Mixing apparatus

Abstract

To improve a sealing performance between a ram and a passage.SOLUTION: A ram 20 is inserted to a passage 40 and opens / closes the passage 40 by moving in a passage direction Z being a direction along the passage 40 such as to approach or separate from a mixing chamber 11. A seal 50 is disposed between an outer surface of the ram 20 and an inner surface of the passage 40 when the ram 20 is in a state of closing the passage 40, and includes a seal opening portion 53a and a seal rear portion 53b. The seal opening portion 53a is provided at a mixing-chamber-side portion Z2 of the seal 50. The seal rear portion 53b is a surface on a counter-mixing-chamber side Z1 of the seal 50. A backup portion 60 come into contact with the seal rear portion 53b and supports the seal 50 from the counter-mixing-chamber side Z1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing device for mixing materials in the presence of a working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mixing device for mixing materials. The mixing device described in this document includes a mixing chamber, a passage for introducing materials into the mixing chamber (referred to as a ram weight chamber in this document), and a ram for opening and closing the passage (referred to as a ram weight in this document). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-93590 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When mixing materials in the presence of a working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state, it is necessary to maintain a high pressure inside the mixing chamber in order to keep the working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state, and therefore it is necessary to improve the sealing performance between the ram and the passage compared to a mixing device that mixes materials without using a working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mixing device that can improve the sealing performance between the ram and the passage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The mixing device mixes materials in the presence of a working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state. The mixing device comprises a mixing chamber, a passage, a ram, a seal, and a backup portion. The working fluid and the materials are placed in the mixing chamber. The passage is for supplying the materials to the mixing chamber. The ram is inserted into the passage and moves in a passage direction along the passage, moving toward or away from the mixing chamber, to open and close the passage. The seal is disposed between the inner surface of the passage and the outer surface of the ram. The seal comprises a seal opening and a seal back surface. The seal opening is provided in a portion of the seal on the mixing chamber side. The seal back surface is the surface of the seal on the opposite side to the mixing chamber. The backup portion contacts the seal back surface and supports the seal from the opposite side to the mixing chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] With the above configuration, it is possible to improve the sealing performance between the ram and the passage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device 1 as seen from the side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion F2 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) A mixing device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the mixer 1 is a device that mixes materials in the presence of a working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state. The materials mixed in the mixer 1 may be rubber (e.g., tire rubber), resin, or may contain additives. The "mixing" performed in the mixer 1 may be kneading or stirring.

[0011] The working fluid used in this mixing device 1 is a fluid in a supercritical state (supercritical fluid) or a fluid in a subcritical state (subcritical fluid). The temperature of the supercritical fluid is equal to or higher than the critical temperature (Tc), and the pressure of the supercritical fluid is equal to or higher than the critical pressure (Pc). The supercritical fluid has the characteristics of both a liquid and a gas. The supercritical fluid has the ability to dissolve solutes (solubility) similar to a liquid and the ability to diffuse solutes (diffusibility) similar to a gas. The characteristics (solubility and diffusibility) of the subcritical fluid are almost the same as those of the supercritical fluid. The temperature T and pressure P of the subcritical fluid satisfy, for example, any of the following conditions. The units of the temperature T and the critical temperature Tc in each of the following examples are in degrees Celsius. [Example 1 of subcritical state] It satisfies T≧Tc and P<Pc. [Example 2 of subcritical state] It satisfies T<Tc, P<Pc, T is sufficiently higher than normal temperature, and P is sufficiently higher than normal pressure (atmospheric pressure). [Example 3 of subcritical state] It satisfies 0.5<T / Tc<1.0 and 0.5<P / Pc. [Example 4 of subcritical state] It satisfies 0.5<T / Tc and 0.5<P / Pc<1.0. [Example 5 of subcritical state] When the critical temperature Tc is 0°C or lower, it satisfies 0.5<P / Pc. The working fluid may be carbon dioxide or nitrogen, etc.

[0012] This mixing device 1 includes a mixing chamber 11, a rotor 13, a ram support portion 15, a material inlet 17, a ram 20, and a ram seal structure 30.

[0013] The mixing chamber 11 is a portion where the working fluid and the material are put in and is a portion where the material is mixed. The mixing chamber 11 is provided inside the chamber C. As shown in FIG. 2, the mixing chamber 11 includes a mixing chamber opening 11a. The mixing chamber opening 11a is an opening for putting the material into the mixing chamber 11. The mixing chamber opening 11a is arranged at the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 portion of the mixing chamber 11. Directions such as the above-mentioned "anti-mixing chamber side Z1" will be described later. The mixing chamber opening 11a is arranged, for example, at a position shifted from the intermediate position between the two rotors 13 shown in FIG. 1 to the anti-mixing chamber side Z1, and is arranged, for example, directly above the central position of the two rotors 13 in the horizontal direction.

[0014] The rotor 13 mixes the materials by rotating in the mixing chamber 11. The rotor 13 is screw-shaped. For example, a plurality of rotors 13 are provided, and in the example shown in FIG. 1, two rotors 13 are provided, but three or more rotors 13 may also be provided. The plurality of rotors 13 are arranged parallel to each other. Alternatively, only one rotor 13 may be provided.

[0015] The ram support portion 15 supports the ram 20 so that it can move in the passage direction Z. The ram support portion 15 is fixed to the chamber C and is provided so as to extend from the chamber C to the side Z1 opposite to the mixing chamber. The ram support portion 15 is cylindrical.

[0016] The material inlet 17 is an opening through which material is introduced. The interior of the material inlet 17 communicates with the interior of the ram support portion 15. The interior of the material inlet 17 communicates with the interior of the mixing chamber 11 via a passage 40 (see FIG. 2) described below and a mixing chamber opening 11a (see FIG. 2). The material inlet 17 is fixed to the ram support portion 15, for example.

[0017] The ram 20 opens and closes the flow path (inflow path) through which the material passes. The ram 20 opens and closes the passage 40 (see FIG. 2) by moving in the passage direction Z toward or away from the mixing chamber 11. The ram 20 is inserted into the ram support portion 15 and inserted into the passage 40. When the ram 20 is positioned in the closed position, the ram 20 closes the mixing chamber opening 11a. The "closed position" is the position of the ram 20 when mixing the material in the mixing chamber 11. The closed position is, for example, the position closest to the mixing chamber Z2 within the movable range of the ram 20 in the passage direction Z (e.g., the lowered position). The ram 20 is rod-shaped or approximately rod-shaped. The central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the ram 20 is the ram central axis 20a. The direction in which the ram central axis 20a extends (i.e., the axial direction of the ram 20) is the passage direction Z. The cross section of the ram 20 as viewed from the passage direction Z may be, for example, circular, approximately circular, elliptical, or approximately elliptical.

[0018] (direction) The direction along the passage 40 (the direction in which the passage 40 extends) is defined as the passage direction Z. The passage direction Z may coincide with or approximately coincide with the vertical direction, may be inclined relative to the vertical direction, or may be horizontal. In the passage direction Z, the side from the passage 40 toward the mixing chamber 11 is defined as the mixing chamber side Z2, and the opposite side is defined as the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. The mixing chamber side Z2 is, for example, the lower side, and the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 is, for example, the upper side. The diameter direction of an imaginary circle that is perpendicular to the ram central axis 20a and has the ram central axis 20a as its center is defined as the radial direction R. In the radial direction R, the side toward the ram central axis 20a is defined as the radial inner side R1, and the side away from the ram central axis 20a is defined as the radial outer side R2. The circumferential direction of the above imaginary circle is called the circumferential direction.

[0019] The cross-sectional area of the ram 20 as viewed from the passage direction Z increases intermittently toward the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. The "cross-sectional area" below refers to the cross-sectional area as viewed from the passage direction Z. The cross-sectional area of the ram 20 may include a portion where it increases continuously toward the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. As shown in FIG. 2 , the ram 20 comprises, in order from the mixing chamber side Z2 to the anti-mixing chamber side Z1, a ram tip portion 21, a ram mixing chamber side portion 23, a ram step portion 25, and a ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27.

[0020] The ram tip 21 constitutes the end of the ram 20 on the mixing chamber side Z2. The cross-sectional area of the ram tip 21 continuously increases toward the opposite side to the mixing chamber side Z1. For example, the ram tip 21 is conical or frustum-shaped. Note that the ram tip 21 may also be a flat surface extending in the radial direction R.

[0021] The ram mixing chamber side 23 is provided to extend from the ram tip 21 to the opposite mixing chamber side Z1. The cross-sectional area of the ram mixing chamber side 23 is constant regardless of the position in the passage direction Z. For example, the ram mixing chamber side 23 is cylindrical.

[0022] The ram step portion 25 is provided so as to extend radially outward R2 from the end of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23 on the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. The ram step portion 25 is provided so as to extend in the same direction as the radial direction R. Note that the ram step portion 25 may be inclined with respect to the radial direction R (see FIG. 3). The cross-sectional area of the ram 20 increases from the ram step portion 25 toward the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. For example, the ram step portion 25 is ring-shaped.

[0023] The ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 is positioned closer to the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 than the ram mixing chamber side portion 23. The ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 is provided to extend from the ram step portion 25 toward the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. The cross-sectional area of the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23. The cross-sectional area of the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 is constant regardless of its position in the passage direction Z. For example, the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 is cylindrical. Note that the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 is a portion that is positioned closer to the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 than the ram mixing chamber side portion 23, and does not need to be positioned on the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 portion of the entire ram 20.

[0024] The ram seal structure 30 is a structure for sealing between the ram 20 and the passage 40 and for suppressing leakage of the working fluid and materials (e.g., additives) from between the ram 20 and the passage 40. The ram seal structure 30 includes the passage 40, a seal 50, a backup portion 60, and an intermediate ring 70.

[0025] The passage 40 is a portion for supplying material from the outside to the inside of the mixing chamber 11 and for passing the material. The interior of the passage 40 is in communication with the interior of the mixing chamber 11. The passage 40 is provided to extend from the mixing chamber opening 11a to the opposite side Z1 of the mixing chamber. The passage 40 is provided in the chamber C and the ram support portion 15 (see FIG. 1). The passage 40 includes a passage-mixing-chamber-side step portion 41, a passage-mixing-chamber side portion 43, a passage intermediate step portion 45, and a passage opposite side 47 of the mixing chamber. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the components of the passage 40 (the passage-mixing-chamber-side step portion 41, the passage-mixing-chamber side portion 43, the passage intermediate step portion 45, and the passage opposite side 47) are provided in the chamber C. At least some of the components of the passage 40 may be provided in the ram support portion 15 (see FIG. 1).

[0026] The passage mixing chamber side step 41 is provided so as to extend radially outward R2 from the end of the mixing chamber opening 11a on the opposite side to the mixing chamber side Z1. The passage mixing chamber side step 41 has a tapered portion 41a. The tapered portion 41a is a portion for preventing materials (e.g., additives) from remaining in the passage 40. The tapered portion 41a is disposed closer to the mixing chamber side Z2 than the mixing chamber side seal 53 (described later) and faces the mixing chamber side seal 53 in the passage direction Z. The tapered portion 41a is a wall surface that is inclined with respect to the passage direction Z so that the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the tapered portion 41a (the cross-sectional area as viewed from the passage direction Z) decreases toward the mixing chamber side Z2. The cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the tapered portion 41a continuously decreases toward the mixing chamber side Z2. The tapered portion 41a is inclined with respect to the passage direction Z so as to extend radially inward R1 toward the mixing chamber side Z2. The tapered portion 41a does not necessarily have to be provided in the passage-mixing-chamber-side step portion 41. The passage-mixing-chamber-side step portion 41 may be provided so as to extend in the direction coinciding with the radial direction R.

[0027] The passage-mixing chamber side portion 43 is provided to extend from the passage-mixing chamber side step portion 41 toward the opposite side Z1 of the mixing chamber. The cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the passage-mixing chamber side portion 43 is constant regardless of the position in the passage direction Z. For example, the passage-mixing chamber side portion 43 is cylindrical.

[0028] The passage intermediate step portion 45 is provided to extend radially outward R2 from the passage mixing chamber side portion 43. The passage intermediate step portion 45 is provided to extend in a direction that coincides with the radial direction R. The cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the passage 40 increases from the passage intermediate step portion 45 toward the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. For example, the passage intermediate step portion 45 is ring-shaped.

[0029] The passage anti-mixing chamber side portion 47 is provided to extend from the passage intermediate step portion 45 to the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. The cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the passage anti-mixing chamber side portion 47 is constant regardless of the position in the passage direction Z. For example, the passage anti-mixing chamber side portion 47 is cylindrical.

[0030] The seal 50 is a member that prevents the working fluid and material (e.g., additive) in the mixing chamber 11 from leaking from the gap between the ram 20 and the passage 40 by sealing or nearly sealing the gap between the ram 20 and the passage 40. The seal 50 is disposed between the outer surface of the ram 20 (the surface on the radially outer side R2, e.g., the outer peripheral surface) and the inner surface of the passage 40 (the surface on the radially inner side R1, e.g., the inner peripheral surface) when the ram 20 closes the passage 40. The seal 50 contacts (more specifically, makes surface contact with) both the outer surface of the ram 20 and the inner surface of the passage 40. The seal 50 is fixed or nearly fixed to the inner surface of the passage 40. The ram 20 slides against the inner surface of the seal 50 in the passage direction Z.

[0031] This seal 50 expands in the radial direction R due to the pressure inside the mixing chamber 11, pressing the inner surface of the passage 40 radially outward R2 and pressing the outer surface of the ram 20 radially inward R1. This provides sealing performance from the seal 50. "Sealing performance" refers to the property of suppressing leakage of gas, supercritical fluids, subcritical fluids, and solids and liquids. For example, the seal 50 is ring-shaped and circumferential when viewed from the passage direction Z. In this case, the sealing performance of the seal 50 can be made uniform (or approximately uniform) around the entire circumference.

[0032] Only one seal 50 may be provided, or multiple seals 50 may be provided. In the example shown in Figure 2, two seals are provided, and three or more seals may be provided. The following describes a case where multiple seals 50 are provided. The seals 50 include a mixing chamber side seal 53 and an anti-mixing chamber side seal 57. The following describes a state in which the ram 20 is in the closed position (a state in which the ram 20 closes the mixing chamber opening 11a).

[0033] The mixing chamber side seal 53 is disposed between the inner surface of the passage mixing chamber side portion 43 and the outer surface of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23. The mixing chamber side seal 53 contacts both the inner surface of the passage mixing chamber side portion 43 and the outer surface of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23. For example, the inner diameter of the mixing chamber side seal 53 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23. For example, the outer diameter of the mixing chamber side seal 53 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the passage mixing chamber side portion 43. The cross section of the mixing chamber side seal 53 viewed from the circumferential direction is approximately U-shaped. More specifically, the mixing chamber side seal 53 has a seal opening 53a and a seal back surface 53b. The seal opening 53a is provided in the mixing chamber side Z2 portion of the mixing chamber side seal 53. The seal back surface 53b is the surface of the mixing chamber side seal 53 on the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 side.

[0034] The anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 is disposed between the inner surface of the anti-mixing chamber side passage portion 47 and the outer surface of the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27. The anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 contacts both the inner surface of the anti-mixing chamber side passage portion 47 and the outer surface of the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27. For example, the inner diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27. For example, the outer diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side passage portion 47. The anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 is disposed on the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 relative to the mixing chamber side seal 53. The radially inner surface R1 of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 is disposed radially outer R2 relative to the radially inner surface R1 of the mixing chamber side seal 53. For example, the inner diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 is larger than the inner diameter of the mixing chamber side seal 53. The cross-sectional structure of anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 as viewed from the circumferential direction is substantially U-shaped, similar to that of mixing chamber side seal 53. Just as mixing chamber side seal 53 has seal opening 53a and seal back surface 53b, anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 has seal opening 57a and seal back surface 57b.

[0035] When three or more seals 50 are provided, of the seals 50 adjacent (adjacent with a gap) in the passage direction Z, the seal 50 on the mixing chamber side Z2 is the mixing chamber side seal 53, and the seal 50 on the opposite side Z1 is the opposite-mixing chamber side seal 57. In this case, a seal 50 may be provided closer to the mixing chamber side Z2 than the mixing chamber side seal 53, or a seal 50 may be provided closer to the opposite-mixing chamber side Z1 than the opposite-mixing chamber side seal 57. The same applies to the relationship between the ram mixing chamber side section 23 and the ram opposite-mixing chamber side section 27, and the relationship between the mixing chamber side backup section 63 and the opposite-mixing chamber side backup section 67.

[0036] The backup section 60 suppresses deformation of the seal 50. More specifically, within the mixing chamber 11, the rotor 13 (see FIG. 1) rotates, causing the material to flow. This causes pressure and temperature changes due to the flow of material. As the temperature within the mixing chamber 11 rises, the seal 50 deforms (expands). If the seal 50 deforms unevenly, a gap may form between the ram 20 and the passage 40 (i.e., the sealing performance of the seal 50 may be reduced), and leakage may occur from this gap. Therefore, the backup section 60 suppresses deformation of the seal 50 and makes the deformation of the seal 50 as uniform as possible over its entire circumference. The backup section 60 contacts (more specifically, makes surface contact with) the seal back surface 53b and supports the seal 50 from the opposite side (Z1) of the mixing chamber. The backup section 60 contacts the seal back surface 53b over the entire circumference of the seal 50 and supports the seal 50 from the opposite side (Z1) of the mixing chamber. The backup portion 60 contacts (covers) the entire or almost entire seal back surface portion 53b. The backup portion 60 is, for example, ring-shaped (backup ring). The backup portion 60 includes a mixing chamber side backup portion 63 and an anti-mixing chamber side backup portion 67.

[0037] The mixing chamber side backup portion 63 contacts the seal back surface portion 53b of the mixing chamber side seal 53. The mixing chamber side backup portion 63 is positioned on the opposite side (Z1) of the mixing chamber side seal 53 and supports the mixing chamber side seal 53 from the opposite side (Z1). The radially inner surface (R1) of the mixing chamber side backup portion 63 is aligned with the radially inner surface (R1) of the mixing chamber side seal 53 in the passage direction (Z). The radially outer surface (R2) of the mixing chamber side backup portion 63 is aligned with the radially outer surface (R2) of the mixing chamber side seal 53 in the passage direction (Z). For example, the inner diameter of the mixing chamber side backup portion 63 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the mixing chamber side seal 53. For example, the outer diameter of the mixing chamber side backup portion 63 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23.

[0038] The anti-mixing chamber side backup portion 67 contacts the seal back surface portion 57b of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57. The anti-mixing chamber side backup portion 67 is positioned on the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 closer to the anti-mixing chamber side than the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 and supports the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 from the anti-mixing chamber side Z1. The radially inner surface R1 of the anti-mixing chamber side backup portion 67 is aligned in the passage direction Z with the radially inner surface R1 of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57. The radially outer surface R2 of the anti-mixing chamber side backup portion 67 is aligned in the passage direction Z with the radially outer surface R2 of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57. For example, the inner diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side backup portion 67 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57. For example, the outer diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side backup portion 67 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57. When the mixing chamber side seal 53 and the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 are provided, it is preferable to provide both the mixing chamber side backup section 63 and the anti-mixing chamber side backup section 67. When the mixing chamber side seal 53 and the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 are provided, only one of the mixing chamber side backup section 63 and the anti-mixing chamber side backup section 67 may be provided.

[0039] The intermediate ring 70 is inserted into the mixing chamber side Z2 portion of the passage anti-mixing chamber side portion 47. The mixing chamber side Z2 surface of the intermediate ring 70 contacts the passage intermediate step portion 45 and contacts the anti-mixing chamber side Z1 surface of the mixing chamber side backup portion 63. The intermediate ring 70 faces the ram step portion 25 in the passage direction Z. The intermediate ring 70 may be able to contact the ram step portion 25. For example, the inner diameter of the intermediate ring 70 is the same as or approximately the same as the inner diameter of the mixing chamber side backup portion 63. For example, the outer diameter of the intermediate ring 70 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the passage anti-mixing chamber side portion 47.

[0040] (Effects of the first invention) The effects of the mixer 1 shown in FIG. 1 are as follows. The mixer 1 mixes materials in the presence of a working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state. As shown in FIG. 2, the mixer 1 includes a mixing chamber 11, a passage 40, a ram 20, a seal 50, and a backup portion 60. The mixing chamber 11 contains a working fluid and materials. The passage 40 is for supplying materials to the mixing chamber 11. The ram 20 is inserted into the passage 40. The ram 20 moves in a passage direction Z toward or away from the mixing chamber 11 to open or close the passage 40. The passage direction Z is a direction along the passage 40. The seal 50 is disposed between the outer surface of the ram 20 and the inner surface of the passage 40 when the ram 20 closes the passage 40. The seal 50 includes a seal opening 53a and a seal back portion 53b. The seal opening 53a is provided on the mixing chamber side Z2 of the seal 50. The seal back surface portion 53b is the surface of the seal 50 on the side Z1 opposite to the mixing chamber.

[0041] [Configuration 1] The backup portion 60 contacts the seal back surface portion 53b and supports the seal 50 from the side Z1 opposite to the mixing chamber.

[0042] According to the above [Configuration 1], when the seal 50 is deformed or about to be deformed, the backup portion 60 can suppress the deformation of the seal 50. Furthermore, even if the seal 50 is deformed, the deformation of the seal 50 can be made uniform. This improves the sealing performance between the passage 40 and the ram 20 (the sealing performance of the seal 50). As a result, it is possible to prevent the material (e.g., additive) or working fluid in the mixing chamber 11 from leaking from between the passage 40 and the ram 20.

[0043] If leakage of additives from between the passage 40 and the ram 20 can be suppressed, it is possible to reduce improper blending (variation in blending amount) of additives into the main material (e.g., rubber, resin, etc.). This makes it possible to improve the yield of the mixer 1. Furthermore, if the additive is a nanomaterial, it is possible to suppress leakage of the nanomaterial from between the passage 40 and the ram 20. This makes it possible to reduce the environmental load caused by the nanomaterial being discharged outside the mixer 1 (outside the system).

[0044] Furthermore, the mixing performance within the mixing chamber 11 may be controlled by driving the ram 20 in the passage direction Z while the mixing chamber 11 is sealed. In this case, leakage of the working fluid between the passage 40 and the ram 20 can be suppressed, thereby ensuring reliable control of the mixing performance.

[0045] (Effects of the second invention) [Configuration 2-1] The ram 20 comprises a ram mixing chamber side portion 23 and a ram counter-mixing chamber side portion 27 that is positioned on the counter-mixing chamber side Z1 from the ram mixing chamber side portion 23. The cross-sectional area of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23 as viewed from the passage direction Z is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the ram counter-mixing chamber side portion 27 as viewed from the passage direction Z.

[0046] [Configuration 2-2] Seal 50 comprises a mixing chamber side seal 53 and a counter-mixing chamber side seal 57. Mixing chamber side seal 53 is disposed between the inner surface of passage 40 and the outer surface of ram mixing chamber side 23. Counter-mixing chamber side seal 57 is disposed between the inner surface of passage 40 and the outer surface of ram counter-mixing chamber side 27.

[0047] In the above [Configuration 2-2], a mixing chamber side seal 53 and an anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 are provided between the inner surface of the passage 40 and the outer surface of the ram 20. Therefore, compared to when only one seal 50 is provided, the sealing performance between the passage 40 and the ram 20 can be further improved. Furthermore, in the above [Configuration 2-1], the cross-sectional area of the ram mixing chamber side portion 23 as viewed from the passage direction Z is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 as viewed from the passage direction Z. Therefore, it is easier to narrow the area of the gap between the passage 40 and the ram mixing chamber side portion 23 compared to the area of the gap between the passage 40 and the ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27 as viewed from the passage direction Z. Therefore, compared to when the ram 20 does not have a ram mixing chamber side portion 23 but has a ram anti-mixing chamber side portion 27, the sealing performance between the passage 40 and the ram 20 can be further improved.

[0048] (Effect of the third invention) [Configuration 3] The mixer 1 includes a tapered portion 41a. The tapered portion 41a is positioned closer to the mixing chamber side Z2 than the mixing chamber side seal 53 and faces the mixing chamber side seal 53 in the passage direction Z. The tapered portion 41a has a wall surface that is inclined with respect to the passage direction Z so that the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the tapered portion 41a as seen from the passage direction Z decreases toward the mixing chamber side Z2.

[0049] With the above-described [Configuration 3], the material in the region closer to the mixing chamber side Z2 than the mixing chamber side seal 53 and facing the mixing chamber side seal 53 in the passage direction Z is more likely to fall to the mixing chamber side Z2 due to the inclination of the tapered portion 41a. This makes it possible to prevent material (residue) from remaining in the passage 40. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the sealing performance of the seal 50 due to the residue. This makes it possible to further improve the sealing performance between the passage 40 and the ram 20.

[0050] If it is possible to prevent the additive from remaining in the passage 40, it is possible to reduce improper blending of the additive into the main material (for example, rubber, resin, etc.), and the yield in the mixer 1 can be improved.

[0051] (Second embodiment) Differences between the mixing device 201 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that, among the mixing device 201 of the second embodiment, descriptions of commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the passage mixing chamber side step 41 is provided with a tapered portion 41a. In the mixer 201 shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate ring 70 is also provided with a tapered portion 270a having a function similar to that of the tapered portion 41a. The tapered portion 270a is positioned closer to the mixing chamber side Z2 than the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 and faces the anti-mixing chamber side seal 57 in the passage direction Z. The tapered portion 270a is a wall surface that is inclined with respect to the passage direction Z so that the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the tapered portion 270a (the cross-sectional area as viewed from the passage direction Z) decreases toward the mixing chamber side Z2. The tapered portion 270a is inclined with respect to the passage direction Z so as to extend radially inward R1 toward the mixing chamber side Z2. In this case, the ram step 25 may have a shape corresponding to the tapered portion 270a. Specifically, the ram step portion 25 may be inclined with respect to the passage direction Z so that the cross-sectional area of the ram step portion 25 decreases toward the mixing chamber side Z2. Note that when the tapered portion 270a is provided, the tapered portion 41a does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0053] (Variation) The above-described embodiment may be modified in various ways. For example, the arrangement and shape of each component of the above-described embodiment may be changed. For example, the number of components may be changed, or some of the components may not be provided. Specifically, the number of the rotor 13 shown in FIG. 1, the number of the seals 50, and the backup unit 60 shown in FIG. 2 may be changed. For example, the components may be fixed or connected directly or indirectly to each other. For example, what has been described as multiple different members or parts may be combined into a single member or part. For example, what has been described as a single member or part may be provided as multiple different members or parts. Specifically, the mixing chamber-side backup unit 63 and the intermediate ring 70 may be integrated or separate. Furthermore, the chamber C and the ram support unit 15 may be integrated or separate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1, 201 Mixing device 11 Mixing chamber 20 Ram 23 Ram mixing chamber side 27 Ram side of mixing chamber 40 Passage 41a, 270a tapered section 50 stickers 53 Mixing chamber side seal 53a, 57a Seal opening 53b, 57b seal rear part 57 Anti-mixing chamber side seal 60 Backup Department Z aisle direction Z1 Anti-mixing chamber side Z2 Mixing chamber side

Claims

1. A mixing device for mixing materials in the presence of a working fluid in a supercritical or subcritical state, a mixing chamber into which the working fluid and the material are placed; a passageway for supplying the material to the mixing chamber; a ram that is inserted into the passage and moves in a passage direction along the passage so as to approach or move away from the mixing chamber, thereby opening and closing the passage; a seal disposed between an outer surface of the ram and an inner surface of the passage when the ram closes the passage; A backup unit and Equipped with The seal is a seal opening provided in a mixing chamber side portion of the seal; a seal back surface portion which is the surface of the seal facing away from the mixing chamber; Equipped with The backup portion contacts the back surface of the seal and supports the seal from the side opposite the mixing chamber. Mixing equipment.

2. 2. The mixing device of claim 1, The ram is a ram mixing chamber side; a ram anti-mixing chamber side portion disposed on the anti-mixing chamber side relative to the ram mixing chamber side portion; Equipped with The cross-sectional area of the ram mixing chamber side portion as viewed from the passage direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the ram counter-mixing chamber side portion as viewed from the passage direction, The seal is a mixing chamber side seal disposed between an inner surface of the passageway and an outer surface of the ram mixing chamber side; an anti-mixing chamber side seal disposed between an inner surface of the passage and an outer surface of the anti-mixing chamber side of the ram; Equipped with Mixing equipment.

3. 3. The mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, a tapered portion disposed closer to the mixing chamber than the seal and facing the seal in the passage direction; The tapered portion is a wall surface that is inclined with respect to the passage direction so that a cross-sectional area of a region surrounded by the tapered portion as viewed from the passage direction becomes smaller toward the mixing chamber side. Mixing equipment.

Images