JP2013132616A - Micromixer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a micromixer and a fluid mixing structure, efficiently mixing high-viscosity fluids or different-viscosity fluids.SOLUTION: This micromixer includes a mixing plate having first flow passage formation parts and second flow passage formation parts. A confluence path wherein a first fluid and a second fluid are joined is formed between the first flow passage formation parts and the second flow passage formation parts, outlets of the first flow passages and outlets of the second flow passages face to each other via the confluence path, the positions of the outlets of the first flow passages facing the central axis of the confluence path are not included in the positions of the outlets of the second flow passage facing the central axis, and the micromixer includes a function wherein an overall mixing speed is enhanced because minute flows of the first fluid and the second fluid are mixed by the collision of the minute flows in the confluence path.

Description

  The present invention relates to a micromixer.

  Various static mixers have been proposed to mix at least two types of fluids. The static mixer is used for producing fine particles by chemical reaction or crystallization. Among these, a micromixer that supplies a fluid to be mixed into the microchannel has attracted attention.

  The micromixer has a microchannel having a channel width of about 10 μm to 1000 μm. In the micromixer, at least two kinds of fluids are mixed after being divided into minute flows by the microchannel. In the micromixer, the fluid is divided into minute flows, and the diffusion distance of the fluid is shortened. This increases the fluid mixing speed. Therefore, the fluid can be mixed efficiently in a shorter time than the conventional static mixer.

  As a structure of the micromixer, for example, a mixer having a Y-shaped channel is known. In this type of mixer, a flow path for flowing the first fluid and a flow path for flowing the second fluid intersect so as to form an acute angle, that is, a Y-shape, thereby forming a single combined flow path. The fluids supplied to the respective flow paths merge in a laminar flow state at the intersections of the flow paths. Thereafter, the fluids diffuse and mix with each other.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a stacked micromixer. The multilayer micromixer disclosed in this document includes a plate on which a fine channel through which a reactant A to be mixed flows is formed and a plate on which a fine channel through which a reactant B flows is formed. Each fine channel intersects at an acute angle when viewed from the upper surface of the plate. Each fluid joins at the entrance of the mixing / reaction chamber.

  As described above, in the mixer in which the flow path is arranged in a Y shape or the mixer in which the fine channel is arranged at an acute angle, each fluid is mixed in a laminar flow state. For this reason, the various mixers described above are suitable for mixing low-viscosity fluids. However, in the case of mixing high-viscosity fluids or mixing fluids having a large viscosity difference, the contact area of the fluid or the shearing force in the fluid may be reduced, and the mixing efficiency may be reduced.

JP 9-512742 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a micromixer and a fluid mixing structure capable of efficiently mixing a high-viscosity fluid or a different viscosity fluid.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a micromixer used for mixing two or more kinds of fluids. The micromixer includes a mixing plate having a first flow path forming portion and a second flow path forming portion. A first flow path through which the first fluid flows is formed in the first flow path forming section, and a second flow path through which the second fluid flows is formed in the second flow path forming section. Between the first flow path forming portion and the second flow path forming portion, there is provided a merge flow path where the first fluid and the second fluid merge. The outlet of the first flow path and the outlet of the second flow path face each other via the combined flow path, and the position of the outlet of the first flow path facing the central axis of the combined flow path is the second flow facing the central axis. It is characterized by not being included in the position of the exit of the road. Here, “the position of the outlet of the first channel facing the central axis of the combined channel is not included in the position of the outlet of the second channel facing the central axis” means that the outlet of the first channel Since the cross-sectional central axis and the cross-sectional central axis of the second flow path outlet are not the same, the position of the first flow path outlet is different from the position of the second flow path outlet, and the first flow It means that the position of the path is not included in the position of the second flow path.

According to this configuration, the direction of the flow of the first fluid sent from the first flow path is opposite to the direction of the flow of the second fluid sent from the second flow path, and the axis of the combined flow path It is asymmetrical.
For this reason, each fluid collides with the wall on the opposite side of a combined flow path, or fluid collides with an angle. As a result, turbulent flow is generated near the collision position, and the contact area increases. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently mix a high viscosity fluid or a different viscosity fluid.
In addition, since the combined flow path near the collision position becomes a free space that is the front, rear, left, and right, upper and lower spaces near the collision position, the above turbulent flow occurs, and the contact area is increased to further increase the mixing speed. Therefore, a joint channel for mixing other than the vicinity of the collision is not necessarily required.

  In the above-described micromixer, it is preferable that the cross-sectional central axis of the outlet of the first channel is not the same as the central axis of the cross-section of the outlet of the second channel.

  According to this configuration, each fluid sent from each outlet of the first and second flow paths efficiently collides with a wall on the opposite side of the combined flow path or a high-viscosity fluid or a different viscosity fluid in which fluids collide with each other with an angle. Can be mixed.

  According to this configuration, the direction of the flow of the first fluid from the first flow path is an intersection that is parallel or at an angle to the direction of the flow of the second fluid from the second flow path, and is in the opposite direction. . For this reason, the contact area of each fluid becomes large by a turbulent flow, and a highly viscous fluid or a heteroviscous fluid can be mixed efficiently.

  In the above micromixer, the outlet of the first channel is one of the plurality of outlets, the outlet of the second channel is one of the plurality of outlets, and the outlet of the first channel It is preferable that the outlets of the two flow paths face each other in a one-to-one relationship.

  According to this configuration, each fluid is divided into a plurality of minute flows, and the divided minute flows collide with the opposite wall of the combined flow path or have fluids collide with each other at an angle. be able to. For this reason, the contact area of each fluid becomes large by turbulent flow, and the mixing speed is increased.

  In the above micromixer, the combined flow path is formed in an elongated shape, and one of the pair of opposing side surfaces forming the combined flow path has outlets of a plurality of first flow paths in the longitudinal direction of the combined flow path. It is preferable that the outlets of the plurality of second flow paths are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the combined flow path on the other side surface.

  According to this configuration, the processing amount of the micromixer is improved by adjusting the length of the combined flow path or increasing the number of flow paths without changing the distance between the outlets of the flow paths. Therefore, the throughput can be improved without reducing the fluid collision effect. Moreover, a slag flow and a zebra flow can be easily performed in the combined flow path.

  The micromixer includes a temperature control plate stacked on the mixing plate, the temperature control plate including a first medium flow path through which the first medium flows, a second medium flow path through which the second medium flows, and a first medium. A heat insulating portion provided between the flow path and the second medium flow path, and the first flow path forming portion and the first medium flow path in the stacking direction in a state where the mixing plate and the temperature control plate are stacked. It is preferable that the second flow path forming unit and the second medium flow path are arranged so as to correspond to the stacking direction.

  According to this configuration, the first medium can act only on the first fluid, and the second medium can act only on the second fluid. Moreover, since the heat conduction between the first medium and the second medium is suppressed by the heat insulating part between the first and second medium flow path forming parts, the temperature can be adjusted with high accuracy.

  In the above micromixer, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of the outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inlet in the first flow path and the second flow path.

  According to this structure, the mixing efficiency of each fluid improves further by raising the flow velocity of the fluid sent out from a combined flow path.

1 is a schematic view of a micromixer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exploded perspective view of a layered product. The perspective view of a mixing plate. The top view of a mixing plate. The perspective view of a temperature control plate. The perspective view of a laminated body. The perspective view of the mixing plate of another example. The perspective view of the mixing plate of another example. The top view of the mixing plate of another example. The top view of the mixing plate of another example. The top view of the mixing plate of another example. The top view of the mixing plate of another example. The top view of the mixing plate of another example. The top view of the mixing plate of another example. The top view of the temperature control plate of another example.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the micromixer of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the micromixer 1 has a hollow case C. In the case C, the laminated body 11 in which various fine channels are formed is fixed. The stacked body 11 is a flow in which the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 that are mixing objects or reaction objects, and the first heat medium H1 (first medium) and the second heat medium H2 (second medium) flow. Has a road. The first heat medium H1 and the second heat medium H2 exchange heat with the fluids F1 and F2, respectively.

  At the left end C1 of the case C, a first fluid supply unit 4A that supplies the first fluid F1 into the case C is provided. The right end C2 of the case C is provided with a second fluid supply unit 4B that supplies the second fluid F2 into the case C. Hereinafter, when the fluid supply units 4 </ b> A and 4 </ b> B are described without being distinguished from each other, the fluid supply unit 4 is simply described.

  The fluid supply unit 4 has an opening 2 formed at the end of the case C and a connector 3 connected to the opening 2. The connector 3 is connected to a tank that stores the fluids F1 and F2. The connector 3 is also connected to a pressure feeding mechanism including a pressurizing pump and a pipe connected to the pump. The fluids F1 and F2 are respectively pumped toward the connector 3 while being pressurized by the pumping mechanism. Openings 2 are provided at both ends of the case C, respectively. Spaces are provided between the openings 2 of the case C and the side surfaces 11a and 11b of the stacked body 11 in the case C. This space functions as reservoirs S1 and S2 for temporarily storing the fluids F1 and F2 delivered from the pressure feeding mechanism.

  Heat medium supply portions 7A and 7B are formed at the upper end C3 of the case C. Each heat medium H1 is supplied into the case C through the heat medium supply part 7A, and each heat medium H2 is supplied into the case C through the heat medium supply part 7B. As with the fluid supply unit 4, the heat medium supply units 7A and 7B have openings 5A and 5B and connectors 6A and 6B, respectively. Heat medium delivery sections 7C and 7D are formed at the lower end C4 of the case C. The heat mediums H1 and H2 supplied to the heat medium supply units 7A and 7B are sent out of the case C from the heat medium delivery parts 7C and 7D, respectively, after passing through the flow path in the laminate 11. . Similarly to the fluid supply unit 4, the heat medium delivery units 7C and 7D have openings 5C and 5D and connectors 6C and 6D, respectively.

  At the lower end C4 of the case C, a delivery unit 10 is provided. The mixed solution F3 (or reaction solution) of the fluids F1 and F2 mixed or reacted in the stacked body 11 is sent out of the case C through the sending unit 10. The delivery unit 10 includes an opening 8 and a connector 9 connected to the opening 8.

  That is, when the fluids F1 and F2 are supplied into the case C from the fluid supply units 4A and 4B, they are mixed or reacted in the fine flow path of the laminate 11. Here, since each fluid F1, F2 is mixed in the fine flow path, the diffusion distance of each fluid F1, F2 becomes short. Thereby, the mixing speed of each fluid F1, F2 becomes large, and desired amount of each fluid F1, F2 is mixed efficiently. The fluids F1 and F2 are mixed to form a mixed solution F3 (or a reaction solution), which is sent out of the case C from the sending unit 10. Note that the positions of the case C, the fluid supply units 4A and 4B, the delivery unit 10 and the like of the micromixer 1 are not limited to the above configuration, and may be changed as necessary.

  Next, the laminate 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the stacked body 11 includes a pair of rectangular cover plates P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 and a plate group 12 including a plurality of plates. The plate group 12 is provided between the cover plates P1 and P2. The plate group 12 includes three temperature control plates 13 and two mixing plates 14. The plate group 12 is configured by laminating a temperature control plate 13 and a mixing plate 14. The temperature control plate 13 constitutes the uppermost layer and the lowermost layer of the plate group 12, and the mixing plate 14 is laminated with being sandwiched between the temperature control plates 13.

  The outer shapes of the cover plates P1, P2, the temperature control plates 13, and the mixing plates 14 all have the same rectangle. Each cover plate P1, P2, the temperature control plate 13, and the mixing plate 14 are formed of, for example, a metal material, resin, glass, ceramics, or the like. By forming the plates 13, 14, P1, and P2 using these materials, processing for forming the flow path becomes easy, and it is possible to fix the plates to each other in a closely contacted state with little liquid leakage or the like. it can. Each plate 13, 14, P1, P2 may be formed of the same material, or may be formed of different materials. For example, each plate 13, 14, P 2, P 2 may be formed from stainless steel, and each plate may be fixed in a close contact state by diffusion bonding. Examples of the processing method for each of the plates 13, 14, P2, and P2 include injection molding, solvent casting method, melt replica method, cutting, etching, photolithography, and laser application.

  Next, the mixing plate 14 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mixing plate 14 includes a pair of plates. The mixing plate 14 has a first flow path forming portion 14A and a second flow path forming portion 14B. The first and second flow path forming portions 14A and 14B are both rectangular and plate-shaped. In the upper surface 14a of the first flow path forming portion 14A, three first flow paths 15 are formed in the center in the short side direction (Y direction in the figure). The first flow paths 15 are arranged at equal intervals. Each first flow path 15 is formed in a groove shape extending from the left end 14b to the right end 14c of the first flow path forming portion 14A. Each first flow path 15 is open at the left end 14b, the right end 14c, and the upper surface 14a of the first flow path forming portion 14A. The opening at the left end 14b of the first flow path forming part 14A forms the inlet 15a of the first flow path 15 and the opening at the right end 14c of the first flow path forming part 14A forms the outlet 15b of the first flow path 15 To do. The inlet 15a communicates with the first fluid supply unit 4A to which the first fluid F1 is supplied.

  The first flow path 15 includes a wide portion 16 having a large flow path width, a narrow portion 17 having a small flow path width, and a tapered portion 18. The flow path width of the tapered portion 18 gradually decreases from the wide portion 16 to the narrow portion 17.

  The cross section of the wide portion 16 orthogonal to the fluid flow direction has a rectangular shape. The wide portion 16 extends from the left end 14b of the first flow path forming portion 14A to the vicinity of the right end 14c. The width and depth of the wide portion 16 are preferably set within a range of, for example, a width of 0.1 mm or more and 100 mm or less and a depth of 5 mm or less in order to ensure uniformity of the temperature distribution of the fluid and the strength of the apparatus. It is more preferable to set a range of 0.1 mm or more and 20 mm or less and a depth of 2 mm or less. That is, the wide portion 16 only needs to be designed so that the pressure loss does not increase excessively, the flow path is not easily blocked, the flow path can be heated and cooled quickly, and the productivity is improved.

  The cross section of the narrow portion 17 is also rectangular. The narrow portion 17 extends from the vicinity of the right end 14c of the first flow path forming portion 14A to the right end 14c. The narrow portion 17 has a cross-sectional area that is at least smaller than the cross-sectional area of the wide portion 16. For example, the narrow portion 17 is preferably set in a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm in width and 5 mm in depth, and more preferably in a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm in width and 2 mm in depth. . That is, the narrow portion 17 may be designed so that the pressure loss does not increase excessively, the channel is not easily blocked, the channel can be heated and cooled quickly, and the productivity is improved.

  A joint channel 19 is provided between the first channel forming portion 14A and the second channel forming portion 14B. The joint channel 19 is composed of front, rear, left, and right free spaces having a predetermined width. As shown in FIG. 3, in the combined channel 19, the bottom surface and the top surface are open, and the front surface 14 g and the back surface 14 h of the mixing plate 14 are open. An opening 19 c that opens at the front surface 14 g of the mixing plate 14 is an outlet of the combined flow path 19 and communicates with the delivery unit 10. An opening 19b that opens on the back surface 14h of the mixing plate 14 is closed by a case C or other member. A pair of side surfaces forming the combined flow path 19 are respectively configured by the first and second flow path forming portions 14A and 14B. The combined channel 19 is formed as a long channel having a rectangular shape in plan view. The longitudinal direction of the combined channel 19 is parallel to the short direction of the mixing plate 14.

  The second flow path forming unit 14B has a second flow path 20 through which the second fluid F2 flows. The second flow path forming portion 14 </ b> B is symmetrical with the first flow path forming portion 14 </ b> A with respect to the combined flow path 19. That is, three second flow paths 20 are formed in the center in the lateral direction on the upper surface 14d of the second flow path forming portion 14B. Each 2nd flow path 20 is arrange | positioned at equal intervals. Each second flow path 20 is open at the left end 14e, the right end 14f, the upper surface 14d, and the bottom surface of the second flow path forming portion 14B. The opening at the left end 14e of the second flow path forming portion 14B forms the outlet 20b of the second flow path 20, and the opening at the right end 14f of the second flow path forming portion 14B forms the inlet 20a of the second flow path 20. To do. The inlet 20a communicates with the second fluid supply unit 4B to which the second fluid F2 is supplied.

  The second flow path 20 includes a wide portion 21, a narrow portion 22, and a tapered portion 23 provided between the wide portion 21 and the narrow portion 22. The wide part 21 has the same shape and the same flow path width as the wide part 16 of the first flow path forming part 14A. The wide portion 21 extends from the right end 14f of the second flow path forming portion 14B to the vicinity of the left end 14e. The narrow part 22 also has the same shape and the same flow path width as the narrow part 17 of the first flow path forming part 14A. The narrow portion 22 extends from the vicinity of the left end 14e of the second flow path forming portion 14B to the left end 14e.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second flow path forming portions 14 </ b> A and 14 </ b> B are configured so that the outlet 15 b of the first flow path 15 and the outlet 20 b of the second flow path 20 face each other via the combined flow path 19. Has been placed. The position of the outlet 15b facing the central axis X1 of the combined channel 19 is not the same as the position of the outlet 20b facing the central axis X1. The exit surfaces of the exits 15b and 20b are parallel. Further, the cross-sectional central axes of the outlets 15b and 20b of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 are the central axis X2 and the central axis X3 that are not the same. The position of the first flow path 15 may be on the right side instead of the left side shown in FIG. Moreover, the 2nd flow path 20 may be the left side instead of the right side shown in FIG. Furthermore, the outlets 15b of the three first channels 15 are formed on one side surface of the pair of opposing side surfaces forming the combined channel 19, and the outlets of the three second channels 20 are formed on the other side surface. 20b is formed. The outlets 15 b and 20 b are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the combined flow path 19.

  The fluids F1 and F2 that are pressurized and supplied from the inlets 15a and 20a of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 flow through the wide portions 16 and 21 and then pass through the tapered portions 18 and 23, respectively. It flows into the narrow portions 17 and 22, respectively. The fluids F1 and F2 that flow into the narrow portions 17 and 22 flow into the combined flow path 19 from the outlets 15b and 20b, respectively, at a faster flow rate than when they flow into the inlets 15a and 20a. At this time, since the positions of the outlets 15b and 20b facing the central axis X1 are not the same and face each other in a one-to-one relationship, the fluids F1 and F2 flow from the outlets 15b and 20b to the combined flow path 19 respectively. When delivered, the fluids collide with each other on the opposite walls of the combined flow path or fluids collide with each other. For this reason, compared with the case where each fluid F1, F2 joins in the state of a laminar flow, the contact area of each fluid F1, F2 becomes large by a turbulent flow, and each fluid F1, F2 is mixed efficiently. Further, the fluid elements in the fluids F1 and F2 collide with the opposite walls of the combined flow path or the fluids collide with each other at an angle, so that the fluid elements in the fluids F1 and F2 have the second direction and the second fluid F1 flow direction. The flow direction of the fluid F2 receives a shearing force from the opposite wall of each combined flow path. Shear force is received from the direction of flow of the first fluid F1 and the direction of flow of the second fluid F2. For this reason, the mixing speed of each fluid F1, F2 is increased. In particular, when the fluidity of at least one of the fluids F1 and F2 is low and the fluid is a high-viscosity fluid, or the viscosity difference between the fluids F1 and F2 is large, the effect can be exhibited particularly.

  The opening 19b of the combined channel 19 is closed. For this reason, the fluids F1 and F2 flow into the opening 19c by the pressure of the main hydraulic pumping mechanism after the fluids collide with each other on the opposite walls of the combined flow channel or collide with each other at an angle. Considering the pressure loss generated in the combined flow path 19, stable flow of high-viscosity fluid and heteroviscous fluid, mixing force, and apparatus strength, the width of the combined flow path 19, that is, the distance between the outlets 15 b and 20 b. Is preferably set to 0.1 mm or more and 30 mm or less. Further, the depth of the combined channel 19 is preferably set to 0.3 mm or more. The width of the combined channel 19 can be changed according to the viscosity of the fluids F1 and F2, the target degree of mixing, and the like. If the width of the combined flow path 19 is shortened, the pressure loss becomes relatively large. On the other hand, each fluid collides with a wall on the opposite side of the combined flow path, or fluids collide with each other, so that the shear force in the fluid is reduced. Enhanced. Increasing the width of the combined flow path 19 reduces the pressure loss, although the impact force becomes weaker.

  Next, the temperature control plate 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The temperature control plate 13 has a rectangular shape and a plate shape. The temperature control plate 13 has substantially the same size as the mixing plate 14. A heat insulating portion 30 is formed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the temperature control plate 13. The heat insulating portion 30 is disposed so as to overlap with the joint channel 19 formed by the mixed mixing plates 14 stacked. The heat insulation part 30 is formed in a long shape. The heat insulating portion 30 is formed by cutting out the temperature control plate 13 from the front surface 13c in the depth direction (Y direction in the figure). The heat insulation part 30 has penetrated the temperature control plate 13 in the thickness direction (Z direction in the figure). The heat insulating portion 30 has an opening 30 a on the front surface 13 c of the temperature control plate 13. The width of the heat insulating portion 30 is substantially the same as the width of the combined channel 19 of the mixing plate 14.

  In the temperature control plate 13, substantially rectangular recesses 24 are respectively formed on the left side and the right side with respect to the heat insulating portion 30. An inflow path 26 and an outflow path 27 are formed on the upper surface 13 a of the temperature control plate 13. Each of the inflow path 26 and the outflow path 27 is formed in a groove shape and communicates with the recess 24.

  Long wall portions 24 a and 24 b are formed on the bottom surface of the recess 24. The wall portions 24a and 24b extend in the longitudinal direction of the temperature control plate 13 (X direction in the drawing). A space for forming a part of the flow path is provided between the tips of the wall portions 24 a and 24 b and the inner wall surface of the recess 24. On the bottom surface of the recess 24, four long wall portions 25 are formed between the wall portions 24a and 24b. The total length of the wall portion 25 is shorter than the width of the concave portion 24 (the length in the X direction in the figure). A space for forming a part of the flow path is also provided between both ends of the wall portion 25 and the inner wall surface of the recess 24. Each wall part 24a, 24b, 25 divides the space in the recessed part 24, and comprises the flow path through which heat medium H1, H2 flows. That is, each wall part 24a, 24b, 25 comprises the heat medium flow path 31 as a medium flow path through which the heat media H1 and H2 flow. The heat medium flow path 31 includes an inflow path 26 and an outflow path 27. The heat medium passage 31 is bent after extending from the inflow passage 26 to the center of the temperature control plate 13 and extends to the left side surface 24 c of the recess 24. The heat medium passage 31 is further bent in front of the left side surface 24 c and extends to the right side surface 24 d of the recess 24. The heat medium flow path 31 is further bent in front of the right side surface 24d and extends again to the left side surface 24c. Thus, the heat medium flow path 31 reaches the outflow path 27 after being bent a plurality of times in the recess 24.

  A heat medium flow path 31 </ b> A is formed in the left recess 24 of the temperature control plate 13, and a heat medium flow path 31 </ b> B is formed in the right recess 24. The heat medium H1 is supplied to the heat medium flow path 31A, and the heat medium H2 is supplied to the heat medium flow path 31B. When the mixing plate 14 is stacked above or below the temperature control plate 13, as shown in FIG. 4, the first heat medium H1 flows above or below the first flow path 15 through which the first fluid F1 flows. The heat medium flow paths 31A overlap. A second heat medium flow path 31B through which the heat medium H2 flows overlaps above or below the second flow path 20 through which the second fluid F2 flows. For this reason, heat exchange is performed between the first heat medium H1 and the first fluid, and heat exchange is performed between the second heat medium H2 and the second fluid.

  The heat transfer around the heat medium flow paths 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B is suppressed by the heat insulating portion 30. For this reason, even if the heat mediums H1 and H2 having a large temperature difference are respectively supplied to the heat medium flow paths 31A and 31B, the temperatures of the heat mediums H1 and H2 may be significantly lowered or increased from the desired temperature. Nor. For this reason, also in the micromixer 1 in which the temperature of each fluid F1 and F2 in a flow path tends to change, the temperature of the 1st and 2nd fluids F1 and F2 can be adjusted accurately. That is, it can suppress that fluid F1, F2 falls from a desired temperature range. For this reason, each flow path 15 and 20 and the combined flow path 19 are not obstruct | occluded by the deposit. Therefore, in the production of fine particles, a decrease in productivity due to crystallization can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the three layers of the temperature control plates 13 and the two layers of the mixing plates 14 are alternately stacked, the heat insulating portion 30 of the temperature control plate 13 and the combined flow path 19 of the mixing plate 14 overlap. As a result, the laminated body 11 is formed with a joint channel 32 having a depth of the same distance as the length in the stacking direction. On the left side surface of the combined channel 32, six outlets 15b of the first channel 15 are provided. Also on the right side surface of the combined flow path 32, six outlets 20 b of the second flow paths 20 are provided. Each outlet 15b is opposed to each outlet 20b. In a state where each temperature control plate 13 and each mixing plate 14 are in close contact with each other, the upper surface openings of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 of the mixing plate 14 are closed by the bottom surface of the temperature control plate 13. . Moreover, the upper surface opening of each heat-medium flow path 31A, 31B of the temperature control plate 13 is obstruct | occluded by the bottom face of the mixing plate 14, or the bottom face of the cover plate P1.

  In the laminated body 11, the first fluid F1 is supplied in a pressurized state from the first fluid supply unit 4A into the case C. The first fluid F1 is temporarily stored in the storage part S1, and then divided and supplied to the six first flow paths 15 of the stacked body 11. On the other hand, the second fluid F2 is supplied in a pressurized state from the second fluid supply unit 4B into the case C. The second fluid F2 is temporarily stored in the storage part S2, and then divided and supplied to the six second flow paths 20 of the stacked body 11.

  The first fluid F1 is sent from the outlet 15b to the combined channel 19 while increasing the flow rate from the wide portion 16 to the narrow portion 17 of each first flow channel 15. On the other hand, the second fluid F2 is also sent from the outlet 20b to the combined channel 19 while increasing the flow velocity from the wide portion 21 to the narrow portion 22 of each second flow channel 20. The minute flow of the first fluid F1 delivered from each outlet 15b collides with the opposite walls of the combined flow path in a one-to-one relationship with the minute flow of the second fluid F2 delivered from each outlet 20b. Fluids collide with each other at an angle. For this reason, since the minute flow of each fluid F1, F2 is mixed by those collision, the mixing speed as a whole is raised further. The fluids F1 and F2 sent from the six pairs of outlets 15b and 20b are mixed while generating turbulent flow in the combined flow path 19 and then flow toward the outlet 32a of the combined flow path 32. The mixed liquid F3 is sent from the outlet 32a to the sending unit 10 and sent out of the case C.

  In the micromixer 1, in order to increase the throughput of the fluids F1 and F2 to be mixed, the length of the combined flow path 32 can be extended without changing the width of the combined flow path 32, that is, the distance between the outlets 15b and 20b. Good. Alternatively, without changing the width of the combined flow path 32, the number of flow paths 15 and 20 that open to the side surface of the combined flow path 19 may be increased, or the number of stacked mixing plates 14 may be increased. As a result, the throughput increases without reducing the mixing efficiency in the combined flow path 32. Further, in the micromixer 1, the volume of the combined channel 32 is relatively large, and blockage of the channel due to an increase in pressure loss can be prevented. Furthermore, the width of the combined channel 32 can be changed as appropriate according to the viscosity of the fluid to be mixed. Therefore, the degree of freedom regarding the design of the apparatus is improved.

  Here, examples of use of the micromixer 1 will be described.

  First, an example of a resin synthesis experiment will be described. An isocyanate compound adjusted to a viscosity of 3 mPa · s was used as the first fluid F1, and an acrylate adjusted to a viscosity of 4 mPa · s was used as the second fluid F2. Then, using the plunger pump, the flow rates of the first and second fluids F1 and F2 were set to 100 g / min, and the first and second fluids F1 and F2 were collided in the combined flow path 32 and mixed. Then, the synthesis reaction was performed using the micromixer 1 continuously. As a result, the reaction rate was 94%.

  In contrast, the same experiment was performed using a conventional laminated micromixer, but the reaction rate was 90%. That is, if the micromixer 1 of the said embodiment is used, since a fluid will be mixed efficiently, a reaction rate will improve.

  According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The mixing plate 14 of the micromixer 1 is formed with a first flow path forming portion 14A in which a first flow path 15 in which the first fluid F1 flows is formed and a second flow path 20 in which the second fluid F2 flows. And a second flow path forming portion 14B. The outlets 15b and 20b of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 are opposed to each other via a merge path 19 where the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 merge. The position of the outlet 15b facing the central axis X1 of the combined channel 19 is not the same as the position of the outlet 20b facing the central axis X1.
That is, the cross-sectional central axes of the outlets 15b and 20b of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 are the central axis X2 and the central axis X3 that are not the same. For this reason, the direction of the flow of the first fluid F1 from the first flow path 15 is opposite to the direction of the flow of the second fluid F2 from the second flow path 20, and with respect to the central axis X1 of the combined flow path 19 Not symmetric. For this reason, the fluids F1 and F2 collide with each other on the opposite walls of the combined flow path, or the fluids collide with each other at an angle. Thereby, the contact area of each fluid F1, F2 becomes large, and shearing force generate | occur | produces. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently mix a high viscosity fluid or a different viscosity fluid.

  (2) The exit surfaces of the outlets 15b and 20b of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 are parallel. For this reason, the direction of the flow of the first fluid F1 from the first flow path 15 is an intersection parallel or at an angle to the direction of the flow of the second fluid F2 from the second flow path 20, and the opposite direction. Become. As a result, the fluids F1 and F2 collide with the opposite wall of the combined flow path or the fluids collide with each other at an angle. Therefore, the contact area of the fluids F1 and F2 is increased by turbulent flow, and a large shear force is generated. Can do.

  (3) The outlets 15b and 20b of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 face each other in a one-to-one relationship. For this reason, each of the fluids F1 and F2 is divided into a plurality of minute flows, and the divided minute flows are collided with each other on the opposite wall of the combined flow path in a one-to-one relationship or at an angle. Can be mixed. Therefore, the mixing efficiency of each fluid F1, F2 is further improved.

  (4) Of the pair of side surfaces forming the long merged channel 19, three outlets 15 b are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the merged channel 19 on one side surface, and three outlets are arranged on the other side surface. 20 b are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the joint channel 19. For this reason, the throughput per one mixing plate 14 improves by extending the combined flow path 19 or increasing the number of both outlets 15b and 20b, without changing the distance between both outlets 15b and 20b. . Therefore, the throughput is improved without reducing the mixing efficiency.

  (5) The micromixer 1 includes a temperature control plate 13 stacked on the mixing plate 14. The temperature control plate 13 includes a first heat medium flow path 31A through which the first heat medium H1 flows, a second heat medium flow path 31B through which the second heat medium H2 flows, and the first heat medium flow path 31A and the second heat medium. And a heat insulating portion 30 provided between the flow paths 31B. In a state where the mixing plate 14 and the temperature control plate 13 are stacked, the first flow path forming portion 14A and the first heat medium flow path 31A are arranged so as to correspond to the stacking direction, and the second flow path forming portion 14B and The second heat medium passage 31B is arranged so as to correspond to the stacking direction. For this reason, the first heat medium H1 acts only on the first fluid F1, and the second heat medium H2 acts only on the second fluid F2. Moreover, the heat insulation part 30 is provided between the 1st and 2nd heat-medium flow paths 31A and 31B. For this reason, in the micromixer 1 in which the temperature of the fluid in the flow path is likely to change, the heat conduction between the first and second heating media H1 and H2 is suppressed, so that the temperature can be adjusted with high accuracy.

  (6) The cross-sectional areas of the outlets 15b and 20b of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 are smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the inlets 15a and 20a. For this reason, the flow velocity of each fluid F1, F2 sent to the combined flow path 19 can be increased. Therefore, the fluid F1 from the first flow path 15, the fluid F2 from the second flow path 20, and the collision forces between the fluids on the opposite wall of the combined flow path are increased or the collision forces between the fluids having an angle are generated. Increases and a large shear force is obtained.

[Example 1]
Using the micromixer 1, heteroviscous fluid experiments were conducted. The first and second flow paths 15 and 20 have the wide portions 16 and 21 of width 8 mm × depth 0.2 mm × length 30 mm, and the narrow portions 17 and 22 width 0.4 mm × depth 0.2 mm ×. The length was 1 mm. In addition, the joint channel 19 and the heat insulating portion 30 were set to width 2.0 mm × depth 1.0 × length 15 mm. One mixing plate 14 was fixed by cover plates P1 and P2, and two temperature control plates 13 were stacked one above the other and accommodated in case C. Using a plunger pump, water having a viscosity of 1 mPa · s and water tank having a viscosity of 100 mPa · s were caused to flow at a flow rate of 10 g / min, and merged in the merge channel 19.

  As a result, the pressure loss in the combined flow path 32 was about 0.2 MPa, and the fluids F1 and F2 could be smoothly circulated without being intermittent. Therefore, it was found that the pressure loss can be reduced in the micromixer 1 of Example 1 because the capacity of the combined flow path 32 is large.

[Comparative Example 1]
Heteroviscous fluid experiments were conducted using a conventional Y-type micromixer. The flow path through which the first fluid provided in the Y-type micromixer flows is 0.4 mm wide × 0.2 mm deep × 15 mm long, and the flow path through which the second fluid flows is 0.4 mm wide × 0 depth deep. 2 mm × length 15 mm. Moreover, the flow path through which the liquid mixture flows was defined as width 0.8 mm × depth 0.2 × length 15 mm. The plate on which the flow path is formed is the same material as in the first embodiment. For this reason, the roughness of the channel wall surface is the same as that of the first embodiment. Similarly to Example 1, water with a viscosity of 1 mPa · s and water tank with a viscosity of 100 mPa · s were allowed to flow using a plunger pump. As a result, the pressure loss of the flow path through which the mixed liquid flows was 10 MPa or more, and intermittent circulation was observed in low-viscosity water, making stable circulation difficult. The Y-shaped mixer is designed to join each fluid by intersecting each flow path. For this reason, when two types of fluids having different viscosities are circulated through the respective flow paths, the flow velocity of the low-viscosity fluid is increased while the flow velocity of the high-viscosity fluid is decreased. For this reason, intermittent distribution occurs.

  In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a long notch may be formed in the center of the front surface 14 g of the mixing plate 14 to form the combined channel 19. As shown in FIG. 8, a T-shaped blocking member 42 may be connected to the opening 19 b of the joint channel 19 of the mixing plate 14 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the channel width φ1 of the inlet (wide portion) of the first channel 15 may be different from the channel width φ2 of the inlet (wide portion) of the second channel 20. Further, the flow path width φ3 of the outlet (narrow part) of the first flow path 15 may be different from the flow path width φ4 of the outlet (narrow part) of the second flow path 20. For example, when the second fluid F2 having a higher viscosity than the first fluid F1 is caused to flow in the second flow path 20, the flow path width φ2 of the second flow path 20 is larger than the flow path width φ1 of the first flow path 15. May be. Here, when the channel width of each channel is different, the cross-sectional area of each channel is also different. Further, the channel length L1 of the first channel 15 may be different from the channel length L2 of the second channel 20.

As shown in FIG. 10, the central axes X4 and X5 of the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 may form an angle, and may intersect in the combined flow path 19. And even if the central axes X2 and X3 of the second flow paths 15 and 20 are coaxial, the outlet 20b may not be included at the position of the outlet 15b in the Z-axis direction.
As shown in FIG. 12, convex shapes 61 and 62 may be formed on the walls 60 a and 60 b of the combined flow path 19. The convex shape is not particularly limited, such as a semicircle or a triangle.

As shown in FIG. 13, the walls 60 a and 60 b of the joint channel 19 may have concave shapes 63 and 64. The concave shape is not particularly limited, such as a semicircle or a triangle.
As shown in FIG. 14, the first and second flow paths 15 and 20 may have a snake shape.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the concave portions 45 opened on the upper surface, the rear surface 13 b and the front surface 13 c are formed on both sides of the heat insulating portion 30 of the temperature control plate 13, and the wall portion 46 is formed in the concave portion 45. Good. The wall 46 extends along the short direction of the temperature control plate 13 from the back surface 13b to the front surface 13c. Also in this case, the space in the concave portion 45 is partitioned into a plurality of long spaces by the wall portion 46, and the heat medium flow path 47 is configured. The heat medium passage 47 is formed so as to be orthogonal to the first and second passages 15 and 20. For this reason, heating efficiency or cooling efficiency improves.

In addition, the temperature control plate may also be configured in a pair like the mixing plate, and thereby the width of the heat insulating portion can be appropriately adjusted.

  The micromixer of the present invention can be used for mixing various heteroviscous fluids.

Claims (7)

A micromixer used for mixing two or more kinds of fluids, wherein the micromixer includes a mixing plate having a first flow path forming section and a second flow path forming section, and the first flow path forming section includes Is a micromixer in which a first channel through which a first fluid flows is formed, and a second channel through which a second fluid flows is formed in the second channel forming unit,
Between the first flow path forming part and the second flow path forming part, there is provided a combined flow path where the first fluid and the second fluid merge, and the first flow path is formed via the combined flow path. The outlet and the outlet of the second channel face each other, and the position of the outlet of the first channel facing the central axis of the combined channel is the position of the outlet of the second channel facing the central axis The micromixer is not included, and the combined flow path has a function of increasing an overall mixing speed because a minute flow of the first fluid and the second fluid is mixed by collision thereof. The micromixer of claim 1,
The micromixer according to claim 1, wherein an outlet surface of the first channel is parallel to an outlet surface of the second channel. In the micromixer according to any one of claims 1 and 2,
The outlet of the first channel is one of a plurality of outlets, the outlet of the second channel is one of a plurality of outlets, and the outlet of the first channel and the second flow A micromixer characterized by facing the exit of the road in a one-to-one relationship. In the micromixer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The joint channel is formed in an elongated shape, and one of the pair of opposing side surfaces forming the joint channel has outlets of a plurality of first channels arranged along the longitudinal direction of the joint channel. The micromixer is characterized in that, on the other side surface, the outlets of the plurality of second flow paths are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the combined flow path. In the micromixer according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The mixing plate is composed of a pair of plates in which the outlet of the first flow path and the outlet of the second flow path face each other, and the width of the merging portion is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the plates. A micromixer characterized in that it can be set as appropriate. The micromixer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A temperature control plate laminated on the mixing plate;
The temperature control plate includes a first medium flow path through which the first medium flows, a second medium flow path through which the second medium flows, and a heat insulating portion provided between the first medium flow path and the second medium flow path. And
In a state where the mixing plate and the temperature control plate are stacked, the first flow path forming unit and the first medium flow path are arranged so as to correspond to the stacking direction, and the second flow path forming unit and the A micromixer, wherein the second medium flow path is arranged so as to correspond to the stacking direction. In the micromixer according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
In the first flow path and the second flow path, the cross-sectional area of the outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inlet.

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