JP5093721B2 - Micro separation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a micro separation apparatus that uses movement of a plunger to achieve a highly efficient separation function required for a microchemical process, and in particular, in Europe, for example, μ-TAS (abbreviation of Micro Total Analysis System), US Then, it is suitable for use in a microfluidic device having a fine structure represented by a microreactor called Lab-on-A-Chip, from a plug flow (alternate flow) such as a two-liquid plug flow or a gas-liquid plug flow. The present invention relates to a micro separation apparatus for separating a micro fluid.

“Separation” is an important function required for devices for microchemical processes, but there are still few proposals for effective separation devices. In reaction and extraction using a plug flow in a microchemical reactor, separation of products is performed by, for example, the method described in Patent Document 1 or a method using a difference in specific gravity.
Japanese Patent No. 3627060

  However, the method described in Patent Document 1 is for separating submicron particles mixed in a liquid and has a problem that it cannot be used for separating liquids or liquids and gases. Moreover, since the method using the difference in specific gravity needs to maintain the pressure balance of the discharge port from the separation tank, there is a problem that the flow rate change and the pressure change of the discharge part cannot be easily performed.

  Therefore, the present invention proposes a micro separation apparatus capable of separating liquids or liquids and gases in order to enable separation of products in reaction and extraction using plug flow in a microchemical reactor. It is an object.

The present invention advantageously solves the above problems, and the micro separation apparatus of the present invention is
A separation device using a plug flow,
The two fluids (two types) constituting the plug flow are separated by switching the valve.
Further, the separation valve may be driven with the same cycle (with a phase difference) as the drive cycle of the valve that generates the plug flow.
The sensor further includes a sensor for determining the type of fluid provided in front of the separation valve, and a device for delaying the output signal of the sensor, and the separation valve is driven by the delayed signal. Also good.
Further, the micro separation device of the present invention includes an inlet circuit that extends in a radial direction with respect to a predetermined axis and has one end opened to the inside of the predetermined plunger chamber inward in the radial direction, and each on the axis. Extending and bending one end close to each other in the same radial direction as the inlet circuit with respect to the axial line, the radial direction in the plunger chamber at a position sandwiching the inlet circuit in the axial direction Two outlet circuits that are opened outward, and are accommodated in the plunger chamber so as to be movable in the axial direction, and have a magnetic body, and the one end of the inlet circuit is moved in the axial direction. A plunger that selectively connects the two outlet circuits to the one end, and the plunger is reciprocated in the axial direction in accordance with the type of fluid supplied to the inlet circuit. A magnetic driving means, is characterized in that it comprises a.

  In such a micro separation device of the present invention, when two types of liquid or liquid and gas plug flows are supplied to the inlet circuit, the electromagnetic drive means supplies the plunger having the magnetic material to the inlet circuit. Reciprocate according to the type of fluid to be used, and connect one end of the inlet circuit, which is opened radially inward into the plunger chamber, between the two outlet circuits and one end of the inlet circuit in the axial direction. By selectively connecting to one end opened radially outward in the plunger chamber, the plug flow of the inlet circuit is separated into two types of liquid or liquid and gas, and two outlet circuits Spill from each.

  Therefore, according to the micro separation apparatus of the present invention, the plunger can be moved with a simple structure that can be miniaturized and with quick follow-up using electromagnetics to separate liquids and liquids from the plug flow. Can be performed continuously.

In the present invention, the plug flow generating device includes an outlet circuit extending in a radial direction with respect to a predetermined axis and having an end portion opened inward in the radial direction into the predetermined plunger chamber, Extending on the axis and bending one end close to each other in the same radial direction as the outlet circuit with respect to the axis, the outlet circuit is sandwiched in the axial direction in the plunger chamber. Two inlet circuits opened outward in the radial direction, the plunger chamber is accommodated in the plunger chamber so as to be movable in the axial direction, has a magnetic body, and moves in the axial direction by the movement of the outlet circuit. A plunger for selectively connecting the one end to the one end of the two inlet circuits; and an electromagnetic driving means for reciprocating the plunger in the axial direction. The plug flow generator supplies the plug flow generated from the two kinds of fluid supplied to the two inlet circuits by reciprocating the plunger by the electromagnetic drive means from the outlet circuit to the inlet circuit of the micro separation device. when the micro said electromagnetic drive means of the separating device, said plug flow generating apparatus wherein the predetermined time delay the plunger timing for reciprocating the more the plug flow generator to the electromagnetic drive means of the plug flow generating device The plunger of the micro separation device may be reciprocated in synchronism with each other, and in this way, the plug flow generated by the plug flow generating device from two types of fluids is synchronized with the switching timing. Since the plunger of the micro separation device distributes to the two outlet circuits, the plug has a simple configuration without a sensor. It can be performed in the separation continuously.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the electromagnetic driving means of the micro separation device detects the type of fluid passing through the inlet circuit by a sensor provided in the inlet circuit of the micro separation device, and based on the detection result. The plunger of the micro separation device may be reciprocated after a predetermined time delay from the detection. In this way, when the operation timing of the plug flow generator is unknown or the flow state is in the middle Even in the case of change, the plug flow can be continuously separated.

  And in this invention, you may provide the said sensor in the immediate vicinity of the said plunger of the said micro separation apparatus, and in this way, in the plug flow of two types of liquids or a liquid and gas, just before distributing with a plunger. Since the type of fluid is detected, the plunger can be actuated more accurately corresponding to the type of fluid, and the fluid can be separated more accurately.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the micro separation device according to the present invention in combination with a micro plug flow generator, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are micro views of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a test apparatus for generating and separating a plug flow with a configuration similar to that of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). Is an explanatory photograph showing the state at different time points when the micro-plug flow generator and the micro-separation device are both driven at 0 Hz in the test device, and FIGS. FIG. 6 (a) and FIG. 6 (b) show the state of the plug flow generator and the micro separation device when they are driven at 0.5 Hz, respectively. FIGS. And micro separation equipment FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) show the states at different times when both are driven at 1 Hz, and FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) show that the microplug flow generator and the micro separation device are driven at 3Hz in the above test apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory photograph showing the states at different points in time, wherein reference numeral 1 in the figure denotes the micro separation device of the above embodiment, and 11 denotes the micro plug flow generation device.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the micro separation device 1 of this embodiment includes a disc-like portion 2a centered on the axis C and an axis C from the outer end surface of the disc-like portion 2a. In contrast, an inlet joint 2b projecting radially outward, a plunger chamber 2c having a rectangular cross-sectional shape formed in the disk-shaped portion 2a, and an axis formed in the disk-shaped portion 2a and the inlet joint 2b. An inlet circuit 2d extending radially outward with respect to C and having one end opened in the plunger chamber 2c radially inward, and a drain circuit 2e communicating the inside of the plunger chamber 2c to the outside. Two bobbin-like portions 3a and 4a that are provided with a non-magnetic inlet member 2 and that are disposed with the inlet member 2 interposed therebetween with the axis C as the center, and the central portions of these bobbin-like portions 3a and 4a Against each other in the direction of extension of axis C Each has two protruding outlet joints 3b and 4b, and two outer outlet circuits 3c and 4c formed in the bobbin-like portions 3a and 4a and the outlet joints 3b and 4b and extending in the direction of extension of the axis C. Two exit members 3 and 4 made of non-magnetic material are provided.

  The micro separation device 1 of this embodiment also has a columnar portion 5a that is disposed in the plunger chamber 2c around the axis C and connects the two bobbin-shaped portions 3a and 4a, and an axis C within the columnar portion 5a. The same radial direction as that of the inlet circuit 2d with respect to the axis C at a position close to each other at a position adjacent to each other and communicating with the outer outlet circuits 3c, 4c in the bobbin-shaped portions 3a, 4a. Two inner outlet circuits 5b, 5c that are bent radially outwardly in the plunger chamber 2c at positions sandwiching the inlet circuit 2d in the axial direction C, and the inner outlet circuits 5b, A connecting member 5 made of a non-magnetic material having two annular outer circumferential grooves 5d each connected to the open end of 5c, and accommodated in the plunger chamber 2c, the outer cross-sectional shape of which is a corner portion The outer peripheral surface is formed in a chamfered rectangle and substantially in liquid-tight sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plunger chamber 2 c, while the inner peripheral surface is circular and the inner peripheral surface is the outer peripheral surface of the connecting member 5. And a connection circuit 6a extending radially in the same direction as the inlet circuit 2d and the inner outlet circuits 5b and 5c with respect to the axis C, and extending in the direction in which the axis C extends. In this example, the inner end of the plunger chamber 2c of the inlet circuit 2d is selectively connected to the inner end of the plunger chamber 2c of the two inner outlet circuits 5b and 5c through the connecting circuit 6a by the reciprocating movement of A permanent magnet plunger 6 is provided.

  The chamfering of the plunger 6 is for preventing the fluid leaking into the plunger chamber 2c from being sealed on one side of the plunger 6 and hindering the movement of the plunger 6. The annular outer peripheral groove 5d is for preventing the plunger 6 from being pressed in one radial direction by the pressure in the inner outlet circuits 5b and 5c to increase the sliding resistance. And the inlet joint 2b and the outlet joints 3b and 4b are for inserting the tube which comprises a pipe line.

  The micro separation device 1 of this embodiment further includes two electromagnetic coils 7 and 8 formed by winding electric wires around the two bobbin-like portions 3a and 4a, and as shown in FIG. An ordinary controller 9 is provided which is connected to the coils 7 and 8 and alternately supplies a drive current to the electromagnetic coils 7 and 8, and these electromagnetic coils 7 and 8 and the controller 9 constitute electromagnetic drive means. .

  In the micro separation apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when two kinds of liquids or a plug flow of liquid and gas are supplied to the inlet circuit 2d, the electromagnetic coils 7 and 8 excited by the controller 9 are converted into permanent magnets. The plunger 6 is driven and reciprocated according to the type of fluid supplied to the inlet circuit 2d as described later, and the inlet circuit 2d is opened radially inward into the plunger chamber 2c. One end portion of the two inner outlet circuits 5b and 5c is selectively used as one end portion opened radially outward in the plunger chamber 2c with the one end portion of the inlet circuit 2d interposed in the axial direction. By connecting to, the plug flow of the inlet circuit 2d is separated into two kinds of liquids or liquid and gas, and flows out from the two outer outlet circuits 3c and 4c, respectively.

  Therefore, according to the micro separation apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the plunger 6 is moved with a simple configuration that can be miniaturized and with quick follow-up using electromagnetics, so that liquids from the plug flow or liquid and gas Can be continuously separated.

  The micro plug flow generator 11 shown in FIG. 1 is also substantially the same as the micro separation device 1 of this embodiment, that is, extends in the radial direction with respect to a predetermined axis and has one end portion in a predetermined plunger chamber. And an outlet circuit opened inward in the radial direction, each extending on the axis, and one end close to each other being bent with respect to the axis in the same radial direction as the outlet circuit. Two inlet circuits opened radially outward in the plunger chamber at a position sandwiching the outlet circuit in the axial direction, and accommodated in the plunger chamber so as to be movable in the axial direction. And a plunger that is formed of a magnetic material and selectively connects the one end of the outlet circuit to the one end of the two inlet circuits by movement in the axial direction, Two electromagnetic coils 12 and 13 for reciprocating the ranger in the axial direction are provided, and these electromagnetic coils 12 and 13 are alternately supplied with a drive current from the controller 9 of the micro separation apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inlet circuit of the micro-separation device 1 and the outlet circuit of the micro-plug flow generator 11 are connected by a connecting pipe 14 and are connected to two inlet circuits of the micro-plug flow generator 11. When each type of liquid is supplied and the electromagnetic coils 12 and 13 of the micro plug flow generator 11 are alternately driven by the controller 9, the micro plug flow generator 11 generates a plug flow in which the two types of liquid flow alternately. And is supplied to the inlet circuit of the micro separation device 1 via the pipe 14.

  Further, the controller 9 measures the electromagnetic coils 7 and 8 of the micro separation device 1 with respect to the electromagnetic coils 12 and 13 for a predetermined time, that is, for example, in advance, from the micro plug flow generator 11 of the predetermined type of liquid of the above two types. Are alternately driven with a time delay corresponding to the time from the discharge to the inflow into the micro separation apparatus 1 or the time difference (phase difference) between the discharge and the inflow, the plunger 6 of the micro separation apparatus 1 always has the predetermined type. When the liquid flows in, the inlet circuit is connected to the outlet circuit on the predetermined side, and the predetermined type of liquid and the other type of liquid are discharged from separate outlet circuits to separate the two types of liquid.

  Therefore, according to the micro separation device 1 of this embodiment, the plunger 6 of the micro separation device 1 has two outlet circuits in synchronization with the switching timing of the plug flow generated by the plug flow generation device 11 from two types of liquids. Therefore, the two types of liquid can be separated from the plug flow continuously with a simple configuration without a sensor. In addition, according to the said structure, the plug flow of a liquid and gas can also be isolate | separated similarly.

  4 to 7 are similar in configuration to FIG. 1 shown in FIG. 3, that is, unlike the micro separation device 1 and the plug flow generation device 11 of the above embodiment, a single magnetic coil is driven by alternating current so that a magnetic material is obtained. The function generator 15 and the valve controller 16 adjust the drive of the electromagnetic coil of the micro separation device 1 and the plug flow generator 11 (represented by the same reference numerals in FIG. 1 is a test apparatus having a configuration different from that shown in FIG. 1. Two types of liquids are supplied from the two syringe pumps 17 to the plug flow generator 11 to generate a plug flow and separate it into two liquids. The operation result by the side of the micro separation apparatus 1 when performing is shown.

  The experimental conditions are that both the micro separation device 1 and the plug flow generator 11 use a permanent magnet with a diameter of 2 mm as a plunger, two kinds of liquids, red colored tap water and transparent silicone liquid, The tube inner diameter was 0.5 mm, the set flow rate was 5 ml / h each, and the drive frequency of the electromagnetic coil was 4 types of 0 Hz, 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 3 Hz.

  4 shows the driving frequency of the electromagnetic coil of the micro separation device 1 and the plug flow generation device 11 is 0 Hz. FIG. 5 shows the driving frequency of the electromagnetic coil of the micro separation device 1 and the plug flow generation device 11. FIG. 1 and the drive frequency of the electromagnetic coil of the plug flow generator 11 is 1 Hz, and FIG. 7 shows the drive frequency of the electromagnetic coil of the micro separation device 1 and the plug flow generator 11 is 3 Hz. Was separated into two liquids and discharged upward and downward, it was confirmed that the two liquids can be separated in principle.

  FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the micro separation device of the present invention in combination with a micro plug flow generating device. The micro separation device 1 of this embodiment is configured by a controller 9 that performs micro separation. The device 1 and the plug flow generator 11 are provided separately, and the connection circuit 14 made of a transparent tube is located near the inlet circuit of the micro separation device 1 with the light source 18 and the connection circuit 14 interposed therebetween. An optical sensor 19 facing the light source 18 is provided, the optical sensor 19 detects the color or light transmittance of the liquid passing through the position, and only the point where the detection signal is input to the controller 9 for the micro separation device 1 is the previous point. It is different from the embodiment, and the other points are configured in the same manner as the previous embodiment.

  According to the micro separation device 1 of this embodiment, in addition to having the same effects as the previous embodiment, in addition to the case where the operation timing of the micro plug flow generator 11 is unknown or the flow of the plug flow Even when the state changes midway, the plug flow can be separated continuously.

  The present invention has been described based on the illustrated examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the claims. For example, in the present invention, the sensor is used as the sensor. It may be provided in the immediate vicinity of the plunger of the micro separation device, and in this way, the type of fluid in the plug flow of two types of liquids or liquid and gas is detected immediately before sorting by the plunger, so it is more accurate. The plunger can be operated in accordance with the type of fluid and the fluid can be separated more accurately.

  Further, in the present invention, as used in the test apparatus of FIG. 3, the electromagnetic driving means may be configured by using one electromagnetic coil, and in this way, the micro separation apparatus can be further miniaturized. A simple configuration can be obtained.

  Thus, according to the micro separation apparatus of the present invention, the plunger can be moved with a simple configuration that can be miniaturized and with quick follow-up using electromagnetics to separate liquids and liquids from the plug flow. Can be done continuously.

It is a side view which illustrates one Example of the micro separation apparatus of this invention in the state combined with the micro plug flow generation apparatus. (A), (b) is the longitudinal cross-sectional view and cross-sectional view which show the structure of the micro separation apparatus of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the test apparatus which performs the production | generation and isolation | separation of a plug flow by the structure similar to FIG. (A), (b) is an explanatory photograph showing the states at different time points when the microplug flow generator and the microseparator are both driven at 0 Hz in the test apparatus. (A), (b) is an explanatory photograph showing the states at different time points when the micro plug flow generator and the micro separator are both driven at 0.5 Hz in the test apparatus. (A), (b) is an explanatory photograph showing the states at different times when the microplug flow generator and the microseparator are both driven at 1 Hz in the test apparatus. (A), (b) is an explanatory photograph showing the states at different points in time when the micro plug flow generator and the micro separator are both driven at 3 Hz in the test apparatus. FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the micro separation device of the present invention in a state combined with a micro plug flow generator.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Micro separation apparatus 2 Inlet member 2a Disc-shaped part 2b Inlet joint 2c Plunger chamber 2d Inlet circuit 2e Drain circuit 3, 4 Outlet member 3a, 4a Bobbin-shaped part 3b, 4b Outlet joint 3c, 4c Outer outlet circuit 5 Connecting member 5a Cylindrical parts 5b, 5c Inner outlet circuit 5d Annular outer peripheral groove 6 Plunger 6a Connection circuit 7, 8 Electromagnetic coil 9 Controller 11 Micro plug flow generator 12, 13 Electromagnetic coil 14 Connection pipe 15 Function generator 16 Valve controller 17 Syringe pump 18 Light source 19 Optical sensor C Axis

Claims (7)

A separation device using a plug flow,
A micro separation apparatus characterized in that the two fluids constituting the plug flow are separated by switching valves.   2. The micro separation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation valve is driven in the same cycle as the drive cycle of the valve that generates the plug flow.   It further has a sensor for discriminating the type of fluid provided in front of the separation valve and a device for delaying the output signal of the sensor, and the separation valve is driven by the delayed signal. The micro separation apparatus according to claim 2. An inlet circuit extending in a radial direction with respect to a predetermined axis and having an end portion opened inward in the radial direction into a predetermined plunger chamber;
Each of the end portions adjacent to each other extends on the axis and is bent in the same radial direction as the inlet circuit with respect to the axis so that the inlet circuit is sandwiched in the axial direction. Two outlet circuits opened outward in the radial direction at
The plunger chamber is movably accommodated in the axial direction, has a magnetic body, and selectively moves the one end of the inlet circuit to the one end of the two outlet circuits by moving in the axial direction. A plunger to connect;
Electromagnetic driving means for reciprocating the plunger in the axial direction according to the type of fluid supplied to the inlet circuit;
A micro-separation device comprising: Plug flow generator
An outlet circuit extending in a radial direction with respect to a predetermined axis and having one end opened inward in the radial direction into the predetermined plunger chamber;
Each of the end portions adjacent to each other extends on the axis and is bent in the same radial direction as the outlet circuit with respect to the axis so that the outlet circuit is sandwiched in the axial direction. Two inlet circuits opened outwardly in the radial direction,
The plunger chamber is movably accommodated in the axial direction, has a magnetic body, and selectively moves the one end portion of the outlet circuit to the one end portion of the two inlet circuits by moving in the axial direction. A plunger to connect;
Electromagnetic drive means for reciprocating the plunger in the axial direction;
With
The plug flow generating device reciprocates the plunger by the electromagnetic driving means to generate a plug flow generated from two kinds of fluids supplied to the two inlet circuits from the outlet circuit to the inlet circuit of the micro separation device. When supplying
Wherein said electromagnetic drive means of the micro-separation device, the plug flow generating device synchronization at a predetermined time delay to the plunger timing for reciprocating the more the plug flow generator to the electromagnetic drive means of the plug flow generating device The micro separation device according to claim 4, wherein the plunger of the micro separation device is reciprocated.   The electromagnetic driving means of the micro separation device detects the type of fluid passing through the inlet circuit by a sensor provided in the inlet circuit of the micro separation device, and delays a predetermined time from the detection based on the detection result. The micro separation device according to claim 4, wherein the plunger of the micro separation device is reciprocated.   The micro separation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sensor is provided in the vicinity of the plunger of the micro separation apparatus.