Dispersion machine and method of using the same

Abstract

Provided is a disperser that can efficiently impart shear to a processed object with low power to produce microparticles, particularly nanoparticles, and a method for using the same. The disperser (10) according to the present disclosure includes an outer member (11) and an inner member (12) disposed radially inward of the outer member (11), and a flow path (30) for allowing fluid to flow from one axial side to the other is provided between the outer member (11) and the inner member (12). The flow path (30) includes a first region that spirally winds from one side to the other and a second region that is continuous from the first region to the other side. The second region is demarcated by a tapered inner peripheral surface (13c) of the outer member (11) and a tapered outer peripheral surface (21c) of the inner member (12). By making the angle of one of the tapered inner peripheral surface (13c) and the tapered outer peripheral surface (21c) relative to the other in the axial cross section different at the midpoint of the second region (30c), regions having different gap distances are provided in the second region of the flow path (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a high-performance disperser and its method of use, which can produce nanoparticles by dispersion with low power. In addition to producing nanoparticles, it can also achieve nanoscale dissolution or polymer dissolution, and is also suitable for crystallization or emulsion polymerization operations. Background Technology

[0002] In the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, nanoparticles are entering the stage of practical application. For example, COVID-19 vaccines are known worldwide. The first COVID-19 vaccines approved in the United States and the European Union were RNA vaccines. RNA vaccines contain RNA (ribonucleic acid), which, when introduced into tissues, causes cells to produce foreign proteins to stimulate an adaptive immune response, teaching the body to recognize and destroy the corresponding pathogen. As RNA vaccines, mRNA is often modified with nucleotides, but is not limited to this. mRNA delivery is achieved by co-forming the molecules into lipid nanoparticles that protect the RNA chain and facilitate absorption into cells; the particle diameter is said to be 100 nm. In addition, virus-like particle vaccines or DNA plasmid vaccines are entering clinical trials, and nanospheres, liposomes, nanoemulsions, etc., are also being developed extensively. Therefore, there is a demand for dispersants for the manufacture of ultrafine particles with controlled shear force, especially dispersants for the manufacture of injectable microparticles.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a high-performance stirring disperser. Blades rotate at high speed inside a tank, while a slitted screen rotates at high speed in the opposite direction to the blades, ejecting a jet stream that provides shear force to achieve microparticle atomization. However, this method suffers from the problem of requiring significant power.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a method for producing fat emulsions or liposomes in a short time and with low power. This method pressurizes the phospholipid-containing material, eliminates the air layer, and provides high-speed rotation to achieve microparticle formation. The reason for this is that if an air layer is mixed into the dispersion tank, many small air bubbles will be incorporated into the material, making it a pseudo-compressible fluid that cannot effectively provide shear force. However, even with this method, the required power is still considerable.

[0005] Patent document 3 describes a flow reactor (continuous reactor) with high heat exchange rate and decomposition capability. While it performs well as a flow reactor, its shear force is too low as a disperser, making it difficult to manufacture nanoparticles such as those used in vaccines.

[0006] Patent document 4 describes a gap shear disperser, which consists of a conical rotor and a conical container concentrically housing the rotor with an inclined inner wall. This gap shear disperser aims to uniformly micronize viscous substances such as pastes. However, considering the core vibration or structure caused by rotor rotation, it is difficult to form a gap between the rotor and the container that is at the micrometer level. Even assuming a micrometer-level gap between the rotor and the container, voiding occurs within the gap when processing viscous fluids, making it difficult to provide shear force to the processed material.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-114724

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-24269

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-105507

[0012] Patent Document 4: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 3-79834 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] In view of the above, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a disperser capable of efficiently applying shear force to a workpiece with low power to produce microparticles, especially nanoparticles, and a method of using the disperser.

[0015] Solution for solving the problem

[0016] To address the aforementioned issues, the disperser according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a cylindrical outer member having a conical inner circumferential surface in a portion of its area; and an inner member having a conical outer circumferential surface in a portion of its area facing the conical inner circumferential surface of the outer member, disposed radially inside the outer member; a flow path for fluid to flow from one side to the other in an axial direction is provided between the outer member and the inner member; the flow path includes a first region spiraling from one side to the other and a second region continuous from the first region to the other; the second region of the flow path is defined by the conical inner circumferential surface and the conical outer circumferential surface; by setting the angle of one of the conical inner circumferential surface and the conical outer circumferential surface relative to the other in the axial cross-section to different angles in the middle of the second region, a region with different gap distances between the conical inner circumferential surface and the conical outer circumferential surface is provided in the second region of the flow path.

[0017] The second aspect of the present invention is based on the disperser of the first aspect described above. The outer component has a female threaded inner peripheral surface located on one side of the conical inner peripheral surface, and the inner component has a male threaded outer peripheral surface located on one side of the conical outer peripheral surface and corresponding to the female threaded inner peripheral surface. The inner component is threadedly mounted relative to the outer component. The first region of the flow path is defined by the female threaded inner peripheral surface and the male threaded outer peripheral surface. The flow path area of ​​the first region of the flow path is defined by the shapes of the female threaded inner peripheral surface and the male threaded outer peripheral surface.

[0018] The third aspect of the present invention, based on the disperser of the first or second aspect described above, has the following features: a narrowing region in which the gap distance decreases as it moves from one side to the other side; and a constant region in which the gap distance is constant and continuous from the narrowing region to the other side.

[0019] The fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the disperser of the third aspect, wherein the length of the constant region of the second region of the flow path along the flow path direction from one side to the other side in the axial cross-section is set to 1 mm or more.

[0020] The fifth aspect of the present invention is based on the disperser of the second aspect described above, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the female thread and the outer circumferential surface of the male thread are made to have different shapes by making the angles of their respective spiral peaks different.

[0021] The sixth aspect of the present invention is based on the disperser of the third aspect described above, wherein the gap distance between the constant regions of the second region of the flow path is 0.1 μm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0022] The seventh aspect of the present invention is based on the disperser of the third aspect described above, wherein the region of the constant region that defines the second region of the flow path in the conical inner peripheral surface and the conical outer peripheral surface is made of ceramic.

[0023] The eighth aspect of the present invention, based on the disperser of the second aspect described above, allows for selective configuration of any of the following states without disassembling the outer and inner components: a contact state in which the inner conical circumferential surface contacts the outer conical circumferential surface; a usage state in which the gap distance is short when using the disperser; and a separation state in which the gap distance is widened compared to the usage state.

[0024] The ninth aspect of the present invention, based on the disperser of the first aspect or the second aspect described above, defines that the inner peripheral surface of the outer component of the flow path and the outer peripheral surface of the inner component do not have horizontal portions that may cause fluid flowing through the flow path to stagnate.

[0025] The tenth aspect of the present invention, based on the disperser of the first aspect or the second aspect described above, has a coating formed of a corrosion-resistant material on the inner peripheral surface of the outer component defining the flow path and the outer peripheral surface of the inner component.

[0026] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is based on the disperser of the tenth aspect described above, wherein the coating is a fluororesin coating.

[0027] The 12th aspect of the present invention is based on the disperser of the first aspect or the second aspect described above, wherein at least one of the outer component and the inner component has a sleeve that allows other fluids to flow through, the other fluids being used to regulate the temperature of the fluid flowing through the flow path.

[0028] The 13th aspect of the present invention is a method of using the disperser of the 8th aspect described above, wherein, when adjusting the gap distance, the outer member and the inner member are rotated relative to each other to achieve the contact state by moving the inner member toward the other side relative to the outer member, and then the outer member and the inner member are rotated relative to each other to adjust to the usage state by moving the inner member toward one side relative to the outer member.

[0029] The 14th aspect of the present invention is either the method of using the disperser of the 8th aspect or the method of using the disperser of the 13th aspect, wherein when the flow path is cleaned or sterilized, the outer component and the inner component are set to the above-mentioned separated state.

[0030] The effects of the invention

[0031] According to this disclosure, microparticles, especially nanoparticles, can be manufactured by efficiently applying shear force to the workpiece with low power. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view showing a disperser according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of the main parts of the disperser.

[0034] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the various states of the disperser: (a) shows the contact state, (b) shows the usage state, and (c) shows the separation state.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a modified example showing the second region of the flow path. Figure 2 The corresponding enlarged image.

[0036] Figure 5 The diagram shows an example of a deformation of the top of the inner member, (a) showing the state viewed from above in the axial direction, and (b) showing the axial section.

[0037] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the flow area of ​​the first region of the flow path.

[0038] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing a disperser connected to a precision positioning device.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an axial cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a disperser.

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the main parts of the disperser. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In the figures, UP indicates "upper". CL indicates the central axis of the outer and inner components. In the following description, axial direction refers to the direction along the central axis CL of the outer and inner components. Radial direction refers to the direction orthogonal to the central axis CL. The blank arrows in the figures indicate the flow direction of the fluid being processed. In the following description, one side of the axial direction will be designated as the lower side and the other side as the upper side.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view of a disperser 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the main parts of the disperser 10.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the disperser 10 according to this embodiment is an apparatus that, after pre-dispersing a fluid (hereinafter referred to as "processed fluid"), continuously and precisely disperses it, thereby producing nanoparticles from the processed fluid. Furthermore, the term "disperser" is a general term for apparatuses used to provide shear force to the processed fluid to obtain the processed material. It is used not only for the manufacture of microparticles such as nanoparticles, but also for the manufacture of emulsions or liposomes, nanospheres, etc., polymer dissolution, complete mixing at the molecular level, crystallization operations, emulsion polymerization operations, etc. In addition, "fluid" refers not only to gases and liquids, but also to fluid-like states such as powders and slurries.

[0044] The disperser 10 includes an outer member 11, which is cylindrical and extends in a predetermined axial direction (vertical direction in this embodiment); and an inner member 12, which extends axially and is disposed radially inside the outer member 11. In this embodiment, the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 are concentrically arranged and assembled together with their central axes CL coinciding. A gap (space) is provided between the outer member 11 and the inner member 12, which functions as a flow path 30 for the flow of the fluid being processed. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the structure of the disperser 10 in the state in which it can be used as a disperser 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "usage state") will be described.

[0045] The outer member 11 has: an upper opening 11a at the upper end; a lower opening 11b at the lower end; and an inner peripheral surface 13 extending between the upper opening 11a and the lower opening 11b. The upper opening 11a and the lower opening 11b are configured to be concentric with the central axis CL of the space defined by the inner peripheral surface 13 (hereinafter referred to as the "internal space"). In this embodiment, the upper opening 11a is formed with a smaller diameter than the lower opening 11b. The lower opening 11b of the outer member 11 functions as an insertion port for inserting the inner member 12 into the outer member 11.

[0046] The inner circumferential surface 13 of the outer member 11 defines the internal space of the outer member 11, and has different shapes in four different regions. The four different shaped inner circumferential surfaces 13 of the outer member 11, from bottom to top, are: lower end inner circumferential surface 13a, internally threaded inner circumferential surface 13b, conical inner circumferential surface 13c, and upper end inner circumferential surface 13d. That is, the outer member 11 has a conical inner circumferential surface 13c in a certain region. The inner circumferential surface 13 of the outer member 11 defines the radial outer side of the flow path 30, which will be described later.

[0047] The lower end inner circumferential surface 13a of the outer member 11 is an inner circumferential surface lower than the female threaded inner circumferential surface 13b, and extends continuously from the lower end opening 11b of the outer member 11 to the lower end of the female threaded inner circumferential surface 13b. In this embodiment, the lower end inner circumferential surface 13a is formed with a diameter larger than the upper end inner circumferential surface 13d. The lower portion 13aa of the lower end inner circumferential surface 13a approaches or contacts the outer circumferential surface 21 of the inner member 12 (described later), restricting the radial movement of the inner member 12. The upper portion 13ab of the lower end inner circumferential surface 13a defines a portion of the flow path 30 (the inflow region 30a described later) between the lower end inner circumferential surface 13a and the outer circumferential surface 21 of the inner member 12. A treated fluid inlet 14 is provided at the upper portion 13ab of the lower end inner circumferential surface 13a for allowing the treated fluid to flow into the flow path 30. In this embodiment, two treated fluid inlets 14 are provided. The processed material inlet 14 is connected to the supply source (not shown) of the pressurized processed fluid, allowing the processed fluid to flow into the flow path 30 within the outer member 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower portion 13aa of the lower end inner circumferential surface 13a is set to have a smaller diameter than the upper portion 13ab, but this is not a limitation.

[0048] The inner circumferential surface 13b of the outer member 11 is formed in the shape of a female thread and extends continuously upward from the inner circumferential surface 13a at the lower end. In the inner circumferential surface 13b, radially outwardly recessed grooves extend spirally in the vertical direction. The axial cross-section of the inner circumferential surface 13b has a shape of alternating peaks and valleys of the same size (see reference). Figure 1 Additionally, in Figure 1 In the middle, the inner circumferential surface 13 of the area between the uppermost dashed line and the lowermost dashed line is the female thread-shaped inner circumferential surface 13b of the outer member 11.

[0049] The conical inner circumferential surface 13c of the outer member 11 is formed as a cone and extends continuously upward from the internally threaded inner circumferential surface 13b. In this embodiment, the conical inner circumferential surface 13c is formed as a cone that tapers at the end as it moves from bottom to top. The apex of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c, which forms the cone angle, is located on the central axis CL.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the conical inner circumferential surface 13c has two regions with different conical angles, an upper region and an lower region. Specifically, the conical inner circumferential surface 13c has a lower region 15 with a larger conical angle θ1, and an upper region 16 with a smaller conical angle θ2 than the lower region 15 (θ1 > θ2). That is, the conical angle of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c varies at a predetermined height position in the middle part of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c.

[0051] The upper end inner circumferential surface 13d of the outer member 11 is an inner circumferential surface higher than the conical inner circumferential surface 13c, and extends continuously upward from the conical inner circumferential surface 13c. In this embodiment, the upper end inner circumferential surface 13d is formed with a smaller diameter than the lower end inner circumferential surface 13a. The upper end inner circumferential surface 13d defines a space extending in the vertical direction, which functions as part of the flow path 30, namely the outflow region 30d described later. The upper end of the upper end inner circumferential surface 13d is continuous with the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11. The upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 functions as an outlet for allowing the processed fluid to flow out of the flow path 30.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer member 11 is provided with a sleeve 17 (space) for the flow of other fluids used for temperature regulation of the processed fluid (fluid) within the flow path 30. Examples of such other fluids include steam, hot water, cold water, and gases (nitrogen, etc.) that act as heat media. In this embodiment, the sleeve 17 is provided across the entire area from the lower end of the threaded inner circumferential surface 13b of the outer member 11 to the upper end of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c. At the lower end of the sleeve 17, an inlet 18 is provided for the flow of these other fluids into the sleeve 17. At the upper end of the sleeve 17, an outlet 19 is provided for the flow of these other fluids out of the sleeve 17. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the sleeve 17 is configured such that the sleeve forming member 20, which is separately formed from the outer member 11, is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the outer member 11 and integrated with the outer member 11, thereby extending along the outer peripheral surface of the outer member 11. However, the sleeve 17 is not limited to this; for example, the sleeve forming member 20 may not be provided, and instead, a space for the sleeve 17 to function may be provided within the thickness of the outer member 11.

[0053] The inner member 12 is disposed radially inside the outer member 11 (within the inner space of the outer member 11) and is assembled relative to the outer member 11. In this embodiment, the inner member 12 is inserted into the inner space of the outer member 11 through the lower end opening 11b and is threadedly assembled to the outer member 11. The inner member 12 has an outer peripheral surface 21 that defines a flow path 30 between itself and the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11.

[0054] The inner member 12 of this embodiment has an internal space. This internal space functions as a sleeve 22 for the flow of other fluids, such as those used for temperature regulation of the processed fluid (fluid) within the flow path 30. The sleeve 22 extends over the entire vertical and radial regions of the inner member 12. An inlet 23 for allowing the other fluids to flow into the sleeve 22 is provided on the lower inner surface 22a of the inner member 12 below the sleeve 22. Furthermore, at a position different from the inlet 23 (in this embodiment, the center of the lower inner surface 22a) of the inner member 12, an opening 25 for inserting a cylindrical member 24 is provided. The cylindrical member 24 is fixed to the inner member 12 with the opening 25 inserted. The upper opening 24a of the cylindrical member 24 is positioned near the upper end of the inner member 12 within the sleeve 22. The lower end opening 24b of the cylindrical member 24 is located below the opening 25 of the inner member 12, serving as an outlet for allowing the aforementioned other fluids to flow out of the sleeve 22. Furthermore, the aforementioned other fluids flowing through the sleeve 22 of the inner member 12 can be either the same fluid as those flowing through the sleeve 17 of the outer member 11, or they can be different fluids.

[0055] The outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12 is the radially inner outer peripheral surface that defines the flow path 30, and has different shapes in three different regions. The three different shaped outer peripheral surfaces 21 of the inner member 12 are, from bottom to top, the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a, the male thread-shaped outer peripheral surface 21b, and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c. That is, the inner member 12 has a conical outer peripheral surface 21c in a certain region.

[0056] The lower end outer peripheral surface 21a of the inner member 12 is a lower outer peripheral surface than the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b, and extends continuously from the lower end of the inner member 12 to the lower end of the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b. The lower portion 21aa of the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a has a diameter slightly smaller than the lower portion 13aa of the lower end inner peripheral surface 13aa of the outer member 11, and faces each other radially inward when close to or in contact with the lower portion 13aa of the lower end inner peripheral surface 13aa of the outer member 11. The lower portion 21aa of the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a restricts the radial movement of the inner member 12 relative to the outer member 11 and positions it accordingly. A sealing member 33 (e.g., an O-ring) is provided at the lower portion 21aa of the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a to restrict the outflow of fluid from the upper flow path 30 side downward. The upper portion 21ab of the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a faces each other radially inward from the upper portion 13ab of the lower end inner peripheral surface 13a of the outer member 11. The upper portion 21ab of the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a defines a space between itself and the upper portion 13ab of the lower end inner peripheral surface 13a of the outer member 11, forming part of the flow path 30 (the inflow area 30a described later). The processed material inlet 14 of the lower end inner peripheral surface 13a of the outer member 11 communicates with this space. In this embodiment, the lower portion 21aa of the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a is provided to have a larger diameter than the upper portion 21ab, but it is not limited to this.

[0057] The male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner member 12 is formed as a male thread, extending continuously upward from the lower end outer peripheral surface 21a, and facing the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer member 11 from the radially inner side. The male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b is formed with the same pitch as the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer member 11, and can be screwed into the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b to form a threaded assembly. That is, the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b corresponds to the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b. On the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b, the protrusions protruding radially outward extend spirally in the vertical direction. The axial cross-section of the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b has a shape of alternating peaks and valleys of the same size (see reference). Figure 1 Additionally, in Figure 1 In the middle, the outer peripheral surface 21 of the area between the uppermost dashed line and the lowermost dashed line is the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner member 12.

[0058] The angle θ3 of the spiral peak of the male spiral outer peripheral surface 21b is set to be larger than the angle θ4 of the spiral peak of the female spiral inner peripheral surface 13b (θ3 > θ4). That is, the male spiral outer peripheral surface 21b and the female spiral inner peripheral surface 13b have different shapes because their spiral peak angles are different. The valley bottom 26 of the male spiral outer peripheral surface 21b with the smallest outer diameter is close to or in contact with the peak top 27 of the female spiral inner peripheral surface 13b with the smallest inner diameter. In addition, the peak top 28 of the male spiral outer peripheral surface 21b with the largest outer diameter is separated from the valley bottom 29 of the female spiral inner peripheral surface 13b with the largest outer diameter. Thus, the spiral-shaped first region 30b of the flow path 30, described later, is defined between the peak of the male spiral outer peripheral surface 21b and the valley of the female spiral inner peripheral surface 13b.

[0059] The conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 is formed as a cone and extends continuously upward from the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b. In this embodiment, the conical outer peripheral surface 21c is formed as a cone that tapers at the end from bottom to top, and faces the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11 in a radially separated state. Thus, the second region 30c of the flow path 30, described later, is defined between the conical outer peripheral surface 21c and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c. In this embodiment, the inner member 12 is formed such that the top of the conical angle of the conical outer peripheral surface 21c is the upper end of the inner member 12. The top of the conical angle of the conical outer peripheral surface 21c is located on the central axis CL. The top of the upper end of the inner member 12 is located within the space defined by the upper end inner peripheral surface 13d of the outer member 11 (the outflow region 30d of the flow path 30).

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the cone angle θ5 of the cone-shaped outer peripheral surface 21c is different from that of the cone-shaped inner peripheral surface 13c, and is set to be a constant angle from the top to the bottom. The cone angle θ5 of the cone-shaped outer peripheral surface 21c is set to be the same angle as the cone angle θ2 of the upper region 16 of the cone-shaped inner peripheral surface 13c (θ5=θ2).

[0061] Next, the assembly of the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 will be described. When assembling the outer component 11 and the inner component 12, the inner component 12 is inserted from the conical outer peripheral surface 21c side toward the lower end opening 11b of the outer component 11, so that the upper end of the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner component 12 abuts against the lower end of the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer component 11. Next, the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 are rotated relative to each other, and the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b and the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b are screwed together, assembling the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 in a threaded configuration. At this time, the gap between the conical outer peripheral surface 21c and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c can be adjusted. The adjustment of the gap will be described later.

[0062] A flow path 30 is defined between the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12, allowing the fluid to be processed to flow from the bottom to the top. The flow path 30 has four regions with different shapes and functions. From bottom to top, the four regions of the flow path 30 are inflow region 30a, first region 30b, second region 30c, and outflow region 30d.

[0063] The inflow region 30a of the flow path 30 is defined between the upper part 21ab of the outer peripheral surface 21a of the lower end of the inner member 12 and the upper part 13ab of the inner peripheral surface 13a of the lower end of the outer member 11, forming the initial flow space for the processed fluid flowing into the flow path 30. The processed fluid inlet 14 of the inner peripheral surface 13a of the lower end of the outer member 11 communicates with the inflow region 30a of the flow path 30.

[0064] The first region 30b of the flow path 30 is defined between the peak of the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner member 12 and the valley of the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer member 11, extending in a spiral manner from bottom to top. The size of the flow path of the first region 30b of the flow path 30 is determined by the shape of the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b and the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b. That is, the flow path area of ​​the first region 30b of the flow path 30 is defined by the shape of the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b and the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b. The first region 30b is located above the inflow region 30a and communicates with the inflow region 30a. The first region 30b functions as a pre-dispersion section for pre-dispersion treatment before the fluid to be processed is precisely dispersed. In addition, pre-dispersion refers to the uniform micro-particle atomization of the fluid to be processed to a certain extent, even though the particle size is larger than the target material.

[0065] The second region 30c of the flow path 30 is defined between the conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11, and is a continuous region extending upward from the first region 30b. That is, the flow path 30 includes a first region 30b extending spirally upward from the lower side and a second region 30c continuous upward from the first region 30b. The diameter of the second region 30c decreases as it moves from the lower side to the upper side. The second region 30c has: a narrowing region 30ca defined between the lower region 15 of the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c; and a constant region 30cb defined between the upper region 16 of the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c (see reference). Figure 2The narrowing region 30ca of the second region 30c is the region in the second region 30c where the gap distance (e.g., the separation distance between the conical outer peripheral surface 21c and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c in a direction orthogonal to the conical outer peripheral surface 21c) decreases as it moves from the lower side to the upper side. The constant region 30cb of the second region 30c is the region in the second region 30c where the gap distance L1 remains constant from the lower side to the upper side. That is, in this embodiment, the gap distance of the second region 30c gradually decreases as it moves from the lower side to the upper side, and if a predetermined height position is reached, then the distance remains constant thereafter. Thus, in the disperser 10, by setting the angle of one of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c and the conical outer circumferential surface 21c relative to the other in the axial cross-section at a predetermined height position in the second region 30c, regions with different gap distances between the conical inner circumferential surface 13c and the conical outer circumferential surface 21c (in this embodiment, the shrinking region 30ca and the constant region 30cb) are provided in the second region 30c of the flow path 30. The second region 30c is located above the first region 30b and communicates with the first region 30b. The second region 30c functions as a precision dispersion section for precision dispersion of the pre-dispersion processed material in the first region 30b. Furthermore, precision dispersion refers to obtaining microparticles of a target size by applying a shear force greater than that of the pre-dispersion process to the pre-dispersion processed material. In addition, in the following description, when referred to as "gap distance", it means the separation distance between the conical outer peripheral surface 21c and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c. When referred to as "gap distance L1", it means the gap distance of the constant region 30cb of the flow path 30 (the separation distance between the upper region 16 of the conical outer peripheral surface 21c and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c).

[0066] The gap distance L1 of the constant region 30cb of the second region 30c is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 2 mm or less. Furthermore, the length L2 of the constant region 30cb of the second region 30c along the flow path direction from the bottom to the top (the flow path direction in the axial cross-section) (refer to...) Figure 2 Preferably, the thickness is 1mm or more, more preferably 3mm or more, and especially preferably 5mm or more.

[0067] The outflow area 30d of the flow path 30 is defined by the inner circumferential surface 13d of the upper end of the outer member 11. The outflow area 30d is located above the second region 30c, communicating with the second region 30c below and communicating with the upper opening 11a of the outer member 11 above. The outflow area 30d guides the processed material that has undergone precise dispersion in the second region 30c to the upper opening 11a, allowing it to flow out from the upper opening 11a.

[0068] In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12, when the axial direction is set to vertical, do not have horizontal portions where fluid flowing through the flow path 30 may stagnate. Specifically, the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12, when the axial direction is set to vertical, do not have horizontal upper surfaces. In particular, the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12, the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11, which define the first region 30b and the second region 30c of the flow path 30, when the axial direction is set to vertical, do not have horizontal portions where fluid flowing through the flow path 30 may stagnate.

[0069] The raw materials for the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12 can be appropriately selected from metals or the like, depending on the type of fluid being processed. For example, it can be a material obtained by electrolytic polishing after surface polishing of SUS316L. Additionally, the constant region 30cb of the second region 30c that defines the flow path 30 is located within the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12. Figure 2 To prevent sintering, the areas on both sides of the constant region 30cb (represented by diagonal lines) are preferably made of ceramics such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, or alumina, but diamond-like carbon can also be used instead. Furthermore, it is preferable that the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 defining the flow path 30 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12 are coated with a corrosion-resistant material. Examples of coatings made of corrosion-resistant materials include enamel or fluoropolymer coatings, ceramic coatings, and more preferably fluoropolymer coatings.

[0070] Next, the flow of the fluid being processed during dispersion treatment by the disperser 10 will be explained.

[0071] like Figure 1 As indicated by the blank arrow, the fluid to be processed is first pressurized from the supply source (not shown) and flows into the inflow region 30a of the flow path 30 from the processed fluid inlet 14 of the outer component 11 at the lower part of the disperser 10. The processed fluid flowing into the inflow region 30a flows upward into the spiral-shaped first region 30b.

[0072] The fluid to be processed flowing into the first region 30b spirals around the inner member 12 along the spiral shape of the first region 30b and flows upward. As the fluid spirals upward, it easily forms a turbulent state due to centrifugal force, thereby increasing the Reynolds number. By controlling the flow rate of this spiraling fluid, its centrifugal force or Reynolds number can be easily changed, and the shear force applied to the fluid can be controlled, resulting in the necessary pre-dispersed material (hereinafter referred to as "pre-dispersed material"). Thus, the first region 30b of the flow path 30 functions as a pre-dispersion section for pre-dispersing the fluid before fine dispersion. Furthermore, the pressure loss is very small at this time. The pre-dispersed material in the first region 30b flows from the first region 30b into the second region 30c.

[0073] The pre-dispersed material flowing into the second region 30c first flows into the narrowing region 30ca of the second region 30c. In the narrowing region 30ca of the second region 30c, the pre-dispersed material moves upward while circumferentially rotating along the conical inner circumferential surface 13c and the conical outer circumferential surface 21c, and its velocity increases as the diameter of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c and the conical outer circumferential surface 21c decreases. Furthermore, since the gap distance shortens as it moves upward, the pre-dispersed material is further accelerated, subjected to shear force and dispersed, and guided towards the constant region 30cb. The pre-dispersed material flowing into the constant region 30cb is accelerated according to the appropriately set gap distance L1, subjected to shear force, and becomes smaller microparticles, thus obtaining a finely dispersed processed material (hereinafter referred to as "fine dispersed material"). In this way, the second region 30c of the flow path 30 functions as a fine dispersion section for finely dispersing the pre-dispersed material that has undergone pre-dispersion treatment in the first region 30b. That is, the disperser 10 involved in this disclosure continuously performs pre-dispersion and precision dispersion processes.

[0074] Next, the method of using the disperser 10 will be explained.

[0075] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the various states of the disperser 10. (a) indicates the contact state, (b) indicates the use state, and (c) indicates the separation state.

[0076] First, the usage method for adjusting the gap distance L1 of the constant region 30cb of the flow path 30 and setting the disperser 10 to the use state will be explained. Next, the usage method for cleaning or sterilization will be explained.

[0077] When adjusting the gap distance L1 of the constant region 30cb of the flow path 30, firstly, the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 are rotated relative to each other, and it is assumed that the conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 contacts the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11 (gap distance L1 = 0) (refer to...). Figure 3 (a)). Then, in a manner that becomes the desired gap distance L1, it is rotated relative to the direction opposite to when the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 are in a contact state, and is set to the use state (see reference). Figure 3 (b) Thus, since the conical outer peripheral surface 21c and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c are separated from the contact state, unlike the case where the adjustment is made in the direction that brings the conical outer peripheral surface 21c and the conical inner peripheral surface 13c closer together, the gap distance L1 of the constant region 30cb of the flow path 30 can be finely adjusted, and the disperser 10 can be set to the desired gap distance L1 and put into use.

[0078] Thus, in the disperser 10, since the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 are assembled in a threaded manner, by rotating the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 relative to each other, a contact state can be achieved in which the conical outer peripheral surface 21c contacts the conical inner peripheral surface 13c (see reference). Figure 3 (a)). Furthermore, by rotating the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 relative to each other from the contact state, it is possible to achieve a short gap distance L1 when using the disperser 10 (see reference). Figure 3 (b)). Furthermore, by further rotating the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 relative to each other from the usage state, it is possible to achieve a separation state in which the gap distance L1 is widened (separated) compared to the usage state (see reference). Figure 3 (c) That is, the disperser 10 according to this embodiment can be selectively configured into any state among contact state, use state and separation state without disassembling the outer component 11 and the inner component 12.

[0079] When cleaning or sterilizing the disperser 10, the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 are rotated relative to each other, switching the disperser 10 from the operating state to the separation state (see reference). Figure 3 (c) Thus, the inner conical circumferential surface 13c and the outer conical circumferential surface 21c can be separated to a degree that allows for cleaning or sterilization. Therefore, stationary cleaning and stationary sterilization can be performed without disassembling the outer component 11 and the inner component 12.

[0080] In the disperser 10 configured as described above, the flow path 30 includes a first region 30b spiraling upwards from below. The first region 30b functions as a pre-dispersion section for pre-dispersion treatment before the fluid to be processed is precisely dispersed. Thus, in the disperser 10, pre-dispersion treatment can be performed on the fluid to be processed before precision dispersion treatment to obtain a pre-dispersion.

[0081] Furthermore, the flow path 30 includes a second region 30c defined by a conical inner peripheral surface 13c and a conical outer peripheral surface 21c, continuing upward from the first region 30b. As a result, the pre-dispersed material moves upward while circumferentially rotating along the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c, with its velocity increasing as the diameters of the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c decrease. Therefore, pre-dispersion and fine dispersion processes can be performed continuously, and the pre-dispersed material can be finely dispersed to obtain a finely dispersed material (e.g., nanoparticles).

[0082] Furthermore, by setting the angles of one of the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c relative to the other in the axial cross-section to different angles in the middle of the second region 30c, regions with different gap distances between the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c (in this embodiment, the narrowing region 30ca and the constant region 30cb) are provided in the second region 30c of the flow path 30. Therefore, by appropriately setting the gap distance, the pre-dispersant can be further accelerated, and a large shear force can be efficiently applied to the fluid being processed (pre-dispersant) to obtain a finely dispersed material (e.g., nanoparticles). For example, as described above, by providing the narrowing region 30ca and the constant region 30cb in the second region 30c, the pre-dispersant can be accelerated and dispersed in the narrowing region 30ca, and guided to the constant region 30cb, where it is further accelerated and dispersed to obtain a finely dispersed material (e.g., nanoparticles).

[0083] Furthermore, in the disperser 10, since the fluid to be processed is moved relative to the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 (moving in a spiral manner), a fine dispersion can be obtained from the fluid to be processed with low power, unlike the case where the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 are rotated relative to each other to impart shear force to the fluid to be processed.

[0084] Furthermore, since the flow path 30 of the disperser 10 includes a first region 30b that functions as a pre-dispersion section and a second region 30c that functions as a precision dispersion section, after pre-dispersion, it can be configured into a compact structure, unlike in cases where precision dispersion or fine-processing dispersion is performed using different devices.

[0085] Furthermore, since the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 are assembled in a threaded manner, the outer component 11 and the inner component 12 can be easily disassembled by rotating in the opposite direction. Therefore, a coating can be easily formed on the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c that define the flow path 30.

[0086] Furthermore, with the axial direction set vertically, the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12 do not have horizontal portions that could cause fluid to stagnate in the flow path 30. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent cleaning agent (condensate from pure steam, etc.) from remaining in the flow path 30 when cleaning the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12.

[0087] Furthermore, unlike cases where the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 rotate relative to each other to impart shear force to the fluid being processed, there is no sliding part where the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 slide against each other. Therefore, a simple structure can be formed, and the generation of foreign matter can be suppressed. Thus, since the generation of foreign matter can be suppressed, and stationary cleaning and stationary sterilization can be performed, it can be applied to pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment (especially injection manufacturing equipment).

[0088] Specifically, the manufacturing processes of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, chemicals, electronic components, etc., mostly include dispersion processes to obtain nanocrystals, nanoemulsions, liposomes, nanospheres, etc. Various requirements exist for dispersers capable of producing these microparticles, especially nanoparticles. For example, for dispersers used in the manufacture of vaccines such as COVID-19 vaccines, since vaccines are injectable, stationary cleaning and sterilization are required to eliminate human error and ensure that parts can be cleaned and sterilized without disassembling them. Furthermore, during sterilization, since pure steam flows through the flow path 30, heat countermeasures are needed for the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer component 11 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner component 12 defining the flow path 30. Additionally, it is necessary to discharge the condensate of the pure steam without accumulation. The disperser 10 disclosed herein, as described above, meets these requirements.

[0089] Furthermore, it is also desirable to reliably prevent the contamination of foreign matter (e.g., foreign matter generated from sliding parts) into the finely dispersed material. Therefore, it is difficult to use dispersers such as pulverizers or ultrasonic oscillators. In pulverizers, there is a possibility that foreign matter such as fragments of broken beads or abrasive dust may be generated and mixed into the processed material. Additionally, in ultrasonic dispersers, corrosion caused by cavitation can occur, leading to the generation of foreign matter and the possibility of foreign matter contamination into the processed material. According to the disperser 10 disclosed herein, these requirements are met as described above.

[0090] Furthermore, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and the like have an obligation to verify the correctness of the processes and methods used to manufacture pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The disperser 10 disclosed herein, as described above, can meet the various requirements for dispersers used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and the like, and thus can also address the requirements for verification.

[0091] Thus, according to this embodiment, shear force can be efficiently applied to the workpiece with low power to produce microparticles, especially nanoparticles.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, two regions (lower region 15 and upper region 16) with different cone angles are provided on the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11, and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 is set to a constant cone angle from the upper end to the lower end. Thus, a reduced region 30ca and a constant region 30cb are provided in the second region 30c of the flow path 30, but it is not limited to this. Figure 4 This is a modified example showing the second region 30c of the flow path 30. Figure 2 The corresponding enlarged image. For example, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 can also have a lower region 31 with a smaller cone angle θ6 and an upper region 32 with a larger cone angle θ7 than the lower region 31 (θ6 < θ7). Furthermore, the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11 can be set to a constant cone angle θ8 from top to bottom, and this cone angle θ8 can be set to the same angle as the cone angle θ7 of the upper region 32 of the conical outer peripheral surface 21c. Therefore, a reduced region 30ca and a constant region 30cb can also be provided in the second region 30c of the flow path 30.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle between one of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c and the conical outer circumferential surface 21c in the axial cross-section and the other is set to two different angles at the midpoint of the second region 30c, but it is not limited to this. The angle between one of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c and the conical outer circumferential surface 21c in the axial cross-section and the other is only required to be at least two different angles, and for example, it can also be three or more different angles.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the conical angle of one of the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c in the axial cross-section is varied at a predetermined height position, while the conical angle of the other is set to a constant angle from the upper end to the lower end, but this is not a limitation. For example, the conical angles of both the conical inner peripheral surface 13c and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c can be varied at predetermined height positions so that areas with different gap distances are located in the second region 30c of the flow path 30.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, the inner member 12 is formed such that the top of the cone angle of the cone-shaped outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 becomes the upper end of the inner member 12, but it is not limited to this. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the top of the inner member 12, (a) showing the state viewed from above in the axial direction, and (b) showing an axial cross-section. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown in (a) and (b), the inner member 12 may also have a positioning top 41 at its upper end, which is above the conical outer peripheral surface 21c. The positioning top 41 is concentric with the inner peripheral surface 13d of the upper end of the outer member 11 and is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the inner peripheral surface 13d of the upper end of the outer member 11. The positioning top 41 is inserted from below into the outflow region 30d of the flow path 30 defined by the inner peripheral surface 13d of the upper end of the outer member 11. The positioning top 41 has a plurality of grooves 42 that extend in the vertical direction in a groove-like manner, recessed radially inward from its outer peripheral surface. The plurality of grooves 42 are provided on the positioning top 41 in a manner that is circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The plurality of grooves 42 define a space between the outer member 11 and the inner peripheral surface 13d of the upper end of the outer member 11, which extends continuously upward from the upper end of the second region 30c of the flow path 30 and continues to the upper end of the positioning top 41. Therefore, since the upper and lower ends of the inner member 12 are supported in a state where their radial movement is restricted by the outer member 11, the inner member 12 can be reliably positioned.

[0096] Furthermore, by setting different combinations of the spiral peak angle θ3 of the male spiral outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner member 12 and the spiral peak angle θ4 of the female spiral inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer member 11, the flow path area of ​​the spiral first region 30b of the flow path 30 can be changed. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the flow area of ​​region 30b, the first area of ​​flow path 30. Additionally, Figure 6 An axial cross-section of the first region 30b of the above embodiment is shown. For example, such as... Figure 6 As shown by the double-dotted line, the outer member 11, whose spiral peak angle θ4' of the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b is smaller than the spiral peak angle θ4 of the above embodiment, can increase the flow area of ​​the first region 30b. Alternatively, the outer member 11 can be changed to have a spiral peak angle θ4' of the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b larger than the spiral peak angle θ4 of the above embodiment, or the inner member 12 can be changed to have a spiral peak angle θ3 of the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b that is different from the above embodiment (larger or smaller).

[0097] Alternatively, the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner member 12 and the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer member 11 can be configured with two or more thread structures. In this case, for example, oil-based components and water-based components can be flowed into different spiral flow paths (the first region 30b of the flow path 30) to perform pre-dispersion treatment by adjustment and homogenization, and then finely dispersed in the same second region 30c to obtain an emulsion.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gap distance L1 of the constant region 30cb of the flow path 30 is adjusted by rotating the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 relative to each other, but it is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the precision positioning device 50 for adjusting the gap distance L1 can also be connected to the disperser 10. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the disperser 10 in its state with the precision positioning device 50 connected. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, the precision positioning device 50 includes: a first member 51 connected to the outer member 11 of the disperser 10; a second member 52 connected to the inner member 12 of the disperser 10; and a precision adjustment section 53 disposed between the first member 51 and the second member 52. The first member 51 is connected to the outer member 11 when its vertical movement relative to the outer member 11 is restricted. The second member 52 is connected to the outer member 11 when its vertical movement relative to the inner member 12 is restricted. Figure 7 In the example shown, the first member 51 is positioned to the side of the outer member 11 and supports the outer member 11, while the second member 52 is positioned below the inner member 12 and supports the inner member 12 from below. The precision adjustment unit 53 has a mechanism (e.g., an actuator, omitted from the figure) that allows the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 to move relative to each other in the vertical direction, as indicated by the blank arrow. By moving the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 relative to each other in the vertical direction, the precision adjustment unit 53 can precisely adjust the gap distance L1 of the constant region 30cb of the flow path 30. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable to set the gap (also called side clearance) between the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner member 12 and the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer member 11 to be large, so that the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 can move slightly relative to each other in the vertical direction without rotating them relative to each other. Even when the gap between the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b of the inner member 12 and the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b of the outer member 11 is set to be large, the fluid being processed rises in the first region 30b of the flow path 30 due to centrifugal force, so the effect on its spiral flow is minimal. By increasing the number of peaks of the threads on the male threaded outer peripheral surface 21b and the female threaded inner peripheral surface 13b, the spiral flow can be adequately adjusted.

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11 and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 are formed into a cone shape that tapers at the end from bottom to top, but it is not limited to this. Figure 8 This is an axial cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a disperser. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the main parts of the disperser. Additionally, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0100] For example, such as Figure 8 as well as Figure 9As shown, the conical inner peripheral surface 13c of the outer member 11 and the conical outer peripheral surface 21c of the inner member 12 can also be formed as cones that taper towards the bottom. In this disperser 101, the upper opening 11a of the outer member 11 is formed with a diameter larger than the lower opening 11b, serving as an insertion port for inserting the inner member 12 into the outer member 11. The upper opening 11a of the outer member 11 is closed from above by the upper end of the inner member 12. A portion of the upper end of the inner member 12 is inserted from the upper opening 11a of the outer member 11 into the outflow region 30d of the flow path 30 and fitted in order to restrict and position the inner member 12 relative to the outer member 11 in a radial direction. Between the upper end inner peripheral surface 13d near the upper opening 11a of the outer member 11 and the upper end of the inner member 12, a sealing member 49 (e.g., an O-ring) is provided to restrict the upward flow of fluid from the outflow area 30d of the flow path 30. An outlet 43 for allowing a finely dispersed material to flow out of the flow path 30 is provided on the upper end inner peripheral surface 13d of the outer member 11. The outer peripheral surface 21 of the inner member 12 has a cylindrical upper end outer peripheral surface 46 extending continuously upward from the conical outer peripheral surface 21c. The upper end outer peripheral surface 46 of the inner member 12 is positioned radially inward from the upper end inner peripheral surface 13d of the outer member 11, facing the upper end inner peripheral surface 13d. The outflow area 30d of the flow path 30 is defined between the upper end outer peripheral surface 46 of the inner member 12 and the upper end inner peripheral surface 13d of the outer member 11. The conical inner circumferential surface 13c and the conical outer circumferential surface 21c each have two regions with different conical angles. Specifically, the conical inner circumferential surface 13c has a lower region 44 with a larger conical angle θ9 and an upper region 45 with a smaller conical angle θ10 compared to the lower region 44 (θ9 > θ10). Similarly, the conical outer circumferential surface 21c has a lower region 47 with a larger conical angle θ11 and an upper region 48 with a smaller conical angle θ12 compared to the lower region 47 (θ11 > θ12). The conical angle θ11 of the lower region 47 of the conical outer circumferential surface 21c is set to be smaller than the conical angle θ9 of the lower region 44 of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c. The conical angle θ12 of the upper region 48 of the conical outer circumferential surface 21c is set to be the same as the conical angle θ10 of the upper region 45 of the conical inner circumferential surface 13c. Therefore, the second region 30c of the flow path 30 has: a narrowing region 30ca where the gap distance decreases as it moves from the lower side to the upper side; and a constant region 30cb where the gap distance L1 remains constant from the lower side to the upper side. In this case, since the second region 30c of the flow path 30 expands radially as it moves upward, unlike the case where it decreases radially as it moves upward, the flow direction of the processed material can be suppressed to become axial, and the flow direction can be maintained in a spiral direction.Therefore, it can suppress pressure loss, allow the processed material to remain in the second region 30c for a longer period of time, and enable more precise dispersion.

[0101] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments described above, but the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, other embodiments, examples, and techniques that can be achieved by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments are all included in the scope of the present invention.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0103] 10, 101: Disperser

[0104] 11: Outer components

[0105] 12: Inner component

[0106] 13: Inner circumferential surface of the outer component

[0107] 13b: Female spiral inner circumferential surface

[0108] 13c: Conical inner circumferential surface

[0109] 17, 22: Sleeves

[0110] 21: Outer peripheral surface of inner component

[0111] 21b: Male spiral outer peripheral surface

[0112] 21c: Conical outer peripheral surface

[0113] 30: Distribution Road

[0114] 30b: Area 1

[0115] 30c: Region 2

[0116] 30ca: Shrink the area

[0117] 30cb: Constant region

Claims

1. A disperser for dispersing a fluid to be processed, characterized in that, The above-mentioned disperser has the following features: A cylindrical outer member, which has a conical inner circumferential surface in a portion of its area; and An inner member, having in a portion a region a conical outer peripheral surface facing the conical inner peripheral surface of the outer member, is disposed radially inside the outer member. A flow path is provided between the outer component and the inner component to allow fluid to flow from one side to the other axially. The aforementioned flow path includes a first region spiraling from one side to the other and a second region continuously flowing from the first region to the other. The second region of the aforementioned flow path is defined by the aforementioned conical inner circumferential surface and the aforementioned conical outer circumferential surface. By setting different angles between one of the conical inner circumferential surface and the conical outer circumferential surface in the axial cross-section relative to the other at the midway point of the second region, a region with different gap distances between the conical inner circumferential surface and the conical outer circumferential surface is provided in the second region of the flow path. In the operating state where the fluid being processed flows through the flow path, the outer component and the inner component are not rotated relative to each other, and the fluid being processed is pressed and moved in the flow path.

2. The disperser as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned outer member has a female threaded inner circumferential surface located on one side of the aforementioned conical inner circumferential surface. The aforementioned inner member has a male threaded outer peripheral surface located on one side of the aforementioned conical outer peripheral surface and corresponding to the aforementioned female threaded inner peripheral surface, and is threadedly mounted relative to the aforementioned outer member. The first region of the aforementioned flow path is defined by the aforementioned female threaded inner circumferential surface and the aforementioned male threaded outer circumferential surface. The flow area of ​​the first region of the aforementioned flow path is defined by the shape of the aforementioned female threaded inner circumferential surface and the aforementioned male threaded outer circumferential surface.

3. The disperser as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second region of the aforementioned flow path has: a narrowing region where the gap distance decreases as one moves from one side to the other; and a constant region where the gap distance is constant and continuous from the narrowing region to the other side.

4. The disperser as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The length of the constant region of the second region of the above-mentioned flow path along the flow path direction from the one side to the other side in the axial cross-section of the above-mentioned flow path is set to 1 mm or more.

5. The disperser as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned female thread-shaped inner circumferential surface and the aforementioned male thread-shaped outer circumferential surface have different shapes by making the angles of their respective spiral peaks different.

6. The disperser as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The gap distance between the constant region of the second region of the above-mentioned flow path is 0.1 μm or more and 2 mm or less.

7. The disperser as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The region of the constant region that defines the second region of the flow path within the aforementioned conical inner circumferential surface and the aforementioned conical outer circumferential surface is made of ceramic.

8. The disperser as described in claim 2, characterized in that, By rotating the outer and inner components relative to each other, without disassembling the outer and inner components, it is possible to selectively configure any of the following states: a contact state in which the inner conical circumferential surface contacts the outer conical circumferential surface; a usage state in which the gap distance is short when using the disperser; and a separation state in which the gap distance is widened compared to the usage state.

9. The disperser as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the outer component that defines the flow path and the outer circumferential surface of the inner component do not have horizontal portions where fluid flowing through the flow path may stagnate.

10. The disperser as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the outer component defining the aforementioned flow path and the outer circumferential surface of the inner component are coated with a corrosion-resistant material.

11. The disperser as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The above coating is a fluoropolymer coating.

12. The disperser as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the aforementioned outer component and the aforementioned inner component has a sleeve that allows other fluids to flow through it, the other fluids being used to regulate the temperature of the fluid flowing through the aforementioned flow path.

13. A method of using a disperser, wherein the method of using the disperser is as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When adjusting the gap distance, the outer member and the inner member are rotated relative to each other to form the contact state by moving the inner member toward the other side relative to the outer member. Then, the outer member and the inner member are rotated relative to each other to adjust to the use state by moving the inner member toward one side relative to the outer member.

14. A method of using a disperser, wherein the method of using the disperser is the method of using the disperser as described in claim 8 or the method of using the disperser as described in claim 13, characterized in that, When the above-mentioned flow path is cleaned or sterilized, the above-mentioned outer component and the above-mentioned inner component are set to the above-mentioned separated state.

Images