EP2653216A1 - Système de déflecteurs et système mélangeur magnétique comprenant un tel système de déflecteurs - Google Patents

Système de déflecteurs et système mélangeur magnétique comprenant un tel système de déflecteurs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2653216A1
EP2653216A1 EP12164327.4A EP12164327A EP2653216A1 EP 2653216 A1 EP2653216 A1 EP 2653216A1 EP 12164327 A EP12164327 A EP 12164327A EP 2653216 A1 EP2653216 A1 EP 2653216A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
baffle
baffles
mpa
region
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12164327.4A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Erwin Bauters
Johan Paul
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Strategisch Initiatief Materialen vzw
Original Assignee
Strategisch Initiatief Materialen vzw
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Strategisch Initiatief Materialen vzw filed Critical Strategisch Initiatief Materialen vzw
Priority to EP12164327.4A priority Critical patent/EP2653216A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2013/054660 priority patent/WO2013156199A1/fr
Publication of EP2653216A1 publication Critical patent/EP2653216A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
    • B01F27/84—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with two or more stirrers rotating at different speeds or in opposite directions about the same axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
    • B01F27/86—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis co-operating with deflectors or baffles fixed to the receptacle
    • B01F27/862—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis co-operating with deflectors or baffles fixed to the receptacle the baffles being adjustable or movable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/45—Magnetic mixers; Mixers with magnetically driven stirrers
    • B01F33/452—Magnetic mixers; Mixers with magnetically driven stirrers using independent floating stirring elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to mixing systems for mixing substances in a container, more particularly magnetic mixing systems.
  • Magnetic stirring for mixing of substances in a vessel or container wherein a magnetic stirring bar is positioned at a lower region of the vessel, and wherein such stirring bar is being manipulated by a rotation magnetic field in order to have the magnetic stirring bar making a rotating movement, thereby stirring and mixing substances present in or added into the vessel, are known today.
  • baffle system in mixing systems for stirring and mixing substances, wherein the position of the baffle system is fixed with respect to the container, is known, as it may improve stirring and mixing performance.
  • an apparatus and method of stirring cells in liquid culture media wherein baffles are present along the interior wall of the container.
  • a stirring apparatus is positioned inside the container.
  • the liquid in the container is at a level below the top of the blades such that the blades are moved through the surface of the liquid.
  • a magnetic bar is attached to the shaft and is driven by an external rotating magnetic bar.
  • the mixing system of US6109780 is a dynamic vortex impeller and the baffle system has the role of causing the liquid to circulate from a position near the top of the fluid level to a position near the bottom of the fluid level. This may increase bubble and foam formation during mixing, which is often unwanted, for instance when optical characterization of the mixture is to be performed.
  • a mixing system comprising
  • the substances to be mixed can be fluid or solid, so solid-fluid mixing and fluid-fluid mixing, as well as solid-solid mixing can be improved.
  • a fluid can include for instance fluids (e.g. liquid (water-based, oil-based, solvent-based), emulsions, suspensions, pastes, high solids ).
  • the fluids can be Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluids, they can be shear thickening of shear thinning in nature.
  • the solids can for instance comprise wax, granulates, nanoparticles, polymers (such as for instance acrylics, polyesters).
  • Some parameters which influence the mixing and homogenizing behavior of fluids are the viscosity, rheology, density, reactivity, polarity and temperature. Some parameters which influences the mixing and homogenizing behavior of solids are shape, density, porosity, particle size, solubility, temperature (viscosity), reactivity.
  • baffle system can be removed from the container as disposable and/or to be reused. This provides an additional advantage of more effective cleaning of the container.
  • mixing systems allow a better mixing than similar devices with fixed baffles.
  • a better mixing typically refers to a mixing whereby less air bubbles are captured / less foam is produced in the mixture, for instance due to less or no vortex formation in the mixture during mixing.
  • a better mixing can also refer to the speed of the mixing process, i.e. the required time for appropriately mixing two predetermined substances can be reduced, for instance when compared to a similar system with fixed baffles.
  • baffles of the type illustrated for instance in the disclosure of US6109780 , would not be suitable for improving the mixing of substances with high viscosity.
  • the "rounded" nature of these baffles will cause a flow which is still too laminary in nature in order to substantially improve mixing of such substances.
  • certain types of baffles and baffle orientations may improve this mixing, in combination with the rotating baffle system according to aspects of the present invention.
  • the container can for instance be a vessel, a vial or a bottle or any similar type of container.
  • the container can be made of for instance glass, ceramic, (thermo-)plastic (PC, PP, PTFE, HDPE, PET, PEI, PA,...), metal (HDG-steel, aluminium, cold rolled steel, inox, ... and all kind of metal alloys) as well as teflon or silicone coated metals, with a content ranging from 5 ml to 5 I, or ranging from 20 ml up to 1000 ml, even more preferably ranging from 20 ml up to 125 ml, single or multi-neck, depending on the final application.
  • the container can have a substantially cylinder-shape, or can have a cylinder-shaped main body completed with a bottle neck structure in order to provide a container of the bottle-type. It can also have other shapes.
  • the magnetic stirring bar has a height which does not extend above a certain level within the container, for instance a level defined as 20%, or 15%, or10% of the container height or usable container height.
  • the magnetic stirring bar can be of the bar-type or cylinder-type. It can for instance be coated or encapsulated. It can comprise for instance glass, ceramic or plastic.
  • the magnetic stirring bar can be of any type known to the skilled person, and is not limited to pure bar-shapes.
  • the magnetic stirring bar may have as a basis a bar-shape, which is completed with protrusions, holes or extensions which can typically be added in order to tune the stirring characteristics or application.
  • the magnetic stirring bar is itself not bar-shaped (although named “bar”), but for instance cross shaped, or cylindrical, circular or otherwise shaped.
  • the magnetic stirring bar should be magnetically drivable, and should be suitable for stirring the respective substances. It could for instance be any of the stirring bars commercially known as Pyrex® Spinbar® Glass Stirring Bars, Saturn Spinbar®, Spinfin®, Spinplus®, Spinring®, Spinstar®, Spinvane®, Spinwedge®.
  • the first magnetic driving means is arranged below a bottom surface of the container and the second magnetic driving means is arranged next to and adjacent to a sidewall of the container, or adjacent and above the container. These relative positions may naturally reduce the risk on unwanted interference between the first and second magnetic driving system. Such solutions are then more easily susceptible to finding suitable predetermined magnetic field strengths of the first and second magnetic driving system which reduce or avoid interference between the first and second magnetic driving system.
  • the first magnetic driving means may further exert an attraction of pulling force on the magnetic stirring bar towards the bottom of the container.
  • the first region of the container lies within the lower region of the container, the lower region being the region below the level defined as 80% of the container height, but preferably as 10%, or 20 % or 30% or 40 %,50%, 60% or 70% of the container height.
  • the baffle system is adapted to have its baffles, nor support structure supporting the baffles as described further below, not extend into the first region, said first region preferably corresponding to a central lower region of said container, wherein the magnetic stirring bar is positioned, to thereby not interfere with the magnetic stirring bar present in the first region.
  • the relative surface area of a main surface of each of the baffles with respect to the surface of a maximal cross-sectional surface area of the container is above 5%.
  • the second region lies within the upper halve of the container, or within the upper 60%, or within the upper 70%, or within the upper 80%, or within the upper 90 % of the container, when considered without bottleneck, if such is present.
  • a longitudinal direction of the baffles is oriented substantially vertical or at an angle within the container, or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said container (for instance a symmetry axis of the container), and a main surface of each of the baffles is oriented substantially perpendicular on a representative rotation direction of the fluid.
  • Such representative rotation direction can for instance be a direction laying within a plane perpendicular on the longitudinal direction, and can further be defined as a tangential line of a circle which has the longitudinal axis as a centre.
  • the longitudinal direction of the baffles for instance the longitudinal direction of a main surface of the baffles, can be oriented at an angle with respect to a substantially flat bottom surface of a container, the angle being different from 90 degrees.
  • the longitudinal direction of the baffles for instance the longitudinal direction of a main surface of the baffles, can be oriented at an angle different from zero with respect and/or with respect to a direction defined by the inner sidewalls of the container, or with respect to a longitudinal direction of the container.
  • the baffles may extend from a lower level up until an upper level, over a distance larger than 20%, or larger than 30% or larger than 40% or larger than 50% or larger than 60% or larger than 70% or larger than 80% or larger than 90% of the useable container height.
  • the usable container height refers to the relative compatibility in size and shape of the baffle, and baffle system, and internal surface of the container.
  • the usable container height can be the full height of the container, or the full height of the container below a bottle neck if present.
  • the usable container height may as well be 90% or 80% or 70% or 60% of such height.
  • the baffles are of the blade-type or plate-type; they comprise a first main surface and a second main surface which together constitute a substantial part (for instance 80% or 90 % or 95 % or 99 %) of the total surface of the baffle, and are connected to each other by side surfaces forming the rims of the baffles (lower rim directed downwards, upper rim directed upwards, inner side rim directed towards the internal of the container when in use/placed in the container, outer side rim directed towards the external of the container when use/placed in the container).
  • the main surfaces can be flat or curved.
  • the main surfaces can be parallel to each other or can be arranged at an angle with respect to each other of for instance smaller than 50°, or smaller than 45° or smaller than 40°, or smaller than 30°, or smaller than 20°, or smaller than 10°.
  • the baffle system is adapted to have its baffles substantially extend over a full length of the container, or over a full length without the bottle neck, if present.
  • a relative position of the plurality of baffles is fixed with respect to each other, the fixed positions being supported or by a support structure of the baffle system.
  • the support structure can comprise one or more connecting elements which can provide a rigid connection between the different baffles in order to define a fixed relative configuration of the baffles with respect to each other and with respect to the container.
  • the support structure, and the respective connecting elements can be arranged such that they can be easily fold and unfold between a fixed extended state and a loose or fixed reduced state, as will be described further below.
  • the connecting elements themselves may not be deformed.
  • at least one of the connecting elements may be deformed, for instance elastically, in order to provide a resilient effect when returning towards the reduced state.
  • the baffle system is symmetrically arranged along a central axis, the central axis being adapted for corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the container.
  • the baffles can be symmetrically arranged along a central axis of the baffle system.
  • the baffles are positioned substantially parallel to a common longitudinal direction, and at equidistant angular positions round a central of the baffle system, preferably corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the container when positioned in the container.
  • At least one of the baffles comprises at least one opening.
  • the one or more openings can reduce the resistance and can be preferred especially for blending suspensions.
  • the opening in the baffle is typically adapted for stirring both low and high viscosity liquids.
  • the baffle system is arranged such that, for each baffle, a spacing exists between an external rim of the baffle and an inner wall of the container, the external rim being the rim directed towards the inner wall of the container.
  • a spacing may be sustained and kept constant by spacer elements.
  • spacer elements or spacers may be arranged or may constitute small protrusions at the outer rims of the baffles, which are adapted for interacting with the inner sidewall of the container when the distance between the outer rim and the inner sidewall of the container would become too small.
  • the spacer elements may advantageously be positioned at the upper region of the baffles, for instance at the upper 50%, or upper 40%, or upper 30%, or upper 20%, or upper 10% of the baffles.
  • the use of spacer elements may also contribute to avoid or limit a possible tilting of the baffle system, away from a longitudinal axis of the container, during use.
  • the spacing is constant and is larger than a predetermined maximum grain size of a solid granulated substance to be mixed. This may especially be advantageous when mixing solid granulated substances, as mixing is possible without accumulation of solid particles near the outer end of the baffles, between the outer rim and the inner surface of the container.
  • each of the baffles extends into a lower peripheral region of the container.
  • the lower peripheral region can be the region below a level of 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10 % of the height of the container, near the inner surface of the container, not including a central lower region wherein the magnetic stirring bar is positioned.
  • the mixing system is in use filled up until a level which is below the upper portion of the baffles; in other words, the baffles do preferable extend upwardly from the top surface of the mixture.
  • the mixing system comprises a filling with substances to be mixed or which have been mixed.
  • the filling level is below the level defined by the upper surface of the baffles when the baffle system is positioned in the container.
  • the baffle system can preferably be adapted for being configurable in at least a reduced volume state (or reduced state) or full volume (or fixed extended) state.
  • the container may comprises a container opening for receiving and removing substances.
  • the container may for instance comprise a bottle neck portion and bottle opening.
  • the baffle system in the full volume state not being removable from the container through this opening, while being removable through the opening in the in reduced volume state. This allows an easy removal of the baffle system from the container, which may be advantageous in the context of cleaning and reuse of baffle systems and/or containers.
  • the baffle system is adapted to be brought from a reduced volume state into a full volume state by centrifugal forces exerted on the baffle system when being rotatably driven by the first magnetic driving means.
  • each of the baffles comprises at least one magnet.
  • the magnet may be positioned in the upper portion of the baffles, for instance in the upper 50 %, or the upper 40% , or the upper 30%, or the upper 20%, or the upper 10%, or the upper 5% of the baffle.
  • the magnet can be positioned near or at the outer rim of the baffles.
  • the spacer elements may comprise such magnets, at least in part or completely.
  • the at least one magnet of the baffles has a north-pole and a south-pole, and has a north-south axis connecting the north-pole and the south-pole, and is arranged within the baffle system such that the north-south axis is positioned in a radial direction outward from a central axis of the container.
  • each north-south axis lies along a direction substantially perpendicular to a radial direction outward from a central axis of the container.
  • the second magnetic driving means comprises one or more magnets which are arranged such that they can be driveably rotated along a longitudinal axis of the container around and along an external sidewall of the container at a height corresponding to the at least one magnet within the baffle system.
  • the one or more magnets may be the same in number as the plurality of magnets of the baffle system.
  • Each magnet of the baffle system may cooperate with a respective magnet of the second magnetic driving system.
  • the corresponding magnets may be arranged in close vicinity, while being separated by the sidewall of the container. The may be arranged such that the magnetic attraction between the corresponding magnets is as large as possible.
  • the one or more magnets are arranged in a ring-shaped support structure at equidistant angular intervals, and the ring-shaped support structure is rotatably arranged for rotating in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the container.
  • the ring shaped support structure may be driven by a driving means as for instance a motor, e.g. an electrical motor.
  • a driving means as for instance a motor, e.g. an electrical motor.
  • the magnetic stirring can alo be inductive - driven, stepper-driven or disc motor driven.
  • the one or more magnets of the first magnetic driving system comprises a north pole and a south pole, the north pole and the south pole being connected by a north-south axis, and wherein the one or more magnets are arranged such that their north pole or south pole are positioned directed towards a south pole or a north pole respectively of the baffle system.
  • the mixing system further comprises a control means for controlling a relative rotation speed and/or relative rotation direction of the first and the second magnetic driving means, preferably independently.
  • the control means can be adapted for controlling the baffle system and the magnetic stirring bar to rotate in opposite directions, providing new opportunities and effects in the mixing process.
  • control means is adapted for controlling the baffle system and the magnetic stirring bar to rotate at different speeds.
  • the optimal relative rotation speed and direction of the magnetic stirring bar and baffle system is believed to be dependent on for instance volume and viscosity of the substances to be mixed.
  • the control means may be adapted for controlling the rotation speeds and directions of the magnetic stirring bar and baffle system as a function of these parameters.
  • the control means may be adapted for controlling the relative rotation speeds and directions of the magnetic stirring bar and baffle system as a function of these and/or other parameters (as e.g. temperature,pH, air-entrapment, vortexing).
  • the baffle system (for instance its support structure) further comprises a low-friction guiding means for guiding the magnetic stirring bar in its rotational movement when the position of the magnetic stirring bar would move upwardly in the container up until a predetermined level, while blocking any further upward movement of the magnetic stirring bar within the container, and substantially independent on the rotational movement of the baffle system.
  • a guiding means may for instance have a rounded surface. It may have a rounded, concave surface directed toward the bottom surface of the container. It may have a shape corresponding to a section of a sphere, for instance one of the sections of a sphere when the sphere would be cut and divided by a flat plane.
  • the one or more magnets of the baffle system are positioned above the filling level.
  • the one or more magnets of the baffle system are positioned below the filling level.
  • the magnetic interaction between the magnets of the second magnetic driving system and the magnets of the baffles may be better below or above this level.
  • the container comprises an opening, preferably at its upper or top side, for filling substances into the container while mixing the substances.
  • the mixing system further comprises a weighting means for weighting the container possibly containing the substances mixed or to be mixed.
  • the weighting means can advantageously collaborate with a dispersing device, for instance overhead dispersing device which is adapted for adding substances to the container while stirring; the amount of added substance can then easily be monitored and/or controlled.
  • the container has a width smaller than 50 cm, or smaller than 40 cm, or smaller than 30 cm, or smaller than 20 cm, or smaller than 10 cm, or smaller than 5 cm.
  • the baffles have a width larger than 1 cm. According to preferred embodiments, the baffles have a width smaller than 25 cm, or smaller than 20 cm, or smaller than 15 cm, or smaller than 10 cm, or smaller than 5 cm.
  • the container has a height smaller than 50 or 40 or 30 or 20 or 10 cm
  • the baffles have a height or respective height larger than 25cm, or larger than 20cm, or larger than 15 cm, or larger than 10 cm, or larger than 5 cm.
  • an automated platform for high throughput mixing comprising a plurality of mixing systems according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.
  • the plurality of mixing systems can be arranged according to a matrix structure for parallel processing.
  • a baffle system is disclosed as described above for any of the embodiments of the first aspect.
  • a method for stirring at least one substance, e.g. for mixing substances, in a container comprising:
  • the magnetic stirring bar and baffle system are driven independently by a first and a second magnetic driving means respectively.
  • the method further comprises controlling the rotation speed of the controlling a relative rotation speed and/or relative rotation direction of the first and the second magnetic driving means.
  • the method further comprises controlling the baffle system and the magnetic stirring bar to rotate in opposite directions.
  • the method further comprises controlling the baffle system and the magnetic stirring bar to rotate at different speeds.
  • the method further comprises controlling the rotation speeds and directions of the magnetic stirring bar and baffle system as a function of volume and/or viscosity and/or other parameters.
  • the control means may be adapted for controlling the relative rotation speeds and directions of the magnetic stirring bar and baffle system as a function of volume and/or viscosity and/ or other parameters (as for instance temperature, pH, air-entrapment, vortexing).
  • the method comprises filling the container up until a level which is lower then the level corresponding to the upper level of the baffle system.
  • Fig. 1A shows a schematic top view of embodiments of the present invention.
  • a cylindrical container 3, wherein a freely rotatable baffle system 2 is mounted, is depicted.
  • a longitudinal axis of the baffle system 2 corresponds to a longitudinal symmetry axis of the container.
  • Each of the baffles 4 constitutes a straight flat flow guiding plate.
  • the baffles 4 are mounted around the longitudinal axis at equidistant angles.
  • the baffles can all have the same shape.
  • the planes defined by the straight flat baffles are preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical container.
  • N baffles are comprised in the baffle system, they are preferably positioned at angles of 360°/N.
  • baffles are for instance positioned relative to one another at 180°.
  • Three baffles have equidistant angular spacings of about 120°; four baffles correspond to equidistant angular spacings of 90° etc.
  • the baffle system comprises at least one magnet (not depicted).
  • a magnetic driving system (“second magnetic driving system”) can drive the rotational movement of the baffle system within the container. This can be achieved by a laterally positioned magnetic driving system, as described further below, wherein preferably a plurality of baffle magnets are comprised in the baffle system, each of the magnets preferably provided within a respective baffle, for instance on a basis of one magnet per baffle. Alternatively, this can be achieved by driving for instance a single magnet, positioned in the upper central region of the baffle system, in a similar way as the magnetic stirring bar is driven, as also explained below.
  • the different baffles within the baffle system are connected to each other by means of a support structure 20.
  • FIG. 1B An alternative embodiment is depicted in Fig. 1B , wherein a single baffle 4 is comprised in the baffle system 2.
  • the baffle system is similar to the baffle system comprising two baffles as described before, but the second baffle is not present and is replaced by a thin extension or portion of the support structure 20 which extend upwards up until a level of the baffle magnet in the first baffle.
  • the thin extension comprises a second baffle magnet which can cooperate with a second magnet of the magnetic driving system for the baffle system.
  • a weight compensation of balancing element 201 can be provided on the support structure, for instance near the end of the support structure extension. This element 201 may comprise the second baffle magnet.
  • the weight compensation of balancing element can provide the function of counter-balancing the larger weight of the first baffle when compared to the weight of the support structure extension and/or second baffle magnet provided at the support structure extension, such that the baffle system remains in an essentially vertical position when being rotated within the container 3.
  • a container 3 is depicted, comprising a baffle system 2 as in the first and second figure of Fig. 2 .
  • the support structure is present but not depicted for clarity reasons.
  • the magnetic driving means 6 comprises a ring or other support structure 60.
  • the support structure comprises or supports a number of magnets 61, 62, 63, 64 at positions corresponding with the baffle magnets, and thus under similar configurations as described for the baffle orientations (180°, 120°, 90°, etc... angular separation).
  • the ring or support structure itself is rotatably mounted and driven by a driving means such as for instance an electrical motor, the rotation speed of which can be controlled.
  • the magnets are arranged such that a permanent attraction takes place between baffle magnets BM1, BM2, BM3, BM4 and corresponding magnets 61, 62, 63, 64 of the second driving means.
  • both magnets may align automatically as they attract each other.
  • the north poles of the baffle magnets may be directed and facing the south poles of the corresponding magnets of the second magnetic driving means.
  • the positions of the magnets, as well as their strength and field properties, are preferably predetermined and such that a strong attraction force is existing, which is strong enough to mix substances with relatively high viscosities.
  • the resistance due to forces acting on the baffles by the substances to be mixed should in other words not allow the baffle magnets and the second magnetic driving means to be driving away from each other.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of a mixing system 1 according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the baffle system 2 is placed within the container 3.
  • the baffle system comprises two baffles 4, which are of the straight flat type and which extend from the bottom of the vessel or container up into the upper region of the container 3. Their longitudinal axis is aligned with respect to a central axis of the cylindrical container 3.
  • the baffles are arranged at 180° in a plane perpendicular on the central axis.
  • Each of the baffles comprises a baffle magnet (BM2 and BM 4), at the same height within the container 3.
  • the baffles' position is fixed with respect to each other, preferably by means of a support structure 20.
  • the baffles 4 are, as an example, substantially rectangular.
  • the baffles comprise an inner rim 44, and outer rim 43, a lower rim 46 and an upper rim 45, which connect a front main surface 41 and a back main surface 42 (front and back for instance defined with respect to facing and facing away from the incoming flow of substances respectively).
  • the upper portion of the baffles extends from the surface of the filling, i.e. it extends above the filling level (FL), for improved mixing.
  • the baffles have a width BW, and a length BL, both of which can depend on the viscosity of the substances to be mixed.
  • the lower rim 46 of the baffles preferably rests on the bottom of the container, but this is not necessary.
  • a magnetic stirring bar 8 is provided within the container 3, at a first portion as for instance at a central lower portion.
  • the magnetic stirring bar comprises a north and a south pole which are positioned corresponding to the south and the north pole respectively of a magnet in the first magnetic driving means 5, which is rotatable mounted and which can be driven by means of for instance an electrical motor, the speed and direction of which can be controlled (e.g. ⁇ 2 ).
  • the second magnetic driving means 6 comprises magnets 62 and 64 at positions corresponding with their associated baffle magnets BM2 and BM4, and is adapted for driving the magnets in the baffle system, and thus for driving the rotational movement of the baffles in speed ( ⁇ 2 ) and direction (negative or positive speed).
  • the first magnetic driving means can be driven at a speed ⁇ 1 (stirring bar rotating at this speed), while the second magnetic driving means can be rotated at a speed ⁇ 2 (baffle rotation speed) which is half or double the speed ⁇ 1 .
  • ⁇ 1 can be N times ⁇ 2 , N being an integer value.
  • ⁇ 2 can be N times ⁇ 1 .
  • ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 can have opposite signs, i.e. baffle system and magnetic stirring bar can rotate in opposed directions. They can have opposite signs, while the same relation can apply for their absolute values ⁇ 1
  • a gap G is present between the internal wall of the (eg cylindrical) container and the outer rim 43 of the baffles 4. This may provide advantages with respect to mixing performance as well as to cleaning and the reduction of foaming. Note that the filling level (FL) is below the level of the baffle magnets. This is also illustrated in Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b .
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a similar embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 , but here, the baffles comprise, or are foreseen of, spacer elements 7, which are positioned at the outer rim of the baffles in order to perform gap size control. Moreover, the presence of such spacer elements may increase stability when rotating.
  • Fig. 4 also illustrates the lower region of the container (LR) and the second region (R2) of the container where the second changing magnetic field substantially extends.
  • the filling level (FL) is here above the level of the baffle magnets.
  • Whether the filling level should stay above or below the level of the baffle magnets can be predetermined, based on magnetic attraction properties in air or in substances to be mixed.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 3 , wherein the filling level is above the level of the baffle magnets, and as is advantageous, below the upper rim 45 of the baffles.
  • a second magnetic driving means comprises two support structures 6 and 6*, which are similar or identical, and which are provided the one below the other.
  • This can preferably be combined with a second magnet per baffle for the baffle system.
  • a first set of magnets BM1, BM2, BM3, BM4 is arranged at a first height within the container, or at a first height of the baffles
  • a second set of baffle magnets BM1 *, BM2*, BM3*, BM4* is arranged at a second height within the container, or at a second height of the baffles.
  • Both sets of baffle magnets can then be attracted to corresponding magnets on the support structures 6 and 6* respectively.
  • Support structures 6 and 6* are then preferably driving together at the same speed, and a fixed connection between both structures 6 and 6* can be foreseen. This may improve the strength of the connection and may be advantageous for substances with higher viscosities.
  • Fig. 7 a similar embodiment is depicted as in Fig. 3 , but the baffles comprise at least one opening 40. This may improve mixing performance or may reduce the necessary strength of magnetic coupling between the baffle system and the second magnetic driving means.
  • Fig. 14 a sideview similar to the one of Fig. 3 is depicted for embodiments described in relation with Fig. 1B , wherein the baffle system comprises a single baffle, an extension of the support structure 20, and an optional balancing element 201.
  • the usable level (UL) of the container 3 may be a certain level below the top of the container. It may for instance be a level corresponding to the level where a bottle neck structure for a container starts when going upwards.
  • the maximal cross-sectional surface area of said container can correspond to the maximal cross-sectional area (XS) of the container (depicted on the right for an open cylindrical container without bottleneck for instance).
  • the maximal cross-sectional surface area (XS) of said container can correspond to the maximal total cross-sectional area of the container below the usable level (UL), for instance when the container would have a bottle neck section on top of a cylindrical section. Anyhow, the skilled person will understand that other shapes of containers can be used, and that the maximal cross sectional area for any of such containers can easily be determined.
  • Fig. 10 an embodiment is depicted wherein the support structure 20 comprises a blocking means 21 for controlling the position of the magnetic stirring bar, if the latter would move upward during the mixing process. This may improve stability.
  • aspects of the present invention thus disclose the use of two a priori independent rotational mixing devices in a container, as for instance recipients, for instance a disposable recipient that can be integrated in an automated and high-throughput formulation platform.
  • the flexible (re-usable or disposable depending on application) character of the mixing devices and the disposable character of the recipients can offer a significant advantage compared to existing containers with integrated (fixed) mixing devices where cleaning is a real issue.
  • a decrease of the vortex formation and air-entrapment or bubble formation an be achieved to minimize the foaming and reduce the amount of air incorporated into the mixture.
  • baffles can for instance be flat plate, triangle, propeller, helix, honey structure, c-curved, etc.
  • baffle systems can preferably be easily implemented/recovered in/from vials and can significantly enhance the mixing process.
  • the stirring speeds (rotation speed) and directions of both independent rotational mixing devices can be controlled, which can optimize mixing.
  • these speeds and directions can be optimised.
  • PTFE coated magnetic stirring bars i.e. barbell, octahedral, cylindrical, plain, removable ring, oval, egg shaped, cross, pivot ring, tapered, triangular, triangular with rib, crosshead-double, crosshead-single, square, disc, spherical, hub, test tube wings, elliptical rare earth magnets and the like
  • barbell octahedral, cylindrical, plain, removable ring, oval, egg shaped, cross, pivot ring, tapered, triangular, triangular with rib, crosshead-double, crosshead-single, square, disc, spherical, hub, test tube wings, elliptical rare earth magnets and the like
  • a 100 ml container or vial 3 comprises a magnetic stirring bar 8 which can be driven by an external magnet, or first magnetic driving means 5.
  • the container further comprises a re-usable independent baffled system 2, with magnets (Baffle Magnets (BM)) incorporated in the baffles. These magnets, and thus the baffle system into which they are integrated, can be driven by the 2nd independent magnetic driving means 6.
  • the magnets in the baffles can be positioned at different heights depending on the shape, the robustness and design of the baffles 4 or baffle system 2.
  • baffles impeller/propeller/paddle
  • the baffle device can rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise at a rotation speed which can be different from the rotation speed of the first magnetic driving system.
  • the most common baffles are straight flat "plates" that run along the straight side of vertically oriented cylindrical vials, but many variations are possible.
  • the number of baffles can be 1, 2, 3, 4 or more, but can be larger.
  • the baffle width is preferably chosen in function of the viscosity of the substanes to be mixed or mixture. As the viscosity decreases, baffling becomes more important and the baffle width gets larger.
  • Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a mixing system according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGS 12 and 13 illustrate baffle systems according to embodiments of the present invention, which are optimized for specific mixing applications and/or viscosity ranges or relative viscosity ranges of substances to be mixed.
  • the baffle magnets can be positioned also near the lower portion of the container.
  • the baffles are cross-linked and their relative position in preferably fixed with respect to each other, by means of the support structure 20.
  • the formulations were found to be homogeneous after 10 to 15 minutes, while normally at least 20 minutes is required if no baffles or if fixed baffles are used. This shows for instance that the use of a rotating baffle system in combination with a stirring bar improves the mixing process, as it reduces the required mixing time towards homogenization. Moreover, no bubble creation or foaming has been observed.
  • the magnetic stirring bar can thereby have a magnetic field strength between 25 mT - 600 mT, more preferably in the range of 45 - 200 mT and even more preferrably between 50 mT to 180 mT.
  • the magnets of the magnetic driving means for the baffle system can have a magnetic field strength within the range of 100 to 750 mT, more preferably between 100 mT to 400 mT and even more preferably between 120 mT to 300 mT.
  • Example A low viscous
  • Example B high viscous Ratio Ex A - Ex B Homogenisation without baffle 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 10 / 90 YES 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 30 / 70 YES 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 50 / 50 YES 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 70 / 30 YES 100 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 90 / 10 YES 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 10 / 90 Acceptable 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 30 / 70 Borderline (long period) 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 50 / 50 Borderline (long period) 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 70 / 30 Borderline (long period) 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 70 / 30 Borderline
  • Example A low viscous
  • Example B high viscous Ratio Ex A - Ex B Homogenisation with baffle 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 10 / 90 YES 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 30 / 70 YES 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 50 / 50 YES 1 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 70 / 30 YES 100 mPa.s 1,000 mPa.s 90 / 10 YES 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 10 / 90 YES 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 10 / 90 YES 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 30 / 70 YES 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 50 / 50 YES 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s 70 / 30 YES 100 mPa.s 10,000 mPa.s

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Mixers With Rotating Receptacles And Mixers With Vibration Mechanisms (AREA)
EP12164327.4A 2012-04-16 2012-04-16 Système de déflecteurs et système mélangeur magnétique comprenant un tel système de déflecteurs Withdrawn EP2653216A1 (fr)

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EP12164327.4A EP2653216A1 (fr) 2012-04-16 2012-04-16 Système de déflecteurs et système mélangeur magnétique comprenant un tel système de déflecteurs
PCT/EP2013/054660 WO2013156199A1 (fr) 2012-04-16 2013-03-07 Système à déflecteurs et système mélangeur magnétique comprenant un tel système à déflecteurs

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CN104014266A (zh) * 2014-05-14 2014-09-03 嘉兴职业技术学院 一种改良结构的液体搅拌装置
US10610843B2 (en) 2017-11-28 2020-04-07 Talis Biomedical Corporation Magnetic mixing apparatus
CN113069979A (zh) * 2021-04-01 2021-07-06 安徽农业大学 一种大口黑鲈养殖用饲料制备储存系统

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US10517438B2 (en) * 2015-10-28 2019-12-31 Trent Walker Extraction brewer
US11008627B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2021-05-18 Talis Biomedical Corporation Diagnostic system

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EP0461746A2 (fr) * 1990-06-15 1991-12-18 Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd Agitateur
EP0824036A1 (fr) * 1996-08-06 1998-02-18 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Appareil agitateur
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DE102006020706A1 (de) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-08 Sartorius Biotech Gmbh Schikanenanordnung für Bioreaktoren
EP1816009B1 (fr) 2006-02-07 2011-04-27 Ring Alliance Ringbuchtechnik GmbH Mécanisme de fermeture pour feuilles mobiles perforées

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EP0461746A2 (fr) * 1990-06-15 1991-12-18 Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd Agitateur
EP0824036A1 (fr) * 1996-08-06 1998-02-18 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Appareil agitateur
US6109780A (en) 1998-01-22 2000-08-29 S. P. Industries Inc. Dynamic vortex impeller
EP1816009B1 (fr) 2006-02-07 2011-04-27 Ring Alliance Ringbuchtechnik GmbH Mécanisme de fermeture pour feuilles mobiles perforées
DE102006020706A1 (de) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-08 Sartorius Biotech Gmbh Schikanenanordnung für Bioreaktoren

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CN104014266A (zh) * 2014-05-14 2014-09-03 嘉兴职业技术学院 一种改良结构的液体搅拌装置
CN104014266B (zh) * 2014-05-14 2016-01-20 嘉兴职业技术学院 一种改良结构的液体搅拌装置
US10610843B2 (en) 2017-11-28 2020-04-07 Talis Biomedical Corporation Magnetic mixing apparatus
CN113069979A (zh) * 2021-04-01 2021-07-06 安徽农业大学 一种大口黑鲈养殖用饲料制备储存系统

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