JP3745281B2 - Micro mixer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention introduces fluids from a plurality of fluid supply channels into one mixing channel, and mixes the fluids while mixing the fluids as a laminar laminar flow in the mixing channel. And a micromixer to be reacted.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in the chemical industry related to the manufacture of emulsions used in photographic materials and the pharmaceutical industry related to the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, reagents, etc., development of new manufacturing processes using micro containers called micromixers or microreactors has progressed. It has been. The micromixer and microreactor are provided with a plurality of microchannels having an equivalent diameter of several μm to several hundreds of μm when the cross section is converted into a circle, and a minute mixing space connected to these microchannels. In this micromixer and microreactor, a plurality of solutions are introduced into a mixing space through a plurality of microchannels, thereby mixing the plurality of solutions or causing a chemical reaction together with the mixing. The micromixer and the microreactor have the same basic structure. In particular, a microreactor may be referred to as a microreactor that involves a chemical reaction when mixing a plurality of solutions. From this, the following description will be made assuming that the micromixer includes a microreactor. Examples of such a micromixer include those disclosed in JP-T-9-512742 and PCT International Publication WO 00/76648. Each of these micromixers passes two kinds of solutions through a fine liquid supply channel called a microchannel or the like, and supplies them into the mixing space as an extremely thin laminar laminar flow. Two kinds of solutions are mixed and reacted while being circulated in a predetermined direction.
[0003]
Next, the difference in the mixing and reaction by the micromixer as described above from the batch method using a tank or the like will be described. In other words, a chemical reaction in the liquid phase generally occurs when molecules meet at the interface of the reaction solution. Therefore, when the reaction is performed in a minute space, the area of the interface is relatively large, and the reaction efficiency is remarkably increased. . In addition, the diffusion time of the molecule itself is proportional to the square of the distance. This means that even if the reaction solution is not actively mixed as the scale is reduced, mixing proceeds by molecular diffusion and the reaction is likely to occur. Also, in the micro space, since the scale is small, the flow is dominated by laminar flow, and the solutions are in a laminar flow state and are diffused and mixed with each other.
[0004]
Using a micromixer with the characteristics described above, for example, it is possible to precisely control the reaction time and temperature between solutions compared to conventional batch systems that use large-capacity tanks for mixing and reaction. become. In the case of the batch method, the reaction proceeds at the reaction contact surface in the initial stage of mixing, particularly between solution rings having a high reaction rate, and the primary product generated by the reaction between the solutions continues to be reacted in the container. Therefore, there is a possibility that the product is non-uniform and aggregation or precipitation occurs in the mixing container. On the other hand, according to the micromixer, the solution continuously flows with almost no stagnation in the mixing container, so that the primary product generated by the reaction between the solutions continues while staying in the mixing container. It is possible to suppress the reaction, and it becomes possible to take out a pure primary product that has been difficult to take out in the past, and it is difficult to cause aggregation and precipitation in the mixing vessel.
[0005]
In addition, when a small amount of chemical substances produced by an experimental production facility is manufactured (scaled up) in a large amount by a large-scale production facility, a large-scale batch method is conventionally used. It took a lot of labor and time to obtain reproducibility at the manufacturing facility, but this reproducibility can be achieved by parallelizing production lines using micromixers according to the required production volume. The effort and time to obtain can be greatly reduced.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in Japanese translations of PCT publication No. 9-512742 and PCT International Publication No. WO 00/76648, the width (equivalent diameter) and the opening in the mixing space and a plurality of minute liquid supply passages for supplying solutions to the mixing space are disclosed. Although the shape of the section is disclosed, the length of the path along the flow direction of the minute mixing space to which a plurality of types of solutions are supplied from these liquid supply paths is specifically set. Is not described.
[0007]
In other words, in a micromixer, a plurality of types of solutions supplied from a plurality of liquid supply paths into a mixing space are circulated in a laminar flow state, and molecules of these solutions are diffusively mixed, thereby mixing the solutions. And the chemical reaction accompanying mixing proceeds. At this time, the time until a plurality of types of solutions are uniformly mixed in the mixing space or the chemical reaction accompanying the mixing is substantially completed (hereinafter referred to as “mixing / reaction time”) is the time of the solution in the mixing space. It varies depending on the diffusion speed and diffusion distance. Here, the diffusion distance required to uniformly mix the solution becomes a constant value according to the width of the mixing space along the diffusion direction of the solution, but the diffusion speed is supplied into the mixing space. It varies depending on the solution.
[0008]
Therefore, in the micromixer, when the path length along the flow direction of the solution in the mixing space is insufficient for the mixing / reaction time that varies depending on the solution supplied to the mixing space, a plurality of types of solutions are uniformly mixed. Therefore, there is a problem that a mixed solution cannot be generated or a reaction solution in which a chemical reaction is completed cannot be generated.
[0009]
In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a micromixer that can reliably generate a solution in which a plurality of solutions supplied to a mixing channel are uniformly mixed or a chemical reaction accompanying mixing is almost completed. There is.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The micromixer according to the present invention has a plurality of fluid supply paths through which fluid supplied from the outside flows from one end to the other end, respectively, and opens to the other ends of the plurality of fluid supply paths, A plurality of supply ports arranged adjacent to each other along a diffusion direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction in the fluid supply path, and having an opening width of 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less along the diffusion direction; A pair of the supply units having one end portion connected to the plurality of supply ports and having a mixing channel for discharging the fluid introduced through the plurality of supply ports from the other end portion and adjacent to each other along the diffusion direction The effective path length along the flow direction from the interface contact point of the fluid laminar flow introduced into the mixing channel through the mouth to the end of the mixing channel is represented by P_EF(M) The initial maximum flow velocity of each fluid introduced into the mixing channel is V._MAX(M / sec), T is the maximum diffusion distance along the diffusion direction of each fluid for uniformly mixing a plurality of fluids in the mixing channel._MAX(M) D is the minimum diffusion rate of each fluid introduced into the mixing channel._MIN(M²/ Sec), the effective path length P_EF, P_EF≧ (V_MAX× T_MAX ²) / D_MINIt is characterized by setting to satisfy.
[0011]
According to the micromixer according to the present invention, the plurality of supply ports provided at the other ends of the plurality of fluid supply paths are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other along the fluid diffusion direction, and the plurality of supply ports The opening width along the diffusion direction of each is 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and the effective path length P of the mixing channel connected to these supply ports_EFBut P_EF≧ (V_MAX× T_MAX ²) / D_MINBy setting so as to satisfy the above, a plurality of fluids introduced into the mixing channel through the plurality of supply ports respectively have a minute width corresponding to the opening width (1 μm to 500 μm) of the supply port. Circulate in the mixing channel, and molecules of each fluid diffuse to each other at the interface between adjacent laminar flows, so multiple types introduced into the mixing channel through multiple supply ports respectively Can be efficiently mixed, or the chemical reaction accompanying the mixing of a plurality of types of fluids can be effectively promoted. At this time, the time (mixing time) from the start of mixing a plurality of fluids in the mixing channel to the uniform mixing (mixing time) is T_MAX ²/ D_MINIs calculated by Therefore, the effective path length P of the mixing channel_EF(T_MAX ²/ D_MIN) × V_MAXIf it is set as the above length, a some fluid can be reliably hold | maintained in a mixing flow path over mixing time or more. V_MAXV changes over time, V_MAXIs obtained by calculating the average value of the required effective path length P_EFCan be calculated.
[0012]
If a chemical reaction is involved in the mixing of fluids in the mixing channel, the above calculation can be used when it can be considered that the chemical reaction (primary reaction) is substantially complete when a plurality of fluids are uniformly mixed. According to the execution path length P_EFIf you set, there will be no problem. However, when a chemical reaction (primary reaction) cannot be regarded as almost complete when a plurality of fluids are uniformly mixed, or when a secondary chemical reaction is to be continuously performed in the mixing channel. The path length corresponding to the time required for these chemical reactions is added to the minimum value of the effective path length calculated by the above calculation, and the effective path length P_EFNeed to be set.
[0013]
In the micromixer according to the present invention, examples of the fluid supplied to the plurality of fluid supply paths from the outside include, for example, liquid, gas, a solid-liquid mixture in which metal fine particles are dispersed in the liquid, metal fine particles in the gas, and the like. The target is also a solid-gas mixture in which a gas is dispersed, a gas-liquid mixture in which a gas is not dissolved in a liquid, and the type of fluid is different not only when the chemical composition is different, but also for example, the temperature, the solid This includes cases where the liquid ratio and the like are different.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a micromixer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
(First embodiment)
1 and 2 show an example of a micromixer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The micromixer 10 is for mixing two kinds of solutions L1 and L2 and supplying a solution LM in which these solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed to the outside. Here, when the solutions L1 and L2 are mixed by the micromixer 10, there may be a case where a chemical reaction occurs between the solutions L1 and L2, and a case where the chemical reaction does not occur. However, the micromixer according to the present embodiment is in any case. Can also be used.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the micromixer 10 is formed in a substantially prismatic shape as a whole, and includes a thin-walled cylindrical mixer body 12 that constitutes an outer shell portion of the apparatus. Here, a straight line S in the figure indicates an axis connecting the center of the cross section of the mixer body 12. The mixer main body 12 has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the axis, and in this mixer main body 12, a partition plate 14 that divides the internal space of the mixer main body 12 on the base end side (left side in FIG. 1) along the axial direction. Has been placed. The partition plate 14 divides the space in the mixer main body 12 into approximately two equal parts in the short direction of the cross section, and the first liquid supply path 16 and the first liquid supply passage 16 linearly extending along the axial direction into the mixer main body 12. Two liquid supply paths 18 are formed.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, the base end surface of the mixer body 12 is closed by a lid plate 20, and two liquid supply pipes 38 and 39 are connected to the lid plate 20. Through these liquid supply pipes 38 and 39, in the liquid supply paths 16 and 18, respectively, a solution L1 that is pressurized from two liquid supply sources (not shown) installed on the upstream side of the micromixer 10. And solution L2 is fed. These liquid supply sources include, for example, other micromixers that generate the solutions L1 and L2, storage tanks and pumps that store the solutions L1 and L2, and the like.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially rectangular first liquid supply port 22 and second liquid supply port 24 are respectively opened at the front end surfaces of the two liquid supply paths 16 and 18 in the mixer body 12. The liquid supply ports 22 and 24 are adjacent to each other along the diffusion direction (arrow D direction) of the solutions L1 and L2. Here, the diffusion direction is a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the solutions L1 and L2 in the liquid supply paths 16 and 18 (arrow F direction), and in this embodiment, the short direction in the cross section perpendicular to the axis of the mixer body 12 Match. Moreover, the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 are each made into the elongate rectangle in the interface direction (arrow B direction) orthogonal to a diffusion direction.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the mixer body 12, spaces where the liquid supply paths 16 and 18 merge are formed on the downstream side of the liquid supply paths 16 and 18, and these spaces are respectively formed from the liquid supply paths 16 and 18. It is set as the mixing flow path 26 in which the supplied solution L1, L2 is mixed or the chemical reaction accompanying mixing is performed. The mixing channel 26 has upstream ends connected to the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 in the flow direction, and a downstream end surface provided with a liquid outlet 28 that opens to the front end surface of the mixer body 12. ing. An annular flange 30 is provided at the tip of the mixer body 12 so as to extend to the outer peripheral side of the liquid outlet 28.
[0020]
Here, the opening width W1 (see FIG. 2) along the diffusion direction of the first liquid supply port 22 is within a range of 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and the supply amount and type of the solution L1 to the first liquid supply path 16 It sets suitably according to etc. The opening width W2 (see FIG. 2) along the diffusion direction of the second liquid supply port 24 is also in the range of 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less, depending on the supply amount, type, etc. of the solution L2 to the second liquid supply path 18. Is set as appropriate. These opening widths W1, W2, and WB define the opening areas of the liquid supply ports 22 and 24, respectively, and the liquid supply ports 22 according to the opening areas of the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 and the supply amounts of the solutions L1 and L2. , 24, the initial flow rates of the solutions L1, L2 introduced into the mixing channel 26 are determined. In consideration of shortening the time until the solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed (mixing time), naturally, the smaller the opening widths W1 and W2, the more advantageous. It is desirable to reduce the plate thickness as much as possible. For this reason, in the micromixer 10 of the present embodiment, a partition plate 14 having a sufficiently thin plate thickness (preferably, 20 μm or less) is used. Further, it is desirable that the end shape of the partition plate 14 be streamlined as shown in FIG. 1 so that no vortex is generated at the interface contact point CP.
[0021]
In the micromixer 10, the solutions L <b> 1 and L <b> 2 are mixed in the mixing channel 26, or the solution LM that has undergone a chemical reaction with the mixing is discharged from the liquid outlet 28. When the solution LM is generated only by mixing the solutions L1 and L2, it is necessary that the solutions L1 and L2 are mixed substantially uniformly by the outlet of the mixing flow path 26, and the solution LM is the solution L1, When it is generated by a chemical reaction accompanying the mixing of L2, the solutions L1 and L2 are mixed almost uniformly by the outlet of the mixing channel 26, and the chemical reaction between the solutions L1 and L2 is also almost completely completed. Need to be. Accordingly, the path length P (see FIG. 1) along the flow direction of the mixing channel 26 needs to be set to such a length that the mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 is completed or the chemical reaction accompanying the mixing is substantially completed. A specific method for setting the road length P will be described later. The mixer body 12 is always filled with the solutions L1 and L2 and the solution LM in which these are mixed without gaps, and circulates from the liquid supply paths 16 and 18 to the liquid outlet 28 side. .
[0022]
  Here, a liquid discharge pipe (not shown) having a flange portion that is paired with the flange portion 30 is connected to the distal end portion of the mixer main body 12, and the solution LM discharged from the liquid discharge port 28 of the mixer main body 12 is The liquid is sent to a storage container for temporary storage, another micromixer for performing the next processing on the solution LM, and the like through the outlet pipe. Here, the flange portion 30 of the mixer body 12 and the flange portion of the liquid discharge pipe are threaded joints using bolts and nuts, and a ring-shaped connecting member is inserted from the outer peripheral side of the pair of flange portions.FittingsEtc., and may be connected by welding, bonding, or the like. As the outlet pipe, a general cylindrical metal pipe or the like is used as long as the flange provided at the downstream end thereof matches the shape of the flange 30 of the micromixer 10. be able to.
[0023]
In the micromixer 10 configured as described above, since the opening widths W1 and W2 of the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 are set to a very small width of 1 μm to 500 μm, the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 pass through the mixing channel 26. The solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the liquid flow as laminar laminar flows having widths corresponding to the opening widths W1 and W2, respectively, and flow toward the liquid outlet port 28. Molecular diffusion occurs along the direction, and mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 proceeds.
[0024]
At this time, the interface contact point between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 26 through the pair of liquid supply ports 22 and 24 is CP, and the mixing channel 26 from the interface contact point CP. The effective path length that is the length along the flow direction to the end of_EF(M) The initial flow velocity of the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 26, respectively, is the maximum V._MAX(M / sec), the maximum diffusion distance along the diffusion direction of each of L1 and L2 for uniformly mixing the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 26 is T_MAX(M) D is the minimum diffusion speed of the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 26._MIN(M²In the micromixer 10 according to the present embodiment, the effective path length P of the mixing channel 26 is_EFIs set to a length that satisfies the following equation (1), and this execution path length P_EFBased on the above, the path length P of the mixing channel 26 is determined.
[0025]
P_EF≧ (V_MAX× T_MAX ²) / D_MIN... (1)
Next, the meaning of each physical quantity used in the above equation (1) will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the interface contact point CP is a point where the laminar flow formed by the solution L1 and the laminar flow formed by the solution L2 come into contact with each other in the mixing channel 26, and mainly the plate thickness of the partition plate 14 and the solution L1. , L2 depending on the initial flow velocity, etc., but when the plate thickness of the partition plate 14 is sufficiently thin relative to the path length P of the mixing flow channel 26 as in this embodiment, it is formed by the solutions L1, L2. The laminar flow can be considered to be in contact with the solutions L1 and L2 as soon as they flow into the mixing channel 26. Therefore, in this embodiment, the execution path length P of the mixing channel 26 is_EFIs the same as the road length P.
[0026]
Initial flow velocity V_MAX(M / sec) is the maximum initial flow rate of the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 26, and these initial flow rates are determined by the opening area of the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 and the supply flow rate. It is determined by the supply amount of the solutions L1 and L2 into the liquid passages 16 and 18, respectively. The diffusion distance is the minimum movement amount along the diffusion direction of the molecules of the solutions L1 and L2 that are necessary for uniformly mixing the solutions L1 and L2, and in this embodiment, the diffusion direction of the mixing channel 26. The opening width along W_MIX(See FIG. 2), the diffusion distance of the solution L1 is (W_MIX-W1) and the diffusion distance of the solution L2 is (W_MIX-W2), and the largest of these is the diffusion distance T_{M AX}(M).
[0027]
The diffusion rate means the diffusion coefficient in Fick's diffusion equation (second law), which changes according to the mass of the diffusing molecule, the temperature and pressure of the diffusing material, and when an external force acts on the diffusing material. It also changes due to the influence of external forces. For this reason, it is difficult to theoretically obtain with sufficient accuracy, but for example, by observing the diffusion state of various solutions in the mixing flow path 26, sufficient accuracy is obtained in advance for each type of solution and each combination thereof. Can be obtained. The diffusion rate D of the solutions L1 and L2 thus determined is the minimum._MIN(M²/ Second).
[0028]
In the micromixer 10 according to the present embodiment, the opening width WB along the interface direction of the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 is the diffusion distance T._MAXThis length is set. Here, the contact line length between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 26 is substantially equal to the opening width WB. From this, the opening width WB and the diffusion distance T_MAXIs preferably set to be large to a certain extent in order to increase the contact area between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2, specifically, WB: T_MAXIs preferably 5: 1 or more, more preferably 10: 1 or more.
[0029]
According to the micromixer 10 configured as described above, the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 26 through the liquid supply ports 22 and 24, respectively, are the opening widths (1 μm to 500 μm) of the liquid supply ports 22 and 24. The molecules of the solutions L1 and L2 diffuse to each other at the interface between the laminar flows adjacent to each other as a laminar flow having a minute width corresponding to A plurality of types of solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 26 through the ports 22 and 24, respectively, can be efficiently mixed, or a chemical reaction accompanying the mixing of the plurality of types of solutions L1 and L2 is effectively promoted. it can.
[0030]
At this time, the time (mixing time) S from when mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 is started in the mixing channel 26 until the mixing is uniformly performed_MIXT_MAX ²/ D_MINIs calculated by Therefore, the effective path length P of the mixing channel 26_EF(T_MAX ²/ D_MIN) × V_MAXWith the above length, the solutions L1 and L2 are surely mixed with the mixing time S._MIXIt can hold | maintain in the mixing flow path 26 over the above. V_MAXV changes over time, V_MAXSince the minimum value of the effective path length necessary for uniformly mixing the solutions L1 and L2 can be calculated by calculating the average value of the mixing path 26, the effective path length P of the mixing channel 26 can be calculated._EFIf (= path length P) is set to a length equal to or longer than the minimum value, the solutions L1 and L2 can be uniformly mixed in the mixing channel 26 to generate the solution LM.
[0031]
In addition, when a chemical reaction is accompanied by mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 26, it is considered that the chemical reaction (primary reaction) is substantially completed when the plurality of solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed. Is possible, the execution path length P is determined according to the above calculation._EFIn addition, when a plurality of solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed, when the chemical reaction (primary reaction) cannot be regarded as almost completed, When it is desired to continuously carry out the reaction, the time required for these chemical reactions S_ADDThe road length corresponding to_ADD× V_MAX) Is added to the minimum value of the effective path length, and the execution path length P of the mixing flow path 26 is calculated._EFNeed to be set.
[0032]
Further, in the micromixer 10 according to the present embodiment, when the area of the inner wall portion 26A (see FIG. 2) along the diffusion direction with respect to the contact interface formed by the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 26 becomes excessive. In the vicinity of the inner wall portion 26A of the mixing channel 26, a phenomenon occurs in which molecular diffusion is suppressed by the influence of the viscosity of the solutions L1 and L2, and the execution path length P_EFIs set according to the above equation (1), the solutions L1 and L2 cannot be uniformly mixed when the viscosity of the solutions L1 and L2 is large. Therefore, in the micromixer 10 according to the present embodiment, the opening width WB along the interface direction of the liquid supply ports 22 and 24 is the diffusion distance T._MAXThe above length (preferably T_MAX5 times or more, more preferably 10 times or more). This can prevent the area of the inner wall portion 26A from becoming excessive with respect to the contact area between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2, so that the mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 is caused by the viscous effect of the solutions L1 and L2. Incompleteness can be prevented and the contact area between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2 can be made sufficiently large, so that the mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 26 can be effectively promoted.
[0033]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a micromixer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the micromixer 10 according to the first embodiment, the micromixer 110 mixes two kinds of solutions L1 and L2 at the same time, and these solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed or a chemical reaction accompanying the mixing occurs. This is for supplying the completed solution LM to the outside.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 3, the micromixer 110 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and includes a cylindrical mixer body 112 that constitutes an outer shell portion of the apparatus. Here, the straight line S in the figure indicates the axial center of the apparatus, and the following description will be made with the direction along the axial center S as the axial direction of the apparatus. The mixer main body 112 has a large diameter portion 114 whose base end portion along the axial direction has a large diameter with respect to the distal end side. Inside the large diameter portion 114, the solutions L1 and L2 are externally supplied. A pair of first header portion 116 and second header portion 118 that receive the supply is provided. The mixer main body 112 is a circular tube portion 120 having a constant inner diameter on the distal end side with respect to the large diameter portion 114, and a liquid outlet port 122 for the solution LM is opened at the distal end surface of the circular tube portion 120. A ring-shaped flange portion 124 is provided at the tip of the portion 120 so as to extend to the outer peripheral side of the liquid outlet 122.
[0035]
Here, a liquid discharge pipe (not shown) having a flange portion that is paired with the flange portion 124 is connected to the front end portion of the mixer main body 112, and as in the case of the first embodiment, the mixer main body 112 is discharged. The solution LM discharged from the liquid port 122 is sent to a storage container for storage, another micromixer for performing the next processing on the solution LM, and the like through a liquid discharge pipe.
[0036]
The base end surface of the large-diameter portion 114 in the mixer main body 112 is closed by a disc-shaped lid plate 126, and a circular fitting hole 128 is formed in the center portion of the lid plate 126. A round bar-shaped rectifying member 130 is coaxially disposed in the mixer body 112 so as to protrude from the inside of the large diameter portion 114 into the circular pipe portion 120. The base end portion of the rectifying member 130 is inserted and supported in the insertion hole 128 of the lid plate 126. Further, a conical portion 132 whose diameter decreases toward the distal end side is formed at the distal end portion of the rectifying member 130. Here, the outer diameter of the rectifying member 130 is smaller than the inner diameter of the circular pipe portion 120, and the dimensional difference from the inner diameter of the circular pipe portion 120 is based on the circulation amount of the solutions L 1 and L 2 in the circular pipe portion 120. Is set.
[0037]
In the large-diameter portion 114 of the mixer main body 112, a disk-shaped partition plate 134 is arranged to divide the space in the large-diameter portion 114 so as to be divided into approximately two equal parts along the axial direction. Spaces on the proximal end side and the distal end side defined by the plate 134 are a first header portion 116 and a second header portion 118, respectively. The header portions 116 and 118 are connected to liquid supply pipes 136 and 138, respectively. Through these liquid supply pipes 136 and 138, the header portions 116 and 118 are supplied with a solution L1 and a solution L2 that are pressurized from two liquid supply sources (not shown) installed upstream of the micromixer 110. Is supplied. These liquid supply sources include, for example, other micromixers that generate the solutions L1 and L2, storage tanks and pumps that store the solutions L1 and L2, and the like.
A circular opening having an opening diameter that is an intermediate dimension between the inner diameter of the circular pipe portion 120 and the outer diameter of the rectifying member 130 is formed in the center of the partition plate 134. A pipe-shaped partition member 140 that protrudes into the circular pipe part 120 from the peripheral part of the part is integrally formed. The partition member 140 is arranged coaxially with the circular pipe part 120 and the rectifying member 130, and divides the space between the circular pipe part 120 and the rectifying member 130 into an inner peripheral side and an outer peripheral side. . Here, the space on the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side defined by the partition wall member 140 is a first liquid supply path 142 and a second liquid supply path 144, respectively, and these liquid supply paths 142 and 144 are respectively proximal end portions. The header portions 116 and 118 communicate with each other. Further, in the circular pipe portion 120 of the mixer main body 112, the thickness is made thicker with respect to the liquid supply paths 142 and 144 on the distal end side than the partition wall member 140 and on the proximal end side relative to the conical portion 132 of the rectifying member 130. A cylindrical space is formed, and this cylindrical space is a mixing channel 146 in which the solution L1 and the solution L2 supplied from the liquid supply channels 142 and 144 are mixed or mixed and subjected to a chemical reaction. .
[0038]
In the mixer main body 112, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) spacers 148 are interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the circular pipe portion 120 and the outer peripheral surface of the partition wall member 140, and A plurality (four in this embodiment) of spacers 150 are also interposed between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the rectifying member 130. The plurality of spacers 148 and 150 are each formed in a rectangular plate shape, and are supported so that the front and back surfaces thereof are parallel to the flow direction (arrow F direction) of the solutions L1 and L2 in the circular tube portion 120. The plurality of spacers 148 and 150 are arranged at 90 ° intervals along the circumferential direction around the axis S, and the positions in the circumferential direction coincide with each other. Here, the spacer 148 on the outer peripheral side connects the partition member 140 to the circular pipe portion 120, and the spacer 150 on the inner peripheral side connects the rectifying member 130 to the partition member 140, and in the radial direction of the liquid supply paths 142 and 144. Opening widths W1 and W2 (see FIG. 3A) are set. As a result, the partition member 140 and the rectifying member 130 are connected and fixed to the circular pipe portion 120 with sufficient strength, and are prevented from being displaced or deformed from a predetermined position due to the liquid pressure or gravity of the solutions L1 and L2. In addition, the opening widths W1 and W2 are reliably maintained at preset dimensions.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 3B, the first liquid supply port 152 and the second liquid supply opening that open into the mixing flow path 146 are respectively provided at the distal ends of the first liquid supply path 142 and the second liquid supply path 144. A mouth 154 is formed. Each of these liquid supply ports 152 and 154 opens along a circular locus centered on the axis S and is arranged so as to be concentric with each other. Here, the opening width W1 along the radial direction of the first liquid supply port 152 is appropriately set in the range of 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less according to the supply amount, type, and the like of the solution L1 to the first header portion 116. The In addition, the opening width W2 along the radial direction of the second liquid supply port 154 is also set as appropriate according to the supply amount, type, and the like of the solution L2 to the second header portion 118 in the range of 1 μm to 500 μm.
[0040]
Here, the opening widths W1 and W2 define the opening areas of the liquid supply ports 152 and 154, respectively, and according to the opening area of the liquid supply ports 152 and 154 and the supply amounts of the solutions L1 and L2, the liquid supply ports 152 are provided. , 154, the initial flow rates of the solutions L1, L2 introduced into the mixing channel 146 are determined. These opening widths W1 and W2 are set so that, for example, the flow rates of the solutions L1 and L2 supplied into the mixing channel 146 through the liquid supply ports 152 and 154 are equal to each other. In consideration of shortening the time until the solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed (mixing time), naturally, the smaller the opening widths W1 and W2 are, the more advantageous it is, and along the radial direction of the partition wall member 140 It is desirable to make the thickness as thin as possible. For this reason, in the micromixer 110 of the present embodiment, a partition member 140 having a sufficiently thin plate thickness (preferably, 20 μm or less) is used. Further, it is desirable that the end shape of the partition plate 140 be streamlined as shown in FIG. 3 so that no vortex is generated at the interface contact point CP.
[0041]
In the space on the tip side of the mixing channel 146 in the circular pipe part 120, the solutions L1 and L2 are mixed in the mixing channel 146, or the solution LM in which mixing and chemical reaction are performed is the liquid outlet 122. The liquid discharge path 156 flows toward the front. Here, when the solution LM is generated only by mixing the solutions L1 and L2, it is necessary that the solutions L1 and L2 are mixed substantially uniformly at the outlet of the mixing channel 146, and the solution LM is the solution LM. When generated by mixing and chemical reaction of L1 and L2, the solutions L1 and L2 are mixed almost uniformly at the outlet of the mixing channel 146, and the chemical reaction between the solutions L1 and L2 is also almost completely completed. Need to be. Accordingly, the path length P (see FIG. 3A) along the flow direction of the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 146 is such that the mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 is completed, or the mixing and chemical reaction are substantially completed. It is necessary to set to a long length. It is assumed that the mixer body 112 is always filled with the solutions L1 and L2 and the solution LM in which these are mixed without any gap and flows from the header portions 116 and 118 to the liquid outlet 122 side.
[0042]
In the micromixer 110 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, two types are introduced into the mixing channel 146 through the liquid supply ports 152 and 154, respectively, as in the micromixer 10 according to the first embodiment. The solutions L1 and L2 flow in the mixing channel 146 as laminar laminar flows corresponding to the opening widths W1 and W2 of the liquid supply ports 152 and 154, respectively, and at the interfaces between the laminar flows adjacent to each other. Since the molecules of the solutions L1 and L2 diffuse to each other, the two types of solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 146 are uniformly mixed in a short time, or the chemical reaction accompanying the mixing is completed, and the solution LM Can be supplied to the outside.
[0043]
At this time, the interface contact point between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 146 through the pair of liquid supply ports 152 and 154 is CP, and the mixing channel 146 from the interface contact point CP. The effective path length that is the length along the flow direction to the end of_EF(M) The maximum initial flow velocity of the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 146 is V._MAX(M / sec), the maximum diffusion distance along the diffusion direction of L1 and L2 for uniformly mixing the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing flow path 146 is T_MAX(M) D is the minimum diffusion rate of the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 146._MIN(M²/ Sec), in the micromixer 110 according to the present embodiment, the effective path length P of the mixing channel 146 is the same as that of the micromixer 10 according to the first embodiment._EFIs set to a length that satisfies the following equation (1), and this execution path length P_EFBased on the above, the path length P of the mixing channel 146 is determined.
[0044]
P_EF≧ (V_MAX× T_MAX ²) / D_MIN... (1)
Next, the meaning of each physical quantity used in the above equation (1) will be described with reference to FIG. First, the interface contact point CP is a point where the laminar flow formed by the solution L1 and the laminar flow formed by the solution L2 come into contact with each other in the mixing channel 146, and mainly the plate thickness of the partition member 140, the solution L1. , L2 depending on the initial flow velocity, etc., but when the partition member 140 is sufficiently short relative to the path length P of the mixing channel 146 as in the present embodiment, the layers formed by the solutions L1, L2 The flow can be considered as contacting as soon as the solutions L1, L2 flow into the mixing channel 146. Therefore, in this embodiment, the execution path length P of the mixing channel 146 is_EFIs the same as the road length P.
[0045]
Initial flow velocity V_MAX(M / sec) is the maximum initial flow rate of the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing flow path 146, and these initial flow rates are determined by the opening area of the liquid supply ports 152 and 154 and the supply flow rate. It is determined by the supply amount of the solutions L1 and L2 into the liquid paths 142 and 144, respectively. The diffusion distance is the minimum movement amount along the diffusion direction of the molecules of the solutions L1 and L2 that are necessary for uniformly mixing the solutions L1 and L2, and in this embodiment, the radial direction of the mixing channel 146. The opening width along W_MIX(See FIG. 3A), the diffusion distance of the solution L1 is (W_MIX-W1) and the diffusion distance of the solution L2 is (W_MIX-W2), and the largest of these is the diffusion distance T_MAX(M). In the present embodiment, the radial direction centered on the axis S matches the diffusion direction of the solutions L1 and L2. Further, the diffusion rate D of the solutions L1 and L2_MINSince this is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0046]
In the micromixer 110 according to the present embodiment, the opening width WB1 (= b1 × 4) along the circumferential direction of the first liquid supply port 152 and the opening width WB2 (= b2) along the circumferential direction of the second liquid supply port 154. × 4) (Refer to FIG. 3B for b1 and b2) is the diffusion distance T_MAXThis length is set. Here, the contact line length between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 146 is substantially equal to the opening width WB. From this, the opening widths WB1 and WB2 and the diffusion distance T_MAXIs preferably set to be large to a certain extent in order to increase the contact area between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2, specifically, WB1, WB2: T_MAXIs preferably 5: 1 or more, more preferably 10: 1 or more.
[0047]
According to the micromixer 110 configured as described above, the solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 146 through the liquid supply ports 152 and 154, respectively, are the opening widths (1 μm to 500 μm) of the liquid supply ports 152 and 154. The molecules of the solutions L1 and L2 diffuse to each other at the interface between adjacent laminar flows as a laminar flow having a minute width corresponding to The plurality of solutions L1 and L2 introduced into the mixing channel 146 through the ports 152 and 154 can be efficiently mixed, or the chemical reaction accompanying the mixing of the plurality of types of solutions L1 and L2 can be effectively promoted. .
[0048]
At this time, the time (mixing time) S from when mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 is started in the mixing channel 146 until the mixing is uniformly performed_MIXT_MAX ²/ D_MINIs calculated by Therefore, the effective path length P of the mixing channel 146_EF(T_MAX ²/ D_MIN) × V_MAXWith the above length, the solutions L1 and L2 are surely mixed with the mixing time S._MIXIt can hold | maintain in the mixing flow path 146 over the above. V_MAXV changes over time, V_MAXSince the minimum value of the effective path length required for uniformly mixing the solutions L1 and L2 can be calculated by calculating the average value of the mixing path 146, the execution path length P of the mixing channel 146 is calculated._EFIf (= path length P) is set to a length equal to or longer than the minimum value, the solutions L1 and L2 can be uniformly mixed in the mixing channel 146 to generate the solution LM.
[0049]
In addition, when a chemical reaction is accompanied by the mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 146, it is considered that the chemical reaction (primary reaction) is substantially completed when the plurality of solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed. Is possible, the execution path length P is determined according to the above calculation._EFIn addition, when a plurality of solutions L1 and L2 are uniformly mixed, the chemical reaction (primary reaction) cannot be regarded as almost completed, or secondary chemistry is performed in the mixing channel 146. When it is desired to continuously carry out the reaction, the time required for these chemical reactions S_ADDThe road length corresponding to_ADD× V_MAX) Is added to the minimum value of the effective path length, and the execution path length P of the mixing channel 146 is calculated._EFNeed to be set.
[0050]
In the micromixer 110 according to the present embodiment, the opening widths WB1 and WB2 along the circumferential direction of the liquid supply ports 152 and 154 are the diffusion distance T._MAXThe above length (preferably T_MAX5 times or more, more preferably 10 times or more). Thereby, since the contact area between the laminar flows formed by the solutions L1 and L2 can be sufficiently increased, the mixing of the solutions L1 and L2 in the mixing channel 146 can be effectively promoted.
[0051]
In the micromixers 10 and 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the two types of solutions L1 and L2 are mixed in the mixing channels 26 and 146 or chemically reacted with the mixing. Even in a micromixer in which more than one type of solution is mixed in a mixing channel or chemically reacted together with mixing, the same concept as in the present invention, that is, P_EF≧ (V_MAX× T_MAX ²) / D_MINThe effective path length P of the mixing channel based on the formula_EFBy setting, three or more types of solutions can be reliably mixed in the mixing channel.
[0052]
Further, in the description according to the present embodiment, only the case where only the solutions L1 and L2 are supplied to the micromixers 10 and 110 has been described. However, instead of the solutions L1 and L2, metal fine particles are contained in other fluids such as gas and liquid. Even when a solid-liquid mixture in which metal fine particles are dispersed in a gas, or a gas-liquid mixture in which a gas is not dissolved in a liquid is supplied to the micromixers 10, 110 In other words, it is possible to obtain a fluid in which the fluids are uniformly mixed or the chemical reaction accompanying the mixing is completed.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the micromixer according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably generate a solution in which a plurality of solutions supplied to the mixing channel are uniformly mixed or a chemical reaction accompanying the mixing is substantially completed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view along an axial direction showing a configuration of an example of a micromixer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the micromixer shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along an axial direction and a direction perpendicular to the axis showing a configuration of a micromixer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Micromixer
12 Mixer body
16 1st liquid supply path (fluid supply path)
18 Second liquid supply path (fluid supply path)
22 1st liquid supply port (supply port)
24 Second liquid supply port (supply port)
26 Mixing channel
110 Micromixer
112 Mixer body
142 First liquid supply path (fluid supply path)
144 Second liquid supply path (fluid supply path)
146 Mixing channel
152 1st liquid supply port (supply port)
154 Second liquid supply port (supply port)

Claims (2)

Introducing a fluid into a single mixing channel through a plurality of supply ports, and diffusing the fluids in the normal direction of their contact interface while mixing these fluids as a laminar laminar flow. A mixer,
A plurality of fluid supply paths through which fluid supplied from the outside flows from one end to the other end;
Opened to the other end of each of the plurality of fluid supply passages, disposed adjacent to each other along a predetermined diffusion direction orthogonal to the fluid flow direction in the fluid supply passage, and along the diffusion direction A plurality of supply ports having an opening width of 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less;
One end portion is connected to the plurality of supply ports, and has a mixing flow path for discharging the fluid introduced through the plurality of supply ports from the other end portion,
Effective path along the flow direction from the interface contact point of the fluid laminar flow introduced into the mixing channel through the pair of supply ports adjacent to each other along the diffusion direction to the end of the mixing channel The length is P _EF (m),
V _MAX (m / sec) is the maximum initial flow velocity of each fluid introduced into the mixing flow path,
T _MAX (m) is the maximum diffusion distance along the diffusion direction of each fluid for uniformly mixing a plurality of fluids in the mixing channel,
When the minimum diffusion rate of each fluid introduced into the mixing channel is D _MIN (m ² / sec),
The micromixer characterized in that the effective path length P _EF is set so as to satisfy the following expression (1).
P _EF ≧ (V _MAX × T _MAX ² ) / D _MIN (1) The opening width along the flow direction and the interface direction orthogonal to the diffusion direction of the pair of supply ports adjacent to each other along the diffusion direction is set to a length equal to or longer than the diffusion distance _TMAX. The micromixer according to claim 1.

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