JP2005288254A - Micro-device and method for confluence of fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a micro-device improved in rapidity and uniformity of mixing and a method for confluence of fluids by the use of the micro-device. <P>SOLUTION: The micro-device supplies two or more incoming fluids independently to a confluence area 10 and discharges the fluids from the confluence area and has supplying channels 12 and 18 supplying the incoming fluids respectively to the confluence area and a discharging channel 26 discharging the joined fluids from the confluence area to the outside of the micro-device. The supplying channel supplying at least one fluid has two or more sub-channels 16 and 16' flowing into the confluence area, and the sub-channel and the supplying channel are configured so that the central axis of at least one of the sub-channels and the central axis of at least one of the supplying channels or sub-channels supplying at least one fluid other than the fluid supplied by the above sub-channel intersect with each other at a point 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a microdevice that joins plural kinds of fluids, and more particularly to a microdevice that mixes and / or reacts fluids so joined. Such microdevices can be used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, for example, when various products are produced by mixing or reacting fluid materials.

  In this specification, the term “fluid” is used to include liquids and liquid mixtures that can be handled as liquids. Examples of such a mixture include a liquid containing a solid and / or a gas, and may be a liquid mixture containing a fine solid such as a powder (for example, metal fine particles) and / or fine bubbles. Further, the liquid may include other types of liquid that is not dissolved, and may be, for example, an emulsion. In another aspect, the fluid may be a gas in the present invention, and the gas may contain solid or solid particulates.

  Various microdevices have been proposed for the purpose of fluid mixing (here, “mixing” includes mixing involving reaction). Mixing in such microdevices utilizes the phenomenon of material diffusion between the fluids to be mixed. In order to perform the mixing quickly and uniformly, it is a requirement to increase the contact area of the fluid to be mixed. The microdevices proposed so far are disclosed in, for example, the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 and the like.

  In the microdevice disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, two types of fluids flow along the microchannel while maintaining a state in which they are in contact with each other. Such microchannels can be easily formed using semiconductor manufacturing techniques, specifically photolithographic etching. However, the microchannel that can be formed is shallow with respect to its width, and as a result, the contact area of the fluid is not always sufficient. Recently, a technique for forming a deeper microchannel by a dry etching method has also been proposed, but it requires considerable cost to form such a microchannel.

  When the microchannel width (width in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction) is large as in these microdevices, and it takes time for the material between the fluids to be mixed in that direction to diffuse, the fluid contact interface The degree of mixing is clearly different between the vicinity of and the location away from it. At the point farthest from the contact interface, the fluid may be ejected from the microdevice with substantially no mixing. When two types of reactants are mixed and reacted using such a microdevice, the progress of the reaction differs depending on the location of the microdevice, and as a result, a uniform reaction cannot be performed.

  In general, microdevices are designed in a tailor-made manner so that they can be operated optimally for specific operating conditions. However, when such microdevices are used under different operating conditions, the functions of the microdevice cannot be fully demonstrated. There are many. In other words, known microdevices have a limited operating condition range. For example, in the case of a microdevice designed to supply two kinds of fluids at the same flow rate, when the flow ratios of these fluids are greatly different, it is possible to stably mix while keeping the flow ratio constant. It's not easy. As a result, the desired product may not be obtained.

  Solids may precipitate or the precipitated solids may aggregate to block the microchannel, and the mixing operation may not be performed stably and continuously. Naturally, the clogging is a particular problem when the intended precipitation occurs as in the case of carrying out a crystallization reaction that produces fine particles.

  When the inventors performed a crystallization reaction of silver chloride (AgCl) fine particles using the microdevice disclosed in Patent Document 3, immediately after exiting the slit portion forming a thin layer of each liquid to be supplied Aggregation of the fine particles occurred at the location, and clogging occurred within 10 minutes after the start of liquid supply, making it difficult to continue the operation.

  In chemical processes, mixing or reaction operations are often performed in multiple steps. When performing this plurality of steps using a microdevice, for example, one mixing or reaction may be performed by one microdevice and the product obtained in that microdevice (eg, mixture, reaction product may be included) ) To the next microdevice to carry out the next mixing or reaction.

  Thus, when using two microdevices in series, it is necessary to connect between these microdevices using piping and a coupling. The volume in such pipes and joints is relatively large and in some cases may be greater than the internal capacity of the microdevice. As a result, it may take time for the fluid to pass through the piping and fittings, and the next mixing or reaction may not be performed immediately after the first mixing or reaction.

On the other hand, for fluids present in pipes and fittings, mixing or reaction is in the middle of the process, so if the process is stopped, such fluids cannot be handled as final products, resulting in loss. . In addition, it becomes difficult to realize a compact plant which is an advantage of using a micro device.
Japanese National Patent Publication No. 10-507406 JP 2000-298109 A International Publication WO00 / 62914

Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to at least alleviate and preferably eliminate at least one of the various problems of the microdevice as described above. Specifically, for example, it is intended to achieve at least one of the following:
Providing a microdevice or a method of combining fluids using microdevices for rapid and uniform mixing;
Providing a microdevice or a method of joining fluids using a microdevice that can flexibly cope with the operating conditions of mixing;
Further, in the method of joining fluids using these microdevices or microdevices,
Providing a microdevice or a method for joining fluids using a microdevice that can be stably and continuously operated while suppressing clogging,
To provide a method of joining fluids using a microdevice or a microdevice that is compact and can flexibly handle various mixing processes.

  The inventors have intensively studied the above problem, and the diffusion phenomenon in the microdevice is affected by various factors, but in order to achieve quicker and more uniform mixing, the contact interface area between the fluids to be mixed is reduced. It came to the idea that it was important to consider how to increase in a short time, and as a result of further studies, two or more fluid streams flow into the merge area and are discharged after they merge When a micro device is used, at least one type of fluid stream is supplied to the merging region in the form of a substream divided into a plurality of parts (if the fluid that is not divided remains, the fluid stream is supplied to the merging region as it is. ), At least one central axis of at least one substream of the fluid to be divided and supplied, and other than the fluid At least one substream of at least one of the types of fluids (if this fluid is also supplied divided) and / or the central axis of the stream (if there remains undivided fluid) It has been found that the above-mentioned problem can be solved by supplying these fluids to the merging region so that they intersect at one point in this merging region.

In the first aspect, the present invention provides:
Provided is a microdevice that independently supplies two or more kinds of fluids that flow into the merging region and discharges these fluids from the merging region.
A supply channel that supplies each fluid that has flowed into the microdevice to the merge region, and a discharge channel that discharges the merged fluid from the merge region to the outside of the microdevice,
A supply channel that supplies at least one fluid comprises a plurality of subchannels that flow into the merge region (and these subchannels supply fluid to the merge region),
At least one central axis of the plurality of subchannels and a supply channel that supplies at least one fluid of other types of fluid other than the fluid that the subchannel supplies (there is a supply channel that does not have a subchannel The subchannel and the supply channel are formed such that at least one central axis of the subchannel intersects at one point. The point where the central axes intersect is preferably located in the merge area.

In the second aspect, the present invention provides:
A method of supplying two or more fluid streams separately to a merge region using a microdevice having a merge region and joining there is provided.
At least one stream of fluid is divided into a plurality of substreams and supplied to the merge region; and when there is a fluid that is not divided, the stream of fluid is supplied to the merge region;
At least one central axis of at least one substream of fluid to be divided and at least one substream or stream of at least one fluid of other types of fluid other than the fluid (When there is a fluid that does not exist) is supplied to the merging region so as to intersect with the central axis at one point. The point where the central axes intersect is preferably located in the merge area.

  In one aspect of the microdevice or fluid merging method of the present invention, the central axis of one subchannel (or substream) and the type different from the fluid supplied by the subchannel (referred to as the first fluid for simplicity) The central axis of one supply channel (or stream) supplying a fluid (referred to as a second fluid for simplicity) at one point and in another aspect the center of one subchannel (or substream) The axis and the central axis of one subchannel (or substream) that supplies a different type of fluid (second fluid) intersect with the fluid supplied by the subchannel (first fluid) at one point. In other words, one central axis of the first fluid subchannel (or substream) intersects one central axis of the second fluid supply channel (or stream) or subchannel (or substream).

  In another aspect, the central axis of another subchannel (or substream) of the first fluid and / or the central axis of another subchannel (or substream) of the second fluid also intersect at the same point.

  In addition to these fluids, one or more other fluids may be supplied to the merge region via subchannels or supply channels, and one or more of the central axes of such channels may be the same. You may cross at a point.

  In this specification, the terms “channel” and “stream” are used. The former refers to a component as a flow path of a microdevice, and the latter refers to a fluid flowing therethrough. In the present invention, particular attention is paid to the central axis of the channel and the stream, but since the shape of the stream corresponds to the shape of the internal space of the channel, as far as the central axis is concerned, these terms mean substantially These terms are used in that sense. Therefore, the items that apply to “channel” apply to “stream” as well. The term “sub” is used to mean a channel or stream divided.

  In the microdevice or the merging method of the present invention, when two or more different kinds of fluids are fed into the merging region, at least two kinds of fluids are supplied with a supply channel (accordingly, a stream) or a subchannel (accordingly). At least one central axis of the substream intersects at a point in the merge region (provided that at least one fluid is supplied to the merge region via the subchannel (and thus in the form of a substream). ).

  By the above-described microdevice or fluid merging method of the present invention, at least one of the challenges of rapid and uniform mixing and flexible response to the operating conditions of mixing is at least mitigated and preferably eliminated. As a result, such a microdevice and fluid merging method can be applied when two or more fluids are mixed, and is suitable for carrying out a reaction together with such mixing.

  In the present invention, since the central axes of the fluids to be joined collide and contact so that they intersect at one point, these fluids are instantaneously divided (or refined) into smaller fluid masses by their kinetic energy. At the same time, the contact state of the fluid mass is improved. As a result, the contact interfacial area between the fluids that join is increased abruptly and mixing between these fluids is facilitated, thus achieving more rapid and uniform mixing.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

  The microdevice of the present invention is a device having a function of supplying two or more kinds of fluids that have flowed into the merging region independently and discharging these fluids from the merging region. Here, “independently” means that each fluid flowing into the microdevice passes through different paths until reaching the merge region, and different types of fluids do not go through the same path. That is, it is “supplied separately”.

  In the microdevice of the present invention, two or more kinds of fluids are supplied into the microdevice via the inlet, and these are supplied to the confluence region via the supply channel. The supply channel is not particularly limited as long as it is a passage for supplying the fluid supplied to the microdevice to the merge region, and is usually a conduit portion having a circular or rectangular cross section. A fluid flowing through such a supply channel is called a stream.

  The merge region is a region where these fluids merge, and is a region where the separately supplied fluids contact each other for the first time. Each supply channel is united in the merge region, that is, each supply channel ends in the merge region, and the fluids merged in the merge region are mixed with each other. Therefore, all kinds of fluids supplied to the microdevice exist in the merge region. In this sense, there is substantially only one type of fluid in the supply channel (or subchannel).

  The fluid that has joined in the joining region is then discharged from the joining region to the outside of the microdevice via the discharge channel. Thus, the end of the discharge channel starts from the merge area. Similar to the supply channel, the discharge channel is not particularly limited as long as it is a passage for discharging the fluid joined from the joining region, and is usually a conduit portion having a circular or rectangular cross section. A region where the fluids supplied in this way are merged is a merge region, and a channel through which the fluid passes when the merged fluid is discharged to the outside of the microdevice is a discharge channel. The number of discharge channels is usually one, but may be two or more, for example, and one discharge channel may be branched into a plurality of channels (that is, subchannels) on the way. Good.

  A subchannel is a flow path that transports a stream of fluid supplied to a microdevice in the form of a plurality of substreams, and supplies the fluid supplied to the device to the confluence region in the same manner as the above-described supply channel. It is not particularly limited as long as it is a passage to be performed, and is usually a conduit portion having a circular or rectangular cross section. In general, the thickness of the subchannel is equal to or thinner than the thickness of the supply channel.

  In the present invention, the term “microdevice” is a general term for an apparatus for flowing a fluid in a microchannel and / or merging there and performing operations such as mixing, reaction, heat exchange and the like. In particular, a microdevice whose main purpose is mixing is called a micro mixer, a micro device whose main purpose is reaction is called a microreactor, and a micro device whose main purpose is heat exchange is called a micro heat exchanger (micro heat exchanger). . The diameter or equivalent diameter of the microchannel (microchannel) or the stream passing therethrough (when the cross section of the channel or stream is not circular) is 1 mm or less, and particularly the diameter or equivalent diameter is usually 500 μm or less, preferably Is 100 μm or less. The term “equivalent diameter” is used in the meaning used in the field of hydrodynamics. Note that the supply channel, the sub-channel, and the discharge channel (collectively referred to simply as channels) as described above may be straight or curved.

  As can be easily understood, in the confluence region as described above, one end corresponds to the end of the supply channel and the other end corresponds to the start of the discharge channel, between these ends. This corresponds to the merge area. That is, along the flow direction of the fluid, a merging region exists adjacent to the supply channel, and a discharge channel is adjacent to the merging region. However, since the number of supply channels and sub-channels is plural in total and the number of discharge channels may be one or more, the term “end” is conceptually “ Although it is “end”, it is not actually necessary. Rather, each end means the upstream side and the downstream side of the merge region with respect to the flow direction of the fluid in the microdevice.

  Note that there is no need to define a clear boundary for these adjacency relationships described above, and there is a clear boundary between the end of the supply channel and the end (or upstream) of the merge area. And / or there may be no clear boundary between the other end (or downstream) of the merge area and the beginning of the discharge channel. As a result, in the microdevice of the present invention, for example, in one case, the downstream side of the merging region may transitively change to the starting end of the discharging channel, and in another case, the starting end of the discharging channel may be changed to the merging region. As a result, the merging region may not substantially exist as a region. That is, the discharge channel has a merge area at the end.

  In the microdevice of the present invention, two or more fluids join at the joining region. Each fluid is supplied separately to the confluence region via a supply channel. At least one of the fluids supplied in this way is supplied by supply channels in the form of a plurality of subchannels. In this case, it is not always necessary that the supply channel is constituted by such subchannels over its entire length, and at least when the fluid flows into the merging region, it is necessary that the at least one fluid flows through the plurality of subchannels. It is.

  Thus, the at least one fluid (e.g., the first fluid described above) flows, for example, initially through a single supply channel and then through a plurality of subchannels into which the supply channel is branched, and finally, It may flow into the merge area from the end of the subchannel. In another aspect, rather than branching off in the middle, the at least one fluid may flow in multiple substreams as it enters the microdevice, in which case the supply channel supplying the fluid is The whole is composed of a plurality of subchannels.

  The fluid supplied in this manner is at least one of the two or more types of fluids supplied to the microdevice, and other types of fluids may also be supplied separately. There are multiple subchannels for each fluid. All types of fluids may be divided and supplied.

  When supplying one type of fluid stream to the merge region via the subchannels, the number of subchannels is not particularly limited. Since the structure of the microdevice becomes complicated, it may not be preferable to provide a large number of subchannels. In general, one kind of fluid is preferably supplied to the merge region via 2 to 10 subchannels, more preferably 2 to 5, for example 2, 3 or 4 subchannels.

  As described above, in the microdevice of the present invention, the central axis of at least one supply channel and the central axis of at least one subchannel supplying at least one different fluid supply different fluids or different from each other. At least two central axes of the subchannel intersect at a point, preferably in the merge region. In the present invention, the central axis of the supply channel or subchannel refers to the center of mass of the fluid flowing through the supply channel or subchannel flowing into the merge region, that is, the fluid existing in the portion of the supply channel or subchannel adjacent to the merge region. Means the axis (or straight line) along the direction of movement of the center of mass (or center of gravity).

  As can be easily understood, the fluid passing through the supply channels or subchannels of the microdevice as a stream or substream can be considered as a fluid mass corresponding to the internal space of these channels, and thus as a stream or substream. The fluid passing therethrough has a central axis that substantially coincides with the central axis of the supply channel or subchannel. In the method of the present invention, such a central axis is referred to as a central axis of a stream or a central axis of a substream.

  Specifically, when the supply channel or subchannel portion that flows into the merge area is cylindrical, the length of the cylinder passes through the center of gravity (geometric center of gravity) of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the cylinder. The axis along the longitudinal direction corresponds to the central axis, and thus this central axis corresponds to the central axis of the stream or substream of fluid flowing through such a channel. For example, if the channel or subchannel (and thus the stream or substream) is a cylinder or square tube, then the center of gravity (the center of the circle or diagonal) of the cross section (ie, circular or rectangular) perpendicular to the length of the tube A straight line along the length direction of the tube passing through the intersection point becomes the central axis. Such a concept of the central axis can be easily understood by those skilled in the art according to the cross-sectional shape of the channel.

  In the microdevice of the present invention, the central axis of at least one subchannel of at least one fluid and at least one central axis of at least one other fluid supply channel or subchannel are preferably in a merge region, Intersect at one point. Crossing at one point means that if there are two target central axes, they intersect, and if there are more than two target central axes, all such central axes are at one point. It means to cross.

  Specifically, when two types of fluids merge, in one embodiment, one fluid is supplied to the merged region in a subchannel and the other in a supply channel to one or more of the subchannels, most Preferably, all central axes and the central axis of the supply channel intersect at one point. In another embodiment, both fluids are fed into the merge region in subchannels, and the central axes of one or more of each fluid, most preferably all subchannels, intersect at one point.

  Even when three or more kinds of fluids are supplied, at least one of them, more preferably two kinds, and most preferably three kinds are supplied via the subchannel. A central axis of at least one or more subchannels of the at least one fluid and at least one or more central axes of the other two or less fluid channels and subchannels are in one point. Intersect. Most preferably, all central axes intersect at one point.

  Next, the microdevice and the fluid merging method of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a conceptual diagram of the microdevice of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a concept of a configuration of a channel of a micro device that joins fluid A and fluid B as two kinds of fluids in a joining region, and the channel as shown is formed in the micro device.

  In FIG. 1, the micro device has a merge region 10 (rectangular region surrounded by a dotted line), and fluid A and fluid B are supplied into the micro device from the outside as indicated by arrows toward the merge region. The fluid A supplied to the microdevice flows in the form of a stream via the supply channel 12, and then is divided at the branching point 14 and via the subchannels 16 and 16 ′, ie the substreams 22 and It is supplied to the merge area 10 in the form of 22 '. The fluid B supplied to the microdevice passes through the supply channel 18 and is then supplied to the merge region 10 in the form of a stream 24 without being divided.

  With respect to the merge region 10 of FIG. 1, fluid B supply channel 18 flows in on one side between fluid A subchannels 16 and 16 'and the other channel between fluid A subchannels 16 and 16'. The fluid discharge supply channels 26 merging at the sides start and all these channels are arranged at an equal angle of 90 ° around the merge region 10 in substantially the same plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the merged fluid is discharged as a fluid mixture C, which is a product formed by merging outside the microdevice, through a single discharge channel 26, but the number of discharge channels is plural. May be.

  As shown, fluid A enters submerged region 10 in the form of substreams 22 and 22 'via subchannels 16 and 16'. On the other hand, the fluid B flows into the merge area 10 in the form of the stream 24 as it is without being divided. The center axis of these substreams and streams is indicated by a one-dot chain line. The illustrated embodiment shows the case where the channel and the subchannel are cylindrical or rectangular tube shape, and therefore, the central axis is drawn so as to pass through substantially the center of the channel and the subchannel, and the central axis intersects at the point 20. It shows how to do.

  When the fluids merge as described above, the fluids collide and come into contact with each other so that they can be easily understood, and as a result, they are mixed. In this sense, the microdevice of the present invention has a function as a mixing apparatus, and the merging method of the present invention can be said to be a method of mixing fluids.

  Further, when the fluids to be joined are reactive with each other, both come into contact with each other in the joining region 10 and the reaction starts, and the mixture of fluids generated by the joining may include a reaction product. In this case, the confluence region provides a reaction field. Further, the reaction may further proceed in the discharge channel 26. In this case, in this sense, the microdevice of the present invention has a function as a reaction apparatus, and the merging method of the present invention can be said to be a method of reacting a fluid. Examples of such reactions include ionic reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermal reactions, catalytic reactions, radical reactions, polymerization reactions and the like targeting inorganic substances and organic substances.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a microdevice according to another embodiment of the present invention so that the state of the channel can be understood as in FIG. Elements having substantially the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same applies to other drawings. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 differs from FIG. 1 in that the angle of intersection of the supply channel 18 and the subchannel 16 or 16 ′ is different, and therefore the angle formed by the intersection of the central axes of the channels is different. Different from the embodiment shown.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the angle (smaller) between the central axis of the supply channel 18 and the central axis of the subchannel 16 or 16 'is smaller than 90 °. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β formed by the central axis of the supply channel and the central axis of the sub-channel is 45 °, for example. Further, the angle α formed by the central axis of the discharge channel 26 and the central axis of the subchannel 16 or 16 ′ is, for example, 135 °.

  In the microdevice of the present invention, when one subchannel is specified for the fluid supplied to the merge region by the supply channel and the subchannel, the type of fluid supplied to the merge region via the subchannel is determined by the subchannel. The channels are configured to supply these fluids differently from the type of fluid supplied to the merge region via other sub-channels or supply channels that are supplied closest to the merge region. Is preferred. That is, the types of substream fluids flowing into the merge region are supplied to the mixing region so that the types of substreams or streams flowing into the merge region closest to the substream are different. Is preferred. The term “proximity” is determined based on the inflow location of the stream or substream into the merged area.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stream of fluid supplied closest to the substream of fluid A supplied via subchannel 16 or 16 ′ is fluid B supplied via supply channel 18. It is. Therefore, substreams of the same fluid are not in the closest relationship. In other words, when the inflow location of a specific substream (or subchannel) is determined and the distance between it and the inflow location of another substream (or subchannel) or stream (or supply channel) is considered, different types It is preferable to configure the microdevice so as to minimize the distance between the inflow points of the substream (or subchannel) or stream (or supply channel) of the fluid, or to perform the merging method.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the intersecting point 20 is ideally a geometric point (that is, has no size), but in reality, it is a region that extends to a certain extent around such a point. It may be. Specifically, a radius of 50% or less of the diameter or equivalent diameter of the stream (or channel) around the central axis of each stream (or channel), preferably 30% or less, more preferably 20 % Or less, most preferably 10% or less, especially 5% or less, for example 3% or less, where the cylindrical portions intersect each other (when sharing at least a portion of the space) In the present invention, the central axes are considered to intersect at one point. Therefore, this corresponds to a region where the space occupied by such cylinders is expanded to some extent. The phrase “cylindrical portions intersect with each other” means that a portion of the cylindrical portion of one central axis forms a portion of the cylindrical portion of one or more other central axes at the intersecting portion. That is, all the cylindrical portions share such an intersecting portion.

  It is preferred that the intersection or such an area that extends to some extent be present in the merging area as described above, otherwise there will be an intersection in the normal discharge channel. In the present invention, it is only necessary to have a point (including a region spread to some extent) where two or more central axes of a stream (or channel) supplied to the microdevice intersect.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows how the subchannels 16 and 16 'and the supply channel 18 merge, and thus how the substreams 22 and 22' of fluid A and the stream 24 of fluid B merge. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a plan view of these channel portions of the microdevice is schematically assumed. The joined fluid is discharged from the micro device via the discharge channel 26.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the central axes 30, 30 'and 32 of each stream (or each channel) are indicated by alternate long and short dash lines. A concentric cylinder portion having a radius of, for example, 15% of the equivalent diameter of each substream 22 and 22 'is indicated by a horizontal line 34 and a stippled line 34', and a concentric cylinder having a radius of, for example, 15% of the equivalent diameter of the stream 24. The portion is indicated by a vertical line 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the central axes intersect at a point 20. As can be seen, the three cylindrical portions having a radius of 15% of the equivalent diameter intersect each other sharing a diamond-shaped region 40.

  As is apparent from the figure, the diamond-shaped region 40 of the cylindrical portion 34 constitutes a part of the cylindrical portion 34, a part of the cylindrical part 34 ′, and a part of the cylindrical part 36. That is, the diamond-shaped portion 40 is a common space constituting a part of the cylindrical portions 34, 34 ′ and 36. In the case where the three cylindrical portions occupy a common space in this way, it is considered that these central axes intersect at one point in the present invention. In FIG. 3, the downstream portion from the broken line corresponds to the merging region 44 on the basis of the flow direction of the fluid to be supplied, and the discharge channel 26 is assumed to start at a point 46, but the merging region 44, the discharge channel 46, The boundaries need not be clear.

  An example of the microdevice of the present invention is shown in a perspective view in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, a perspective view of a state where three parts constituting the micro device 100 are disassembled is shown. The microdevice is composed of a supply element 102, a merging element 104, and a discharge element 106, each having a cylindrical shape. When configuring the microdevice, these elements are assembled by being integrally fastened so as to form a columnar shape. For this assembly, for example, bores (or holes, not shown) penetrating the cylinder may be provided at equal intervals in the periphery of each element, and these elements may be fastened together with bolts / nuts.

  On the surface of the supply element 102 facing the confluence element 104, annular channels 108 and 110 having a rectangular cross section are formed concentrically. In the illustrated embodiment, bores 112 and 114 are formed that penetrate feed element 102 in its thickness (or height) direction and reach respective annular channels.

  The joining element 104 is formed with a bore 116 penetrating in the thickness direction. The bore 116 is such that when the elements are fastened to form a microdevice, the end 120 of the bore 116 located in the face of the confluence element facing the supply element opens into the annular channel 108. In the illustrated embodiment, four bores 116 are formed and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular channel 108.

  A bore 118 is formed through the confluence element 104 in the same manner as the bore 116. As with the bore 116, the bore 118 is also formed to open to the annular channel 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the bores 118 are also arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular channel 110, and the bores 116 and the bores 118 are arranged alternately.

  Microchannels 124 and 126 are formed on the surface 122 of the confluence element 104 facing the discharge element 106. One end of the microchannel 124 or 126 is the opening of the bore 116 or 118, and the other end is the center 128 of the surface 122, and all microchannels extend from the bore toward the center 128; It meets at the center. The cross section of the microchannel may be rectangular, for example.

  The discharge element 106 is formed with a bore 130 that passes through the center thereof and penetrates in the thickness direction. Therefore, this bore opens at the center 128 of the confluence element 104 at one end and opens outside the microdevice at the other end.

  As can be readily appreciated, the annular channels 108 and 110 correspond to the supply channels of the microdevice of the present invention, and the fluids A and B supplied from outside the microdevice at the ends of the bores 112 and 114 are respectively It flows into the annular channels 108 and 110 via the bores 112 and 114.

  The annular channel 108 and the bore 116 communicate with each other, and the fluid A flowing into the annular channel 108 enters the microchannel 124 through the bore 116. In addition, the annular channel 110 and the bore 118 communicate with each other, and the fluid B flowing into the annular channel 110 enters the microchannel 126 via the bore 118. As can be seen, fluids A and B are divided into four in the merge region and flow into microchannels 124 and 126, respectively, and then flow toward center 128.

  As can be readily appreciated, the bore 116 or 118 and the microchannel 124 or 126 correspond to the subchannel of the microdevice of the present invention, and the center 128 of the confluence element corresponds to the confluence region. The central axis of the microchannel 124 and the central axis of the microphone channel 126 intersect at the center 128. The joined fluid is discharged as a stream C to the outside of the micro device via the bore 130. Thus, the bore 130 corresponds to the discharge channel of the microdevice of the present invention.

  It should be noted that in the manufacture of the illustrated microdevices, particularly the manufacture of each element, semiconductor processing techniques, particularly etching (for example, photolithography etching) processing, ultra-fine electrical discharge processing, photo-molding method, mirror surface finishing processing technology, diffusion bonding technology, etc. A machining technique can be used, and a machining technique using a general-purpose lathe or drilling machine can also be used, which can be easily manufactured by those skilled in the art.

  The material used for the microdevice is not particularly limited as long as it is a material to which the above-described processing technique can be applied and is not affected by the fluid to be joined. Specifically, a metal material (iron, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, various alloys, etc.), a resin material (fluorine resin, acrylic resin, etc.), glass (silicon, quartz, etc.) can be used.

As an example, the illustrated stainless steel microdevice was manufactured. The specifications for this microdevice were as follows:
Cross-sectional shape, width, depth, diameter of the annular channel 108:
Rectangular cross section, 1.5mm, 1.5mm, 25mm
Cross-sectional shape, width, depth, diameter of the annular channel 110:
Rectangular cross section, 1.5mm, 1.5mm, 20mm
Diameter and length of bore 112: 1.5 mm, 10 mm (circular cross section)
Diameter and length of bore 114: 1.5 mm, 10 mm (circular cross section)
Diameter and length of bore 116: 0.5 mm, 4 mm (circular cross section)
Diameter and length of bore 118: 0.5mm, 4mm (circular cross section)
Microchannel 124 cross-sectional shape, width, depth, length:
Rectangular cross section, 200μm, 200μm, 12.5mm
Microchannel 126 cross-sectional shape, width, depth, and length:
Rectangular cross section, 200μm, 200μm, 10mm
Diameter and length of bore 130: 500 μm, 10 mm (circular cross section)

  In order to connect a conduit for supplying fluids A and B to the microdevice and to connect a conduit for discharging the fluid C from the microdevice, the bores 112, 114, and 130 are provided with screw portions.

  Another embodiment of the microdevice 100 is shown in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the fluid D can be further supplied. The illustrated microdevice has additional bores 132 and 134 in the supply element 102 and the confluence element 104. The bore 134 is open at the center of the surface 122.

  When the illustrated elements are fastened together as described above, these bores come together to form one channel. The fluid D supplied from the outside of the microdevice passes through the bores 132 and 134 and joins the center 128 as a joining region where the microchannels 124 and 126 join.

  As can be easily understood, the bores 132 and 134 do not divide the fluid supplied to the microdevice, but supply it directly to the merging region, so that they constitute the supply channel of the microdevice of the present invention. . As can be seen, the central axes of bores 132 and 134 as feed channels also intersect at point 128. Therefore, the micro device shown in FIG. 5 joins three kinds of fluids, supplies two kinds of fluids to the joining region in the form of a substream via subchannels, and supplies the remaining one kind of fluid as it is. Supply to the merge area through the channel.

  The fluid D may be a fluid that needs to be merged with the fluid A and the fluid B, for example, needs to be mixed with the fluids A and B. The fluid D can also be used as a carrier for quickly discharging a fluid as a mixture obtained by the merging of the fluid A and the fluid B from the microdevice.

  Yet another embodiment of the microdevice 100 is shown in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of bores 118 in FIG. 4 is one, and the bore opens at an opening 136 in the middle of the microchannel 124 that transports fluid A, so that the microchannel 126 does not exist, Unlike FIG. 4, the other points are substantially the same. As can be readily appreciated, fluid B flows into microchannel 124 via bore 114, annular channel 110 and bore 118. Accordingly, the bore 114, the annular channel 112, and the bore 118 supply the fluid directly as a stream to the microchannel 124, which constitutes the supply channel of the microdevice of the present invention.

  On the other hand, the fluid A flows through the microchannel 124 as a substream in the same manner as described above, and the fluid A and the fluid B flowing through the microchannel 124 via the bore 116 that merges with the fluid B as the stream at the opening 136. Merge and then flow toward the center 128. The dimensions of the bore 118 and the channel 124 and their arrangement are configured such that the bore 118 and the central axis of the channel 124 intersect.

  Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the fluid A flowing toward the opening 136 is in the form of a divided substream, and the fluid B flowing toward the opening 136 is in the form of a stream, and the center thereof. The axes intersect, and fluid A and fluid B merge in the vicinity of the opening 136 (that is, the vicinity of the opening 136 is a merging region). Thereafter, the merged fluid flows toward the center 128. Therefore, the portion between the opening 136 and the center 128 of the microchannel 124 can be considered as the discharge channel of the microdevice of the present invention.

  Further, considering the center 128 as the center, a stream that is a mixed fluid of the fluid A and the fluid B formed by joining as described above, and the fluid A that is divided and supplied in the form of a substream. Merge at the center 128. The central axes of the channels 124 (and thus the streams or substreams flowing there) intersect at a point. That is, even if the center 128 is taken as a reference, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 constitutes the microdevice of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 shows a preferred modification of the microdevice of the present invention. This is a problem when clogging due to unintentional precipitation of solids or the occurrence of agglomeration or generation of fine particles due to mixing of fluids (here, “mixing” includes mixing involving reaction). This is an embodiment for relieving, preferably preventing occlusion. In the illustrated embodiment, the microdevice 100 that joins the fluid A and the fluid B is shown in a simplified manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply element 102 and the confluence element 104 are shown integrally, and the merged fluid is discharged via a discharge element 106 having a discharge channel 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the elements are shown exploded and a combined fluid stream 138 flowing through the exhaust channel 26 is shown.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a sheath fluid supply element 140 that can supply another fluid around the discharge stream 138 is positioned adjacent to the discharge element 106. The sheath fluid supply element 140 has a cylindrical portion 142 having a dimension capable of defining an annular space with the discharge stream 138, and is configured to supply the sheath fluid E to the annular space. As the specific supply method of the sheath fluid E, any appropriate method may be used as long as the fluid can be supplied so as to surround the discharge stream.

  For example, the top surface of the sheath fluid supply element 140 in FIG. 7 (or the bottom surface of the discharge element 106) is provided with a plurality of subchannels toward the discharge stream (ie, the stream of combined fluids) 138, and the subchannel has a sheath fluid ( Alternatively, a method of flowing an appropriate amount of liquid) can be used. Then, the mixture F of the fluids A and B surrounded by the sheath fluid is discharged from the end of the sheath fluid supply element. It is desirable that the number of sheath fluid subchannels be as large as possible. Further, the shape of the subchannel is arbitrary, but those having a rectangular or circular cross section are preferable. The diameter of the subchannel or the equivalent diameter (when the cross section of the subchannel is not circular) is usually 1 mm or less, particularly 500 μm or less, preferably 100 μm or less. The sheath fluid may be any suitable fluid that is inert to the intended operation of mixing, reaction, or the like, and may be, for example, a solvent for the fluid to be mixed or reacted.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows the microdevice that supplies the sheath fluid E in an exploded state. This microdevice is similar to the microdevice shown in FIG. 4, but has a sheath fluid supply element 140 between the confluence element 104 and the discharge element 106 and a supply channel 144 through which the discharge element 106 supplies sheath fluid. It differs from the microdevice shown in FIG. The sheath fluid supply channel 144 includes a bore 146 provided in the discharge element 106 and an annular channel 148 provided on a surface of the discharge element facing the sheath fluid supply element 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the microdevice uses a fluid other than the fluid (fluids A and B) flowing into the supply channel as a sheath fluid, and supplies the channel 144 and the subchannel 150 into which the fluid is branched to surround the joined fluid 152. Have The sheath fluid E flows from the annular supply channel 148 into eight subchannels 150 having a square cross section with a side of 50 μm. These sub-channels 150 flow toward the end of the bore 130 that serves as the drainage channel (in the illustrated embodiment, toward the central portion 156 of the sheath fluid supply element 140) and enclose the merged fluid 152 flowing through the drainage channel. As such (thus forming a sheath fluid sheath 154) that flows along the discharge channel and is discharged from the microdevice. As can be easily understood, since the central portion 156 of the sealing fluid supply element 140 is adjacent to the central portion of the merging element, the central portion 156 can substantially function as a merging region.

  In the microdevice of the present invention, it is preferable that the discharge channel has a diameter (or equivalent diameter) that decreases in the middle. It may be reduced stepwise or gradually. Moreover, after it becomes small, a linear part may exist. In such an embodiment, even when the diameter or the equivalent diameter in the merge region increases due to the merge of a plurality of channels or sub-channels, the diffusion mixing distance can be shortened by reducing the diameter of the discharge channel, and as a result. There is an advantage that mixing can be promoted.

  Such a microdevice is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the microdevice of the present invention as in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the extension of the discharge channel 26 is reduced and tapered, but the discharge channel 26 in the discharge element 106 may be so narrow. The reduction ratio of the diameter of the reduced portion or the equivalent diameter D2 to the diameter of the discharge channel or the equivalent diameter D1 is D2 / D1, for example, 0.1 to 1, preferably 0.1 to 0.5.

  As described above, the microdevice of the present invention including the supply element, the merging element, and the discharge element has a plate (or plate) shape in which a channel (or a groove or the like that forms the channel) having such an element function is processed. It is comprised by lamination | stacking of components (here column-shaped components with a low height, ie, disk-shaped components). Therefore, a plurality of micro devices can be connected and used in series. For example, when using two microdevices, ie, a first microdevice and a second microdevice, the discharge channel of the discharge element of the first microdevice is used as the supply channel of the supply element of the second microdevice, The supply element of the two microdevices (and thus the discharge element of the first microdevice) is provided with a channel for supplying another fluid. If it does in this way, in the confluence | merging element of a 2nd microdevice, the fluid which merged and mixed by the 1st microdevice and the other fluid newly supplied from a 2nd microdevice can be merged.

  FIG. 9 shows a conceptual diagram of microdevices connected in such a series. In addition, the element which comprises a microdevice is shown with the broken line. In the illustrated embodiment, the first micro device 10-1 and the second micro device 10-2 are connected in series. Each microdevice is composed of a supply element 102, a merging element 104 and a discharge element 106. The discharge element 106 of the first microdevice also serves as the supply element 102 of the second microdevice.

  Specifically, the discharge element 106 of the first microdevice further comprises a supply channel 12-2 in addition to the discharge channel 26, whereby the discharge element 106 of the first microdevice is a supply element of the second microdevice. 102 can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the second microdevice is a device that joins the fluid C and the fluid D ′, and as a result, the mixed fluid H can be obtained. Thus, by serializing the microdevice of the present invention, piping and joints can be omitted, and problems associated therewith can be alleviated.

  In addition, the element which comprises the microdevice of this invention may have a means to control the temperature of the fluid which flows through the microchannel which it has. For example, by embedding a resistance heater in the element, the temperature of the fluid flowing through the microchannel can be controlled. In this way, the reaction temperature can be conveniently controlled when the microdevice is used as a reaction apparatus.

  The microdevice and the fluid merging method of the present invention can be used for mixing and / or reacting fluids to be merged. The speed and uniformity of mixing are improved, enabling uniform mixing and / or reaction, and the microdevice and fluid merging method of the present invention can be applied to various chemical processes.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a conceptual diagram of a microdevice of the present invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows another conceptual diagram of the microdevice of the present invention. FIG. 3 schematically shows how the substream of fluid A and the stream of fluid B merge, and explains the meaning that the central axes intersect. FIG. 4 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of an example of the microdevice of the present invention. FIG. 5 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of another example of the microdevice of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of still another example of the microdevice of the present invention. FIG. 7 schematically shows a preferred modification of the microdevice of the present invention. FIG. 8 schematically shows the microdevice of the present invention in which the diameter of the discharge channel is reduced in the middle. FIG. 9 shows a conceptual diagram of microdevices connected in series. FIG. 10 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of a microdevice for supplying a sheath fluid.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Merging area, 12 ... Supply channel, 14 ... Branch point,
16, 16 '... subchannel, 18 ... supply channel, 20 ... central axis intersection,
22, 22 '... sub-stream, 24 ... stream, 26 ... discharge channel,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Micro device, 102 ... Supply element, 104 ... Merge element, 106 ... Discharge element,
108, 110 ... annular channel, 112, 114, 116, 118 ... bore,
120 ... the end of the bore, 122 ... the surface facing the discharge element of the confluence element,
124, 126 ... microchannel, 128 ... center, 130, 132, 134 ... bore,
136 ... opening, 138 ... confluence fluid stream, 140 ... sheath fluid supply element,
142 ... cylindrical portion, 144 ... sheath fluid supply channel, 146 ... bore,
148 ... annular channel, 150 ... subchannel, 152 ... combined fluid,
154 ... sheath-like sheath fluid, 156 ... central part of the sheath fluid supply element.

Claims (16)

A micro device that supplies two or more kinds of fluids that flow into the merging region independently and discharges these fluids from the merging region,
A supply channel that supplies each fluid that has flowed into the microdevice to the merge region, and a discharge channel that discharges the merged fluid from the merge region to the outside of the microdevice,
The supply channel for supplying at least one type of fluid comprises a plurality of subchannels for supplying the fluid supplied to the microdevice to the merging region,
At least one central axis of the plurality of subchannels and at least one central axis of a supply channel or subchannel supplying at least one fluid of other types of fluid other than the fluid supplied by the subchannel. A microdevice in which these subchannels and supply channels are formed so as to intersect at one point.   The microdevice according to claim 1, wherein the microdevice is a micromixer that mixes two or more kinds of fluids in a confluence region.   3. The micro of claim 1, wherein the supply channel that supplies at least one kind of fluid is branched in the middle to form a plurality of subchannels, and the fluid supplied to these subchannels is supplied to the merging region. device.   The microdevice according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of subchannels have substantially the same cross-sectional shape.   The microdevice according to claim 1, which has a plurality of subchannels for each fluid.   The two or more fluids are two fluids, each having a plurality of subchannels supplying one of these fluids, and at least one of the plurality of subchannels, preferably all of the central axis and the other fluid. The micro device according to claim 1, wherein the central axes of the supply channels intersect at one point.   The two or more kinds of fluids are two kinds of fluids, each of which has a plurality of subchannels supplying each fluid, and at least one of the plurality of subchannels of one fluid, preferably all the central axes and the other fluid. The microdevice according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of subchannels, preferably all central axes intersect at one point.   The microdevice according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an equivalent diameter of the subchannel and the supply channel is in a range of 1 µm to 1000 µm at a location adjacent to the merge region.   The microdevice according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fluid supplied from the subchannel to the joining region is different from the fluid supplied from another subchannel or the supply channel closest to the subchannel.   The microdevice according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an equivalent diameter of the discharge channel is in a range of 1 µm to 1000 µm at a location adjacent to the merge region.   The microdevice according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is a microreactor that causes at least two kinds of fluids to react in a confluence region.   The microdevice according to claim 1, further comprising a channel or a subchannel that supplies a fluid other than the fluid flowing into the supply channel to the merge region or the discharge channel so as to surround the merged fluid.   A microdevice assembly in which a plurality of microdevices according to any one of claims 1 to 12 are connected in series, wherein a discharge channel of an upstream microdevice functions as a supply channel of a microdevice immediately downstream thereof Assembly. A method of supplying two or more fluid streams separately to a merging region using a microdevice having the merging region and merging there.
At least one stream of fluid is divided into a plurality of substreams and supplied to the merge region; and when there is a fluid that is not divided, the stream of fluid is supplied to the merge region;
At least one central axis of at least one substream of fluid to be divided and at least one substream or stream of at least one fluid of other types of fluid other than the fluid Supply to the merging region so that the central axis intersects at one point.   The merging method according to claim 14, wherein two or more fluids are mixed in the merging region. The merging method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein two or more kinds of fluids react in the merging region.

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