JP7210418B2 - interaction system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an interaction system for creating interactions between multiple fluids.

Conventionally, interaction systems are known for causing interaction between a plurality of fluids. This conventional interaction system comprises a plurality of stages of interaction sections that respectively produce interactions between fluids. Patent Literature 1 below discloses, as an example of such an interaction system, an extractor equipped with a plurality of stages of extractors, each performing an extraction process of extracting a specific component from a raw material fluid and moving it into an extractant. ing.

Specifically, Patent Literature 1 below discloses an extraction apparatus having a plurality of stages of extraction sections connected in series so that the raw material fluid flows sequentially, wherein the raw material fluid is sequentially supplied to the plurality of stages of extraction sections. It is disclosed that the extractant is configured to flow in a direction opposite to that in which it flows into.

In this extraction device, each of the plurality of stages of extraction sections includes a channel structure having a plurality of channels therein. Each of the plurality of flow paths is configured to circulate an extractant and a raw material fluid in contact with each other, and during the circulation process, a specific component is extracted from the raw material fluid and moves into the extractant. A discharge header is attached to the outer surface of the flow path structure, and outlets of the plurality of flow paths communicate with an internal space of the discharge header. As a result, the mixed fluid of the extractant and 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. It separates from the fluid.

A portion of the discharge header of each stage of the extraction section where the separated raw material fluid is accumulated is connected to the flow path of the extraction section of the next stage via a pipe. As a result, the raw material fluid separated in the discharge header flows to the flow path of the extraction section of the next stage. In addition, the part of the discharge header of each stage of the extraction part where the separated extractant is accumulated is connected to the flow path of the previous stage of extraction part via a pipe. As a result, the extracting agent separated in the discharge header flows into the flow path of the preceding extracting section. The extraction of the specific component from the raw material fluid progresses toward the extraction section on the downstream side in the flow direction of the raw material fluid. Therefore, the concentration of the specific component in the raw material fluid flowing through the flow path decreases toward the extraction section on the downstream side. On the other hand, the concentration of the specific component in the extraction agent increases toward the upstream extraction section. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a large difference in concentration of the specific component between the raw material fluid and the extractant flowing through the flow path in the entire multi-stage extraction section, and as a result, efficient extraction processing becomes possible.

Japanese Patent No. 5988504

However, in the extraction apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the extraction apparatus is operated from a non-operating state in which the extraction agent and the raw material fluid have not yet flowed into any of the flow paths of the multiple stages of extraction. Until a steady state is established in which the extracting agent flows in the direction opposite to the direction in which the raw material fluid flows sequentially in the section, and the extraction process is performed by the extracting agent and the raw material fluid in each flow path of the plurality of stages of extraction sections. There is an aspect that the start-up time required for

Specifically, in the extraction device disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the extracting agent and the raw material fluid flow in the reverse order to each other in the multiple stages of extraction units provided in the extraction device, for example, the multiple stages of extraction units When the supply of the extracting agent and the supply of the raw material fluid are started at the same time, the raw material fluid does not come into contact with the extracting agent until reaching the extraction part in the middle of the multiple stages of extraction parts, and the extraction process is completed. Insufficient feedstock fluid will be discharged from the extractor. In order to avoid such a situation, in the extraction apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, first, the extraction agent is supplied to the multiple stages of extraction units so that the extraction agent flows through the channels of all of the extraction units. After that, it is necessary to sequentially flow the raw material fluid through the channels of those extraction units. The start-up time until the steady state rises becomes longer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a processing flow path in which a first fluid flows in a direction opposite to the direction in which a second fluid flows sequentially in interaction portions of a plurality of processing units, and the interaction portions of each of the plurality of processing units. It is an object of the present invention to provide an interaction system capable of shortening the start-up time until reaching a steady state in which a first fluid and a second fluid interact with each other while flowing.

The interaction system provided by the present invention is an interaction system that produces an interaction between a first fluid and a second fluid. In this interaction system, a first fluid tank storing the first fluid, a second fluid tank storing the second fluid, and the first fluid and the second fluid interacting with each other. and a mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid discharged from the processing channel. A plurality of processing units each having a separation container for receiving and retaining the mixed fluid to separate the first fluid and the second fluid, wherein the second fluid is transferred from the second fluid tank to the plurality of The second fluid is configured to flow through the processing units in a predetermined order, and the second fluid separated in the separation container of each of the plurality of processing units is transferred to the interaction portion of the next processing unit in order with respect to the processing unit. the separation vessel of each of the plurality of processing units is connected to the processing flow channel of the interaction section of the corresponding next-order processing unit so as to flow into the processing flow channel; a first fluid path that guides the first fluid from a fluid tank to the processing flow path of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units, wherein the processing flow of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units; to said processing channel of said interaction portion of each of said plurality of processing units corresponding to each of said plurality of processing units and in subsequent processing units in said order. a plurality of return paths for guiding the first fluid separated in the separation container from the separation container of a plurality of post-processing units; and allows the first fluid to be supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing flow path connected to the connection path provided with the first fluid supply switching device through the connection path. and a plurality of first fluid return switching devices provided in the plurality of return paths, respectively, configured to be switchable between a supply allowable state and a supply blocking state for blocking supply of the first fluid, respectively. , a return for allowing the first fluid to flow from the separation vessel of the corresponding post-processing unit through the return path to the processing flow path connected to the return path provided with the first fluid return switching device; configured to be switchable between an allowable state and a return-blocking state that blocks flow of the first fluid, respectively.

In this interaction system, from a non-operating state in which the first fluid and the second fluid have not flowed into the processing channels of any of the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units, the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units are first A steady state in which the first fluid flows in the direction opposite to the direction in which the two fluids flow in order, and the first fluid and the second fluid interact while flowing in the processing channels of the respective interaction portions of the plurality of processing units. When the second fluid flows from the second fluid tank to the plurality of processing units in sequence during the process of starting up, the second fluid flows into the processing channel of the interaction portion of the processing unit into which the second fluid has flowed. can supply a first fluid from a first fluid tank to cause interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid in the process flow path. Therefore, it is not necessary to wait for the first fluid to flow through the processing channels of all the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units at the initial stage of start-up as in the conventional art, and the start-up time until the start-up in the steady state is reduced. can be shortened.

Specifically, the interaction system includes a first fluid path that guides a first fluid from a first fluid tank to a processing channel of an interaction portion of each of the plurality of processing units, the interaction between each of the plurality of processing units. and a plurality of first fluid supply switching devices respectively provided in the plurality of connection path portions, wherein the first fluid supply switching devices are provided. a supply permitting state in which the first fluid is allowed to be supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing flow path connected to the connection path, and a supply blocking state in which the supply of the first fluid is prevented. and are configured to be switchable respectively, when the second fluid sequentially flows to the plurality of processing units in the process of starting up the interaction system, the second fluid flows into the processing flow path of the processing unit. The first fluid can be supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing channel by switching the first fluid supply switching device provided in the connecting path from the supply blocking state to the supply permitting state. Therefore, when the second fluid sequentially flows into the processing channels of the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units, the interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid can occur in the processing channels. Then, this interaction system corresponds to each of the plurality of processing units to the processing flow path of each interaction section of the plurality of processing units, and is separated from the separation container of the plurality of post-processing units within the separation container. a plurality of return paths for guiding the first fluid; and a plurality of first fluid return switching devices respectively provided in the plurality of return paths, wherein the first fluid return switching devices are connected to the return paths provided. It is configured to be switchable between a return-allowing state in which the first fluid is allowed to flow from the separation container of the corresponding post-processing unit to the processing channel through the return path, and a return-blocking state in which the flow of the first fluid is blocked. Therefore, in the separation container of each post-processing unit, the mixed fluid discharged from the processing channel of the interaction portion of the post-processing unit and introduced into the separation container is the first fluid and the second fluid. After separating into the first fluid supply switching device, each first fluid return switching device provided in each return path connected to the separation container of each post-processing unit is sequentially switched from the return blocking state to the return allowing state, and the corresponding first fluid supply switching device from the first fluid tank to the supply blocking state, the first fluid separated in the separation container of each post-processing unit is transferred from the first fluid tank to the processing channel of the interaction section of the corresponding processing unit. can be supplied in place of As a result, the interaction system is configured such that the first fluid flows in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second fluid sequentially flows to the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units, and the processing of the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units is performed. It is possible to transition to a steady state in which interaction occurs while the first fluid and the second fluid flow in the channel. Therefore, in this interaction system, when starting up the steady state, it is not necessary to wait for the first fluid to flow through the processing flow paths of all the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units, which is conventionally required. It is possible to shorten the start-up time until reaching the steady state.

The interaction system controls switching the plurality of first fluid supply switching devices between the supply permitting state and the supply blocking state, respectively, and switching the first fluid return switching devices between the return permitting state and the return blocking state, respectively. and a control unit that performs control to switch to the second fluid at a predetermined timing after the mixed fluid is separated into the first fluid and the second fluid in the separation container of the post-processing unit. and switching the first fluid return switching device provided in the return path connected to the separation vessel of the subsequent processing unit from the return blocking state to the return allowable state, and the processing flow path connected to the return path. It is preferable to switch the first fluid supply switching device provided in the connection path portion connected to the fluid supply from the supply permitting state to the supply blocking state.

According to this configuration, after the mixed fluid is separated into the first fluid and the second fluid in the separation container of the post-processing unit, the return path connected to the separation container of the post-processing unit is provided at a predetermined timing. automatically switches the first fluid return switching device from the return prevention state to the return allowable state, and switches the first fluid supply switching device provided in the connection path portion connected to the processing flow path connected to the return path to the supply allowable state. can be automatically switched from to the blocking state.

The predetermined timing is preferably the timing at which the first fluid separated in the separation container of the post-processing unit flows out to the return path.

With this configuration, when the first fluid separated in the separation container of the post-processing unit flows out to the return path, the first fluid return switching device provided in the return path is switched from the return blocking state to the return allowing state without delay. , and the first fluid supply switching device provided in the connection path section connected to the processing flow path connected to the return path is switched from the supply permitting state to the supply blocking state, so that the separation container of the post-processing unit is switched to the return path. The outflowing first fluid can be supplied to the processing channel of the previous sequential processing unit connected to its return path. Therefore, the startup time of the interactive system can be further shortened.

In this case, the interaction system further includes a first fluid flow sensor that detects that the first fluid separated in the separation container of the post-processing unit has flowed out to the return path, and the control unit includes: When the first fluid flow sensor detects that the first fluid has flowed from the separation vessel of the post-processing unit to the return path, the first fluid return switching device is switched from the return blocking state to the It is preferable to switch the first fluid supply switching device from the supply permitting state to the supply blocking state while switching to the return permitting state.

According to this configuration, when the first fluid separated in the separation container of the post-processing unit flows out to the return path, the first fluid that has flowed out to the return path is transferred to the front end connected to the return path. can be supplied to the processing channels of the processing units in the order of .

The control section controls the first fluid provided in the connection path section connected to the processing flow path until the second fluid is supplied to the processing flow path of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units. The supply switching device is set to the supply blocking state, and provided in the connection path section connected to the processing flow path at the timing when the second fluid is supplied to the processing flow path of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units. It is preferable that the first fluid supply switching device is switched from the supply blocking state to the supply permitting state.

According to this configuration, when the second fluid is supplied to the processing channel of the interaction portion of each processing unit, the corresponding first fluid supply switching device is switched from the supply blocking state to the supply permitting state without delay. , the first fluid can be supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing channel of the interaction portion of the processing unit to which the second fluid is supplied.

In this case, the interaction system is configured such that the second fluid separated from the separation container of each of the plurality of processing units in the separation container is transferred to the interaction section of the next processing unit in the order of the processing unit. A second fluid flow sensor is further provided for detecting that the fluid has flowed to the processing channel, and the control unit causes the second fluid flow sensor to cause the separation of an arbitrary processing unit among the plurality of processing units from the separation container. In response to detecting that the second fluid separated in the container has flowed to the processing channel of the interaction portion of the next-order processing unit, the mutual interaction of the next-order processing unit is detected. It is preferable that the first fluid supply switching device provided in the connection path portion connected to the processing flow path of the action portion is switched from the supply blocking state to the supply permitting state.

According to this configuration, the second fluid separated from the separation container of each of the plurality of processing units in the separation container accurately flows into the processing channel of the interaction section of the corresponding next-order processing unit. Accordingly, the first fluid can be supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing flow path of the interaction portion of the next processing unit.

The plurality of processing units includes a first stage processing unit that is the first processing unit in the order, a final stage processing unit that is the last processing unit in the order, and the first stage processing unit and the final stage processing in the order. and an intermediate processing unit that is the processing unit between the unit, and the plurality of connection path portions are: a first-stage connection path portion connected to the processing flow path of the interaction portion of the first-stage processing unit; the intermediate connection, comprising: a final stage connection path portion connected to the processing flow path of the interaction portion of the stage processing unit; and an intermediate connection path portion connected to the processing flow path of the interaction portion of the intermediate processing unit. The path portion includes a relay pipe connecting the first-stage connection path portion and the final-stage connection path portion, and an intermediate pipe connected to the relay pipe and connected to the processing flow path of the interaction portion of the intermediate processing unit. and a connection pipe, and the first fluid supply switching device provided in the first-stage connection path portion is closer to the first fluid tank than a portion of the first-stage connection path portion to which the relay pipe is connected. a first flow control valve for controlling the flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank and flowing through the first-stage connection path, and provided at the final-stage connection path. The first fluid supply switching device is provided at a portion closer to the first fluid tank than the portion to which the relay pipe is connected in the final stage connection path portion, and the fluid is supplied from the first fluid tank and the fluid is supplied from the first fluid tank. The first fluid supply switching device, which has a second flow rate control valve that controls the flow rate of the first fluid flowing through the final stage connection path section and is provided in the intermediate connection path section, is one of the relay pipes. provided at a first portion that is closer to the first-stage connection path portion than the portion to which the intermediate connection pipe is connected, and the first fluid passes through the first portion from the first-stage connection path portion to the intermediate connection a first on-off valve configured to be switchable between an open state allowing flow to the pipe and a closed state blocking the flow of the first fluid; On the other hand, an opening is provided at a second portion closer to the final-stage connection path portion to allow the first fluid to flow from the final-stage connection path portion to the intermediate connection pipe through the second portion. It is preferable to have a second on-off valve configured to be switchable between a state and a closed state that blocks the flow of the first fluid.

According to this configuration, when the interaction system is started up, the flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing channels of the interaction sections of the plurality of processing units can be individually controlled, while the mutual The manufacturing cost of the interaction system can be suppressed by reducing the number of flow control valves relative to the number of action parts.

Specifically, in this configuration, the flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing channel of the interaction section of the first-stage processing unit can be controlled by the first flow control valve. The flow rate of the first fluid supplied from to the processing channel of the interaction section of the final stage processing unit can be controlled by the second flow control valve. The flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing flow path of the interaction portion of the intermediate processing unit in order between the first processing unit and the final processing unit among the plurality of processing units is It can be controlled using either one of the first flow control valve and the second flow control valve. Specifically, when the first on-off valve is opened and the second on-off valve is closed, the path through which the first fluid flows from the first fluid tank to the processing flow path of the interaction section of the intermediate processing unit is changed. , from the first-stage connection path part to the first part of the relay pipe and the intermediate connection pipe, that is, the path passing through the first flow control valve, and the interaction part of the intermediate processing unit using the first flow control valve can control the flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank to the processing channel. Further, when the first on-off valve is closed and the second on-off valve is opened, the path through which the first fluid flows from the first fluid tank to the processing flow path of the interaction section of the intermediate processing unit is changed to the final stage. From the connection path portion, the path passes through the second portion of the relay pipe and the intermediate connection pipe, that is, the path passes through the second flow control valve, and the second flow control valve is used to process the interaction portion of the intermediate processing unit. A flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank to the channel can be controlled. Therefore, in this configuration, when the interaction system is started up, the flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank to each of the processing channels of the interaction sections of the plurality of processing units can be individually controlled, and furthermore, the interaction The number of flow control valves relative to the number of units can be reduced. However, instead of reducing the number of flow control valves, the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve are required. The effect of cost reduction is large, and the manufacturing cost of the interaction system can be suppressed.

As described above, according to the present invention, the first fluid flows in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second fluid sequentially flows to the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units, and the interaction of each of the plurality of processing units Provided is an interaction system capable of shortening the start-up time until reaching a steady state in which interaction occurs while the first fluid and the second fluid flow in the processing channel of the part.

1 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an interaction system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of an interaction system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the process of starting up the interactive system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an interaction system according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described 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 invention. Also, FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment performs, as an example of interaction, an extraction process of extracting a specific component from a raw material liquid and moving it 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 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 the extraction process, and the combination of the raw material liquid and the extractant is also various for each example of the extraction process. For example, as an example of the 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 treatment, the raw material liquid is an aqueous solution in which valuable metals are dissolved, 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 Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. with kerosene is used. Another example of the extraction process is a process of extracting, separating and removing metal components dissolved as synthesis catalysts in the liquid after the polymer synthesis reaction. In this treatment, the liquid after the polymer synthesis reaction is the raw material liquid, and water, for example, is used as an extractant for extracting the metal component as the specific component from the liquid.

As shown in FIG. 1, the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an extractant tank 2, a raw material tank 3, a first processing unit 4, a second processing unit 5, and a third processing unit 6. , a first level gauge 13, a second level gauge 14, a third level gauge 15, a raw material supply pump 18, an extractant supply pump 19, a first return pump 21, and a second return pump 22. Prepare. The interaction system 1 also includes a raw material supply flow rate control valve 24, a first feed switching valve 26, a second feed switching valve 27, a raw material discharge switching valve 29, a first pressure regulating valve 30, a first raw material A flow sensor 32, a second raw material flow sensor 33, a first feed diverter 37, a second feed diverter 41, a third feed diverter 42, a first return diverter 44, and a second return diverter. 47, extractant discharge flow rate control valve 48, second pressure regulating valve 49, first discharge switching valve 50, second discharge switching valve 51, first extractant flow sensor 53, and second extractant flow A sensor 54 and a control unit 55 are provided. Furthermore, the interaction system 1 includes a raw material supply line 56, a first feed line 58, a second feed line 60, a raw material discharge line 62, an extractant supply line 64, a first return line 66, a second A return pipe 67 , an extractant discharge pipe 68 , a first relief pipe 69 and a second relief pipe 70 are provided.

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

The raw material tank 3 stores the raw material liquid, and specifically stores the raw material liquid that has not been subjected to the extraction process yet. This raw material tank 3 is an example of a second fluid tank in the present invention.

The first processing unit 4, the second processing unit 5, and the third processing unit 6 respectively perform extraction processing using the extractant and the raw material liquid, and convert the mixed fluid of the extractant and the raw material liquid after the extraction processing into the extractant. and a raw material liquid. The first to third processing units 4, 5 and 6 are examples of a plurality of processing units in the present invention. The first processing unit 4, the second processing unit 5 and the third processing unit 6 are configured such that the raw material liquid flows from the raw material tank 3 in this order.

The first processing unit 4 has a first interaction section 7 , a first separation vessel 10 and a first connecting pipe 57 .

The first interaction part 7 is a part where an extraction process is performed using an extraction agent and a raw material liquid. The first interaction section 7 has a large number of processing channels 72 inside. Each processing channel 72 circulates the extracting agent and the raw material liquid so that the extracting agent and the raw material liquid come into contact with each other and a specific component is extracted from the raw material liquid and moves into the extracting agent. In each figure, the numerous processing flow paths 72 in the first interaction section 7 are simplified and represented by one flow path, and the shape of the flow path is also simplified. A large number of processing channels 72 in the second interaction section 8 and a large number of processing channels 72 in the third interaction section 9, which will be described later, are similarly represented. The number and arrangement of the processing channels 72 provided in each interaction section 7, 8, 9 and the shape of each processing channel 72 are arbitrarily set according to the conditions of interaction processing (extraction processing).

Each processing channel 72 is a so-called microchannel. Each processing flow path 72 includes a first introduction path 74 into which an extractant is introduced, a second introduction path 76 into which a raw material liquid is introduced, and an extraction agent flowing from the first introduction path 74 and from the second introduction path 76. The extractant flowing from the first introduction passage 74 and the raw material liquid flowing from the second introduction passage 76 are connected to the downstream ends of the first and second introduction passages 74 and 76 so that the raw material liquid flows. and a processing flow path portion 78 in which the liquids flow in contact with each other to perform the extraction processing.

The first interaction portion 7 also has a first inlet 82 , a second inlet 83 and an outlet 84 .

The first inlet 82 is connected to the first introduction channels 74 of all the processing channels 72 of the first interaction section 7 . The first inlet 82 is a portion that receives the extractant, and the extractant that has passed through the first inlet 82 is distributed and flows to each first introduction passage 74 connected to the first inlet 82 .

The second inlet 83 is connected to the second introduction channels 76 of all the processing channels 72 in the first interaction section 7 . The second inlet 83 is a portion that receives the raw material liquid, and the raw material liquid that has passed through the second inlet 83 is distributed and flows to each of the second introduction paths 76 connected to the second inlet 83 .

The outlet 84 is connected to the downstream ends of the processing channel portions 78 of all the processing channels 72 in the first interaction portion 7 . The outlet 84 is a portion that allows the extractant and the raw material liquid after the extraction process that have flowed through the processing channel portion 78 of the first interaction portion 7 to flow out of the first interaction portion 7 .

A second inlet 83 of the first interaction section 7 is connected to the raw material tank 3 via a raw material supply pipe 56 . In other words, the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 is connected to the raw material tank 3 via the raw material supply pipe 56 . A raw material supply pump 18 is provided in the raw material supply pipe 56 . The raw material liquid stored in the raw material tank 3 is sent to the second inlet 83 of the first interaction section 7 through the raw material supply pipe 56 by the raw material supply pump 18 .

A raw material supply flow rate control valve 24 is provided at a portion of the raw material supply pipe 56 on the downstream side (closer to the second inlet 83 ) than the raw material supply pump 18 . The raw material supply flow rate control valve 24 controls the flow rate of the raw material liquid supplied to the second inlet 83 of the first interaction section 7 , that is, the flow rate of the raw material liquid sent to the second inlet 83 by the raw material supply pump 18 . be.

Also, the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 is connected to the extractant tank 2 via the extractant supply path 64 . In other words, the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 is connected to the extractant tank 2 via the extractant supply channel 64 .

The first separation container 10 is a mixed fluid of the extractant after the extraction process and the raw material liquid that flowed out from the processing channel portions 78 of the processing channels 72 of the first interaction portion 7 , that is, the first interaction portion 7 . It is connected to the outlet 84 to receive the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 84 . The first separation container 10 retains the received mixed fluid, thereby separating the mixed fluid into an extractant and a raw material liquid due to the difference in specific gravity.

Specifically, the first separation vessel 10 is connected to the outlet 84 of the first interaction section 7 via the first connecting pipe 57, and the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 84 is passed through the first connecting pipe 57. accept. In the space within the first separation container 10, the mixed fluid is vertically separated into a light liquid (extracting agent) and a heavy liquid (raw material liquid). The separated heavy liquid (raw material liquid) accumulates at the bottom of the first separation container 10, and the separated light liquid (extracting agent) accumulates on the accumulated heavy liquid. An interface is formed between the heavy liquid and the light liquid accumulated in the first separation container 10 .

A first level gauge 13 is attached to the first separation container 10 . The first level gauge 13 detects the height position of the interface between the heavy liquid and the light liquid accumulated in the first separation container 10 . The first level meter 13 transmits information on the detected height position of the interface to the control unit 55 (see FIG. 2).

An extractant discharge pipe 68 is connected to a region of the first separation container 10 where the separated extractant (light liquid) is accumulated. The extractant discharge pipe 68 is provided with an extractant discharge flow rate control valve 48 and a second pressure regulating valve 49 . The extractant discharge flow rate control valve 48 controls the flow rate of the extractant discharged from the first separation container 10 through the extractant discharge pipe 68 . A second pressure regulating valve 49 keeps the pressure in the interaction system 1 at a predetermined pressure.

The second processing unit 5 has a second interaction part 8 , a second separation vessel 11 and a second connecting pipe 59 .

The second interaction section 8 is similar to the first interaction section 7 and has therein a large number of processing channels 72 similar to the large number of processing channels 72 of the first interaction section 7 . The second interaction part 8 has a first inlet 85 , a second inlet 86 and an outlet 87 similar to the first inlet 82 , the second inlet 83 and the outlet 84 of the first interaction part 7 .

In the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 , the raw material liquid separated in the first separation container 10 of the first processing unit 4 is separated from the second processing unit 5 , which is the next processing unit after the first processing unit 4 . It is connected to the region in which the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) is accumulated in the first separation vessel 10 via the first feed pipe 58 so that it flows into the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 of the . Specifically, the second inlet 86 of the second interaction section 8 is connected via the first feed pipe 58 to a region of the first separation container 10 in which the separated raw material liquid is accumulated. is supplied from the first separation vessel 10 through the first feed pipe 58 to the second inlet 86, and flows from the second inlet 86 into the second introduction channel 76 of each processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8. It is designed to

A first feed switching valve 26 is provided in the first feed pipe 58 . The first feed switching valve 26 is in an open state that allows the raw material liquid separated in the first separation vessel 10 to be supplied to the processing flow path 72 of the second interaction section 8 through the first feed pipe 58, and the supply of the liquid. can be switched to a closed state that prevents

A first raw material flow sensor 32 is connected to a portion of the first feed pipe 58 downstream of the first feed switching valve 26 . This first raw material flow sensor 32 is an example of a second fluid flow sensor in the present invention. This first raw material flow sensor 32 detects that the raw material liquid separated from the first separation container 10 of the first processing unit 4 in the first separation container 10 is the next processing unit after the first processing unit 4 . It is detected that the water has flowed through the first feed pipe 58 to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 of the second processing unit 5 . When the first raw material flow sensor 32 detects that the raw material liquid has flowed from the first separation vessel 10 through the first feed pipe 58 to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8, the first raw material flow sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control section 55 ( 2).

Also, the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 is connected to the extractant tank 2 via the extractant supply path 64 . In other words, the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 is connected to the extractant tank 2 via the extractant supply channel 64 .

The second separation container 11 is a mixed fluid of the extractant after the extraction process and the raw material liquid that flowed out from the processing channel portions 78 of the processing channels 72 of the second interaction portion 8 , that is, the second interaction portion 8 . It is connected to the outlet 87 via a second connecting pipe 59 so as to receive the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 87 . This second separation vessel 11 is the same as the first separation vessel 10, and retains the mixed fluid received through the second connecting pipe 59, so that the mixed fluid can be used as an extractant (light liquid) due to the difference in specific gravity. The material liquid (heavy liquid) is separated into upper and lower parts.

A second level gauge 14 is attached to the second separation container 11 . The second level gauge 14 is similar to the first level gauge 13 and detects the height position of the interface between the heavy liquid and the light liquid accumulated in the second separation container 11 . The second level meter 14 transmits information on the detected height position of the interface to the control unit 55 (see FIG. 2).

The third processing unit 6 has a third interaction part 9 , a third separation vessel 12 and a third connecting pipe 61 .

The third interaction section 9 is similar to the first interaction section 7 and has therein a large number of processing channels 72 similar to the large number of processing channels 72 of the first interaction section 7 . The third interaction part 9 has a first inlet 88 , a second inlet 89 and an outlet 90 similar to the first inlet 82 , the second inlet 83 and the outlet 84 of the first interaction part 7 .

In the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 , the raw material liquid separated in the second separation container 11 of the second processing unit 5 is processed by the third processing unit 6 , which is the next processing unit after the second processing unit 5 . is connected to a region in which the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) is accumulated in the second separation vessel 11 via a second feed pipe 60 so as to flow into the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 of the . Specifically, the second inlet 89 of the third interaction section 9 is connected via the second feed pipe 60 to a region of the second separation vessel 11 in which the separated raw material liquid is accumulated. is supplied from the second separation vessel 11 through the second feed pipe 60 to the second inlet 89, and flows from the second inlet 89 into the second introduction channel 76 of each processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9. It is designed to

A second feed switching valve 27 is provided in the second feed pipe 60 . The second feed switching valve 27 is in an open state that allows the raw material liquid separated in the second separation container 11 to be supplied to the processing flow path 72 of the third interaction section 9 through the second feed pipe 60, and the supply of the liquid. can be switched to a closed state that prevents

A second raw material flow sensor 33 is connected to a portion of the second feed pipe 60 downstream of the second feed switching valve 27 . This second raw material flow sensor 33 is an example of a second fluid flow sensor in the present invention. This second raw material flow sensor 33 detects that the raw material liquid separated from the second separation container 11 of the second processing unit 5 in the second separation container 11 is the second processing unit following the second processing unit 5 in order. 3 It is detected that the water has flowed through the second feed pipe 60 to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 of the processing unit 6 . The second raw material flow sensor 33 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 55 ( 2).

The third separation container 12 is a mixed fluid of the extractant after the extraction process and the raw material liquid flowing out from the processing flow path section 78 of each processing flow path 72 of the third interaction section 9 , that is, the liquid of the third interaction section 9 . It is connected to the outlet 90 via a third connecting pipe 61 so as to receive the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 90 . This third separation vessel 12 is similar to the first separation vessel 10, and retains the mixed fluid received through the third connecting pipe 61, so that the mixed fluid can be used as an extractant (light liquid) due to the difference in specific gravity. The material liquid (heavy liquid) is separated into upper and lower parts.

A third level gauge 15 is attached to the third separation container 12 . The third level gauge 15 is similar to the first and second level gauges 13 and 14, and detects the height position of the interface between the heavy liquid and the light liquid accumulated in the third separation container 12. . The third level meter 15 transmits information on the detected height position of the interface to the control unit 55 (see FIG. 2).

A raw material discharge pipe 62 is connected to a region of the third separation container 12 where the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) is accumulated. A raw material discharge switching valve 29 and a first pressure regulating valve 30 are provided in the raw material discharge pipe 62 . The raw material discharge switching valve 29 can be switched between an open state that allows the raw material liquid to be discharged from the third separation vessel 12 through the raw material discharge pipe 62 and a closed state that prevents the discharge. A first pressure regulating valve 30 keeps the pressure in the interaction system 1 at a predetermined pressure.

The extractant supply path 64 guides the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the treatment flow paths 72 of the first to third interaction sections 7, 8 and 9 of the first to third treatment units 4, 5 and 6. be. This extractant supply path 64 is an example of the first fluid path in the present invention. The extractant supply path 64 has a tank connection pipe 65, a first supply pipe 65a, a second supply pipe 65b, and a third supply pipe 65c.

The tank connection pipe 65 is a pipe portion connected to the extractant tank 2 . The first to third supply pipes 65 a , 65 b , 65 c branch from the tank connection pipe 65 . The first to third supply pipes 65a, 65b, 65c are examples of a plurality of connection path portions in the present invention. The first supply pipe 65 a is connected to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 and connected to the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 . The second supply pipe 65 b is connected to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 and connected to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 . The third supply pipe 65 c is connected to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction section 9 and connected to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 .

An extractant supply pump 19 is provided at a location on the upstream side (closer to the extractant tank 2) than the location where the first to third supply pipes 65a, 65b, and 65c are branched in the tank connection pipe 65. . The extractant supply pump 19 feeds the extractant stored in the extractant tank 2 to the first inlets 82, 85, 88 of the first to third interaction parts 7, 8, 9 through the extractant supply path 64. It's like

The first and second return pipes 66, 67 are examples of multiple return paths of the present invention. The first return pipe 66 connects the second separation vessel 11 of the second processing unit 5 , which is the post-processing unit corresponding to the first processing unit 4 , to the processing flow path 72 of the first interaction section 7 of the first processing unit 4 . The extracting agent separated in the second separation vessel 11 is led from the . In addition, the second return pipe 67 is connected to the processing flow path 72 of the second interaction section 8 of the second processing unit 5 for the third separation of the third processing unit 6 which is the post-processing unit corresponding to the second processing unit 5 . It leads from the container 12 to the separated extractant in its third separation container 12 .

Specifically, the first return pipe 66 connects the region of the second separation container 11 where the separated extractant (light liquid) is accumulated and the first supply pipe 65 a of the extractant supply path 64 . That is, the region of the second separation vessel 11 in which the separated extractant is accumulated is connected to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 via the first return pipe 66 and the first supply pipe 65a. .

The second return pipe 67 connects the region of the third separation container 12 where the separated extractant (light liquid) is accumulated and the second supply pipe 65b of the extractant supply path 64 . That is, the region of the third separation vessel 12 in which the separated extractant is accumulated is connected to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 via the second return pipe 67 and the second supply pipe 65b. .

A first return pump 21 is provided in the first return pipe 66 . The first return pump 21 enables the extractant separated in the second separation vessel 11 to be supplied to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 through the first return pipe 66 .

A first extractant flow sensor 53 is connected to a portion of the first return pipe 66 closer to the second separation container 11 than the first return pump 21 is. This first extractant flow sensor 53 is an example of a first fluid flow sensor in the present invention. The first extractant flow sensor 53 detects that the extractant separated in the second separation vessel 11 has flowed from the second separation vessel 11 to the first return line 66 . When the first extractant flow sensor 53 detects that the separated extractant has flowed from the second separation container 11 to the first return pipe 66, it sends a detection signal to the controller 55 (see FIG. 2).

A portion of the first return pipe 66 closer to the second separation vessel 11 than the portion to which the first extractant flow sensor 53 is connected is connected to an extractant discharge pipe 68 via a first relief pipe 69 . there is A first discharge switching valve 50 is provided in the first relief pipe 69 .

A second return pump 22 is provided in the second return pipe 67 . The second return pump 22 allows the extractant separated in the third separation vessel 12 to be supplied to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 through the second return pipe 67 .

A second extractant flow sensor 54 is connected to a portion of the second return pipe 67 closer to the third separation vessel 12 than the second return pump 22 is. This second extractant flow sensor 54 is an example of a first fluid flow sensor in the present invention. The second extractant flow sensor 54 detects when the extractant separated in the third separation vessel 12 has flowed from the third separation vessel 12 to the second return line 67 . When the second extractant flow sensor 54 detects that the separated extractant has flowed from the third separation container 12 to the second return pipe 67, it sends a detection signal to the controller 55 (see FIG. 2).

A portion of the second return pipe 67 closer to the third separation vessel 12 than the portion to which the second extractant flow sensor 54 is connected is connected to the extractant discharge pipe 68 via a second relief pipe 70 . there is A second discharge switching valve 51 is provided in the second relief pipe 70 .

The first supply switching device 37 is provided on the first supply pipe 65a, the second supply switching device 41 is provided on the second supply pipe 65b, and the third supply switching device 42 is provided on the third supply pipe 65c. The first to third supply switching devices 37, 41, 42 are examples of a plurality of first fluid supply switching devices in the present invention.

The first supply switching device 37 allows the extractant to be supplied from the extractant tank 2 through the first supply pipe 65a to the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 connected to the first supply pipe 65a. It is configured to be switchable between a supply permitting state and a supply blocking state for blocking the supply of the extractant. Specifically, the first supply switching device 37 consists of the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 provided in the first supply pipe 65a. The first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 controls the flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 and flowing through the first supply pipe 65a to the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7. . The supply permitting state of the first supply switching device 37 is a state in which the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 permits the extractant to flow at a predetermined flow rate through the first supply pipe 65a. The supply blocking state of the first supply switching device 37 is a state in which the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 blocks the flow of the extractant through the first supply pipe 65a.

The second supply switching device 41 allows the extractant to be supplied from the extractant tank 2 through the second supply pipe 65b to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 connected to the second supply pipe 65b. It is configured to be switchable between a supply permitting state and a supply blocking state for blocking the supply of the extractant. Specifically, the second supply switching device 41 has a second extractant supply flow rate control valve 39 and a first extractant supply switching valve 45 provided in the second supply pipe 65b.

The second extractant supply flow rate control valve 39 is provided at a portion closer to the extractant supply pump 19 than the portion to which the second return pipe 67 is connected in the second supply pipe 65b. The second extractant supply flow rate control valve 39 controls the flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 and flowing through the second supply pipe 65b to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8. .

The first extractant supply switching valve 45 is provided at a portion of the second supply pipe 65b closer to the second interaction section 8 than the portion to which the second return pipe 67 is connected. The first extractant supply switching valve 45 can be switched between an open state that allows the extractant to flow into the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 and a closed state that blocks the flow of the extractant. ing.

In the supply permitting state of the second supply switching device 41, the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 39 permits the extractant to flow at a predetermined flow rate through the second supply pipe 65b, and the first extractant supply switching valve 45 is It is in an open state. In addition, in the supply blocking state of the second supply switching device 41, the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 39 prevents the extractant from flowing through the second supply pipe 65b and the first extractant supply switching valve 45 is closed. It is in a state of

The third supply switching device 42 allows the extractant to be supplied from the extractant tank 2 through the third supply pipe 65c to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 connected to the third supply pipe 65c. It is configured to be switchable between a supply permitting state and a supply blocking state for blocking the supply of the extractant. Specifically, the third supply switching device 42 has a third extractant supply flow rate control valve 43 and a second extractant supply switching valve 46 provided in the third supply pipe 65c.

The third extraction agent supply flow rate control valve 43 controls the flow rate of the extraction agent supplied from the extraction agent tank 2 and flowing through the third supply pipe 65c to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9. .

The second extractant supply switching valve 46 is provided at a location closer to the third interaction section 9 than the third extractant supply flow rate control valve 43 in the third supply pipe 65c. The second extractant supply switching valve 46 can be switched between an open state that allows the extractant to flow into the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 and a closed state that blocks the flow of the extractant. ing.

In the supply permitting state of the third supply switching device 42, the third extractant supply flow rate control valve 43 permits the extractant to flow at a predetermined flow rate through the third supply pipe 65c, and the second extractant supply switching valve 46 is in an open state. In addition, in the supply blocking state of the third supply switching device 42, the third extractant supply flow rate control valve 43 prevents the extractant from flowing through the third supply pipe 65c and the second extractant supply switching valve 46 is closed. It is in a state of

The first return switching device 44 is provided on the first return line 66 and the second return switching device 47 is provided on the second return line 67 . The first and second return switching devices 44, 47 are examples of a plurality of first fluid return switching devices in the present invention.

The first return switching device 44 directs the flow from the second separation vessel 11 of the second processing unit 5 to the second processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 which is connected to the first return line 66 via the first supply line 65a. It is configured to be switchable between a return-allowing state in which the extractant separated in the separation container 11 is allowed to flow through the first supply pipe 65a and a return-blocking state in which the flow of the extractant is blocked. Specifically, the first return switching device 44 is composed of the first return flow control valve 36 provided at a portion of the first return pipe 66 on the side to which the extractant is delivered from the first return pump 21 . The first return flow rate control valve 36 controls the flow rate of the extractant that flows from the second separation container 11 through the first return pipe 66 to the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 . The return permitting state of the first return switching device 44 is a state in which the first return flow rate control valve 36 allows the extractant to flow through the first return pipe 66 at a predetermined flow rate. The return blocking state of the first return switching device 44 is a state in which the first return flow rate control valve 36 blocks the flow of the extractant through the first return pipe 66 .

The second return switching device 47 directs the flow from the third separation vessel 12 of the third processing unit 6 to the processing flow path 72 of the second interaction section 8 connected to the second return line 67 via the second supply line 65b. It is configured to be switchable between a return-allowing state in which the extractant separated in the separation container 12 is allowed to flow through the second supply pipe 65b and a return-blocking state in which the flow of the extractant is blocked. Specifically, the second return switching device 47 consists of the second return flow rate control valve 40 provided at a portion of the second return pipe 67 on the side to which the extractant is delivered from the second return pump 22 . The second return flow rate control valve 40 controls the flow rate of the extractant flowing from the third separation vessel 12 through the second return pipe 67 to the processing flow path 72 of the second interaction section 8 . The return permitting state of the second return switching device 47 is a state in which the second return flow rate control valve 40 permits the extractant to flow through the second return pipe 67 at a predetermined flow rate. The return blocking state of the second return switching device 47 is a state in which the second return flow rate control valve 40 blocks the flow of the extractant through the second return pipe 67 .

The control unit 55 receives the information on the height position of the interface between the heavy liquid and the light liquid in the first separation container 10 transmitted from the first level gauge 13 and the second level gauge transmitted from the second level gauge 14 . Information on the height position of the interface between the heavy liquid and the light liquid in the separation container 11 and information on the interface between the heavy liquid and the light liquid in the third separation container 12 transmitted from the third level gauge 15 Acquire height position information. The control unit 55 also receives detection signals transmitted from the first raw material flow sensor 32, the second raw material flow sensor 33, the first extractant flow sensor 53, and the second extractant flow sensor 54, respectively.

The control unit 55 shown in FIG. 2 controls the operations of the raw material supply pump 18, the extractant supply pump 19, the first return pump 21, and the second return pump 22, respectively. In addition, the control unit 55 controls the opening degree of the raw material supply flow rate control valve 24, the opening/closing switching control of the first feed switching valve 26, the opening/closing switching control of the second feed switching valve 27, and the opening/closing switching control of the raw material discharge switching valve 29. Switching control of open/close is performed.

Further, the control unit 55 performs control to switch the first to third supply switching devices 37, 41, 42 between the supply permitting state and the supply blocking state, respectively. Specifically, the control unit 55 controls the opening degree of the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35, the opening degree control of the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 39, the opening degree of the third extractant supply flow rate control valve 43, Control, opening/closing switching control of the first extractant supply switching valve 45, and switching control of opening/closing of the second extractant supply switching valve 46 are performed.

Further, the control unit 55 performs control to switch the first and second return switching devices 44 and 47 to the return-permitting state and the return-preventing state, respectively. Specifically, the controller 55 controls the opening of the first return flow control valve 36 and the opening of the second return flow control valve 40 .

The control unit 55 also controls the opening degree of the extractant discharge flow rate control valve 48 , the opening/closing switching control of the first discharge switching valve 50 , and the opening/closing switching control of the second discharge switching valve 51 .

The specific contents of the control performed by this control unit 55 will be described in the following explanation of the startup process of the interaction system 1. FIG.

Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, the interaction system 1 is operated from a non-operating state in which none of the first to third processing units 4, 5, 6 is supplied with the extractant and the raw material liquid. The raw material liquid flows through the first to third processing units 4, 5, and 6 in that order, and the extractant flows in the direction opposite to the direction in which the raw material liquid flows. A process of starting up to a steady state in which extraction processing is performed by the extracting agent and the raw material liquid in the processing flow paths 72 of the first to third interaction sections 7, 8, and 9 will be described. In addition, in FIGS. 3 to 8, the flow paths through which the extracting agent and the raw material flow respectively are indicated by thick lines.

In the non-operating state of the interaction system 1, all of the raw material feed pump 18, the extractant feed pump 19, the first return pump 21 and the second return pump 22 are stopped. In addition, the raw material supply flow control valve 24, the first extractant supply flow control valve 35, the second extractant supply flow control valve 39, the third extractant supply flow control valve 43, the first return flow control valve 36, the second return The flow rate control valve 40 and the extraction agent discharge flow rate control valve 48 are all closed so that the degree of opening is zero. Also, a first feed switching valve 26, a second feed switching valve 27, a raw material discharge switching valve 29, a first extractant supply switching valve 45, a second extractant supply switching valve 46, a first discharge switching valve 50 and a second discharge All the switching valves 51 are closed.

From this operation stop state, the control unit 55 activates the raw material supply pump 18 and the extractant supply pump 19 to cause the raw material supply pump 18 to send out the raw material liquid supplied from the raw material tank 3, and the extractant supply pump 19 to deliver the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 . At the same time, the control unit 55 raises the opening degree of the raw material supply flow control valve 24 from 0 so that the raw material liquid flows through the raw material supply pipe 56 to the second inlet 83 of the first interaction unit 7 at a predetermined flow rate. The first extractant supply flow rate is adjusted so that the extractant flows through the first supply pipe 65a of the extractant supply path 64 to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 at a predetermined flow rate while the opening is set to a predetermined degree. The degree of opening of the control valve 35 is increased from 0 to a predetermined degree of opening. Further, the control unit 55 raises the degree of opening of the extractant discharge flow rate control valve 48 from 0 to a predetermined degree of opening.

By the above control, as shown in FIG. 3, the raw material liquid is sent from the raw material tank 3 to the second inlet 83 of the first interaction section 7, and the liquid is sent from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet of the first interaction section 7. Extraction agent is sent to 82 .

The raw material liquid sent to the second inlet 83 of the first interaction portion 7 flows into the second introduction channel 76 of each processing channel 72 of the first interaction portion 7 . Also, the extractant sent to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction portion 7 flows into the first introduction channel 74 of each processing channel 72 of the first interaction portion 7 . Then, in each processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7, the raw material liquid flows from the second introduction channel 76 into the processing channel portion 78, and the extractant flows from the first introduction channel 74 into the processing channel portion 78, The raw material liquid and the extractant flow through the processing channel portion 78 while being in contact with each other. An extraction process is performed in which a specific component is extracted from the raw material liquid and moves into the extracting agent while the raw material liquid and the extractant flow through the processing channel portion 78 . Then, the mixed fluid of the raw material liquid after the extraction process and the extractant flows out from the outlet 84 of the first interaction section 7 and is introduced into the first separation vessel 10 through the first connecting pipe 57 .

The mixed fluid introduced into the first separation vessel 10 stays in the first separation vessel 10 and is vertically separated into a light liquid (extractant) and a heavy liquid (raw material liquid) due to the difference in specific gravity. Then, as time passes, the amounts of the light liquid (extracting agent) and the heavy liquid (raw material liquid) accumulated in the first separation container 10 increase. As the amount of liquid in the first separation container 10 increases, the air originally present in the first separation container 10 is discharged to the extraction agent discharge pipe 68 .

The control unit 55 switches the first feed switching valve 26 to an open state when the amount of raw material liquid (heavy liquid) accumulated in the first separation container 10 reaches a predetermined amount. At this time, based on the information acquired from the first level meter 13, the control unit 55 determines the height of the interface between the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) and the extractant (light liquid) accumulated in the first separation container 10. When it is determined that the height position, that is, the height position of the upper surface of the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) from the bottom surface in the first separation container 10 has reached a predetermined height position, the first feed switching valve 26 to the open state. At the same time, the controller 55 switches the first discharge switching valve 50 to the open state. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the raw material liquid separated in the first separation vessel 10 flows through the first feed pipe 58 to the second inlet 86 of the second interaction section 8 .

Further, when the extractant (light liquid) accumulates to the upper end of the space in the first separation vessel 10, the extractant flows out from the first separation vessel 10 to the extractant discharge pipe 68, and passes through the extractant discharge pipe 68. It is discharged outside the interaction system 1 . The control unit 55 controls the degree of opening of the extraction agent discharge flow rate control valve 48 based on the information acquired from the first level meter 13, so that the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) and the extraction agent ( The flow rate of the extraction agent discharged from the first separation container 10 is controlled so as to maintain the height position of the interface between the light liquid) at a predetermined height position.

When the raw material liquid separated in the first separation vessel 10 as described above flows through the first feed pipe 58 to the second inlet 86 of the second interaction section 8, the first raw material flow sensor 32 detects that the raw material liquid flow is detected, and a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 55 . Upon receiving this detection signal, the control unit 55 switches the first extractant supply switching valve 45 to the open state. At the same time, the control unit 55 causes the extractant delivered by the extractant supply pump 19 to flow through the second supply pipe 65b of the extractant supply path 64 to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction unit 8 at a predetermined flow rate. , the degree of opening of the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 39 is increased from 0 to a predetermined degree of opening. As a result, the extractant flows from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8, as shown in FIG.

In the second interaction portion 8 , the raw material liquid that has flowed into the second inlet 86 flows through the second introduction passage 76 of each processing flow channel 72 into the processing flow channel portion 78 , and the extractant that has flowed into the first inlet 85 flows through the first introduction channel 74 of each processing channel 72 into the processing channel portion 78 . Then, similarly to the case of the first interaction section 7 , the extraction process is performed in the processing flow path section 78 of each processing flow path 72 of the second interaction section 8 . The mixed fluid of the raw material liquid and the extractant after the extraction process flows out from the outlet 87 of the second interaction section 8 and is introduced into the second separation vessel 11 through the second connecting pipe 59 .

In the second separation vessel 11, as in the first separation vessel 10, the introduced mixed fluid is vertically separated into a light liquid (extracting agent) and a heavy liquid (raw material liquid), and with the lapse of time, the second The amount of light liquid and heavy liquid accumulated in the separation container 11 increases. At this time, the air originally present in the second separation vessel 11 is released to the extraction agent discharge pipe 68 through the first escape pipe 69 .

When the separated extractant (light liquid) accumulates to the upper end of the space in the second separation container 11 , the extractant flows out from the second separation container 11 to the first return pipe 66 . At this time, the first extractant flow sensor 53 detects that the extractant has flowed from the second separation container 11 to the first return pipe 66 and transmits a detection signal to the controller 55 .

Upon receiving the detection signal from the first extractant flow sensor 53, the control unit 55 sets the degree of opening of the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 to 0, switches the first discharge switching valve 50 to the closed state, The degree of opening of the first return flow rate control valve 36 is increased from 0 to a predetermined degree of opening, and the first return pump 21 is activated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the supply of extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 through the first supply pipe 65a of the extractant supply path 64 is stopped. Instead, the extractant separated in the second separation vessel 11 is sent by the first return pump 21 to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 through the first return pipe 66 and the first supply pipe 65a. Therefore, after this, in each processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 , after being used for extraction processing in each processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 , A separated extractant is supplied, and the extractant extracts a specific component from the raw material liquid.

Further, the control unit 55 receives the detection signal from the first extractant flow sensor 53, sets the opening degree of the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 to 0, and closes the first discharge switching valve 50 as described above. At the same time as switching to the open state and setting the opening degree of the first return flow control valve 36 to a predetermined opening degree, the second feed switching valve 27 is switched to the open state. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the raw material liquid separated in the second separation vessel 11 flows through the second feed pipe 60 to the second inlet 89 of the third interaction section 9 .

In addition, the control unit 55 controls the degree of opening of the first return flow control valve 36 based on the information acquired from the second level gauge 14, thereby controlling the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) in the second separation vessel 11 and The flow rate of the extraction agent flowing out from the second separation container 11 is controlled so as to maintain the height position of the interface with the extraction agent (light liquid) at a predetermined height position.

When the raw material liquid separated in the second separation container 11 flows through the second feed pipe 60 to the third interaction section 9, the second raw material flow sensor 33 detects the flow of the raw material liquid, and the controller 55 detects the flow of the raw material liquid. Send a detection signal to Upon receiving this detection signal, the control unit 55 switches the second extractant supply switching valve 46 to the open state. At the same time, the control unit 55 causes the extractant delivered by the extractant supply pump 19 to flow through the third supply pipe 65c of the extractant supply path 64 to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction unit 9 at a predetermined flow rate. , the degree of opening of the third extractant supply flow control valve 43 is increased from 0 to a predetermined degree of opening. This causes the extractant to flow from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction portion 9, as shown in FIG.

In each processing flow path 72 of the third interaction section 9, each treatment of the first and second interaction sections 7 and 8 is performed by the raw material liquid that has flowed into the second inlet 89 and the extractant that has flowed into the first inlet 88. An extraction process similar to that performed in channel 72 is performed. The mixed fluid of the extraction agent and the raw material liquid after the extraction process flows out from the outlet 90 of the third interaction section 9 and is introduced into the third separation vessel 12 through the third connecting pipe 61 . In the third separation vessel 12, the introduced mixed fluid is separated into a light liquid (extracting agent) and a heavy liquid (raw material liquid) in the same manner as in the first and second separation vessels 10 and 11. FIG.

After that, the extractant separated from the third separation vessel 12 flows out to the second return line 67 as in the case of the second separation vessel 11 . At this time, the second extractant flow sensor 54 detects that the extractant has flowed from the third separation container 12 to the second return pipe 67 and transmits a detection signal to the controller 55 . Upon receiving the detection signal from the second extractant flow sensor 54, the controller 55 controls the second extractant supply flow control valve 39, the second discharge switching valve 51, the second return flow control valve 40 and the second return pump. 22 is controlled in the same manner as the first extractant supply flow control valve 35 , the first discharge switching valve 50 , the first return flow control valve 36 and the first return pump 21 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the supply of extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 through the second supply pipe 65b of the extractant supply path 64 is stopped. Instead, the extractant separated in the third separation vessel 12 is sent by the second return pump 22 to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 through the second return line 67 and the second supply line 65b. Therefore, after this, in each processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8, after being used for extraction processing in each processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9, A separated extractant is supplied, and the extractant extracts a specific component from the raw material liquid.

Further, the control unit 55 receives the detection signal from the second extractant flow sensor 54 and switches the raw material discharge switching valve 29 to the open state. As a result, the raw material liquid separated in the third separation vessel 12 after the extraction process is discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1 through the raw material discharge pipe 62 (see FIG. 8).

Further, the control unit 55 controls the degree of opening of the second return flow control valve 40 based on the information acquired from the third level gauge 15, thereby controlling the starting liquid (heavy liquid) in the third separation vessel 12 and The flow rate of the extraction agent flowing out from the third separation vessel 12 is controlled so as to maintain the height position of the interface with the extraction agent (light liquid) at a predetermined height position.

As described above, the interaction system 1 is in a steady state, that is, the extractant flows in the direction opposite to the direction in which the raw material liquid flows sequentially to the first to third interaction parts 7, 8, and 9, While the extracting agent and the raw material liquid flow in the processing flow paths 72 of the first to third interaction portions 7, 8, and 9, the extraction process is performed by the extracting agent and the raw material liquid.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
In the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment, the first to third supply switching devices 37, 41, 42 supply the raw material liquid to the processing channels 72 of the first to third interaction parts 7, 8, 9, respectively. is extracted from the extractant tank 2 into the processing channel 72 of the first to third interaction parts 7, 8, 9 through the first to third supply pipes 65a, 65b, 65c of the extractant supply channel 64. A supply permitting state is entered that allows the agent to be supplied. Therefore, in the initial stage of startup of the interaction system 1, the first to third Each time the raw material liquid flows into each of the processing channels 72 of the interaction parts 7, 8, and 9, the extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the interaction part into which the raw material liquid has flowed. An extraction process can be performed in the processing channel 72 using the extractant and the raw material liquid.

After the mixed fluid is separated into the extractant and the raw material liquid in the second separation container 11 of the second processing unit 5, the first return switching device 44 switches from the return prevention state to the return allowable state at a predetermined timing. and the first supply switching device 37 is switched from the supply permitting state to the supply blocking state, and the extractant separated in the second separation container 11 flows from the extractant tank 2 into the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7. Supplied instead of extractant. After the mixed fluid is separated into the extractant and the raw material liquid in the third separation container 12 of the third processing unit 6, the second return switching device 47 switches from the return prevention state to the return allowable state at a predetermined timing. At the same time, the second supply switching device 41 is switched from the return preventing state to the return allowing state, and the second supply switching device 41 is switched from the supply allowing state to the supply blocking state, and the extractant separated in the third separation container 12 is It is supplied instead of the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 . Therefore, the interaction system 1 transitions to the steady state. Therefore, in the interaction system 1 according to the first embodiment, when starting up the steady state, it waits for the extractant to flow through the processing channels of all the interaction portions of the plurality of processing units, which was conventionally required. This eliminates the need for time and shortens the start-up time required to reach the steady state.

Further, in the first embodiment, the control unit 55 controls the first to third supply switching devices 37, 41, 42 to switch between the supply permitting state and the supply blocking state, respectively, and the first and second return switching devices. 44 and 47 are controlled to switch between the return-permitting state and the return-preventing state, respectively. switching control can be automatically performed.

Further, in the first embodiment, the predetermined timing at which the first return switching device 44 is switched from the return blocking state to the return permitting state and the first supply switching device 37 is switched from the supply permitting state to the supply blocking state is This is the timing at which the extractant separated in the second separation container 11 flows out to the first return pipe 66 . Therefore, when the extractant separated in the second separation vessel 11 flows out to the first return pipe 66, the extractant flowing out to the first return pipe 56 is transferred to the process flow of the first interaction section 7 without delay. It can be supplied to path 72 . Further, the predetermined timing at which the second return switching device 47 is switched from the return blocking state to the return allowing state and the second supply switching device 41 is switched from the supply allowing state to the supply blocking state is separated in the third separation container 12 . This is the timing at which the extracted agent flows out to the second return pipe 67 . Therefore, when the extractant separated in the third separation vessel 12 flows out to the second return pipe 67, the extractant flowing out to the second return pipe 67 is transferred to the process flow of the second interaction section 8 without delay. It can be supplied to path 72 . Therefore, the startup time of the interaction system 1 can be further shortened.

Further, in the first embodiment, in response to the first extractant flow sensor 53 detecting that the extractant has flowed from the second separation container 11 to the first return pipe 66, the controller 55 controls the first The return switching device 44 is switched from the return blocking state to the return permitting state, and the first supply switching device 37 is switched from the supply permitting state to the supply blocking state. In addition, in response to the second extractant flow sensor 54 detecting that the extractant has flowed from the third separation container 12 to the second return pipe 67, the control unit 55 causes the second return switching device 47 to return and block. The second supply switching device 41 is switched from the supply permitting state to the supply blocking state while switching from the state to the return permitting state. Therefore, in response to the flow of the extractant from the second separation vessel 11 to the first return pipe 66, the extractant that has flowed out of the first return pipe 66 is directed to the treatment channel 72 of the first interaction section 7. In addition to being able to supply the extractant to the second return pipe 67 from the third separation vessel 12, the extractant that has flowed out of the second return pipe 67 is transferred to the second interaction section 8 in a precise manner. It can be supplied to the processing channel 72 .

Further, in the first embodiment, the control unit 55 controls the first to third supply switching devices until the raw material liquid is supplied to the processing flow paths 72 of the first to third interaction units 7, 8, and 9, respectively. 37, 41, 42 are set to the supply blocking state, and the first to third supply switching devices 37 , 41 and 42 corresponding to the interaction portion to which the raw material liquid is supplied is switched from the supply blocking state to the supply permitting state. Therefore, when the raw material liquid is supplied to each of the processing flow paths 72 of the first to third interaction portions 7, 8, and 9, the extracting agent is supplied to the processing flow path 72 to which the raw material liquid is supplied without delay. An extractant can be supplied from tank 2 .

Further, in the first embodiment, the raw material liquid separated from the first separation container 10 by the first raw material flow sensor 32 in the first separation container 10 flows into the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8. is detected, the controller 55 switches the second supply switching device 41 from the supply blocking state to the supply permitting state. Further, in response to detection by the second raw material flow sensor 33 that the raw material liquid separated in the second separation container 11 from the second separation container 11 has flowed to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9, Then, the control unit 55 switches the third supply switching device 42 from the supply blocking state to the supply permitting state. Therefore, when the raw material liquid separated from the first separation vessel 10 in the first separation vessel 10 flows into the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8, the second interaction section 8 The extraction agent can be supplied from the extraction agent tank 2 to the processing channel 72, and the raw material liquid separated in the second separation container 11 from the second separation container 11 is supplied to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9. The extractant can be supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the third interacting portion 9 in accordance with the fact that the extractant has flowed to.

(Second embodiment)
An interaction system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 21. FIG.

FIG. 9 shows the overall configuration of the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment. Also, FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment.

The interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment includes five processing units (first to fifth processing units 4, 5, 6, 80, 81), as shown in FIG. The first processing unit 4 is an example of a first-stage processing unit in the present invention. The fifth processing unit 81 is an example of a final stage processing unit in the present invention. The second to fourth processing units 5, 6, 80 are examples of intermediate processing units in the present invention.

The configuration of the first to third processing units 4, 5, 6 in the interaction system 1 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Also, the fourth processing unit 80 and the fifth processing unit 81 each have the same configuration as the first processing unit 4 . That is, the fourth processing unit 80 has a fourth interaction section 92, a fourth separation vessel 94, and a fourth connection pipe 134, and the fourth interaction section 92, the fourth separation vessel 94 and the fourth The configuration of the connection pipe 134 is the same as the configuration of the first interaction section 7 , the first separation container 10 and the first connection pipe 57 of the first processing unit 4 . In addition, the fifth processing unit 81 has a fifth interaction section 93, a fifth separation vessel 95, and a fifth connection pipe 144, and the fifth interaction section 93, the fifth separation vessel 95 and the fifth The configuration of the connection pipe 144 is the same as the configuration of the first interaction section 7 , the first separation container 10 and the first connection pipe 57 of the first processing unit 4 .

In addition to the raw material supply pump 18, the extractant supply pump 19, the first return pump 21 and the second return pump 22, the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a third return pump 98 and a fourth return pump. Equipped with 99.

The interaction system 1 also includes a third feed switching valve 28 and a fourth feed switching valve 100 in addition to the first feed switching valve 26 and the second feed switching valve 27 . The interaction system 1 also includes a third discharge switching valve 118 and a fourth discharge switching valve 119 in addition to the first discharge switching valve 50 and the second discharge switching valve 51 .

The interaction system 1 also includes a first supply switching device 37 , a second supply switching device 41 , a third supply switching device 42 , a fourth supply switching device 152 and a fifth supply switching device 153 . The first to fifth supply switching devices 37, 41, 42, 152, 153 are examples of the first fluid supply switching device in the present invention.

The interaction system 1 also comprises a first back-switching device 44 , a second back-switching device 47 , a third back-switching device 156 and a fourth back-switching device 157 . The first to fourth return switching devices 44, 47, 156, 157 are examples of the first fluid return switching device in the present invention.

The interaction system 1 also includes a fourth level meter 96 and a fifth level meter 97 in addition to the first level meter 13 , second level meter 14 and third level meter 15 . The interaction system 1 also comprises a third raw material flow sensor 102 and a fourth raw material flow sensor 103 in addition to the first raw material flow sensor 32 and the second raw material flow sensor 33 . The interaction system 1 also comprises a third extractant flow sensor 120 and a fourth extractant flow sensor 121 in addition to the first extractant flow sensor 53 and the second extractant flow sensor 54 .

A region of the third separation container 12 in which the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) is accumulated is connected to a second inlet 132 of the fourth interaction section 92 via a third feed pipe 130 . The third feed pipe 130 is provided with the third feed switching valve 28 and is connected to the third raw material flow sensor 102 . The functions of the third feed switching valve 28 and the third material flow sensor 102 are similar to the functions of the first feed switching valve 26 and the first material flow sensor 32, and the third feed switching valve 28 on the third feed pipe 130 and the arrangement of the third raw material flow sensor 102 is the same as the arrangement of the first feed switching valve 26 and the first raw material flow sensor 32 on the first feed pipe 58 .

An outlet 133 of the fourth interaction section 92 is connected to the fourth separation container 94 via a fourth connecting pipe 134 . A region of the fourth separation container 94 in which the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) is accumulated is connected to the second inlet 142 of the fifth interaction section 93 via the fourth feed pipe 135 . The fourth feed pipe 135 is provided with a fourth feed switching valve 100 and is connected to a fourth raw material flow sensor 103 . The functions of the fourth feed switching valve 100 and the fourth raw material flow sensor 103 are the same as the functions of the first feed switching valve 26 and the first raw material flow sensor 32, and the fourth feed switching valve 100 on the fourth feed pipe 135 And the arrangement of the fourth raw material flow sensor 103 is the same as the arrangement of the first feed switching valve 26 and the first raw material flow sensor 32 on the first feed pipe 58 .

A region of the fourth separation container 94 where the separated extractant (light liquid) is accumulated is connected to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction section 9 via a third return pipe 128 and a second intermediate connection pipe 126 which will be described later. It is The third return pipe 128 is provided with a third return pump 98 and a third return flow control valve 107 . A third extractant flow sensor 120 is also connected to the third return pipe 128 . The functions of the third return pump 98, the third return flow control valve 107 and the third extractant flow sensor 120 are similar to the functions of the first return pump 21, the first return flow control valve 36 and the first extractant flow sensor 53. is. Also, the arrangement of the third return pump 98, the third return flow control valve 107 and the third extractant flow sensor 120 on the third return line 128 is the same as the first return pump 21 on the first return line 66, the first return Similar to the arrangement of flow control valve 36 and first extractant flow sensor 53 .

The third return line 128 is connected to the extractant discharge line 68 via a third relief line 136 . A third discharge switching valve 118 is provided in the third relief pipe 136 . The functions and configurations of the third relief pipe 136 and the third discharge switching valve 118 are the same as those of the first relief pipe 69 and the first discharge switching valve 50 .

An outlet 143 of the fifth interaction section 93 is connected to the fifth separation container 95 via a fifth connecting pipe 144 . A raw material discharge pipe 62 is connected to a region of the fifth separation container 95 in which the separated raw material liquid (heavy liquid) is accumulated. A raw material discharge switching valve 29 and a first pressure regulating valve 30 are provided in the raw material discharge pipe 62 .

A region of the fifth separation container 95 where the separated extractant (light liquid) is accumulated is connected to the first inlet 131 of the fourth interaction section 92 via a fourth return pipe 129 and a third intermediate connection pipe 127 which will be described later. It is The fourth return pipe 129 is provided with a fourth return pump 99 and a fourth return flow control valve 108 . A fourth extractant flow sensor 121 is connected to the fourth return pipe 129 . The functions of the fourth return pump 99, the fourth return flow control valve 108 and the fourth extractant flow sensor 121 are similar to the functions of the first return pump 21, the first return flow control valve 36 and the first extractant flow sensor 53. is. Also, the arrangement of the fourth return pump 99, the fourth return flow control valve 108 and the fourth extractant flow sensor 121 on the fourth return line 129 is the same as the first return pump 21 on the first return line 66, the first return Similar to the arrangement of flow control valve 36 and first extractant flow sensor 53 .

The fourth return pipe 129 is connected to the extractant discharge pipe 68 via a fourth relief pipe 146 . A fourth discharge switching valve 119 is provided in the fourth escape pipe 146 . The functions and configurations of the fourth relief pipe 146 and the fourth discharge switching valve 119 are the same as those of the first relief pipe 69 and the first discharge switching valve 50 .

Further, in the second embodiment, the processing from the extractant tank 2 to the first to fifth interaction sections 7, 8, 9, 92, 93 of the first to fifth processing units 4, 5, 6, 80, 81 The extractant supply route 64 that guides the extractant to the channel 72 has a tank connection pipe 65 , a first supply pipe 65 a , a second supply pipe 65 d and an intermediate connection route section 150 . Each of the first supply pipe 65a, the second supply pipe 65d, and the intermediate connection path portion 150 is an example of the connection path portion in the present invention.

The first supply pipe 65 a is connected to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 of the first processing unit 4 and communicates with the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 . This first supply pipe 65a is an example of a first-stage connection path portion in the present invention.

The second supply pipe 65 d is connected to the first inlet 141 of the fifth interaction section 93 of the fifth processing unit 81 and connected to the processing channel 72 of the fifth interaction section 93 . This second supply pipe 65d is an example of a final-stage connection path portion in the present invention.

The intermediate connection path section 150 is connected to the first inlets 85, 88, 131 of the second to fourth interaction sections 8, 9, 92 of the second to fourth processing units 5, 6, 80, respectively. It is connected to the processing channel 72 of the second to fourth interaction parts 8, 9, 92. The intermediate connection path section 150 has a relay pipe 124 , a first intermediate connection pipe 125 , a second intermediate connection pipe 126 and a third intermediate connection pipe 127 . The first to third intermediate connection pipes 125, 126, 127 are examples of intermediate connection pipes in the present invention.

The relay pipe 124 connects the first supply pipe 65a and the second supply pipe 65d. The relay pipe 124 is connected to a portion of the first supply pipe 65a closer to the extractant tank 2 (closer to the extractant supply pump 19) than the portion to which the first return pipe 66 is connected.

The first intermediate connection pipe 125 is connected to the relay pipe 124 and to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 of the second processing unit 5, and the processing flow path of the second interaction section 8 Connected to 72. In the second embodiment, a second return pipe 67 is connected to this first intermediate connection pipe 125 .

The second intermediate connection pipe 126 is connected to the relay pipe 124 and to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction portion 9 of the third processing unit 6, and the processing flow path of the third interaction portion 9 Connected to 72. The third return pipe 128 is connected to this second intermediate connection pipe 126 .

The third intermediate connection pipe 127 is connected to the relay pipe 124 and to the first inlet 131 of the fourth interaction section 92 of the fourth processing unit 80, and the processing flow path of the fourth interaction section 92 Connected to 72. The fourth return pipe 129 is connected to this third intermediate connection pipe 127 .

Further, the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a first supply switching device 37, a second supply switching device 41, a third supply switching device 42, a fourth supply switching device 152, and a fifth supply switching device. a device 153; The first to fifth supply switching devices 37, 41, 42, 152, 153 are examples of a plurality of first fluid supply switching devices in the present invention.

The first supply switching device 37 is provided on the first supply pipe 65a. The first supply switching device 37 has a first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 and an extractant inflow switching valve 106 .

The first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 is provided at a portion closer to the extractant tank 2 (closer to the extractant supply pump 19) than the portion of the first supply pipe 65a to which the relay pipe 124 is connected. The first extractant supply flow control valve 35 is an example of the first flow control valve in the present invention.

The extractant inflow switching valve 106 is provided at a portion of the first supply pipe 65a between the portion to which the first return pipe 66 is connected and the portion to which the relay pipe 124 is connected. This extractant inflow switching valve 106 is an on-off valve.

In the second embodiment, the supply permitting state of the first supply switching device 37 is such that the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 permits the extractant to flow at a predetermined flow rate through the first supply pipe 65a and the extractant This is a state in which the inflow switching valve 106 is in an open state. In the supply blocking state of the first supply switching device 37, the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 prevents the extractant from flowing through the first supply pipe 65a and the extractant inflow switching valve 106 is closed. is in a state of

The second supply switching device 41 includes a first extractant supply switching valve 45, a fifth extractant supply switching valve 111, an eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, a ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, and a tenth extractant supply switching valve. It consists of an extractant supply switching valve 116 and an eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 . The third supply switching device 42 includes a second extractant supply switching valve 46, a sixth extractant supply switching valve 112, an eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, a ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, It consists of a tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 and an eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 . The fourth supply switching device 152 includes a third extractant supply switching valve 109, a seventh extractant supply switching valve 113, an eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, a ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, It consists of a tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 and an eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 . Therefore, the eighth to eleventh extractant supply switching valves 114, 115, 116, and 117 are shared by the second to fourth supply switching devices 41, 42, and 152, respectively.

The eighth extractant supply switching valve 114 in the second supply switching device 41, the eighth and ninth extractant supply switching valves 114 and 115 in the third supply switching device 42, and the eighth to the fourth extractant supply switching valves in the fourth supply switching device 152. Each of the 10 extractant supply switching valves 114, 115, and 116 is an example of the first on-off valve in the present invention. Further, the ninth to eleventh extractant supply switching valves 115, 116, 117 in the second supply switching device 41, the tenth and eleventh extractant supply switching valves 116, 117 in the third supply switching device 42, and the fourth The eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 in the supply switching device 152 is an example of the second on-off valve in the present invention.

The first extractant supply switching valve 45 is provided at a portion of the first intermediate connection pipe 125 closer to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction portion 8 than the portion to which the second return pipe 67 is connected. The second extractant supply switching valve 46 is provided at a portion of the second intermediate connection pipe 126 closer to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction portion 9 than the portion to which the third return pipe 128 is connected. The third extractant supply switching valve 109 is provided at a portion of the third intermediate connection pipe 127 closer to the first inlet 131 side of the fourth interaction portion 92 than the portion to which the fourth return pipe 129 is connected.

In addition, the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111 is provided at a portion of the first intermediate connection pipe 125 closer to the relay pipe 124 than the portion to which the second return pipe 67 is connected. The sixth extractant supply switching valve 112 is provided at a portion of the second intermediate connection pipe 126 closer to the relay pipe 124 than the portion to which the third return pipe 128 is connected. The seventh extractant supply switching valve 113 is provided at a portion of the third intermediate connection pipe 127 closer to the relay pipe 124 than the portion to which the fourth return pipe 129 is connected.

The eighth extractant supply switching valve 114 is provided at a portion of the relay pipe 124 closer to the first supply pipe 65a than the portion to which the first intermediate connection pipe 125 is connected. The ninth extractant supply switching valve 115 is provided at a portion of the relay pipe 124 between a portion to which the first intermediate connection pipe 125 is connected and a portion to which the second intermediate connection pipe 126 is connected. The tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 is provided at a portion of the relay pipe 124 between a portion to which the second intermediate connection pipe 126 is connected and a portion to which the third intermediate connection pipe 127 is connected. The eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 is provided at a portion of the relay pipe 124 closer to the second supply pipe 65d than the portion to which the third intermediate connection pipe 127 is connected.

The second supply switching device 41 is a supply permitting device that permits the extractant to be supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 through the first intermediate connection pipe 125 of the intermediate connection path section 150 . and a supply blocking state for blocking the supply of the extractant. The second supply switching device 41 allows the extractant to flow from the extractant tank 2 through the first supply pipe 65a, the relay pipe 124, and the first intermediate connection pipe 125 into the process flow of the second interaction section 8 as a supply permitting state. and the extractant from the extractant tank 2 passes through the second supply pipe 65d, the relay pipe 124 and the first intermediate connection pipe 125 to the treatment channel 72 of the second interaction section 8. It can take a state that allows it to flow. In the former supply permission state, the first extractant supply switching valve 45, the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111, and the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114 are open, and the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, the The 10th extractant supply switching valve 116 and the 11th extractant supply switching valve 117 are closed. The latter supply permission state includes the first extractant supply switching valve 45, the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111, the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116, and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve. In this state, the switching valve 117 is open and the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114 is closed.

The supply blocking state of the second supply switching device 41 includes the first extractant supply switching valve 45, the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111, the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, Both the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 are closed, or at least the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111 is closed. .

The third supply switching device 42 is a supply permitting device that permits the extractant to be supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 through the second intermediate connection pipe 126 of the intermediate connection path section 150 . and a supply blocking state for blocking the supply of the extractant. The third supply switching device 42 allows the extractant to flow from the extractant tank 2 through the first supply pipe 65a, the relay pipe 124, and the second intermediate connection pipe 126 into the process flow of the third interaction section 9 as a supply permitting state. and the extractant from the extractant tank 2 passes through the second supply pipe 65d, the relay pipe 124 and the second intermediate connection pipe 126 to the treatment channel 72 of the third interaction section 9. It can take a state that allows it to flow. In the former supply permission state, the second extractant supply switching valve 46, the sixth extractant supply switching valve 112, the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, and the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115 are open, and the The 10th extractant supply switching valve 116 and the 11th extractant supply switching valve 117 are closed. In the latter supply permitting state, the second extractant supply switching valve 46, the sixth extractant supply switching valve 112, the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116, and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 are open, and , the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114 and the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115 are closed.

The supply blocking state of the third supply switching device 42 includes the second extractant supply switching valve 46, the sixth extractant supply switching valve 112, the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, Both the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 are closed, or at least the sixth extractant supply switching valve 112 is closed. .

The fourth supply switching device 152 is a supply permitting device that permits the extraction agent to be supplied from the extraction agent tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the fourth interaction section 92 through the third intermediate connection pipe 127 of the intermediate connection path section 150 . and a supply blocking state for blocking the supply of the extractant. The fourth supply switching device 152 allows the extractant to flow from the extractant tank 2 through the first supply pipe 65 a , the relay pipe 124 and the third intermediate connection pipe 127 to the process flow of the fourth interaction section 92 as a supply permitting state. and the extractant from the extractant tank 2 passes through the second supply pipe 65d, the relay pipe 124 and the third intermediate connection pipe 127 to the treatment channel 72 of the fourth interaction section 92. It can take a state that allows it to flow. The former supply permitting state includes the third extractant supply switching valve 109, the seventh extractant supply switching valve 113, the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, and the tenth extractant supply switching valve. 116 is open and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 is closed. In the latter supply permitting state, the third extractant supply switching valve 109, the seventh extractant supply switching valve 113, and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 are open, and the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114 is open. , the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115 and the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 are closed.

Further, the supply blocking state of the fourth supply switching device 152 includes the third extractant supply switching valve 109, the seventh extractant supply switching valve 113, the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114, the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, Both the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 are closed, or at least the seventh extractant supply switching valve 113 is closed. .

The fifth supply switching device 153 is provided on the second supply pipe 65d. A supply permitting state in which the extraction agent is allowed to be supplied from the extraction agent tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the fifth interaction portion 93 through the second supply pipe 65d, and a supply blocking state in which the supply of the extraction agent is blocked. is configured to be switchable to This fifth supply switching device 153 has a second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 and a fourth extractant supply switching valve 110 .

The second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 is provided at a portion closer to the extractant tank 2 (closer to the extractant supply pump 19) than the portion of the second supply pipe 65d to which the relay pipe 124 is connected. This second extractant supply flow control valve 105 is an example of the second flow control valve in the present invention.

The fourth extractant supply switching valve 110 is provided at a portion closer to the fifth interaction portion 93 than the portion to which the relay pipe 124 is connected in the second supply pipe 65d. This fourth extractant supply switching valve 110 is an on-off valve.

In the supply permitting state of the fifth supply switching device 153, the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 permits the extractant to flow at a predetermined flow rate through the second supply pipe 65d, and the fourth extractant supply switching valve 110 is It is in an open state. The supply blocking state of the fifth supply switching device 153 is such that the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 blocks the flow of the extractant through the second supply pipe 65d and the fourth extractant supply switching valve 110 is closed. It is in a state where

Also, the first return switching device 44 and the second return switching device 47 in the second embodiment are configured in the same manner as the first return switching device 44 and the second return switching device 47 in the first embodiment.

A third return switching device 156 is provided on the third return line 128 . The third return diverter 156 allows the extractant separated in the fourth separation vessel 94 to flow from the fourth separation vessel 94 to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 through the third return line 128. It is configured to be switchable between a return-allowing state and a return-blocking state that blocks the flow of the extractant. Specifically, the third return switching device 156 consists of a third return flow rate control valve 107 provided at a portion of the third return pipe 128 on the side to which the extractant is delivered from the third return pump 98 . The return permitting state of the third return switching device 156 is a state in which the third return flow rate control valve 107 allows the extractant to flow through the third return pipe 128 at a predetermined flow rate. The return blocking state of the third return switching device 156 is a state in which the third return flow rate control valve 107 blocks the flow of the extractant through the third return pipe 128 .

A fourth return switching device 157 is provided in the fourth return pipe 129 . The fourth return diverter 47 allows the extractant separated in the fifth separation vessel 95 to flow from the fifth separation vessel 95 to the processing channel 72 of the fourth interaction section 92 through the fourth return line 129. It is configured to be switchable between a return-allowing state and a return-blocking state that blocks the flow of the extractant. Specifically, the fourth return switching device 157 comprises a fourth return flow rate control valve 108 provided at a portion of the fourth return pipe 129 on the side to which the extractant is sent from the fourth return pump 99 . The return permitting state of the fourth return switching device 157 is a state in which the fourth return flow rate control valve 108 allows the extractant to flow through the fourth return pipe 129 at a predetermined flow rate. The return blocking state of the fourth return switching device 157 is a state in which the fourth return flow rate control valve 108 blocks the flow of the extractant through the fourth return pipe 129 .

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, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 21, the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment is provided in any of the first to fifth processing units 4, 5, 6, 80, 81, extracting agent and raw material liquid. is not flowing, the raw material liquid flows to the first to fifth processing units 4, 5, 6, 80, and 81 in order, and the extractant flows in the direction opposite to the direction in which the raw material liquid flows. , the first to fifth processing units 4, 5, 6, 80, 81 of the first to fifth interaction parts 7, 8, 9, 92, 93 in the processing flow path 72, respectively extraction by the extractant and the raw material liquid The process of bringing up to a steady state in which processing is performed will now be described. In FIGS. 11 to 21, the flow paths through which the extractant and the raw material flow respectively are indicated by thick lines.

In the second embodiment, the raw material liquid is supplied from the raw material tank 3 to the first interaction section 7, the extraction agent is supplied from the extraction agent tank 2 to the first interaction section 7, and the first interaction section 7 is processed. Extraction processing in the flow path 72, separation of the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 84 of the first interaction section 7 and introduced into the first separation container 10, extraction agent (light liquid) separated in the first separation container 10 ) through the extraction agent discharge pipe 68, and supply of the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) separated in the first separation vessel 10 from the first separation vessel 10 to the second inlet 86 of the second interaction section 8 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 10 to 12).

In the second embodiment, when the extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8, the first separation container 10 of the second interaction section 8 is supplied with the extractant. The first raw material flow sensor 32 that has detected the flow of the raw material liquid to the second inlet 86 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 55 (see FIG. 10), and the control unit 55 receives the detection signal from the first raw material flow sensor 32. In response, the first extractant supply switching valve 45, the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111, the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115, the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116, and the eleventh extractant supply switching valve 117 are opened. switch to state. At the same time, the control unit 55 controls the opening degree of the second extractant supply flow control valve 105 so that the extractant delivered by the extractant supply pump 19 flows into the first inlet 85 of the second interaction unit 8 at a predetermined flow rate. is raised from 0 to a predetermined degree of opening. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the extractant flows from the second supply pipe 65d of the extractant supply path 64 through the relay pipe 124 and the first intermediate connection pipe 125 to the first inlet of the second interaction section 8. Flow to 85.

After that, extraction processing in the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8, and the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 87 of the second interaction section 8 and introduced into the second separation vessel 11 is separation in the second separation container 11 and supply of the raw material liquid (heavy liquid) separated in the second separation container 11 from the second separation container 11 to the second inlet 89 of the third interaction section 9 The morphology is performed similarly (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

In the second embodiment, when the extractant (light liquid) separated and accumulated in the second separation container 11 flows into the first return pipe 66, the first extractant flow sensor 53 detects that the extractant A flow is detected and a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 55 (see FIG. 10). Upon receiving the detection signal from the first extractant flow sensor 53, the control unit 55 switches the extractant inflow switching valve 106 and the first discharge switching valve 50 to the closed state, and changes the opening of the first return flow control valve 36. is raised from 0 to a predetermined degree of opening, and the first return pump 21 is started. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the supply of the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction section 7 is stopped, and instead the extractant separated in the second separation vessel 11 is The agent is sent by the first return pump 21 to the first inlet 82 of the first interaction portion 7 through the first return line 66 and the first supply line 65 a of the extractant supply path 64 .

At the same time as switching the extractant inflow switching valve 106 to the closed state as described above, the control unit 55 switches the eighth extractant supply switching valve 114 to the open state and opens the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115. Switch to the closed state. As a result, the extractant supplied by the extractant supply pump 19 is supplied to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction section 8 from the first supply pipe 65a of the extractant supply path 64 to the relay pipe 124 and the first intermediate connection. It is supplied through piping 125 .

When the extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction section 9 , the raw material liquid from the second separation container 11 to the second inlet 89 of the third interaction section 9 is The second raw material flow sensor 33 that has detected the flow of the second extraction The agent supply switching valve 46 and the sixth extractant supply switching valve 112 are switched to the open state. As a result, the extractant supplied by the extractant supply pump 19 is supplied at a predetermined flow rate set by the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 from the second supply pipe 65 d of the extractant supply path 64 to the relay pipe 124 and the second extractant supply pipe 124 . 2 intermediate connecting pipe 126 to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction part 9 .

After that, extraction processing in the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9, separation of the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 90 of the third interaction section 9 and introduced into the third separation container 12, and The raw material liquid (heavy liquid) separated in the separation vessel 12 is supplied to the second inlet 132 of the fourth interaction section 92 (see FIG. 16) in the second interaction section 8 and the second separation vessel 11. done as it was done.

Then, when the extractant (light liquid) separated and accumulated in the third separation container 12 flows into the second return pipe 67, the second extractant flow sensor 54 detects the flow of the extractant, and the controller detects the flow of the extractant. 55 (see FIG. 10). Upon receiving the detection signal from the second extractant flow sensor 54 , the control unit 55 switches the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111 and the second discharge switching valve 51 to the closed state, and closes the second return flow control valve 40 . The opening is increased from 0 to a predetermined opening, and the second return pump 22 is started. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the supply of the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction part 8 is stopped, and instead the extractant separated in the third separation vessel 12 Agent is delivered by the second return pump 22 through the second return line 67 and the first intermediate connection line 125 to the first inlet 85 of the second interaction portion 8 .

At the same time as switching the fifth extractant supply switching valve 111 to the closed state as described above, the control unit 55 switches the ninth extractant supply switching valve 115 to the open state and closes the tenth extractant supply switching valve. 116 is switched to the closed state. As a result, the extractant delivered by the extractant supply pump 19 is supplied to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction section 9 from the first supply pipe 65a of the extractant supply path 64 to the relay pipe 124 and the second intermediate connection. It is supplied through piping 126 .

When the extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 131 of the fourth interaction section 92, the raw material liquid from the third separation container 12 to the second inlet 132 of the fourth interaction section 92 is The third raw material flow sensor 102 that has detected the flow of the raw material transmits a detection signal to the control unit 55 (see FIG. 10), and the control unit 55 receives the detection signal from the third raw material flow sensor 102, and the third extraction The agent supply switching valve 109 and the seventh extractant supply switching valve 113 are switched to the open state. As a result, the extractant supplied by the extractant supply pump 19 is supplied at a predetermined flow rate set by the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 from the second supply pipe 65 d of the extractant supply path 64 to the relay pipe 124 and the second extractant supply pipe 124 . 3 to the first inlet 131 of the fourth interaction portion 92 through the intermediate connection pipe 127 .

After that, extraction processing in the processing channel 72 of the fourth interaction section 92, separation of the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 133 of the fourth interaction section 92 and introduced into the fourth separation container 94, and The raw material liquid (heavy liquid) separated in the separation vessel 94 is supplied to the second inlet 142 of the fifth interaction section 93 (see FIG. 18) in the third interaction section 9 and the third separation vessel 12. done as it was done.

Then, when the extractant (light liquid) separated and accumulated in the fourth separation container 94 flows into the third return pipe 128, the third extractant flow sensor 120 detects the flow of the extractant, and the controller detects the flow of the extractant. 55 (see FIG. 10). Upon receiving the detection signal from the third extractant flow sensor 120, the control unit 55 switches the sixth extractant supply switching valve 112 and the third discharge switching valve 118 to the closed state, and closes the third return flow control valve 107. The opening is increased from 0 to a predetermined opening, and the third return pump 98 is activated. This stops the supply of the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction section 9, as shown in FIG. Agent is delivered by a third return pump 98 to the first inlet 88 of the third interaction portion 9 through a third return line 128 and a second intermediate connection line 126 .

At the same time as switching the sixth extractant supply switching valve 112 to the closed state as described above, the control unit 55 switches the tenth extractant supply switching valve 116 to the open state and closes the eleventh extractant supply switching valve. 117 is switched to the closed state. As a result, the extractant delivered by the extractant supply pump 19 is supplied to the first inlet 131 of the fourth interaction section 92 from the first supply pipe 65a of the extractant supply path 64 to the relay pipe 124 and the third intermediate connection. It is supplied through piping 127 .

When the extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 141 of the fifth interaction section 93, the raw material liquid from the fourth separation container 94 to the second inlet 142 of the fifth interaction section 93 is The fourth raw material flow sensor 103 that has detected the flow of the raw material transmits a detection signal to the control unit 55, and the control unit 55 receives the detection signal from the fourth raw material flow sensor 103 and operates the fourth extractant supply switching valve 110. switch to the open state. As a result, the extractant delivered by the extractant supply pump 19 passes through the second supply pipe 65d of the extractant supply path 64 at a predetermined flow rate set by the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 to the fifth mutual flow. It is sent to the first inlet 141 of the working portion 93 .

After that, extraction processing in the processing channel 72 of the fifth interaction portion 93, and the fifth separation of the mixed fluid discharged from the outlet 143 of the fifth interaction portion 93 and introduced into the fifth separation container 95 Separation in container 95 takes place in the same way as in third interaction part 8 and third separation container 12 .

Then, based on the information obtained from the fifth level meter 97, the control unit 55 switches the raw material discharge switching valve 29 to the open state, and the raw material liquid separated in the fifth separation vessel 95 after the extraction process is transferred to the raw material discharge pipe. It is discharged to the outside of the interaction system 1 through 62 (see FIG. 20).

Further, when the extractant (light liquid) separated and accumulated in the fifth separation container 95 flows into the fourth return pipe 129, the fourth extractant flow sensor 121 detects the flow of the extractant, and the controller detects the flow of the extractant. A detection signal is sent to 55 . Upon receiving the detection signal from the fourth extractant flow sensor 121, the controller 55 switches the seventh extractant supply switching valve 113 and the fourth discharge switching valve 119 to the closed state, and closes the fourth return flow control valve 108. The opening is increased from 0 to a predetermined opening, and the fourth return pump 99 is activated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, the supply of the extractant from the extractant tank 2 to the first inlet 131 of the fourth interaction section 92 is stopped, and instead the extractant separated in the fifth separation vessel 95 The agent is delivered by the fourth return pump 99 to the first inlet 131 of the fourth interaction portion 92 through the fourth return line 129 and the third intermediate connection line 127 .

As described above, the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment rises to the steady state.

Processes other than the above in the method for starting up the interaction system 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Effect of Second Embodiment)
In this second embodiment, when the interaction system 1 is started up, the first to fifth interaction sections 7, 8, 9 of the first to fifth processing units 4, 5, 6, 80, 81 are extracted from the extractant tank 2. , 92, 93 to the processing flow channels 72, respectively, while the flow rate control valves for the number of the first to fifth interaction parts 7, 8, 9, 92, 93 can be reduced to suppress the manufacturing cost of the interaction system 1 .

Specifically, in the second embodiment, the flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 can be controlled by the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35. The flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the fifth interaction section 93 can be controlled by the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 . The flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the second to fourth interaction parts 8, 9, 92 is controlled by the first extractant supply flow control valve 35 and the second extractant supply It can be controlled using either one of the flow control valve 105 . Specifically, the opening and closing of the fifth to eleventh extractant supply switching valves 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 are switched so that the extractant tank 2 is diverted from the second to fourth interaction parts 8. , 9 and 92, either through the first extractant supply flow control valve 35 or through the second extractant supply flow control valve 105. The processing flow paths of the second to fourth interaction sections 8, 9 and 92 are controlled by using either the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 or the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105. The flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 to 72 can be controlled respectively. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the extract supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channels 72 of the first to fifth interaction sections 7, 8, 9, 92, and 93 when the interaction system 1 is started up The flow rate of the agent can be individually controlled, and the number of the first and second extractant supply flow control valves 35, 105 with respect to the number (five) of the first to fifth interaction parts 7, 8, 9, 92, 93 (two) can be reduced. However, instead of being able to reduce the number of flow control valves, the fifth to eleventh extractant supply switching valves 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 are required. 11 Cost reduction by reducing the number of flow control valves because it is significantly more expensive than opening/closing valves having only opening/closing switching functions such as the extractant supply switching valves 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117. , the manufacturing cost of the interaction system 1 can be suppressed.

Effects of the second embodiment other than the above are the same as the effects of the first embodiment.

(Modification)
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.

In the configuration of the interaction system of the first embodiment, the number of processing units is not necessarily limited to three, and may be any number of three or more.

Moreover, in the configuration of the interaction system of the second embodiment, the number of processing units is not necessarily limited to five, and may be any number of three or more.

For example, even if the number of processing units is more than five in the configuration of the interaction system of the second embodiment, the extractant tank supplies the processing flow path of each of the processing units to the interaction section. The flow rate of the extractant can be controlled by two flow control valves, a first extractant supply flow control valve and a second extractant supply flow control valve. When the number of processing units is increased in this way, the difference in the number of flow control valves with respect to the number of interaction portions of the processing units becomes greater, and the manufacturing cost of the interaction system 1 is more effectively suppressed. .

Conversely, the number of processing units may be less than five. For example, the configuration of the interaction system 1 according to a modified example of the second embodiment when the number of processing units is three is shown in FIG. shown in

In the interaction system 1 according to this modification, in the process of starting up, the extraction agent supplied from the extraction agent tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the first interaction section 7 of the first processing unit 4, which is the first stage processing unit, can be controlled by the first extraction agent supply flow rate control valve 35, and the extraction agent supplied from the extraction agent tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the third interaction section 9 of the third processing unit 6, which is the final stage processing unit. The flow rate of the agent can be controlled by the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105, and the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 of the second processing unit 5, which is an intermediate processing unit. can be controlled by either the first extractant supply flow control valve 35 or the second extractant supply flow control valve 105 .

In the interaction system 1 according to this modified example, the second supply switching device 41 includes a first extractant supply switching valve 45 provided in the first intermediate connection pipe 125 and a third extractant supply switching valve 45 provided in the relay pipe 124 . It has a switching valve 162 and a fourth extractant supply switching valve 163 . When the extractant is supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8, the first extractant supply switching valve 45 and the third extractant supply switching valve 162 are opened and the third extractant supply switching valve 162 is opened. 4 By closing the extractant supply switching valve 163, the extractant is supplied to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 through the route passing through the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35, or By opening the first extractant supply switching valve 45 and the fourth extractant supply switching valve 163 and closing the third extractant supply switching valve 162, the second extractant supply flow rate control valve 105 is The extraction agent is supplied to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 through the route. Therefore, the flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channel 72 of the second interaction section 8 of the second processing unit 5 is controlled by the first extractant supply flow rate control valve 35 and the second extractant supply flow rate. It can be controlled by either control valve 105 .

Therefore, in this modification, the flow rate of the extractant supplied from the extractant tank 2 to the processing channels 72 of the first to third interaction sections 7, 8, and 9 is individually controlled when the interaction system 1 is started up. Moreover, the number (two) of the first and second extractant supply flow rate control valves 35, 105 can be reduced with respect to the number (three) of the first to third interaction parts 7, 8, 9. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the interaction system 1 can be reduced by reducing the number of flow control valves.

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 the extraction process of extracting a specific component from the raw material liquid and moving it into the extractant. For example, the concept of interaction in the present invention includes an absorption process in which a specific component in a certain target gas is absorbed by an absorbent, and a process in which two fluids are brought into contact with each other to cause a chemical reaction. and interaction methods are also applicable for such processing. In the case of absorption treatment, the absorbent corresponds to the first fluid in the present invention, and the target gas corresponds to the second fluid in the present invention. 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, the pre-processing unit in the present invention is not necessarily limited to the processing unit immediately before the post-processing unit in the order in which the second fluid flows to the plurality of processing units provided in the interaction system. It may be one or more previous processing units.

1 interaction system 2 extractant tank (first fluid tank)
3 raw material tank (second fluid tank)
4 First processing unit 5 Second processing unit 6 Third processing unit 7 First interaction section 8 Second interaction section 9 Third interaction section 10 First separation container 11 Second separation container 12 Third separation container 32 Third 1 raw material flow sensor (second fluid flow sensor)
33 second raw material flow sensor (second fluid flow sensor)
35 First extractant supply flow control valve (flow control valve)
37 first supply switching device (first fluid supply switching device)
39 Second extractant supply flow control valve (flow control valve)
41 second supply switching device (first fluid supply switching device)
42 third supply switching device (first fluid supply switching device)
44 first return switching device (first fluid return switching device)
47 Second return switching device (first fluid return switching device)
53 first extractant flow sensor (first fluid flow sensor)
54 second extractant flow sensor (first fluid flow sensor)
55 control unit 64 extractant supply path (first fluid path)
65a first supply pipe (connection route)
65b Second supply pipe (connection route)
65c third supply pipe (connection route)
66 First return pipe 67 Second return pipe 72 Processing channel

Claims (7)

An interaction system for creating an interaction between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising:
a first fluid tank that stores the first fluid;
a second fluid tank that stores the second fluid;
an interaction section having therein a processing channel 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 and interact with each other; and the processing channel. a plurality of processing units each having a separation vessel for receiving a mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid discharged from the first fluid and the second fluid, and retaining the mixed fluid to separate the first fluid and the second fluid from each other wherein the second fluid is configured to flow from the second fluid tank to the plurality of processing units in a predetermined order, and the second fluid separated in the separation container of each of the plurality of processing units is the separation vessel of each of the plurality of processing units and the interaction of the next-order processing unit corresponding to the separation vessel of each of the plurality of processing units so as to flow into the processing channel of the interaction portion of the next-order processing unit relative to that processing unit; connected to the processing channel of the action part;
a first fluid path that guides the first fluid from the first fluid tank to the processing flow path of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units, the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units comprising: having a plurality of connecting path portions connected to the processing channel;
The processing channel of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units is separated from the separation container of the post-processing unit, which is the processing unit that is the next processing unit in the order as viewed from each processing unit , within the separation container. a plurality of return paths for directing the first fluid;
a plurality of first fluid supply switching devices respectively provided in the plurality of connection path sections, the connection path to the processing flow path connected to the connection path section provided with the first fluid supply switching device; a supply permitting state in which the first fluid is permitted to be supplied from the first fluid tank through a portion and a supply blocking state in which the supply of the first fluid is prevented;
A plurality of first fluid return switching devices respectively provided in the plurality of return paths, corresponding through the return path to the processing flow path connected to the return path in which the first fluid return switching device is provided a return-allowing state in which the first fluid is allowed to flow from the separation container of the post-processing unit, and a return-blocking state in which the flow of the first fluid is blocked. Provide an interaction system. control for switching the plurality of first fluid supply switching devices between the supply permitting state and the supply blocking state; and control for switching the first fluid return switching devices between the return permitting state and the return blocking state. further comprising a control unit that performs
The control unit is connected to the separation container of the post-processing unit at a predetermined timing after the mixed fluid is separated into the first fluid and the second fluid in the separation container of the post-processing unit. The first fluid return switching device provided in the return path is switched from the return prevention state to the return allowable state, and the first fluid return switching device provided in the connection path section connected to the processing flow path connected to the return path. 2. The interactive system of claim 1, wherein one fluid supply switching device switches from said supply permitting state to said supply blocking state. 3. The interaction system according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined timing is timing when said first fluid separated in said separation container of said post-processing unit flows out to said return path. further comprising a first fluid flow sensor that detects that the first fluid separated in the separation container of the post-processing unit has flowed out to the return path;
The control unit switches the first fluid return switching device to 4. The interaction system of claim 3, wherein switching from a block-back state to the allow-return state and switching the first fluid supply switching device from the allow-feed state to the block-feed state. The control section controls the first fluid provided in the connection path section connected to the processing flow path until the second fluid is supplied to the processing flow path of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units. The supply switching device is set to the supply blocking state, and provided in the connection path section connected to the processing flow path at the timing when the second fluid is supplied to the processing flow path of the interaction section of each of the plurality of processing units. 5. The interactive system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said first fluid supply switching device is switched from said supply blocking state to said supply allowing state. Detecting that the second fluid separated from the separation vessel of each of the plurality of processing units in the separation vessel flows into the processing channel of the interaction section of the next processing unit in the order of the processing unit. further comprising a second fluid flow sensor for
The control unit controls the flow rate of the second fluid separated from the separation container of an arbitrary processing unit out of the plurality of processing units in the separation container by the second fluid flow sensor to the second fluid of the next processing unit. In response to detection of flow to the processing flow path of the interaction section, the second connection path section provided in the connection path section connected to the processing flow path of the interaction section of the next-order processing unit 6. The interactive system of claim 5, wherein one fluid supply switching device switches from said supply blocking state to said supply allowing state. The plurality of processing units includes a first stage processing unit that is the first processing unit in the order, a final stage processing unit that is the last processing unit in the order, and the first stage processing unit and the final stage processing in the order. and an intermediate processing unit that is the processing unit between the units;
The plurality of connection path sections include a first-stage connection path section connected to the processing flow path of the interaction section of the first-stage processing unit and a final-stage connection connected to the processing flow path of the interaction section of the final-stage processing unit. a path section; and an intermediate connection path section connected to the processing flow path of the interaction section of the intermediate processing unit;
The intermediate connection path section includes a relay pipe that connects the first-stage connection path section and the final-stage connection path section, and the intermediate connection path section is connected to the relay pipe and to the processing flow path of the interaction section of the intermediate processing unit. and an intermediate connecting pipe,
The first fluid supply switching device provided in the first-stage connection path portion is located closer to the first fluid tank side in the flow path of the first fluid than the portion of the first-stage connection path portion to which the relay pipe is connected. a first flow control valve provided at a location for controlling the flow rate of the first fluid supplied from the first fluid tank and flowing through the first-stage connection passage,
The first fluid supply switching device provided in the final-stage connection path section is configured to have the first fluid tank in the flow path of the first fluid from a portion of the final-stage connection path section to which the relay pipe is connected. a second flow control valve that is provided at a side portion and controls the flow rate of the first fluid that is supplied from the first fluid tank and flows through the final stage connection path;
The first fluid supply switching device provided in the intermediate connection path section is located at a portion closer to the first-stage connection path section in the flow path of the first fluid than a portion of the relay pipe to which the intermediate connection pipe is connected. an open state that allows the first fluid to flow from the first-stage connection path portion through the first portion to the intermediate connection pipe, and a closed state that prevents the flow of the first fluid. and a portion of the relay pipe closer to the final-stage connection path portion side than the portion to which the intermediate connection pipe is connected in the flow path of the first fluid. An open state provided in a second portion to allow the first fluid to flow from the final stage connection path section through the second portion to the intermediate connection pipe, and a closed state to block the flow of the first fluid. 7. The interaction system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a second on-off valve configured to be switchable between and.

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