A high-pressure static reagent planar mixer

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of liquid mixers, and discloses a high-pressure static reagent planar mixer, which includes a bottom plate and a cover plate. Among them, a liquid outlet and a plurality of liquid inlets are provided on the bottom plate. A liquid channel group formed by a plurality of juxtaposed liquid channels is provided between the liquid outlet and each liquid inlet, and the plurality of liquid channel groups are interconnected and cross-connected. The cover plate covers the bottom plate and forms a sealed structure with the bottom plate. Compared with the existing liquid chromatography mixer, the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer requires a shorter total length of liquid channels to achieve the same mixing effect, and the liquid volume in the planar mixer is small. This enables a faster reagent gradient conversion speed, higher analysis efficiency, and higher analysis accuracy and repeatability during analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of liquid mixers, and particularly to a high-pressure static reagent planar mixer. Background Art

[0002] In modern society, the demand for the analysis and detection of substances is increasing. In aspects such as food, medicine, medical testing, and chemical analysis, a large number of substances need to be identified, analyzed, and detected. Most of the samples encountered in testing are mixtures of multiple components. After the mixture is separated, the single components can be chemically analyzed. The commonly used method for separation is chromatography technology, and liquid chromatography is the preferred method for separating most low-boiling organic compounds.

[0003] When a liquid chromatograph is used for analysis, it is required that the components of the eluent change continuously or stepwise. The gradient mode has stronger adaptability. Two or more mobile phases will have richer changes in elution intensity, and have better resolution and adaptability for the separation of multi-component samples.

[0004] For the gradient mode, multiple mobile phases are completely isolated before entering the infusion pump system and are only mixed together after entering the chromatographic analysis system. Such mixing is uneven. If no special mixing is carried out, when the eluted liquid enters the detector, baseline fluctuations or even abnormal peaks (abnormal peaks caused by other improper conditions rather than sample reasons) may occur due to this unevenness. This affects the accuracy of sample analysis and the minimum detection concentration. When the eluent after such mixing enters the chromatographic column and acts on separating the sample, the separation effect and separation repeatability of the sample cannot meet the requirements. Therefore, most infusion systems adopting this gradient mixing mode will add a mixer to make the multiple eluents mix evenly in the mixer before entering the chromatographic column.

[0005] Therefore, in liquid chromatographic analysis instruments, the currently used mixers include dynamic passive mixers and static mixers. However, they all have deficiencies such as complex structures and relatively high production costs. Some have a large internal mixing volume. When the liquid undergoes a step conversion, the excessive liquid volume is reflected in the chromatogram as a gradually changing eluent chromatogram. The larger the delay volume, the longer it takes for the gradient flow rate to change to a stable state, resulting in a delay in analysis, causing some sample components to elute prematurely, affecting the accuracy of analysis and the analysis efficiency. Therefore, the smaller the liquid volume inside the mixer, the better.

[0006] The mixers currently applied to chromatographic systems can generally be divided into two types: dynamic mixers and static mixers.

[0007] The dynamic mixer itself has moving components and needs external force to make the stirring component move in the mobile phase for stirring to achieve a uniform mixing state. Its disadvantage is that the structure is complex, which inevitably brings the drawback of high failure rate.

[0008] The static mixer does not have components with externally controlled movement. It relies solely on its own mechanical structure and the flowing liquid for mixing, and its failure rate is lower than that of the dynamic mixer.

[0009] The methods of the static mixer are roughly divided into three types. One is to increase the flow distance and time of the liquid in the pipeline to improve the mixing effect. The second is to change the liquid flow direction into a spiral shape, making the liquid flow in the pipeline into a circular motion. The other is to add gaskets, small beads, etc. in the pipeline to increase resistance. When the liquid encounters obstacles, it will change the flow direction to achieve the purpose of mixing. These situations all have the disadvantages of long liquid flow distance, long flow time, and relatively large liquid volume in the mixer. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Aiming at the deficiencies of the existing technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a high-pressure static reagent planar mixer, which has high mixing performance, a simple structure, a small liquid volume itself, is applied to a liquid chromatography system, is beneficial to reducing analysis delay, and improving the accuracy and analysis efficiency of sample analysis of chromatographic analysis instruments.

[0011] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0012] A high-pressure static reagent planar mixer, comprising:

[0013] A bottom plate, on which a liquid outlet and one or more liquid inlets are provided. A liquid channel group formed by multiple juxtaposed liquid channels is provided between the liquid outlet and each liquid inlet, and multiple liquid channel groups communicate with each other crosswise;

[0014] A cover plate, covering the bottom plate for closing the liquid channels.

[0015] Preferably, it further includes a plurality of mixing channels arranged at intervals along the liquid flow direction, and the mixing channels are used to connect all the liquid channels.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid channel group between each liquid inlet and the first-stage mixing channel forms an inlet liquid channel group, and the inlet liquid channel groups corresponding to adjacent two liquid inlets are cross-mixed with each other.

[0017] Preferably, a flow splitting channel is provided at the connection between the liquid inlet and the inlet liquid channel group, and the flow splitting channel can split the liquid injected from the liquid inlet into the inlet liquid channels.

[0018] Preferably, the liquid inlet channel group is composed of a plurality of parallel linear liquid inlet channels, and the liquid inlet channels corresponding to two adjacent liquid inlets are cross-connected to each other.

[0019] Preferably, the liquid channel groups between two adjacent mixing tanks form a plurality of mixing channel groups, and the mixing channel groups corresponding to two adjacent liquid inlets are cross-mixed with each other.

[0020] Preferably, the mixing channel group is composed of a plurality of parallel linear mixing channels.

[0021] Preferably, the mixing channels corresponding to two adjacent liquid inlets are cross-connected to each other.

[0022] Preferably, the intersection point of the mixing tank and the mixing channel of its upper stage and the intersection point of the mixing tank and the mixing channel of its lower stage are arranged staggeredly.

[0023] Preferably, the liquid channel is formed by intaglio, and the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel is one of a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, a triangle or a trapezoid.

[0024] Advantages of the present invention: A liquid channel group formed by a plurality of juxtaposed liquid channels is provided between each liquid outlet and each liquid inlet. By cross-connecting a plurality of the liquid channel groups to form a network structure, better mixing effects of various liquids in the liquid channel group are achieved. Compared with the existing liquid phase chromatography mixer, when achieving the same mixing effect, the total length of the liquid channels required is short, and the liquid volume in this planar mixer is small. When analyzing, the reagent gradient conversion speed is faster, the analysis efficiency is higher, and the analysis accuracy and repeatability are also higher. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the liquid channels of the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the structure where the liquid channels in are arranged staggeredly at the mixing tank;

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged schematic diagram of part a in;

[0029] Figure 5 is a left view of the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 is the top view and partial cross-sectional view of the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the liquid tank circuit of the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer applicable to the mixing of three liquids;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the liquid tank circuit of the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer applicable to the mixing of four liquids;

[0033] Figure 9 is Figure 7 or Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the liquid tank circuit group corresponding to the middle liquid inlet in;

[0034] Figure 10 is Figure 7 or Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the liquid tank circuit group corresponding to the right liquid inlet in;

[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the liquid tank circuit group applicable to the mixing and injection of multiple liquids from one liquid inlet.

[0036] In the figure:

[0037] 1. First shunt tank circuit; 2. First main liquid inlet tank circuit; 3. Second main liquid inlet tank circuit; 4. Second shunt tank circuit; 5. First liquid inlet tank circuit group; 6. Second liquid inlet tank circuit group; 7. First-stage mixing tank; 8. Mixing tank circuit group; 9. Second-stage mixing tank; 10. Bottom plate; 11. Third-stage mixing tank; 12. Confluence tank; 13. Liquid outlet pipeline; 14. First stainless steel flat block; 15. Liquid inlet; 16. Second stainless steel flat block; 17. Liquid outlet; 18. Fastening screw. Detailed implementation manners

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. In addition, it should be noted that for the convenience of description, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the drawings, rather than all the structures.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0040] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this embodiment, the orientation or positional relationships such as "above", "below", "right", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplifying the operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description.

[0042] As Figure 1-11 shown, the present invention provides a high-pressure static reagent planar mixer, including a bottom plate 10 and a cover plate. Among them, a liquid outlet 17 and a plurality of liquid inlets 15 are provided on the bottom plate 10. A liquid channel group formed by a plurality of juxtaposed liquid channels is provided between the liquid outlet 17 and each liquid inlet 15, and the plurality of liquid channel groups are cross-connected with each other. The cover plate covers the bottom plate 10 and forms a sealed structure with the bottom plate 10.

[0043] Specifically, a plurality of mixing channels are further provided on the liquid channels, and each mixing channel is communicated with a plurality of liquid channel groups, and the plurality of mixing channels are formed by connecting the liquid channel groups in series to form a multi-stage mixing structure.

[0044] This high-pressure static reagent planar mixer is provided with a liquid channel group formed by a plurality of juxtaposed liquid channels between the liquid outlet 17 and each liquid inlet 15. By cross-connecting the plurality of liquid channel groups with each other to form a network structure, the mixing effect of multiple liquids in the liquid channel group is realized. When performing liquid chromatography analysis, the reagent gradient conversion speed is faster, the analysis efficiency is higher, and the accuracy and repeatability of the analysis are also higher.

[0045] Next, the implementation manner of this embodiment will be mainly described by taking the mixing of two different liquids as an example in combination with the drawings.

[0046] As Figure 3-6As shown in the figure, the high-pressure static reagent planar mixer includes a bottom plate 10, a first stainless-steel planar block 14 covering the reverse side of the bottom plate 10, and a second stainless-steel planar block 16 covering the front side of the bottom plate 10. A liquid tank path is engraved on the front side of the bottom plate 10, and the opposite ends of the liquid tank path are respectively connected to a liquid inlet 15 and a liquid outlet 17. To facilitate the engraving of the liquid tank path, the material of the bottom plate 10 is made of high-strength engineering plastics such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride. When mass-producing the bottom plate 10, the bottom plate 10 can be processed by injection molding with a mold, thereby reducing production costs and improving efficiency. In other embodiments, the liquid tank path can also be engraved on the left side of the second stainless-steel planar block 16, and the bottom plate 10 is made of materials such as nitrile rubber or high-pressure-resistant engineering plastics for sealing.

[0047] In this embodiment, there are two kinds of liquids to be mixed, and correspondingly, the number of liquid inlets 15 is two. Both the liquid inlet 15 and the liquid outlet 17 are fixed on the second stainless-steel planar block 16 by threaded fitting. The first stainless-steel planar block 14, the bottom plate 10, and the second stainless-steel planar block 16 are connected by fastening screws 18 vertically penetrating the three of them.

[0048] In this embodiment, in order to better protect the bottom plate 10 and improve the anti-drop performance of the planar mixer, the cover plate uses two stainless-steel planar blocks to clamp the bottom plate 10 from the front and back sides of the bottom plate 10, which can effectively reduce the interference of the liquid tank path by the outside world.

[0049] In addition, in order for the bottom plate 10 and the cover plate to fit better, the assembled planar mixer can be heated in a constant-temperature box. After the bottom plate 10 made of engineering plastic is slightly softened, it is tightened under pressure. When the temperature of the planar mixer drops to room temperature, it is tightened again. This can improve the sealing performance of the planar mixer and prevent liquid leakage under high pressure.

[0050] As Figure 1 shown, a liquid tank path group formed by multiple juxtaposed liquid tank paths is provided between the liquid outlet 17 and the two liquid inlets 15, and the two liquid tank path groups are cross-connected to each other. In this embodiment, the number of liquid tank paths forming the two liquid tank path groups is 5. After one kind of liquid enters from the liquid inlet 15, it is divided into 5 strands and mixed with the other kind of liquid. In other embodiments, in order to obtain a suitable mixing effect, the number of liquid tank paths in each liquid tank path group can also be set to 2 or more. Generally, it is more appropriate to set the number of liquid tank paths to 4 - 5.

[0051] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the processing of the liquid tank path, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid tank path is semi-circular, and the cross-sectional radii of the liquid tank paths are all the same. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid tank path can also be processed into semi-elliptical, trapezoidal, triangular, or other shapes that are convenient for processing.

[0052] In order to fully mix two different liquids, four intersections are formed between the two liquid tank path groups to form a cross-mixing zone, achieving four times of mixing of the liquids. In order to further increase the number of times the two liquids meet and mix within a limited space, three mixing channels are provided on the path of the liquid flow. The three mixing channels are respectively arranged between the four cross-mixing zones, and each mixing channel is communicated with the two liquid tank path groups. When the liquid in each liquid tank path flows through the mixing channel, it exchanges and mixes in the mixing channel.

[0053] In this embodiment, the three mixing channels are parallel to each other, and are respectively a first-stage mixing channel 7, a second-stage mixing channel 9, and a third-stage mixing channel 11. The liquid tank path group between the first-stage mixing channel 7 and the liquid inlet 15 is the liquid inlet path group. The liquid tank paths between the first-stage mixing channel 7 and the second-stage mixing channel 9, and between the second-stage mixing channel 9 and the third-stage mixing channel 11 are the mixing channel path group 8. As Figure 2 shown, in order to improve the mixing effect of the liquid in the mixing channel, the intersection point of a certain stage of mixing channel and the upper-stage mixing channel path group 8 (or the liquid inlet path group) and the intersection point of this stage of mixing channel and the lower-stage mixing channel path group 8 are arranged staggeredly. Through such an arrangement, the liquid in the upper-stage mixing channel path group 8 (or the liquid inlet path group) turns sharply in the mixing channel and then is diverted to the lower-stage mixing channel path group 8. When the liquid passes through the sharp turn, the liquid will roll in the mixing channel, and a better mixing effect can be obtained.

[0054] In this embodiment, the liquid inlet path group corresponding to each liquid inlet 15 is composed of mutually parallel straight-line liquid inlet paths, and the mixing channel path group 8 corresponding to each liquid inlet 15 is composed of multiple mutually parallel straight-line mixing channel paths, and the acute angles formed by the liquid inlet path and the mixing liquid path with the mixing channel are the same. This ensures that the path lengths of the liquid tank paths are basically the same, so that the resistance suffered by the liquid flowing in each liquid tank path is roughly the same, and further the liquid is distributed more evenly when it is diverted in each liquid tank path, and has a better mixing effect.

[0055] Further, in order to adapt to the mutually parallel liquid inlet paths, a main liquid inlet channel and a diversion channel are also engraved on the bottom plate 10. The main liquid inlet channel is communicated with the liquid inlet 15, the diversion channel is communicated with the end of the main liquid inlet channel, and the diversion channel is arranged parallel to the mixing channel. The mutually parallel liquid inlet paths are led out from the diversion channel, so that the diversion channel realizes the diversion of the liquid.

[0056] In this embodiment, to ensure the smooth flow of the liquid in the liquid channel, the cross-sectional areas of the first main liquid inlet channel 2, the second main liquid inlet channel 3, the first-stage mixing channel 7, the second-stage mixing channel 9, and the third-stage mixing channel 11 are the same. The total cross-sectional area of the first liquid inlet channel group 5 and the second liquid inlet channel group 6 can be slightly larger than the total cross-sectional area of the first main liquid inlet channel 2 and the second main liquid inlet channel 3. It should be noted that if the channel is too thin, the processing difficulty is high and the probability of blockage is relatively high. To prevent impurities in the liquid from blocking the channel, a filter with a size of 3-10 microns should be added in front of the mixer. If the cross-sectional area of the channel is too large, the liquid volume in the planar mixer will increase. Generally, it is more appropriate for the liquid inlet channel and the mixing channel to have a width of 0.2-0.3 mm and a depth of 0.2-0.4 mm. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the liquid inlet channel and the mixing channel is not less than 1.6, and the surface roughness of the planar surface is not less than 0.1. In addition, the surface of the second stainless steel planar block 16 in contact with the channel is required to have a roughness of not less than 0.1.

[0057] When specifically using this planar mixer, after two different liquids are injected from the liquid inlet 15, they enter the first main liquid inlet channel 2 and the second main liquid inlet channel 3 respectively. Then, the liquid entering the first main liquid inlet channel 2 enters the first diversion channel 1 and is divided into five streams and flows into the second liquid inlet channel group 6; the liquid entering the second main liquid inlet channel 3 enters the second diversion channel 4 and is divided into five streams and flows into the first liquid inlet channel group 5. Before the liquids in the first liquid inlet channel group 5 and the second liquid inlet channel group 6 are injected into the first-stage mixing channel 7, a first cross-mixing is performed upstream of the first-stage mixing channel 7. After the liquid enters the first-stage mixing channel 7, it is again divided into ten streams and enters the mixing channel group 8. Before the liquids in the mixing channel group 8 are injected into the second-stage mixing channel 9, a second cross-mixing is performed upstream of the second-stage mixing channel 9. Subsequently, after the liquid is diverted from the second-stage mixing channel 9, it enters the third-stage mixing channel 11 through a third cross-mixing; the liquid entering the third-stage mixing channel 11 is again diverted and enters the confluence channel 12 after a fourth cross-mixing, and the converged liquid is sequentially led out from the liquid outlet pipeline 13 and the liquid outlet 17.

[0058] When there are three liquids to be mixed, the structure of the liquid channel is as Figure 7 shown. There are 1-2 liquid channel groups provided between each liquid inlet 15 and the liquid outlet 17. As Figure 9 shown, there are 2 liquid channel groups provided between the liquid inlet 15 at the middle position and the liquid outlet 17. As Figure 10As shown, there is one liquid channel group between the liquid inlet 15 and the liquid outlet 17 on the right side (the liquid channel group corresponding to the left liquid inlet is symmetrical to the right side). The two liquid channel groups cross with one liquid channel group led out from the liquid inlets 15 on both sides respectively. Such an arrangement ensures that the two liquids introduced from adjacent liquid inlets 15 can cross-mix, and the three liquids are evenly mixed after multiple cross-mixings. Similarly, a mixing channel is arranged between the cross-mixing zones formed by adjacent two cross-mixings of adjacent two liquid channels to improve the mixing effect.

[0059] As Figure 8 shown, it is the structure of the liquid channel when there are four kinds of liquids to be mixed. Figure 8 The liquid channel structure in Figure 7 is similar to the channel structure in , and by analogy, it is easy to obtain the liquid channel structure when more kinds of liquids are mixed. It should be noted that when there are multiple kinds of liquids, the number of stages of the mixing structure needs to be appropriately increased to obtain a better mixing effect.

[0060] In addition, as Figure 11 shown, in other embodiments, only one liquid inlet 15 and one liquid outlet 17 can also be provided. After multiple kinds of liquids are mixed, they are injected into the liquid channel group from the liquid inlet 15, and the mixing of multiple kinds of liquids can also be realized.

[0061] This planar mixer has the following advantages:

[0062] 1. Simple structure, low production cost. Low failure rate, so the maintenance cost is also low, which is convenient for market promotion.

[0063] 2. Compared with the existing liquid chromatography mixer, when achieving the same mixing effect, the total length of the liquid channels required is shorter, and the liquid volume in this planar mixer is smaller. This enables a faster reagent gradient conversion speed during analysis, higher analysis efficiency, and higher analysis accuracy and repeatability.

[0064] 3. The liquid channels are provided with mixing channels, which increase the number of times different liquids meet and mix within a limited space, improving the mixing effect.

[0065] 4. The liquid channels upstream of the mixing channel and the intersection of the mixing channel are staggeredly arranged with the liquid channels downstream of the mixing channel and the intersection of the mixing channel, improving the mixing effect.

[0066] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, rather than limitations on the implementation manners of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various obvious changes, re-adjustments and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-pressure static reagent planar mixer, characterized in that, Comprising: A bottom plate (10) provided with a liquid outlet (17) and one or more liquid inlets (15) thereon. A liquid channel group formed by a plurality of juxtaposed liquid channels is provided between the liquid outlet (17) and each liquid inlet (15), and the plurality of liquid channel groups communicate with each other in a cross - connected manner; A cover plate covering the bottom plate (10) for closing the liquid channels; It further includes a plurality of mixing channels arranged at intervals along the liquid flow direction, and the mixing channels are used to connect all the liquid channels; The liquid channel group between each liquid inlet (15) and the first - stage mixing channel forms an inlet liquid channel group, and the inlet liquid channel groups corresponding to two adjacent liquid inlets (15) are cross - mixed with each other; The liquid channel group between two adjacent stages of mixing channels forms a plurality of mixing channel groups (8), and the mixing channel groups (8) corresponding to two adjacent liquid inlets (15) are cross - mixed with each other; The mixing channel group (8) is composed of a plurality of mutually parallel linear mixing channels; The mixing channels corresponding to two adjacent liquid inlets (15) communicate with each other in a cross - connected manner; The intersection point of the mixing channel and its upper - stage mixing channel and the intersection point of the mixing channel and its lower - stage mixing channel are arranged in a staggered manner.

2. The high-pressure static reagent planar mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flow - dividing groove is provided at the connection between the liquid inlet (15) and the inlet liquid channel group, and the flow - dividing groove can divide the liquid injected from the liquid inlet (15) and divert it into the inlet liquid channels.

3. The high-pressure static reagent planar mixer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet liquid channel group is composed of a plurality of mutually parallel linear inlet liquid channels, and the inlet liquid channels corresponding to two adjacent liquid inlets (15) communicate with each other in a cross - connected manner.

4. The high-pressure static reagent planar mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid channel is formed by intaglio, and the cross - sectional shape of the liquid channel is one of a semi - circular shape, a semi - elliptical shape, a trapezoidal shape or a triangular shape.

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