JP2018034148A - Hydrogen water production device and hydrogen water production method - Google Patents

Abstract

Hydrogen water that can ensure quietness and stably obtain high-concentration hydrogen water without using high-pressure pressurizing means such as a compressor or pump when dissolving hydrogen in water Providing manufacturing equipment. A hydrogen water production apparatus method for producing hydrogen water for drinking using a dissolution tank that pressurizes and holds hydrogen gas and water in a gas-liquid two-phase state. A water supply tank that supplies water to the dissolution tank, a hydrogen supply mechanism that electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen gas and supplies it to the inside of the dissolution tank, and a water intake mechanism that discharges the water inside the dissolution tank to the outside In addition, after supplying water from the water tank to the dissolution tank to make the dissolution tank a closed space, the hydrogen supply mechanism pressurizes and supplies the hydrogen gas into the dissolution tank to pressurize the closed space, The stirring element inside the dissolution tank is rotated by magnetic force to stir the water, and after stirring, the water inside the dissolution tank is discharged to the outside through the water intake mechanism by the internal pressure in the closed space. [Selection] Figure 6

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing hydrogen water, which is water containing hydrogen, and in particular, water supply that can stably provide drinking hydrogen water without using a gas-liquid delivery pump that feeds water together with hydrogen gas. The present invention relates to a pumpless hydrogen water production apparatus and a hydrogen water production method.

  In recent years, hydrogen water for drinking in which hydrogen is dissolved in drinking water has been sold. Such hydrogen water is attracting attention as having the effect of reducing active oxygen present in the human body by directly ingesting hydrogen gas dissolved in water.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, as a technique for producing such hydrogen water, a gas injection unit in which a pressurizing unit that pumps liquid and a cylinder that injects gas into the liquid upstream or downstream of the pressurizing unit are connected. And a gas dissolution apparatus that dissolves a gas in a liquid with a pressure by pumping. In such a gas dissolving apparatus, a pumping means such as a pump for pumping a liquid to the pressure dissolving section is used.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, hydrogen generating means for electrolyzing water to generate hydrogen, pressurized gas dissolving means for mixing the generated hydrogen with water as hydrogen bubbles and feeding water under pressure, and storing the mixed hydrogen water There is disclosed a gas dissolution apparatus that nanobubbles hydrogen bubbles by supplying hydrogen water stored in the dissolution tank to the pressurized gas dissolving means and circulating it. In such a gas dissolving apparatus, as a mechanism for sending hydrogen to the pressurized gas dissolving means or a mechanism for circulating hydrogen water between the pressurized gas dissolving means and the dissolving tank, the gas is dissolved by using a diaphragm pump which is a gas-liquid delivery pump. .

  Moreover, in patent document 3, by supplying the hydrogen generated with the water electrolysis apparatus to the storage tank which stores water at high speed, the apparatus which manufactures hydrogen water by making hydrogen into nanobubble and mixing in water. It is disclosed. In such an apparatus, hydrogen gas is collided with water at high speed by pressurizing and injecting hydrogen gas with a gas releasing means (for example, a compressor) in order to make hydrogen into nanobubbles and disperse and dissolve in water.

JP 2008-188574 A Japanese Patent No. 5865560 JP2015-150512A

  As described above, in the apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when pressure is applied by pressurizing water or hydrogen, a driving sound is generated for driving a pumping means such as a gas-liquid delivery pump, and Patent Document 3 However, there is a problem that a collision noise is generated not only when the pumped hydrogen gas collides with water at a high speed, but it is not suitable for use in an indoor environment such as an office where quietness is required. If a gas-liquid delivery pump or the like is omitted, it is not easy to stably obtain high-concentration hydrogen water even under pressure.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and ensure quietness without using a pressurizing means with a large driving sound such as a compressor or a pump when dissolving hydrogen in water. An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen water production apparatus capable of stably obtaining high concentration hydrogen water and a hydrogen water production method using the same.

  As a result of intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have made it possible to supply water while omitting a water pump and the like by controlling the pressure in the dissolution tank in which water and hydrogen are mixed. The present invention has been found and the present invention has been completed.

  That is, according to the present invention, a hydrogen water production apparatus for beverages comprising a dissolution tank that pressurizes and holds hydrogen gas and water in gas-liquid two phases to form hydrogen water, a water supply tank for supplying water to the dissolution tank, A hydrogen supply mechanism that electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen gas and supplies the hydrogen gas to the inside of the dissolution tank; and a water intake mechanism that discharges water inside the dissolution tank to the outside, from the water supply tank to the dissolution tank After supplying water to the dissolution tank to make it a closed space, the hydrogen supply mechanism pressurizes and supplies hydrogen gas to the inside of the dissolution tank to pressurize the closed space, and is supplied from the outside of the closed space. The stirrer inside the dissolution tank is rotated by magnetic force to stir the water, and after stirring, the water inside the dissolution tank is discharged to the outside through the water intake mechanism by the internal pressure of the closed space. When That.

  According to this invention, it is possible to provide a hydrogen water production apparatus that can ensure quietness without using a pressurizing means such as a compressor or a pump, and can stably obtain high-concentration hydrogen water.

  In the above-described invention, the stirrer is located at the bottom of the dissolution tank, and a bubble releasing part for releasing hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply mechanism is provided at an upper part thereof, and further, the bubble releasing part, the stirrer, It is good also as providing a pipe line in between and forming the downward water flow in the said pipe line. According to this invention, it is possible to improve the concentration of hydrogen water by guiding part of the bubbles of hydrogen gas downward to increase the residence time of the bubbles in water.

  In the above-described invention, the pipe line may be a cylindrical body having a diameter-expanded portion that increases in diameter toward the lower side, and the stirrer may be disposed inside the diameter-expanded portion. According to this invention, the downward water flow can be formed in the pipe line by the rotation of the stirring bar.

  The above-described invention may include a levitation suppression plate extending in a substantially horizontal direction so as to block a buoyancy path of the bubbles rising from the bubble discharge portion. According to this invention, the residence time of bubbles in water can be made longer, and the concentration of hydrogen water can be improved.

  In the above-described invention, the levitation suppression plate may be provided with a bubble passage that passes through the levitation suppression plate. According to this invention, the residence time of the bubbles can be increased so as not to reduce the contact area between the bubbles and water.

  The hydrogen water production method for producing hydrogen water for drinking using a dissolution tank that pressurizes and holds hydrogen gas and water in a gas-liquid two-phase state according to the present invention includes supplying water into the dissolution tank and dissolving the solution. A hydrogen gas generated by electrolyzing water by a hydrogen supply mechanism having a tank as a closed space and having an electrolysis unit is pressurized and supplied to the inside of the dissolution tank to pressurize the closed space, and the outside of the closed space. The stirring bar inside the dissolution tank is rotated by the magnetic force applied to stir the water, and after the rotation of the stirring bar stops, the water inside the dissolution tank is discharged to the outside by the internal pressure of the closed space. It is characterized by making it.

  According to this invention, when dissolving hydrogen in water, it is possible to ensure quietness without using a pressurizing means such as a compressor or a pump, and to produce hydrogen water that can stably obtain high-concentration hydrogen water. A method can be provided.

  In the above-described invention, the stirrer is located at the bottom of the dissolution tank, and a bubble discharge part for releasing hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply mechanism is provided on the top thereof, and between the bubble discharge part and the stirrer. A pipe line is provided, and a water flow directed downward may be formed in the pipe line. According to this invention, it is possible to improve the concentration of hydrogen water by guiding part of the bubbles of hydrogen gas downward to increase the residence time of the bubbles in water.

  In the above-described invention, the pipe line may be a cylindrical body having a diameter-expanded portion that increases in diameter toward the lower side, and the stirrer may be disposed inside the diameter-expanded portion. According to this invention, the downward water flow can be formed in the pipe line by the rotation of the stirring bar.

It is a block diagram which shows a typical example of the hydrogenous water manufacturing apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | movement of a hydrogenous water manufacturing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | movement of a hydrogenous water manufacturing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of the hydrogenous water manufacturing apparatus by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other modification of the hydrogenous water manufacturing apparatus by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other modification of the hydrogenous water manufacturing apparatus by this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of a hydrogenous water manufacturing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the result of a hydrogen water production test.

  Hereinafter, the hydrogen water production apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a typical example of a hydrogen water production apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the internal configuration of only the pressure dissolution tank described later is shown as a cross-sectional view.

  The hydrogen water production apparatus 100 includes a water supply tank 110 for storing drinking water, a pressure dissolution tank 120 for mixing water and hydrogen supplied from a water supply tank (water supply tank) 110, and a pressure dissolution tank 120. An electrolysis mechanism 130 that generates hydrogen from a portion of the water, and a reduced-pressure intake 140 that takes out hydrogen water for beverages in which hydrogen is dissolved from the pressurized dissolution tank 120 under atmospheric pressure.

  The water supply tank 110 is connected to the pressurized dissolution tank 120 via a water supply pipe 111, and a water supply pump 112 and a check valve 113 are attached to the water supply pipe 111. The check valve 113 is configured to be opened only when water is supplied from the water supply tank 110 to the pressure dissolution tank 120 so as to prevent backflow from the pressure dissolution tank 120. If the feed water tank 110 is disposed at a higher position than the pressurized dissolution tank 120, water can flow into the pressurized dissolution tank 120 by its own weight and the feed water pump 112 can be omitted. In addition, by using water with pressure such as tap water, water can flow into the pressurized dissolution tank 120 even if the water supply pump 112 is omitted.

  The pressure dissolution tank 120 has a pressure leak valve 121 and a water level sensor 122 attached to the top thereof, and a fine bubble discharge unit that discharges hydrogen supplied from an electrolysis mechanism 130 described later as fine bubbles in the vicinity of the bottom thereof. 123. The main body of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is formed of a material and a thickness that can withstand a predetermined range of internal pressure that is pressurized to atmospheric pressure or higher when producing hydrogen water.

  The pressure leak valve 121 is attached to the top of the pressurized dissolution tank 120, and discharges hydrogen gas staying in the vicinity of the top when the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 0.6 MPa). To do. Thereby, it has a function which adjusts the pressure in the pressurization dissolution tank 120 by making the above-mentioned predetermined value into an upper limit. In addition, the pressure leak valve 121 may be used as a decompression unit that is controlled to decompress the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 at a pressure lower than the predetermined value.

  The water level sensor 122 is attached to the top of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 and detects whether or not the water level of the water W supplied from the water supply tank 110 to the pressure dissolution tank 120 has reached a predetermined height. As an example of use of the water level sensor 122, when the water level sensor 122 detects that the water level of the water W has reached a predetermined height, the operation of the water supply pump 112 is stopped to stop water supply. At this time, a residence space P is formed between the surface of the water W and the upper surface of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 in the vicinity of the top of the pressurized dissolution tank 120.

  The microbubble discharge part 123 is a member having a fine hole such as a mesh body or a porous material on the surface, for example, and is connected via an electrolysis mechanism 130 and a hydrogen supply pipe 132 described later. Hydrogen released into the water W in the pressure dissolution tank 120 from the fine bubble discharge part 123 is preferably dispersed in water as fine bubbles (nanobubbles) B having a nanometer (nm) unit. The finer the bubbles B of the hydrogen that have not been dissolved in the water W beyond the saturation amount, the longer the bubbles B are maintained in the water W, and eventually rise and accumulate as hydrogen gas in the staying space P.

  The electrolysis mechanism 130 electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen, pressurizes the hydrogen supply pipe 132 to be described later to a predetermined pressure, and sends it out. For example, a solid polymer membrane (PEM) system is used. A known apparatus can be applied. Here, the solid polymer film is a hydrogen generating film having a reverse pressure resistance higher than the pressure required for the pressurized supply of hydrogen gas. That is, the upper limit value of the pressure at which hydrogen gas can be supplied is set to a value equal to or lower than the reverse pressure resistance of the solid polymer membrane. According to this, a pressure equal to or lower than the reverse breakdown voltage can be obtained as the predetermined pressure relatively easily. The electrolysis mechanism 130 is connected to the pressurized dissolution tank 120 via the intake pipe 131, takes in water in the pressurized dissolution tank 120, and electrolyzes to generate hydrogen. At this time, the intake pipe 131 may be provided with ion exchange means (not shown). The predetermined value that the pressure leak valve 121 opens may be set according to the reverse pressure resistance of the solid polymer film to protect the solid polymer film.

  On the other hand, as described above, the electrolysis mechanism 130 is connected to the fine bubble discharge unit 123 via the hydrogen supply pipe 132, and the hydrogen generated by the electrolysis mechanism 130 is being driven during the operation of the electrolysis mechanism 130. The microbubble discharge unit 123 is continuously supplied at a predetermined pressure. That is, the electrolysis mechanism 130 is provided as a part of a hydrogen supply mechanism that supplies hydrogen gas into the pressurized dissolution tank 120. Further, the hydrogen supply pipe 132 is provided with a pressure sensor 133 for measuring the pressure in the pipe. Based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 133, hydrogen is stably supplied from the electrolysis mechanism 130 by a control unit (not shown). In addition to determining whether or not it is supplied, the driving of the electrolysis mechanism 130 is stopped when the detected value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and the predetermined pressure described above is not exceeded. Note that oxygen generated by electrolysis in the electrolysis mechanism 130 is discharged to the outside of the hydrogen water production apparatus 100 through a discharge port (not shown).

  The reduced pressure intake port 140 is connected to the lower part of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 via an intake pipe 141. In addition, an opening / closing mechanism 142 such as a solenoid valve is attached to the intake pipe 141, thereby constituting an intake mechanism that discharges water to the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 120. In the hydrogen water producing apparatus 100, the intake pipe 141 has a shape that gradually decreases in diameter from the pressurized dissolution tank 120 toward the reduced pressure intake port 140, thereby stabilizing the flow of hydrogen water through the intake pipe 141. It is possible to maintain a state in which more hydrogen is contained in the hydrogen water. That is, the intake pipe 141 has a shape that suppresses the discharge of water from the reduced pressure intake port 140, and the pressure of the water passing therethrough is equal to the external pressure (here, atmospheric pressure) at the reduced pressure intake port 140. Thus, the pressure is gradually reduced to prevent a sudden change in the pressure of the hydrogen water, and the gasification of the dissolved hydrogen is suppressed. In particular, the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is pressurized to atmospheric pressure or higher to dissolve hydrogen in an equilibrium state, and the hydrogen water taken out at atmospheric pressure by reducing the pressure can have a high concentration. The extracted hydrogen water can also be supplied to a water server or the like.

  2 and 3 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the hydrogen water production method using the hydrogen water production apparatus 100. FIG.

  In such a hydrogen water production method, first, water W is supplied from the water supply tank 110 to the pressure dissolution tank 120 as shown in FIG. At this time, the driving of the electrolysis mechanism 130 is stopped, and the opening / closing mechanism 142 communicating with the decompression water intake port 140 is in a closed state.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2B, when a control unit (not shown) detects that the water level in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 has reached a predetermined height, the water supply from the water supply tank 110 is supplied. Stop (water supply process). In such a water supply process, when the water level of the water W in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 rises, the air existing in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 in an empty state is compressed and the pressure rises. At this time, excess air may be discharged from the pressure leak valve 121, but in a subsequent process, the pressure leak valve 1 is closed and the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is closed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3A, the electrolysis mechanism 130 (see FIG. 1) is driven. That is, after taking water in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 from the intake pipe 131 and electrolyzing it to generate hydrogen, the hydrogen is sent out from the hydrogen supply pipe 132 at a predetermined pressure (for example, 0.2 MPa), Hydrogen fine bubbles (nanobubbles) B are discharged from the fine bubble discharge portion 123 into the pressure dissolution tank 120. The pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is used for water supply from the intake pipe 131 to the electrolysis mechanism 130. Such pressure is obtained by supplying hydrogen, but before the production of hydrogen, an increase in pressure due to the supply of water to the pressurized dissolution tank 120 can also be used. If the bubbles B continue to be released, some of the bubbles B are dispersed in the water W as they are, and the remaining bubbles B rise and accumulate in the retention space P formed in the upper part of the pressurized dissolution tank 120. Is done. At this time, the internal pressure is gradually increased while the closed space of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is maintained in a pressurized state.

  Then, the partial pressure of the hydrogen gas accumulated in the retention space P is increased, so that an amount of hydrogen exceeding the solubility limit of hydrogen at atmospheric pressure can be dissolved in water, and the water in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 can be dissolved. The hydrogen content increases with the fine bubbles B dispersed and contained in W. At this time, when the supply of hydrogen becomes excessive and the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 0.6 MPa), the hydrogen gas staying in the staying space P from the pressure leak valve 121 to the outside By discharging, the pressure is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the predetermined value (bubble releasing step). Further, as the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 rises, the water W is supplied to the electrolysis mechanism 130 via the intake pipe 131 without using water supply means such as a pump.

  For example, the pressure of the above-described predetermined value in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is set as a pressure capable of efficiently dissolving hydrogen in water, and appropriate when the pressure leak valve 121 discharges hydrogen gas by a control unit (not shown). It may be determined that the production of hydrogen water has been completed and the supply of hydrogen from the electrolysis mechanism 130 may be stopped. Further, as described above, the driving of the electrolysis mechanism 130 is also stopped when the pressure value in the hydrogen supply pipe 132 detected by the pressure sensor 133 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, the production amount of hydrogen gas can be surely limited, and the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is not excessively pressurized.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3B, the opening / closing mechanism 142 is opened, and hydrogen water is taken out from the reduced pressure intake port 140. At this time, since the intake pipe 141 connected to the reduced pressure intake port 140 is disposed at the lower part of the pressurized dissolution tank 120, when the opening / closing mechanism 142 is opened, the internal pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 120, which is a closed space, and Hydrogen water flows out from the reduced pressure intake port 140 by its own weight. Thereby, hydrogen water can be taken out from the decompression water intake port 140 to atmospheric pressure, without using water supply means, such as a pump. When the water level of the water W in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 decreases to some extent due to the outflow of hydrogen water, the process returns to the water supply process shown in FIG. 2A again, and the water is supplied from the water supply tank 110 to the pressure dissolution tank 120 again. And the operations shown in FIGS. 2B, 3A, and 3B are repeated.

  By providing the above configuration, according to the hydrogen water production apparatus and the hydrogen water production method, after the water W is stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 120, the hydrogen generated by the electrolysis mechanism 130 is released as fine bubbles. By releasing into the water as fine bubbles (nanobubbles) B from the section 123, the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 is increased and the solubility limit of hydrogen in water is increased, so that more hydrogen is dissolved in water. Can do.

  Then, by increasing the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 by the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the electrolysis mechanism 130, gas releasing means for pressurizing and releasing the hydrogen used in the conventional hydrogen water production apparatus into the water Since (compressor etc.) is unnecessary, the quietness at the time of hydrogen water manufacture can be ensured. Furthermore, since the structure of such a gas discharge | release means becomes unnecessary, the cost as the whole hydrogen water manufacturing apparatus can be reduced. In addition, if the predetermined height of the water level is set lower than the height at which the pressure leak valve 121 is installed, the gas can be stably discharged without touching the pressure leak valve 121 with water. Can also ensure quietness.

  Further, when water having a predetermined pressure can be supplied by installing the water supply tank 110 at a high place or using tap water, the water supply pump 112 can be omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a modification of the hydrogen water production apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, in the same figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to what is common in the component of the hydrogen water manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and description for the second time is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the hydrogen water production apparatus 100 ′, a retention chamber 120 b is additionally formed on the upper surface 120 a of the pressurized dissolution tank 120. A pressure leak valve 121 is attached to the retention chamber 120b, and a water level sensor 122 is attached to the upper surface 120a of the pressurized dissolution tank 120.

  With such a configuration, water supply in the water supply process can be performed up to the upper surface 120a of the pressurized dissolution tank 120, and a necessary staying space P can be secured in the upper portion thereof, so that a larger amount of hydrogen water can be produced at a time. It becomes possible to do. Further, since the pressure leak valve 121 can be disposed at a position higher than the upper limit of the water level detected by the water level sensor 122, the pressure leak valve 121 is not touched with water, and the release of air and hydrogen gas can be stabilized. . Further, the hydrogen water from the reduced pressure intake port 140 may be further led to the front of the water supply pump 112 and circulated.

  The intake pipe 141 does not have a shape that gradually decreases in diameter toward the reduced pressure intake port 140 as described above, but may have a shape that has a constant diameter. In this case, the shape that suppresses the discharge from the reduced pressure intake port 140 is narrow and long. Although depending on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 120, for example, the inner diameter of the intake pipe 141 is preferably 1.0 to 5.0 mm, and the length is preferably 1 m or more. That is, by reducing the inner diameter of the intake pipe 141, the pressure loss due to the viscosity of the water is increased, and by increasing the length, the pressure difference due to the pressure loss can be increased, and the passing water can be gradually reduced in pressure. it can. Thereby, hydrogen water can be taken out while maintaining a state containing more hydrogen.

  In the above, an example in which hydrogen is used as a gas has been described. However, other gases can be dissolved. For example, oxygen may be dissolved in water by supplying oxygen generated by the electrolysis mechanism 130 to the pressure dissolution tank 120. Further, by providing heating means such as a heater in the water supply tank 110 or the pressure dissolution tank 120, the temperature of water can be increased to dissolve hydrogen. Thereby, hydrogen water can be used also for a shower, bathing, etc. Further, other drinks such as tea and coffee may be used in place of the above water. In this case, water obtained by purifying the beverage in the pressurized dissolution tank 120 by a purification device such as an RO device using a reverse osmosis membrane may be supplied to the electrolysis mechanism 130.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another modification of the hydrogen water production apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, in the same figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to what is common in the component of the hydrogen water manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and description for the second time is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the hydrogen water production apparatus 100 ″ can exchange water and hydrogen water with the water server 150. A water storage tank 151 for storing cold water or the like in the water server is used as a water tank instead of the water tank 110 described above, and is connected to the pressurized dissolution tank 120 via the water supply pipe 111. Further, the water supply pipe 141 ′ is extended from the vicinity of the bottom of the pressurized dissolution tank 120 through the opening / closing mechanism 142, and the reduced pressure intake port 140 is connected to the water storage tank 151. As a result, water can be supplied from the water storage tank 151 to the pressurized dissolution tank 120, and the produced hydrogen water can be sent to the water storage tank 151. Note that the decompression water intake port 140 does not have to be directly connected to the water storage tank 151, and may be oriented so that the discharged water can be supplied to the water storage tank 151.

  Here, if the water storage tank 151 is disposed at a higher position than the pressurized dissolution tank 120, water or hydrogen water can be caused to flow into the pressurized dissolution tank 120 by its own weight. That is, the water supply pump 112 can be omitted. Moreover, since water is discharged by the internal pressure of the closed space of the pressurized dissolution tank 120, water is supplied from the pressurized dissolution tank 120 to the water storage tank 151 disposed at a high place via the water supply pipe 141 ′ even if the pump is omitted. can do.

  In this way, for example, hydrogen water can be circulated between the pressurized dissolution tank 120 and the water storage tank 151, and the hydrogen content of the hydrogen water in the water storage tank 151 can be increased and maintained. The hydrogen water thus obtained can be taken out from the faucet 152 of the water server.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing still another modification of the hydrogen water production apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the same components as those of the hydrogen water producing apparatus 100 ″ shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the hydrogen water producing apparatus 200 can exchange water and hydrogen water with the water server 150 in the same manner as the hydrogen water producing apparatus 100 ″. However, instead of the pressurized dissolution tank 120, a dissolution tank 120 'provided with a stirring mechanism 10 therein is used. That is, connection is made so that water can be supplied from the vicinity of the bottom of the dissolution tank 120 ′ to the water storage tank (water supply tank) 151 through the water supply pipe 141 ′. Accordingly, hydrogen water can be circulated between the dissolution tank 120 ′ and the water storage tank 151, and the hydrogen content of the hydrogen water in the water storage tank 151 can be increased and maintained. Can be taken out.

  In the hydrogen water production apparatus 200, an exhaust pipe 121 a is further connected to the pressure leak valve 121 and extends to the gas space P 1 on the water surface of the water W 1 in the water storage tank 151. Thereby, when discharging | emitting hydrogen from the exhaust pipe 121a, the fall of the hydrogen concentration about the water W1 circulated to the water storage tank 151 by raising the hydrogen partial pressure of the gas space P1 can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to prevent inflow of outside air into the gas space P1 and prevent contamination with bacteria and dusty hydrogen water.

  In addition, the electrolysis mechanism 130 is connected to the intake pipe 131 from the dissolution tank 120 ′, and is connected to the intake pipe 131 ′ from the water storage tank 151 through the electromagnetic valve 135. Accordingly, the electrolysis mechanism 130 can supply water from the water storage tank 151 when there is no water in the dissolution tank 120 ′.

  Referring also to FIG. 7, as described above, the agitation mechanism 10 is provided inside the dissolution tank 120 ', and the drive unit 20 for driving the agitation mechanism 10 is provided below the dissolution tank 120'.

  The stirring mechanism 10 is composed of a cylindrical stirring chamber 11 mounted on the bottom surface 124 of the dissolution tank 120 ′, a stirring bar 12 mounted on the bottom surface 124 in the stirring chamber 11, and an outer side of the stirring chamber 11. A substantially cylindrical inner pipe 13 placed on the inclined surface, a top plate 14 that is a lid of the upper opening of the inner pipe 13 and is arranged substantially horizontally, and an annular shape placed on the top plate 14 A weight 15. Further, as described above, the drive unit 20 that can rotate the stirring bar 12 is disposed below the bottom surface 124.

  The inner pipe 13 includes a window 13a at the upper end thereof, and communicates the inner side and the outer side of the inner pipe 13 below the top plate 14. In addition, the inner pipe 13 includes a partition plate 13 b that is substantially lower than the top plate 14 and above the stirring chamber 11.

  The stirring chamber 11 is a cylindrical body that is open at the top and bottom, and has a substantially funnel shape including a small-diameter portion 11 a at the top and a large-diameter portion 11 b that increases in diameter toward the bottom. The stirring chamber 11 supports the inner pipe 13 by forming the above-described outer inclined surface by the enlarged diameter portion 11 b and abutting the inclined surface against the lower opening end of the inner pipe 13. Part of the substantially cylindrical fine bubble discharge portion 123 is loosely inserted into the upper opening of the small diameter portion of the stirring chamber 11. A hydrogen supply pipe 132 that guides hydrogen to the microbubble discharge part 123 is loosely inserted into holes provided in the central parts of the weight 15, the top plate 14, and the partition 13b, and hangs down from above on the substantially central axis of the inner pipe 13. Has been. Note that an air stone was used for the fine bubble discharge portion 123.

  The stirrer 12 is a substantially prismatic body having an octagonal cross section, and is composed of a samarium cobalt magnet having magnetic poles at both ends in the longitudinal direction. A central portion of the stirrer 12 is provided with a belt-like body 12a that is in contact with the bottom surface 124 at the center during rotation so as to reduce the sound generated from the contact portion with the bottom surface 124 during rotation. The drive unit 20 is disposed below the bottom surface 124 and has a structure in which a plate-like body 23 to which magnets 22 a and 22 b each having a magnetic pole for attracting each magnetic pole of the stirrer 12 are fixed can be horizontally rotated by a motor 21. . That is, the stirrer 12 and the drive unit 20 constitute a magnet stirrer. The bottom surface 124 is flattened at the center so as not to hinder the rotation of the stirring bar 12, and, for example, a water supply pipe 141 'is connected to the side surface.

  As described above, the stirring chamber 11 has the enlarged diameter portion 11b, and forms a flow of water W generated by the rotation of the stirring bar 12 in the enlarged diameter portion 11b. At this time, the water flow has a large flow velocity on the lower outer side of the enlarged diameter portion, and lowers the pressure from the surroundings. That is, with the stirring chamber 11 as a pipe, a water flow that rotates in a horizontal plane and that runs downward can be formed in the pipe. As a result, a part of the hydrogen bubbles B (see FIG. 6) released from the fine bubble discharge portion 123 is guided downward, and the time until the bubbles B rise, that is, the residence time in water can be increased. As a result, the amount of the bubbles B retained in the water W is increased, and the contact area of the bubbles B with the water W is increased. Furthermore, by stirring the bubbles B together with the water W, it is possible to increase the contact area of the bubbles B with the water W by making the bubbles B finer while making the dissolved concentration of hydrogen in the water W uniform. By these, the dissolution of hydrogen in the water W can be promoted.

  A swirling water flow is also formed in the entire inner pipe 13 along with the water flow in the enlarged diameter portion 11b. Due to such a water flow, the bubbles B are temporarily stored on the lower surfaces of the partition plate 13b and the top plate 14, and the time to rise is lengthened. As a result, the amount of the bubbles B staying in the water W can be increased, the contact area of the bubbles B with the water W can be increased, and the dissolution of hydrogen into the water W can be promoted. That is, the partition plate 13b and the top plate 14 serve as a levitation suppression plate that suppresses the levitation of the bubbles B.

  Note that, as described above, a hole through which the hydrogen supply pipe 132 is loosely inserted is provided at the center of each of the partition 13b, the top plate 14, and the weight 15, and serves as one of the paths through which the bubbles B rise. Here, the bubbles B on the lower surface of the partition 13b or the top plate 14 are blocked by the inner pipe 13 on the floating path toward the outer peripheral side, and can rise as a bubble passage through the hole penetrating the window 13a and the central portion. Thus, the bubbles B are stored as a large bubble on the lower surface of the levitation restraining plate and do not reduce the contact area with water, and are stored for an appropriate time or stored for an appropriate amount. The area of contact with water can be kept large while the size of the bubbles B is kept relatively small.

  A part of the bubbles B moves upward through a gap A between the outer periphery of the top plate 14 and the inner periphery of the dissolution tank 120 ′. Here, the top plate 14 has an outer diameter larger than that of the inner pipe 13, and on the outer peripheral side of the inner pipe 13, the air bubbles B can be temporarily stored on the lower surface thereof, and the inside of the inner pipe 13 from the window 13 a. It is also possible to guide the bubbles B to the circumferential side. By further reducing the gap A, for example, the rising speed of bubbles B having a diameter equal to or larger than that of the gap A or the like is reduced, and the time to rise is increased. Further, the space between the bottom portion and the bottom surface 124 of the stirring chamber 11 and between the outer wall of the enlarged diameter portion 11b and the opening end of the lower portion of the inner pipe 13 are not particularly sealed and may have a gap. A part of the bubbles B can be guided to the outer peripheral side of the stirring chamber 11 and the outer peripheral side of the inner pipe 13 by the water flow formed in the inner pipe 13 from the gap, and similarly moves upward through the gap A. . That is, the time until the bubble B rises is increased, the amount of the bubble B staying in the water W is increased, and the contact area of the bubble B with the water W is increased. Dissolution can be promoted.

  According to the hydrogen water production apparatus 200 as described above, hydrogen water having a high hydrogen content can be stably produced by stirring water together with hydrogen gas under pressure in a closed space by the dissolution tank 120 ′. . Furthermore, since hydrogen water can be sent from the dissolution tank 120 ′ to the water storage tank 151 for circulation, the circulation can be repeated to increase the hydrogen content. On the other hand, it is possible to omit a pressurizing means with a large driving sound such as a pressure pump or a compressor, and quietness can be obtained.

  The stirrer 12 is rotated by the magnetic force from the driving unit 20 outside the dissolution tank 120 '. That is, agitation can be achieved with a simple configuration without using advanced techniques such as passing the drive shaft through the pressure vessel.

  The stirring is preferably performed simultaneously with the release of the bubbles B, but may be continued while the bubbles B remain in water even after the release of the bubbles B is stopped. On the other hand, it is preferable that the hydrogen water is taken out from the water supply pipe 141 ′ after the stirring is stopped, and the gasification of the dissolved hydrogen is suppressed by preventing a rapid pressure change of the hydrogen water.

  Further, in the hydrogen water production apparatus 200, the pressure leak valve 121 can be further omitted. In this case, the water supply pipe 141 ′ is extended to the gas space P <b> 1 (see FIG. 6) in the water storage tank 151. In order to reduce the pressure in the dissolution tank 120 ′, the entire amount of water W is discharged from the water supply pipe 141 ′ to the water storage tank 151. In this case, the internal pressure of the dissolution tank 120 ′ is used to discharge the water W to the water storage tank 151. However, when the entire amount of the water W in the dissolution tank 120 ′ is supplied, the water is removed from the water supply pipe 141 ′ to generate hydrogen. Since the gas communicates with the gas space P1, the inside of the dissolution tank 120 ′ can be reduced to atmospheric pressure (pressure in the gas space P1). This can facilitate the inflow of water into the dissolution tank 120 ′ due to its own weight from the water storage tank 151 in the water supply process. In addition, when supplying water to the dissolution tank 120 ′, if the hydrogen gas in the dissolution tank 120 ′ can flow back to the inflow of water from the supply water pipe 111, the pressure leak valve is omitted. However, since the inside of the dissolution tank 120 can be depressurized, water can be supplied to the dissolution tank 120 ′ even if the entire amount of the water W is not sent to the water storage tank 151.

[Hydrogen water production test]
Here, the result of having performed the test which manufactures hydrogen water, circulating water using the hydrogen water manufacturing apparatus 200 is demonstrated using FIG. In the hydrogen water production apparatus 200, a device without the pressure leak valve 121 is used, and a possible amount of water W is sent from the dissolution tank 120 ′ to the water storage tank 151 as a result of pressurization, and dissolved at the time of water supply. In order to reduce the pressure in the tank 120 ′, the hydrogen gas in the dissolution tank 120 ′ can flow backward through the pipe with respect to the inflow of water from the water supply pipe 111.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the number of times water was circulated in the hydrogen water production apparatus 200 and the result of measuring the hydrogen concentration of hydrogen water taken from the tap 152 were recorded.

  As a procedure, first, water is supplied from the water storage tank 151 into the dissolution tank 120 ′, and then hydrogen generated by the electrolysis mechanism 130 is discharged as bubbles from the fine bubble discharge unit 123 into the water, and at the same time, stirring by the stirring mechanism 10 is started. To do. The inside of the dissolution tank 120 ′ was pressurized to a predetermined pressure by releasing hydrogen, and after stopping the releasing of hydrogen, stirring was continued for a further predetermined time at the maximum pressure. After the stirring mechanism 10 was stopped, the hydrogen water in the dissolution tank 120 ′ was sent to the water storage tank 151, and the above was taken as one cycle.

  The above-described one cycle was repeated a plurality of times, and the hydrogen concentration of hydrogen water collected from the tap 152 was measured. The total amount of water stored in the water storage tank 151 was about 1.5 L, and water was supplied from here to the dissolution tank 120 ′. The hydrogen concentration was determined by methylene blue containing platinum colloid as a catalyst.

[Test 1]
As shown in FIG. 8A, the amount of hydrogen generated from the electrolysis mechanism 130 is 30 cc / min (equivalent to atmospheric pressure), and the pressure (measured by the pressure sensor 133) in the dissolution tank 120 ′ is increased to 0.43 MPa. (Maximum pressure), after stopping the generation of hydrogen, if stirring is continued for 30 seconds, about 14 minutes elapse in one cycle from the start of water supply to the completion of water supply. As for the hydrogen concentration, this cycle was repeated 4 times (about 1 hour). No. 1 was 2.6 ppm and repeated 9 times (about 2 hours). No. 2 was 4.1 ppm and repeated 13 times (approximately 3 hours). 3 was 4.3 ppm. That is, as the hydrogen water is circulated and the cycle is repeated, the hydrogen concentration can be increased. It should be noted that the hydrogen concentration can be increased to a maximum value by repeating the cycle of about 2 to 3 hours.

  The temperature of the hydrogen water sampled from the faucet 152 and measured for the hydrogen concentration is between about 10-12 ° C., and the above hydrogen concentration exceeds the saturation solubility of hydrogen in water. That is, it is considered that hydrogen water dissolves hydrogen in a supersaturated state or contains hydrogen gas that has not been dissolved as fine bubbles. For this reason, the “concentration” of hydrogen referred to here is not necessarily based only on the amount of dissolved hydrogen, but is based on the total content of hydrogen which may include fine bubbles of undissolved hydrogen gas.

[Test 2]
As shown in FIG. 8B, when the hydrogen concentration is measured under the same conditions as in Test 1 described above, the number of cycles in which the hydrogen concentration is measured is slightly different, but the hydrogen concentration for each elapsed time is about 1 hour No. . No. 4 at 2.7 ppm and No. 2 for about 2 hours. No. 5 of 3.6 ppm, No. 3 for about 3 hours. 6 was 4.5 ppm, which was almost equivalent to Test 1. That is, it was found that the hydrogen concentration was highly reproducible and high concentration hydrogen water could be produced stably.

[Test 3]
As shown in FIG. 8C, here, the amount of hydrogen generated from the electrolysis mechanism 130 is 110 cc / min (equivalent to atmospheric pressure), and the pressure in the dissolution tank 120 ′ is increased to 0.40 MPa to generate hydrogen. When the stirring is further continued for 3 minutes after stopping, about 10 minutes elapse in one cycle from the start of water supply to the completion of water supply. Since the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time from the electrolysis mechanism 130 is increased, the cycle time is shorter than in Test 1 and Test 2, and the number of cycles per elapsed time (6 cycles / about 1 hour). As a result, although the maximum pressure is slightly low, the hydrogen concentration at the same elapsed time is high.

  It has been found by other tests that the hydrogen concentration cannot be increased even if the stirring time at the maximum pressure is too long. This is considered to be because the bubbles B temporarily stored on the lower surfaces of the partition plate 13b and the top plate 14 almost disappear in about one minute after the generation of hydrogen by the electrolysis mechanism 130 is stopped. That is, when the bubbles B stay in water, stirring the water can promote the dissolution of hydrogen. However, it is considered that the effect of promoting the dissolution of hydrogen by stirring is reduced by reducing the bubbles B. Further, by shortening the stirring time at the maximum pressure, the number of cycles per elapsed time can be increased, and as a result, the elapsed time until the maximum hydrogen concentration is obtained can be shortened.

  Therefore, if 3 minutes of the stirring time in Test 3 is shortened to within 1 minute, stirring is terminated before the bubbles B are reduced and the process proceeds to the next step, the process until the maximum hydrogen concentration is obtained. Time can be shortened. In addition, in the water W1 stored in the storage tank 151, the maximum hydrogen concentration can be increased by shortening the cycle, considering that the hydrogen concentration exceeding the saturation solubility will decrease with time. Is also possible.

  As mentioned above, although the Example by this invention and the modification based on this were demonstrated, this invention is not necessarily limited to this, A person skilled in the art will deviate from the main point of this invention, or the attached claim. Various alternative embodiments and modifications could be found without doing so.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Hydrogen water production apparatus 110 Water supply tank 120 Pressurization dissolution tank 120 'Dissolution tank 121 Pressure leak valve 122 Water level sensor 123 Fine bubble discharge part 130 Electrolysis mechanism 132 Hydrogen supply pipe 133 Pressure sensor 140 Decompression water intake 141 Water intake pipe 141' Water pipe 142 Opening / closing mechanism 150 Water server

Claims (8)

A hydrogen water production apparatus for beverages comprising a dissolution tank that pressurizes and holds hydrogen gas and water in a gas-liquid two-phase state to form hydrogen water,
A water tank for supplying water to the dissolution tank;
A hydrogen supply mechanism that electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen gas and supplies it to the inside of the dissolution tank;
A water intake mechanism for discharging water inside the dissolution tank to the outside,
After supplying water from the water tank to the dissolution tank to make the dissolution tank a closed space, the hydrogen supply mechanism pressurizes and supplies the hydrogen gas into the dissolution tank to pressurize the closed space, and The stirrer inside the dissolution tank is rotated by the magnetic force applied from the outside of the closed space to stir the water. After stirring, the water inside the dissolution tank is removed via the water intake mechanism by the internal pressure of the closed space. An apparatus for producing hydrogen water, which is discharged to the outside.   The stirrer is located at the bottom of the dissolution tank, and a bubble releasing part for releasing hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply mechanism is provided on the top thereof, and a pipe line is provided between the bubble releasing part and the stirrer. The hydrogen water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a water flow directed downward is formed in the pipe.   3. The hydrogen water according to claim 2, wherein the pipe is a cylindrical body having a diameter-expanded portion that increases in diameter toward the lower side, and the stirrer is disposed inside the diameter-expanded portion. manufacturing device.   The apparatus for producing hydrogen water according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a levitation suppression plate extending in a substantially horizontal direction so as to block a buoyancy path of the bubbles that rise from the bubble discharge section.   The hydrogen water production apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a bubble passage that penetrates the levitation suppression plate is provided. A hydrogen water production method for producing hydrogen water for drinking using a dissolution tank that pressurizes and holds hydrogen gas and water in a gas-liquid two-phase state,
Water is supplied into the dissolution tank, the dissolution tank is used as a closed space, and hydrogen gas generated by electrolyzing water by a hydrogen supply mechanism having an electrolysis unit is pressurized and supplied to the interior of the dissolution tank. While pressurizing the space, the stirrer inside the dissolution tank is rotated by the magnetic force applied from the outside of the closed space to stir the water,
After the rotation of the stirring bar is stopped, water inside the dissolution tank is discharged to the outside by the internal pressure of the closed space.   The stirrer is positioned at the bottom of the dissolution tank, and a bubble discharge part for releasing hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply mechanism is provided on the top of the stirrer, and a pipe line is provided between the bubble discharge part and the stirrer. The method for producing hydrogen water according to claim 6, wherein a water flow directed downward is formed in the pipe. 8. The hydrogen water according to claim 7, wherein the pipe is a cylindrical body having a diameter-expanded portion that increases in diameter toward the lower side, and the stirrer is disposed inside the diameter-expanded portion. Production method.

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