JP7394667B2 - Interaction system and interaction method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an interaction system and an interaction method for causing interaction between multiple fluids.

Conventionally, interaction systems for causing interaction between multiple fluids are known. As an example of such an interaction system, Patent Document 1 below discloses an extraction device that extracts a specific component from a raw material fluid and transfers it into the extractant by bringing the extractant and the raw material fluid into contact with each other. There is.

The extraction device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below includes a plurality of extraction sections connected in series so that the raw material fluid flows sequentially, and in which a specific component is extracted from the raw material fluid using an extractant. The raw material fluid from which specific components have been extracted in the extraction section is supplied to the next extraction section.

Each of the plurality of stages of extraction sections includes a channel structure having a plurality of channels therein. Each of the plurality of channels is configured to allow the extractant and the raw material fluid to flow in a state in which they are in contact with each other, and in the course of the flow, a specific component is extracted from the raw material fluid and transferred into the extractant. A discharge header is attached to the outer surface of the channel structure, and each outlet of the plurality of channels communicates with an internal space of the discharge header. As a result, the mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material fluid that has flowed through each channel is discharged from the outlet of each channel into the internal space of the discharge header, and in the internal space, the mixed fluid is mixed with the extractant due to the difference in specific gravity. It is designed to separate into raw material fluid. A portion of the discharge header of each stage of the extraction section where the separated raw material fluid accumulates is connected to a flow path of the next stage of extraction section via piping.

A raw material liquid supply pump is connected to the extraction part located most upstream in the flow direction of the raw material fluid, and the raw material liquid is sent out by the raw material liquid supply pump, so that the raw material fluid is transferred from the upstream extraction part to the downstream extraction part. The raw material fluid is sequentially sent to. Further, the extractant supply pump is connected in parallel to the multiple stages of extraction sections, and the extractant is supplied from the extractant supply pump to the extraction sections of each stage in parallel. In the extraction section of each stage, the supplied extractant and raw material fluid are introduced into the flow path, join together, flow in contact with each other, and extract specific components from the raw material fluid as described above.

Patent No. 5988504

In a conventional interaction system, raw material fluid sequentially flows from the upstream side to multiple stages of interaction parts (extraction parts in Patent Document 1), and interaction processing (extraction processing in Patent Document 1) is performed in each interaction part. Although this ultimately results in a fluid that has undergone further processing, it also increases the number of required interaction parts and complicates the interaction system.

Furthermore, in the conventional interaction system, as the number of interaction parts increases, the total pressure loss of the flow paths of all the interaction parts increases. For this reason, the lift of the raw material liquid supply pump and the extractant supply pump required to flow the raw material fluid and extractant into the channels of all interaction parts increases, and the pump height of the raw material liquid supply pump and the extractant supply pump increases. Another aspect is that the required power increases.

An object of the present invention is to suppress the complexity of the interaction system, reduce the head and required power of the pump that supplies fluid to the interaction part, and perform interaction processing multiple times in succession within the system. An object of the present invention is to provide an interaction system that allows the user to interact with the user, and an interaction method using the interaction system.

The interaction system provided by the present invention is an interaction system that causes interaction between a first fluid and a second fluid. This interaction system includes an interaction unit having a processing flow path therein through which the first fluid and the second fluid flow so that the first fluid and the second fluid come into contact with each other to cause interaction. , connected to the outlet of the processing flow path so as to receive a mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid discharged from the outlet of the processing flow path, and retaining the received mixed fluid and controlling the first fluid. a separation container that separates the fluid and the second fluid; a first fluid supply device that supplies the first fluid to the inlet of the processing flow path; and a first fluid supply device that supplies the second fluid separated in the separation container to the processing flow. a second fluid path connecting a region of the separation container where the separated second fluid accumulates and an inlet of the processing flow path so as to lead to the entrance of the flow path; and a second fluid path provided in the second fluid path, the separation container a second fluid feed pump that sends the second fluid separated within the separation container to the inlet of the processing flow path.

In this interaction system, the second fluid is circulated between the separation container and the processing channel in the interaction section, and the interaction between the second fluid and the first fluid is repeatedly caused in the processing channel in the interaction section. This reduces the complexity of the interaction system, reduces the head and required power of the second fluid feed pump that supplies the second fluid to the processing flow path of the interaction part, and allows Interaction processing can be performed continuously.

Specifically, in this interaction system, the separation container is connected to the outlet of the processing channel so as to receive a mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid discharged from the outlet of the processing channel in the interaction part, The second fluid path connects a region of the separation container where the separated second fluid accumulates and the entrance of the processing flow path so that the second fluid separated in the separation container is guided to the entrance of the processing flow path. In order to send the second fluid separated in the separation container to the inlet of the processing channel, the second fluid feed pump provided in The mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid discharged from the is separated into the first fluid and the second fluid in the separation container, and the separated second fluid is sent to the inlet of the processing channel through the second fluid path. It can be returned. Therefore, the second fluid can be circulated between the separation container and the processing channel in the interaction section, and the second fluid and the first fluid supplied to the processing channel by the first fluid supply device can be circulated. Interactions can occur repeatedly in the process flow path. Therefore, it is possible to perform interaction processing multiple times in succession within the interaction system without increasing the number of interaction units, thereby suppressing the complexity of the interaction system.

Moreover, in this interaction system, the second fluid feed pump only needs to have a lift necessary to flow the second fluid into the processing channel in one interaction section, so unlike the conventional interaction system, the The head of the second fluid feed pump can be reduced compared to the case where the fluid flows sequentially through the channels of the interaction parts of the stages. Further, the power required for the second fluid feed pump can also be reduced accordingly.

In addition, in this interaction system, by changing the number of times that the second fluid circulates between the separation container and the processing channel of the interaction section, the number of times the second fluid circulates between the first fluid and the processing channel of the interaction section is changed. The number of interaction processes with two fluids can be changed. Therefore, this interaction system also has the advantage of being able to change the number of interaction processes without changing its configuration.

The first fluid supply device includes a region of the separation container where the separated first fluid accumulates and a region of the processing channel so as to guide the first fluid separated in the separation container to an inlet of the processing channel. a first fluid path connecting the inlet to the inlet, and a first fluid feeding pump provided in the first fluid path to send the first fluid separated in the separation container from the separation container to the inlet of the processing flow path. , may also be included.

According to this configuration, the first fluid as well as the second fluid can be circulated between the separation container and the processing channel of the interaction section, and the interaction between the circulating first fluid and the second fluid can be caused repeatedly in the processing flow path. Furthermore, with this configuration, the first fluid feed pump only needs to have a head necessary for flowing the first fluid into the processing channel in one interaction section, so the head of the first fluid feed pump can be reduced. Further, the power required for the first fluid feed pump can also be reduced accordingly.

The interaction system is connected to the first fluid path and is switchable between a discharge state in which the first fluid is discharged from the first fluid pathway to the outside and a discharge prevention state in which discharge of the first fluid is prevented. The first fluid supply device further includes a discharge section configured to connect to the first fluid path and store an unused first fluid that is a first fluid that has not yet been used for the interaction. a fluid tank provided in the first fluid path and configured to allow the unused first fluid to flow from the first fluid tank through the first fluid path to the inlet of the processing channel; an unused fluid supply state in which the first fluid separated in the separation container is prevented from flowing from the separation container to the inlet of the processing channel through the first fluid path; permitting flow from the separation vessel through the first fluid path to the inlet of the process flow path; and allowing the unused first fluid to flow from the first fluid tank through the first fluid path to the inlet of the process flow path. It is preferable to further include a supply switching device configured to be able to switch between a separation fluid supply state and a separation fluid supply state that prevents this.

According to this configuration, as the first fluid repeatedly interacts with the second fluid in the processing channel of the interaction section, the ability of the first fluid to cause interaction is reduced, and as a result, the efficiency of interaction processing is reduced. At this time, the first fluid can be discharged and, instead, an unused first fluid having a high ability to cause interaction can be supplied to the treatment channel to restore the efficiency of the interaction treatment.

Specifically, in this configuration, the discharge section is configured to switch between a discharge state in which the first fluid is discharged from the first fluid path to the outside and a discharge prevention state in which discharge of the first fluid is prevented. Since the first fluid path is connected to the first fluid path, when the ability of the first fluid to cause an interaction is reduced, the discharge section is switched from the discharge prevention state to the discharge state, and the second fluid path whose ability to cause the interaction is decreased. One fluid can be expelled from the first fluid path. In this configuration, the first fluid tank storing the unused first fluid is connected to the first fluid path, and is configured to be switchable between the unused fluid supply state and the separated fluid supply state. Since the supply switching device is provided in the first fluid path, after the first fluid whose ability to cause interaction has decreased as described above is discharged from the first fluid path, the supply switching device is switched to the separated fluid supply state. By switching from the state to the unused fluid supply state, the unused first fluid having a high ability to cause interaction can be supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing channel of the interaction section. Therefore, the efficiency of interaction processing between the first fluid and the second fluid in the processing channel can be restored.

Further, the first fluid path includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank that can each store the first fluid led out from the separation container to the first fluid path, and the first fluid supply device is provided on the upstream side of the first storage tank and the second storage tank in the first fluid path, and allows the first fluid drawn out from the separation container to flow into the first storage tank. On the other hand, a first inflow allowing state in which the first fluid is prevented from flowing into the second storage tank, and a first inflow allowing state in which the first fluid drawn out from the separation container is allowed to flow into the second storage tank. and an inflow switching device configured to switch to a second inflow allowing state that prevents the first fluid from flowing into the first storage tank; is provided on the downstream side of the tank and the second storage tank, and when the inflow switching device is in the first inflow permission state, the first fluid feed pump transfers the flow from the first storage tank to the inlet of the processing flow path. A first supply state is entered in which the first fluid is allowed to be sent from the second storage tank to the inlet of the processing flow path, and the inflow switching device Allowing the first fluid feeding pump to send the first fluid from the second storage tank to the inlet of the processing flow path when in the permissible state, and from the first storage tank to the inlet of the processing flow path. a supply switching device that enters a second supply state that prevents the first fluid from being delivered, the interaction system being connected to the first storage tank and transferring the interaction system from the first storage tank to a first discharge part configured to be switchable between a first discharge state in which the first fluid is discharged to the outside of the system and a first discharge prevention state in which discharge of the first fluid is prevented; and the second storage tank. connected to and configured to be switchable between a second discharge state in which the first fluid is discharged from the second storage tank to the outside of the interaction system, and a second discharge prevention state in which discharge of the first fluid is prevented. It is preferable to further include a second discharge section.

According to this configuration, as the first fluid repeatedly interacts with the second fluid in the processing channel of the interaction section, the ability of the first fluid to cause interaction is reduced, and as a result, the efficiency of interaction processing is reduced. When this occurs, the efficiency of the interaction process can be restored by supplying the unused first fluid with a high ability to cause interaction to the processing flow path, and the first fluid with a reduced ability to cause interaction can be supplied to the processing flow path. The interaction process can be performed without interrupting the interaction process when the fluid is discharged from the first and second storage tanks and replaced with unused first fluid.

Specifically, in this configuration, the first fluid path includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank that can each store the first fluid led out from the separation container to the first fluid path, and An inflow switching device configured to switch between a first inflow permissible state and a second inflow permissible state is provided on the upstream side of the first storage tank and the second storage tank in the first fluid path, and , a supply switching device that enters the first supply state when the inflow switching device is in the first inflow permitting state and enters the second supply state when the inflow switching device is in the second inflow permitting state is a first fluid path; Among them, it is provided on the downstream side of the first storage tank and the second storage tank. Therefore, the inflow switching device is in the first inflow permitting state and the supply switching device is in the first supplying state, and the first fluid is circulated between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container. When the second storage tank is filled with unused first fluid, when the circulating first fluid repeatedly interacts in the processing flow path and the ability to cause interaction decreases, the inflow By switching the switching device to the second inflow permitting state and switching the supply switching device to the second supplying state, the unused first fluid filled in the second storage tank is supplied to the processing channel for interaction processing. efficiency can be restored. In addition, while the first fluid is circulating between the second storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container, the first storage tank is filled with unused first fluid, and the first fluid being circulated is filled with the first fluid. When the ability to cause the interaction of 1 fluid can be supplied to the process flow path to restore the efficiency of the interaction process.

Moreover, in this configuration, the first discharge section configured to be switchable between the first discharge state and the first discharge prevention state is connected to the first storage tank, and the second discharge state and the first discharge prevention state are connected to the first storage tank. A second discharge section configured to be switchable between two discharge prevention states is connected to the second storage tank. Therefore, when the ability to cause interaction decreases while the first fluid is circulating between the first storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container, the first discharge section is set to the first discharge state. By switching, the first fluid whose ability to cause an interaction has decreased can be discharged from the first storage tank, and the first fluid can be replaced by filling the first storage tank with an unused first fluid instead, Sometimes, the interaction process can be performed without interruption by supplying the unused first fluid from the second storage tank to the process channel as described above. Further, when the ability to cause interaction decreases while the first fluid is circulating between the second storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container, the second discharge section is switched to the second discharge state. The first fluid whose ability to cause an interaction has thereby been reduced can be discharged from the second storage tank, and the second storage tank can be filled with unused first fluid instead to replace the first fluid; As described above, the interaction process can be carried out without interrupting by supplying the unused first fluid from the first storage tank to the process channel.

The interaction system includes a first fluid discharge path that is connected to a region of the separation container where the separated first fluid accumulates and guides the separated first fluid from inside the separation container to the outside of the interaction system. The first fluid supply device further includes a first fluid tank that stores an unused first fluid that is a first fluid that has not yet been used for the interaction, and a first fluid tank that stores an unused first fluid that is a first fluid that has not yet been used for the interaction; a first fluid supply path connecting the first fluid tank and the inlet of the processing channel so as to guide the unused first fluid to the inlet of the first fluid supply path; and a first fluid feed pump that sends the unused first fluid from the tank to the inlet of the processing channel.

According to this configuration, the unused first fluid, which has a high ability to cause interaction, can be sent from the first fluid tank to the processing channel by the first fluid sending pump, and a state where the efficiency of interaction processing is maintained is high. can do.

Moreover, the interaction method provided by the present invention is an interaction method that causes interaction between a first fluid and a second fluid. This interaction method includes causing the first fluid and the second fluid to flow through the processing flow path in the interaction section in a state in which they are in contact with each other to cause the interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid. Then, a mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid flowing out from the outlet of the processing channel is introduced into a separation container, and the mixed fluid is retained in the separation container to separate the first fluid and the second fluid. supplying the first fluid to the inlet of the processing channel; and separating a region of the separation container where the separated second fluid accumulates from the inlet of the processing channel. The method includes sending the second fluid separated in the separation container to the inlet of the processing flow path through the second fluid path by a second fluid sending pump provided in a second fluid path connecting the second fluid path.

This interaction method suppresses the complexity of the interaction system that implements the interaction method and supplies the second fluid to the processing channel of the interaction section for the same reasons as explained for the interaction system. The interaction process can be performed continuously a plurality of times while reducing the lift height and required power of the second fluid feed pump. Furthermore, this interaction method has the effect that the number of interaction processes can be changed without changing the configuration of the interaction system.

The supply of the first fluid to the inlet of the processing channel is carried out through a first fluid channel provided in a first fluid channel that connects a region of the separation container where the separated first fluid accumulates and an inlet of the processing channel. The method may include sending the first fluid separated in the separation vessel through the first fluid path to an inlet of the processing channel by a fluid sending pump.

In this interaction method, the first fluid as well as the second fluid can be circulated between the separation container and the processing channel of the interaction section, and the interaction between the circulating first fluid and the second fluid can be caused repeatedly in the processing flow path. Further, since the first fluid feed pump only needs to have a head necessary for flowing the first fluid into the processing channel in one interaction section, the head of the first fluid feed pump can be reduced. Further, the power required for the first fluid feed pump can also be reduced accordingly.

In the interaction method, the first fluid separated in the separation container is sent to the inlet of the processing channel by the first fluid sending pump, and the first fluid is transferred between the separation container and the processing channel. Discharging the first fluid from the first fluid path to the outside at a timing when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the circulation of the first fluid has started; and after discharging the first fluid from the first fluid pathway. , supplying an unused first fluid, which is a first fluid that has not yet been used for the interaction, to the inlet of the processing channel through the first fluid path, and connecting the supplied unused first fluid and the second fluid. Preferably, the method further includes causing the supplied unused first fluid and the second fluid to interact with each other by causing the unused first fluid and the second fluid to flow through the processing channel in a state in which they are in contact with each other.

In this interaction method, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of circulation of the first fluid between the separation container and the processing channel, the first fluid repeatedly interacts with the second fluid in the processing channel. When the efficiency of the interaction process is reduced as a result of the first fluid having a lower ability to cause interaction, the first fluid is discharged and replaced with an unused first fluid having a higher ability to cause interaction. Fluid can be supplied to the process flow path to restore efficiency of the interaction process.

Further, the first fluid path includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank each capable of storing the first fluid, and the interaction method is such that the first fluid stored in the first storage tank is During the period in which the first fluid is sent to the inlet of the processing flow path by the first fluid feed pump and circulated between the first storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container, the interaction occurs. filling the second storage tank with an unused first fluid that is a first fluid that has not yet been used; and filling the first fluid between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of fluid circulation, the supply source of the first fluid sent to the inlet of the processing channel by the first fluid feed pump is switched to the second storage tank. Circulating the first fluid between the second storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container, and replacing the first fluid in the first storage tank with the unused first fluid; After a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of circulation of the first fluid between the second storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container, the first fluid feeding pump pumps the processing flow. Switching the supply source of the first fluid sent to the entrance of the channel to the first storage tank and circulating the first fluid between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container, and Preferably, the method further includes replacing the first fluid in the second storage tank with the unused first fluid.

In this interaction method, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the first fluid starts circulating between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container, the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid in the processing channel. When the efficiency of interaction processing decreases as a result of the first fluid's ability to cause interaction to decrease due to repeated interactions with the fluid, the unused first fluid that has a high ability to cause interaction is replaced with the treatment stream. When the first fluid whose ability to cause interaction has decreased is discharged from the first and second storage tanks and replaced with unused first fluid. can be performed without interrupting interaction processing.

Specifically, in this interaction method, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of circulation of the first fluid between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container, the interaction of the first fluid occurs. When the ability to process the fluid decreases, the source of the first fluid to be sent to the inlet of the processing channel is switched to the second storage tank, and the unused first fluid stored in the second storage tank is transferred to the second storage tank and the processing flow. Since it can be circulated between the channel and the separation vessel, the efficiency of the interaction process can be restored. Further, when a predetermined period of time has passed after the start of circulation of the first fluid between the second storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container, and the ability to cause interaction of the first fluid has decreased, the processing The supply source of the first fluid sent to the inlet of the flow path is switched to the first storage tank, and the unused first fluid stored in the first storage tank is transferred between the first storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container. Since it can be circulated, the efficiency of interaction processing can be restored. Moreover, in this interaction method, when replacing the first fluid in the first storage tank whose ability to cause interaction has decreased with an unused first fluid, the gap between the second storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container is Since the interaction process can be carried out in the processing channel by circulating the first fluid, the interaction process is not interrupted to replace the first fluid. In addition, when replacing the first fluid in the second storage tank whose ability to cause interaction has decreased with an unused first fluid, the first fluid is circulated between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container. Since the interaction process can be carried out in the processing flow path in this case, there is no need to interrupt the interaction process to replace the first fluid.

The first fluid is supplied to the inlet of the processing channel from a first fluid tank connected to the inlet of the processing channel via a first fluid supply path. The interaction method may include sending an unused first fluid that is a fluid to an inlet of the processing flow path, and the interaction method may further include discharging the first fluid separated in the separation container to the outside. good.

In this interaction method, the efficiency of the interaction process is maintained at a high level by sending the unused first fluid, which has a high ability to cause interaction, from the first fluid tank to the processing channel using the first fluid sending pump. be able to.

As described above, according to the present invention, interaction processing can be performed multiple times within the system while suppressing the complexity of the interaction system and reducing the head and required power of the pump that supplies fluid to the interaction part. An interaction system and an interaction method using the interaction system are provided, which can be performed continuously and the number of interaction processes can be changed without changing the configuration of the interaction system.

1 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using the interaction system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using the interaction system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using the interaction system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using the interaction system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a first modification example, which is a modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a first modification. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a second modification example, which is a modification example of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a second modification. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a second modification. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a third modification, which is a further modification of the first modification. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a third modification. It is a schematic diagram of the interaction system according to the fourth modification which is a further modification of the second modification. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an extraction method using an interaction system according to a fourth modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an interaction system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As an example of interaction, the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment performs an extraction process in which a specific component is extracted from a raw material liquid and transferred into an extractant. The extractant is an example of the first fluid in the present invention, and the raw material liquid is an example of the second fluid in the present invention. The extractant is a liquid that is immiscible with the raw material liquid. The specific gravity of the extractant used in this first embodiment is smaller than the specific gravity of the raw material liquid.

There are various examples of extraction processes, and the combinations of raw material liquid and extractant are also various for each example of extraction process. For example, as an example of an extraction process, there is a process of extracting and separating a specific metal component from an aqueous solution in which valuable metals are dissolved. In such processing, an aqueous solution in which valuable metals are dissolved is the raw material liquid, and an example of such an aqueous solution is an aqueous solution in which rare metals such as Ni and Co are dissolved. As an extractant for extracting rare metals such as Ni and Co from this aqueous solution, for example, a solution obtained by diluting PC88A manufactured by Daihachi Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. with kerosene is used. Further, as another example of the extraction process, there is a process in which a metal component dissolved as a synthesis catalyst in a liquid after a polymer synthesis reaction is extracted from the liquid and separated and removed. In this process, the liquid after the polymer synthesis reaction is a raw material liquid, and water, for example, is used as an extractant for extracting a metal component as a specific component from the liquid.

As shown in FIG. 1, the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an interaction section 4, a separation container 6, a first supply device 7, a second supply device 9, a connection pipe 12, and a level 16 in total, a discharge section 25, and a control section 28.

The interaction unit 4 brings fluids into contact with each other to cause interaction, and in the first embodiment, performs the extraction process. This interaction section 4 has a large number of processing channels 30 inside. Each processing flow path 30 allows the extractant and the raw material liquid to flow through each other so that the extractant and the raw material liquid come into contact with each other and specific components are extracted from the raw liquid and transferred into the extractant. Note that in each figure, the large number of processing channels 30 in the interaction section 4 are simplified and represented as one channel, and the shape of the channel is also simplified. Therefore, the number and arrangement of the processing channels 30 provided in the interaction section 4 and the shape of each processing channel 30 are arbitrarily set according to the conditions of the interaction process.

Each processing channel 30 is a so-called microchannel (fine channel). Each processing channel 30 includes a first introduction channel 32 into which the extractant supplied to the interaction section 4 is introduced, a second introduction channel 33 into which the raw material liquid supplied to the interaction section 4 is introduced, and a second introduction channel 33 into which the raw material liquid supplied to the interaction section 4 is introduced. The extractant flows from the first introduction path 32 and the raw material liquid flows from the second introduction path 33, connecting to the downstream ends of the first and second introduction paths 32 and 33, and flowing from the first introduction path 32. The extracting agent and the raw material liquid flowing in from the second introduction path 33 flow in contact with each other to perform the extraction process.

In addition, the interaction section 4 has a first inlet 38 connected to the first introduction path 32 of all the processing channels 30 provided in the interaction section 4, and a second introduction channel of all the processing channels 30. 33, and an outlet 40 that connects to the downstream end of the processing channel section 35 of all the processing channels 30. The first inlet 38 is a part that receives the extractant supplied to the interaction section 4, and the extractant that has passed through the first inlet 38 is distributed to each first introduction path 32 and flows therethrough. The second inlet 39 is a part that receives the raw material liquid supplied to the interaction section 4, and the raw material liquid that has passed through the second inlet 39 is distributed and flows to each second introduction path 33. Further, the outlet 40 is a portion through which the extractant and raw material liquid after the extraction process that have flowed through the processing channel section 35 of each processing channel 30 flow out to the outside of the interaction section 4 . The first inlet 38 and the second inlet 39 are examples of the inlets of the processing channel in the present invention, and the outlet 40 is an example of the outlet of the processing channel in the present invention.

The separation container 6 is connected to the outlet 40 so as to receive the mixed fluid of the extraction agent and raw material liquid after the extraction process flowing out from the processing flow path section 35 of each processing flow path 30, that is, the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 40. The mixed fluid received is retained and separated into extractant and raw material liquid based on the difference in specific gravity.

Specifically, the separation container 6 is connected to the outlet 40 via a connecting pipe 12 and receives the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 40 through the connecting pipe 12. In the space inside the separation container 6, the mixed fluid is separated into a light liquid (extractant) and a heavy liquid (raw material liquid). The separated heavy liquid (raw material liquid) accumulates at the bottom of the separation container 6, and the separated light liquid (extractant) accumulates on top of the accumulated heavy liquid. An interface is formed between the light liquid and the heavy liquid.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the separation container 6 also functions as a tank that stores unprocessed raw material liquid that has not been subjected to extraction processing (hereinafter simply referred to as unprocessed raw material liquid). That is, in the first embodiment, the separation container 6 functions as a tank for storing the unprocessed raw material liquid before the extraction process is started in the interaction system 1, and receives the mixed fluid after the extraction process is started. After that, it functions as a container that separates the mixed fluid into extractant and raw material liquid.

The first supply device 7 is a device that supplies the extractant to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4 . This first supply device 7 is an example of a first fluid supply device in the present invention. The first supply device 7 includes an extractant tank 2 , an extractant supply pipe 8 , a first pump 18 , and a supply switching device 22 .

The extractant tank 2 is a tank that stores unused extractant, which is an extractant that has not yet been used in the extraction process. This extractant tank 2 is an example of a first fluid tank in the present invention. Further, the unused extractant is an example of the unused first fluid in the present invention.

The extractant supply piping 8 connects a region of the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (light liquid) accumulates and a first inlet so as to guide the extractant separated in the separation container 6 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4. It is connected to 38. Further, the extractant supply pipe 8 connects the extractant tank 2 and the first inlet 38 so as to guide the unused extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4 . This extractant supply piping 8 is an example of the first fluid path in the present invention.

Specifically, the extractant supply pipe 8 includes a first branch pipe 8a connected to the extractant tank 2 and a second branch pipe connected to a region of the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (light liquid) accumulates. 8b. The unused extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 flows into the first branch pipe 8a and can be supplied to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply pipe 8. The extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 flows into the second branch pipe 8b and can be supplied to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply pipe 8.

The first pump 18 is located at a portion of the extractant supply pipe 8 that is closer to the interaction part 4 than the branch point between the first branch pipe 8a and the second branch pipe 8b, that is, in the flow direction of the extractant in the extractant supply pipe 8. The branch point is provided at a location downstream of the branch location. This first pump 18 sends the extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 from the separation container 6 to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply pipe 8, and also sends the extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 to the first inlet 38. The extractant is delivered from the extractant tank 2 through the extractant supply line 8 to the first inlet 38 . The first pump 18 is an example of a first fluid feeding pump in the present invention.

The supply switching device 22 is provided in the extractant supply pipe 8 . This supply switching device 22 is for switching the supply source of the extractant sent to the first inlet 38 by the first pump 18 from one of the extractant tank 2 and the separation vessel 6 to the other. The supply switching device 22 allows the unused extractant to flow from the extractant tank 2 through the extractant supply pipe 8 to the first inlet 38 and allows the extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 to flow into the separation container 6. The unused extractant supply state prevents the extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation vessel 6 from flowing from the separation vessel 6 through the extractant supply pipe 8 to the first inlet 38 . 1 inlet 38 and prevents unused extractant from flowing from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply pipe 8. .

Specifically, the supply switching device 22 includes a first supply switching valve 42 and a second supply switching valve 44.

The first supply switching valve 42 is provided in the first branch pipe 8a of the extractant supply pipe 8. The first supply switching valve 42 has an open state that allows unused extractant to be supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply pipe 8, and a state that prevents the unused extractant from being supplied. It is configured to be switchable between the closed state and the closed state.

The second supply switching valve 44 is provided in the second branch pipe 8b of the extractant supply pipe 8. The second supply switching valve 44 has an open state that allows the extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 to be supplied from the separation container 6 to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply piping 8, and an open state that allows the extraction It is configured so that it can be switched to a closed state that prevents the supply of the agent (light liquid).

The unused extractant supply state of the supply switching device 22 is a state in which the first supply switching valve 42 is open and the second supply switching valve 44 is closed. The separation and extractant supply state of the supply switching device 22 is a state in which the first supply switching valve 42 is closed and the second supply switching valve 44 is open.

The second supply device 9 is a device that supplies the raw material liquid to the second inlet 38 of the interaction section 4 . This second supply device 9 includes a raw material liquid supply pipe 10 and a second pump 20.

The raw material liquid supply pipe 10 connects a region of the separation container 6 where the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) accumulates and a second inlet so as to guide the raw material liquid separated in the separation container 6 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4. 39 is connected. In addition, during the period from when the interaction system 1 starts operating until separation is performed in the separation container 6, the raw material liquid supply pipe 10 mutually supplies the unprocessed raw material liquid filled in the separation container 6. It leads to the second inlet 39 of the action section 4. This raw material liquid supply pipe 10 is an example of the second fluid path in the present invention.

The second pump 20 is provided in the raw material liquid supply pipe 10. This second pump 20 sends the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) separated in the separation container 6 from the separation container 6 to the second inlet 39 through the raw material liquid supply pipe 10 . In addition, during the period from when the interaction system 1 starts operating until separation is performed in the separation container 6, the second pump 20 pumps the unprocessed raw material liquid filled in the separation container 6 into the second pump. Send to entrance 39. The second pump 20 is an example of a second fluid feeding pump in the present invention.

A level meter 16 is attached to the separation container 6. The level meter 16 detects the height position of the upper surface of the liquid collected in the separation container 6. When a light liquid and a heavy liquid separated vertically are accumulated in the separation container 6, the level meter 16 detects the height position of the top surface of these liquids, that is, the height position of the top surface of the light liquid. . The level meter 16 transmits information on the height position of the upper surface of the detected liquid to the control unit 28.

The discharge part 25 is connected to the extractant supply pipe 8. In the discharge section 25, as a result of repeated extraction processing in each processing channel 30 while the extractant circulates between each processing channel 30 and the separation container 6, the concentration of the specific component contained becomes high and the extraction capacity is increased. This is for discharging the extractant from the extractant supply pipe 8 to the outside of the interaction system 1 when the amount of the extractant decreases. Note that the extraction ability is an example of the ability to cause interaction in the present invention. The discharge section 25 is configured to switch between a discharge state in which the extractant is discharged from the extractant supply pipe 8 to the outside of the interaction system 1 and a discharge prevention state in which discharge of the extractant is prevented.

Specifically, the discharge section 25 includes a discharge pipe 24 and a discharge valve 26.

The discharge pipe 24 is located at a location in the extractant supply pipe 8 closer to the interaction part 4 than the first pump 18, that is, at a location downstream of the first pump 18 in the flow direction of the extractant in the extractant supply pipe 8. It is connected.

The discharge valve 26 is provided in the discharge pipe 24. The discharge valve 26 is configured to be switchable between an open state that allows the extractant to be discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the discharge pipe 24 and a closed state that prevents the extractant from being discharged. . The discharge section 25 enters the discharge state when the discharge valve 26 is opened, and enters the discharge prevention state when the discharge valve 26 is closed.

The control unit 28 controls opening and closing of each of the first supply switching valve 42, the second supply switching valve 44, and the discharge valve 26, and controls the operation of each of the first pump 18 and the second pump 20. The control unit 28 acquires information about the height position of the upper surface of the liquid in the separation container 6 that is transmitted from the level meter 16 . Specific details of the switching control of the opening/closing of the first supply switching valve 42, the second supply switching valve 44, and the discharge valve 26, and the control of the operation of the first and second pumps 18, 20 performed by the control unit 28. will be mentioned in the explanation of the interaction method (extraction method) below.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, an interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment, specifically an extraction method in which a specific component is extracted from a raw material liquid and transferred into an extractant. I will explain about it. Note that in FIGS. 3 to 5, the flow paths through which the raw material liquid and the extractant flow are indicated by thick lines.

First, before starting the extraction process, an unused extractant is filled into the extractant tank 2, and an unprocessed raw material liquid is filled into the separation container 6 (see FIG. 2). At this time, both the first supply switching valve 42 and the second supply switching valve 44 are kept closed. Further, the discharge valve 26 is also kept closed.

After that, the extraction process in the interaction system 1 is started. Specifically, the control unit 28 opens the first supply switching valve 42 and operates the first pump 18, and the first pump 18 causes the first supply switching valve 42 to flow from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction unit 4. Unused extractant will be sent. Further, the control section 28 operates the second pump 20, and the untreated raw material liquid is sent from the separation container 6 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4 by the second pump 20.

The extractant sent to the first inlet 38 flows into the first introduction path 32 of each treatment channel 30 . Further, the raw material liquid sent to the second inlet 39 flows into the second introduction path 33 of each processing flow path 30. In each processing channel 30, the extractant flows into the processing channel section 35 from the first introduction channel 32, and the raw material liquid flows into the processing channel section 35 from the second introduction channel 33, and the extractant and the raw material solution flow into the processing channel section 35. flow through the processing channel section 35 in a state where they are in contact with each other. During the process in which the extractant and the raw material liquid flow through the processing channel section 35, an extraction process is performed in which a specific component is extracted from the raw material liquid and transferred into the extractant. Then, the mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid after the extraction process flows out from the outlet 40 of the interaction section 4 and is introduced into the separation container 6 through the connection pipe 12.

The mixed fluid introduced into the separation container 6 stays in the separation container 6, and as shown in FIG. 3, is separated into a light liquid (extractant) and a heavy liquid (raw material liquid) depending on the difference in specific gravity. . The heavy liquid (raw material liquid) is sent from the separation container 6 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4 through the raw material liquid supply pipe 10 by the second pump 20, and flows into each processing channel 30. That is, the raw material liquid circulates between the separation container 6 and each processing channel 30.

Then, as time passes, the amount of light liquid (extractant) accumulated in the separation container 6 increases. As shown in FIG. 4, when the amount of extractant accumulated in the separation container 6 reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit 28 switches the second supply switching valve 44 to the open state, and also switches the first supply switching valve 42 to the open state. Switch to closed state. At this time, specifically, the control unit 28 determines in advance the height position of the upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the separation container 6 (the upper surface of the extractant which is a light liquid) based on the information acquired from the level meter 16. When it is determined that the set specified height position has been exceeded, the first supply switching valve 42 is switched to the closed state, and the second supply switching valve 44 is switched to the open state.

The specified height position is arbitrarily set according to the amount of extractant to be brought into contact with the raw material liquid in the processing channel 30. Specifically, the volume ratio of the raw material liquid and the extractant to be brought into contact with the raw material liquid is determined in advance, and the height ( The height corresponding to the volume ratio is determined with respect to the height from the bottom surface of the separation container 6 to the top surface of the raw material liquid. Then, this determined height is added to the height of the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) filled in the separation container 6. The specified height position is set to a position corresponding to the height calculated in this manner.

By switching the first supply switching valve 42 to the closed state, the supply of the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4 is stopped. Instead, by switching the second supply switching valve 44 to the open state, the extractant separated in the separation container 6 is sent to the first inlet 38 by the first pump 18, and the extractant is transferred to each processing channel. 30. From this point on, the extractant circulates between the separation vessel 6 and each treatment channel 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Extraction of a specific component from the raw material liquid in the passage section 35 and separation of the mixed fluid into an extractant (light liquid) and a raw material liquid (heavy liquid) in the separation container 6 are repeatedly performed. As a result, the extraction of the specific component from the raw material liquid progresses, the concentration of the specific component in the raw material liquid decreases, and the concentration of the specific component in the extractant increases.

Thereafter, the control unit 28 controls a predetermined period of time from the time when the circulation of the extractant between the separation container 6 and each processing channel 30 is started (the time when the second supply switching valve 44 is switched to the open state). The discharge valve 26 is switched to the open state at the timing when the period has elapsed. The predetermined time period is a time period during which the extraction ability of the extractant decreases below a desired level when the extraction process is repeatedly performed in the processing channel 30 after the extractant starts circulating. By switching the discharge valve 26 to the open state, as shown in FIG. It is discharged to the outside of the system 1. That is, the extractant in which the concentration of the specific component has increased as described above is discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1. Correspondingly, the amount of extractant in the separation container 6 decreases.

Thereafter, the control unit 28 switches the discharge valve 26 to the closed state when the discharge amount of the extractant reaches a predetermined amount. At this time, specifically, the control unit 28 causes the upper surface of the liquid in the separation container 6 (the upper surface of the light liquid) to be lowered to a preset discharge stop height position based on the information acquired from the level meter 16. When it is determined that this has occurred, the discharge valve 26 is switched to the closed state. This stops the extraction agent from being discharged.

The lower limit of the discharge stop height position is the height position of the connection point of the second branch pipe 8b of the extractant supply pipe 8 to the separation container 6. The discharge stop height position is above the height position of the connection point of the second branch pipe 8b, and the extractant (heavy liquid) used in the extraction process in the separation container 6 is turned into an unused extractant. It is set according to the rate of replacement. That is, the discharge stop height position is set to a low position when the ratio of replacing the extractant in the separation container 6 with unused extractant is large, and the discharge stop height position is set to a low position when the ratio of replacing the extractant in the separation container 6 with unused extractant is large. If the ratio is small, it is set to a high position.

Thereafter, the control unit 28 switches the first supply switching valve 42 to the open state and switches the second supply switching valve 44 to the closed state. As a result, unused extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4. After this, the process described above is repeated.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, by circulating the extractant and the raw material liquid between the separation container 6 and each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, specific components are removed from the raw material solution in each processing channel 30. The extraction process of extraction and transfer into the extractant can be repeated. Therefore, the extraction process can be performed continuously multiple times without increasing the number of interaction units, and the complexity of the interaction system 1 can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to perform multiple extractions equivalent to multi-stage extraction while suppressing the complexity of the interaction system 1, and it is possible to increase the extraction rate of specific components from the raw material liquid.

In addition, in this first embodiment, the first and second pumps 18 and 20 only need to have a lift necessary to flow the extractant and the raw material liquid into the processing channel 30 in one interaction section 4. Therefore, the head of the first and second pumps 18 and 20 can be reduced compared to a conventional interaction system in which fluid is caused to flow through channels of interaction sections in multiple stages. Further, the power required for the first and second pumps 18 and 20 can also be reduced accordingly.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control unit 28 appropriately changes the timing at which the discharge valve 26 is switched to the open state to increase the number of times the extractant and the raw material liquid circulate between the separation container 6 and each processing channel 30. By changing this, you can change the number of extraction processes. Therefore, in this first embodiment, the number of extraction processes can be changed without changing the configuration of the interaction system 1. In other words, without changing the configuration of the interaction system 1, the processing flow rate of the extractant and the raw material liquid can be increased or decreased, and the required residence time of the extractant and the raw material liquid in the processing channel section 35 of the processing channel 30 can be changed. Can respond to increases and decreases.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the extractant is circulated and the extraction process using the extractant is repeatedly performed in each processing flow path 30, and the extraction ability of the extractant decreases, the discharge valve 26 is closed. By switching from to the open state, the extractant whose extraction ability has decreased can be discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1. After discharging the extractant, the supply switching device 22 is switched from the separated fluid supply state to the unused fluid supply state (the first supply switching valve 42 is switched to the open state, and the second supply switching valve 44 is switched to the closed state). ), an unused extractant with high extraction ability can be supplied from the extractant tank 2 to each processing channel 30. Therefore, the efficiency of the extraction process in each process channel 30 can be restored.

(Second embodiment)
Hereinafter, an interaction system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

The basic configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment, but in the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment, the specific gravity of the extractant is different from that of the raw material. This is adopted when the specific gravity is larger than the specific gravity of the liquid, and the extractant as a heavy liquid separated in the separation container 6 is supplied to each processing channel 30, and the raw material liquid as a light liquid separated in the separation container 6 is subjected to each treatment. It is configured to be supplied to the flow path 30.

Specifically, in the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the second branch pipe 8b of the extractant supply pipe 8 is connected to the raw material liquid supply pipe 10 of the separation container 6. It is connected to a region of the separation container 6 where the separated heavy liquid (extractant) accumulates at a position below the point. Therefore, the heavy liquid (extractant) accumulated below the light liquid (raw material liquid) in the separation container 6 can be supplied to each processing channel 30 through the extractant supply pipe 8 .

Further, the raw material liquid supply pipe 10 is connected to the separated light liquid (raw material liquid ) is connected to the area where it accumulates. Therefore, the light liquid (raw material liquid) accumulated above the heavy liquid (extractant) in the separation container 6 can be supplied to each processing channel 30 through the raw material liquid supply pipe 10.

Further, in the second embodiment, the level meter 16 is located at the height of the upper surface of the heavy liquid (extractant) accumulated in the separation container 6, that is, between the heavy liquid and the light liquid accumulated in the separation container 6. detects the height position of the interface, and sends information on the detected height position to the control unit 28.

The configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment other than the above is the same as that of the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment.

Next, an extraction method, which is an example of an interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. In addition, in FIGS. 8 to 10, the flow paths through which the raw material liquid and the extractant flow are indicated by thick lines.

In the extraction method according to the second embodiment, as in the extraction method according to the first embodiment, the extractant tank 2 is filled with an unused extractant and the unprocessed raw material liquid is placed in the separation container 6 before the start of the extraction process. (See Figure 7).

Then, as in the first embodiment, the control section 28 switches the first supply switching valve 42 to the open state and operates the first pump 18, thereby controlling each processing channel from the extractant tank 2 to the interaction section 4. 30 is supplied with unused extractant. Further, when the control unit 28 operates the second pump 20, the untreated raw material liquid is supplied from the separation container 6 to each processing channel 30 of the interaction unit 4. As a result, the process of extracting a specific component from the raw material liquid in the processing channel section 35 of each processing channel 30 is started.

Thereafter, the mixed fluid of the extraction agent and the raw material liquid after the extraction process, which was discharged from the outlet 40 of the interaction part 4 and introduced into the separation container 6, remains in the separation container 6, as shown in FIG. Then, it is separated into a light liquid (raw material liquid) and a heavy liquid (extractant) depending on the difference in specific gravity. The light liquid (raw material liquid) is sent from the separation container 6 to each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4 through the raw material liquid supply pipe 10 by the second pump 20 .

Then, as time passes, the amount of heavy liquid (extractant) accumulated in the separation container 6 increases. As shown in FIG. 9, when the amount of extractant accumulated in the separation container 6 reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit 28 switches the second supply switching valve 44 to the open state, and also switches the first supply switching valve 42 to the open state. Switch to closed state. At this time, specifically, the control unit 28 controls the height position of the upper surface of the heavy liquid accumulated in the separation container 6 (the interface between the light liquid and the heavy liquid) based on the information acquired from the level meter 16. When it is determined that the height position (height position) exceeds a preset specified height position, the first supply switching valve 42 is switched to the closed state, and the second supply switching valve 44 is switched to the open state.

The specified height position is arbitrarily set according to the amount of extractant to be brought into contact with the raw material liquid in the processing channel 30. Specifically, the volume ratio of the raw material liquid and the extractant to be brought into contact with the raw material liquid is determined in advance, and the height ( The height corresponding to the volume ratio is determined with respect to the height from the bottom surface of the separation container 6 to the top surface of the raw material liquid. The specified height position is set to a position corresponding to the height thus determined.

By switching the first supply switching valve 42 to the closed state and switching the second supply switching valve 44 to the open state, the supply of the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to each processing channel 30 is stopped, and instead Next, the extractant (heavy liquid) separated in the separation container 6 is supplied to each processing channel 30 through the extractant supply pipe 8. Therefore, from now on, as shown in FIG. Extraction of a specific component from the raw material liquid in the processing channel section 35 and separation of the mixed fluid into an extractant (heavy liquid) and a raw material liquid (light liquid) in the separation container 6 are repeatedly performed.

After that, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 28 switches the discharge valve 26 to the open state at a predetermined timing, and the extractant whose concentration of the specific component has increased due to repeated use in the extraction process is as shown in FIG. As such, it is discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the discharge pipe 24. Correspondingly, the amount of extractant (heavy liquid) accumulated in the separation container 6 decreases.

Thereafter, the control unit 28 switches the discharge valve 26 to the closed state when the discharge amount of the discharged extractant reaches a predetermined amount. Specifically, the control unit 28 controls the upper surface of the heavy liquid accumulated in the separation container 6 (the interface between the light liquid and the heavy liquid) to a preset discharge level based on the information acquired from the level meter 16. When it is determined that the height has decreased to the stop height position, the discharge valve 26 is switched to the closed state. This stops the extraction agent from being discharged. Thereafter, the process described above is repeated.

The lower limit of the discharge stop height position is the height position of the bottom surface inside the separation container 6. The discharge stop height position is above the height position of the bottom surface in the separation container 6, and the extractant (heavy liquid) used in the extraction process in the separation container 6 is replaced with an unused extractant. It is set according to the proportion. That is, the discharge stop height position is set to a low position when the ratio of replacing the extractant in the separation container 6 with unused extractant is large, and the discharge stop height position is set to a low position when the ratio of replacing the extractant in the separation container 6 with unused extractant is large. If the ratio is small, it is set to a high position.

The processes of the extraction method according to the second embodiment other than those described above are the same as those of the extraction method according to the first embodiment.

(Effects of the second embodiment)
In this second embodiment, when the specific gravity of the extractant is greater than the specific gravity of the raw material liquid, extraction processing can be performed using the extractant and the raw material liquid, and the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
An interaction system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16.

In the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment, during a period in which the extractant whose concentration of a specific component has increased due to repeated use in the extraction process is being discharged to the outside, the unused extractant is sent to each processing channel 30 in parallel. It is configured so that the extractant can be supplied and the extraction process can be carried out without interruption. In addition, in the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment, the raw material liquid is stored separately from the separation container 6 for separating the mixed fluid flowing out from each processing channel 30 into the extractant and the raw material liquid. A liquid tank 54 is provided. Further, the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment is employed when the specific gravity of the extractant is smaller than the specific gravity of the raw material liquid.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment includes an interaction unit 4, a separation container 6, a first supply device 7, a second supply device 9, and connection piping. 12, a first discharge section 80, a second discharge section 82, and a control section 28.

The interaction section 4 is similar to the interaction section 4 in the first embodiment.

The separation container 6 retains the mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid flowing out from the processing flow path section 35 of each processing flow path 30 of the interaction section 4, and separates a light liquid (extractant) and a heavy liquid ( (raw material liquid).

The first supply device 7 is a device that supplies the extractant to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4 . This first supply device 7 is an example of a first fluid supply device in the present invention. The first supply device 7 includes an extractant holding tank 47, an extractant path 48, a first filling pipe 55, a second filling pipe 56, a first filling switching valve 58, a second filling switching valve 60, It has a first pump 18, an inflow switching device 66, and a supply switching device 22.

The extractant holding tank 47 is a reserve tank that holds unused extractant to be filled into first and second storage tanks 50 and 52, which will be described later.

The extractant path 48 connects a region of the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (light liquid) accumulates and the first inlet 38 so as to guide the extractant separated in the separation container 6 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4. It connects. This extractant path 48 is an example of the first fluid path in the present invention. The extractant path 48 includes an extractant outlet pipe 62, a first storage tank 50, a second storage tank 52, and an extractant supply pipe 8.

The extractant derivation pipe 62 is connected to a region in the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (light liquid) accumulates so as to lead out the extractant from the inside of the separation container 6. A downstream portion of the extractant outlet pipe 62 in the flow direction of the extractant branches into a first branch pipe 62a and a second branch pipe 62b.

The first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 52 are each connected to the extractant derivation piping 62 so as to receive the extractant derived from the separation container 6 to the extractant derivation piping 62 from the extractant derivation piping 62. has been done. Specifically, the first storage tank 50 is connected to the first branch pipe 62a, and the second storage tank 52 is connected to the second branch pipe 62b. Further, the first storage tank 50 is connected to the extractant holding tank 47 via a first filling pipe 55, and the second storage tank 52 is connected to the extractant holding tank 47 via a second filling pipe 56. There is. Therefore, it is possible to fill the first storage tank 50 with unused extractant from the extractant holding tank 47 through the first filling pipe 55, and to fill the second storage tank 52 from the extractant holding tank 47 through the second filling pipe 56. Can be filled with unused extractant. The first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 52 store the extractant received from the extractant outlet pipe 62 or the unused extractant filled from the extractant holding tank 47, respectively.

The first filling switching valve 58 is provided in the first filling pipe 55. The first filling switching valve 58 has an open state that allows filling of the extractant from the extractant holding tank 47 into the first storage tank 50 through the first filling pipe 55, and a closed state that prevents the filling of the extractant. It is possible to switch between.

The second filling switching valve 60 is provided in the second filling pipe 56. The second filling switching valve 60 has an open state that allows filling of the extractant from the extractant holding tank 47 into the second storage tank 52 through the second filling pipe 56, and a closed state that prevents the filling of the extractant. It is possible to switch between.

The extractant supply pipe 8 connects the first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 52 so as to guide the extractant stored in each of the first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 52 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4. 52 and the first entrance 38. The upstream portion of the extractant supply pipe 8 in the flow direction of the extractant branches into a first branch pipe 8a and a second branch pipe 8b, and the first branch pipe 8a is connected to the first storage tank 50. In addition, the second branch pipe 8b is connected to the second storage tank 52.

The first pump 18 is provided in the extractant supply piping 8 of the extractant path 48 and supplies the extractant stored in the first storage tank 50 or the extractant stored in the second storage tank 52 to the extractant supply pipe. 8 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4. Specifically, when the extractant separated in the separation container 6 is introduced into the first storage tank 50 or the second storage tank 52, the first pump 18 pumps the liquid in the storage tank into which the extractant has been introduced. The extractant is delivered to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4. Further, when the first storage tank 50 or the second storage tank 52 is filled with an unused extractant and the unused extractant is supplied to the processing channel 30, the first pump 18 supplies the unused extractant to the processing channel 30. to the first entrance 38.

The inflow switching device 66 is provided in the extractant outlet pipe 62. This inflow switching device 66 selects the introduction destination (inflow destination) of the extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 and led out to the extractant delivery pipe 62 between the first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 50. and for switching from one to the other. This inflow switching device 66 allows the extractant to flow into the first storage tank 50 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62, while preventing the extractant from flowing into the second storage tank 52 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62. A first inflow permitting state in which the extractant is allowed to flow into the second storage tank 52 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62, while the extractant does not flow into the first storage tank 50 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62. It is configured to switch to a second inflow allowing state in which it is blocked.

Specifically, the inflow switching device 66 includes a first inflow switching valve 68 and a second inflow switching valve 70.

The first inflow switching valve 68 is provided in the first branch pipe 62a of the extractant outlet pipe 62. The first inflow switching valve 68 has an open state that allows the extractant to flow into the first storage tank 50 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62 and an open state that allows the extractant to flow into the first storage tank 50 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62. It is possible to switch to a closed state that prevents inflow.

The second inflow switching valve 70 is provided in the second branch pipe 62b of the extractant outlet pipe 62. The second inflow switching valve 70 has an open state that allows the extractant to flow into the second storage tank 52 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62 and an open state that allows the extractant to flow into the second storage tank 52 from the extractant lead-out pipe 62. It is possible to switch to a closed state that prevents inflow.

The first inflow permission state of the inflow switching device 66 is a state in which the first inflow switching valve 68 is in an open state and the second inflow switching valve 70 is in a closed state. Further, the second inflow permission state of the inflow switching device 66 is a state in which the first inflow switching valve 68 is in a closed state and the second inflow switching valve 70 is in an open state.

The supply switching device 22 is provided in the extractant supply pipe 8 . This supply switching device 22 is for switching the supply source of the extractant sent to the first inlet 38 by the first pump 18 from one of the first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 52 to the other. The supply switching device 22 allows extractant to be supplied from the first storage tank 50 to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply pipe 8, while allowing extractant to be supplied from the second storage tank 52 to the first inlet 38. a first supply state that prevents the supply of extractant from the first reservoir tank 50 to the first inlet 38 while allowing the extractant to be supplied from the second reservoir tank 52 through the extractant supply pipe 8 to the first inlet 38; and a second supply state in which supply of extractant to the extractant is inhibited.

Specifically, the supply switching device 22 includes a first supply switching valve 42 and a second supply switching valve 44.

The first supply switching valve 42 is provided in the first branch pipe 8a of the extractant supply pipe 8. The first supply switching valve 42 has an open state that allows the extractant to flow from the first storage tank 50 to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply piping 8, and an open state that allows the extractant to flow from the first storage tank 50 to the first inlet 38. It can be switched to a closed state that prevents the flow of water.

The second supply switching valve 44 is provided in the second branch pipe 8b of the extractant supply pipe 8. The second supply switching valve 44 has an open state that allows the extractant to flow from the second storage tank 52 to the first inlet 38 through the extractant supply piping 8, and an open state that allows the extractant to flow from the second storage tank 52 to the first inlet 38. It can be switched to a closed state that prevents the flow of water.

The second supply device 9 is a device that supplies the raw material liquid to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4 . This second supply device 9 has a raw material liquid path 49 and a second pump 20.

The raw material liquid path 49 connects a region of the separation container 6 where the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) accumulates and the second inlet 39 so as to guide the raw material liquid separated in the separation container 6 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4. It connects. This raw material liquid path 49 is an example of the second fluid path in the present invention. The raw material liquid path 49 includes a raw material liquid outlet pipe 64, a raw material liquid tank 54, and a raw material liquid supply pipe 10.

The raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 is connected to a region of the separation container 6 where the separated raw material liquid (light liquid) is collected so as to lead out the raw material liquid from the inside of the separation container 6 .

The raw material liquid tank 54 is connected to the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 so as to receive the raw material liquid led out from the separation container 6 to the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 . Further, the raw material liquid tank 54 can be filled with unprocessed raw material liquid from the outside. The raw material liquid tank 54 stores the raw material liquid received from the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 or the filled unprocessed raw material liquid. This raw material liquid tank 54 is an example of a second fluid tank in the present invention.

The raw material liquid supply pipe 10 connects the raw material liquid tank 54 and the second inlet 39 so as to guide the raw material liquid stored in the raw material liquid tank 54 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4 .

The second pump 20 is provided in the raw material liquid supply pipe 10 of the raw material liquid path 49 and sends the raw material liquid stored in the raw material liquid tank 54 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction part 4 through the raw material liquid supply pipe 10. . Specifically, when the raw material liquid separated in the separation container 6 is introduced into the raw material liquid tank 54, the second pump 20 sends the raw material liquid to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4. Further, when the raw material liquid tank 54 is filled with untreated raw material liquid and the untreated raw material liquid is supplied to the processing channel 30, the second pump 20 sends the untreated raw material liquid to the second inlet 39.

The first discharge part 80 is connected to the first storage tank 50. The first discharge part 80 is for discharging from the first storage tank 50 the extractant whose extraction ability has decreased due to the increased concentration of the specific component contained as a result of repeated extraction processing in the processing channel 30. be. The first discharge section 80 is configured to switch between a first discharge state in which the extractant is discharged from the first storage tank 50 to the outside of the interaction system 1, and a first discharge prevention state in which the extractant is prevented from being discharged. It is configured. The first discharge section 80 has a first discharge pipe 72 and a first discharge valve 76 .

The first discharge pipe 72 is connected to the first storage tank 50 so that the extractant stored in the first storage tank 50 can be taken out.

The first discharge valve 76 is provided in the first discharge pipe 72 . The first discharge valve 76 is configured to be switchable between an open state that allows the extractant to be discharged from the first storage tank 50 through the first discharge pipe 72 and a closed state that prevents the extractant from being discharged. has been done.

The first discharge state is a state in which the first discharge valve 76 is in an open state, and the first discharge prevention state is a state in which the first discharge valve 76 is in a closed state.

The second discharge part 82 is connected to the second storage tank 52. The second discharge part 82 is for discharging from the second storage tank 52 the extractant whose extraction ability has decreased due to the increased concentration of the specific component contained as a result of repeated extraction processing in the processing channel 30. be. The second discharge part 82 is configured to switch between a second discharge state in which the extractant is discharged from the second storage tank 52 to the outside of the interaction system 1 and a second discharge prevention state in which the extractant is prevented from being discharged. It is configured. The second discharge section 82 has a second discharge pipe 74 and a second discharge valve 78 .

The second discharge pipe 74 is connected to the second storage tank 52 so that the extractant stored in the second storage tank 52 can be taken out.

The second discharge valve 78 is provided in the second discharge pipe 74. The second discharge valve 78 is configured to be switchable between an open state that allows the extractant to be discharged from the second storage tank 52 through the second discharge pipe 74 and a closed state that prevents discharge of the extractant. has been done.

The second discharge state is a state in which the second discharge valve 78 is in an open state, and the second discharge prevention state is a state in which the second discharge valve 78 is in a closed state.

The control unit 28 includes a first filling switching valve 58, a second filling switching valve 60, a first supply switching valve 42, a second supply switching valve 44, a first inflow switching valve 68, a second inflow switching valve 70, and a first discharge switching valve. It controls the opening and closing of the valve 76 and the second discharge valve 78, and controls the operation of the first pump 18 and the second pump 20. The specific details of the control performed by the control unit 28 will be described in the explanation of the interaction method (extraction method) below.

The configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment other than the above is the same as that of the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment.

Next, an extraction method, which is an example of an interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16. Note that in FIGS. 12 to 16, the flow paths through which the raw material liquid and the extractant flow are indicated by thick lines.

In the extraction method according to the third embodiment, before starting the extraction process, as shown in FIG. The raw material liquid tank 54 is filled.

To fill the first storage tank 50 with unused extractant, the control unit 28 switches the first filling switching valve 58 to an open state, whereby the unused extractant flows from the extractant holding tank 47 through the first filling pipe 55. This is done by flowing into the first storage tank 50. At this time, the second filling switching valve 60 is maintained in the closed state, and the second storage tank 52 is not filled with unused extractant from the extractant holding tank 47. Further, at this time, the first supply switching valve 42, the second supply switching valve 44, the first inflow switching valve 68, the second inflow switching valve 70, the first discharge valve 76, and the second discharge valve 78 are all in the closed state. It becomes.

After that, the extraction process in the interaction system 1 is started. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the supply of the extractant from the first storage tank 50 to each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4 is started, and at the same time, the supply of the extractant from the raw material liquid tank 54 to the interaction section 4 is started. Supply of the raw material liquid to each processing channel 30 is started. At this time, the control unit 28 opens the first supply switching valve 42 and operates the first pump 18, and the first pump 18 causes the interaction unit 4 to flow from the first storage tank 50 through the extractant supply pipe 8. Extractant is delivered to first inlet 38 . At this time, the control unit 28 also opens the first inflow switching valve 68 at the same time. Further, the control unit 28 operates the second pump 20, and the second pump 20 sends the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid tank 54 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction unit 4 through the raw material liquid supply pipe 10.

In each processing channel 30, as in the case of the extraction method according to the first embodiment, the extractant sent to the interaction section 4 and the raw material liquid flow, and a specific component is extracted from the raw material liquid. An extraction process that moves inside is performed. The extractant and raw material liquid after the extraction process are discharged from the outlet 40 of the interaction section 4 and introduced into the separation container 6.

The mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid introduced into the separation container 6 is separated into the extractant as a light liquid and the raw material liquid as a heavy liquid, as in the first embodiment. The extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 is led out from the separation container 6 to the extractant delivery pipe 62 . At this time, since the first inflow switching valve 68 is in the open state, the extractant (light liquid) is introduced into the first storage tank 50 from the extractant outlet pipe 62. On the other hand, since the second inflow switching valve 70 is in the closed state, the extractant (light liquid) is not introduced into the second storage tank 52. Therefore, the extractant circulates between the first storage tank 50, each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, and the separation vessel 6.

Further, the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) separated in the separation container 6 is led out from inside the separation container 6 to the raw material liquid lead-out pipe 64, and introduced into the raw material liquid tank 54 from the raw material liquid lead-out pipe 64. Therefore, the raw material liquid circulates between the raw material liquid tank 54, each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, and the separation container 6.

As shown in FIG. 13, during the period when the extraction agent and the raw material liquid are circulating and the extraction process is being performed in each processing channel 30, as shown in FIG. The extractant used is filled. Specifically, the control unit 28 opens the second filling switching valve 60, thereby filling the second storage tank 52 with unused extractant from the extractant holding tank 47 through the second filling pipe 56. Then, the control unit 28 switches the second filling switching valve 60 to the closed state when the second storage tank 52 is filled with a predetermined amount of extractant. Thereby, filling of the second storage tank 52 with unused extractant is stopped.

Thereafter, the control unit 28 controls the control unit 28 at the time when the circulation of the extractant between the first storage tank 50, each processing flow path 30, and the separation container 6 is started (the time when the first supply switching valve 42 is switched to the open state). ), the first supply switching valve 42 and the first inflow switching valve 68 are switched to the closed state, and the second supply switching valve 44 and the second inflow switching valve 70 are switched to the open state. As a result, the supply of the extractant from the first storage tank 50 to each processing channel 30 is stopped, and the return of the extractant from the separation container 6 to the first storage tank 50 is also stopped. Instead, supply of the extractant from the second storage tank 52 to each processing channel 30 is started, and the extractant and the raw material liquid supplied from the raw material liquid tank 54 to each processing channel 30 are combined. Extraction processing is performed in each processing channel 30. After this extraction process, the extractant separated in the separation container 6 is returned to the second storage tank 52. That is, the state in which the extractant was circulating between the first storage tank 50, each processing channel 30, and the separation container 6 is changed to Switch to a state in which the extractant circulates.

On the other hand, the control unit 28 switches the first supply switching valve 42 and the first inflow switching valve 68 to the closed state and switches the second supply switching valve 44 and the second inflow switching valve 70 to the open state as described above. At the same time, the first discharge valve 76 is switched to the open state. As a result, the extractant whose concentration of a specific component has increased by being circulated between the first storage tank 50, each processing flow path 30, and the separation container 6 and repeatedly used for the extraction process becomes as shown in FIG. , are discharged from the first storage tank 50 to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the first discharge pipe 72. Then, the control unit 28 switches the first discharge valve 76 to the closed state when all the extractant in the first storage tank 50 is discharged.

Thereafter, the control unit 28 switches the first filling switching valve 58 to the open state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, unused extractant is filled from the extractant holding tank 47 into the first storage tank 50 through the first filling pipe 55. That is, as a result of discharging the extractant from the first storage tank 50 and filling the first storage tank 50 with unused extractant, the extractant in the first storage tank 50 whose extraction capacity has decreased is Replaced with unused extractant with higher extraction capacity. This replacement of the extractant is performed in parallel with the period in which the extractant is circulating between the second storage tank 52, each processing channel 30, and the separation container 6. Then, the control unit 28 switches the first filling switching valve 58 to the closed state when the first storage tank 50 is filled with a predetermined amount of extractant. Thereby, filling of the first storage tank 50 with unused extractant is stopped.

Thereafter, the control unit 28 controls the control unit 28 at the time when the circulation of the extractant between the second storage tank 52, each processing flow path 30, and the separation container 6 is started (the time when the second supply switching valve 44 is switched to the open state). ), the second supply switching valve 44 and the second inflow switching valve 70 are switched to the closed state, and the first supply switching valve 42 and the first inflow switching valve 68 are switched to the open state. As a result, the supply of the extractant from the second storage tank 52 to each processing channel 30 is stopped, and the return of the extractant from the separation container 6 to the second storage tank 52 is also stopped. Instead, the supply of the extractant from the first storage tank 50 to each processing channel 30 is started, and the extractant and the raw material liquid supplied from the raw material liquid tank 54 to each processing channel 30 are combined. Extraction processing is performed in each processing channel 30. After this extraction process, the extractant separated in the separation container 6 is returned to the first storage tank 50. That is, the state in which the extractant was circulating between the second storage tank 52, each processing channel 30, and the separation container 6 is changed from the state in which the extractant was circulating between the second storage tank 52, each processing channel 30, and the separation container 6. Switch to a state in which the extractant circulates.

Further, the control unit 28 switches the second supply switching valve 44 and the second inflow switching valve 70 to the closed state and switches the first supply switching valve 42 and the first inflow switching valve 68 to the open state as described above. At the same time, the second discharge valve 78 is switched to the open state. As a result, the extractant whose concentration of a specific component has increased by being circulated between the second storage tank 52, each processing flow path 30, and the separation container 6 and repeatedly used for the extraction process becomes as shown in FIG. , are discharged from the second storage tank 52 to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the second discharge pipe 74. Then, the control unit 28 switches the second discharge valve 78 to the closed state when all the extractant in the second storage tank 52 is discharged. From this point on, the process described above is repeated.

The processes of the extraction method according to the third embodiment other than those described above are the same as those of the extraction method according to the first embodiment.

(Effects of the third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the extraction ability is reduced by repeatedly performing extraction in the processing channel 30 while the extractant is circulating between the first storage tank 50, the processing channel 30, and the separation container 6. Sometimes, the second storage tank 52 is filled by switching the second supply switching valve 44 and the second inflow switching valve 70 to the open state and switching the first supply switching valve 42 and the first inflow switching valve 68 to the closed state. Unused extractant can be supplied to the process channel 30 to restore the efficiency of the extraction process.

In addition, when the extraction capacity decreases due to repeated extraction in the processing channel 30 while the extractant is circulating between the second storage tank 52, the processing channel 30, and the separation container 6, the second supply By switching the switching valve 44 and the second inflow switching valve 70 to the open state and switching the first supply switching valve 42 and the first inflow switching valve 68 to the closed state, the unused extractant filled in the second storage tank 52 is removed. can be supplied to the processing channel 30 to restore the efficiency of the extraction process.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when the extraction capacity decreases while the extractant is circulating between the first storage tank 50, the processing channel 30, and the separation container 6, the first discharge valve 76 is opened. By switching to the open state, the extractant whose extraction capacity has decreased is discharged from the first storage tank 50, and by switching the first filling switching valve 58 to the open state, unused extractant is extracted from the extractant holding tank 47 to the first storage tank 50. The extraction agent can be replaced by filling with the agent. When replacing the extractant, since the extractant is being supplied from the second storage tank 52 to the processing channel 30, the extraction process can be performed without interrupting the extraction process.

In addition, when the extraction capacity decreases while the extractant is circulating between the second storage tank 52, the processing channel 30, and the separation container 6, the second discharge valve 78 is switched to the open state. By discharging the extractant whose extraction capacity has decreased from the storage tank 52 and switching the second filling switching valve 60 to the open state, the second storage tank 52 is filled with unused extractant from the extractant holding tank 47 and the extractant is refilled. can be replaced. When replacing the extractant, since the extractant is being supplied from the first storage tank 50 to the processing channel 30, the extraction process can be performed without interrupting the extraction process.

The effects of the third embodiment other than the above are similar to those of the first embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 17, an interaction system 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The basic configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment, but in the interaction system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the specific gravity of the extractant is different from that of the raw material. This method is adopted when the specific gravity is larger than the specific gravity of the liquid, and supplies the extractant as a heavy liquid separated in the separation container 6 to each processing channel 30, and supplies the raw material liquid as a light liquid separated in the separation container 6. It is configured to be supplied to each processing channel 30.

Specifically, in the interaction system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. It is connected to a region of the separation container 6 where the separated heavy liquid (extractant) is collected. Therefore, the heavy liquid (extractant) accumulated below the light liquid (raw material liquid) in the separation container 6 can be returned to the first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 52 through the extractant derivation piping 62. The heavy liquid (extractant) can be supplied from the first storage tank 50 and the second storage tank 52 to each processing channel 30 through the extractant supply pipe 8.

Further, in the interaction system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the raw material liquid lead-out pipe 64 is located at a position above the part of the separation container 6 to which the extractant lead-out pipe 62 is connected, and the raw material liquid lead-out pipe 64 is connected to the It is connected to the area where the light liquid (raw material liquid) collected is collected. Therefore, the light liquid (raw material liquid) accumulated above the heavy liquid (extractant) in the separation container 6 can be returned to the raw material liquid tank 54 through the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64, and the light liquid (raw material liquid) ) can be supplied from the raw material liquid tank 54 to each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4 through the raw material liquid supply pipe 10.

The configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the fourth embodiment other than the above is the same as that of the interaction system 1 according to the third embodiment.

The extraction method, which is an example of the interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, is based on the extraction method after the extraction process, which is discharged from each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4 and introduced into the separation container 6. The third embodiment is the same except that the mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid stays in the separation container 6 and is separated vertically into the raw material liquid as a light liquid and the extractant as a heavy liquid due to the difference in specific gravity. It is the same as the extraction method.

(Effects of the fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, when the specific gravity of the extractant is greater than the specific gravity of the raw material liquid, extraction processing can be performed using the extractant and the raw material liquid, and the same effects as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

(Modified example)
The interaction system and interaction method according to the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above embodiments. For example, the following techniques can be employed in the interaction system and interaction method according to the present invention.

(About the first fluid supply device)
The first fluid supply device in the present invention may be one that supplies at least the unused extractant to the inlet of the processing flow path, out of the unused extractant and the extractant separated in the separation container. That is, as in the first and second embodiments, the first supply device 7 as the first fluid supply device is connected to the first inlet 38 of the processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4 and to the extractant tank 2. Either one of the stored unused extractant and the extractant separated in the separation container 6 may be supplied alternatively, and unlike the first and second embodiments, the The supply device 7 may exclusively supply unused extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 of the processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4 . Hereinafter, a first modified example will be described in which the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment is modified so that the first supply device 7 supplies only the unused extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38. The interaction system 1 and the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment are modified so that the first supply device 7 supplies only the unused extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38. The interaction system 1 according to the second modification will be explained.

(First modification)
FIG. 18 shows the overall configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the first modification. In the interaction system 1 according to the first modification, the extractant supply pipe 8 of the first supply device 7 connects only the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction part 4, and Separation container 6 is not connected to 38. That is, in the first embodiment, the extractant supply pipe 8 had the second branch pipe 8b connected to the region of the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (light liquid) accumulates, but in the first modification example In this case, the extractant supply pipe 8 does not have such a second branch pipe 8b and is not connected to the separation vessel 6. Due to the above-described configuration of the extractant supply pipe 8, only the unused extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 is supplied to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4 by the first supply device 7. It is supplied through piping 8.

Furthermore, the interaction system 1 according to the first modification is configured to discharge the extractant, which is a light liquid separated within the separation container 6, to the outside of the interaction system 1. Specifically, in the interaction system 1 according to the first modification, instead of the extractant supply pipe 8 being connected to the region of the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (light liquid) accumulates, the discharge pipe 24 is connected. This discharge pipe 24 guides the extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 to the outside of the interaction system 1 . The discharge pipe 24 in the first modification is an example of the first fluid discharge path in the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, an extraction method as an example of an interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the first modification will be described. In addition, in FIG. 19, the flow paths through which the raw material liquid and the extractant flow are shown by thick lines.

In the extraction method according to the first modification, unlike the extraction method according to the first embodiment, the extractant, which is a light liquid separated in the separation container 6, is transferred from the separation container 6 to the discharge pipe 24, as shown in FIG. is discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1 through. Therefore, in the first modification, the raw material liquid circulating between the separation container 6 and each processing channel 30 is repeatedly supplied to each processing channel 30 and subjected to extraction processing, while the raw material liquid is supplied to each processing channel 30. The extractant used is always an unused extractant, and the unused extractant supplied to each processing channel 30 is used only once for the extraction process, and then separated from the raw material liquid in the separation container 6 to prevent interaction. It is discharged to the outside of the system 1.

In the first modified example, since the raw material liquid is circulated between the separation container 6 and each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, the complexity of the interaction system 1 is suppressed, and the second pump 20 is The same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained in that the extraction rate of a specific component from the raw material liquid can be increased by performing multiple extractions equivalent to multistage extraction while reducing the pumping head and required power.

Moreover, in the first modified example, since unused extractant having a higher extraction ability than the extractant separated in the separation container 6 is always supplied to each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, each processing flow The efficiency of the extraction process in the path 30 can be maintained at a high level.

(Second modification)
FIG. 20 shows the overall configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the second modification. The second modified example is a modified example of the second embodiment as described above, but in the interaction system 1 according to the second modified example, the extractant supply pipe 8 of the first supply device 7 is Only the extractant tank 2 is connected to the first inlet 38 of the section 4, and the separation container 6 is not connected to the first inlet 38. That is, in the second embodiment, the extractant supply pipe 8 had the second branch pipe 8b connected to the region of the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (heavy liquid) accumulates, but in the second modified example In this case, the extractant supply pipe 8 does not have such a second branch pipe 8b and is not connected to the separation vessel 6. Due to the above-described configuration of the extractant supply pipe 8, only the unused extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 is supplied to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4 by the first supply device 7. It is supplied through piping 8.

Furthermore, the interaction system 1 according to the second modification is configured to discharge the extractant, which is a heavy liquid separated within the separation container 6, to the outside of the interaction system 1. Specifically, in the interaction system 1 according to the second modification, instead of the extractant supply pipe 8 being connected to the region of the separation container 6 where the separated extractant (heavy liquid) accumulates, the discharge pipe 24 is connected. This discharge pipe 24 guides the extractant (heavy liquid) separated in the separation container 6 to the outside of the interaction system 1 . The discharge pipe 24 in the second modification is an example of the first fluid discharge path in the present invention.

Furthermore, the interaction system 1 according to the second modified example includes a discharge valve 26 provided in the discharge pipe 24. The discharge valve 26 has an open state that allows the extractant (heavy liquid) separated in the separation container 6 to be discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the discharge pipe 24, and a closed state that prevents discharge of the extractant. It is configured to be switchable between the states. Switching control of opening and closing of the discharge valve 26 is performed by the control section 28.

Next, an extraction method, which is an example of an interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the second modification, will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. In addition, in FIGS. 21 and 22, the flow paths through which the raw material liquid and the extractant flow, respectively, are shown by thick lines.

In the extraction method according to the second modification, the discharge valve 26 is kept in a closed state at an early stage after the extraction method is started. Therefore, the unprocessed raw material liquid filled in the separation container 6 is not discharged through the discharge pipe 24, and the upper surface of the extracted agent (heavy liquid) introduced into the separation container 6 and separated after the extraction process is As shown in FIG. 21, the extractant is not discharged through the discharge pipe 24 until the height position exceeds a preset specified height position.

Then, as time passes, the amount of extractant (heavy liquid) accumulated in the separation container 6 increases, and the control unit 28 controls the amount of the heavy liquid accumulated in the separation container 6 based on the information acquired from the level meter 16. When it is determined that the height position of the upper surface of the liquid (the height position of the interface between the light liquid and the heavy liquid) exceeds the specified height position, the discharge valve 26 is switched to the open state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22, the extractant (heavy liquid) is discharged from the separation container 6 to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the discharge pipe 24. Therefore, in the second modification, the raw material liquid circulating between the separation container 6 and each processing channel 30 is repeatedly supplied to each processing channel 30 and subjected to extraction processing, while the raw material liquid is supplied to each processing channel 30. The extractant used is always an unused extractant, and the unused extractant supplied to each processing channel 30 is used only once for the extraction process, and then separated from the raw material liquid in the separation container 6 to prevent interaction. It is discharged to the outside of the system 1.

In the second modification, when the specific gravity of the extractant is greater than the specific gravity of the raw material liquid, extraction processing can be performed using the extractant and the raw material liquid, and the same effects as in the first modification can be obtained.

(About separation containers)
The separation container in the present invention only needs to have at least the function of separating the received mixed fluid into an extractant and a raw material liquid, and as in the first and second embodiments, it is not necessarily necessary to separate the mixed fluid into an extractant and a raw material liquid. In addition to the function of separating raw material liquid into raw material liquid, it does not have to have the function of a raw material liquid tank for storing unprocessed raw material liquid. For example, the interaction system according to the present invention may separately include a separation container that separates the mixed fluid into an extraction agent and a raw material liquid, and a raw material liquid tank that stores the unprocessed raw material liquid. Hereinafter, an interaction system 1 according to a third modification example, which is a further modification example of the interaction system 1 according to the first modification example, which is separately provided with a separation container and a raw material liquid tank, and an interaction system according to the second modification example. An interaction system 1 according to a fourth modification example, which is a further modification example of No. 1 and is separately provided with a separation container and a raw material liquid tank, will be described.

(Third modification)
FIG. 23 shows the overall configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the third modification. As shown in FIG. 23, the interaction system 1 according to the third modification includes a separation container 6 that separates the mixed fluid flowing out from each treatment channel 30 into an extractant and a raw material liquid, and a separation container 6 that separates the mixed fluid flowing out from each processing channel 30 into an extractant and a raw material liquid. A raw material liquid tank 54 for storage is separately provided.

The separation container 6 is similar to the separation container 6 of the interaction system 1 of the third embodiment. The separation container 6 receives, through the connecting pipe 12, a mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid after the extraction process, which flows out from each processing channel 30 and is discharged from the outlet 40. The separation container 6 is connected to the raw material liquid tank 54 via a raw material liquid outlet pipe 64. The raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 is connected to a region of the separation container 6 where the raw material liquid, which is a separated heavy liquid, accumulates, and extracts the raw material liquid, which is a heavy liquid separated in the separation container 6, from inside the separation container 6. It is led out and guided to the raw material liquid tank 54. In the third modification, the discharge pipe 24 is connected to a region of the separation container 6 provided separately from the raw material liquid tank 54 where the separated extractant (light liquid) is collected.

Next, with reference to FIG. 24, an extraction method as an example of an interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the third modification will be described. In addition, in FIG. 24, the flow paths through which the raw material liquid and the extractant flow are indicated by thick lines.

In the extraction method according to the third modification, the raw material liquid tank 54 is filled with unprocessed raw material liquid, and is supplied from the raw material liquid tank 54 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4 . Further, as in the first modification, unused extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4. After the extraction process is performed in each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, the extractant and the raw material liquid are discharged from the outlet 40 of the interaction section 4, and pass through the connection pipe 12 into the separation container 6. be introduced. The mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid introduced into the separation container 6 is separated into upper and lower parts, the extractant being a light liquid and the raw material liquid being a heavy liquid. The extractant (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 is discharged from the separation container 6 to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the discharge pipe 24 . On the other hand, the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) separated in the separation container 6 is led out to the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 and introduced into the raw material liquid tank 54 through the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64. Thereby, the raw material liquid circulates between the raw material liquid tank 54, each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, and the separation container 6.

In the third modification, the same effects as in the first modification can be obtained.

(Fourth modification)
FIG. 25 shows the overall configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the fourth modification. As shown in FIG. 25, the interaction system 1 according to the fourth modification differs from the interaction system 1 according to the second modification in that the mixed fluid flowing out from each processing channel 30 is combined with an extractant and a raw material liquid. A separation container 6 for separating into two, and a raw material liquid tank 54 for storing unprocessed raw material liquid are separately provided.

The separation container 6 receives the mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid after the extraction process, which flows out from each processing channel 30 and is discharged from the outlet 40, through the connection pipe 12. A raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 is connected to a region of the separation container 6 where the raw material liquid, which is a separated light liquid, accumulates. The raw material liquid lead-out pipe 64 is connected to the raw material liquid tank 54 , and draws out the raw material liquid, which is a light liquid separated in the separation container 6 , from the separation container 6 and guides it to the raw material liquid tank 54 . In the fourth modification, the discharge pipe 24 is connected to a region of the separation container 6 provided separately from the raw material liquid tank 54 where the separated extractant (heavy liquid) is collected.

Next, with reference to FIG. 26, an extraction method as an example of an interaction method using the interaction system 1 according to the fourth modification will be described. In addition, in FIG. 26, the flow paths through which the raw material liquid and the extractant flow are indicated by thick lines.

In the extraction method according to the fourth modification, the raw material liquid tank 54 is filled with unprocessed raw material liquid, and is supplied from the raw material liquid tank 54 to the second inlet 39 of the interaction section 4 . Also, unused extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 38 of the interaction section 4 . After the extraction process is performed in each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, the extractant and the raw material liquid are discharged from the outlet 40 of the interaction section 4, and pass through the connection pipe 12 into the separation container 6. be introduced. The mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid introduced into the separation container 6 is separated into upper and lower parts: the raw material liquid, which is a light liquid, and the extractant, which is a heavy liquid. The extractant (heavy liquid) separated in the separation container 6 is discharged from the separation container 6 to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the discharge pipe 24 . On the other hand, the raw material liquid (light liquid) separated in the separation container 6 is led out to the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 and introduced into the raw material liquid tank 54 through the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 . Thereby, the raw material liquid circulates between the raw material liquid tank 54, each processing channel 30 of the interaction section 4, and the separation container 6.

In the fourth modification, the same effects as in the second modification can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the interaction system 1 according to the third and fourth modifications, the height position of the interface between the extractant and the raw material liquid in the separation container 6 is set to the connection point of the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 to the separation container 6. A device may be provided for maintaining the separation vessel 6 between the connection point of the discharge pipe 24 and the separation vessel 6 . For example, a level meter that detects the height position of the interface is attached to the separation container 6, and a flow rate adjustment valve is provided on either the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 or the discharge pipe 24, and the control unit 28 receives the information from the level meter. The flow rate of the extractant or raw material liquid discharged from the separation container 6 is adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve based on the information on the height position of the interface, thereby adjusting the height position of the interface. It may be maintained between the connection point of the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 and the connection point of the discharge pipe 24. In this way, even if the ratio of the flow rate of the extractant introduced into the separation container 6 and the raw material liquid changes due to some factor, the interface will be connected to the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 or the discharge pipe. 24, the extractant flows through the raw material liquid outlet pipe 64 to the raw material liquid tank 54, or the raw material liquid is discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the discharge pipe 24. can be prevented from occurring.

The first fluid and the second fluid in the present invention are not necessarily limited to liquids, and one or both of the first fluid and the second fluid may be gas.

The interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid in the present invention is not necessarily limited to an extraction process in which a specific component is extracted from a raw material liquid and transferred into an extractant. For example, the concept of interaction in the present invention includes an absorption process in which a specific component in a target gas is absorbed into an absorption liquid, or a process in which two fluids are brought into contact with each other to cause a chemical reaction. The system and interaction method are also applicable to such processing. In the case of absorption treatment, the absorption liquid corresponds to the first fluid in the present invention, and the target gas corresponds to the second fluid in the present invention. Further, in the case of a chemical reaction, one of the two fluids that cause the chemical reaction corresponds to the first fluid of the present invention, and the other corresponds to the second fluid of the present invention.

Further, in the present invention, the timing of discharging the first fluid whose ability to cause interaction has decreased from the first fluid path (the timing of switching the discharge valve to an open state) is, for example, at any point in the first fluid path. is provided with a detection unit that detects the concentration of a specific component in the first fluid, and after a predetermined period has elapsed after the start of circulation of the first fluid, the detection unit detects the concentration of the specific component in the first fluid in the first fluid path. The timing may be the timing when it is detected that the concentration of has increased to a predetermined value.

Also, switching from circulation of the first fluid between the first storage tank, the processing channel and the separation container to circulation of the first fluid between the second storage tank, the processing channel and the separation container, and Similarly, the timing for performing the reverse switching may be the timing when the detection section detects that the concentration of the specific component in the circulating first fluid has increased to a predetermined value.

Further, in each of the embodiments and the modified examples, the interaction section is provided with a first inlet into which the extractant is introduced and a second inlet into which the raw material liquid is introduced as inlets of the processing flow path; The first introduction path of the processing channel is connected to the inlet, and the second introduction channel of the processing channel is connected to the second inlet, but the interaction part is provided with a single inlet as the inlet of the processing channel, The upstream end of the processing channel may be connected to the inlet. In this case, the extractant (first fluid) and the raw material liquid (second fluid) are combined outside the interaction part, and the combined extractant (first fluid) and raw material liquid (second fluid) are Each treatment channel may be introduced through a single inlet.

1 Interaction system 2 Extractant tank 4 Interaction section 6 Separation container 7 First supply device 8 Extractant supply piping 10 Raw material liquid supply piping 18 First pump 20 Second pump 22 Supply switching device 24 Discharge pipe 25 Discharge section 48 Extraction Agent route 49 Raw material liquid route 50 First storage tank 52 Second storage tank 66 Inflow switching device

Claims (2)

An interaction system that causes interaction between a first fluid and a second fluid, the interaction system comprising:
an interaction section having a processing flow path therein through which the first fluid and the second fluid flow so that the first fluid and the second fluid come into contact with each other to cause interaction;
It is connected to the outlet of the processing channel so as to receive a mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid discharged from the outlet of the processing channel, and is connected to the outlet of the processing channel so as to retain the received mixed fluid and release the first fluid. and a separation container for separating the fluid into the second fluid;
a first fluid supply device that supplies the first fluid to the inlet of the processing channel;
a second fluid path connecting a region of the separation container where the separated second fluid accumulates and an inlet of the processing flow path so as to guide the second fluid separated in the separation container to the entrance of the processing flow path; and,
a second fluid feed pump provided in the second fluid path to send the second fluid separated in the separation container from the separation container to the inlet of the processing flow path ;
The first fluid supply device includes a region of the separation container where the separated first fluid accumulates and a region of the processing channel so as to guide the first fluid separated in the separation container to an inlet of the processing channel. a first fluid path connecting the inlet to the inlet, and a first fluid feeding pump provided in the first fluid path to send the first fluid separated in the separation container from the separation container to the inlet of the processing flow path. , including;
The first fluid path has a first storage tank and a second storage tank that can each store the first fluid led out from the separation container to the first fluid path,
The first fluid supply device includes:
One side that is provided on the upstream side of the first storage tank and the second storage tank in the first fluid path and allows the first fluid drawn out from the separation container to flow into the first storage tank. , a first inflow allowing state for preventing the first fluid from flowing into the second storage tank, and a first inflow allowing state for preventing the first fluid from flowing into the second storage tank; , an inflow switching device configured to switch to a second inflow permitting state that prevents the first fluid from flowing into the first storage tank;
is provided downstream of the first storage tank and the second storage tank in the first fluid path, and when the inflow switching device is in the first inflow permission state, the first fluid feeding pump controls the first storage tank. a first supply state that allows the first fluid to be sent from the tank to the inlet of the processing channel and prevents the first fluid from being sent from the second storage tank to the inlet of the processing channel; The inflow switching device allows the first fluid to be sent from the second storage tank to the inlet of the processing flow path by the first fluid feeding pump when the inflow switching device is in the second inflow permission state, and also allows the first fluid to be sent from the second storage tank to the inlet of the processing flow path. further comprising a supply switching device that enters a second supply state that prevents the first fluid from being sent from the first storage tank to the inlet of the processing flow path;
The interaction system includes:
a first discharge state that is connected to the first storage tank and causes the first fluid to be discharged from the first storage tank to the outside of the interaction system; and a first discharge prevention state that prevents discharge of the first fluid. a first discharge section configured to be switchable to;
a second discharge state that is connected to the second storage tank and causes the first fluid to be discharged from the second storage tank to the outside of the interaction system; and a second discharge prevention state that prevents discharge of the first fluid. an interaction system further comprising: a second ejection section configured to be switchable to the second ejection section ; An interaction method for causing interaction between a first fluid and a second fluid, the method comprising:
causing the interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid by causing the first fluid and the second fluid to flow in a state in which they are in contact with each other through a processing flow path in the interaction section;
A mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid flowing out from the outlet of the processing channel is introduced into a separation container, and the mixed fluid is retained in the separation container to separate the first fluid and the second fluid. separating the fluid into
supplying the first fluid to the inlet of the processing channel;
The second fluid separated in the separation container is removed by a second fluid feed pump provided in a second fluid path that connects a region of the separation container where the separated second fluid accumulates and an inlet of the processing flow path. through the second fluid path to the inlet of the process flow path ;
The supply of the first fluid to the inlet of the processing channel is carried out through a first fluid channel provided in a first fluid channel that connects a region of the separation container where the separated first fluid accumulates and an inlet of the processing channel. sending the first fluid separated in the separation container to the inlet of the processing flow path through the first fluid path by a fluid sending pump;
The first fluid path includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank that can each store the first fluid,
The interaction method includes:
The first fluid stored in the first storage tank is sent to the inlet of the processing channel by the first fluid sending pump, and the first fluid is transferred between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container. Filling the second storage tank with an unused first fluid that is a first fluid that has not yet been used for the interaction during a period when the first fluid is circulating;
After a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the first fluid circulation is started between the first storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container, the processing flow is controlled by the first fluid feeding pump. Switching the supply source of the first fluid sent to the entrance of the channel to the second storage tank to circulate the first fluid between the second storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container, and Replacing the first fluid in a first storage tank with the unused first fluid;
After a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of circulation of the first fluid between the second storage tank, the processing flow path, and the separation container, the first fluid feeding pump pumps the processing flow. Switching the supply source of the first fluid sent to the entrance of the channel to the first storage tank and circulating the first fluid between the first storage tank, the processing channel, and the separation container, and replacing the first fluid in a second storage tank with the unused first fluid .

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