends along the lines of electric force directed downward in the figure, and is adsorbed by the adsorption sheet 21 on the bottom side of the main body tank 15. become. The adsorbing sheet 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can adsorb polar substances, such as non-woven paper.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the electrodes to which the AC voltage of the same polarity is applied are arranged in a double circle shape. However, the electrodes are further arranged in a multi-circle shape, and an AC current of the same polarity is provided for each electrode. A configuration in which a voltage is applied may be employed. Further, the shape of the electrode is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be another loop-shaped electrode such as an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape, a rod-shaped electrode, a curved plate shape, or the like. In short, the shape of the electrode is not particularly limited as long as another electrode exists around the predetermined electrode.

[0046] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted or simplified. Second embodiment

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of the supercooled storage as the electric field processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows the supercooled storage along the AA line direction of FIG. A schematic cross-sectional view of the storage is shown. FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the supercooled storage along the BB line direction of FIG. In these figures, the supercooled storage 30 is a hollow box-type storage main body 32 in which food as an object to be processed is housed, and an AC voltage is applied to the storage main body 32 in the first embodiment. And a voltage supply device 13 similar to the above.

[0048] The storage main body 32 has a structure in which the entire inner wall is insulated and a heat insulating material is appropriately arranged to enhance the heat insulation of the inside 33. The storage body 32 includes a top wall 35 on the upper end side, a bottom wall 36 on the lower end side, left and right side walls 37, 38 disposed between the top wall 35 and the left and right ends of the bottom wall 36, and the top walls. 35, bottom wall 36 and rear wall 39 located on the rear end side of the left and right side walls 37, 38, a door 40 for closing the space enclosed by these walls 35-39 so that the front side force can be opened and closed, and each side wall 37 , 38 and the rear wall 39, the left electrode 42, the right electrode 43 and the rear electrode 44 respectively attached to the inner surface side of the rear wall 39 are detachably spanned between the side walls 37 and 38, and upper and lower three stages on which food is placed. Shelf board 46. Reference numerals 47 and 48 in the figure are not shown! A cold air supply port and an exhaust port for an external cooling device.

[0049] As in the first embodiment, each of the electrodes 42 to 44 is supplied with AC voltage having the same polarity from the voltage supply device 13 and supplied with high voltage and weak current. The electrodes 42 and 44 are provided in a flat plate shape and are arranged at the same height position. Accordingly, the electrodes 42 and 43 on both the left and right sides are substantially opposite to each other, and the rear electrode 44 is positioned at the same height between the rear ends of these electrodes 42 and 43. In other words, these electrodes 42-44 are arranged so as to surround the food on the shelf 46 from three sides, and become a space force electric field processing region E surrounded by these electrodes 42-44. Further, a net-like insulating cover as an insulating layer made of a force insulating material (not shown) is provided on the surface of each electrode 42-44. The shelf plate 46 is supported by an insulating frame (not shown), and an insulating state with respect to the electrodes 42 to 44 is secured. In addition, an air layer constituting a fluid layer is interposed between each electrode 42-44 and the food placed on the shelf 46, which has a lower dielectric constant than that of the food.

[0050] In this supercooled storage 30, when the voltage supply device 13 is activated, each of the electrodes 42- 44 An alternating voltage of the same polarity is applied to As a result, as described in the first embodiment, in the electric field processing region E where the food is present, the positive electric field and the negative electric field are alternately changed. Polarization is induced, and the arrangement of positive charge and negative charge repeats inversion at regular intervals. As a result, the bacteria in the food are electrically shocked, the water in the food also generates bactericidal ozone, and the cells of the bacteria are mutated to restrict proliferation by cell division. . As a result, the growth of bacteria can be suppressed and the food can be prevented from being spoiled.

[0051] Further, the moisture present in the food is modified as described in the first embodiment, is micro-polished, and the phase transition temperature is lowered, so that the moisture in the food is hardly frozen. It becomes hydrated and can be stored at low temperature and non-frozen supercooled state with food remaining umami.

[0052] Furthermore, the electric field processing region E is configured by being surrounded by the respective electrodes 42-44 located at the left, right, and rear three locations, so that the high potential state can be made substantially uniform at any position. That is, for example, when only the left and right electrodes 42 and 43 are separated from each other, when the distance between the electrodes 42 and 43 is increased, the electric lines of force from the left and right electrodes 42 and 43 are attenuated at the central portion of the shelf 46. However, this attenuation can be supplemented by electric lines of force from the rear electrode 44, and variations in electric field processing within the electric field processing region E can be reduced.

[0053] Further, since the three electrodes 42-44 are used, the lines of electric force are added in triplicate, and the transmission performance to the object is improved. Therefore, even if the food container is made of any material such as metal, grease, ceramics, glass, and paper products, the electrical processing of the food in the container is not hindered. Even if the container has a lid, electrical processing can be performed on the food, and the limiting conditions for the container become unnecessary.

[0054] It should be noted that by providing a flat electrode with the insulating cover on the inside of the door 40 and strengthening the micro-ization of moisture in the food, it may be a slow freezer that hardly generates ice crystals. Further, the phase transition temperature may be further lowered to form a defroster.

Example 3

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a steamer as an electric field processing apparatus according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the steamer along the line AA in FIG. It is shown. In these figures, the steamer 50 is a hollow box type in which food as an object to be processed is accommodated. The steamer main body 51 and the voltage supply device 13 similar to the first embodiment for applying an AC voltage to the steamer main body 51 are provided.

This steamer 50 is provided with a steam generation part 53 in the lower part of the steamer main body 51 instead of the supply port 47 and the exhaust port 48 with respect to the supercooled storage 30 of the second embodiment. A feature is that instead of the rear electrode 44 of the rear wall 39, a front electrode 55 having an insulating cover (not shown) similar to that of the second embodiment attached to the inner surface of the door 40 is provided. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment.

The steam generating unit 53 includes a steam chamber 57 formed below the electrodes 42, 43, 55 and the shelf plate 46, and a heating device 58 disposed below the steam chamber 57. Being sung. The steam chamber 57 is supplied with water from a water supply port (not shown), and the water is heated by the heating device 58 to generate water vapor. This water vapor is jetted out of the holes formed in the upper partition plate 60 of the steam chamber 57 to the interior 33 where the electrodes 42, 43, 55 and the shelf plate 46 exist. Here, in the steam chamber 57, a left electrode 62, a right electrode 63, and a rear electrode 64 are attached to the inner surfaces of the side walls 37, 38 and the rear wall 39. Then, an alternating voltage having the same polarity as each of the electrodes 42, 43, 55 is applied by the voltage supply device 13. Therefore, the space surrounded by the left electrode 62, the right electrode 63, and the rear electrode 64 is also an electric field processing region E. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the electric field processing region located inside the upper electrodes 42, 4 3, 55 is defined as the first electric field processing region El, and the electric field processing region located inside the lower electrodes 62-6 64. Is called the second electric field processing region E2.

[0058] Since the first electric field processing region E1 is surrounded by the three electrodes 42, 43, 55, as in the second embodiment, the first electric field processing region E1 is in a substantially uniform high potential state at any position. As a result, the gasification of the high-temperature steam can be performed with high efficiency, and the distribution of the high-temperature steam can be made uniform in the chamber 33. As a result, the constant temperature and humidity environment of the inside 33 can be maintained uniformly and stably, the heat transfer effect to the food inside the inside 33 can be enhanced, the steaming time can be shortened, and the food surface can be prevented from drying. You can also In addition, by treating the food with an electric field, browning of the food due to the action of the protein can be prevented.

[0059] Further, as in the second embodiment, the first electric field treatment region E1 is constituted by the three electrodes 42, 43, 55, so that the food can be handled regardless of the material of the container for storing the food and the presence or absence of the lid. Electric field Electric field treatment can be performed satisfactorily without impairing the rational effect. In other words, the weighting of the lines of electric force improves the permeation performance to food, prevents the food surface from drying, and prevents the food from browning due to the action of protein.

[0060] Furthermore, in the second electric field treatment region E2, as described in the second embodiment, the reforming is performed so that the phase transition temperature of water is lowered. This can contribute to energy savings.

[0061] It is to be noted that the electrode in the second electric field treatment region E2 is formed in a Hercam shape, and the electrode is arranged in such a direction that the vapor can pass in the upward and downward directions. This can further contribute to saving.

Example 4

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a fryer as an electric field processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-section of the fryer along the AA line direction of FIG. The figure is shown. In these drawings, the flyer 70 includes an oil tank 71 in which the upper part is opened and the oil is accommodated therein, and a voltage supply device 13 similar to the first embodiment for applying an AC voltage to the oil tank 71. It is configured. In the figure, reference numeral 73 denotes a drain for discharging the oil in the oil tank 71 to the outside.

[0063] The entire inner wall of the oil tank 71 is insulated, and fried food is taken in and out at the upper open portion. Here, the to-be-processed object processed by an electric field in a present Example is a deep-fried oil and fried food. The oil tank 71 includes left and right side walls 75, 76, a bottom wall 77 connected to the lower ends of the side walls 75, 76, a front wall 78 and a rear wall 79 located on both the front and rear sides of the left and right side walls 75, 76 and the bottom wall 77. Left side electrode 82, right side electrode 83, and rear side electrode 84 attached to the inner surface side of each side wall 75, 76 and rear wall 79, a heating pipe 85 that is disposed on the lower side to heat the oil, and a heating pipe It is provided with a fall prevention net 86 that is located above 85 and prevents the fall of fried food from the space above it to the heating pipe 85 side.

[0064] As in the second embodiment, each of the electrodes 82 to 84 is supplied with an AC voltage having the same polarity from the voltage supply device 13 and supplied with a high voltage and a weak current. The electrodes 82 and 84 are provided in a flat plate shape and are arranged at the same height so as to surround the oil-fried food and the fried food. Therefore, the space force electric field processing region surrounded by these electrodes 82-84 It becomes area E. The surfaces of these electrodes 82 to 84 are hermetically shielded by an insulating layer made of a force insulating material (not shown)! /

[0065] Also in the fryer 70, in the electric field processing region E, the positive electric field and the negative electric field are alternately changed. Accordingly, the constituent molecules of the fried food in which the polarization is induced have a strong vibration phenomenon. As this occurs, as described in the second embodiment, the arrangement of positive charges and negative charges in the molecule is repeatedly inverted at a constant period. As a result, the boiling point of the moisture contained in the fried food drops due to the drop in the phase transition temperature described above, and the puncture phenomenon of the fried food due to the sudden boiling of the water during frying is suppressed. Moreover, due to the difference in the dielectric constant between the oil-fried food and the fried food, the periphery of the fried food is intensively heated, so that the heating power to the inside of the fried food can be evenly performed.

[0066] In addition, various products such as hydrolyzate and heat-denatured product generated in the process of frying are electrolyzed to the oil and act on the product as in the first embodiment. It moves from the frying region to the non-working region where the heating pipe exists, by gravity and the directional force in the lower infinity point region. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the oil pollution in the electric field processing area E in the frying process area.

[0067] Furthermore, the moisture-modifying action described in the second embodiment allows the moisture in the fried food to be micronized, the water retention of the fried food is improved, and the moisture is contained in the fried food. The loss of the umami component is suppressed, and the flavor of the fried food after processing can be ensured.

[0068] It should be noted that the electrode is further attached to the inner surface side of the front wall 78 to promote the heating of the fried food.

[0069] In the second to fourth embodiments, the three electrodes are arranged in a rectangular shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as the object to be processed is surrounded by the electrodes. In addition, it is possible to use a plurality of electrodes or arrange two electrodes in an L shape or a V shape.

[0070] Further, in the second to fourth embodiments, the electrodes are all flat, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various shapes can be applied as long as the above-described effects are exhibited.

[0071] Further, it is preferable that the electrode has an uneven surface portion at least partially. According to this, the number of lines of electric force drawn out from the electrode can be increased, and the various effects described above can be further enhanced. In each of the above embodiments, the substance is modified by the action of electric lines of force generated between each electrode side and the ground at the infinity point region. However, as long as the above-described action is exhibited, Instead of the ground, a ground electrode may be disposed in the apparatus, or an electrode or a region to which a DC voltage or a rectified voltage is applied may be disposed.

In addition, the configuration of each part of the apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configuration example, and various modifications are possible as long as substantially the same operation is achieved.

Industrial applicability

[0074] The present invention can be used for various devices that perform foreign matter removal, sterilization, and the like in addition to water treatment, food storage, food processing, for example, storage, storage, refrigerator, freezer, and thaw. It can be used for hot storage, heating equipment, water treatment equipment, sterilization equipment, etc.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional front view of a water treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water treatment device taken along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of a voltage supply device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a supercooled storage according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the supercooled storage along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the supercooled storage along line BB in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional front view of a steamer according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the supercooled storage along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional front view of a fryer according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the supercooled storage along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional front view of a thawing cabinet according to a conventional example.

FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional front view of a refrigerator according to a conventional example.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional front view of a fryer according to a conventional example.

Explanation of symbols

[0076] 10 Water treatment equipment (electric field treatment equipment)

17 outer electrode

19 Inner electrode 30 Supercooled storage (electric field processing equipment)

42 Left electrode

43 Right electrode

44 Rear electrode

50 Steamer (electric field treatment equipment)

55 Front electrode

62 Left electrode

63 Right electrode

64 Rear electrode

70 Flyer I (electric field processing equipment)

82 Left electrode

83 Right electrode

84 Rear electrode

E Electric field treatment area

E1 First electric field processing area

E2 Second electric field treatment area

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In an electric field processing apparatus including a plurality of electrodes to which alternating voltages having the same polarity are applied to each other, and performing electric field processing on an object to be processed in an electric field processing region located between the electrodes,

The electrode has at least an inner electrode and an outer electrode disposed around the inner electrode;

An electric field processing apparatus, wherein a positive electric field and a negative electric field are alternately generated in the electric field processing region by applying an alternating voltage of the same polarity to the electrodes.

[2] In an electric field processing apparatus that includes a plurality of electrodes to which alternating voltages having the same polarity are applied to each other, and performs electric field processing on a target object in an electric field processing region located between the electrodes.

[3] The electric field processing device according to [2], wherein the electrodes are arranged at least at three locations around the object to be processed.

4. The electric field processing device according to claim 1, wherein the electric field processing region includes a fluid functioning as a dielectric and a substance having a dielectric constant different from that of the fluid.

[5] The electric field processing device according to any one of [1] to [14], wherein an insulating layer is provided around the electrode.

6. The electric field processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a fluid layer having a dielectric constant lower than that of the object to be processed is provided between the electrode and the object to be processed.

7. The electric field processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrode has an uneven surface portion formed at least in part.

[8] An object to be processed consisting of a fluid functioning as a dielectric and Z or an object functioning as a dielectric is disposed between a plurality of electrodes having at least an inner electrode and an outer electrode disposed around the inner electrode. Applying an alternating voltage of the same polarity to each electrode to alternately generate a positive electric field and a negative electric field in the electric field processing region between the electrodes, and performing electric field processing on the object to be processed. An electric field processing method.

[9] After disposing a target object composed of a fluid functioning as a dielectric and Z or an object functioning as a dielectric between a plurality of electrodes including at least a pair of electrodes having a positional relationship that does not face each other. And applying an alternating voltage of the same polarity to each of the electrodes to generate a positive electric field and a negative electric field alternately in the electric field processing region between the electrodes, and performing an electric field treatment on the object to be processed. Electric field processing method.