JP6843025B2 - Mixer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mixing device that mixes a material with a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method for producing a rubber product in which an uncrosslinked rubber and a filler are kneaded in the presence of a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid (collectively referred to as a critical fluid). By preparing a filler-containing uncrosslinked rubber and forming a contact portion with the other material with the uncrosslinked rubber containing the filler, a rubber product having excellent abrasion resistance of the contact portion with the other material can be obtained.

Japanese Patent No. 5259203

In Patent Document 1, kneading is performed using a twin-screw extrusion kneading device. However, in the conventional melt kneading using a twin-screw extrusion kneading device, it is more important to increase the density of the material interposed between the wall surface of the chamber and the kneading blade from the viewpoint of applying shear, and it is a supercritical fluid. Insufficient penetration into materials such as. On the other hand, in kneading in the presence of a supercritical fluid or the like, it is desirable that the material comes into contact with as many supercritical fluids as possible and more supercritical fluids or the like permeate the material.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mixing device capable of improving the penetration rate of a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid into a material.

The present invention has a container in which a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid and a polymer material are internally mixed, and the polymer material is put into the container from above the container and the supercritical fluid is charged into the container. Further equipped with a premixer in which the fluid or the subcritical fluid is blown into the container from the side of the container toward the upper part of the container to dissolve the additive in the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid. The supercritical fluid or the additive dissolved in the subcritical fluid is blown into the container from the side of the container toward the upper part of the container .

According to the present invention, the material is charged into the container from above the container, and the supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid is blown into the container from the side of the container toward the upper part of the container. By blowing a supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid into the container so that it collides with the material falling from the top of the container from below, a circulating flow is induced in the container, and the supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid and the material are brought together. Be mixed. Further, by blowing a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid toward the upper part of the container, an ascending flow is generated. The inside of the container is agitated by this upward flow. As a result, the material comes into contact with more supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid, so that the penetration rate of the supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid into the material can be improved.

It is a schematic diagram of a mixing device. It is a side sectional view of the mixer in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of blowing an additive into a container in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of blowing an additive into a container in 1st modification. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the additive blown into the container in the 2nd modification. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of blowing an additive into a container in 3rd modification. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of blowing an additive into a container in 3rd modification. It is a side sectional view of the mixer in 2nd Embodiment. It is a side sectional view of the mixer in the 4th modification. It is a side sectional view of the mixer in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of storage control.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of mixer)
The mixing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention mixes a material with a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid. In the present embodiment, the material is rubber, but it may be resin, food, or the like. The mixing device performs mixing in a batch system.

Here, the supercritical fluid means a fluid in a supercritical state. The supercritical state is a state in which the temperature is equal to or higher than the critical temperature of the fluid and the pressure is equal to or higher than the critical pressure of the fluid. A subcritical fluid is a fluid in a subcritical state. A subcritical state is a state in which only one of temperature and pressure reaches a critical state and the other does not reach a critical state, or both temperature and pressure do not reach a critical state, but at least one of temperature and pressure. Is a state that is sufficiently higher than normal temperature and pressure and is close to a critical state.

Examples of substances that produce supercritical fluids or subcritical fluids include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, xenon, ethane, ammonia, methanol, and water. Of these, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are suitable for mixing with rubber.

As shown in FIG. 1, which is a schematic view of the mixer 1, the mixer 1 includes a first heat exchanger 2, a pump 3, a second heat exchanger 4, a mixer 5, and a CO ₂ separator 6. And have. In the present embodiment, the supercritical fluid (supercritical CO ₂ ) of carbon dioxide and the material are mixed, but other supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid may be mixed with the material.

The first heat exchanger 2, then cooled CO ₂ gas, into the CO ₂ liquid (liquid CO _2). Pump 3, by pressurizing the liquid CO _2, the pressure of the liquid CO ₂ above the critical pressure. The second heat exchanger 4 heats the liquid CO ₂ to a critical temperature or higher to make it supercritical CO ₂ .

Supercritical CO ₂ , materials, and additives are charged into the mixer 5. When the material is a polymer material such as rubber or resin, the additives are additives, kneaded rubber, plant-derived materials containing cellulose nanofibers, and the like. When the material is food, the additive is a food additive or the like. It is not necessary to use additives. The mixer 5 mixes the supercritical CO ₂ and the material. The CO _{2 separator 6 separates supercritical CO 2} from the mixture produced by the mixer 5 and releases it to the outside as CO _{2 gas.}

(Mixer configuration)
As shown in FIG. 2, which is a side sectional view of the mixer 5, the mixer 5 includes a container 11, a crusher (miniaturization device) 12, and a premixer 13.

The container 11 is a pressure vessel having a circular cross section. The vertical width of the container 11 is longer than the horizontal width. A discharge pipe 14 provided with a valve 14a is connected to the central portion of the lower surface of the container 11, and the lower surface of the container 11 is inclined downward toward the discharge pipe 14. The upper wall of the container 11 is provided with a hole for discharging (devolving) _{water and CO 2 gas in the container 11.}

From above the container 11, the material is put into the container 11 and falls by gravity. Further, from the side of the container 11, supercritical CO ₂ is blown into the container 11 toward the upper part of the container 11. In the present embodiment, the container 11 is _{provided with two supercritical CO 2} blowing positions in the vertical direction. _{The supercritical CO 2} charged into the container 11 and the material collide with each other in the container 11 and are mixed.

The crusher 12 refines the material. The crusher 12 makes the material into powder or pellets with a length of several mm. By refining the material, the specific surface area of the material in contact with _{supercritical CO 2 during mixing can be increased.} As a result, _{the permeability of supercritical CO 2 to} the material is improved, so that the mixing efficiency can be improved.

A plurality of premixers 13 are provided on the side of the container 11 to dissolve the additive in _{supercritical CO 2.} The additive dissolved in supercritical CO ₂ is blown into the container 11 from the side of the container 11 toward the upper part in the container 11. Therefore, in the container 11, the additive and the material dissolved in _{supercritical CO 2 are mixed.} By blowing the additive dissolved in supercritical CO ₂ into the container 11, the mixing efficiency of the material and the additive can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 3, which is a schematic view showing the flow of blowing the additive into the container 11, the additive is blown into the container 11 from the nozzle 11a provided on the side of the container 11. The tip of the nozzle 11a is inclined upward, and the additive is blown into the container 11 so as to collide with the material falling from the upper part of the container 11 from below. As a result, a circulating flow is induced in the container 11, and the material and the additive are mixed. Here, since the container is vertically long, a circulating flow is preferably induced in the container 11. Further, by blowing the additive from the nozzle 11a toward the upper part in the container 11, an ascending flow is generated. The inside of the container 11 is agitated by this ascending flow. Thus, since the material is in contact more supercritical CO _2, it is possible to improve the penetration rate of the supercritical CO ₂ material.

When mixing a plurality of additives, it is possible to carry out highly efficient mixing by providing a plurality of nozzles 11a.

When the ingredients and additives are mixed, the mass-increased mixture falls to the bottom of the container 11. At this time, the ascending flow can separate the mixture whose mass has increased due to mixing into the lower part of the container 11 and the unmixed material into the upper part of the container 11.

Returning to FIG. 2, the mixture accumulates in the lower part of the container 11. After the mixing is completed, the valve 14a is opened, so that the mixture accumulated in the lower part of the container 11 is discharged to the outside of the container 11. The mixture discharged from the container 11 is kneaded and devolatile by the auxiliary kneading device 15, and is conveyed to the next process by a belt conveyor 16 or the like.

(First modification)
As shown in FIG. 4, which is a schematic view showing the flow of the additive blown into the container 11 in the first modification, the additive is vertically introduced into the container 11 from the nozzle 17 provided below the container 11. It may be blown upward. The nozzle 17 is formed continuously around the discharge pipe 14 in the circumferential direction of the container 11.

(Second modification)
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, which is a schematic view showing the flow of the additive blown into the container 11 in the second modification, the width of the container 11 may be reduced toward the bottom. Specifically, the width of the lower container 11 with respect to the upper nozzle 11a is smaller than the width of the upper container 11 with respect to the upper nozzle 11a. Further, the width of the lower container 11 with respect to the lower nozzle 11a is smaller than the width of the upper container 11 with respect to the lower nozzle 11a. In this way, the width of the container 11 is gradually reduced as the width of the container 11 sandwiches the nozzle 11a.

If the width of the container 11 is uniform, the additive blown from the upper nozzle 11a may be hindered by the flow of the additive blown from the upper nozzle 11a, and the additive blown from the lower nozzle 11a may not be sufficiently mixed with the material. On the other hand, by reducing the width of the container 11 toward the bottom, the additive blown from the lower nozzle 11a is used as the material without being disturbed by the flow of the additive blown from the upper nozzle 11a. Can be mixed well.

Depending on the type of material and additive, the width of the container 11 may be increased toward the bottom.

(Third modification example)
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, which is a schematic view showing the flow of the additive blown into the container 11 in the third modification, the upper wall and the side wall of the container 11 are bent walls having an obtuse angle of one or more. It may be connected by 11b. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, which is a schematic view showing the flow of the additive blown into the container 11, the upper wall and the side wall of the container 11 may be connected by a curved wall 11c.

By connecting the upper wall and the side wall of the container 11 with a refracting wall 11b or a curved wall 11c, the circulating flow can be smoothly flowed in the upper part of the container 11. As a result, the loss of the ascending flow is reduced and the flow of the circulating flow is strengthened, so that the mixing efficiency can be improved.

(effect)
As described above, according to the mixing device 1 according to the present embodiment, the material is charged into the container 11 from above the container 11, and supercritical CO ₂ is charged into the container 11 from the side of the container 11. Blow into the container toward the top. _{By blowing supercritical CO 2} into the container 11 so as to collide with the material falling from the upper part of the container 11 from below, a circulating flow is induced in the container 11 _{and the supercritical CO 2} and the material are mixed. .. Further, _{by blowing supercritical CO 2} toward the upper part in the container 11, an upward flow is generated. The inside of the container 11 is agitated by this ascending flow. Thus, since the material is in contact more supercritical CO _2, it is possible to improve the penetration rate of the supercritical CO ₂ material.

Further, by making the container 11 vertically long, a circulating flow can be suitably induced in the container 11.

Further, the material pulverized by the crusher 12 is put into the container 11 from above the container 11. By refining the material, the specific surface area of the material in contact with _{supercritical CO 2 during mixing can be increased.} As a result, _{the permeability of supercritical CO 2 to} the material is improved, so that the mixing efficiency can be improved.

Further, _{the additive dissolved in supercritical CO 2} is blown into the container 11. Thereby, the mixing efficiency of the material and the additive can be improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the width of the container 11 is reduced toward the bottom, the following effects are obtained. That is, when the width of the container 11 is uniform, the additive blown from the lower side of the container 11 may not be sufficiently mixed with the material due to the flow of the additive blown from the upper side of the container 11. On the other hand, by reducing the width of the container 11 toward the bottom, the additive blown from the lower side of the container 11 is used as the material without being disturbed by the flow of the additive blown from the upper side of the container 11. Can be mixed well.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper wall and the side wall of the container 11 are connected by a curved wall 11c or a refracting wall 11b bent at an obtuse angle of 1 or more. As a result, the circulating flow can be made to flow smoothly in the upper part of the container 11. As a result, the loss of the ascending flow is reduced and the flow of the circulating flow is strengthened, so that the mixing efficiency can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the mixing apparatus of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration common to the first embodiment and the effects produced by the configuration will be omitted, and the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described. The same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

(Mixer configuration)
FIG. 8 shows a side sectional view of the mixer 105 in the mixing device 101 of the present embodiment. In the mixer 105 of the present embodiment, a plurality of containers 11 are connected in the vertical direction via the connecting pipe 18. The connection pipe 18 is provided with a valve (opening degree adjusting mechanism) 18a having airtightness. The mixture mixed in the upper container 11 is supplied into the lower container 11 through the connecting pipe 18, and is further mixed with the additive in the lower container 11. By closing the valve 18a, the airtightness inside the upper container 11 is maintained.

By mixing in each container 11, dense mixing in a small space becomes possible. This makes it possible to proceed with mixing stepwise and efficiently. By connecting three or more containers 11 in the vertical direction, the mixing efficiency can be further improved.

Further, the mixer 105 has a crusher (additive miniaturization device) 19. The crusher 19 refines the additive. The additive refined by the crusher 19 is dissolved in _{supercritical CO 2 by the premixer 13.} By refining the additive with the crusher 19, the specific surface area of the additive is increased and the penetration rate of _{supercritical CO 2 into the additive is increased.} Thereby, the mixing efficiency can be further improved.

(Fourth modification)
As shown in FIG. 9, which is a side sectional view of the mixer 105 in the fourth modification, the connecting pipe 18 may be branched into a plurality of branches on the downstream side. Containers 11 are provided at the branch destinations of the connection pipe 18. By dividing the mixture mixed in the upper container 11 into a plurality of parts and making different types of additives to be blown into the plurality of lower containers 11, a plurality of types of mixtures can be produced at the same time. Further, by blowing the additive that is sensitive to high temperature and the additive that causes an exothermic reaction into separate containers 11, the additive that is sensitive to high temperature can be prevented from being affected by heat. This makes it possible to simultaneously proceed with a process involving an exothermic reaction and a process without an exothermic reaction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a kneading blade 20 may be provided in the connecting pipe 18. In this modification, since the kneading blade 20 is a stationary blade, a power for rotating the kneading blade 20 is not required, but the kneading blade 20 may be a moving blade. By kneading with the kneading blade 20, the mixing efficiency can be further improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting pipe 18 may be provided with a crusher 21. By re-crushing the agglomerated mixture in the connecting pipe 18 with the crusher 21, the mixing efficiency in the lower container 11 can be improved.

(effect)
As described above, according to the mixing device 101 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of containers 11 are connected in the vertical direction via the connecting pipe 18. By mixing in each container 11, dense mixing in a small space becomes possible. This makes it possible to proceed with mixing stepwise and efficiently.

Further, the additive refined by the crusher 19 is dissolved in _{supercritical CO 2 by the premixer 13.} By refining the additive, the specific surface area of the additive is increased, so that _{the penetration rate of supercritical CO 2 into} the additive is increased. Thereby, the mixing efficiency can be further improved.

Further, when the connecting pipe 18 is branched into a plurality of parts on the downstream side, the following effects are obtained. That is, by dividing the mixture mixed in the upper container 11 into a plurality of parts and making different types of additives to be blown into the plurality of lower containers 11, a plurality of types of mixtures can be produced at the same time.

Further, when the kneading blade 20 is provided in the connecting pipe 18, the following effect is obtained. That is, the mixing efficiency can be further improved by kneading with the kneading blade 20 in the connecting pipe 18.

Further, when the crusher 21 is provided in the connecting pipe 18, the following effects are obtained. That is, the mixing efficiency in the lower container 11 can be improved by re-crushing the agglomerated mixture in the connecting pipe 18 with the crusher 21.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the mixing device of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration common to the first embodiment and the effects produced by the configuration will be omitted, and the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described. The same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

(Mixer configuration)
FIG. 10 shows a side sectional view of the mixer 205 in the mixing device 201 of the present embodiment. The mixer 205 of the present embodiment includes a storage tank 22, an introduction pipe 23, and a control device 24.

The storage tank 22 is connected to the container 11 via an outflow pipe 25 provided with a valve (opening degree adjusting mechanism) 25a. The storage tank 22 can store _{supercritical CO 2} discharged from the container 11 via the outflow pipe 25. A valve 11d is provided on the upper part of the container 11. Further, the nozzle 11a is provided with a valve 11e.

A discharge pipe 26 provided with a valve 26a is connected to the storage tank 22. The discharge pipe 26 can release supercritical CO ₂ in the container 11 to the atmosphere via the storage tank 22.

The introduction pipe 23 includes a valve (opening adjustment mechanism) 23a, and connects the premixer 13 and the storage tank 22. In the present embodiment, the introduction pipe 23 joins the supply pipe 28 through which the additive supplied from the additive storage unit 27 to the premixer 13 passes. The supply pipe 28 includes a valve 28a.

The control device 24 controls the entire mixer 205. _{The control device 24 stores the supercritical CO 2} discharged from the container 11 in the storage tank 22. Further, the control device 24 _{introduces the supercritical CO 2} in the storage tank 22 into the premixer 13. Power can be reduced by effectively utilizing the _{supercritical CO 2} discharged from the container 11.

Further, the mixer 205 has a first pressure gauge P1, a second pressure gauge P2, and a third pressure gauge P3. The first pressure gauge P1 measures the pressure in the container 11. The second pressure gauge P2 measures the pressure in the premixer 13. The third pressure gauge P3 measures the pressure in the storage tank 22.

The control device 24 controls the valve 25a provided in the outflow pipe 25 based on the measured values of the first pressure gauge P1 and the third pressure gauge P3. As a result, the supercritical CO ₂ discharged from the container 11 can be suitably stored in the storage tank 22. Further, the control device 24 controls the valve 23a provided in the introduction pipe 23 based on the measured value of the second pressure gauge P2. As a result, the supercritical CO ₂ in the storage tank 22 can be suitably introduced into the premixer 13.

Further, the mixer 205 has an optical sensor 29. The optical sensor 29 is provided in the lower part of the container 11, and detects when a predetermined amount of the mixture is accumulated in the container 11.

(Operation of mixer)
Next, the operation of the mixer 205 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 which is a flowchart of storage control.

First, the control device 24 causes the crusher 12 to crush the material (step S1). Next, the control device 24 opens the valve 28a of the supply pipe 28 to charge the additive into the premixer 13 from the additive storage unit 27 (step S2). The order of steps S1 and S2 may be reversed, or both may be performed at the same time.

Next, the control device 24 closes the valve 28a of the supply pipe 28 (step S3). Then, the control device 24 _{determines whether or not supercritical CO 2} is stored in the storage tank 22 (step S4). If it is determined in step S4 that supercritical CO ₂ is not stored in the storage tank 22 (S4: NO), the control device 24 operates the pump 3 (step S5). On the other hand, _{when it is determined in step S4 that supercritical CO 2} is stored in the storage tank 22 (S4: YES), the control device 24 opens the valve 23a of the introduction pipe 23 and stores the storage tank 22. The supercritical CO ₂ inside is introduced into the premixer 13 (step S6).

After step S5 or step S6, the control device 24 determines whether or not the measured value of the second pressure gauge P2 is the pressure Pa or more (step S7). If it is determined in step S7 that the measured value of the second pressure gauge P2 is not equal to or higher than the pressure Pa (S7: NO), the control device 24 returns to step S4. _{For example, even if all the supercritical CO 2} in the storage tank 22 is introduced into the premixer 13, if the measured value of the second pressure gauge P2 is less than the pressure Pa, the next step is to operate the pump 3. Become.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the measured value of the second pressure gauge P2 is the pressure Pa or more (S7: YES), the control device 24 proceeds to step S8. That is, if the pressure in the premixer 13 is equal to or higher than the pressure Pa, the carbon dioxide in the premixer 13 is in a supercritical state. In the premixer 13, the additive is dissolved in _{supercritical CO 2.}

Next, the control device 24 opens the valve 11d at the top of the container 11 to charge the material into the container 11 (step S8). Then, the control device 24 closes the valve 11d on the upper part of the container 11 (step S9). Then, the control device 24 opens the valve 11e of the nozzle 11a to blow the additive into the container 11 (step S10). As a result, mixing is performed in the container 11.

Next, the control device 24 determines whether or not the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 is equal to or higher than the pressure Pb (step S11). If it is determined in step S11 that the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 is not equal to or higher than the pressure Pb (S11: NO), the control device 24 repeats step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 is equal to or higher than the pressure Pb (S11: YES), the control device 24 proceeds to step S12. That is, when the pressure in the container 11 is equal to or higher than the pressure Pb, the mixing is performed in a supercritical atmosphere.

Next, the control device 24 determines whether or not the optical sensor 29 has detected the mixture (step S12). If it is determined in step S12 that the optical sensor 29 has not detected the mixture (S12: NO), the control device 24 closes the valve 11e of the nozzle 11a and closes the valve 25a of the outflow pipe 25 and the discharge pipe 26. The valve 26a and the valve 26a of the above are opened (step S13). As a result, the supercritical CO ₂ in the container 11 is released to the atmosphere, and the inside of the container 11 is depressurized. By depressurizing the inside of the container 11, the circulating flow in the container 11 is maintained.

Next, the control device 24 determines whether or not the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 is the pressure Pc or more (step S14). Here, the pressure Pc is lower than the pressure Pb. If it is determined in step S14 that the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 is the pressure Pc or more (S14: YES), the control device 24 returns to step S12. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 is not equal to or higher than the pressure Pc (S14: NO), the control device 24 opens the valve 11e of the nozzle 11a and opens the valve of the outflow pipe 25. The 25a and the valve 26a of the discharge pipe 26 are closed (step S15). Then, the process returns to step S11.

If it is determined in step S12 that the optical sensor 29 has detected the mixture (S12: YES), the control device 24 stores supercritical CO ₂ in the storage tank 22 (step S16). Then, the control device 24 determines whether or not the measured value of the third pressure gauge P3 is the same as the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 (step S17).

If it is determined in step S17 that the measured value of the third pressure gauge P3 is not the same as the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 (S17: NO), the control device 24 returns to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the measured value of the third pressure gauge P3 is the same as the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 (S17: YES), the control device 24 controls the valve 25a of the outflow pipe 25. Is closed (step S18). Then, the control device 24 opens the valve 14a of the discharge pipe 14 to discharge the mixture from the inside of the container 11 (step S19). Then, the control device 24 closes the valve 14a of the discharge pipe 14 and returns to step S1.

(effect)
As described above, according to the mixing device 201 according to the present embodiment, the supercritical CO ₂ discharged from the container 11 is stored in the storage tank 22, and the supercritical CO ₂ in the storage tank 22 is premixed. Introduce within 13. Power can be reduced by effectively utilizing the _{supercritical CO 2} discharged from the container 11.

Further, the valve 25a provided in the outflow pipe 25 is controlled based on the measured values of the first pressure gauge P1 and the third pressure gauge P3. As a result, the supercritical CO ₂ discharged from the container 11 can be suitably stored in the storage tank 22. Further, the valve 23a provided in the introduction pipe 23 is controlled based on the measured value of the second pressure gauge P2. As a result, the supercritical CO ₂ in the storage tank 22 can be suitably introduced into the premixer 13.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like can be appropriately redesigned. In addition, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention merely list the most preferable actions and effects arising from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what has been done.

1,101,201 Mixer 2 1st heat exchanger 3 Pump 4 2nd heat exchanger 5,105,205 Mixer 11 Container 11a Nozzle 11b Refractive wall 11c Curved wall 12 Crusher (miniaturization device)
13 Premixer 14 Discharge pipe 15 Auxiliary kneading device 16 Belt conveyor 17 Nozzle 18 Connection piping 19 Crusher (additive miniaturization device)
20 Kneading blade 21 Crusher 22 Storage tank 23 Introduction pipe 23a Valve (opening adjustment mechanism)
24 Control device 25 Outflow pipe 25a Valve (opening adjustment mechanism)
26 Discharge tube 27 Additive storage 28 Supply tube 29 Optical sensor

Claims (12)

It has a container in which a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid and a polymer material are mixed internally.
The polymer material is charged into the container from above the container, and the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid is blown into the container from the side of the container toward the upper part of the container. Re ,
Further having a premixer for dissolving the additive in the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid
A mixing device characterized in that the supercritical fluid or the additive dissolved in the subcritical fluid is blown into the container from the side of the container toward the upper part of the container. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the container has a longer vertical width than a horizontal width. Further having a miniaturization device for miniaturizing the polymer material,
The mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer material refined by the miniaturization device is charged into the container from above the container. Further having an additive miniaturization device for refining the additive,
The present invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the additive refined by the additive miniaturization apparatus is dissolved in the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid in the premixer. The mixing device described. A plurality of blowing positions of the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid in the container are provided in the vertical direction.
The mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the width of the container is reduced toward the bottom. The mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the upper wall and the side wall of the container are connected by a curved wall or a refracting wall bent at one or more obtuse angles. A plurality of the above-mentioned containers are connected in the vertical direction via a connecting pipe.
The mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the connecting pipe is provided with an opening degree adjusting mechanism having airtightness. The mixing device according to claim 7 , wherein the connecting pipe is branched into a plurality of parts on the downstream side. The mixing device according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein a kneading blade is provided in the connecting pipe. The mixing device according to any one of claims 7 to 9 , wherein a crusher is provided in the connecting pipe. A storage tank connected to the container via an outflow pipe and capable of storing the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid discharged from the container.
An introduction pipe connecting the premixer and the storage tank,
A control device for storing the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid discharged from the container in the storage tank and introducing the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid in the storage tank into the premixer. When,
The mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising. A first pressure gauge that measures the pressure inside the container,
A second pressure gauge that measures the pressure inside the premixer, and
A third pressure gauge that measures the pressure in the storage tank,
Have more
The outflow pipe and the introduction pipe are each provided with an opening degree adjusting mechanism.
The control device controls the opening degree adjusting mechanism provided in the outflow pipe based on the measured values of the first pressure gauge and the third pressure gauge, thereby discharging the supercritical fluid from the container. The fluid or the sub-critical fluid is stored in the storage tank, and the opening degree adjusting mechanism provided in the introduction pipe is controlled based on the measured value of the second pressure gauge in the storage tank. 11. The mixing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the supercritical fluid or the subcritical fluid of the above is introduced into the premixer.

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