WO2008048015A1

WO2008048015A1 - Energy-activating apparatus using ultrasonic vibration

Info

Publication number: WO2008048015A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/004961
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae-Seok Ko
Original assignee: Sonoen Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-19
Filing date: 2007-10-11
Publication date: 2008-04-24

Abstract

Provided is an energy- activating apparatus. The energy- activating apparatus includes a case, an ultrasonic oscillation unit, and an agitating/activating unit. The case forms a closed accommodation chamber is formed. The ultrasonic oscillation unit is disposed in the accommodation chamber and fixed to the case. The ultrasonic oscillation unit includes a piezoelectric ceramic part receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the piezoelectric ceramic part. The agitating/activating unit is disposed in the case apart from the accommodation chamber in a direction in which the ultrasonic oscillation unit is fixed to the case. The agitating/activating unit includes one or more fluid conduits for allowing an activated fluid to flow therein.

Description

ENERGY-ACTIVATING APPARATUS USING ULTRASONIC

VIBRATION

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an energy- activating apparatus using ultrasonic waves, and more particularly, to an energy-activating apparatus for performing biochemical treatment, sterilization, atomization, and physical/chemical agitation on a fluid using ultrasonic waves. Background Art

[2] Ultrasonic waves are sound waves having a frequency higher than that of audiofrequency waves. That is, ultrasonic waves have a frequency higher than about 20 kHz. The application fields of ultrasonic waves are various, and many ultrasonic wave devices have been developed. For example, ultrasonic wave devices using piezoelectric ceramics and ferrite materials have been studied and commercialized, and various theories about ultrasonic waves have been established. Particularly, much research has been conducted on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based piezoelectric ceramics and vibration modes thereof, and many researchers still continue to study them.

[3] The application fields of ultrasonic waves can be classified into high-energy (about

50 W to 3000 W)/low frequency (about 15 kHz to 100 kHz) application fields and low- energy (below about 50 W)/high frequency (about 1 MHz to 10 MHz) application fields. In the former case, cavitation caused by ultrasonic waves is used, and exemplary devices using the cavitation phenomenon include washers, welders, sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) detectors, gallstone/calculus removers, fat removers, and chemical reaction acceleration devices. In the latter case, ultrasonic diagnostic devices and nondestructive inspection devices can be considered as representative examples.

[4] Since 1920' s, it has been studied to apply ultrasonic waves to various fields such as environment, foods, chemical processes, organisms, microorganisms, medicine, and pharmacy. As a result, a new discipline, "sonochemistry", has been established. Furthermore, there are many efforts to establish theories and practical techniques for applying ultrasonic waves to real chemical reactions.

[5] In many countries such as Russia, Japan, and the U.S.A., research has been carried out to use ultrasonic energy as catalytic or sterilizing means in chemical reactions, and currently, it is considered that the research is on the stage of practical applications. Furthermore, it is considered that ultrasonic waves can be used for treating pollutants and decomposing organic materials. Particularly, in the application fields of biology and chemistry, the effect of ultrasonic waves in destroying cells or bacteria is verified, and devices such as ultrasonic washers are now widely used.

[6] Meanwhile, in many industrial fields, the emission of pollutants and germs that are difficult to treat with existing methods increases. Such pollutants and germs are not treated efficiently or are not treated by existing methods.

[7] For obviating these problems, the applicant of the present invention has proposed an apparatus for activating energy using ultrasonic vibration in Korean Patent No. 0455720. The disclosed apparatus includes a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts to which a voltage is applied, metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts, a housing in which the pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts and the metal boosters are disposed together with an elastic member, a connector coupled to an end of the housing to supply gas or liquid to the housing, a nozzle tip coupled to the other end of the housing, and an internal penetration passage passing through the connector, the nozzle tip, the pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts, and the metal boosters. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] However, the disclosed apparatus has a limitation in that the apparatus decreases physical diffusion of gas or liquid (hereinafter, referred to collectively as a fluid).

[9] Furthermore, two or more fluids cannot be simultaneously supplied to the apparatus for activation, and particularly, gas and liquid cannot be simultaneously processed in the apparatus.

[10] In addition, a rapid stream of a fluid cannot be efficiently agitated, and a large stream of a fluid cannot be entirely treated due to a low processing rate.

[11] Moreover, the capacity of the apparatus is low due to the amount of a fluid flowing through the apparatus is limited by the internal passage.

[12] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an energy-activating apparatus for rapidly treating a large amount of a target substance by increasing diffusion of a fluid using ultrasonic waves and physical/chemical agitation.

[13] Another object of the present invention is to provide an energy-activating apparatus for treating a target substance at a rate variable according to the flow rate of a fluid.

[14] Another object of the present invention is to provide an energy-activating apparatus capable of processing two or more fluids simultaneously.

[15] The objects and characteristics will be understood more clearly through embodiment to be described below. Technical Solution

[16] To accomplish the above objects and advantages, there is provided an energy- activating apparatus including: an agitating/activating unit including a cylindrical body, a barrier wall dividing an inner space of the body into an activation compartment and an impeller accommodation compartment, and an impeller rotatably coupled to the barrier wall and placed in the impeller accommodation compartment, the body including a plurality of inlet holes at the activation compartment, the barrier wall including a plurality of outlet holes; an ultrasonic oscillation unit including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the pair of the piezoelectric ceramic parts, the ultrasonic oscillation unit being coupled to the agitating/activating unit with one of the metal boosters being placed in the activation compartment; and a case enclosing the ultrasonic oscillation unit and hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit.

[17] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy- activating apparatus including: an agitating/activating unit including a cylindrical body and an impeller rotatably coupled to an end portion of the body, the body including a plurality of inlet holes, the impeller including an outer blade and an inner blade; an ultrasonic oscillation unit including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the pair of the piezoelectric ceramic parts, the ultrasonic oscillation unit being coupled to the agitating/activating unit with one of the metal boosters being placed in the body; and a case enclosing the ultrasonic oscillation unit and hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit.

[18] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy- activating apparatus including: an agitating/activating unit including a cylindrical body, a barrier wall dividing an inner space of the body into an activation compartment and an impeller accommodation compartment, and an impeller rotatably disposed in the impeller accommodation compartment, the body including a plurality of inlet holes at the activation compartment, the barrier wall including a plurality of outlet holes and a shaft hole; an ultrasonic oscillation unit including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the pair of the piezoelectric ceramic parts, the ultrasonic oscillation unit being coupled to the agitating/activating unit with one of the metal boosters being placed in the activation compartment, the piezoelectric ceramic parts and the metal boosters including shaft holes, respectively; a motor coupled to the ultrasonic oscillation unit and including a shaft, the shaft extending through the shaft holes of the ultrasonic oscillation unit and the shaft hole of the barrier wall and being coupled to the impeller; and a case enclosing the ultrasonic oscillation unit and the motor, the case being hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit.

[19] The metal booster placed in the activation compartment may have a horn shape for supplying ultrasonic energy to an introduced fluid horizontally and vertically for efficiently activating the fluid. [20] The outlet holes may be shaped to allow a fluid to be injected onto a blade of the impeller at a right angle.

[21] A blade of the impeller may be formed of a metal for efficiently transmitting ultrasonic waves to an outside of the energy- activating apparatus.

[22] The body may be formed of a light high-molecular substance or metal for maximizing an ultrasonic output of the energy- activating apparatus.

[23] Liquid and gas may be introduced into the body through the inlet holes separately or simultaneously.

[24] The motor may be rotated at a variable speed according to the amount of a fluid to be processed by controlling a voltage applied to the motor, and when the motor operates in a fluid, the motor may have a critical speed for preventing the fluid from permeating into the energy- activating apparatus through the shaft of the motor.

[25] The body may include an inner surface coated with an inorganic material for preventing the inner surface from being corroded by a fluid.

[26] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy- activating apparatus including: a case in which a closed accommodation chamber is formed; an ultrasonic oscillation unit disposed in the accommodation chamber and fixed to the case, the ultrasonic oscillation unit including a piezoelectric ceramic part receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the piezoelectric ceramic part; and an agitating/activating unit disposed in the case apart from the accommodation chamber in a direction in which the ultrasonic oscillation unit is fixed to the case, the agitating/activating unit including one or more fluid conduits for allowing an activated fluid to flow therein.

[27] One of the metal boosters may include an ultrasonic wave generation surface coupled to a front part of the case.

[28] The ultrasonic wave generation surface may be coupled to the front part of the case by fitting a screw protruded from the front part of the case into a screw hole formed in the ultrasonic wave generation surface.

[29] The ultrasonic wave generation surface and the front part may have a predetermined roughness through a grinding process, and an adhesive material may be disposed between the ultrasonic wave generation surface and the front part.

[30] The fluid conduits may be radially arranged around an ultrasonic wave generation surface of one of the metal boosters.

[31] The energy- activating apparatus may further include a flow generation unit including: a motor; a motor shaft rotatably extending through the case apart from the accommodation chamber in the direction in which the ultrasonic oscillation unit is fixed to the case; and a rotatable impeller coupled to an end of the motor shaft.

[32] The energy- activating apparatus may further include at least one of a humidity sensor for sensing a humidity inside the accommodation chamber, an impact sensor for sensing an impact force applied to the case, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature inside the accommodation chamber, and a fluid- level sensor for sensing a fluid level inside the case, which is disposed in the accommodation chamber of the case.

Advantageous Effects

[33] According to the present invention, a large amount of a fluid can be rapidly treated by increasing diffusion of the fluid using ultrasonic waves and physical/chemical agitation. [34] Furthermore, a fluid can be processed at a rate varying according to the flow rate of the fluid owing to the used of an impeller. [35] In addition, two or more fluids can be simultaneously treated.

Brief Description of the Drawings [36] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view illustrating an energy-activating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[37] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the energy- activating apparatus of FIG. 1.

[38] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an energy- activating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[39] FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the energy-activating apparatus of FIG. 3.

[40] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating an energy- activating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [41] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating an energy- activating apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[42] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. [43]

[44] 1. FIRST EMBODIMENT

[45] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view illustrating an energy-activating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the energy-activating apparatus of FIG. 1. [46] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the energy- activating apparatus includes a case 10 forming a closed accommodation chamber, fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 running the length of the case 10 for allowing a fluid to flow therein, an ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 disposed in the accommodation chamber formed by the case 10, and an optional agitating unit 60. [47] [48] Case 10

[49] The case 10 accommodates the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 and is hermetically sealed by welding. The case 10 can be formed of a SUS-based metal capable of resisting rust or corrosion. Particularly, a front part 11 of the case 10 may be formed of an inorganic material such as an alumina or a SUS-based material.

[50] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, two cases 20 are coupled. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated structure. That is, one or more cases 20 can be included in the energy-activating apparatus of the present invention.

[51] The fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 are disposed in the case 10 in a length direction of the case 10 and are spaced apart from the accommodation chamber of the case 10. The fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be formed of an inorganic material such as alumina or a SUS-based material for preventing corrosion caused by a chemical or cavitation. Alternatively, the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be formed of a high polymer that does corrode. Referring to FIG. 2, the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 are disposed at four corners of an ultrasonic wave generation surface 21a of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20.

[52] Heat generated in the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 can be rapidly dissipated by a fluid flowing in the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74.

[53]

[54] Ultrasonic oscillation unit 20

[55] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 includes a piezoelectric ceramic part 30 having electrodes 31 and 32 for receiving a voltage, and metal boosters 21 and 40 coupled to both outer sides of the piezoelectric ceramic part 30. The metal boosters 21 and 40 can be formed of stainless steel or a titanium alloy that is not harmful to the human body and suitable for efficient ultrasonic oscillation.

[56] For example, the piezoelectric ceramic part 30 and the metal boosters 21 and 40 can be coupled to each other using a screw. In detail, a screw hole 23 is formed in the metal booster 21, and a penetration hole 41 is formed in the metal booster 40. Further, a penetration hole 33 is formed in the piezoelectric ceramic part 30. After inserting a coupling shaft 51 having threaded portions at both ends into the penetration hole 41 of the metal booster 40 and the penetration hole 33 of the piezoelectric ceramic part 30, the threaded one end of the coupling shaft 51 is coupled to the screw hole 23 of the metal booster 21. Then, threaded the other end of the coupling shaft 51 is firmly fastened using a nut 52 so as to securely coupling the metal booster 21, the piezoelectric ceramic part 30, and the metal booster 40 of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20.

[57] The ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 is fixed to the front part 11 of the case 10. In detail, a screw hole 22 is formed in the ultrasonic wave generation surface 21a of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20, and a screw 12 extends inwardly from the front part 11. Therefore, the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 can be securely fixed to the case 10 by coupling the screw 12 to the screw hole 22.

[58] Here, an adhesive material can be disposed between the ultrasonic wave generation surface 21a of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 and the front part 11 of the case 10. In this case, the ultrasonic wave generation surface 21a and the front part 11 can be grinded so as to allow the adhesive material to contact more areas of the ultrasonic wave generation surface 21a and the front part 11.

[59]

[60] Flow generating unit 60

[61] The energy- activating apparatus of the first embodiment can further include a flow generation unit 60. When the energy- activating apparatus is used in a stationary fluid, the flow generation unit 60 can be used to force the stationary fluid to flow.

[62] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the flow generation unit 60 includes a motor 61, a motor shaft 62 passing through the case 10 in the length direction of the case and rotatably disposed apart from the accommodation chamber of the case 10, and an impeller 65 coupled to an end of the motor shaft 62 for rotation with the motor shaft 62. Bearing blocks 63 and 64 are disposed between the case 10 and the motor shaft 62 to allow rotation of the motor shaft 62.

[63] The flow generation unit 60 forces a fluid to flow so that the fluid can be introduced into the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74. In addition, the flow generation unit 60 agitates the fluid after the fluid is discharged from the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74.

[64] In the above-described energy- activating apparatus, the ultrasonic oscillation unit

20 generates ultrasonic waves to cause molecular-level vibrations of a fluid flowing in the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 and cut bonding between molecules or atoms of the fluid for increasing the diffusion surface area of the fluid and atomizing the fluid. The fluid activated in this way is discharged from the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 through the front part 11 of the case 10.

[65] Here, the same fluid can be introduced into the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74, or different fluids can be introduced into the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74 in sequence or at the same time. Thus, as described above, heat generated from the piezoelectric ceramic part 30 of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 can be rapidly dissipated by the fluid(s) flowing through the fluid conduits 71, 72, 73, and 74.

[66] Furthermore, when there is no fluid stream, streams of a fluid can be created by operating the motor 61. In this case, the forced fluid streams carries out the same heat dissipating function.

[67] Meanwhile, a humidity sensor, an impact sensor, a temperature sensor, or a fluid- level sensor can be disposed in the case 10 to use it for protecting the ultrasonic os- dilation unit 20. For example, when the energy-activating apparatus is used in a fluid for a long time, the case 10 can be damaged or broken, and thus the fluid can permeate into the case 10. This situation can be detected using the humidity sensor or the impact sensor, and the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 can be turned off based on the detection result for protecting the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20. Similarly, in the case of other abnormal conditions, such as the temperature inside the case 10 being extremely high and a fluid level being unacceptably low, the abnormal conditions can be detected using the temperature sensor or the fluid- level sensor to stop the operation of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20.

[68] In the current embodiment, one or more ultrasonic oscillation units 20 can be included in the energy-activating apparatus according to the purpose of use. In this case, one or more cases 10 corresponding to the ultrasonic oscillation units 20 can be included in the energy-activating apparatus, or the case 10 can be divided into parts corresponding to the ultrasonic oscillation units 20.

[69] Since the impeller 65 is used to generate a stream of a fluid and agitate the fluid, the impeller 65 can be damaged by foreign substances included in the fluid. For this reason, a protection net can be disposed around the impeller 65.

[70] The ultrasonic wave generation surface 21a of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 20 can be flat or fan-shaped.

[71]

[72] 2. SECOND EMBODIMENT

[73] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an energy- activating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the energy- activating apparatus of FIG. 3.

[74] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, the energy- activating apparatus of the current embodiment includes an agitating/activating unit 100, an ultrasonic oscillation unit 200 coupled to the agitating/activating unit 100, and a case 300 enclosing the ultrasonic oscillation unit 200 and hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit 100.

[75]

[76] Agitating/activating unit 100

[77] The agitating/activating unit 100 activates an introduced fluid using ultrasonic waves and agitates the fluid before the fluid is discharged from the energy- activating apparatus.

[78] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, the agitating/activating unit 100 includes a cylindrical body 110 and a barrier wall 130 dividing the inner space of the body 110 into parts. An impeller 120 including a plurality of blades 121 is rotatably coupled to a shaft 132 extending from the barrier wall 130 by using a bearing block 122. The body 110 can be formed of a light high-molecular substance or metal for maximizing the ultrasonic wave generation efficiency of the energy- activating apparatus, and the blades 121 of the impeller 120 can be formed of a metal for efficiently transmitting ultrasonic waves to the outside of the energy-activating apparatus.

[79] The barrier wall 130 divides the inner space of the body 110 into an activation compartment and an impeller accommodation compartment. A plurality of outlet holes 131 is formed in the barrier wall 130. A plurality of inlet holes 111 in the body 110 at the activation compartment, and fittings 140 are fitted into the inlet holes 111 for receiving a fluid.

[80] The outlet holes 131 may be formed at a predetermined so as to inject an activated fluid onto the blades 121 of the impeller 120 at a right angle. In this case, the impeller 120 can be efficiently rotated by the injected fluid.

[81] Since the body 110 can corrode by a fluid introduced into the body 110 (particularly when the fluid is a chemical), the inner surface of the body 110 can be coated with an inorganic material such as zirconium.

[82]

[83] Ultrasonic oscillation unit 200

[84] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, in the ultrasonic oscillation unit 200, a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 having electrodes 220 and 221 for receiving a voltage, and metal boosters 230 and 231 are coupled to both outer sides of the pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212. The metal boosters 230 and 231 can be formed of stainless steel or a titanium alloy that is not harmful to the human body for efficiently generating ultrasonic waves and suitable for efficient ultrasonic oscillation. A horn-shaped portion of the metal booster 231 that makes contact with a fluid can be coated with zirconium for preventing corrosion.

[85] For example, the metal boosters 230 and 231 can be coupled to the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 using a screw. In detail, an end of a coupling shaft 240 is fixed into the metal booster 231, and the other end of the coupling shaft 240 extends from the metal booster 231 and is threaded. Meanwhile, penetration holes (not shown) are formed through the electrodes 220 and 221, the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212, and the metal booster 230. Thus, the electrodes 220 and 221, the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212, and the metal booster 230 can be firmly coupled to each other by inserting the coupling shaft 240 into the penetration holes and securely fastening a nut 241 to the threaded end of the coupling shaft 240. In this way, the ultrasonic oscillation unit 200 can be assembled.

[86] When the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 and the metal boosters 230 and

231 have improper roughness or are improperly aligned, the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 can be broken while the nut is fastened or be rapidly aged by heat generated during ultrasonic oscillation. For this reason, double-side grinding or polishing can be performed on the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 and the metal boosters 230 and 231.

[87] The metal booster 231 that is inserted into the agitating/activating unit 100 can have a horn shape. In this case, ultrasonic energy can be applied to an introduced fluid in vertical and horizontal directions, and thus the fluid can be more efficiently activated.

[88] A stopper 232 is protruded from a rear end of the metal booster 231 for coupling with an accommodation groove 112 formed in an end of the body 110 of the agitating/ activating unit 100. Thus, only the metal booster 231 of the ultrasonic oscillation unit 200 is placed in the activation compartment of the agitating/activating unit 100.

[89]

[90] Case 300

[91] The case 300 encloses the ultrasonic oscillation unit 200 and hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit 100 to allow the energy- activating apparatus to be used in a fluid and protect the energy- activating apparatus from moisture. The case 300 can be formed of a metal for rapidly dissipating heat generated inside the energy- activating apparatus.

[92]

[93] An exemplary operation of the energy- activating apparatus will now be described.

[94] After tubes are connected to the fittings 140, a fluid is supplied to the energy- activating apparatus through the fittings 140 using a pressing type fluid supplying device, and at the same time, an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied to the electrodes 220 and 221.

[95] The piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 mechanically vibrate in response to the voltage applied to the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 through the electrodes 220 and 221, and the mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 is amplified by the metal boosters 230 and 231. Particularly, since the metal booster 231 has a horn shape, the metal booster 231 can provide a much larger ultrasonic oscillation surface, and thus even a large amount of a fluid can be rapidly activated.

[96] A fluid supplied to the activation compartment of the agitating/activating unit 100 undergoes molecular-level vibrations due to ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic oscillation surface of the metal booster 231, and thus bonding between molecules or atoms of the fluid can be cut, thereby increasing the diffusion surface area of the fluid and atomizing the fluid.

[97] The fluid activated in this way is discharged to the impeller accommodation compartment through the outlet holes 131. At this time, the blades 121 of the impeller 120 are rotated by the fluid discharged to the impeller accommodation compartment, and thus a negative pressure can be applied to the inside of the body 110. [98] The activated fluid is agitated by the rotating blades 121 of the impeller 120 so that the fluid can be processed more efficiently.

[99]

[100] 3. THIRD EMBODIMENT

[101] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating an energy- activating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[102] In the current embodiment, an impeller 120 is rotated by a motor 400 to generate a more large agitating force, and the agitating force can be adjusted by varying a voltage applied to the motor 400.

[103] Referring to FIG. 5, a shaft hole is formed in a center portion of a barrier wall 130, and other shaft holes are formed in a metal booster 231 and a coupling shaft. A shaft 410 of the motor 400 is connected to the impeller 120 through the shaft holes.

[104] A bearing block 414 can be disposed between the shaft 410 and the shaft hole of the barrier wall 130, and another bearing block 412 can be disposed between the shaft 410 and a hole of a nut 241 so as to enable reliable rotation of the shaft 410. In addition, another bearing block (not shown) can be disposed between the shaft 410 and the shaft hole of the metal booster 231 for the same reason.

[105] When the motor 400 is rotated in a fluid, the motor 400 has a critical speed (a minimum allowable speed) for preventing the fluid from permeating into the energy- activating apparatus through the shaft 410. Otherwise, that is, if the motor 400 is rotated at a speed equal to or lower than the critical speed, the fluid can permeate into the energy-activating apparatus through the shaft 410 of the motor 400. In this case, piezoelectric ceramic parts 211 and 212 or other components of the energy- activating apparatus can be damaged.

[106]

[107] 4. FOURTH EMBODIMENT

[108] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating an energy- activating apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[109] In the current embodiment, a barrier wall is not formed in a body 110, and an impeller 120 is rotatably coupled to an end portion of the body 110. In the current embodiment, the impeller 120 includes outer blades 121a and inner blades 121b that are separated by a bearing block 122. The outer blades 121a and the inner blades 121b rotate together.

[110] In the current embodiment, the inner blades 121b can be rotated by forcing one or more fluids to flow into an agitating/activating unit 100 through inlet holes 111, and the fluids can be agitated by the rotating inner blades 121b. When the energy- activating apparatus is placed in a fluid that flows at a high speed, the outer blades 121a can be rotated by the flow of the fluid, and the inner blades 121b can be rotated faster than the outer blades 121a. Therefore, the amount of the fluid to be introduced into the agitating/activating unit 100 through the inlet holes 111 can be precisely controlled based on the speed of the fluid flowing outside the energy- activating apparatus.

[I l l]

[112] The energy- activating apparatus described according to the embodiments of the present invention can be used in various application fields. For example, the energy- activating apparatus can be used in a water treatment system such as a water purification system, a chemical treatment system for wastewater, a chlorination system, and a dissolved air flotation system; and a reforming/aging system for fuels, oils, and alcohol. More specifically, the energy- activating apparatus can be used in a water supply system including a gauging well, a mixing chamber, a coagulation basin, a sedimentation tank, a chlorination chamber, a clear wall, and a distribution reservoir; a drainage system; a wastewater purification system for a industrial complex; a swimming pool; and a sewage disposal tank. The energy-activating apparatus can be used for injecting oxygen by generating bubbles, eliminating organisms such as algae and colon bacilli, and sterilization. Therefore, the energy-activating apparatus of the present invention can be applied to various fields such as a water supply system, a drainage system, a wastewater purification system, a washer for toys or dishes, and a sterilization system.

[113] Furthermore, the energy-activating apparatus of the present invention can be used for facilitating aging or softening of meat or fish using a liquid such as wine.

[114] Moreover, the size or structure of the energy- activating apparatus can vary for increasing activation efficiency according to application fields. For example, the amplitude of ultrasonic waves generated by the energy-activating apparatus can be increased by properly adjusting the length of the energy- activating apparatus.

Claims

[1] An energy- activating apparatus comprising: an agitating/activating unit including a cylindrical body, a barrier wall dividing an inner space of the body into an activation compartment and an impeller accommodation compartment, and an impeller rotatably coupled to the barrier wall and placed in the impeller accommodation compartment, the body including a plurality of inlet holes at the activation compartment, the barrier wall including a plurality of outlet holes; an ultrasonic oscillation unit including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the pair of the piezoelectric ceramic parts, the ultrasonic oscillation unit being coupled to the agitating/activating unit with one of the metal boosters being placed in the activation compartment; and a case enclosing the ultrasonic oscillation unit and hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit.

[2] An energy- activating apparatus comprising: an agitating/activating unit including a cylindrical body and an impeller rotatably coupled to an end portion of the body, the body including a plurality of inlet holes, the impeller including an outer blade and an inner blade; an ultrasonic oscillation unit including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the pair of the piezoelectric ceramic parts, the ultrasonic oscillation unit being coupled to the agitating/activating unit with one of the metal boosters being placed in the body; and a case enclosing the ultrasonic oscillation unit and hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit.

[3] An energy- activating apparatus comprising: an agitating/activating unit including a cylindrical body, a barrier wall dividing an inner space of the body into an activation compartment and an impeller accommodation compartment, and an impeller rotatably disposed in the impeller accommodation compartment, the body including a plurality of inlet holes at the activation compartment, the barrier wall including a plurality of outlet holes and a shaft hole; an ultrasonic oscillation unit including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic parts receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the pair of the piezoelectric ceramic parts, the ultrasonic oscillation unit being coupled to the agitating/activating unit with one of the metal boosters being placed in the activation compartment, the piezoelectric ceramic parts and the metal boosters including shaft holes, respectively; a motor coupled to the ultrasonic oscillation unit and including a shaft, the shaft extending through the shaft holes of the ultrasonic oscillation unit and the shaft hole of the barrier wall and being coupled to the impeller; and a case enclosing the ultrasonic oscillation unit and the motor, the case being hermetically connected to the agitating/activating unit.

[4] The energy-activating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal booster placed in the activation compartment has a horn shape.

[5] The energy-activating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outlet holes are shaped to allow a fluid to be injected onto a blade of the impeller at a right angle.

[6] The energy-activating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a blade of the impeller is formed of a metal for efficiently transmitting ultrasonic waves to an outside of the energy- activating apparatus.

[7] The energy-activating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body is formed of a light high-molecular substance or metal for maximizing an ultrasonic output of the energy- activating apparatus.

[8] The energy-activating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein liquid and gas are introduced into the body through the inlet holes of the body separately or simultaneously.

[9] The energy-activating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the motor is rotated at a variable speed according to the amount of a fluid to be processed by controlling a voltage applied to the motor, and when the motor operates in a fluid, the motor has a critical speed for preventing the fluid from permeating into the energy- activating apparatus through the shaft of the motor.

[10] The energy-activating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body includes an inner surface coated with an inorganic material for preventing the inner surface from being corroded by a fluid.

[11] An energy- activating apparatus comprising: a case in which a closed accommodation chamber is formed; an ultrasonic oscillation unit disposed in the accommodation chamber and fixed to the case, the ultrasonic oscillation unit including a piezoelectric ceramic part receiving a voltage and metal boosters coupled to both outer sides of the piezoelectric ceramic part; and an agitating/activating unit disposed in the case apart from the accommodation chamber in a direction in which the ultrasonic oscillation unit is fixed to the case, the agitating/activating unit including one or more fluid conduits for allowing an activated fluid to flow therein.

[12] The energy-activating apparatus of claim 11, wherein one of the metal boosters includes an ultrasonic wave generation surface coupled to a front part of the case.

[13] The energy-activating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the ultrasonic wave generation surface is coupled to the front part of the case by fitting a screw protruded from the front part of the case into a screw hole formed in the ultrasonic wave generation surface.

[14] The energy-activating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the ultrasonic wave generation surface and the front part have a predetermined roughness through a grinding process, and an adhesive material is disposed between the ultrasonic wave generation surface and the front part.

[15] The energy-activating apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fluid conduits are radially arranged around an ultrasonic wave generation surface of one of the metal boosters.

[16] The energy-activating apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a flow generation unit including: a motor; a motor shaft rotatably extending through the case apart from the accommodation chamber in the direction in which the ultrasonic oscillation unit is fixed to the case; and a rotatable impeller coupled to an end of the motor shaft.

[17] The energy-activating apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least one of a humidity sensor for sensing a humidity inside the accommodation chamber, an impact sensor for sensing an impact force applied to the case, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature inside the accommodation chamber, and a fluid- level sensor for sensing a fluid level inside the case, which is disposed in the accommodation chamber of the case.