JP5360714B2 - Moisture absorption and desorption functional pipe, pipe inner wall condensation prevention method using the same, and geothermal exchanger using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pipe, a pipe inner wall surface condensation preventive method using the same and a ground heat exchanger using the pipe, usable in various devices as a pipe for making gas flow, and capable of preventing the occurrence of condensation on the inside and propagation of mold. <P>SOLUTION: This moisture absorbing-releasing functional pipe 1 is provided by arranging a humidity adjusting layer including a high absorptive polymer on an inner wall surface of the pipe for making the gas flow, The pipe inner wall surface condensation preventive method is characterized by repeating an absorbing step of absorbing and holding steam included in the gas A flowing in the moisture absorbing-releasing functional pipe 1 in and by the humidity adjusting layer 4, and a releasing step of releasing moisture held inside the humidity adjusting layer 4 to the gas B flowing in the moisture absorbing-releasing functional pipe 1, in a process of taking and flowing the gas in the moisture absorbing-releasing functional pipe 1, by using the moisture absorbing-releasing functional pipe 1 as the pipe. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pipe for circulating gas and its use. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pipe that prevents the occurrence of condensation even when a gas with high humidity flows in the pipe, a condensation prevention method using the pipe, and a geothermal exchanger using the pipe.

  In various pipes for circulating a gas, it is known that water vapor contained in the gas causes condensation in the pipe and causes mold and the like.

  For example, in a geothermal exchanger that takes outside air into a pipe embedded in the ground, distributes the inside air using the outside air as a heat medium, and exchanges geothermal and outside air heat, it is contained in the outside air on the inner wall surface of the pipe. Water vapor generated as condensation may cause mold. Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of mold, it is common to select water, antifreeze, or the like as the heat medium that circulates in the pipe of the geothermal exchanger (for example, Patent Document 1). Although it is possible to use a gas such as outside air as the heat medium, in this case, a dehumidifier is installed at the outside air (gas) intake port as the heat medium, and the amount of water vapor contained is as small as possible. It must be configured to send gas into the pipe.

  As another example, in air conditioners and dehumidifiers installed indoors, pipes through which gas flows are used inside and outside the equipment, but the gas flowing through the pipes depends on the season and time zone. The water vapor content can be very high. Then, like the geothermal exchanger, dew condensation occurs in the pipe, mold is generated, and the gas containing the mold may be blown into the room. In addition, there is a problem that an unpleasant smell of mold leaks out of the pipe due to the occurrence of mold. On the other hand, means for removing mold may be taken by cleaning the inside of the pipe.

JP 2004-177013 A

  However, for example, when using antifreeze as a heat medium in a geothermal exchanger, a device such as a heat pump for further heat collection is required from the antifreeze after heat exchange with geothermal heat, which increases the cost of facility installation. There was a demand to use outside air as a heat medium. In other words, if outside air is used as the heat medium, the outside air at a suitable temperature after exchanging heat with geothermal heat can be blown into the room as it is, or the above-described heat pump or the like can be provided as required. In addition, since it is possible to design as desired, it has been desired to use outside air as a heat medium.

  In addition, when a dehumidifier or a dehumidifying structure is installed in the device, the condensation in the pipe is reduced to some extent, but the humidity is high or the temperature of the gas circulating in the pipe and the environment outside the pipe. When there is a large difference in temperature, even if a dehumidifier is installed at the gas inlet, condensation may occur in the pipe, which is not sufficient as a countermeasure against condensation.

  In addition, mold generated inside the pipe can be removed by cleaning the pipe as described above, but this is because the pipe is not so long or the pipe installation position can be cleaned. It is possible only when the condition such as is satisfied, and is embedded in the ground, such as a pipe for circulating a heat medium used in a geothermal exchanger, and is physically cleaned. When it is used at an impossible installation position, cleaning for the purpose of removing mold inside the pipe is substantially impossible. In such a case, the propagated mold could not be removed except by replacing the pipe itself. That is, there has been a problem that the method for removing mold generated in the pipe by cleaning lacks versatility.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a pipe that can be used in various devices as a pipe for circulating gas, and that can prevent the occurrence of condensation inside the mold and the growth of mold. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for preventing dew condensation on the inner wall surface of a pipe, and a geothermal exchanger using the pipe.

  The present inventors can preferably adjust the water vapor content of the gas flowing through the pipe by providing a humidity adjustment layer containing a superabsorbent polymer on the inner wall surface of the pipe through which the gas flows. As a result, it was found that the occurrence of condensation on the inner wall of the pipe can be suppressed or prevented, and as a result, the growth of mold can be prevented, and the present invention has been completed.

That is, the present invention
(1) A pipe used for gas circulation, wherein a moisture adjusting layer containing a superabsorbent polymer is provided directly or indirectly on an inner wall surface, a moisture absorption / release functional pipe,
(2) The moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe according to (1) above, wherein a primer layer is provided between the inner wall surface and the humidity adjusting layer,
(3) A method for preventing dew condensation on the inner wall surface of a gas circulation pipe, wherein the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe described in (1) or (2) above is used as the pipe. In the process of taking the gas into the pipe and distributing it, the absorption step for absorbing and holding the water vapor contained in the gas A flowing through the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe in the humidity adjusting layer, and being held inside the humidity adjusting layer A method for preventing condensation on the inner wall surface of the pipe, characterized by repeating the release step of releasing the moisture to the gas B flowing through the moisture absorption / release functional pipe,
(4) Geothermal heat is exchanged between ground heat and outside air heat by burying pipes in the ground below the building foundation and taking outside air into the pipes from outside to circulate. In the exchanger, a geothermal exchanger characterized by using the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe according to (1) or (2) as the pipe,
Is a summary.

  The moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe of the present invention is provided with a humidity adjusting layer containing a superabsorbent polymer on the inner wall surface of the pipe, so that the water vapor contained in the gas flowing in the pipe is highly absorbed. It is possible to absorb the functional polymer. It is also possible to release the moisture from the superabsorbent polymer retaining moisture into the gas flowing through the pipe. That is, depending on the temperature of the gas flowing through the pipe, the humidity, and the temperature on the inner wall surface of the pipe, the humidity adjusting layer can exhibit both the water vapor absorbing action and the water releasing action.

  Therefore, even when the humidity of the gas flowing inside the pipe is high, water vapor in the gas is absorbed by the humidity adjustment layer before condensation occurs due to the absorption action of the humidity adjustment layer. Condensation is prevented from occurring on the wall surface. Alternatively, even if condensation occurs, the condensation is quickly absorbed by the humidity adjusting layer. In this way, the occurrence of condensation that was the cause of mold growth is prevented, so that mold growth inside the pipe is prevented.

  Moreover, the water | moisture content absorbed by the humidity control layer can be discharge | released to the gas which distribute | circulates the inside of a pipe by the discharge | release action of this humidity control layer. Therefore, the pipe of the present invention can absorb moisture again by releasing the moisture by the releasing action even when the humidity adjusting layer is saturated by the absorbing action. Since it can return to the back, it can repeatedly exhibit an absorbing action.

  By using a pipe having the above effects, the pipe inner wall surface condensation prevention method of the present invention can be realized. That is, in the process of taking in and flowing gas into the moisture absorption / release functional pipe, an absorption step of absorbing and holding water vapor contained in the gas A flowing through the moisture absorption / release functional pipe in the humidity adjustment layer; By repeating the release step of releasing the moisture retained in the humidity adjusting layer to the gas B flowing through the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe, the occurrence of condensation in the pipe is well suppressed or prevented. can do. In particular, the temperature and humidity of the outside air taken from outside varies depending on the time of day, season, etc., and conventionally it was difficult to adjust the humidity to the extent that condensation does not occur in the pipe and prevent mold from forming. However, with the condensation prevention method of the present invention, even when such outside air is circulated in the pipe, it is possible to successfully suppress or prevent the occurrence of condensation on the inner wall surface of the pipe. Mold generation can be prevented.

  As described above, by using the pipe of the present invention, it is possible to prevent mold growth inside the pipe, which has been a problem in the past, and there is no possibility that an unpleasant smell of mold drifts outside the pipe. Moreover, since it is not necessary to carry out cleaning in the pipe for removing the generated mold, the length of the pipe and the installation place of the pipe are not limited, and the use can be widely performed regardless of the purpose of use and the installation place.

  For example, in the case of a geothermal exchanger using the moisture absorption / release functional pipe as a pipe for exchanging geothermal heat, it is possible to prevent the formation of condensation and mold in the pipe. Can do. According to this, since a heat collecting device from a heat medium is not necessarily required like a geothermal exchanger using an antifreeze liquid as a heat medium, the outside air after the heat exchange can be directly blown into the room. There is a degree of freedom in selection, and costs can be reduced.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of the moisture absorption / release functional pipe of this invention. It is a flow which shows the flow of the gas in one embodiment of the geothermal exchanger of this invention. It is a flow which shows the flow of the gas in the air conditioner using the pipe of this invention.

  Below, the form for carrying out the present invention is explained using a drawing. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view cut substantially perpendicularly to the extending direction of the moisture absorption / release functional pipe of the present invention. The moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is configured such that a primer layer 3 and a humidity adjusting layer 4 are provided in this order on the inner wall surface of a pipe body 2.

  In the present invention, the pipe body 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a pipe that can be used as a pipe for circulating gas, and the material, shape, dimensions, and the like are arbitrary. For example, examples of the material of the pipe body 2 may be metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and iron, or may be resin pipes. The type of resin constituting the pipe is not particularly limited, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin that can constitute the pipe, such as vinyl chloride, polyester, and polypropylene, but for example, a resin such as a crosslinkable polyester resin is preferable. used. Further, the inner surface of the pipe may be plated.

  The primer layer 3 provided between the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2 and the humidity adjustment layer 4 is an arbitrary layer in the present invention, but the adhesion of the humidity adjustment layer 4 to the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2 is improved. Since it can improve, forming is preferable. In particular, when the pipe is made of resin, the provision of the primer layer 3 is preferable because the humidity adjusting layer 4 can be satisfactorily formed on the inner wall surface of the pipe and sufficient adhesion can be maintained. . On the other hand, when the pipe is made of metal, it is possible to form the humidity adjusting layer 4 in direct contact with the inner wall surface of the pipe without the primer layer 3 and maintain its adhesion. Whether or not the primer layer 3 is formed may be arbitrarily selected.

  The primer constituting the primer layer 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the adhesion between the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2 and the humidity adjusting layer 4, and is an acrylic primer or urethane primer. Conventionally known primers such as epoxy-based primers, silicone-based primers, and silane-based primers can be appropriately selected and used. Among them, an acrylic primer can be preferably used from the viewpoints of low cost and easy availability and use. The thickness of the primer layer may be any thickness that allows the humidity adjusting layer 4 to be satisfactorily adhered to the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2, and is generally about several μm to several tens of μm.

When the primer layer is formed on the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2, a primer layer forming coating solution is prepared by mixing the resin constituting the primer layer 3 with an appropriate solvent, and this is applied to the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2. To do.
As a coating method, a method of spraying the primer forming coating liquid onto the inner wall surface of the pipe or a method of coating the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2 with the primer forming coating liquid by appropriately selecting a pipe inner wall surface coating method such as a lining method. There is no particular limitation. Examples of the lining method include a method of lining the coating liquid by reciprocating the inside of the pipe body 2 with a ball pig, and a method of pressure-applying the coating liquid on the inner wall surface of the pipe body with a tubular air flow.

  The humidity adjusting layer 4 is an indispensable constituent layer of the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe 1 of the present invention, and is in direct contact with the inner wall surface of the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe 1 or any layer such as the primer layer described above. It is a layer provided via. The humidity adjusting layer 4 in the present invention includes at least a superabsorbent polymer, and may optionally further include other materials.

  The superabsorbent polymer refers to a polymer that has a water absorption capacity of several tens to several hundred times the weight of its own weight and can retain the absorbed water. As the superabsorbent polymer used in the present invention, those known as known superabsorbent polymers can be appropriately selected and used. For example, specific examples include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based types. More specifically, starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymer, starch-acrylonitrile copolymer saponified product, sodium carboxy Examples include methylcellulose cross-linked products, synthetic polymers such as polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylamide. Among these, a cross-linked sodium polyacrylate is preferably used. The cross-linked sodium polyacrylate is produced, for example, by copolymerizing an acrylic acid / sodium acrylate mixed aqueous solution with a small amount of a crosslinkable monomer such as a polyfunctional acrylate. Alternatively, a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate can also be produced by forming an aqueous gel from an aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid and drying it, but the production method is not particularly limited.

  In the present invention, the humidity adjusting layer 4 may be composed substantially only of the superabsorbent polymer described above, but may further contain fibers as a binder. As the above-mentioned fibers, those used as a binder for a superabsorbent polymer in a conventionally known absorbent body such as a paper diaper can be appropriately selected and used. Further, for example, hydrating microfibrils obtained from cellulose or cellulose derivatives may be contained in the humidity adjusting layer 4 together with the superabsorbent polymer as the above fibers. Furthermore, the humidity adjusting layer 4 may optionally contain other additives within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.

The content of the superabsorbent polymer in the humidity adjusting layer 4 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately determined in consideration of the use and usage environment of the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe of the present invention, or the total area of the inner wall surface of the pipe. Among them, the amount of the superabsorbent polymer per unit of the inner wall surface of the pipe is preferably 30 g / m ² or more and 500 g / m ² or less, preferably 80 g / m ² or more and 250 g / m ² or less. More preferably. This is because, by setting the amount of the superabsorbent polymer per unit of the pipe inner wall surface to 30 g / m ² or more, the humidity adjusting layer 4 can ensure a sufficient absorbing action. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the absorption or release action in the humidity adjusting layer 4, the amount of the superabsorbent polymer may exceed 500 g / m ² , but a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer exists in the humidity adjusting layer 4. As a result, the unevenness of the surface of the humidity adjusting layer 4 (ie, the surface of the inner wall surface of the pipe) becomes prominent, and there is a risk of increasing the resistance of the gas flowing through the pipe. From the viewpoint of sufficiently avoiding this problem. The amount per unit area of the superabsorbent polymer is preferably 500 g / m ² or less.

  The humidity adjusting layer 4 is prepared by preparing a coating liquid for forming a humidity adjusting layer containing the above-described superabsorbent polymer or further containing a binder, and similarly to the primer layer described above, a conventionally known spray coating method, lining method, etc. The pipe inner wall surface coating method is appropriately selected and formed by being in direct contact with the inner wall surface of the pipe body 2 or by being laminated on the upper surface of an arbitrary layer such as a primer layer.

  The moisture absorption / release functional pipe of the present invention described above exhibits a function of adjusting the humidity of the gas flowing through the pipe. This effect is due to the humidity adjustment layer in the present invention acting as follows.

  The dew condensation which is a problem in the present invention means surface dew condensation unless otherwise specified. More specifically, the dew condensation is caused by aggregation of water vapor in the gas flowing through the pipe on the inner wall surface of the pipe. Means. The occurrence of the dew condensation differs depending on whether the inner wall surface of the pipe in contact with the gas is below the dew point temperature of the gas or above the dew point temperature in a gas at a certain temperature and a certain humidity. Therefore, even if the gas has a constant temperature and a constant humidity, if the temperature of the pipe inner surface is equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, condensation occurs on the inner wall surface of the pipe. However, if the temperature of the pipe inner wall surface exceeds the dew point temperature, Condensation does not occur.

  In the present invention and this specification, “the inner wall surface of the pipe” means the inner surface of the pipe when no layer is provided on the inner surface of the pipe, and the inner surface of the pipe is optional. When the layer is provided, it means the exposed surface of the arbitrary layer.

  Hereinafter, the action of the humidity adjusting layer in the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe of the present invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as “the pipe of the present invention”) will be described.

  First, when the relative humidity of the gas flowing in the pipe of the present invention is sufficiently high, water vapor in the gas can be absorbed by the highly absorbent polymer in the humidity adjusting layer. In other words, when the gas flowing through the pipe of the present invention has a temperature of X ° C. and a humidity of Y%, and the surface temperature of the pipe is equal to or lower than the dew point temperature of the gas, Z ° C. The superabsorbent polymer can absorb water vapor in the gas or condensation generated on the inner wall surface of the pipe. Note that “when the relative humidity is sufficiently high” specifically means that when the relative humidity of the gas is 50% or more, or higher, 55% or more, at least 60% or more, the absorbing action of the superabsorbent polymer. Can demonstrate. Hereinafter, the action of the superabsorbent polymer contained in the humidity adjustment layer in the pipe to absorb gaseous water vapor is also referred to as “absorption action of the humidity adjustment layer”.

  When the absorption effect of the humidity adjusting layer is exerted, the humidity adjusting layer containing the superabsorbent polymer that absorbs water vapor in the gas flowing through the pipe is dried by the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. Increased compared to the state (before moisture absorption). Then, the humidity adjusting layer having an increased layer thickness exhibits a function as a heat insulating layer, and the present inventors have observed that the environmental temperature outside the pipe of the present invention is difficult to be transmitted to the inner wall surface of the pipe. did. Hereinafter, the action of the humidity adjusting layer that has swelled to exhibit the function as the heat insulating layer is also referred to as “heat insulating action of the humidity adjusting layer”.

  According to the heat insulation effect of the humidity adjusting layer, even when the environmental temperature outside the pipe is low and the temperature difference from the outside air is large, the pipe inner wall surface temperature is less affected by the environmental temperature, A high temperature is maintained, and it tends to be difficult to reach the vicinity of the dew point temperature. This means that dew condensation is less likely to occur as a result of the humidity adjusting layer exhibiting a heat insulating effect.

  The superabsorbent polymer swollen as described above can be obtained by circulating a gas having a sufficiently low relative humidity in the pipe of the present invention or by making the temperature of the inner wall surface of the pipe sufficiently higher than the dew point temperature. Moisture can be released into the gas flowing in. Hereinafter, the action of releasing the moisture retained by the superabsorbent polymer in the humidity adjusting layer into the gas flowing in the pipe is also referred to as “the releasing action of the humidity adjusting layer”. By exhibiting such a release function of the humidity adjusting layer, the swelling state of the superabsorbent polymer is eliminated, and the moisture absorbing layer can be returned to a state where it can absorb moisture again. That is, the absorbing action of the humidity adjusting layer is exhibited. It becomes a state.

  The absorption action, heat insulation action and release action of the humidity adjustment layer described above may be repeated in this order in the pipe of the present invention, or the action of the humidity adjustment layer may shift from the absorption action to the release action quickly. It can also be controlled.

  For example, when the relative humidity of the gas flowing through the pipe is high in rainy weather, the humidity adjusting layer absorbs the water, absorbs the water vapor of the gas, and lowers the relative humidity of the gas. Condensation is prevented from occurring. And the humidity adjustment layer containing the superabsorbent polymer that has sufficiently absorbed water vapor swells and exhibits the above-described heat insulating action. As a result, even if a gas having a high relative humidity circulates in the pipe, condensation hardly occurs. Next, when the rain stops, the relative humidity of the gas decreases, so that the release action of the humidity adjustment layer is exerted, and the moisture retained in the superabsorbent polymer is released into the gas flowing in the pipe. The

  Next, the geothermal exchanger of the present invention using the pipe of the present invention as a pipe in the geothermal exchanger will be described.

  Here, the geothermal exchanger is generally a device that embeds a pipe for exchanging geothermal heat in the ground and performs heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the pipe and the ground, and the heat after heat exchange. The medium can be blown directly into the room to adjust the room temperature, or the heat of the heat medium after heat exchange can be collected to effectively use the collected heat.

  In particular, the geothermal exchanger of the present invention enjoys the following benefits in order to embed a pipe for exchanging geothermal heat in the ground below the building foundation. In other words, since the geothermal exchanger is installed below the building foundation, the building foundation itself, or the building constructed on the foundation, further acts as a kind of heat insulating structure. Is not directly affected by outside air temperature. Therefore, even during the daytime in summer, the ground temperature does not rise so much, in other words, a temperature that is significantly lower than the outside air temperature is maintained. As a result, the heat exchange rate between the outside air as the heat medium and the ground heat is high. On the other hand, in winter, due to the presence of the heat insulating structure, the ground temperature is less likely to decrease than when the ground surface is in direct contact with the outside air. In other words, it can be said that the ground temperature is maintained at a significantly higher temperature than the outside air temperature. Therefore, the heat exchange rate can be increased by using the outside air having a low temperature as a heat medium and exchanging heat with the ground having a sufficiently high temperature compared to the outside air.

  However, as described above, if the difference between the temperature of the outside air that is the heat medium and the ground temperature becomes large as a result of the effect of the heat insulating structure by the building foundation, etc., especially inside the pipe for geothermal exchange. There is a problem that condensation is likely to occur and mold is likely to occur due to this. On the other hand, the geothermal exchanger of the present invention uses the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe as a pipe for exchanging geothermal heat, thereby allowing outside air to circulate inside the pipe as a heat medium, and a ground having a large temperature difference from the outside air. Even in the case of heat exchange, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the occurrence of condensation, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the growth of mold inside the pipe. That is, the geothermal exchanger of the present invention exhibits an excellent effect that the geothermal exchange rate is high and generation of mold is prevented inside the pipe.

  In the following, the operation of the humidity adjustment layer in the geothermal exchanger will be described with reference to the present invention, taking as an example the summer when condensation is likely to occur in the geothermal exchanger.

  In summer, the outside air temperature has a large temperature difference between daytime and nighttime, while the ground temperature below the building foundation does not cause a temperature difference between the daytime and nighttime as much as the outside air temperature. Therefore, in geothermal exchangers that use outside air as the heat medium, outside air that is taken in outdoors during the day and that has a high temperature and relative humidity is likely to cause condensation when it comes into contact with the inner wall surface of a pipe embedded in the ground. It is in. At this time, the humidity adjusting layer of the present invention exhibits an absorbing action, absorbs the water vapor of the outside air circulating in the pipe, lowers the relative humidity of the outside air, and prevents the occurrence of condensation. And the humidity adjustment containing the superabsorbent polymer that has absorbed water vapor gradually swells and reaches the heat insulating effect. Then, since the ground temperature lower than the outside air is not easily transmitted to the inner wall surface of the pipe, the temperature of the inner wall surface of the pipe does not drop to the dew point temperature, and as a result, the occurrence of condensation is prevented. And at night, when the outside air temperature decreases, the relative humidity of the outside air decreases, so that the moisture retained in the superabsorbent polymer is now released into the gas flowing through the pipe.

  As described above, the pipe of the present invention can control the relative humidity of the gas flowing through the pipe while repeating the absorption action, heat insulation action, and release action without artificial control by changes in environmental temperature and weather. Adjust to prevent the occurrence of condensation. Alternatively, the action of the humidity adjusting layer can be artificially controlled.

  For example, when the superabsorbent polymer absorbs moisture and swells, a gas having a low relative humidity may be artificially sent into the pipe of the present invention to promote the release of the humidity adjusting layer. That is, when the gas intake path into the pipe is designed to be switched from the outside air intake port to the low-humidity gas intake port, and it is necessary to return the swollen superabsorbent polymer to a state capable of absorbing moisture again. For this, the intake route may be switched to a low-humidity gas intake port. At this time, a sensor for measuring the moisture content of the humidity adjustment layer is provided at an arbitrary location, and when the moisture content exceeds the specified moisture content, a low-humidity gas is automatically sent to the pipe, When the content rate is lowered to a desired value, it is possible to further add arbitrary control such as stopping the blowing of the low-humidity gas and taking in the outside air again.

  Next, the method for preventing condensation on the inner wall surface of the pipe of the present invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as “the method of the present invention”) will be described. The method of the present invention uses the above-described moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe of the present invention, and utilizes the absorption action and release action of the humidity adjusting layer or the absorption action, heat insulation action, and release action in the pipe. In this method, the relative humidity of the gas flowing through the pipe is adjusted, thereby preventing condensation on the inner wall surface of the pipe.

  That is, the method of the present invention comprises a step of absorbing and holding water vapor contained in the moisture-releasing and releasing functional pipe and contained in the flowing gas A in the humidity adjusting layer (this is referred to as “absorption step”), and By repeating the step of releasing the moisture retained in the humidity adjusting layer into the gas B flowing through the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe (this is referred to as “release step”), This is a method for preventing the occurrence of dew condensation. In the present specification, “substantially preventing the occurrence of condensation” means that the moisture absorption layer quickly absorbs moisture even when condensation occurs and no condensation is present. And a state in which the water vapor in the gas is not saturated and the water vapor is not condensed.

  The absorption step is performed when the humidity adjusting layer in the pipe of the present invention exhibits an absorbing action, while the releasing step is performed when the humidity adjusting layer exhibits a releasing action. As described above, the repetition of the absorption step and the release step may be naturally repeated due to the weather, daily temperature difference, or the like, or may be artificially adjusted. Moreover, you may repeat two steps combining these both. In the method of the present invention, in the case where “the absorption step and the release step are repeated”, the humidity adjustment layer is provided between the absorption step and the release step, and the mode in which the absorption step and the release step are promptly shifted. Any of the embodiments in which a heat insulating step that exhibits a heat insulating action is further performed is included.

  In the absorption step in the present invention, the gas A flowing through the pipe may be outside air taken in from the outside or indoor air. Similarly, the gas B in the discharge step may be outside air or indoor air, or may be artificially blown gas whose relative humidity is adjusted to be low.

  Below, one embodiment of the geothermal exchanger according to the present invention will be described using a flow (FIG. 2) showing a gas flow. The geothermal exchanger of the present invention embeds a heat exchange pipe in the ground below the building foundation, and takes in the outside air from the outside into the pipe and distributes it. A geothermal exchanger exchanging heat with outside air heat, wherein the above-described moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe of the present invention is used as at least the pipe. Therefore, the other structural requirements in the geothermal exchanger can be appropriately designed according to the configuration of a conventionally known geothermal exchanger.

  The flow shown in FIG. 2 is a geothermal heat exchanger of the present invention, a humidity controller and / or a dehumidifier for removing water vapor from outside air taken in from outside by air, to disperse the taken outside air into a plurality of heat exchange pipes. Heat exchange pipe header, heat exchange pipe for exchanging heat between ground heat and outside air (pipe of the present invention), heat exchange header for dispersing outside air after heat exchange to a plurality of blowers, blower, It is a flow which shows the flow of gas at the time of employ | adopting what is provided with the indoor heat exchanger for performing indoor heat exchange with the external air sent by the air blower.

  In the geothermal exchanger of the present invention, the gas flow is as follows. First, outside air taken in from outside by intake air is sent to a humidity controller or a dehumidifier through a path 11. The outside air sent to the dehumidifier may be further sent to the humidity controller via the path 13. Here, the humidity controller is, for example, a dew condensation prevention sheet disclosed in JP-A No. 2004-1272 is installed in a dehumidifying / dehumidifying box and exhibits a dehumidifying action when the humidity of the gas being fed is high, On the other hand, it is a device having a function of exerting a moisture releasing action when a gas with low humidity is fed. The dehumidifier is not particularly limited as long as it is a conventionally known dehumidifier capable of removing water vapor in the outside air.

  Subsequently, the outside air that has passed through the humidity controller and / or the dehumidifier is distributed through the path 14 or the path 15 by the heat exchange pipe header, and is sent to the heat exchange pipe through the path 16. The heat exchange pipe header is not an essential component in the geothermal exchanger. However, the pipe for the geothermal exchanger for ensuring the required amount of geothermal exchange is not constituted by a single pipe having a long overall length, but is constituted by a plurality of pipes having a short length to circulate in the pipe. The air resistance of the gas can be reduced, and therefore the capacity of the blower can be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to use a heat exchange pipe header to disperse the distribution destination of the heat medium, which is a gas such as outside air taken in from the outside, and distribute it to a plurality of heat exchange pipes as described above.

  In the heat exchange pipe, heat exchange is performed between the ground heat and the outside air heat using the fed outside air as a heat medium (dotted arrow 27). As described above, an example of the occurrence of condensation in the heat exchange pipe in the summer has been a problem in the past due to the occurrence of condensation in the heat exchange pipe and the growth of mold due to the occurrence of condensation. In conventional geothermal exchangers, means for reducing the amount of water vapor in the outside air, such as the installation of a dehumidifier, have been studied, but the formation of condensation has not been sufficiently prevented throughout the year.

  On the other hand, in the geothermal exchanger of the present invention, by using the moisture absorption / release functional pipe of the present invention as a heat exchange pipe, water vapor in the outside air is absorbed by the highly absorbent polymer in the moisture absorption functional layer in the pipe, Alternatively, the heat insulating effect of the moisture absorption functional layer exerts an effect that the temperature of the inner wall surface of the pipe is hardly lowered to the dew point temperature, so that no dew condensation occurs on the pipe wall surface.

  In the present invention, the humidity adjusting layer in the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe repeatedly exhibits the function of absorbing moisture and the function of releasing moisture as described above, but the interval between the absorbing action and the moisture releasing action is widened. Even if the state in which moisture is retained in the humidity adjusting layer continues for a while, mold does not propagate due to the presence of moisture retained in the humidity adjusting layer. This is due to the difference in the form of moisture in the pipe.

  In other words, water is generally classified into two types, free water and combined water, depending on the state of the combination, and mold growth is performed using the free water, and mold does not propagate in the combined water. It has been known. Here, free water is water that is not in a combined state, and water vapor contained in the gas flowing through the pipe, or condensation formed by aggregation of the water vapor is understood as free water, and generation of mold occurs. Cause.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the moisture absorbed in the humidity adjusting layer is in a state of being held in the superabsorbent polymer, and is understood as free water in the classification of the above-mentioned free water or bound water. Is. However, since it is retained in the superabsorbent polymer, it is difficult for microorganisms such as mold to be used for breeding. Therefore, it is understood that the water retained in the superabsorbent polymer is in a state equivalent to the bound water from the viewpoint that microorganisms such as mold do not propagate. Therefore, even if the state in which the humidity adjusting layer swells due to the absorption of water vapor continues for a while, there is no possibility that mold will form on the surface or inside of the humidity adjusting layer.

  Next, the geothermal exchange pipe passes through the path 17, the heat exchange pipe header passes the path 18, and the outside air after the geothermal exchange is sent to a plurality of blowers, and via the path 19, the indoor heat exchanger enters the room or the path 21. The air is blown directly into the room. As a result, outside air whose humidity has been adjusted well and has reached a preferable temperature by heat exchange with the ground heat is sent into the room.

  After that, part of the indoor air is exhausted for ventilation. Exhaust air may be released directly from the room to the outdoors via the path 22, but after returning from the room to the indoor heat exchanger via the path 23 and exchanging heat, the path 24 passes to the humidity controller. You can return it. In this way, returning the low-humidity indoor air to the humidity controller is intended to release moisture contained in the dew condensation prevention sheet installed in the humidity controller into dry air. Then, the gas whose humidity has been increased by including the moisture contained in the dew condensation prevention sheet is exhausted to the outdoors via the path 25. The indoor air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger may be returned to the heat exchange pipe header via the path 26. The humidity adjustment layer in the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe used as the heat exchange pipe is obtained by switching the air to return the indoor air having low humidity to the heat exchange pipe header and sending it to the heat exchange pipe via the path 16. Water contained therein can be released into the air. That is, the release effect of the humidity adjusting layer can be exhibited. As described above, in the geothermal exchanger of the present invention, it is possible to perform geothermal exchange in the same manner as conventional geothermal exchangers, and it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the occurrence of condensation in the geothermal exchange pipe, which has been a problem in the past.

  As described above, in FIG. 2, the gas flow in the geothermal exchanger of the present invention has been described by taking the summer as an example. However, there has conventionally been a problem of the occurrence of condensation in other than the summer, and a pipe is added to the present invention. By using it as a pipe for exchanging geothermal heat, the above dew condensation problem is solved, and the same is true for the prevention of mold.

  Next, as a different embodiment using the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe of the present invention, an air conditioner using the pipe of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The air conditioner shown in FIG. 3 uses the moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe of the present invention as a duct connected to a conventionally known cooling device. In the air conditioner, outside air taken into the air conditioner via the path 31 by intake air from outside is cooled to a target temperature in the air cooler and then sent to the pipe of the present invention used as a duct via the path 32. Subsequently, the air is blown into the room through the duct.

  Further, for indoor ventilation, part of the indoor air is discharged to the outside through the path 34. At this time, a part of the exhausted air may be returned to the duct. That is, in the duct as the pipe of the present invention, in order to exert the release action of the humidity adjusting layer, a part of the air exhausted from the room passes through the path 35, passes through the filter, and is sent again to the duct. But it ’s okay. Alternatively, the gas with reduced humidity may be sent again to the duct through the path 37 from the duct. In this way, by switching the air blowing so that the low-humidity gas is sent into the pipe, the moisture retained in the high-absorbency polymer in the humidity adjustment layer can be released into the gas. The superabsorbent polymer can be returned again to a state where it can absorb water vapor.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which the pipe of the present invention is used for a cooling machine. Similarly, the pipe of the present invention may be used for a heater. Thus, by using a pipe in the present invention as a pipe in an air conditioner, generation of mold in the pipe can be prevented, and the humidity of the gas blown into the room can be appropriately adjusted. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Moisture absorption / release functional pipe 2 Pipe body 3 Primer layer 4 Humidity adjustment layer 11 thru | or 27 Path | route 31 thru | or 37 which shows the gas flow in the geothermal exchanger which is one embodiment of this invention Gas in the air conditioner using a pipe in this invention Route showing the flow of

Claims (4)

A pipe used for gas circulation,
A moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe characterized in that a humidity adjusting layer containing a superabsorbent polymer is provided directly or indirectly on an inner wall surface. The moisture absorbing / releasing functional pipe according to claim 1, wherein a primer layer is provided between the inner wall surface and the humidity adjusting layer. A method of preventing condensation on the inner wall surface of a gas circulation pipe,
Using the moisture absorption / release functional pipe according to claim 1 or 2 as the pipe, in the process of taking in and circulating gas into the moisture absorption / release functional pipe,
An absorption step of absorbing and holding water vapor contained in the gas A flowing through the moisture absorption / release functional pipe in the humidity adjusting layer;
A release step for releasing the moisture retained inside the humidity adjustment layer to the gas B flowing through the moisture absorption / release functional pipe;
A method for preventing condensation on the inner wall surface of a pipe, characterized in that In a geothermal exchanger that performs heat exchange between ground heat and outside air heat, using the outside air as a heat medium by burying pipes in the ground below the foundation for buildings, and taking outside air from the outside into the pipes for circulation.
A geothermal exchanger characterized by using the moisture absorption / release functional pipe according to claim 1 or 2 as the pipe.

Images