JP7707191B2 - Classification module, classification device and classification system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a classification module, a classification device, and a classification system.

The technology described in Patent Document 1 is known as a technology for separating a fluid to be separated (such as a slurry) containing particles of a desired size from a fluid to be separated (such as a slurry). Patent Document 1 describes an inorganic filter having a one-dimensional through-nanoporous membrane. This inorganic filter is manufactured by forming a ceramic thin film consisting of a columnar ceramic phase that grows perpendicular to the membrane surface and a ceramic matrix phase that surrounds it on a dense substrate that can be made porous by elution treatment, and then eluting the entire substrate on which the ceramic thin film is formed to remove the columnar ceramic phase and make the dense substrate porous.

JP 2005-246340 A

In the inorganic filter described in Patent Document 1, nanometer-sized particles pass through linearly formed one-dimensional nanopores and the elution-treated portion in the substrate. The flow path formed by the elution-treated portion in the substrate has a complex inner wall shape as shown in Figure 1 of Patent Document 1, and is therefore prone to clogging.
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a classification module, a classification device, and a classification system that are capable of suppressing clogging.

The classification module of the present invention is a classification module for classifying a second slurry containing particles of a desired size from a first slurry containing particles of various sizes, comprising a filter having filter holes extending linearly along the thickness direction and made of an organic material or a metal material, a support that supports the filter by a surface and has support holes extending linearly along the thickness direction, a space connected to the support holes, and an outlet port communicating with the space, the second slurry flows into the filter holes on the other surface side of the filter when the first slurry comes into contact with one surface of the filter, the opening of the filter hole on the support side overlaps with the opening of the support hole on the filter side so that the second slurry discharged from the filter hole flows into the support hole, and the second slurry that flows through the support hole and is discharged from the support hole further flows into the space formed inside the support, and is discharged from the space through the outlet port. Other solutions will be described later in the description of the embodiment of the invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a classification module, a classification device, and a classification system capable of suppressing clogging.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the separation module of the present embodiment. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the separation module of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a separation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a system diagram of the separation system of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a system diagram of a separation system according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a top view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a top view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a top view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of line BB in Figure 8A. FIG. 13 is a top view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a top view of a second support that can be used in conjunction with the first support of FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first support and a second support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first support and a second support constituting a separation module of another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support constituting a separation module according to another embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of line CC in Figure 17A. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a separation module. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a separation module. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a separation method using a separation device according to another embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a separation method using a separation device according to another embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a separation method using a separation device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a separation module. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a separation module. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a separation method using a separation device according to another embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a separation method using a separation device according to another embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a separation method using a separation device according to another embodiment.

Below, a form for implementing the present invention (referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of one embodiment, other embodiments that can be applied to the one embodiment will also be described as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the one embodiment below, and different embodiments can be combined or modified as desired without significantly impairing the effects of the present invention. In addition, the same symbols will be used for the same components, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, parts having the same functions will be given the same names. The contents shown are merely schematic, and for convenience of illustration, the actual configuration may be changed without significantly impairing the effects of the present invention.

1A is a perspective view of a separation module 40 of this embodiment. As an example, the direction of a straight line connecting notches 291, 291 formed at both ends of the diameter of the edge of the support 20, which has a perfect circular shape when viewed from above, is the x-direction, the direction perpendicular to the x-direction in the surface direction of the support 20 is the y-direction, and the direction perpendicular to the x-direction and y-directions and the thickness direction of the filter 10 (described below) is the z-direction. This is also true for the other figures.

The separation module 40 separates a fluid to be separated T (such as a slurry) containing metal particles of a desired size from a fluid to be separated L1 (such as a slurry) containing metal particles of various sizes. In this case, the separation module 40 can classify metal particles in a wet manner, making particle sieving possible. The separation module 40 includes a filter 10 and a support 20.

Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of line A-A in Figure 1A. The filter 10 includes a first filter 11 arranged (supported) on one side (upper surface in the illustrated example) of a support 20 configured, for example, in a disk shape, and a second filter 12 arranged (supported) on the other side (lower surface in the illustrated example) of the support 20. The support 20 includes, for example, a first support 21 and a second support 22 stacked together, and a spacer 30. Details will be described later, but a space 24 is formed inside the support 20, that is, between the first support 21, the second support 22, and the spacer 30 in the illustrated example. The separated fluid T separated by the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 flows into the space 24 through the support hole 23. The separated fluid T in the space 24 is taken out of the separation module 40 through the extraction port 25.

The first filter 11 and the second filter 12 are similar except that they are arranged on different sides relative to the space 24. Therefore, in order to simplify the explanation, the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 will be described with the focus on the first filter 11. The first support 21 and the second support 22 also have the same configuration except that they are arranged on different sides relative to the space 24. Therefore, in order to simplify the explanation, the first support 21 and the second support 22 will be described with the focus on the first support 21.

The filter 10 has filter holes 14 that extend linearly along the thickness direction. The filter holes 14 have an opening 111 on the surface side (the side opposite the support 20) and an opening 112 on the center side (the side where the support 20 is arranged). The filter holes 14 have a predetermined inner diameter, and the fluid T to be separated flows through the filter holes 14 from the surface side to the center side, whereby the fluid T to be separated is separated.

The filter 10 is made of an organic material such as a resin (polycarbonate, polyester, polyimide, etc.), or a metallic material such as an elemental metal (copper, etc.) or an alloy. Among these, the use of an organic material makes it easy to handle, mold, and attach the filter 10 to the support 20. On the other hand, the use of a metallic material allows the separation of the fluid T to be separated stably, even when the fluid to be separated is, for example, a strong alkali.

It is preferable that the filter 10 is made of a material different from the fluid to be separated T contained in the fluid to be separated L1. Specifically, for example, when metal particles of a desired size are to be separated as the fluid to be separated T from the fluid to be separated L1 that contains metal particles, it is preferable that the filter 10 is made of an organic material. In this way, contamination of the fluid to be separated T caused by the constituent material of the filter 10 can be suppressed.

The thickness direction, which is the extension direction of the filter holes 14, is the direction in which the separated fluid T flows through the filter holes 14, i.e., the permeation direction of the separated fluid T. Furthermore, the thickness direction, which is the extension direction of the filter holes 14, is the illustrated z direction, which is the thickness direction of the filter 10, and is a direction perpendicular to the surface directions (x direction and y direction) of the filter 10. The extension direction of the filter holes 14 does not need to strictly match the z direction, and may extend obliquely at a predetermined angle, for example, 1° to 10°, with respect to the z direction.

The filter holes 14 extend linearly so as to penetrate the filter 10. Linear means, for example, that the inner walls are smoothly formed and extend in the same direction from one side to the other side. However, the extension direction of the filter holes 14 may differ depending on the position in the z direction as long as the effect of the present invention is not significantly impaired. In addition, the inner diameter of the filter holes 14 is preferably the same from one side to the other side, but may differ depending on the position in the z direction as long as the effect of the present invention is not significantly impaired, such as increasing from the surface side to the center side. The inner wall of the filter hole 14 may be composed of only a flat surface or a curved surface, or may be composed of both a flat surface and a curved surface. By linearly extending the filter holes 14, it is possible to prevent the separated fluid T from getting caught on the inner wall and becoming clogged when the separated fluid T flows through the filter holes 14, and stable separation performance can be maintained for a long period of time.

There are no particular limitations on the method of forming the filter holes 14, and the method may be selected appropriately depending on the material of the filter 10. For example, when the filter 10 is made of an organic material, linear filter holes 14 can be formed by irradiating laser light having a desired beam diameter. Also, when the filter 10 is made of a metal material, linear filter holes 14 can be formed by etching or the like. In this case, the inner diameter of the filter holes 14 can be controlled by, for example, the etching time, the composition of the etching solution, etc.

The inner diameter of the filter hole 14 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 nm or more, preferably 5 nm or more, with an upper limit of, for example, 1 mm or less, preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less, even more preferably 500 nm or less, and particularly preferably 200 nm or less. By setting the inner diameter of the filter hole 14 within this range, it is possible to separate the separated fluid T of the order of microns and nanometers. Note that the inner diameter of the filter hole 14 refers to the distance of the shortest part of the filter hole 14, which determines the size of, for example, particles contained in the separated fluid T, and refers to the inner diameter when the filter hole 14 is circular in top view, and refers to the distance between two opposing sides when the filter hole 14 has corners such as a rectangle.

The support 20 supports the filter 10 on its surface, and has support holes 23 that extend linearly along the z direction (thickness direction of the filter 10) on the support surface of the filter 10. The filter 10 is supported by, for example, attaching, gluing, welding, etc., of the filter 10 to the surface of the support 20. "Extending linearly along the thickness direction of the filter 10" here is the same as described for the filter 10 above. The openings 231 are all the same size and shape, but some may be different. The support 20 is more rigid than the filter 10. The support 20 is made of a resin, such as polystyrene or polycarbonate.

The support hole 23 has an opening 231 on the surface side (the side where the filter 10 is placed) and an opening 232 on the center side (the side opposite the filter 10). Of these, the opening 231 is formed on the support surface of the filter 10. The support hole 23 is, for example, a perfect circle when viewed from above.

The opening 112 on the support 20 side of the filter hole 14 overlaps with the opening 231 on the filter 10 side of the support hole 23. In this way, the separated fluid T that flows through the filter hole 14 and reaches the support 20 can further flow through the support hole 23. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the support hole 23 is larger than the inner diameter of the filter hole 14, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In this way, the separated fluid T after separation by the filter 10 can flow into the support hole 23 without excessively increasing the pressure loss.

The support 20 is formed inside the support 20 and has a space 24 connected to the support hole 23, and an outlet 25 communicating with the space 24. The outlet 25 has an opening 251 on the surface side (the side where the filter 10 is arranged) and an opening 252 on the center side (the side facing the space 24). By providing the space 24 and the outlet 25, the separated fluid T separated by the filter 10 can be caused to flow into the space 24 and removed from the space 24 through the outlet 25.

The space 24 is disposed between the first support 21 and the second support 22. In this way, the space 24 can be formed by stacking the first support 21 and the second support 22, which are configured separately, so that the space 24 can be easily formed. In particular, in the illustrated example, the space 24 is disposed between the first support 21, the second support 22, and the spacer 30. In this way, the space 24 can be formed by stacking the first support 21, the spacer 30, and the second support 22, which are configured separately, so that the space 24 can be easily formed.

The support 20 is sandwiched between the first filter 11 and the second filter 12. This allows the separated fluid T to be separated from both sides of the support 20, improving separation efficiency.

The support 20 has a disk shape, and the outlet 25 is arranged at a position including the center P of the support 20 (FIG. 1A). In this way, the separated fluid T that flows into the space 24 through the filter holes 14 and support holes 23 arranged to surround the outlet 25 can be easily made to flow toward the outlet 25 arranged at the center. In addition, as will be described in detail later, by arranging the outlet 25 at the center, the separation module 40 can be rotated around a rotation axis that passes through the outlet 25 and extends in the z direction. The outlet 25 is, for example, a perfect circle when viewed from above.

2 is an exploded perspective view of the separation module 40 of this embodiment. The support holes 23 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential and radial directions so as to surround the extraction port 25. The spacer 30 is sandwiched between the first support 21 and the second support 22. When the first support 21 and the second support 22 are stacked with the spacer 30 sandwiched between them, a space 24 (FIG. 1B) is formed between the first support 21, the second support 22, and the spacer 30. With such a support 20, the space 24 can be formed by stacking the first support 21, the spacer 30, and the second support 22, which are configured separately, so that the space 24 can be easily formed. In addition, the size of the space 24 can be easily changed by changing the height of the spacer 30 (in the same direction as the thickness direction of the filter 10).

The spacer 30 is annular, and in the illustrated example, the outer diameter of the spacer 30 is the same as the outer diameter of the support 20. The spacer 30 also has a number of branches 31 spaced equally apart from the outer periphery of the annular shape toward the center P (FIG. 1A). The branches 31 can support the first support 21 and the second support 22 up to near their central portions, improving the strength of the separation module 40.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the separation device 100 of this embodiment. The separation device 100 includes, for example, a replaceable separation module 40, and is, for example, a classification device for inorganic particles contained in the fluid to be separated L1. The inorganic particles are, for example, metal particles, and the metal particles include particles of simple metals or metal compounds, and specifically include, for example, particles of simple metals, particles of metal oxides, etc. In the following, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the inorganic particles are assumed to be metal particles.

In another embodiment, the separation device 100 is a classification device for organic particles contained in, for example, the fluid to be separated L1. The organic particles include, for example, resin particles.

If the separation module 40 deteriorates over time, it can be replaced with another separation module 40. In the illustrated example, there is only one separation module 40, but there may be two or more. The number of separation modules 40 to be installed can be determined, for example, according to the desired filtration area.

The separation device 100 includes a housing 60 that rotatably houses the separation module 40, and a rotation mechanism 50 that rotates the separation module 40. The rotation mechanism 50 rotates the separation module 40 inside the housing 60. The rotation mechanism 50 is, for example, a motor. As will be described in detail later, the separation target fluid L1 is separated from the fluid T while rotating the separation module 40. For this reason, by including the rotation mechanism 50, the shear force generated by the rotation can be utilized, and the adhesion of the cake to the filter 10 (i.e., the occurrence of fouling) can be suppressed by the rotation, thereby improving the separation efficiency.

The housing 60 is airtight and has an internal space 61. The housing 60 has a supply port 63 for the fluid to be separated L1, an outlet 64 for the fluid to be treated C1, and an outlet 65, all of which are connected to the space 61. The outlet 65 is used to extract the fluid to be separated L1 or the fluid to be treated C1 (or both) that overflows from the space 61, and the outlet 65 can suppress excessive pressure rise in the space 61.

Inside the space 61, baffles 62 are provided above and below the separation module 40. The baffles 62 can prevent the fluid to be separated L1 from simply flowing circumferentially in the space 61 as the separation module 40 rotates, thereby facilitating separation by the separation module 40.

A cylinder 70 is connected to one end (the upper surface side of the separation module 40 in the illustrated example) of the extraction port 25 (Figure 1A) of the separation module 40, and a blocking member 71 is connected to the other end (the lower surface side of the separation module 40 in the illustrated example). The cylinder 70 is removably connected to the separation module 40. This allows, for example, a separation module 40 that has deteriorated over time to be replaced with another separation module 40. A rotation mechanism 50 is connected to the cylinder 70, and the cylinder 70 rotates as a result of being driven by the rotation mechanism 50, thereby rotating the separation module 40 to which the cylinder 70 is connected. The cylinder 70 has an outlet 72 for the fluid T to be separated on the side opposite the connection side of the separation module 40.

A separation method using the separation device 100 will be described. After the rotation of the separation module 40 by the rotation mechanism 50, the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied to the space 61 through the supply port 63. A shear force is generated in the fluid to be separated L1 that comes into contact with the rotating separation module 40, and the fluid to be separated T easily flows through the filter 10 (FIG. 1B). In addition, the fluid to be separated L1 is at a certain level of pressure due to the supply pressure of the fluid to be separated L1 to the space 61. That is, a pressure difference is generated between the supply side of the fluid to be separated L1 and the discharge side of the fluid to be separated T. Therefore, the above-mentioned shear force and pressure difference are used as driving forces to cause the fluid to be separated T to pass through the filter 10, and the fluid to be separated T to flow into the space 24 (FIG. 1B). The fluid to be separated T in the space 24 is taken out through the extraction port 25 and the cylinder 70, for example, from the discharge port 72 open to the atmosphere. On the other hand, the treated fluid C1, which is the residue of the separation target fluid L1 after separation of the separation target fluid T , is taken out through the discharge ports 64 and 65.

Figure 4 is a system diagram of the separation system 1000 of this embodiment. The separation system 1000 is a dead-end type in which the separation target fluid L1 is continuously supplied to the separation device 100, or the cleaning liquid L2 is supplied after the supply of the separation target fluid L1 is stopped to separate the separation target fluid T. The cleaning liquid L2 is preferably the same type as the solvent or liquid that dissolves or disperses the separation target fluid T in the separation target fluid L1. For example, in the case where the separation target fluid L1 contains metal particles and is a slurry containing a predetermined additive such as a pH adjuster or dispersant and water to disperse the metal particles, the cleaning liquid L2 is preferably a solution containing a predetermined additive such as a pH adjuster or dispersant and water. This makes it possible to suppress dilution of the predetermined additive in the separation target fluid T and maintain the dispersion of the metal particles. However, the cleaning liquid L2 may be a solvent such as water if the desired effect can be exerted.

The separation system 1000 includes a separation device 100, a tank 201 that contains a fluid to be separated L1, a tank 202 that contains a cleaning liquid L2, and a tank 203 that contains a fluid to be separated T. However, the tank 202 may be a plurality of tanks that contain at least one of each of the components that make up the cleaning liquid L2. That is, for example, a pH adjuster, a classification agent, and water may be contained in different tanks and supplied to the separation device 100 independently from each tank.

The separation system 1000 includes systems 221 and 222 that supply pressurized gas G1 (e.g., high-pressure nitrogen gas) to the tanks 201 and 202, respectively, and the systems 221 and 222 include valves 271 and 272 that control the flow of the pressurized gas G1. The separation system 1000 includes systems 223 and 224 that supply the fluid to be separated L1 and the cleaning liquid L2 contained in the tanks 201 and 202, respectively, to the space 61 (FIG. 3) of the separation device 100. The separation system 1000 includes a system 225 that supplies the fluid to be separated T separated in the separation device 100 to the tank 203, and a system 226 that discharges the fluid to be treated C1 and the cleaning liquid L2 after use generated in the separation device 100 to the outside. The system 226 includes a valve 276.

The separation system 1000 includes a pressure gauge 233 that measures the pressure in the space 61 (FIG. 3) and a mass meter 234 that measures the mass of the fluid T to be separated. By including the pressure gauge 233, the pressure in the space 61 can be measured. By including the mass meter 234, the amount of permeation of the fluid T to be separated in the separation module 40 can be measured.

The separation system 1000 includes a supply device 300 that supplies the separation target fluid L1 to the separation device 100 at a higher pressure than the discharge side (the tank 203 side) of the separation target fluid T. A pressure difference is generated in the separation module 40 by the supply device 300, and separation is performed using the pressure difference as a driving force. In the illustrated example, the supply device 300 includes systems 221, 223, valves 271, 273, and a tank 201, and by supplying pressurized gas G1 to the gas phase of the tank 201, the gas phase is pressurized, and the liquid phase of the separation target fluid L1 is pushed out and supplied to the separation device 100. The supply device 300 may be a pressure reducing device (not shown) that reduces the pressure of the discharge side of the separation target fluid T to, for example, a vacuum. Even when a pressure reducing device is provided, the separation target fluid L1 can be supplied at a higher pressure than the reduced pressure discharge side. The fluid to be separated L1 and the cleaning liquid L2 may be supplied by using a liquid delivery pump (not shown) instead of or in addition to the supply of the pressurized gas G1.

When the pressurized gas G1 is flowed through the system 221 with the valves 271, 273, and 276 open and the valves 272 and 274 closed, the fluid to be separated L1 contained in the tank 201 is supplied to the separation device 100 through the system 223. In the separation device 100, the fluid to be separated T is separated by the rotating separation module 40 (FIG. 1A) and supplied to the tank 203 through the system 225. Meanwhile, the residual fluid to be treated C1 is discharged to the outside through the system 226. In this embodiment, the fluid to be separated L1 is continuously supplied and the fluid to be separated T is continuously separated.

In another embodiment, when the rotation of the separation module 40 (FIG. 1A) is stopped, the valves 271 and 273 are opened, and the pressurized gas G1 is flowed into the system 221 while the valves 272, 274, and 276 are closed, the fluid to be separated L1 contained in the tank 201 is supplied to the separation device 100 through the system 223. Since the valve 276 is closed, the pressure becomes high in the space 61 (FIG. 1B) of the separation device 100. In this state, the valves 271 and 273 are closed, and the supply of the fluid to be separated L1 is stopped. Next, the valves 272, 274, and 276 are opened, and the supply of the cleaning liquid L2 is started. Furthermore, when the rotation of the separation module 40 is started, the separation of the fluid to be separated T is performed in the separation device 100 by pressurization of the fluid to be separated L1 in the separation device 100 due to shear force and the supply of the cleaning liquid L2. The residual fluid to be treated C1 is discharged to the outside through the system 226.

The above separation module 40, separation device 100, and separation system 1000 can prevent clogging of the filter 10 and continuously separate particles of the desired size over a long period of time. For example, the particle size of particles used in metal pastes and chemical materials for electronic materials is nano-sized. The properties of nano-sized particles can be improved by classification to make the particle size uniform, thereby increasing added value. Therefore, by using the separation module 40 to create and use a separated fluid (e.g., a slurry) containing particles of uniform size, the properties of the particles can be utilized in products that use the separated fluid, such as capacitors.

Figure 5 is a system diagram of a separation system 1100 of another embodiment. The separation system 1100 separates using a diafiltration method. The diafiltration method separates the fluid T to be separated by adding a cleaning liquid L2 to the fluid L1 to be separated in an amount equal to the amount of the fluid T obtained while circulating the fluid L1 to be separated. This allows the separation speed and separation efficiency to be maintained over a long period of time.

Separation system 1100 has the same basic configuration as separation system 1000 (FIG. 4), except that separation system 1100 has supply device 301, such as a liquid delivery pump, instead of supply device 300 (FIG. 4). However, separation system 1100 further has flow meter 235 that measures the flow rate of cleaning liquid L2 flowing through system 224, and mass meter 236 that measures the mass of the fluid in tank 201. Feedback control is performed on the opening of valve 274 while measuring the flow rate with flow meter 235 so that the mass measured by mass meter 236 remains constant.

By driving the supply device 301, a circulating fluid C3 is generated in the separation device 100, the flow rate of which is reduced by the amount of the fluid to be separated T. The circulating fluid C3 is supplied to the tank 201 through a system 227 equipped with a valve 277. The tank 201 is further supplied with a volume of cleaning liquid L2 equal to the reduced volume of the fluid to be separated T through a system 224. This allows a constant flow rate of the fluid to be separated L1 to be supplied to the separation device 100, enabling stable and continuous separation to be performed in the separation device 100.

Figure 6 is a top view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The shape and location of the openings 231, 251 are not particularly limited. In the example of Figure 6, unlike the example of Figure 1A, the openings 231 are not formed over the entire surface, and the shapes of the openings 231 are not all the same but are partially different. Specifically, the openings 231 are arranged symmetrically around the opening 251, and have a rectangular (e.g., square) shape on one side and a triangular (e.g., equilateral) shape on the other side. The openings 231 are each arranged in a 90° region that is the range between the x direction and the y direction.

Figure 7 is a top view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The size of the opening 231 is not particularly limited. In the example of Figure 7, the opening 231 is formed on the entire surface of the first support 21, but unlike the example of Figure 1A, it has various sizes. Specifically, in the example of Figure 7, the opening 231 has various sizes and various shapes such as a diamond, a circle, a square, etc.

Figure 8A is a top view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The openings 231 and 232 (Figure 1B) do not need to be at the same position in the x and y directions, i.e., at the same position on the front and back, and the openings 231 and 232 are arranged at different positions on the front and back. In the illustrated example, four openings 231 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the opening 251.

Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in Figure 8A. The white arrow indicates the rotation direction R of the separation module 40 (Figure 1A) based on the illustrated support hole 23, and the dashed arrow indicates the relative movement direction P1 of the fluid to be separated L1 when the separation module 40 rotates. Note that the fluid to be separated L1 does not necessarily have to actually move in the direction of the dashed arrow, and the dashed arrow indicates the flow direction of the fluid to be separated L1 as seen from the rotating separation module 40.

Unlike the example shown in FIG. 1B above, the support hole 23 is arranged at an angle to the z direction. That is, the support hole 23 is arranged diagonally to the z direction, which is the thickness direction of the filter 10, and the support hole 23 has a slope that slopes downward to the left of the paper. However, the support hole 23 may also have a slope that slopes downward to the right of the paper. The inner wall of the support hole 23 may have a streamlined shape.

The first support 21 of this embodiment is suitable for a rotating separation module 40. Thus, for example, the separation device 100 shown in FIG. 3 above is equipped with a separation module 40 including the first support 21 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The support hole 23 has an upward inclination in the rotation direction R (the direction of the white arrow) driven by the rotation mechanism 50 (FIG. 3). By configuring the support hole 23 in this manner, it is possible to easily flow the fluid to be separated T (FIG. 3) into the support hole 23 during rotation, and an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

Figure 9 is a top view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. In the example of Figure 1A, the first support 21 and the second support 22 have the same configuration, but may have different configurations. The first support 21 shown in Figure 9 has the same shape of the inner edge and outer edge as the second support 22 shown in Figure 10, but has circular openings 231 arranged over the entire surface at equal intervals in the circumferential and radial directions with the opening 251 as the center.

Figure 10 is a top view of a second support 22 that can be used in conjunction with the first support 21 of Figure 9. The second support 22 shown in Figure 10 has a different configuration from the first support 21 shown in Figure 9, specifically, for example, the shape of the opening 231 is different. In the second support 22 shown in Figure 10, diamond-shaped openings 231 are arranged on the entire surface at equal intervals in the circumferential and radial directions with the opening 251 at the center. A separation module 40 can be constructed even if the first support 21 and the second support 22 have different configurations.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. In the example of Figure 1A, the first support 21 is a perfect circle when viewed from above, but the shape of the first support 21 is not limited to a perfect circle. The first support 21 in Figure 11 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, more specifically, a square shape. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals across the entire surface of the square-shaped first support 21 so as to surround the opening 251.

12 is a perspective view of the first support 21 constituting the separation module 40 (FIG. 1A) of another embodiment. The first support 21 in FIG. 12 has a circular shape in top view, as in FIG. 1A, but has an elliptical shape, unlike FIG. 1A. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals over the entire surface of the elliptical first support 21 so as to surround the opening 251.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The first support 21 in Figure 13 has a polygonal shape like that in Figure 11, but unlike that in Figure 11, has a hexagonal shape, more specifically, a regular hexagonal shape. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals so as to surround the opening 251 over the entire surface of the regular hexagonal first support 21.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a first support 21 constituting a separation module 40 (Figure 1A) of another embodiment. The first support 21 in Figure 14 has a polygonal shape similar to that in Figure 11, but unlike that in Figure 11, has a shape in which convex portions 292 and concave portions 293 are formed alternately on the edge. The openings 231 are arranged at equal intervals over the entire surface of the first support 21, which has a shape in which convex portions 292 and concave portions 293 are formed alternately, so as to surround the opening 251.

15 is a perspective view of a first support 21 and a second support 22 constituting a separation module 40 (FIG. 1A) of another embodiment. The separation module 40 shown in FIG. 1A includes a spacer 30 (FIG. 1A), but the separation module 40 shown in FIG. 15 does not include a spacer 30, and a space 24 (FIG. 1B) is formed inside.

A ring-shaped protrusion 262 is arranged on the underside 261 of the first support 21, for example along the edge (but not necessarily along the edge). A first support 21 of this shape can be formed, for example, by hollowing out a cylinder. The first support 21 and the second support 22 are then stacked so that the protrusion 262 is in contact with the upper surface 263 of the disk-shaped second support 22. At this time, the protrusion 262 and the upper surface 263 are attached, glued or welded. As a result, a space 24 is formed between the lower surface 261, the protrusion 262, and the upper surface 263.

16 is a perspective view of a first support 21 and a second support 22 constituting a separation module 40 (FIG. 1A) of another embodiment. As in FIG. 15 above, the separation module 40 shown in FIG. 16 does not include a spacer 30 (FIG. 1A), and a space 24 (FIG. 1B) is formed inside.

On the upper surface 263 of the second support 22, a plurality of protrusions 264, for example, columnar (e.g., cylindrical) are arranged, for example, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A circular, for example, plate-shaped elastic body 267 is arranged to surround the plurality of protrusions 264. Then, the first support 21 and the second support 22 are laminated with the elastic body 267 interposed therebetween so that the protrusions 264 are in contact with the lower surface 261 of the disk-shaped first support 21. At this time, the protrusions 264 and the lower surface 261 are attached, bonded or welded. As a result, a space 24 is formed between the lower surface 261, the upper surface 263, the protrusions 264, and the elastic body 267.

17A is a perspective view of a support 20 constituting a separation module 40 (FIG. 1A) of another embodiment. In each of the above examples, the support 20 includes a first support 21 and a second support 22 that are configured separately, but the support 20 in FIG. 17A is not divided into the first support 21 and the second support 22, but is molded as an integral member. Openings 231, 231 are formed on the upper surface 265 and the lower surface 266 of the support 20, similar to the support 20 in each of the above examples.

Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 17A. As described above, the support body 20 shown in Figure 17B is a one-piece molding. This increases the airtightness of the space 24, making it possible to increase the pressure within the space 24 and improve separation performance. The support body 20 can be formed, for example, by a 3D printer or the like.

Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of a separation module 40 of another embodiment. The support 20 includes a first support 21 and a second support 22, both of which are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. Unlike the above examples, the separation module 40 shown in Figure 18 does not have a space 24 (Figure 1B) between the first support 21 and the second support 22, nor does it have an outlet 25. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the fluid to be separated L1 comes into contact with one side of the separation module 40, the fluid to be separated T is obtained from the other side.

The filter 10 is formed to have the same shape and size as the first support 21 and the second support 22, and is sandwiched between the first support 21 and the second support 22. In this way, the support strength of the filter 10 can be improved. The filter 10 is attached to at least one of the first support 21 or the second support 22, and is bonded or welded.

19 is an exploded perspective view of a separation module 40 according to another embodiment. The support 20 is rectangular like the example in FIG. 18, but is formed as a single unit unlike the example in FIG. 18. The filter 10 is formed to the same shape and size as the support 20, and in the illustrated example is supported on, for example, the upper surface of the support 20, but may also be supported on the lower surface.

Figure 20A is a diagram illustrating a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. The separation device 100 includes a mounting table 80 formed, for example, in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and housings 81, 82, and 83 having spaces 61, 61 into which the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied. The mounting table 80 mounts, for example, a rectangular separation module 40, and includes mounting table holes (not shown) for discharging the fluid to be separated T to the side opposite the supply side of the fluid to be separated L1. The mounting table 80 is formed, for example, from a resin plate with mesh holes, punched metal, or the like.

The housings 81, 82, and 83 are constructed separately above and below the mounting table 80, and are each connected to an actuator (not shown). When the actuator is driven, the housings 81, 82, and 83 are separated in the vertical direction.

The housings 81, 82, and 83 each have a supply port 811, 821 (the supply port provided in the housing 83 is not shown) that supplies the fluid to be separated L1 to the space 61. The housings 81, 82, and 83 each have an outlet port 822, 832 (the outlet provided in the housing 81 is not shown) that discharges the fluid to be separated T. The housings 81, 82, and 83 each have a supply port 813, 823, and 833 that supplies a dry gas G2 (FIG. 20B, e.g., air) to the space 61.

The separation device 100 further includes an exchange mechanism 89 (FIG. 20C) that exchanges the separation module 40 placed on the mounting table 80 with another separation module 40. The exchange mechanism 89 includes, for example, a hydraulic suction cup (not shown) that can detach the separation module 40 by suction, and exchanges the separation module 40 by holding and transporting the separation module 40 with the suction cup. The separation device 100 includes, for example, a shelf (not shown) on which the separation module 40 placed on the mounting table 80 is placed, and the exchange mechanism 89 transports the placed separation module 40 to the mounting table 80.

In the example of Figure 20A, the separation module 40 shown in Figure 18 is used, but the separation module 40 shown in Figure 19 may also be used. When the separation module 40 shown in Figure 19 is used, it is preferable to position the separation module 40 so that the support 20 is in contact with the mounting table 80.

When the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied to the space 61, the separated fluid T is obtained by flowing to the separation module 40. Meanwhile, the cake (not shown), which is the residue, remains on the space 61 side of the separation module 40 (on the upper surface in the illustrated example).

Figure 20B is a diagram illustrating a separation method using the separation device 100 of another embodiment. For example, the supply of the fluid to be separated L1 (Figure 20A) to the space 61 is stopped by closing a valve (not shown) on a pipe (not shown) connected to the supply ports 811, 821, etc. In this state, when a dry gas G2 is supplied, the gas pressure of the dry gas G2 causes the fluid to be separated T in the fluid to be separated L1 to flow through the separation module 40 and be discharged. At the same time, the cake on the separation module 40 is dried.

Figure 20C is a diagram illustrating a separation method using the separation device 100 of another embodiment. After the drying gas G2 (Figure 20B) is stopped, the actuator (not shown) drives the housings 81, 82, and 83 to separate in the vertical direction. Next, the replacement mechanism 89 moves the separation module 40 placed on the mounting table 80 from the mounting table 80 to the left of the paper, and places a new separation module 40 on the mounting table 80. Then, the actuator returns the housings 81, 82, and 83 to their original positions, returning the separation device 100 to the state shown in Figure 20A.

By providing the mounting table 80 and the replacement mechanism 89, a separation module 40 whose separation performance has deteriorated due to cake accumulation can be replaced with a new separation module 40 using the replacement mechanism 89, thereby suppressing the deterioration of separation performance in the separation device 100.

Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of a separation module 40 of another embodiment. The support 20 of Figure 21 is similar to the example of Figure 18, except that it is configured to be circular when viewed from above.

22 is an exploded perspective view of a separation module 40 according to another embodiment. The support 20 in FIG. 22 is similar to the example in FIG. 19, except that it is configured to be circular when viewed from above.

Figure 23A is a diagram explaining a separation method by a separation device 100 of another embodiment. The separation device 100 includes a housing 90 having a mounting table 80 formed in a circular shape when viewed from above and a space 61 inside, and the housing 90 is, for example, composed of a pressure vessel. The mounting table 80 is placed on a bottom plate 98 (for example, a steel plate) of the housing 90. The housing 90 further includes a supply port 91 for supplying the fluid to be separated L1 to the space 61, a squeezing mechanism 92 for squeezing the cake C2 (Figure 23B) accumulated in the separation module 40, a supply port 93 for supplying a dry gas G2 to the space 61, and an exhaust port 94 for discharging the fluid to be separated T. The housing 90 further includes exhaust ports 96, 97 (see Figure 23C for the exhaust port 97) for discharging the cake C2 accumulated inside, and a lid 95 for closing the exhaust port 97.

In the example of Figure 23A, the separation module 40 shown in Figure 21 is used, but the separation module 40 shown in Figure 22 may also be used. When the separation module 40 shown in Figure 22 is used, it is preferable to position the separation module 40 so that the support 20 is in contact with the mounting table 80.

As in the example shown in Figure 20A, when the fluid to be separated L1 is supplied to the space 61 with the outlet 97 blocked, a separated fluid T is obtained and a residue cake C2 (Figure 23B) remains, for example, on the upper surface of the separation module 40.

Figure 23B is a diagram illustrating a separation method using the separation apparatus 100 of another embodiment. For example, the supply of the fluid to be separated L1 to the space 61 is stopped by closing a valve (not shown) on a pipe (not shown) connected to the supply port 91. In this state, when the compression mechanism 92 is driven while supplying the drying gas G2, the cake C2 is dried.

Figure 23C is a diagram illustrating a separation method using a separation device 100 of another embodiment. When the blockage by the lid 95 is released, the discharge outlet 97 opens. The accumulated cake C2 can be removed, for example by scraping out the cake C2 through the discharge outlets 96, 97. After scraping out the cake C2, separation may be performed again without replacing the separation module 40, or separation may be performed after replacing the separation module 40 with another separation module (for example a new one). The replacement is usually performed manually, but may also be performed, for example, by a replacement mechanism 89 (Figure 20C).

10 Filter 100 Separation device 1000 Separation system 111, 112 Opening 12 Second filter 14 Filter hole 20 Support 201, 202, 023 Tank 21 First support 212, 213, 214, 216 Valve 22 Second support 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227 System 23 Support hole 231, 232 Opening 233 Pressure gauge 234 Mass gauge 235 Flow meter 236 Mass gauge 24 Space 25 Extraction port 251, 252 Opening 261 Lower surface 262 Convex portion 263 Upper surface 264 Protrusion 265 Upper surface 266 Lower surface 267 Elastic body 27, 271, 272, 276 Valve 291 Cutout 262 Convex portion 293 Concave portion 30 Spacer 300, 301 Supply device 31 Branch 40 Separation module 50 Rotation mechanism 60 Housing 61 Space 62 Baffle plate 63 Supply port 64 Discharge port 65 Discharge port 70 Cylinder 71 Blocking member 72 Discharge port 80 Placement table 81, 82, 83 Housing 811, 813, 821, 823 Supply port 822, 832 Discharge port 89 Exchange mechanism 90 Housing 91, 93 Supply port 92 Compression mechanism 94, 96, 97 Discharge port 95 Lid 98 Bottom plate C1 Fluid to be treated C2 Cake C3 Circulating fluid G1 Pressurized gas G2 Dry gas L1 Fluid to be separated L2 Washing liquid P Center P1 Movement direction T Fluid to be separated

Claims (13)

A classification module for classifying a second slurry containing particles of a desired size from a first slurry containing particles of various sizes, comprising:
a filter having filter holes extending linearly along a thickness direction and made of an organic material or a metal material;
a support that supports the filter by a surface and has a support hole that extends linearly along the thickness direction, a space connected to the support hole, and an outlet that communicates with the space;
When the first slurry comes into contact with one surface of the filter, the second slurry flows through the filter holes to the other surface of the filter,
an opening of the filter hole on the support side overlaps with an opening of the support hole on the filter side such that the second slurry discharged from the filter hole flows into the support hole;
The second slurry that flows through the support hole and is discharged from the support hole further flows into the space formed inside the support and is discharged from the space through the discharge port. The support has a disk shape,
The classification module according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet is disposed at a position including a center of the support. 3. The classification module according to claim 1, wherein the support is a one-piece molding. The classification module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inner diameter of the support hole is larger than an inner diameter of the filter hole. The classification module according to claim 4 , wherein the inner diameter of the filter hole is 1 nm or more and 1 mm or less. A classification device comprising the classification module according to claim 1 or 2. The classification device according to claim 6 , further comprising a rotation mechanism for rotating the classification module. The classification device according to claim 7 , wherein the support hole has an inclination that rises in a direction of rotation caused by driving the rotation mechanism. The classification device according to claim 6 , further comprising a mounting table having a mounting table hole for mounting the classification module and discharging the second slurry to a side opposite to a supply side of the first slurry. The classification device according to claim 9 , further comprising an exchange mechanism for exchanging the classification module placed on the placement table with another classification module. The classification device described in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the classification device uses the classification module as a sieve to classify inorganic particles of a desired size from inorganic particles of various sizes contained in the first slurry , thereby aligning the size of the inorganic particles. The classification device described in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the classification device uses the classification module as a sieve to classify organic particles of a desired size from organic particles of various sizes contained in the first slurry , thereby aligning the particle size of the organic particles. A classification device according to any one of claims 6 to 10 ,
a supply device that supplies the first slurry to the classifying device at a higher pressure than a discharge side of the second slurry.

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