U.S. patent application number 12/734267 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for reformed fuel oil, process for producing the same and apparatus therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to MG GROW UP CORP.. Invention is credited to Hidehiro Kumazawa, Kenichi Mogami.
Application Number | 20100252481 12/734267 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40579482 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100252481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mogami; Kenichi ; et
al. |
October 7, 2010 |
REFORMED FUEL OIL, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME AND APPARATUS
THEREFOR
Abstract
A reformed fuel oil capable of enhancing combustion efficiency.
The reforming is performed by circulating a fuel oil required times
through a primary reform treatment in which the fuel oil is caused
to undergo not only flow by centrifugal force but also meandering
flow made while repeating flow split and confluence in a direction
crossing the direction of the centrifugal force flow and a
secondary reform treatment in which the fuel oil having undergone
the primary reform treatment is caused to undergo not only flow by
pressure feed force but also meandering flow made while repeating
flow split and confluence in a direction crossing the direction of
the pressure feed force flow.
Inventors: |
Mogami; Kenichi; (Fukuoka,
JP) ; Kumazawa; Hidehiro; (Aichi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JORDAN AND HAMBURG LLP
122 EAST 42ND STREET, SUITE 4000
NEW YORK
NY
10168
US
|
Assignee: |
MG GROW UP CORP.
Kitakyushu-shi
JP
MARUFUKUSUISAN CORP.
Kitakyushu-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
40579482 |
Appl. No.: |
12/734267 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 21, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/069046 |
371 Date: |
April 21, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
208/15 ; 196/46;
208/177 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 5/0604 20130101;
F23K 5/12 20130101; B01F 3/0807 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
208/15 ; 208/177;
196/46 |
International
Class: |
C10L 1/04 20060101
C10L001/04; C10G 31/10 20060101 C10G031/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 22, 2007 |
JP |
207-274367 |
Apr 2, 2008 |
JP |
2008-096250 |
Jun 10, 2008 |
JP |
2008-152140 |
Claims
1. A reformed fuel oil obtained by: providing a primary reform
treatment of allowing a fuel oil to flow by means of centrifugal
force and to flow in a meandering state while repeating diversion
and convergence in a direction crossing a direction of the flow;
providing a secondary reform treatment of performing
reform-treatment by means of a fluid reformer allowing the fuel oil
primarily treated to be reformed to flow by means of a
pressure-feed force and allowing the fuel oil to flow in a
meandering state while repeating diversion and convergence in a
direction crossing a direction of the flow, wherein the fluid
reformer disposes a disk-shaped second reforming element to be
opposed to a disk-shaped first reforming element forming a flow
inlet of a fluid at a center part and configures a reforming unit
forming a reforming flow path for flowing and reforming the fluid
in-flow from the flow inlet in a radiation direction between the
reforming elements; in a casing main body formed in a cylindrical
shape, the reforming unit is disposed in plurality at intervals in
an axial direction thereof, forming a space for shaping a flow path
by the adjacent reforming units and the casing main body; in the
space for shaping the flow path, disk-shaped collecting-flow-path
forming elements are disposed so that: the fluid having passed
through the reforming flow path outflows substantially equally from
a full circumference of a flow outlet opening like a ring; and a
collecting-flow path flowing and gathering to an axial core side of
the casing main body is formed; in the collecting-flow-path forming
element, an expansive guide body stabilizing a flow-path sectional
area is formed at one side face of the element main body, and the
guide member is formed in a substantially fan-like, planar shape
from an outer circumferential arc face formed on an arc face of a
curvature which is identical to that of an outer circumferential
edge of the element main body, a pair of side faces which are
connected to each other to be extended from both ends of the outer
circumferential arc face to a center side of the element main body,
and an abutment face formed in a plane which is in parallel to the
element main body; and the guide member is disposed in plurality at
equal intervals at a circumferential part of the element main body
in a circumferential direction thereof, and is formed so that: an
outer circumferential arc face of each of the guide members is
flush with an outer circumferential end face of the
collecting-flow-path forming element and an outer circumferential
end face of the second reforming element; and the side faces
opposed to each other, of the adjacent guide members, are in
parallel to each other in a circumferential direction, allowing a
groove portion width of a groove portion, which is formed of side
face of the adjacent guide members and a rear face of the element
main body, to be substantially equal to another one from a
circumferential side to a center side, of the collecting-flow-path
forming element.
2. The reformed fuel oil set forth in claim 1, wherein the
secondary reform treatment comprises adding a slight amount of air
to the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed.
3. A process for producing reformed fuel oil, comprising: a primary
reform treatment step of performing reform treatment of allowing a
fuel oil to flow in a meandering state while repeating shear-shaped
diversion and compressive confluence by means of a centrifugal
force; and a secondary reform treatment step, by means of the fluid
reformer set forth in claim 1, of performing reform treatment of
allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed in the
primary reform treatment step, to flow in a meandering state while
repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive confluence by
means of a pressure-feed force.
4. The process for producing reformed fuel oil, as set forth in
claim 3, wherein a slight-amount-of-air feed step of feeding a
slight amount of air is provided prior to the secondary reform
treatment step.
5. An apparatus for producing reformed fuel oil, comprising: a
first reform treatment section of performing reform treatment of
allowing a fuel oil to flow by means of centrifugal force and to
flow in a meandering state while repeating shear-shaped diversion
and compressive confluence in a direction crossing the direction of
the flow; and a secondary reform treatment section, which is the
fluid reformer set forth in claim 1, of performing reform treatment
of allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed in the
primary reform treatment section, to flow by means of a
pressure-feed force and to flow in a meandering state while
repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive confluence in a
direction crossing the direction of the flow.
6. An apparatus for producing reformed fuel oil, comprising a
primary reform treatment section, a secondary treatment section,
and an air means feed section between the primary reform treatment
section and the secondary treatment section.
7. A reformed fuel oil obtained by: providing a primary reform
treatment of allowing a fuel oil to flow by means of centrifugal
force and to flow in a meandering state while repeating diversion
and convergence in a direction crossing a direction of the flow;
providing a secondary reform treatment of allowing the fuel oil
primarily treated to be reformed to flow by means of a
pressure-feed force and allowing the fuel oil to flow in a
meandering state while repeating diversion and convergence in a
direction crossing a direction of the flow.
8. The reformed fuel oil set forth in claim 7, wherein the
secondary reform treatment comprises adding a slight amount of air
to the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed.
9. A process for producing reformed fuel oil, comprising: a primary
reform treatment step of performing reform treatment of allowing a
fuel oil to flow in a meandering state while repeating shear-shaped
diversion and compressive confluence by means of a centrifugal
force; and a secondary reform treatment step of performing reform
treatment of allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed
in the primary reform treatment step, to flow in a meandering state
while repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive confluence
by means of a pressure-feed force.
10. The process for producing reformed fuel oil, as set forth in
claim 9, wherein a slight-amount-of-air feed step of feeding a
slight amount of air is provided prior to the secondary reform
treatment step.
11. An apparatus for producing reformed fuel oil, comprising: a
first reform treatment section of performing reform treatment of
allowing a fuel oil to flow by means of centrifugal force and to
flow in a meandering state while repeating shear-shaped diversion
and compressive confluence in a direction crossing the direction of
the flow; and a secondary reform treatment section of performing
reform treatment of allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be
reformed in the primary reform treatment section, to flow by means
of a pressure-feed force and to flow in a meandering state while
repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive confluence in a
direction crossing the direction of the flow.
12. An oil treatment apparatus comprising a disk-shaped reforming
element opposed to a disk-shaped first reforming element forming a
flow inlet of a fluid at a center part and configures a reforming
unit forming a reforming flow path for flowing and reforming the
fluid in-flow from the flow inlet in a radiation direction between
the reforming elements; in a casing main body formed in a
cylindrical shape, the reforming unit is disposed in plurality at
intervals in an axial direction thereof, forming a space for
shaping a flow path by the adjacent reforming units and the casing
main body; in the space for shaping the flow path, disk-shaped
collecting-flow-path forming elements are disposed so that: the
fluid having passed through the reforming flow path outflows
substantially equally from a full circumference of a flow outlet
opening like a ring; and a collecting-flow path flowing and
gathering to an axial core side of the casing main body is formed;
in the collecting-flow-path forming element, an expansive guide
body stabilizing a flow-path sectional area is formed at one side
face of the element main body, and the guide member is formed in a
substantially fan-like, planar shape from an outer circumferential
arc face formed on an arc face of a curvature which is identical to
that of an outer circumferential edge of the element main body, a
pair of side faces which are connected to each other to be extended
from both ends of the outer circumferential arc face to a center
side of the element main body, and an abutment face formed in a
plane which is in parallel to the element main body; and the guide
member is disposed in plurality at equal intervals at a
circumferential part of the element main body in a circumferential
direction thereof, and is formed so that: an outer circumferential
arc face of each of the guide members is flush with an outer
circumferential end face of the collecting-flow-path forming
element and an outer circumferential end face of the second
reforming element; and the side faces opposed to each other, of the
adjacent guide members, are in parallel to each other in a
circumferential direction, allowing a groove portion width of a
groove portion, which is formed of side face of the adjacent guide
members and a rear face of the element main body, to be
substantially equal to another one from a circumferential side to a
center side, of the collecting-flow-path forming element.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a reformed fuel oil, a
process for continuously producing the reformed fuel oil, and an
apparatus therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As one aspect of the apparatus for producing the reformed
fuel oil, there is the one comprised of a cylindrical far infrared
radiation ceramics member made of a net-like continuous porous
members; and a far infrared radiation cylindrical ceramics having a
hollow shape at an inside penetrating the ceramics member (see
Patent Document 1, for example).
[0003] The apparatus for producing the reformed fuel is intended to
enhance combustion efficiency by a fluid fuel being activated by
subjecting it to far infrared radiation.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.
11-106762
[0004] However, the aforementioned apparatus for producing the
reformed fuel fails to attain a satisfactory effect, although
combustion efficiency is enhanced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In order to solve the aforementioned problem, the present
invention provides the following reformed fuel oil.
[0006] (1) The invention is directed to a reformed fuel oil, and
comprises: a primary reform treatment of allowing a fuel oil to
flow by means of a centrifugal force and to flow in a meandering
state while repeating diversion and convergence in a direction
crossing a direction of the flow; and a secondary reform treatment
of performing reform-treatment by means of a fluid reformer
allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed to flow by
means of a pressure-feed force and allowing the fuel oil to flow in
a meandering state while repeating diversion and convergence in a
direction crossing the direction of the flow.
[0007] The fluid reformer disposes a disk-shaped second reforming
element opposed to a disk-shaped first reforming element forming a
flow inlet of a fluid at a center part and configures a reforming
unit forming a reforming flow path for flowing and reforming the
fluid in-flow from the flow inlet in a radiation direction between
the reforming elements.
[0008] In a casing main body formed in a cylindrical shape, the
reforming unit is disposed in plurality at intervals in an axial
direction thereof, forming a space for shaping a flow path by the
adjacent reforming units and the casing main body.
[0009] In the space for shaping the flow path, disk-shaped
collecting-flow-path forming elements are disposed so that the
fluid having passed through the reforming flow path outflows
substantially equally from a full circumference of a flow outlet
opening like a ring; and a collecting-flow path flowing and
gathering to an axial core side of the casing main body is
formed.
[0010] In the collecting-flow-path forming element, an expansive
guide body stabilizing a flow-path sectional area is formed at one
side face of the element main body, and the guide member is formed
in a substantially fan-like, planar shape from an outer
circumferential arc face formed on an arc face of a curvature which
is identical to that of an outer circumferential edge of the
element main body. A pair of side faces are connected to each other
extend from both ends of the outer circumferential arc face is to a
center side of the element main body, and an abutment face is
formed in a plane which is in parallel to the element main
body.
[0011] The guide member is disposed in plurality at equal intervals
at a circumferential part of the element main body in a
circumferential direction thereof, and is formed so that an outer
circumferential arc face of each of the guide members is flush with
an outer circumferential end face of the collecting-flow-path
forming element and an outer circumferential end face of the second
reforming element. The side faces opposed to each other, of the
adjacent guide members, are parallel to each other in a
circumferential direction, allowing a groove portion width of a
groove portion, which is formed of side face of the adjacent guide
members and a rear face of the element main body, to be
substantially equal to another one from a circumferential side to a
center side, of the collecting-flow-path forming element.
[0012] (2) The invention discloses that a secondary reform
treatment is performed by adding a slight amount of air to the fuel
oil primarily treated to be reformed.
[0013] The invention discloses a process for producing reformed
fuel oil, comprising: a primary reform treatment step of performing
reform treatment, allowing a fuel oil to flow in a meandering state
while repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive confluence
by means of a centrifugal force; and a secondary reform treatment
step of by means of the fluid reformer set forth above, performing
reform treatment, allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be
reformed in the primary reform treatment step, to flow in a
meandering state while repeating shear-shaped diversion and
compressive confluence by means of a pressure-feed force.
[0014] The invention is directed to the process for producing
reformed fuel oil, wherein a slight-amount-of-air feed step of
feeding a slight amount of air is provided prior to the secondary
reform treatment step.
[0015] In order to solve the aforementioned problem, the invention
provides the following apparatus for producing reformed fuel
oil.
[0016] The invention is directed to an apparatus for producing
reformed fuel oil, comprising:
[0017] a first reform treatment section of performing reform
treatment, allowing a fuel oil to flow by means of centrifugal
force and flow in a meandering state while repeating shear-shaped
diversion and compressive confluence in a direction crossing the
direction of flow; and a secondary reform treatment section, which
is the fluid reformer set forth above of performing reform
treatment, allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed
in the primary reform treatment section, to flow by means of a
pressure-feed force and to flow in a meandering state while
repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive confluence in a
direction crossing the direction of flow.
[0018] The invention is directed to the apparatus for producing
reformed fuel oil, wherein a slight-amount-of-air feed section is
provided between the primary reform treatment section and the
secondary treatment section.
[0019] In the present invention, a fuel oil is uniformly reformed
in at least two steps by means of a primary reform treatment of
minimizing fine impurities in the fuel oil and a secondary reform
treatment of further ultra-miniaturizing the fine impurities in the
fuel oil, so that: the fuel oil can be completely combusted; and a
consumption amount of the fuel oil, required for a required
combustion temperature, can be reduced. As a result, combustion
efficiency can be enhanced. The fuel oils used here include: a
gasoline; a fuel oil for aircraft turbine (a fuel oil for jet
aircraft); a lamp oil; a light oil; a fuel oil for gas turbine; and
a heavy oil or the like, the present invention is effective to
reform a heavy oil in particular, and even a waste oil can be
formed as a reformed waste oil which can be effectively
utilized.
[0020] Further, in the case where a secondary reform treatment is
performed by adding a slight amount of air to the fuel oil
primarily treated to be reformed, the slight amount of air can also
be uniformly mixed with a fuel oil while very fine air bubbles are
formed in the secondary reform treatment (the reformed fuel oil
comprising very fine air bubbles can be formed). For example, a
slight amount of air or fine impurities can be formed as air
bubbles or impurities particles whose particle size (average
particle size) under the volume under screening of 75% or less is
at least 4 microns or less and whose mode diameter in 1 micron to 4
microns is 2 microns. Since the air bubbles are reduced in
buoyancy, they are dispersed and stabilized in reformed fuel oil.
Furthermore, an increase of a gas-liquid interfacial area
(combustion surface area) due to very fine air bubbles can be
achieved. In this case, there exist air bubbles whose diameters are
approximately 1 micron and which are ultra-miniaturized to the
nano-level or submicron level, and more increase of the gas-liquid
interfacial area (combustion surface area) and an increase of
surface activity (similar to the function of surfactant) due to
electrostatic polarization can be achieved by such very fine air
bubble. Moreover, the oxygen in the air bubbles whose diameter is
approximately 1 micron, and further, which is ultra-miniaturized to
the nano-level or submicron level, is prone to be dissolved in fuel
oil, thus making it possible to form a reformed fuel oil containing
a relatively large amount of the dissolved oxygen. As a result, the
present invention can provide a reformed fuel oil and a process and
apparatus for producing the same, which is capable of remarkably
reducing the amount of fuel consumption and enhancing combustion
efficiency more remarkably. The nano-level used here designates a
level of less than 1 micron. The submicron level designates a level
of 0.1 micron to 1 micron.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a conceptual explanatory view showing a
configuration of an apparatus for producing a reformed fuel oil,
according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a graph depicting an experimental result.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a bar graph depicting the experimental result.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a time-combustion temperature characteristic
graph.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a bar graph depicting a fuel consumption quantity
with elapse of time.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a combustion temperature bar graph of each
reformed fuel oil.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a particle size distribution map.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a magnified microgram in place of the drawing.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a side view of a reformer main body of a rotary
fluid reformer.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an upward rotor of the reformer
main body.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a downward rotor of the reformer
main body.
[0032] FIG. 12 is an explanatory plan view showing a state of
communication between recessed portions for forming a flow path,
which are formed at the upward and downward rotors,
respectively.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a sectional explanatory view taken along the line
I-I of FIG. 12.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the downward rotor.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a sectional plan view showing a fluid reformer of
a first embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 16 is an exploded sectional plan view showing a
reforming unit of the fluid reformer of the first embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 17A is a right side view showing a first reforming
element of the reforming unit of the first embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 17B is a left side view showing the same.
[0039] FIG. 18A is a left side view showing a second reforming
element of the reforming unit of the first embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 18B is a right side view showing the same.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the reforming unit of
the first embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembled
state of the reforming unit of the first embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing an abutment state of
recessed portions formed in each reforming element of the first
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a sectional plan view showing a fluid reformer of
a second embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 23 is an exploded sectional plan view showing a
reforming unit of the fluid reformer of the second embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 24A is a right side view showing a collecting-flow-path
forming element of the reforming unit of the second embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 24B is a left side view showing the same.
[0048] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembled
state of the reforming unit of the second embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 26 is an explanatory right side view of the
collecting-flow-path forming element, showing the assembled state
of the reforming unit of the second embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 27A is a left side view showing a second reforming
element modified as to the second embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 27B is a landscape view of a front view showing the
same.
[0052] FIG. 27C is a right side view showing the same.
[0053] FIG. 28 is a sectional plan view showing a fluid reformer of
a third embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 29 is an exploded sectional plan view showing a
reforming unit of the fluid reformer of the third embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembled
state of the reforming unit of the third embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 31A is a left side view showing a lead-out side element
of the reforming unit of the third embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 31B is a right side view showing the same.
[0058] FIG. 32 is a sectional front view showing a fluid reformer
of a fourth embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 33 is an exploded sectional plan view showing a
reforming unit of the fluid reformer of the fourth embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembled
state of the reforming unit of the fourth embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 35A is an explanatory right side view of an assembled
state of a reforming unit, showing an exemplary modification of the
collecting-flow-path forming element.
[0062] FIG. 35B is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of
FIG. 35A.
[0063] FIG. 35C is a sectional view taken along the line of FIG.
35A.
[0064] FIG. 36 is a sectional explanatory side view showing an
exemplary modification of the fluid reformer of the first
embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 37 is a sectional explanatory side view showing another
exemplary modification of the fluid reformer of the first
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERAL
[0066] A Apparatus for producing reformed fuel oil [0067] 1
Communication pipe [0068] 2 Pressure-feed pump [0069] 3 Suction
pipe [0070] 4 Oil feed section [0071] 11-11E Fluid reformer [0072]
24 Reforming unit [0073] 24a Gap-shaped opening (flow outlet)
[0074] Reforming flow path
[0075] Collecting flow path [0076] First reforming element
[0077] Flow inlet [0078] Second reforming element [0079] 35a, 41a
Rectangle section (diverting section and/or converging section)
[0080] Guide member
[0081] lead-out side element
[0082] Discharge port
[0083] Rotary fluid reformer
[0084] Spacer
[0085] Complex flow generating member
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described referring to the drawings.
Description of an Apparatus for Producing Reformed Fuel Oil
[0087] FIG. 1 is a conceptual view of an apparatus A for producing
reformed fuel oil, according to the present invention (hereinafter,
referred to as "the apparatus"). The apparatus A, as shown in FIG.
1, is provided with: a rotary fluid reformer 80 as a primary reform
treatment section for performing reform treatment while
preliminarily uniformly stirring a fuel oil; and a stationary fluid
reformer 11 as a secondary reform treatment section for further
performing reform treatment of a primarily treated liquid treated
to be reformed by means of the rotary fluid reformer 80. In
addition, both of the reformers 80, 11 are connected in
communication with each other via a communication pipe 1 as a
communication section, so as to pressure-feed a predetermined
amount of primary treatment liquid from the rotary fluid reformer
80 to the stationary fluid reformer 11 by means of a pressure-feed
pump which is provided at a midcourse part of the communication
pipe 1. A proximal end part of a suction pipe 3 as a
slight-amount-of-air intake section (slight-amount-of-air feed
section) for intake of a slight amount of air is connected in
communication with the midcourse part of the communication pipe 1
that is positioned at the suction inlet side (immediate upstream
side) of the pressure-feed pump 2, and an opening amount adjustment
valve (not shown) is mounted to be adjustable in opening amount, at
a distal end part of the suction pipe 3, so as to be able to open
the distal end part in the ambient air appropriately by the opening
amount. A valve section such as a check valve or an open/close
valve can be arranged at an appropriate site of the communication
pipe 1. In addition, the pressure-feed pump 2 can be arranged at
another appropriate site of the communication pipe 1.
[0088] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes an oil feed section
for feeding a predetermined amount of fuel oil to the rotary fluid
reformer 80 by means of an oil feed pump or the like. Reference
numeral 6 designates combustion equipment, such as a burner, which
is connected in communication with the stationary fluid reformer 11
via the communication pipe 1 so as to pressure-feed and supply the
reformed fuel oil, which is a finally treated liquid treated to be
reformed by means of the stationary fluid reformer 11, to
combustion equipment 6 by means of the pressure-feed pump 2 that is
provided at the midcourse part of the communication pipe 1. The
excessive reformed fuel oil that is obtained at the time of feeding
the above reformed fuel oil to the combustion equipment 6 is
diverted from the communication pipe 1, the diverted fuel oil is
reserved in a reservoir section (not shown), and the reserved fuel
oil is appropriately circulated from the reservoir section to the
communication pipe 1 so as to be able to be fed to the combustion
equipment 6. At this time, the reformed fuel oil is circulated from
the reservoir section to the upstream side of the stationary fluid
reformer 11, so as to be able to be fed to the combustion equipment
6 after reform treatment of a plurality of times has been performed
by means of the stationary fluid reformer 11.
[0089] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 designates a first three-way
valve; reference numeral 13 designates a second three-way valve;
reference numeral 14 designates a return pipe interposed between
the first and second three-way valves 12 and 13, wherein both of
the first and second three-way valves 12 and 13 are manipulate to
be switched as required, whereby a reform-treated liquid is
circularly fed to the rotary fluid reformer 80 and the stationary
fluid reformer 11, and reform treatment is then repeated a
predetermined number of times (10 times, for example) or for a
predetermined period of time (for 20 minutes, for example) so as to
be able to feed a reformed fuel oil, which is a desired finally
treated liquid, to the combustion equipment 6. A detailed
description of the rotary fluid reformer 80 and the stationary
fluid reformer 11 will be furnished later.
[0090] As the pressure-feed pump 2, there can be used a pump which
is capable of transporting a gas-liquid mixture, i.e., a pump
("gas-liquid transport pump" available from NIKUNI Corporation, for
example) which is capable of ensuring a stable discharge pressure
and discharge flow rate at the time of pressure-feeding a reformed
fuel oil which is a gas-liquid mixture fluid as well.
[0091] In addition, air (ambient air) can be taken from the suction
pipe 3 into the communication pipe 1 by means of an ejector effect
(a suction effect utilizing a pressure difference between a
pressure in the communication pipe 1 and that in the suction pipe
3).
[0092] Further, the intake amount of a slight amount of air (a feed
amount of a slight amount of air) for a fuel oil can be
appropriately set and adjusted according to the intake amount from
the suction pipe 3 to the communication pipe 1 via an adjustment
section such as the opening amount adjustment valve (not shown) or
the suction amount of the pressure-feed pump 2. The intake amount
of the slight amount of air (the feed amount of the slight amount
of air) for a reformed fuel oil which is a finally treated liquid
is preferable to be 0% to 3% of the volume of a fuel oil to be
reformed (the intake quantity of the slight amount of air is 0% in
the case where no air is taken from the suction pipe 3 by closing
the opening amount adjustment valve and closing a distal end part
of the suction pipe 3). A further preferable intake amount is from
approximately 1% to approximately 2%, and the most preferable one
is 2%. In the case where a desired amount of air cannot be
suctioned at one time due to the ejector effect, a liquid treated
to be reformed is circulated via a return pipe 14 as described
previously, and air is in-taken over a plurality of times, whereby
a reformed fuel oil, which is a desired finally treated liquid, can
be formed. As a slight-amount-of-air intake section
(slight-amount-of air feed section), there may be a structure which
is capable of feeding a slight amount of air of several % into a
primarily reform-treated liquid at the upstream side (fluid feed
port side) of at least a secondary reform treatment section, and as
described above, there may be a structure of feeding a slight
amount of air by means of pressurization or the like, without being
limitative to the structure of suctioning the slight amount of air
from the suction pipe 3.
[0093] Next, a process for producing a reformed fuel oil by means
of the aforementioned apparatus A (process for producing reformed
fuel oil) will be described. That is, the process for producing
reformed fuel oil, according to the present invention, includes: a
primary reform treatment step of, by means of the rotary fluid
reformer 80 which will be described later, performing reform
treatment, thereby allowing a fuel oil to flow in a meandering
state while repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive
confluence by means of a centrifugal force; and a secondary reform
treatment step of, by means of the stationary fluid reformer 11
which will be described later, performing reform treatment, thereby
allowing the fuel oil primarily treated to be reformed in the
primary reform treatment step, to flow in a meandering state while
repeating shear-shaped diversion and compressive confluence by
means of a pressure-feed force, wherein a slight-amount-of air feed
step of feeding a slight amount of air is provided as required
prior to the secondary reform treatment step.
[0094] Afterwards, in the first reform treatment step, a fuel oil
is treated to be reformed while it is uniformly stirred by means of
the stationary fluid reformer 11, thereby forming a primarily
reformed liquid, and in the secondary reform treatment step, the
reformed liquid is treated to be reformed while it is uniformly
stirred by means of the stationary fluid reformer 11, thereby
forming a reformed fuel oil as the secondarily reformed liquid or
the finally treated liquid.
[0095] In addition, in the slight-amount-of-air feed step, due to
the ejector effect, a slight amount of air which is a predetermined
amount is taken through the suction pipe 3 into a reformed liquid
being fed from the rotary fluid reformer 80 to the stationary fluid
reformer 11 through the communication pipe 1. Further, in the case
where the slight amount of air has been flown therein, the air and
the reformed liquid are subjected to gas-liquid reforming by means
of the stationary fluid reformer 11, thereby continuously producing
a reformed fuel oil comprising fine air bubbles. Moreover, the
reformed fuel oil as the finally treated liquid is (appropriately)
fed to the combustion equipment (burner) 6 or the like (via the
reservoir section as required).
[0096] At this time, the fine impurities in the fuel oil is
miniaturized (2 to 5 microns) by means of the rotary fluid reformer
80 as the primary reform treatment section, and the fuel oil is
then formed to be a primarily reformed liquid obtained when the
impurities are uniformly dispersed. The fed fine impurities in the
primarily reformed liquid are ultra-miniaturized to the nano-level
(less than 1 micron); and the slight amount of air in-taken is
formed to be very fine air bubbles whose diameter is on the
nano-level (less than 1 micron), making it possible to form a
secondarily reformed liquid by uniformly mixing/dispersing these
air bubbles. In the embodiment, the particle size (average particle
size) of 75% in volume under screening of fine impurities and fine
air bubbles is obtained as those of at least 4 microns or less
(preferably 2 microns or less, or alternatively, further preferably
0.95 micron to 1.5 microns) and air bubbles or impurities of 2
microns are obtained in mode diameter of 1 micron to 4 microns.
Further, in order to obtain these fine impurities or air bubbles of
desired average particle sizes, as required, it is possible to
employ a circulation step of circularly feeding a reform treatment
liquid the rotary fluid reformer 80 and the stationary fluid
reformer 11, and then, repeating reform treatment a predetermined
number of times (10 times, for example) or for a predetermined
period of time (for 20 minutes, for example) as described
previously.
[0097] The fine impurities have their diameters of 1 micron to 200
microns in size; are rusts or corroded substances which can be
mainly generated in distillation equipment, fluidized catalytic
crackers, tanks, and pipes or the like; and contain iron oxide,
iron sulfide, and iron chloride or the like. In addition, a variety
of catalyses employed in oil refinery plant are finely grained. In
the embodiment, those except the air contained in fuel oil are
referred to as fine impurities. The fine impurities can be
filtrated by applying a fuel oil to a fine fuel oil filter, whereas
there is a disadvantage that filtration efficiency is not good.
Therefore, only relatively large fine impurities (100 microns or
more, for example) are filtrated, and as to smaller fine
impurities, the fuel oil is treated to be reformed by
miniaturizing, and further, ultra-miniaturizing them with a slight
amount of air. In this manner, combustion efficiency of reformed
fuel oil can be enhanced.
[0098] In addition, since the miniaturized air bubbles are reduced
in buoyancy they are dispersed and stabilized in the reformed fuel
oil. Moreover, an increase of a gas-liquid interfacial area
(combustion surface area) due to very fine air bubbles can be
achieved. In this case, there exist air bubbles whose diameter is
approximately 1 micron, and further, which are ultra-miniaturized
to the nano-level or submicron level, and more increase of the
gas-liquid interfacial area (combustion surface area) and an
increase of surface activity (similar to the function of
surfactant) due to electrostatic polarization can be achieved by
such very fine air bubbles. Further, the oxygen in the air bubbles
whose diameter is approximately 1 micron, and further, which is
ultra-miniaturized to the nano-level or submicron level is prone to
be dissolved in fuel oil, thus making it possible to form a
reformed fuel oil containing a relatively large amount of the
dissolved oxygen. As a result, in the reformed fuel oil according
to the embodiment, the fuel consumption amount can be significantly
reduced and the combustion efficiency of fuel oil can be enhanced
more remarkably.
[0099] Further, as an exemplary modification of the embodiment, a
secondary reform treatment can also be performed immediately
without need to perform the primary reform treatment step.
Moreover, a circulation step for repeatedly circulating reform
treatment can also be employed as that for repeatedly circulating
it only in the secondary reform treatment step without need to
return to the primary reform treatment step, after undergoing the
primary reform treatment step to the secondary reform treatment
step. In these cases, a slight amount of air may be in-taken or
not. In the abovementioned apparatus A, a reformed fuel oil can be
continuously and automatically produced by automatically,
computer-controlling each functional section.
First Experimental Result
[0100] Next, a reformed fuel oil of A-heavy oil was produced using
the abovementioned apparatus A. (A rotary fluid reformer 80, which
will be described later, was used as a primary reform treatment
section, and a stationary fluid reformer 11B, which will be
described later, was used as a secondary reform treatment section.)
Afterwards, as to combustion efficiency using the combustion
equipment (Mechanical Gun Burner MGHA-161 available from Corona
Corporation was used.) the produced reformed fuel oil was compared
with A-heavy oil (unreformed) as a comparative example. Here, the
reformed fuel oil of A-heavy oil having air taken therein
(approximately 1% of the volume of A-heavy oil which is a liquid
treated to be reformed) was defined as a first reformed fuel oil,
and the reformed fuel oil of A-heavy oil free of air was defined as
a second reformed fuel oil. In addition, reform treatment was
performed by circularly repeatedly feeding the liquid treated to be
reformed, to the rotary fluid reformer 80 and the stationary fluid
reformer 11 for 15 minutes only. FIG. 2 is a graph depicting a
change of a combustion temperature with elapse of time, obtained
when the first and second reformed fuel oils and A-heavy oil
(unreformed) are fed to, and are combusted by means of, the
combustion equipment (burner), respectively. Graphic curve G1
depicts a change of a combustion temperature of the first reformed
fuel oil by the solid line. Graphic curve G2 depicts a change of a
combustion temperature of the second reformed fuel oil by the
single-dotted chain line. Graphic curve G3 depicts a change of a
combustion temperature of A-heavy oil (unreformed) by the chain
line. Graphic curves G1 and G3 were obtained as temperature change
graphs which are substantially identical to each other in shape,
and there was almost no difference in temperature after the elapse
of 35 minutes. Graphic curve G2 was obtained as a temperature
change graphic curve which is analogous to graphic curves G1, G2,
and there was a temperature difference of about 50 degrees in
temperature after the elapse of 35 minutes. FIG. 3 is a bar graph
depicting an amount of fuel consumption with the elapse of time, of
the first and second reformed fuel oils and A-heavy oil
(unreformed). The respective amounts of fuel consumption after the
elapse of 35 minutes were: 7.67 L in the first reformed fuel oil;
8.29 L in the second reformed fuel oil; and 8.79 L in A-heavy oil
(unreformed). As a result, it was found that: a reduction rate of
the first reformed fuel oil relative to A-heavy oil (unreformed) is
12.7%; and that a reduction rate of the second reformed fuel oil
relative to A-heavy oil (unreformed) is 5.6%.
Second Experimental Result
[0101] Next, an experiment similar to the first experiment was
performed. Assuming that the amount of air to be taken in the first
reformed fuel oil is 2% of the volume of A-heavy oil which is a
liquid treated to be reformed is 2%, reform treatment was
repeatedly performed circularly for 20 minutes. At this time, a
predetermined amount of air was compressed and fed to the first
reformed fuel oil. FIG. 4 is a graph (time-combustion temperature
characteristic graph) depicting a change of a combustion
temperature obtained when the first and second reformed fuel oils
and A-heavy oil (untreated) are fed to, and are combusted by means
of, the combustion equipment (burner), respectively. Graphic curve
G1 depicts a change of a combustion temperature of the first
reformed fuel oil by the solid line. Graphic curve G2 depicts a
change of a combustion temperature of the second reformed fuel oil
by single-dotted chain line Graphic curve G3 depicts a change of a
combustion temperature of A-heavy oil (unreformed) by the chain
line. The combustion time is 45 minutes. The combustion
temperatures at combustion time intervals of 30 minutes to 45
minutes of the first and second reformed fuel oils and A-heavy oil
(unreformed) was set to be substantially equal to each other (as a
result, the combustion temperatures in combustion time intervals of
30 minutes to 45 minutes in graphic curves G1 to G3 are obtained as
the temperature change graphic curves which are substantially
identical to each other in shape), and the respective amounts of
fuel consumption were compared with each other. FIG. 5 is a bar
graph depicting amounts of fuel consumption with the elapse of
time, of the first and second reformed fuel oils and A-heavy oil
(unreformed). The respective amounts of fuel consumption after the
elapse of 45 minutes were: 7.23 L in the first reformed fuel oil;
7.8 L in the second reformed fuel oil; and 8.37 L in A-heavy oil
(unreformed). As a result, it was found that: a reduction rate of
the first reformed fuel oil relative to A-heavy oil (unreformed) is
13.6%; and that a reduction rate of the second reformed fuel oil
relative to A-heavy oil (unreformed) is 6.8%.
Third Experimental Result
[0102] Next, an experiment similar to the second experiment was
performed. Assuming that: the amounts of air to be taken in the
first reformed fuel oil are three patterns, i.e., 1% (1-1st
reformed fuel oil), 2% (1-2nd reformed fuel oil), and 3% (1-3rd
reformed fuel oil) of the volume of A-heavy oil which is a liquid
treated to be reformed, reform treatment was circularly and
repeatedly performed for 20 minutes. At this time, a predetermined
amount of air was compressed and fed to the first reformed fuel
oil. Further, after the start of combustion by means of the
combustion equipment (burner), the average values of the combustion
temperatures in 30 minutes to 45 minutes were measured. As a
result, as depicted by the bar graph in FIG. 6, the combustion
temperature was 872 degrees centigrade in A-heavy oil (unreformed);
912 degrees centigrade in the second reformed fuel oil; 919 degrees
in centigrade in the 1-1st reformed fuel oil; 956 degrees
centigrade in the 1-2nd reformed fuel oil; and 861 degrees
centigrade in the 1-3rd reformed fuel oil, respectively. Moreover,
it was found that reduction rates (after the elapse of 45 minutes)
of the amounts of fuel consumption in reformed fuel oils relative
to A-heavy oil (unreformed) were 7.5% in the 1-1st reformed fuel
oil; 13.6% in the 1-2nd reformed fuel oil; 1.8% in the 1-3rd
reformed fuel oil; and 6.8% in the second reformed fuel oil.
[0103] From the first to third experimental results described
above, it was found that the first reformed fuel oil, in
particular, in the 1-2nd reformed fuel oil (2% of the volume of
A-heavy oil which is a liquid treated to be reformed) is the best
in the reduction rate of the amount of fuel consumption. Further,
it was found that the 1-1st reformed fuel oil (1% of the volume of
A-heavy oil which is a liquid treated to be reformed) and the
second reformed fuel oil (0% of the volume of A-heavy oil which is
a liquid treated to be reformed) are also effective. Particle size
distribution measurement of air bubbles or fine impurities in the
1-2nd reformed fuel oil was performed by means of SK Laser Micron
Sizer LMS-2000e (trade name) available from SEISHIN Enterprise Co.,
Ltd. As a sample, the 1-2nd reformed fuel oil was measured by
diluting it with the use of n-hexane (dispersant) at 5 times. The
measurement result is shown as a particle size distribution (bar
graph) in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7. the frequency of particle
size was 14.85% which is a maximum value in distribution of 1.783
microns to 2.000 microns. Further, the particle size was 3.991
microns or less at 74.98% of the (volume) under screening. FIG. 8
is a microgram taken after the 1-2nd reformed fuel oil has been
magnified at 1,500 times with the use of an optical microscope
"Digital Microscope DMBA 200" (trade name) available from Shimadzu
Rika Corporation. From FIGS. 7 and 8, it was found that a vast
majority of the air bubbles or fine impurities in the 1-2nd
reformed fuel oil is homogenized (treated to be reformed) in very
fine particles (approximately 1 micron to less than 4 microns).
[0104] Hereinafter, the rotary fluid reformer 80 as the first
reform-treatment section and the stationary fluid reformers 11 to
11E as the second reform-treatment section will be specifically
described, respectively.
Description of a Rotary Fluid Reformer
[0105] FIG. 9 is a side view of a reformer main body 81 which is an
essential part of the rotary fluid reformer 80. Basically, the
rotary fluid reformer 80 is provided with: an accommodation tank
(not shown) for accommodating untreated fluid to be reformed (fuel
oil such as A-heavy oil or C-heavy oil in the present invention);
the reformer main body 81 disposed in the accommodation tank, for
reforming the mixture to be reformed to form a reformed liquid; and
an electromotive motor (not shown) as a drive source for rotatably
driving the reformer main body 81. Each of the distal end part(s)
of the oil feed section 4 is connected in communication with an
upper part of the accommodation tank, and a proximal end part of
the communication pipe 1 is connected in communication with a lower
part of the accommodation tank.
[0106] The reformer main body 81, as shown in FIG. 9, allows an
upper end part of a rotary shaft 82 to be removably connected in
conjunction with a drive shaft of the electromotive motor, allowing
a pair of rotors 83, 84 to be coaxially disposed and integrally
connected to a lower end part of the rotary shaft 82, with the
rotors being vertically opposed to each other.
[0107] The upper rotor 83, as shown in FIG. 10, is formed in a
honeycomb shape while recessed portions 88 for forming a flow path,
which are hexagonal from the bottom view in a radial direction and
a circumferential direction, are densely formed in order on a
bottom face of a rotating main body 85 formed in a disk shape with
its predetermined thickness, with the exception of a center part 86
and an outer circumferential part 87 with its predetermined width.
The center part 86 of the rotating main body 85 is formed to be
flush with a bottom face of the recessed portions 88 for forming
flow paths, whereas the outer circumferential portion 87 is formed
to be flush with a top face of the recessed portions 88 for forming
flow paths. Further, a rotary shaft through hole 85a is formed at a
center position on the top face of the rotating main body 85 and a
cylindrical connecting portion 85b is integrally connected in
communication with the rotary shaft through hole 85a, on the top
face of the rotating main body 85.
[0108] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the downward rotor
84 opens while a flow inlet 90 as an flow inlet section is
perforated in a vertical direction at the center part of the
rotating main body 89 formed to be substantially identical to the
abovementioned rotating main body 85 in size, i.e., in thickness
and outer diameter. Further, on the top face of the rotating main
body 89, with the exception of the outer circumferential portion 91
with its predetermined width, recessed portions 92 for forming flow
paths, which are hexagonal from the bottom view in a radial
direction and a circumferential direction, are densely formed in
sequential order in a honeycomb shape. A boss section 89b having a
rotary shaft through hole 89a is disposed at the center position of
the rotating main body 89, i.e., at the center position of the flow
inlet 90; and a boss section 89b is connected via a connecting
piece 89c to an inner circumferential edge part of the rotating
main body 89 forming the flow inlet 90.
[0109] In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, both of the rotors 83, 84
are opposed to each other, allowing both of the rotary shaft
through holes 85a, 89a to be connected in coincidence with each
other in a vertical direction in an overlapped manner. Reference
numeral 82c designates a male screw portion formed at a lower end
part of the rotary shaft 82; reference numerals 82d, 82e designate
female screw portions; and reference numerals 82f, 82g designate
washers. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, reference numeral 96 designates
an upward screw hole; reference numeral 97 designates a downward
screw hole; and reference numeral 98 designates a screw.
[0110] Moreover, the recessed portions 88, 92 for forming flow
paths, which are formed in both of the rotors 83, 84, face to each
other in a displaced state. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the
center part of the adjacent recessed portions 88 for forming flow
paths are positioned at the center part of one recessed portion 92
for forming a flow path, facing to another one; and the center part
of the adjacent three recessed portions 92 for forming flow paths
are positioned at the center part of one recessed portion 88 facing
to another one. Between the recessed portions 88 and 92 for forming
flow paths, a reforming flow path 93 is formed through which a
fluid to be treated flows in a radiation direction while meandering
so as to diverge (in a shear manner) from one recessed portion
88(92) for forming a flow path while it is sheared by two recessed
portions 92(88) facing to each other, and then, converge (in a
compressive manner) from two recessed portions 88(92) for forming a
flow path while it is compressed in one recessed portion 92(88) for
forming a flow path, facing to another one. Further, between the
outer circumferential part 87 of the upper rotor 83 and the outer
circumferential part 91 of the lower rotor 84, a flow outlet 94
opening over the outer circumferential edge is formed as a flow
outlet section.
[0111] In this manner, as shown in FIG. 13, a pair of upward and
downward rotors 83, 84 are rotated by means of an electromotive
motor, a fluid R to be treated (which is indicated by the arrow in
FIG. 18) inflows from a flow inlet 90 formed at the center part of
the downward rotor 84. In the reforming flow path 93, the fluid
diverges from one recessed portion 88(92) for forming a flow path
to two recessed portions 92(88) for forming flow paths, facing to
another one, or alternatively, converts from the two recessed
portions 88(92) for forming flow paths in one recessed portion
88(92) for forming a flow path, facing to another one. Afterwards,
the fluid flows in the radiation direction, and outflows from the
flow outlet 94 while repeating diversion and confluence, and
moreover, meandering.
[0112] Sequentially, the fluid R to be treated, having flown out of
the flow outlet 94, flows smoothly from an upward direction to a
downward direction along the interior face of a peripheral wall of
an accommodation tank, and then, upward from the bottom face of the
accommodation tank, so as to be flown (circulated) in the flow
inlet 90 again.
[0113] In this way, the fluid R to be treated, having flown out of
the flow inlet 90, flows through the reforming flow path 93, is
flown out of the flow outlet 94, and then, is in-flown from the
flow inlet 90 so that a circulation flow path of the fluid R to be
treated, of flow inlet 90->reforming flow path 93->flow
outlet 94->flow inlet 90 is formed. As a result, fine impurities
(or air bubbles in some cases) are miniaturized while they are
efficiently circulated, whereby fuel oil which is the fluid R to be
treated can be reformed.
[0114] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 9, 13, and 14, on the bottom
face of the rotor 84, a plurality of inflow acceleration blades 99
(3 blades in the embodiment) are protruded at constant intervals in
a circumferential direction; the inflow acceleration blades 99 have
a working face 99a shaped like a right-angled triangle and formed
to be large in width, extending and protruding gently downward from
the center of the stirring member 84 in the radiation direction.
Reference numeral 99b designates a tapered back face of the inflow
acceleration blade 99; and reference numeral 99c designates an end
face of the inflow acceleration blade 99.
[0115] In this manner, the inflow acceleration blade 99 rotates
integrally with the rotor 84, and the working face 99a of the
inflow acceleration blade 99 acts upon the fluid R to be treated,
whereby: the flow of suctioning the fluid R to be treated at the
side of the inflow hole 90 is generated at a position proximal to
the outer circumference of the inflow hole 90; and the inflow of
the fluid R to be treated, to the inflow hole 90, is accelerated.
Therefore, even in the case where a highly viscous fluid, for
example, "C" heavy oil, which is a fuel oil, and water are
reformed, the resultant liquid mixture can be smoothly flown into
the inflow hole 90, and reforming of the fluid R to be treated such
as C-heavy oil, based upon backflow, can be efficiently
performed.
Description of a Stationary Fluid Reformer
[0116] Hereinafter, a description will be given with respect to
fluid reformers 11 to 11E of the first to fourth embodiments, as
stationary fluid reformers (hereinafter, referred to as "fluid
reformers") for reforming a fluid to be treated (hereinafter,
merely referred to as a "fluid") such as gas and liquid
(gas-liquid) or liquid and liquid (liquid-liquid).
Fluid Reformer 11 as the First Embodiment
[0117] The fluid reformer 11 of the first embodiment will be
described referring to FIGS. 15 to 21. That is, the fluid reformer
11, as shown in FIG. 15, has a cylindrical casing main body 21,
both ends of which open. Flanges 21a, 21b are formed at opening
portions at both ends of the casing main body 21, and capping
members 22, 23 of the casing main body 21 are removably mounted on
the flanges 21a, 21b, respectively. Openings 22a, 23a, which are
gateways of fluid R of the fluid reformer 11, are formed at the
capping members 22, 23. In the embodiment, the opening of the
capping member 22, positioned at the left side in FIG. 15, is
employed as a fluid feed port 22a, whereas the opening of the
capping member 23, positioned at the right side in the figure, is
employed as a fluid lead-out port 23a.
[0118] In addition, plural sets of reforming units 24 for applying
reform-treatment to a fluid (five sets in the embodiment) are
accommodated in the casing main body 21 and an inner
circumferential face of the casing main body 21 and an outer
circumferential face of each of the reforming units 24 are brought
into a gapless intimate contact with each other.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 16, each reforming unit 24 is structured
similarly, and is provided with two disk-shaped (substantially
disk-shaped) members disposed in opposite to each other, more
specifically, first and second reforming elements 30, 40 which are
formed in the disk shape. Among the two first and second reforming
elements 30, 40, the first reforming element 30 disposed at the
fluid feed port side (upstream side) allows a flow inlet 32 for
fluid R (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15 or the like) to be
formed in a penetrative state at the center part of the disk-shaped
element main body 31.
[0120] Further, a thick circumferential wall portion 33 is formed
to be protrusive at a downstream side all around the outer
circumferential edge part of an element main body 31; and a
recessed portion 34 having a circular opening is formed toward the
downstream side by means of the element main body 31 and the
circumferential wall portion 33. Reference numeral 31a designates
an upstream side face oriented toward the fluid feed port 22a of
the element main body 31 and reference numeral 31b designates a
downstream side face oriented toward the fluid lead-out port 23a of
the element main body 31 (which is opposite to a second reforming
element 40).
[0121] As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, at the downstream side face
31b of the element main body 31, a plurality of recessed portions
35, opening shapes of which are regular hexagons, are formed in a
gapless manner. A number of recessed portions 35 are formed in a so
called honeycomb shape. Reference numeral 36 designates a through
hole for screw employed to fixing the second reforming element 40
to the first reforming element 30 by means of screw-tightening.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 16, 18A and 18B, among the two reforming
elements, the second reforming element 40 disposed at the fluid
lead-out side (downstream side) is smaller in diameter than the
first reforming element 30. The diameter of the second reforming
element 40 is smaller than that of the recessed portion 34 of the
first reforming element 30, allowing the second reforming element
40 to be engaged into the recessed portion 34.
[0123] In addition, on an opposite face to the first reforming
element 30, of the second reforming element 40, i.e., at the
upstream side 40a (opposite to the first reforming element) which
is oriented toward the fluid feed port 22a, like the element main
body 31 of the first reforming element 30, a plurality of recessed
portions 41, opening shapes of which are regular hexagons, are
formed in a gapless state. Further, three protrusions 42 are formed
on a surface of the downstream side face 40b that is facially
opposite to the upstream side face. Reference numeral 43 designates
a screw hole formed to mount a female screw employed to fix the
second reforming element 40 to the first reforming element 30 by
means of screw-tightening.
[0124] Further, both of the reforming elements 30, 40 are assembled
in the layouts as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Specifically, the
second reforming element 40 is positioned in a recessed portion 34
of the first reforming element 30. At this time, the orientation of
the second reforming element 40 is determined (see FIG. 20) so that
opening faces of a number of honeycomb-shaped recessed portions 35
of the downstream side face 31b of the first reforming element 30
abuts in a face-to-face state against those of a number of
honeycomb-shaped recessed portions 41 of the upstream side face 40a
of the second reforming element 40. If the second reforming element
40 is oriented in this way, a face having the protrusion 42 formed
thereon can be seen from the outside (see FIG. 19). In this state,
the through hole 36 of the first reforming element 30 and the screw
hole 43 of the second reforming element 40 are positionally aligned
with each other, and these reforming elements are assembled by
tightening them with a screw 44.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 19, the diameter of the second reforming
element 40 is smaller in size than that of the recessed portion 34
of the first reforming element 30. However, it should be noted that
there is a slight difference in diameter.
[0126] Therefore, upon assembling both of the reforming elements
30, 40, between an inner circumferential face 33a of the
circumferential wall portion 33 of the first reforming element and
an outer circumferential end face 40c of the second reforming
element 40, a ring-shaped gap is formed as a discharge canal 24a
all around the outer circumferential end face of the second
reforming element 40; and a dead end opening portion positioned at
the downstream side of the discharge canal 24a is a flow outlet for
fluid, and is opened in a ring shape toward the downstream
side.
[0127] The fluid fed to the flow inlet 32 of the first reforming
element 30 passes through a reforming flow path 25 to be described
later (see FIG. 15), and then, is discharged from this flow outlet.
A discharge width "t" of the discharge canal 24a is formed
substantially equally in width all around there, and is formed in
width of the order of 1/20 of the radius of the second reforming
element 40 (more specifically, of the order of 2 mm) (see FIG.
21).
[0128] If the flow outlet of the discharge canal 24a all around the
outer circumference of the second reforming element 40 is formed
substantially equally in width, a fluid can be discharged
substantially equally all around it. Thus, dispersion of a fluid
pressure hardly occurs, and a disadvantage is prevented such that a
bias of the discharge amount of fluid occurs depending upon the
position of the outer circumferential part of the reforming unit
24. If the bias of the discharge amount is prevented, a discharge
canal resistance is lowed and the generation of a location in which
the fluid pressure becomes locally high is prevented.
[0129] In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, the size of the discharge
canal 24a, i.e., the width "t" of a gap becomes substantially equal
all around there. In this manner, the discharge canal resistance
can be lowered more reliably, and the occurrence of a local
high-pressure region, in particular, the occurrence of a local
high-pressure region in the vicinity of the discharge canal 24a can
be prevented.
[0130] Hereinafter, a description will be given with respect to a
correlation of a number of honeycomb-shaped recessed portions 35,
41, to be formed on the abutment-side face of each of the reforming
elements 30, 40.
[0131] As shown in FIG. 21, abutment faces of both of the reforming
elements 30, 40 abuts against each other while the rectangular
portion 41a of the recessed portion 41 of the second reforming
element 40 is positioned at a center position of the recessed
portion 35 of the first reforming element.
[0132] If these faces are thus abutted as each other, a fluid can
be flown between the recessed portion 35 of the first reforming
element 30 and the recessed portion 41 of the second reforming
element 40. In addition, the rectangular portion 41a is positioned
where the rectangular portions 41a of the three recessed portions
41 gather.
[0133] Therefore, a fluid is diverted to three discharge canals in
consideration of a case in which the fluid flows from the side of
the recessed portion 35 of the first reforming element 30 to the
side of the recessed portion 41 of the second reforming element
40.
[0134] Namely, the rectangular portion 41a of the second reforming
element 40, which is positioned at the center position of the
recessed portion 35 of the first reforming element 30, functions as
a diverting portion for diverting a fluid into two ways.
Conversely, the fluid having flown out of the two ways flows into
one recessed portion 35, and is merged in consideration of a case
in which the fluid flows from the side of the second reforming
element 40 to the side of the first reforming element 30. In this
case, the rectangular portion 41a positioned at the center position
of the second reforming element 40 functions as a converging
portion.
[0135] In addition, the rectangular portion 35a of the recessed
portion 35 of the first reforming element 30 is positioned at a
center position of the recessed portion 41 of the second reforming
element 40 as well. In this case, the rectangular portion 35a of
the first reforming element 30 functions as the above-described
diverting section or converging section.
[0136] In this manner, between the reforming elements 30 and 40
that are disposed in opposite to each other, there is formed a
reforming flow path 25 (see FIG. 15) in which the fluid fed from a
center flow inlet 32 in the axial direction of both of the
reforming elements 30, 40 (casing main body 21) flows in the
radiation direction (radial direction) of both of the reforming
elements 30, 40, repeating diversion (in a shear shape) while being
sheared and confluence (in a compressive shape) while being
compressed.
[0137] In the course of fluid flowing through the reforming flow
path 25, reform treatment is applied to the fluid (to be
ultra-miniaturized to the nano-level). The fluid having passed
through the reforming flow path 25 is then flown out of a flow
outlet of the discharge canal 24a opening in a ring shape toward
the downstream side at the outer circumferential part at the rear
side of the reforming unit 24 to the outside of the reforming unit
24.
[0138] As shown in FIG. 15, the fluid reformer 11 of the embodiment
allows five reforming units 24 to be set up in the casing main body
21. When a plurality of reforming units 24 are set up, the
protrusion 42 of the second reforming element 40 of the reforming
unit 24 that is positioned at the upstream side abuts against the
upstream side face 31a (of the element main body 31) of the first
reforming element 30 of the reforming unit 24 set up at the
downstream side.
[0139] In this manner, a disk-shaped space is acquired as the one
formed by means of the reforming units 24, 24, both of which are
disposed adjacent to each other, and the casing main body 21; and a
collecting flow path 26 is acquired for flowing the fluid having
flown out of the flow outlet of the discharge canal 24a to the flow
inlet 32 of the reforming unit 24 at the downstream side through
the disk-shaped space.
[0140] The protrusion 42 of the second reforming element 40 of the
reforming unit 24 disposed at the most downstream side abuts
against the capping member 23 at the downstream side of the casing
main body 21.
[0141] In this manner, a disk-shaped space is acquired as the one
formed by means of the reforming unit 24, the capping member 23,
and the casing main body 21; and a collecting flow path 26 is
acquired for flowing the fluid having flown out of the flow outlet
24a of the reforming unit 24 at the most downstream side to the
fluid lead-out port 23a of a casing through the disk-shaped
space.
[0142] Next, a description will be given with respect to a case of
applying reform treatment to a fluid by employing the fluid
reformer 11 configured as described above. Hereinafter, a
description will be given by way of example of a case of applying
reform treatment to a gas-liquid mixture fluid of water and air by
means of the fluid reformer 11.
[0143] First, a pressure-feed pump 2 is actuated with a
communication pipe 1 being connected to a fluid feed port 22a and a
fluid lead-out port 23a, of the fluid reformer 11, thereby
producing a gas-liquid fluid mixed by acquiring a predetermined
amount of air as a gas in the treatment liquid that is primarily
reformed at the primary reform treatment section, and then, feeding
the fluid to the fluid lead-out port 23a of the fluid reformer
11.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 15, the gas-liquid mixture fluid fed to the
fluid reformer 11 is then flown into the flow inlet 32 of the first
reform treatment element 30 of the first reforming unit 24 disposed
at the most upstream side in the casing, and is fed to the
reforming flow path 25 of the first reforming unit 24.
[0145] The gas-liquid mixture fluid fed to the reforming flow path
25 flows in the flow outlet 24a formed at the outer circumferential
side of the reforming unit 24 while repeating diversion and
confluence. Namely, flowage occurs while being sheared in the
course of repeating diversion and confluence; and thus,
schematically, reform treatment is applied to the gas-liquid
reforming fluid in the course of repeating diversion and confluence
while flowage occurs in the radial-spreading direction from the
center of the disk-shaped reforming unit 24 to the outer
circumferential side. That is, in the gas-liquid reforming fluid,
fine impurities and air bubbles are ultra-miniaturized (from the
nano-level to the several-microns level). In particular, the air
bubbles are homogenized.
[0146] The fluid having flown out of the flow outlet 24a of the
first reforming unit 24 flows through the collecting flow path 26
between the first reforming unit 24 and the second reforming unit
24 disposed at the downstream thereof, and is fed to the flow inlet
32 of the second reforming unit 24. The flow of the fluid in each
of the reforming units 24 is similar to that of the fluid in the
first reforming unit 24, a duplicate description of which is
omitted here. A plurality of reforming units 24 are set up so that
diversion while the fluid is sheared and confluence while the fluid
is compressed are repeated, whereby fluid reforming treatment is
applied to ultra-miniaturize and uniformize air bubbles or fine
impurities more reliably.
[0147] In addition, the following treatment may be performed. In
FIG. 1, a first three-way valve 12 is manipulated to be switched so
that the fluid led out of the fluid lead-out port 23a of the fluid
reformer 11 flows into a return pipe 14 and a second three-way
valve 13 is manipulated to be switched so that the fluid of the
return pipe 14 flows into the communication pipe 1.
[0148] The above fluid is then circularly fed to the fluid reformer
11 through the return pipe 14. In this manner, fluid reforming
treatment is applied further reliably, allowing further finer and
uniformly-sized air bubbles to be generated in the fluid.
[0149] Further, after circulation during a required period of time,
the first and second three-way valves 12, 13 are manipulated to be
switched, and the treated fluid is then led out.
[0150] In this way, more reliable fluid reforming treatment can be
applied, allowing finer and more uniformly sized, desired air
bubbles to be generated in the fluid.
[0151] Here, a total number of diversions is determined depending
upon: the number of recessed portions 35, 41 formed in reforming
elements 30, 40; the number of reforming units 24 set up in the
casing main body 21 of the fluid reformer 11; and the number of
repetitions indicating how many times the fluid is circulated for
the fluid reformer 11.
[0152] For example, a summed total number of diversions reaches
1,500 times to 1,600 times, if the recessed portions 35, 41 have
hexagonal openings seen in a plan view, in the case where the first
reforming element 30 shaped like three columns in which the numbers
of chambers in the recessed portions are 12 chambers, 18 chambers,
and 18 chambers (a total of 48 chambers) is superimposed on the
second reforming element 40 shaped like two columns in which the
numbers of chambers are 15 chambers and 15 chambers (a total of 30
chambers). The total number of diversions used herein designates
the number of diversions at the diverting section of the reforming
flow path 25 that is formed between the first reforming element 30
and the second reforming element 40.
Fluid Reformer 11A of the Second Embodiment
[0153] Next, a fluid reformer 11A of the second embodiment will be
described referring to FIGS. 22 to 27. That is, unlike the
reforming unit 24 of the first embodiment, the fluid reformer 11A
is provided with a guide member 52 in the collecting flow path 26
in which the fluid having flown out of the flow outlet 24a of the
reforming unit 24A flows (see FIGS. 24A and 24B). The same
constituent elements of the fluid reformer 11 of the first
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, a
duplicate description of which is omitted here.
[0154] As shown in FIG. 22, the reforming unit 24A of the fluid
reformer 11A of the embodiment is provided with a
collecting-flow-path forming element 50 which comprises a guide
member 52 which is a member of stabilizing a flow-path sectional
area of the collecting flow path 26, in addition to the first
reforming element 30 and the second reforming element 40.
[0155] Among them, the second reforming element 40 is not provided
with the protrusion 42, unlike the one of the first embodiment.
Namely, a downstream side face 40b, which is oriented toward the
fluid lead-out port of the second reforming element 40, is formed
in a planar shape. Other constituent elements are the same as those
of the second reforming element 40 of the first embodiment. In FIG.
23, reference numeral 45 designates a through hole of a screw
employed to fix the second reforming element 40 to the first
reforming element 30 by means of screw-tightening.
[0156] As shown in FIGS. 24 A, 24B, and 26, a collecting-flow-path
forming element 50 allows the guide member 52 to be provided at the
circumferential edge part of the downstream side face 51b which is
one side of an element main body 51 formed in the same diameter as
that of the second reforming element 40 and in a thin disk
shape.
[0157] In addition, an upstream side face 51a coming into facial
contact with another one, which is oriented toward the second
reforming element 40 while set up in the casing main body 21, is
formed in a planar shape. Further, a plurality of protrusive guide
members 52 are integrally formed at the circumferential edge part
of the downstream side face 51b oriented toward the fluid lead-out
port 23a.
[0158] The guide member 52 is a planar member formed to be
substantially shaped like a fan from: an outer circumferential arc
face 52a formed on an arc face whose curvature is the same as that
of the outer circumferential edge of the second reforming element
40; one pair of side faces 52a, 52b that is connected to be
extended from both ends of the outer circumferential arc face 52a
to the center side of the element main body 51; and an abutment
face 52c formed as a plane being parallel to the element main body
51. An angle (apex angle) formed by one pair of the side faces 52b,
52b is set at 45 degrees, and an extended width of the side face
52b is set to be substantially 1/3 of the radius of the element
main body 51.
[0159] At the circumferential part of the element main body 51 of
the embodiment, a total of eight guide members 52 are disposed at
equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, the
guide members 52 are formed so that: the outer circumferential arc
face 52a is flush with the outer circumferential end face of the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50 and that of the second
reforming element 40; and the side faces 52b, 52b, which are
opposite to each other, of the guide members 52 adjacent to each
other, are parallel to each other in the circumferential
direction.
[0160] Therefore, a groove portion 55 formed of the side faces 52b,
52b, of the guide members 52, 52 adjacent to each other, and the
downstream side face 51b, allow width W of the groove portion to be
constant and equal from the circumferential side to the center side
of the collecting-flow-path forming element 50. Reference numeral
53 designates a screw hole formed to mount a female screw employed
to integrally fix the collecting-flow-path forming element 50 to
the first reforming element 30 and the second reforming element 40
by means of screw-tightening.
[0161] The reforming units 24A comprising the collecting-flow-path
forming element 50 are assembled as shown in FIG. 22.
[0162] First, like the first embodiment, the second reforming
element 40 is assembled with the first reforming element 30, and
the collecting-flow-path forming element 50 is disposed so as to be
superimposed on the second reforming element 40 (see FIGS. 23 and
25).
[0163] At this time, a planar downstream side face 40b of the
second reforming element 40, which is oriented to the outside, is
bought into facial contact with a planer upstream side face 51a of
the collecting-flow-path forming element 50.
[0164] A face having the guide member 52 of the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50 formed thereon is then
oriented to the downstream side.
[0165] In this state, the through holes 36, 45 of the reforming
elements 30, 40, respectively, and the screw hole 53 of the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50, are positionally aligned,
and these reforming elements are assembled after tightened with a
screw 54.
[0166] In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, the fluid reformer 11A of
the second embodiment allows five reforming units 24A to be set up
in the casing main body 21. When a plurality of reforming units 24A
is set up, the abutment face 52c of the guide member 52 that is
provided at the collecting-flow-path forming element 50 of the
reforming unit 24A that is positioned at the upstream side abuts
against the upstream side face 31a of the first reforming element
30 of the reforming unit 24A that is positioned at the downstream
side.
[0167] In this manner, a gap corresponding to the thickness of the
guide member 52 is held between the reforming units 24A disposed
adjacent to each other, and the collecting flow path 26 is acquired
for flowing the fluid having flown out of the flow outlet of the
discharge canal 24a into the flow inlet 32 of the reforming unit
24A at the downstream side.
[0168] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, in the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50, the groove portion 55 that
is formed between the guide members 52, 52 adjacent to each other
becomes constant in its dimensional width, as described above.
[0169] Therefore, when the abutment face 52c of the guide member 52
is brought into abutment against the upstream side face 31a of the
first reforming element 30 at the downstream side, the collecting
flow path 26 that is formed between the groove portion 55 and the
upstream side face 31a of the first reforming element 30 becomes
constant as to intervals at which the groove portions 55 are formed
on a flow path cross section shaped like a elongated rectangle
shape in the circumferential direction and from the outer
circumferential side to the center side at which the flow path
sectional area is in the direction of collecting flow. In addition,
the guide members 52 are intended to rectify the flow of fluid. The
guide members 52 are provided, whereby the fluid flows
smoothly.
[0170] If the guide members 52 are not present, the collecting flow
path 26 becomes greater in sectional area of the flow path, as the
outer circumferential side approaches more, whereas the flow path
becomes more rapidly smaller, as the center communicating to the
discharge outlet approaches more. A structure in which the flow
path sectional area rapidly increases or decreases causes a flow
path resistance, or alternatively, causes the generation of a
portion at which the fluid becomes locally high in pressure. If the
flow path resistance increases, the fluid pressure becomes higher
and the flow rate is lowered. In addition, if a high-pressure
location is locally generated, the leakage of fluid occurs
therefrom.
[0171] In this point of view, in the fluid reformer 11A of the
embodiment, eight guide members 52 are provided at constant
intervals in the circumferential direction at the circumferential
edge part of the element main body 51; and eight groove portions 55
forming the collecting flow path 26 is formed in a radiation shape,
allowing the flow path sectional area to be stabilized in the
collecting flow path 26 from the outer circumferential side to the
vicinity of the discharge outlet of the center part, which is the
direction of collecting-flow.
[0172] Therefore, the fluid having flown out of the flow outlet of
the ring-shaped discharge canal 24a flows out of the outer
circumferential edge part of the element main body 51 into the
upstream side of the nearest one of the collecting flow paths 26
equally disposed in the circumferential direction. However, if the
flow path sectional area of this collecting flow path 26 is stable
up to the vicinity of the discharge outlet which is the downstream
side, the generation of a location in which the flow path
resistance is lowered, or alternatively, the fluid pressure becomes
locally high is prevented.
[0173] In addition, in the second embodiment described so far, the
guide members 52 are formed at the collecting-flow-path forming
element 50 which is independent of the second reforming element 40,
whereas as shown in FIG. 27, the guide members 52 may be formed
integrally with the second reforming element 40.
[0174] In this case, there is no need for the element main body 51,
and the miniaturization of the fluid reformer 11 can be achieved.
In addition, the number of parts is reduced, thus facilitating
assembling work. Easy maintenance in activities such as
disassembling/assembling work is important, since there are quite a
few opportunities of performing maintenance in equipment in which a
flow path is comparatively narrow like the fluid reformer 11A of
the embodiment.
[0175] Further, the guide members 52 that are included in the
second reforming element 40 may also be employed as the protrusion
42 of the first embodiment. Therefore, there is an advantage that
no protrusion needs to be provided aside from the guide members
52.
[0176] A process for producing air bubbles by employing the fluid
reformer 11A of the second embodiment itself is similar to the case
of generating air bubbles by employing the fluid reformer 11 of the
first embodiment, a duplicate description of which is omitted here.
This is also similar to the third embodiment which will be
described hereinafter.
Fluid Reformer 11B of the Third Embodiment
[0177] Next, a fluid reformer 11B of the third embodiment will be
described referring to FIGS. 28 to 31. The same constituent
elements of the abovementioned fluid reformer 11A of the second
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, a
duplicate description of which is omitted here.
[0178] Unlike the fluid reformer 11A of the second embodiment, the
fluid reformer 11B of the third embodiment is provided with a
lead-out side element 60 which is disposed in opposite to a
collecting-flow-path forming element 50, as a constituent element
of a reforming unit set up in a casing main body 21.
[0179] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, a reforming unit 24B of
the fluid reformer 11B of the third embodiment is provided with:
the lead-out side element 60 in addition to the first reforming
element 30, the second reforming element 40, and the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50, of the second
embodiment.
[0180] The first and second reforming elements 30, 40 are the same
as those of the second embodiment. In addition, as shown in FIG.
29, the collecting-flow-path forming element 50 of the embodiment
is provided with a through hole 56 which is employed for the sake
of screw-tightening in place of the screw hole 53 of the second
embodiment. Other constituent elements are similar to those of the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50 of the second
embodiment.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 29, a lead-out side element 60 allows a
fluid discharge port 62 for fluid R (indicated by the arrow in FIG.
28 or the like) is formed in a penetrative state at the center part
of a disk-shaped element main body 61.
[0182] In addition, a thick circumferential wall portion 63 is
formed in a protrusive shape at the upstream side all around the
outer circumferential edge part of the element main body 61, and a
recessed portion 64 having a circular opening toward the upstream
side is formed by means of the element main body 61 and the
circumferential wall portion 63. Reference numeral 61a designates
an upstream side face (whose side is opposite to the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50) of the element main body
61.
[0183] As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, at an upstream side face 61a
of the element main body 61, a plurality of recessed portions 65
whose opening is shaped like a regular hexagon are formed in a
gapless manner. A number of recessed portions 65 are formed in a so
called honeycomb shape. Reference numeral 66 designates a screw
hole employed to fix the lead-out side element 60 to the first
reforming element 30 or the like by screw-tightening.
[0184] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the lead-out side element 60
forms the element main body 61 or the circumferential wall portion
63 whose diameter is substantially equal to that of the element
main body 31 or that of the circumferential wall portion 33, of the
first reforming element 30, allowing end faces of the
circumferential wall portions 63,33 to be opposed to each other in
a face-to-face manner, via packing 67.
[0185] That is, the lead-out side element 60 is greater in size
than the collecting-flow-path forming element 50. In addition, the
diameter of the element main body 61 is greater than that of the
element main body 51 so that the collecting-flow-path forming
element 50 is accommodated to be engaged in the recessed portion
64. However, it should be noted that there is a slight difference
in diameter.
[0186] Therefore, upon assembling both of elements 50, 60, between
an outer circumferential end face 51c of the collecting-flow-path
forming element 50 and an inner circumferential face 63a of the
circumferential wall portion 63 of the lead-out side element 60, a
ring-shaped gap is formed as an inflow path 24b all around the
outer circumferential end face of the collecting-flow-path forming
element 50; and a leading edge opening portion positioned at the
upstream side of the inflow path 24b is a flow inlet for fluid, and
is opened in a ring shape toward the upstream side.
[0187] The inflow width of the inflow path 24b is formed to be
equal all around there, and is formed to be on the order of 1/20 of
the radius of the collecting-flow-path forming element 50, for
example (more specifically, on the order of 2 mm).
[0188] The inflow path 24b is formed in diameter which is
substantially equal to that of each of the collecting-flow-path
forming element 50 and the second reforming element 40. In the
embodiment, this inflow path is formed in diameter and width which
is substantially equal to that of an outflow path 24a formed
between the first and second reforming elements 30 and 40, and is
disposed in opposite to each other in a face-to-face manner.
[0189] In addition, a flow outlet of the outflow path 24a and an
flow inlet of the inflow path 24b are connected to each other, and
a ring-shaped communication connecting path 68 is formed.
[0190] Moreover, in the communication connecting path 68, the flow
outlet of the outflow path 24a opening in the ring shape toward the
downstream side all around there and the flow inlet of the inflow
path 24b opening in the ring shape toward the upstream side all
around there are formed in proximity and face-to-face in a matched
state, so that: a pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the
outflow path 24a->the inflow path 24b->the collecting flow
path 26 can be significantly lowered; the amount of treatment per a
unit time can be increased; and fluid leakage from the packing 67
which is a sealing section can be reliably avoided.
[0191] The reforming unit 24B is assembled in the layout as shown
in FIGS. 28 to 30. Specifically, the second reforming element 40 is
disposed in the recessed portion 34 of the first reforming element
30, whereas the collecting-flow-path forming element 50 is disposed
in the recessed portion 64 of the lead-out side element 60.
[0192] At this time, the orientation of the second reforming
element 40 is determined so that opening faces of a number of
honeycomb-shaped recessed portions 35 of the downstream side face
31b of the first reforming element 30 abuts against that of a
number of honeycomb-shaped recessed portions 41 of an upstream side
face 40a of the second reforming element 40 in a face-to-face
state; and the orientation of each of the elements 30, 40, 50, 60
is determined so that opening faces of a number of honeycomb-shaped
recessed portions 65 of the upstream side face 61a of the lead-out
side element 60 abuts against the abutment face 52c of the guide
member 52 of the collecting-flow-path forming element 50 in a
face-to-face state (see FIG. 29).
[0193] In this state, a through hole 36 of the first reforming
element 30; a screw hole 45 of the second reforming element 40; a
through hole 56 of the collecting-flow-path forming element 50; and
a screw hole 66 of the lead-out side element are positionally
aligned with each other; and are assembled by screw-tightening them
with a screw 54.
[0194] At this time, the end faces of the circumferential wall
portion 63 of the lead-out side element 60 and the circumferential
wall portion 33 of the first reforming element 30 are brought into
intimate contact with each other in a face-to-face state, via the
packing 67; and a gap 24a as a flow outlet and a gap 24b as a flow
inlet, which is to be formed in a ring shape inward of both of the
circumferential wall portions 33, 63 (reforming unit 24B), are
caused to communicate with each other in an opposite state.
[0195] As a result, the fluid having flown out of the flow outlet
24a flows from the inflow path 24b to the collecting flow path 26
that is formed between the collecting-flow-path forming element 50
and the lead-out side element 60.
[0196] In this way, the outflow path 24a is formed all around an
outer circumference of the second reforming element 40 and the
inflow path 24b is formed all around an outer circumference of the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50, whereby fluid can be
caused to outflow/inflow all around there, thus preventing a
disadvantage such that a bias of the outflow amount of fluid occurs
depending upon the position of the outer circumferential part of
the reforming unit 24B.
[0197] The bias of the outflow amount is prevented, whereby a
flow-path resistance is lowered, preventing the generation of a
location in which the fluid pressure becomes locally high. In
addition, in the embodiment, the sizes of the outflow path 24a and
the inflow path 24b, i.e., the widths of gaps are substantially
equal to each other all around there.
[0198] In this manner, the flow path resistance can be lowered more
reliably, making it possible to prevent the generation of a local
high-pressure area, in particular, the generation of a local
high-pressure area in the vicinity of the flow outlet 24a and the
flow inlet 24b.
[0199] In addition, with such a structure, a so called dead space
in which fluid is prone to become stagnant partway of the fluid
flow path is eliminated. If a dead space is present, fluid is prone
to become stagnant in that space, and dispersion in quality of
fluid reforming treatment (for example, the quality in the size of
generated air bubbles or the like) is prone to occur.
[0200] In this point of view, in the embodiment, a dead space is
minimized, the occurrence of such disadvantage is restrained to the
minimum; uniform reform treatment can be applied depending upon the
type of fluid; and air bubbles of more uniform sizes can be
generated.
[0201] As described previously, the collecting flow path 26 (see
FIG. 28) is formed between the collecting-flow-path forming element
50 and the lead-out side element 60 so that fluid flows from the
inflow path 24b to the collecting flow path 26.
[0202] The fluid flows into the fluid discharge port 63 (see FIG.
29) through the collecting flow path 26, and then, flows into the
flow inlet 32 of the next reforming unit 24B or is led out from the
fluid lead-out port 23a of the capping member 23 of a casing.
[0203] In the collecting flow path 26, the fluid flows from the
outer circumference side to the center side of the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50. Guide members 52 are
formed at the outer circumferential side of the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50; and groove portions 55 are
formed between the guide members 52 adjacent to each other. The
dimensional widths of the groove portions 55 become constant, and
the flow path sectional areas surrounded by the groove portions 55
and the upstream side face 61a of the lead-out side element 60
become constant.
[0204] When the flow path sectional area is thus stable, the flow
path resistance or pressure is stabilized, and the distribution of
fluid is stabilized.
[0205] Incidentally, as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, a number of so
called honeycomb-shaped, recessed portions 65 are formed on the
upstream side face 61a which is a bottom face of the recessed
portion 64 of the lead-out side element 60. The abutment face 52c
of the guide member 52 of the collecting-flow-path forming element
50 is planar, and thus, even if a honeycomb recessed portion
(irregular shape) is present on the abutment face at the side of
the lead-out side element 60, fluid is neither diverted nor
merged.
[0206] However, if a recessed portion 65 is present on the bottom
face of the recessed portion 64 of the lead-out side element 60, a
reforming effect due to a shear force or that due to a mechanical
cavitation or the like can be imparted to the fluid in the
collecting flow path 26, flowing in the vicinity of an opening of
the recessed portion 65.
[0207] For example, by employing the lead-out side element 60
provided with a plurality of recessed portions 65 on a surface
facing to the collecting flow path 26, a local high-pressure
portion or a local low-pressure portion can be generated in the
collecting flow path 26 and in the fluid flowing in the vicinity of
an opening of the recessed portion 65.
[0208] When a local low-pressure portion (for example, a negative
pressure portion such as a vacuum portion) is generated in the
fluid, a so called foaming phenomenon in which air bubbles are
generated in liquid occurs; and there occurs a so called cavitation
phenomenon in which: fine air bubbles expands (collapses); and the
generated air (air bubbles) break(s) (disappear(s)).
[0209] Miniaturization of the substances targeted for reforming is
performed by means of a force generated when this cavitation
occurs, and fluid reforming is accelerated.
[0210] However, as described above, by employing the lead-out side
element 60 provided with the recessed portion 65 on the surface
facing to the collecting flow path 26, a local high-pressure
portion or a local low-pressure portion can be generated in fluid
only in place where the opening of the recessed portion 65 of the
lead-out side element 60 faces.
[0211] In addition, the flow path sectional area is stabilized at
another portion, for example, in a region in which fluid leakage is
prone to occur, such as the outflow path 24a or the vicinity of the
inflow path 24b disposed in opposite thereto (see FIG. 28), and a
state in which the generation of the local high-pressure portion is
prevented is maintained. Therefore, a situation in which fluid
leakage is prone to occur is prevented.
[0212] As the lead-out side element 60, the ones of various types
can be employed without being limitative to the embodiment in which
a plurality of recessed portions have been formed on the bottom
face of the recessed portion 64. For example, there may be the ones
in which: a plurality of protrusive portions are formed on the
bottom face of the recessed portion 64 in place of the recessed
portion; both of a plurality of recessed portions and protrusive
portions are formed on the bottom of the recessed portion 64; and
further, the bottom face of the recessed portion 64 is planar.
Fluid Reformer 11C of the Fourth Embodiment
[0213] Next, a fluid reformer 11C of the fourth embodiment will be
described referring to FIGS. 32 to 34. The same constituent
elements of the abovementioned fluid reformer 11B of the third
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, a
duplicate description of which is omitted here.
[0214] Unlike the fluid reformer 11B of the third embodiment, in
the fluid reformer 11C of the fourth embodiment, the
collecting-flow-path forming element 50 is not provided as a
constituent element of the reforming unit set up in the casing main
body 21.
[0215] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, a reforming unit 24C of
the fluid reformer 11C of the fourth embodiment is provided with a
pair of spacers 100, 100 and a lead-out side element 60 in place of
the first reforming element 30, the second reforming element 40,
and the collecting-flow-path forming element 50, of the third
embodiment.
[0216] The spacers 100 each are formed in a cylindrical shape
having opening ends at both ends so that: an interval between the
second reforming element 40 and the lead-out side element 60, i.e.,
a flow path depth Z (see FIG. 32) of the collecting flow path 26
which is a disk-shaped space formed between the elements 40 and 60
can be appropriately set according to the size of a cylindrical
length of the spacer 100; and a change of the flow path depth Z of
the collecting flow path 26 can be readily performed by replacing
the current spacer with another spacer 100 having an appropriate
cylindrical length.
[0217] In addition, the reforming unit 24C is assembled in the
states shown in FIGS. 32 to 34.
[0218] That is, a state in which the first reforming element 30,
the second reforming element 40, and the lead-out side element 60
are assembled with each other is identical to that of the third
embodiment; and these elements are assembled by tightening them
with screws 54, 54 while through holes 36, 36 of the first
reforming element 30, screw holes 43, 43 of the second reforming
element 40, opening ends of the pair of spacers 100, 100, and screw
holes 66, 66 of the lead-out side element 60 are positionally
aligned with each other.
[0219] If the spacers 100, 100 are assembled after interposed
between the second reforming element 40 and the lead-out side
element 60 as described above, an inflow path 24b (see FIG. 32)
which is a ring-shaped gap is formed all around the outer
circumference between the second reforming element 40 and the
lead-out side element 60.
[0220] In addition, as shown in FIG. 32, the inflow path 24b for
the collecting flow path 26, which is a ring-shaped opening, is
disposed at a position opposite to the outflow path 24a. Namely,
the fluid having flown out of the outflow path 24a formed on the
outer circumferential edge of the second reforming element 40
directly flows from the ring-shaped inflow path 24b to the
collecting flow path 26 formed between the second reforming element
40 and the lead-out side element 60.
[0221] With such a structure, a so called dead space in which fluid
is prone to stay partway of a flow path for fluid is eliminated. If
the dead space is present, fluid is prone to stay in that space,
and dispersion in quality of the fluid reforming treatment (the
quality such as the size of generated air bubbles, for example) is
prone to occur.
[0222] In this point of view, in the embodiment, a dead space is
minimized so that: the occurrence of the disadvantage is restrained
to the minimum; uniform reforming treatment can be applied
depending upon the type of fluid; and more uniformly sized air
bubbles can be generated. Moreover, in the fluid reformer 11C, a
simple structure and low cost can be achieved in comparison with
that of the third embodiment.
[0223] As described previously, the collecting flow path 26 (see
FIG. 27) is formed between the second reforming element 40 and the
lead-out side element 60 so that fluid flows from the inflow path
24b to the collecting flow path 26.
[0224] In the collecting flow path 26, the fluid flows from the
outer circumferential side to the center side along the rear face
of the second reforming element 40; flows into a fluid discharge
port 63 (see FIG. 27); and flows into the flow inlet 32 of the next
reforming unit 24C, or alternatively, is led out from the fluid
lead-out port 23a of the capping member 23 of a casing.
[0225] At this time, owing to the employment of the lead-out side
element 60 provided with a plurality of recessed portions 65 on a
surface facing to the collecting flow path 26, a local
high-pressure portion or a local low-pressure portion can be
generated in the collecting flow path 26 and in the fluid flowing
in the vicinity of an opening of the recessed portion 65.
[0226] When a local low-pressure portion (for example, a negative
pressure portion such as a vacuum portion) is generated in the
abovementioned fluid, a so called foaming phenomenon occurs in
which air bubbles are generated in liquid; and there occurs a so
called cavitation phenomenon in which; fine air bubbles expands
(collapses); and the generated air (air bubbles) break(s)
(disappear(s)).
[0227] Miniaturization of substances targeted for reforming is
performed by means of a force generated when this cavitation
occurs, and fluid reforming is accelerated.
Exemplary Modification of Collecting-Flow-Path Forming Element
50
[0228] FIGS. 35A to 35C each show an exemplary modification of a
collecting-flow-path forming element 50, wherein a complex flow
generating members 102 as a number of complex flow generating means
are protruded after integrally molded on a downstream side face 51b
of an element main body 51, and a collecting flow path 26 is formed
between the complex flow generating member 102 adjacent to each
other.
[0229] The complex flow generating member 102 is formed in a
substantially cylindrical shape, as shown in FIGS. 35A to 35C, in
the exemplary modification; and a circumferential face serving as a
contact face with fluid is formed in the shapes of a protrusive
face 103 and a recessed face 104. The contact face with fluid is
formed to be large in size. In addition, a plurality of the complex
flow generating members 102 having protrusive faces 103 (eight
pieces in the embodiment) are disposed at intervals in the
circumferential direction at the circumferential edge part of the
element main body 51 at intervals in the circumferential direction
at the circumferential edge part of the element main body 51.
Further, a plurality of the complex generating members 102 having
recessed faces 104 (four pieces in the embodiment) are disposed at
positions close to the center part between the complex flow
generating members 102, 102 adjacent to each other. Reference
numeral 105 designates an abutment face.
[0230] In this manner, the reforming fluid flowing from the outflow
path 24a into the collecting flow path 26 flows along these
protrusive face 103 and recessed face 104; and is formed as a
turbulent flow while repeating a complex flow/a pulsating flow so
as to flow into the flow inlet 32 and the fluid discharge port 63
of the reforming units adjacent to each other at the downstream
side.
[0231] The complex flow is a flow of fluid flowing while scrubbing
a face of an object, and the complex flow generating means is a
protrusive matter having a face for generating the complex flow. In
addition, the pulsating flow is the one wherein the flow path
sectional area intermittently varies.
[0232] Therefore, the complex flow generating member 102 is
disposed in the collecting flow path 26, whereby when fluid passes
through the inside of the collecting flow path 26, the fluid is
formed while the complex flow/pulsating flow is repeated by the
presence of the complex flow generating member 102; and a local
high-pressure portion or a local low-pressure portion is generated
in the fluid.
[0233] When a local low-pressure portion (for example, a negative
pressure portion such as a vacuum portion) is generated in the
fluid, a so called foaming phenomenon occurs in which air bubbles
are generated in liquid; and there occurs a so called cavitation
phenomenon in which; fine air bubbles expands (collapses); and the
generated air (air bubbles) break(s) (disappear(s)).
[0234] Miniaturization of substances targeted for reforming is
performed by means of a force generated when this cavitation
occurs, and fluid reforming is accelerated.
[0235] As described previously, if a fluid high-pressure portion is
locally generated at or near a position at which the leakage of
fluid is prone to occur, the leakage of the fluid is prone to
occur, and thus, in that sense, it is not preferable that the local
high-pressure portion be generated.
[0236] However, as described above, the complex flow generating
member 102 is disposed in the collecting flow path 26, whereby,
among the flow paths from the flow outlet to the discharge port, a
local high-pressure portion or a local low-pressure portion can be
generated in the fluid at only a site at which the complex flow
generating member 102 is disposed; and fluid reforming is
accelerated.
[0237] In addition, while, in the embodiment, both of the complex
flow generating members 102 having the protrusive and recessed
faces 103 and 104 are provided in the element main body 51, only
either one of these members 102 can be provided in the element main
body 51. The shape of the complex flow generating means may be any
shape of forming a complex flow, and is not limitative to the
substantially cylindrical shape of the embodiment.
[0238] While the several embodiments of the fluid reformers have
been described so far, a variety of alterations can occur without
being limitative thereto.
[0239] For example, while, in the fluid reformers of each of the
embodiments, openings of the recessed portions 35, 41 were formed
like regular hexagons, they may be shaped like triangles such as
regular triangles, rectangles such as squares, or octagons such as
regular octagons, for example, without being limitative
thereto.
[0240] In addition, among the fluid reformers employed in the
above-described embodiments, the fluid reformers 11B, 11C of the
third and fourth embodiments are provided with sealing packing,
whereas a sealing member may be set up in the fluid reformers 11,
11A of the first and second embodiments. If the sealing member is
set up, sealing properties are enhanced more remarkably, and the
occurrence of fluid leakage or the like is reliably prevented.
[0241] In addition, while, in the above-described embodiments, a so
called dead space is minimized in the fluid reformer 11B, 11C of
the third and fourth embodiments shown in FIGS. 28 and 32,
respectively, there may be provided a structure of eliminating the
dead space in the fluid reformer 11, 11A of the first and second
embodiments to the possible extent as well.
[0242] For example, there can be proposed a structure such that, by
further increasing the thickness (a thickness in the axis line) of
the circumferential wall portion 33 of the first reforming element,
an end face which is a downstream side face (a face at the fluid
lead out port side) of the circumferential wall portion 33 is
caused to abut against an upstream side face (a face at the fluid
feed port side) of the first reforming element of another reforming
unit 24 which is disposed at the downstream side.
Fluid Reformer 11D as an Exemplary Modification of the First
Embodiment
[0243] As shown in FIG. 36, a fluid reformer 11D is provided as an
exemplary modification in which a smooth face is formed by rounding
a rectangular part of a portion coming into contact with a
treatment fluid, among the elements configuring the reforming unit
24 of the first embodiment. For example, as shown in a partially
exploded view of FIG. 36, a rectangular part of an opening end of a
recessed portion 35 which is formed in a recessed portion 34 of the
first reforming element 30 is rounded and smoothened.
[0244] In addition, the corner part of the portion coming into
contact with the treatment fluid may be formed as a rounded smooth
face. For example, as shown in the partially exploded view of the
FIG. 36, a corner part of a bottom face of the recessed portion 35
which is formed in the recessed portion 34 of the first reforming
element 30 may be rounded and smoothened.
[0245] By means of the rounding and smoothening, a flow path
resistance is reduced, and the amount of treatment per a unit time
can be increased.
[0246] In addition, by rounding a corner part, a dead space is
reduced; the fluid can be reformed more uniformly; and the fluid
reforming treatment performance can be enhanced. For example, air
bubbles of more uniform sizes can be generated, or alternatively,
dispersion as to the size of generated air bubbles can be reduced
more remarkably.
[0247] While the fluid reformer 11D of FIG. 36 altered the fluid
reformer 11 of the first embodiment, the fluid reformers 11A, 11B,
11C of the second, third, and fourth embodiments may be altered
similarly.
Fluid Reformer 11E as Another Exemplary Modification of the First
Embodiment
[0248] As shown in FIG. 37, a fluid reformer 11E is configured so
that a temperature control unit 70 is set up in a fluid reformer
11. The temperature control unit 70 is provided with: a jacket
section 71 which covers the outer circumference of a casing main
body 21 of the fluid reformer 11E; a water feed pipe 72 which is
connected to a water feed pump, although not shown, for feeding
fluid (water in this example) for temperature control into the
jacket section 71; and a drain pipe 73 for leading out water from
the jacket section 71.
[0249] The jacket section 71 is adapted to assemble and align
divisional jacket members 71a, 71a that are formed in a
semi-cylindrical shape, so as to be removably mounted on the casing
main body 21. In addition, packing 74 is mounted on a contact
portion with the casing main body 21 of the jacket section 71, so
as to prevent the leakage of water for temperature control.
[0250] As long as the temperature control unit 70 is set up, when
an attempt is made to prevent a temperature rise of the fluid
targeted for fluid reforming treatment (gas-liquid reforming fluid
targeted for treatment of air bubbles, for example), the
temperature rise of the treatment fluid can be readily prevented by
feeding cooling water to a jacket. While the fluid reformer 11E of
FIG. 37 altered the fluid reformer 11 of the first embodiment, the
fluid reformers 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D of other embodiments may be
altered similarly.
[0251] In addition, while the temperature control unit 70 shown in
FIG. 37 performs temperature control of coolant or the like, by
employing coolant such as cooling water, a variety of methods, such
as a method of providing a heat radiation fin in casing, for
example, can be proposed without being limitative thereto.
Effects Pertinent to the Basic Configuration of Fluid Reformers
[0252] The effects pertinent to the basic configuration of the
fluid reformers configured as described above will be described
below.
[0253] That is, in the fluid reformers, a gap-shaped opening is
formed as a flow outlet between the outer circumference edge of the
second reforming element and the first reforming element. Namely, a
flow outlet all around the outer circumference of the second
reforming element is formed along the outer circumferential edge of
the second reforming element. In addition, the size of an opposite
face of the second reforming element is formed to be smaller than
that of an opposite side face of the first reforming element, and
the opening is positioned more inward than the outer
circumferential edge of the first reforming element. Namely, the
opening as the flow outlet is formed on a face at the downstream
side of a reforming unit consisting of both of the reforming
elements, i.e., on a face opposite to the face on which the flow
inlet is formed. With such configuration, a liquid reforming flow
path between the reforming elements directly communicates with the
flow path at the downstream side of both of the reforming elements,
via the flow outlet; and further, flow outlets exist all around
there, so that dispersion in fluid pressure is hardly prone to
occur, resulting in a lowered flow path resistance. If the flow
path resistance is lowered, the amount of treatment can be
increased, without need to increase the pressure of fluid to be
fed; and the amount of treatment can be increased, preventing the
fluid leakage from a seal section.
[0254] In particular, according to the fluid reformers, air bubbles
of 500 nm or less in average particle size can be generated in the
fluid to be treated; and air bubbles of 50 nm or less in average
particle size can also be generated in the fluid to be treated. At
this time, the fluid to be treated can be reformed. For example,
assuming that water generally does not exist as a single molecule,
and a cluster made of a number of molecules is formed, if the water
is treated by means of the fluid reformers, reformed water which is
smaller in cluster size can be formed. The reformed water that is
smaller in cluster size is prone to be uniformly reformed with a
fuel oil, via very fine air bubbles whose diameter is on the
nano-level (less than 1 micron).
[0255] Further, the following effects can also be attained.
(1) A pressure loss is lowered in a fuel reformer. If the pressure
loss is lowered, an output of treatment fluid feeding means such as
a pump can be reduced when the treatment fluid of the same amount
is fed. (2) As long as the same output is maintained, treatment
capability increases. (3) Although the lowered pressure loss is
considered to be a cause, the noise generated due to fluid
reforming treatment is reduced; quietness is enhanced; and
vibration is reduced. (4) if the noise or vibration at the time of
fluid reforming treatment is reduced, the fluid reformers can be
set up in location requiring quietness or the like, such as
hospital. (5) Since the pressure loss is reduced, fluid reforming
treatment can be performed at a low pressure, and a seal member
such as packing is not needed to be used. In this manner,
cumbersomeness such as replacement of seal members is eliminated,
achieving easy maintenance.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0256] An apparatus for the production of a reformed fuel oil,
according to the present invention, is connected in communication
with combustion equipment such as a burner, and the reformed fuel
oil is fed to the combustion equipment, whereby combustion
efficiency of the combustion equipment can be enhanced.
* * * * *