Microreactor

Abstract

This microreactor (10) is provided with: an outer member (11) having a tapered inner peripheral surface (16b); an inner member (12) having a tapered outer peripheral surface (17c); and a gap adjustment part (13) capable of adjusting the gap distance (L) between the tapered inner peripheral surface (16b) and the tapered outer peripheral surface (17c) by moving the outer member (11) and the inner member (12) relative to each other in the vertical direction, the relative rotation of the outer member (11) and the inner member (12) being restricted, and the gap adjustment part (13) being capable of adjusting the gap distance (L) between the tapered inner peripheral surface (16b) and the tapered outer peripheral surface (17c) between the inner peripheral surface (16) of the outer member (11) and the outer peripheral surface (17) of the inner member (12). A flow path (40) through which an object to be processed flows from bottom to top is defined, a region defined by a tapered inner peripheral surface (16b) and a tapered outer peripheral surface (17c) in the flow path (40) functions as a processing region (40a) for processing the object to be processed, and apex angles ([theta] 1, [theta] 2) of the tapered inner peripheral surface (16b) and the tapered outer peripheral surface (17c) are set to mutually identical angles of 5-120 degrees inclusive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to microreactors for performing treatment of a fluid being treated. Background Art

[0002] Microreactors or micromixers are provided as fluid processing devices using tiny flow paths or tiny reaction vessels. The tiny reaction fields provided by such devices are also likely to have a significant impact on the chemical reactions themselves that were previously carried out in beakers or flasks.

[0003] However, conventional microreactors have problems that have prevented them from being used for a long time, such as solids and precipitates generated by the reaction clogging the flow path, and requiring a large pump due to high pressure loss, which makes it impossible to further expand the scale. In other words, as long as these problems are solved, microreactors will become popular and contribute to the chemical industry, including biochemistry, metal, food, ceramics, pigments, and pharmaceutical industries.

[0004] In a fluid processing device and processing method as described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 proposed by the present applicant, in which reactions, crystallizations, mixing, dissolutions, dispersions, etc. are carried out between processing surfaces of relatively rotating processing parts that can approach and separate, a tiny reaction field can be easily formed, thereby solving the problems of the above-mentioned microreactor.

[0005] However, the fluid treatment device described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 has a rotating shaft to rotate the ceramic disk, so the cost is high. In addition, since the structure becomes complicated and the number of components is large, it is desired to have a product with a simple structure that suppresses the number of components.

[0006] In the microreactor of patent documentation 3, each processed object is introduced into the microfluidic path from the slit-shaped flow path. The microfluidic path is a tapered flow path, but the gap is larger as it is closer to the outlet. In addition, in the structure of the inlet of the microreactor, the ease of importing the processed object is different because of the inlet shape. For example, in the flow of the processed object of the 3rd slit-shaped flow path, due to the flow of the processed object from the first slit-shaped flow path, a very large driving effect is brought into play, but in the flow of the processed object from the second slit-shaped flow path, opposite pressure is produced, and the processed object is difficult to import, so the condition setting becomes difficult. Therefore, in the microreactor of patent documentation 3, the length of the microfluidic path recorded does not need to be so long, and can be shortened to the time required before the reaction is completed, but there is still doubt.

[0007] Prior Art Literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-49957

[0010] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2009 / 008394

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-319813 Summary of the invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a microreactor that can reduce the length of a flow channel of a processed object and the processing time, and that has a small number of parts and can reduce manufacturing costs with a simple structure.

[0014] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a microreactor of the first mode of the present invention comprises: a cylindrical outer member extending in a prescribed direction and having a tapered inner peripheral surface in an area of ​​at least a portion of the inner peripheral surface; an inner member arranged on the radial inner side of the outer member and having a tapered outer peripheral surface facing the tapered inner peripheral surface in an area of ​​at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface; and a gap adjustment portion, by making the outer member and the inner member relatively move in the prescribed direction, the gap distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface can be adjusted, the relative rotation of the outer member and the inner member is restricted, and a flow path for the processed object to flow from one side to the other side of the prescribed direction is divided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the area divided by the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface in the flow path functions as a processing area for processing the processed object, and the apex angles of the cones of the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface are set to be the same angle of 5 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention is the microreactor of the first aspect, wherein any one of reaction including biochemical reaction, crystallization, mixing, dissolution and dispersion is performed in the treatment region of the flow channel.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention is the microreactor of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface are tapered so as to become thinner from the other side in the predetermined direction toward the one end.

[0018] The fourth aspect of the present invention is a microreactor of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the microreactor has a plurality of processed material flow inlets for allowing the processed material to flow into the flow passage, and the plurality of processed material flow inlets are arranged on the upstream side of the flow passage relative to the treatment area or in the middle of the treatment area.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the microreactor of the fourth aspect, wherein the plurality of inlets for the processed streams are respectively connected to different pressure delivery systems.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the microreactor of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the gap distance in a use state for treating a treatment object is 0.1 μm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0021] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a microreactor of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the gap adjustment portion comprises: a fixing member, which supports the inner member so that it can slide in the prescribed direction and is fixed to the outer member; and a differential screw, which enables the inner member to slide in the prescribed direction relative to the fixing member.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the microreactor of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member that partition the flow path do not have a horizontal portion where the processed material flowing through the flow path may stay.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the microreactor of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein at least one of the outer member and the inner member has a jacket through which another fluid for adjusting the temperature of the processed object flowing through the flow path can flow.

[0024] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the microreactor of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member that define the flow path are coated with a corrosion-resistant material.

[0025] The eleventh embodiment of the present invention is a method for using a microreactor using the microreactor of the sixth embodiment. When the gap distance is adjusted to the use state, the conical inner peripheral surface is brought into contact with the conical outer peripheral surface through the gap adjustment portion, and then the conical outer peripheral surface is moved away from the conical inner peripheral surface to the other side of the specified direction to achieve the use state.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present disclosure, a microreactor can be provided, which can reduce the length of the flow channel of the processed object and the processing time, and has a small number of parts and can reduce the manufacturing cost with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the microreactor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1Cross-sectional view taken along arrow II-II.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along arrow III-III.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the IV-IV line.

[0032] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing a structure for using a microreactor.

[0033] Figure 6 The diagrams are explanatory diagrams of various states of the microreactor, wherein (a) shows a contact state, (b) shows a use state, and (c) shows a separation state.

[0034] Figure 7 This is an axial cross-sectional view of a microreactor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Below, an embodiment of the present invention is described based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, UP represents the upper side. In addition, CL represents the central axis of the outer member and the inner member. In addition, in the following description, the axial direction refers to the direction along the central axis CL of the outer member and the inner member. In addition, the radial direction refers to the direction orthogonal to the central axis CL. In addition, the blank arrows in each figure indicate the flow direction of the processed fluid. In addition, in the following description, the axial direction (prescribed direction) is set as the up and down direction, one side of the axial direction is set as the lower side, and the other side of the axial direction is set as the upper side for description.

[0036] The microreactor disclosed in the present invention is a device that can make a fluid as a processed object (hereinafter referred to as "processed fluid") flow in a tiny flow path and perform a prescribed treatment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "treatment") to obtain a processed object. The above-mentioned prescribed treatment includes any of the treatments of reaction, crystallization, mixing, dissolution and dispersion including biochemical reactions. That is, the microreactor disclosed in the present invention can also be used as a micro mixer that mixes the processed fluid in a tiny flow path.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the microreactor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along arrow II-II. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along arrow III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the IV-IV line.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the microreactor 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: an outer member 11 formed into a cylindrical shape extending in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the vertical direction); an inner member 12 arranged on the radial inner side of the outer member 11; and a gap adjustment portion 13 capable of relatively moving the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 in the vertical direction. The gap adjustment portion 13 comprises a fixing member 14 fixed to the outer member 11 and a differential screw 15 mounted on the fixing member 14 and the inner member 12.

[0039] The outer member 11 and the inner member 12 are concentrically arranged in such a manner that their central axes CL overlap. A gap (space) is provided between the inner peripheral surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 17 of the inner member 12, and the gap functions as a flow passage 40 for the flow of the treated fluid. The flow passage 40 allows the flow of the treated fluid from below (one side of a prescribed direction) to above (the other side of a prescribed direction). In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the structure of the microreactor 10 in a state in which the treated fluid can be treated (hereinafter referred to as the "use state") is described.

[0040] The outer member 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape (a cylindrical shape with a bottom in the present embodiment) with a central axis CL extending in a predetermined direction (a vertical direction in the present embodiment). The outer member 11 has an upper end opening 11a at the upper end, an inner peripheral surface 16 extending downward from the upper end opening 11a, and a bottom surface 18. The upper end opening 11a is arranged concentrically with the central axis CL. The upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 functions as an insertion port for inserting the inner member 12 into the inner part of the outer member 11.

[0041] The inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 divides the space inside (hereinafter referred to as "internal space"). In the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 has inner circumferential surfaces with different functions in two different upper and lower regions. The inner circumferential surfaces 16 of the outer member 11 with two different functions are, from the top, the outflow portion inner circumferential surface 16a and the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b. That is, the outer member 11 has a tapered inner circumferential surface 16b in at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface 16. The outflow portion inner circumferential surface 16a and the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b of the outer member 11 divide the radial outer side of the flow path 40. In addition, in the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 is set to be an inner circumferential surface 16 having an outflow portion inner circumferential surface 16a and a tapered inner circumferential surface 16b, but it is not limited thereto, as long as the inner circumferential surface 16 has a tapered inner circumferential surface 16b in at least a portion of the region. For example, the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 may be composed only of the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b, or may include other regions in addition to the outflow portion inner circumferential surface 16a and the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b.

[0042] The inner peripheral surface 16a of the outflow portion of the outer member 11 extends downward from the upper end opening 11a. The inner peripheral surface 16a of the outflow portion of the present embodiment is formed into a cylindrical shape. An outflow port 19 for allowing the treated fluid to flow out of the flow path 40 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 16a of the outflow portion. The inner peripheral surface 16a of the outflow portion divides the radial outer side of the space (the outflow area 40b described later) where the treated fluid exists before flowing out of the flow path 40. Figure 2 As shown, a flow passage 20 for allowing the treated fluid or the like (including the treated material after treatment, the same below) to flow out of the flow passage 40 extends from the outflow port 19. The outflow passage 20 preferably extends along the tangent direction of the cross section of the flow passage 40 so that the treated fluid or the like flows along the flow direction (in this embodiment, Figure 2 In addition, the outflow path 20 is preferably inclined in such a manner that the outflow outlet 19 side is at the bottom. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outflow path 20 is extended in the tangential direction of the cross section of the flow path 40, but it is not limited to this and can extend in any direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outflow path 20 is inclined in such a manner that the outflow outlet 19 side is at the bottom, but it is not limited to this and can be set to any angle. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outflow path 20 is inclined in such a manner that the outflow outlet 19 side is at the bottom, but it is not limited to this and can be set to any angle. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outflow port 19 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 16a of the outflow portion, but in the case where the inner peripheral surface 16 of the outer member 11 is composed only of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b, the outflow port 19 can also be provided at the upper end of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b.

[0043] The tapered inner circumferential surface 16b of the outer member 11 is an inner circumferential surface formed in a tapered (conical) shape, extending downward from the lower end of the inner circumferential surface 16a of the outflow portion. The tapered inner circumferential surface 16b of the present embodiment is formed into a tapered shape that becomes thinner from the top toward the lower end. The tapered inner circumferential surface 16b divides the radial outer side of a space (a treatment area 40a described later) that can process the processed fluid. The position of the top of the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b is located on the central axis CL. The apex angle θ1 of the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b is set to be greater than 5 degrees and less than 120 degrees. In the present embodiment, the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b extends up and down at a constant angle (apex angle θ1). In addition, the apex angle θ1 of the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b is more preferably greater than 10 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and further preferably greater than 15 degrees and less than 55 degrees.

[0044] A plurality of inlets (a plurality of processed logistics inlets) 21 for allowing the processed fluid to flow into the flow passage 40 are formed on the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b of the outer member 11. That is, the microreactor 10 has a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) inlets 21 that allow the processed fluid to flow into the flow passage 40. In the present embodiment, the plurality of inlets 21 are arranged in the middle of the later-described treatment area 40a of the flow passage 40. In the present embodiment, the plurality of inlets 21 include a first inlet 21a and a second inlet 21b formed at the lower end of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b and a third inlet 21c formed at the middle portion of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b. In addition, the number of the plurality of inlets (processed logistics inlets) 21 is not limited to three.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b are arranged at rotationally symmetrical positions at the lower end of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b so as to be in the same position when rotated 180 degrees about the central axis CL. A first flow passage 22 for allowing the treated fluid to flow into the flow passage 40 extends from the first inlet 21a. The first inlet 22 preferably extends along the tangent direction of the cross section of the flow passage 40 so that the treated fluid flows along the flow direction (in this embodiment, the flow direction of the treated fluid, etc.) of the flow passage 40. Figure 3 In addition, a second flow passage 23 for allowing the treated fluid to flow into the flow passage 40 extends from the second inlet 21b. The second inlet passage 23 is also preferably extended along the tangent direction of the cross section of the flow passage 40, similarly to the first inlet passage 22, so that the treated fluid flows along the flow direction (in this embodiment, Figure 3 In addition, it is preferred that the first inlet 22 and the second inlet 23 are inclined in such a manner that the first inlet 21a or the second inlet 21b side is upward. Thus, the treated fluid from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b can be caused to spirally rotate from the bottom to the top and rise. In addition, in the present embodiment, the first inlet 22 and the second inlet 23 are extended along the tangent direction of the cross section of the flow path 40, but it is not limited to this and can be extended in any direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the first inlet 22 and the second inlet 23 are inclined in such a manner that the first inlet 21a or the second inlet 21b side is upward, but it is not limited to this and can be set to any angle.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the third inlet 21c is arranged at a position above the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b in the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b. A third flow passage 24 for allowing the treated fluid to flow into the flow passage 40 extends from the third inlet 21c. The third inlet 24 preferably extends along the tangent direction of the cross section of the flow passage 40 so that the treated fluid flows along the flow direction (in this embodiment, Figure 4 The third inlet 24 flows in in the counterclockwise direction (in the counterclockwise direction). In addition, the third inlet 21c is preferably inclined in such a manner that the third inlet 21c side is upward. Thereby, the treated fluid etc. from the third inlet 21c can be caused to rise by spirally rotating from the bottom to the top along the flow of the treated fluid etc. from below. In addition, in the present embodiment, the third inlet 24 is extended along the tangent direction of the cross section of the flow path 40, but it is not limited to this, and it can extend in any direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the third inlet 24 is inclined in such a manner that the third inlet 21c side is upward, but it is not limited to this, and it can be set to any angle.

[0047] The bottom surface 18 of the outer member 11 defines the lower portion of the inner space of the outer member 11. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface 18 is disposed at substantially the same height as the lower edges of the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b. Figure 1 Although the bottom surface 18 is shown as a flat surface in the figure, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the bottom surface 18 may be inclined so that the fluid on the bottom surface 18 flows toward at least one of the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, a sleeve 25 (space) through which other fluids for adjusting the temperature of the treated fluid in the flow passage 40 can flow may be provided on the outer member 11. For example, the sleeve 25 is provided radially outside the flow passage 40. A sleeve inlet 26 for allowing the above-mentioned other fluids to flow into the sleeve 25 is provided at the lower end of the sleeve 25. A sleeve outlet 27 for allowing the above-mentioned other fluids to flow out of the sleeve 25 is provided at the upper end of the sleeve 25. As the above-mentioned other fluids, for example, heat media such as water vapor, warm water, cold water, and gas (nitrogen, etc.) can be cited. In addition, the sleeve 25 may not be provided on the outer member 11.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, the fixing member 14 of the gap adjustment portion 13 is formed larger than the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11, is arranged above the outer member 11, and is fixed relative to the outer member 11 (for example, fastened and fixed). The fixing member 14 blocks the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 when fixed to the outer member 11. A support recess 28 recessed upward is formed on the lower surface of the fixing member 14. The lower surface of the fixing member 14, which is radially outward of the support recess 28, faces the upper surface of the outer member 11, which is radially outward of the upper end opening 11a. Between the lower surface of the fixing member 14 and the upper surface of the outer member 11, a first sealing member 29 (for example, an O-ring) is provided in a manner that surrounds the support recess 28 of the fixing member 14 and the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11. That is, the lower surface of the fixing member 14 and the upper surface of the outer member 11 are sealed by the first sealing member 29.

[0050] The support recess 28 of the fixing member 14 is arranged at a position centered on the central axis CL, and the upper end of the inner member 12 described later is inserted into the support recess 28 from below. The support recess 28 supports the upper end of the inserted inner member 12 so that it can slide in the up-down direction. That is, the fixing member 14 supports the inner member 12 so that it can slide in the up-down direction and is fixed to the outer member 11. Between the inner peripheral surface of the support recess 28 and the outer peripheral surface 17 of the upper end of the inner member 12 inserted into the support recess 28, a second sealing member 33 (for example, an O-ring) is provided over the entire circumference.

[0051] A through hole is formed at a predetermined position of the fixing member 14 (in the present embodiment, a position centered on the central axis CL), and the through hole penetrates in the vertical direction (axial direction) to communicate the space in the support recess 28 and the space above the fixing member 14, and an internal thread portion 30 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole. A pin 31 for preventing rotation extending in the axial direction is fixed to the lower surface (bottom surface of the support recess 28) in the support recess 28 of the fixing member 14 at a position different from the through hole of the internal thread portion 30. The pin 31 can be attached to and detached from the fixing member 14, and extends downward in the axial direction from the lower surface in the support recess 28 of the fixing member 14 in a state fixed to the fixing member 14. A spring 32 for restricting the movement of the inner member 12 caused by the gap of the differential screw 15 described later is fixed to the lower surface in the support recess 28 of the fixing member 14 at a position different from the through hole of the internal thread portion 30 and the pin 31. The spring 32 is a spiral spring extending in the vertical direction, and can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction. In addition, the deformation of the spring 32 in the direction intersecting the vertical direction is restricted. For example, a guide shaft g as a guide is inserted into the radial inner side of the spring 32, and the deformation of the spring 32 in the direction intersecting the vertical direction is restricted by the guide shaft g. Figure 1Although one pin 31 is shown in the figure, the number of pins 31 is not limited to one, and a plurality of pins 31 may be provided. Figure 1 Although one spring 32 is shown in the figure, the number of springs 32 is not limited to one, and a plurality of springs 32 may be provided.

[0052] like Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the inner member 12 is arranged on the radial inner side of the outer member 11 (the inner space of the outer member 11), and is supported by the fixing member 14 so as to be slidable. That is, the inner member 12 can move relative to the outer member 11 in the up-down direction (axial direction) via the fixing member 14. In the present embodiment, the inner member 12 is inserted into the inner space of the outer member 11 from the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 while being supported by the fixing member 14. The inner member 12 has an outer peripheral surface 17 that divides the flow passage 40 between the inner peripheral surface 16 of the outer member 11.

[0053] The inner member 12 of the present embodiment is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward. A supported portion 34 supported by the differential screw 15 is provided in the internal space of the inner member 12. A through hole coaxial with the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 14 is formed in the supported portion 34, and an internal thread portion 35 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole. The diameter of the through hole of the internal thread portion 35 of the present embodiment is smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 14. The pitch of the thread teeth of the internal thread portion 35 of the supported portion 34 is set shorter than the pitch of the thread teeth of the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 14. For example, the pitch of the thread teeth of the internal thread portion 35 of the supported portion 34 is set to 1.8 mm, and the pitch of the thread teeth of the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 14 is set to 2.0 mm. In addition, a pin insertion hole 36 for inserting the pin 31 of the fixing member 14 is formed in the supported portion 34. The pin 31 inserted through the pin insertion hole 36 allows the axial movement of the inner member 12 relative to the fixed member 14, and restricts the rotation of the inner member 12 relative to the fixed member 14. That is, in the present embodiment, the relative rotation of the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 is restricted by the pin 31 inserted through the pin insertion hole 36 of the fixed member 14. In addition, the supported portion 34 has a spring support portion 37 supporting the end (lower end) of the spring 32. The spring 32 supported by the spring support portion 37 shrinks and deforms in the up and down directions, and applies force to the inner member 12 from the fixed member 14 side downward. In addition, the internal space of the inner member 12 can also function as a sleeve that can be used to regulate the temperature of the treated fluid in the flow path 40. In this case, the other fluid circulating in the sleeve (internal space) of the inner member 12 can be the same fluid as the other fluid circulating in the sleeve 25 of the outer member 11, or it can be a different fluid.

[0054] The outer peripheral surface 17 of the inner member 12 is the outer peripheral surface of the radial inside of the flow passage 40, and in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface with different functions is respectively provided in three different regions above and below. The outer peripheral surface 17 of the inner member 12 with three different functions is, from the top, the sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a, the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b, and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c. That is, the inner member 12 has a tapered outer peripheral surface 17c in the region of at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 17. The outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c of the inner member 12 divide the radial inside of the flow passage 40. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 17 of the inner member 12 is set to have the outer peripheral surface 17 of the sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a, the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c, but it is not limited thereto, as long as it is the outer peripheral surface 17 with the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c in the region of at least a part. For example, the outer peripheral surface 17 of the inner member 12 may be composed only of the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c, or may include other regions in addition to the sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a, the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b, and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c.

[0055] The sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a of the inner member 12 is an outer peripheral surface located above the flow path 40, and is provided at the upper end of the inner member 12. The sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a of the present embodiment is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. The sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a is formed into a diameter slightly smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the support recess 28 of the fixed member 14, and faces the inner peripheral surface of the support recess 28. That is, the sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a does not divide the flow path 40. The sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a and the inner peripheral surface of the support recess 28 are sealed by the second sealing member 33.

[0056] The outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b of the inner member 12 extends downward from the lower end of the sealing portion outer peripheral surface 17a. The outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b of the present embodiment is formed into a tapered shape that expands from the top to the bottom. The outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b is configured at a position that leaves the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 16a of the outer member 11 in the radial direction, and faces the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 16a, and divides a space (the outflow area 40b described later) between the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 16a. The separation distance between the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 17b of the inner member 12 and the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 16a of the outer member 11 is set to be longer than the separation distance L (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "gap distance L") between the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c of the inner member 12 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b of the outer member 11.

[0057] The tapered outer peripheral surface 17c of the inner member 12 is an outer peripheral surface formed in a tapered (conical) shape, extending downward from the lower end of the outer peripheral surface 17b of the outflow portion. The tapered outer peripheral surface 17c faces the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b in a state of being away from the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b of the outer member 11 in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c is formed into a tapered shape that becomes thinner from the top toward the bottom end. A space (the treatment area 40a described later) capable of treating the treated fluid is divided between the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c and the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b. That is, the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b divides the radial outer side of the treatment area 40a capable of treating the treated fluid. The inner member 12 of the present embodiment is formed so that the top side (end side) of the cone angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c becomes the lower end of the inner member 12. The position (omitted from the figure) that becomes the top of the cone angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c is located on the central axis CL. The apex angle θ2 of the cone of the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c is the same as the apex angle θ1 of the cone of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b, and is set to be greater than 5 degrees and less than 120 degrees. In the present embodiment, the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c extends up and down at a constant angle (apex angle θ2). In this way, the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the cones of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c are set to the same angles of greater than 5 degrees and less than 120 degrees. In addition, the apex angle θ2 of the cone of the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c is the same as the apex angle θ1 of the cone of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b, and is more preferably greater than 10 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and further preferably greater than 15 degrees and less than 55 degrees.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the differential screw 15 of the gap adjustment part 13 is a member capable of adjusting the gap distance L between the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c by sliding the inner member 12 in the up-down direction relative to the fixed member 14. That is, the gap adjustment part 13 including the fixed member 14 and the differential screw 15 can adjust the gap distance L between the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c by relatively moving the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 in the up-down direction. The differential screw 15 integrally includes a shaft portion 15a and a handle portion 15b.

[0059] The shaft portion 15a of the differential screw 15 extends linearly in the axial direction and is inserted through a through hole formed with the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 14 and a through hole formed with the internal thread portion 35 of the inner member 12. The upper end of the shaft portion 15a protrudes upward from the fixing member 14. The shaft portion 15a has a first external thread portion 38 that is screwed with the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 14 and a second external thread portion 39 that is screwed with the internal thread portion 35 of the inner member 12. In the present embodiment, the first external thread portion 38 is formed to have a larger diameter than the second external thread portion 39. The pitch of the thread teeth of the first external thread portion 38 is set to be longer than the pitch of the thread teeth of the second external thread portion 39. For example, the pitch of the thread teeth of the first external thread portion 38 is set to 2.0 mm, and the pitch of the thread teeth of the second external thread portion 39 is set to 1.8 mm. That is, if the differential screw 15 is rotated once, the inner member 12 slides 0.2 mm in the axial direction relative to the outer member 11. In addition, in the present embodiment, the internal threaded portion 35 is provided on the supported portion 34 of the inner member 12, and the second external threaded portion 39 is provided on the differential screw 15, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an external threaded portion may be provided on the supported portion 34 of the inner member 12 instead of the internal threaded portion 35, and an internal threaded portion screwed with the external threaded portion may be provided on the differential screw 15 instead of the second external threaded portion 39.

[0060] The handle 15b of the differential screw 15 is an operating part of the differential screw 15 and extends radially outward from the upper end of the shaft 15a. The user can slide the inner member 12 axially relative to the outer member 11 by holding the handle 15b and rotating the shaft 15a.

[0061] When assembling the microreactor 10 of the present embodiment, first, the differential screw 15 and the inner member 12 are assembled relative to the fixed member 14. Next, the inner member 12 assembled on the fixed member 14 is inserted into the internal space of the outer member 11 from the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11, and the fixed member 14 is fixed to the outer member 11. Thus, the outer member 11, the fixed member 14, the inner member 12 and the differential screw 15 can be assembled with each other to assemble the microreactor 10. In addition, when assembling the microreactor 10, the gap distance L between the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c and the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b can be adjusted. The adjustment of the gap distance L will be described later. In addition, the assembly method of the microreactor 10 is not limited to the above.

[0062] Next, the flow passage 40 defined between the inner peripheral surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 17 of the inner member 12 will be described.

[0063] like Figure 1As shown, in the state where the microreactor 10 is assembled, a flow passage 40 that allows the processed fluid to flow from bottom to top is divided between the inner peripheral surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 17 of the inner member 12. The flow passage 40 of this embodiment has two areas. The two areas of the flow passage 40 are, from the bottom, a processing area 40a and an outflow area 40b.

[0064] The processing area 40a of the flow channel 40 is a micro-channel with a small gap distance L, which can process the processed fluid, and is divided between the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c of the inner member 12 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b of the outer member 11. The diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the processing area 40a of this embodiment increases from the lower side to the upper side (refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). In addition, the gap distance L of the processing area 40a of the present embodiment is constant from the lower side to the upper side. The first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b of the outer member 11 are connected to the lower end of the processing area 40a, and the processed fluid pressurized by the pressure delivery systems S1 and S2 described later flows into the lower end of the processing area 40a. In addition, the third inlet 21c of the outer member 11 is connected to the middle part between the upper end and the lower end of the processing area 40a, and the processed fluid pressurized by the pressure delivery system S3 described later flows into the middle part between the upper end and the lower end of the processing area 40a.

[0065] The gap distance L of the treatment region 40a in the use state of the microreactor 10 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 3 mm or less. By setting the gap distance L in the above range, the fluid to be treated can be effectively treated.

[0066] The outflow region 40b of the flow passage 40 is a space into which the processed fluid or the like flows through the processing region 40a, and is divided between the inner peripheral surface 16a of the outflow portion of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 17b of the outflow portion of the inner member 12. The outflow region 40b is located above the processing region 40a, is connected to the processing region 40a, and is divided above into the lower surface of the fixed member 14. The separation distance between the inner peripheral surface 16a of the outflow portion and the outer peripheral surface 17b of the outflow portion of the outflow region 40b is set to be wider than the gap distance L of the processing region 40a. The outflow region 40b is connected to the outflow port 19 of the outer member 11, and the processed material processed by the microreactor 10 flows out to the outside from the outflow region 40b via the outflow port 19 and the outflow passage 20.

[0067] The inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the inner member 12 that divide the flow path 40 do not have a horizontal portion where the treated fluid or the like flowing in the flow path 40 may accumulate when the axial direction is in the up-down direction. Specifically, the outflow portion inner circumferential surface 16a and the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b of the outer member 11, and the outflow portion outer circumferential surface 17b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 17c of the inner member 12 do not have a horizontal upper surface when the axial direction is in the up-down direction.

[0068] The raw materials of the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the inner member 12 can be appropriately selected from metals and the like according to the type of the processed fluid. For example, electrolytic grinding can also be performed after polishing grinding is performed on SUS316L. In addition, in order to prevent burning, etc., the area of ​​the processing area 40a of the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the inner member 12 that divides the flow path 40 is preferably made of ceramics such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, and aluminum oxide, but can also be replaced by carbide diamond and the like. In addition, the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the inner member 12 that divide the flow path 40 are preferably coated with a corrosion-resistant material. As a coating based on a corrosion-resistant material, a glass lining or a fluororesin coating, a ceramic coating can be exemplified, and a fluororesin coating is more preferred.

[0069] Next, the flow of the fluid to be treated when the treatment is performed using the microreactor 10 will be described. Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing a structure for using the microreactor 10.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the microreactor 10 is connected to a plurality of pressure delivery systems for pressurizing the treated fluid to the flow passage 40. For example, in the present embodiment, the plurality of pressure delivery systems include: a first pressure delivery system S1 connected to the first inlet 21a of the outer member 11; a second pressure delivery system S2 connected to the second inlet 21b; and a third pressure delivery system S3 connected to the third inlet 21c. That is, the plurality of inlets 21 of the present embodiment are respectively connected to different pressure delivery systems. Each of the pressure delivery systems S1, S2, and S3, for example, respectively has a storage tank r1, r2, and r3 for storing the treated fluid and a pump p1, p2, and p3 for pressurizing the treated fluid to the flow passage 40. In addition, a storage tank r4 for storing the treated material is connected to the outflow port 19 of the outer member 11. In addition, the structure of the pressure delivery systems S1, S2, and S3 is not limited thereto, and for example, other devices such as flow meters may also be provided.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown by the hollow arrows f1 and f2 in the figure, the treated fluid is first pressure-fed from the pressure-feeding systems S1 and S2, and flows into the flow passage 40 from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b at the lower part of the outer member 11 of the microreactor 10 along the specified rotation direction (in this embodiment, the counterclockwise direction in the top view). The treated fluids flowing into the flow passage 40 from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b merge with each other, forming a spiral flow that rotates around the inner member 12 along the above-mentioned specified rotation direction while rising in the treatment area 40a along the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 17c. In this way, the treated fluids flowing into the flow passage 40 from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b merge with each other, and are processed while rotating and rising in the treatment area 40a as a tiny flow passage.

[0072] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown by the hollow arrow f3 in the figure, the treated fluid is pressure-fed from the pressure-feeding system S3 and flows into the flow passage 40 from the third inlet 21c in the middle part of the outer member 11 of the microreactor 10 along the above-specified rotation direction. The treated fluid that flows into the flow passage 40 from the third inlet 21c merges with the treated fluid of the spiral flow rising from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b below, and rises in the treatment area 40a along the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 17c while rotating around the inner member 12 in the above-specified rotation direction. In this way, the treated fluid that flows into the flow passage 40 from the third inlet 21c merges with the treated fluid from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b, and is treated while rotating and rising in the treatment area 40a. The treated fluid that has been treated in the treatment area 40a flows from the treatment area 40a into the outflow area 40b above. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown by the blank arrow f4 in FIG. 1 , the fluid to be processed or the like that has flowed into the outflow region 40 b flows out as a processed product from the outflow port 19 of the outflow region 40 b to the outside of the microreactor 10 and is stored in, for example, the storage tank r4 .

[0073] Next, a method of using the microreactor 10 will be described. Figure 6 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining each state of the microreactor, wherein (a) shows a contact state, (b) shows a use state, and (c) shows a separation state. The method of using the microreactor 10 is not limited to the following.

[0074] First, a method of use in which the gap distance L of the treatment region 40 a of the flow channel 40 is adjusted to put the microreactor 10 into use will be described, and then a method of use in cleaning or sterilization will be described.

[0075] When adjusting the gap distance L of the treatment area 40a of the flow passage 40 to the use state, firstly, the differential screw 15 is rotated to slide the inner member 12 downwardly relative to the outer member 11 in the axial direction, and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c of the inner member 12 is brought into contact with the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b of the outer member 11 (gap distance L = 0) (refer to Figure 6 (a)). Next, the differential screw 15 is rotated in the opposite direction to the contact state described above, so that the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c of the inner member 12 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b of the outer member 11 are separated and put into use state, so as to achieve the desired gap distance L (refer to Figure 6 (b)). Thus, when the microreactor 10 is in use, the conical outer peripheral surface 17c and the conical inner peripheral surface 16b are separated from the contact state, so that the gap distance L can be easily fine-tuned, which is different from the case where the conical outer peripheral surface 17c and the conical inner peripheral surface 16b are adjusted in the direction of approaching each other, and the microreactor 10 can be set to the desired gap distance L to be in use. The rotation amount (rotation angle) of the differential screw 15 at this time can be calculated based on the desired gap distance L, the pitch of the thread teeth of the first external thread portion 38 (internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 14) of the differential screw 15, and the pitch of the thread teeth of the second external thread portion 39 (internal thread portion 35 of the inner member 12). Specifically, the difference between the pitch of the thread teeth of the first external thread portion 38 of the differential screw 15 and the pitch of the thread teeth of the second external thread portion 39 becomes the movement distance of the inner member 12 relative to the outer member 11 when the differential screw 15 rotates one circle (360 degrees). Therefore, the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the differential screw 15 can be calculated based on the movement distance during one rotation and the desired gap distance L.

[0076] In the use state, the rotation of the inner member 12 relative to the outer member 11 is restricted by the pin 31 inserted through the pin insertion hole 36 , and the axial movement of the inner member 12 relative to the outer member 11 is also described.

[0077] When the microreactor 10 is cleaned or sterilized, the differential screw 15 is further rotated from the use state to make the gap distance L further separated than the use state (see Figure 6 (c)). Thus, the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c can be made into flow paths that can be cleaned or sterilized separately compared to the use state (a flow path that becomes a turbulent flow), so that the microreactor 10 can be cleaned and sterilized without disassembling it.

[0078] Thus, in the microreactor 10, by rotating the differential screw 15, the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c and the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b can be brought into contact with each other (see Figure 6(a)). In addition, by rotating the differential screw 15, the microreactor 10 can be used in a state where the gap distance L is short (see Figure 6 (b)). In addition, by further rotating the differential screw 15 from the use state, the gap distance L can be set to a separated state further apart than the use state (see Figure 6 (c)) That is, the microreactor 10 of the present embodiment can be selectively placed in any of the contact state, the use state, and the separated state without disassembling the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 .

[0079] In the microreactor 10 constructed as described above, the relative rotation of the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 is restricted, and the processed fluid is caused to rotate in the processing area 40a along the above-specified rotation direction and rise, thereby performing the above-specified treatment on the processed fluid. That is, the processed fluid is processed without causing the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, since there is no need to provide a structure for causing the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 to rotate relative to each other, the number of components of the microreactor 10 can be reduced to form a simple structure, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0080] In addition, since there is a gap adjustment portion 13 that can adjust the gap distance L by moving the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 relative to each other in the up and down directions, the processing area 40a of the flow path 40 can be made into a tiny flow path (a laminar flow path) that can efficiently process the processed fluid.

[0081] In addition, since the gap adjustment part 13 capable of adjusting the gap distance L is provided, the balance between the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the path of the treated fluid flowing in the flow path 40 can be controlled by adjusting the gap distance L, and the length of the path of the treated fluid (the distance of the reaction field) can be changed. For example, when the gap distance L is large, it is difficult to generate a spiral flow, and it is easy to become an upward flow. When the gap distance L becomes smaller, a spiral flow is generated. The smaller the gap distance L of the spiral flow, the shorter the amount of upward movement of the treated fluid when it rotates one circle. Therefore, by adjusting the gap distance L by the gap adjustment part 13, as a result, the length of the flow path 40 and the processing time of the treated fluid can be suppressed, and the treated object can be obtained by suppressing the cost with a simple structure.

[0082] In addition, the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the conical inner circumferential surface 16b and the conical outer circumferential surface 17c are set to be equal to each other. In this way, since the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the conical inner circumferential surface 16b and the conical outer circumferential surface 17c are equal to each other, the gap distance L of the processing area 40a becomes constant from the upper end to the lower end of the processing area 40a. Therefore, by appropriately setting the gap distance L, it is possible to efficiently apply force to the processed fluid for processing.

[0083] In addition, the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the cones of the conical inner circumferential surface 16b and the conical outer circumferential surface 17c are both set to the same angle of more than 5 degrees and less than 120 degrees. If the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the cones of the conical inner circumferential surface 16b and the conical outer circumferential surface 17c are both less than 5 degrees, the spiral flow is very difficult to control and it is difficult to ensure the processing volume. On the other hand, if the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the cones of the conical inner circumferential surface 16b and the conical outer circumferential surface 17c are both greater than 120 degrees, the expansion of the flow path 40 (processing area 40a) is too rapid, and the possibility of cavitation is high. In addition, if the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the cones of the conical inner circumferential surface 16b and the conical outer circumferential surface 17c are both greater than 10 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the above-mentioned problems of reduction in processing volume and occurrence of cavitation are alleviated, but the corresponding processed fluid (processed object) will be limited. Furthermore, if the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 16 b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17 c are both set to 15 to 55 degrees, the problems of reduced processing volume, occurrence of cavitation, and compatible processed objects can be solved.

[0084] Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a microreactor 10 that can reduce the length of the flow channel 40 of the treated fluid (treated object) and the treatment time, and that has a small number of parts and can reduce the manufacturing cost with a simple structure.

[0085] In addition, any of the processes including reaction, crystallization, mixing, dissolution, and dispersion including biochemical reaction is performed in the processing region 40 a of the flow channel 40 . Therefore, various processes can be performed by the microreactor 10 .

[0086] In addition, since the tapered inner peripheral surface 16b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 17c are tapered from the top to the bottom, the diameter of the processing area 40a of the flow path 40 expands from the upstream side (lower side) toward the downstream side (upper side). In this way, the diameter of the processing area 40a of the flow path 40 expands toward the top, and the flow path gradually becomes longer in the circumferential direction, so the flow of the processed fluid flowing in the processing area 40a tends to become a circumferential flow. In addition, by making the gap distance L in the use state greater than 0.1μm and less than 3mm, the gap distance L can be narrowed, so the flow of the processed fluid flowing in the processing area 40a tends to become a circumferential flow.

[0087] Furthermore, by setting the gap distance L in the use state to be not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 3 mm, a micro flow path capable of efficiently processing the fluid to be processed can be formed.

[0088] In addition, the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b of the plurality of inlets 21 are arranged at the lower end of the processing area 40a of the flow passage 40, and the third inlet 21c is arranged at the middle part of the processing area 40a above the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b. In this way, since the third inlet 21c is arranged at a position away from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b upward, when the processed fluid flows in from the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 21b, the influence of the processed fluid flowing in from the third inlet 21c can be suppressed.

[0089] In addition, by extending the first inlet 22, the second inlet 23 and the third inlet 24 along the tangent direction of the cross section of the flow channel 40, the treated fluid can easily flow into the flow channel 40 from the first inlet 21a, the second inlet 21b and the third inlet 21c along the flow direction in the flow channel 40.

[0090] Furthermore, by extending the outflow channel 20 in the tangential direction of the cross section of the flow channel 40 , the processed material can be easily made to flow out from the outflow port 19 along the flow direction in the flow channel 40 .

[0091] In addition, since the plurality of inlets 21 are connected to different pressure delivery systems, the pressure of each pressure delivery system can be appropriately set to appropriately adjust the flow of the processed fluid in the flow path 40. Thus, the processed fluid can be efficiently processed to obtain a processed product.

[0092] In addition, since the processing area 40a of the flow path 40 is divided by the conical inner peripheral surface 16b and the conical outer peripheral surface 17c, the gap distance L can be adjusted by moving the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 relative to each other in the axial direction, which is different from the case where one side is a non-conical surface (for example, a cylindrical surface extending axially).

[0093] Furthermore, since the gap distance L is adjusted by the differential screw 15 , it is possible to easily finely adjust the gap distance L. Thus, since the gap distance L can be appropriately set, a micro flow path that can efficiently process the fluid to be processed can be formed.

[0094] Furthermore, since the spring 32 is provided to restrict the movement of the inner member 12 due to the play of the differential screw 15 , the axial position of the inner member 12 relative to the outer member 11 can be stably maintained.

[0095] In addition, the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the inner member 12 that divide the flow path 40 do not have a horizontal portion where the treated fluid or the like flowing in the flow path 40 may stay when the axial direction (prescribed direction) is in the up-down direction. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the cleaning agent (condensed water of pure steam, etc.) when cleaning the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the inner member 12 or the precipitate when treating the treated fluid from remaining in the flow path 40.

[0096] In addition, when at least one of the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 is provided with a sleeve (the sleeve 25 in this embodiment) through which another fluid for adjusting the temperature of the processed fluid flowing in the flow path 40 can flow, the temperature of the processed fluid flowing in the flow path 40 can be appropriately adjusted. Thus, the processed fluid can be efficiently processed to obtain a processed object.

[0097] The lower surface of the fixing member 14 and the upper surface of the outer member 11 are sealed by the first sealing member 29. Therefore, dust and the like are prevented from entering the flow path 40 from between the lower surface of the fixing member 14 and the upper surface of the outer member 11.

[0098] In addition, a second sealing member 33 is provided over the entire circumference between the inner circumferential surface of the support recess 28 of the fixing member 14 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the upper end portion of the inner member 12 inserted into the support recess 28. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mixing of dust and the like from the internal space of the inner member 12 where the differential screw 15 and the like are arranged into the flow path 40.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the outer member 11 is provided with the sleeve 25, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sleeve may be provided on at least one of the outer member 11 and the inner member 12. Alternatively, the sleeve may not be provided on both the outer member 11 and the inner member 12.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 17 of the inner member 12 that define the flow path 40 do not have horizontal portions where the processed fluid or the like flowing through the flow path 40 may stay, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, the gap adjustment portion 13 is composed of a fixing member 14 fixed to the outer member 11 and a differential screw 15 installed on the fixing member 14 and the inner member 12, but is not limited to this. Various structures that can adjust the gap distance L by allowing the outer member 11 and the inner member 12 to move relative to each other in the up and down directions can be applied as the gap adjustment portion 13.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the plurality of inlets 21 are connected to different pressure-feeding systems, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, both the first inlet 21 a and the second inlet 21 b may be connected to the same pressure-feeding system.

[0103] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of inlets 21 are provided on the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b and are provided in the middle of the processing region 40a, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of inlets 21 may be arranged at a position on the upstream side of the processing region 40a. For example, in the case where the inner circumferential surface 16 of the outer member 11 is provided with an upstream region located on the upstream side of the tapered inner circumferential surface 16b, the plurality of inlets 21 may be provided in the upstream region, or the plurality of inlets 21 may be provided in both the upstream region and the middle of the processing region 40a.

[0104] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The microreactor 50 of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a reduced area 70b is provided before the processing area 70c of the flow channel 70. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structures as those of the first embodiment and their description is omitted.

[0105] Figure 7 This is an axial cross-sectional view of a microreactor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the microreactor 50 of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises: an outer member 51 formed into a cylindrical shape extending in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the vertical direction); an inner member 52 arranged on the radial inner side of the outer member 51; and a gap adjustment portion 53 capable of relatively moving the outer member 51 and the inner member 52 in the vertical direction. The gap adjustment portion 53 comprises a fixing member 54 fixed to the outer member 51 and a differential screw 55 mounted on the fixing member 54 and the inner member 52.

[0107] The outer member 51 and the inner member 52 are arranged concentrically in a manner that the central axes CL overlap each other. A gap (space) is provided between the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer member 51 and the outer peripheral surface 57 of the inner member 52, and the gap functions as a flow path 70 for the flow of the processed fluid. The flow path 70 allows the flow of the processed fluid from the bottom (one side of the specified direction) to the top (the other side of the specified direction). In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the structure of the microreactor 50 in the use state is described.

[0108] The outer member 51 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the central axis CL extending in the up-down direction. The outer member 51 has an upper opening 51a at the upper end, a lower opening 51b at the lower end, and an inner peripheral surface 56 extending continuously from the upper opening 51a to the lower opening 51b. The upper opening 51a and the lower opening 51b are arranged in a manner concentric with the central axis CL. The upper opening 51a of the outer member 51 functions as an insertion port for inserting the inner member 52 into the interior of the outer member 51. The lower opening 51b of the outer member 51 functions as an inlet for the processed fluid to the flow path 70. That is, the microreactor 50 of the present embodiment has an inlet (lower opening 51b) for the processed fluid.

[0109] The inner circumferential surface 56 of the outer member 51 divides the internal space on the inside. In the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 56 of the outer member 51 has four inner circumferential surfaces in different upper and lower regions. The four inner circumferential surfaces are, from the top, the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56a, the first conical inner circumferential surface (conical inner circumferential surface) 56b, the second conical inner circumferential surface 56c, and the second cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56d. The lower region of the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56a of the outer member 51, the first conical inner circumferential surface 56b, the second conical inner circumferential surface 56c, and the second cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56d divide the radial outer side of the flow passage 70. In addition, in the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 56 of the outer member 51 is set to be an inner circumferential surface 56 having a first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56a, a first conical inner circumferential surface 56b, a second conical inner circumferential surface 56c and a second cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56d, but it is not limited to this, as long as the inner circumferential surface 56 has a first conical inner circumferential surface (conical inner circumferential surface) 56b in at least a portion of the area.

[0110] The first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56a of the outer member 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends downward from the upper end opening 51a. The upper area of ​​the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56a faces the outer circumferential surface 61a of the insertion portion 61 of the fixed member 54 described later. The lower area of ​​the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56a divides the radial outer side of the space (the outflow area 70d described later) where the treated fluid, etc. exists before flowing out from the flow path 70. An outflow port 58 for allowing the treated fluid, etc. to flow out from the flow path 70 is formed in the lower area of ​​the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56a. A flow path 59 for allowing the treated fluid, etc. to flow out from the flow path 70 extends from the outflow port 58.

[0111] The first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b of the outer member 51 is formed into a tapered (conical) inner peripheral surface, extending downward from the lower end of the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a. The first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b is formed into a tapered shape that becomes thinner from the top toward the lower end. The first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b divides the radial outer side of the space (the treatment area 70c described later) that can treat the treated fluid. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the position of the top of the cone of the first tapered inner circumferential surface 56b is located on the central axis CL. The top angle θ1 of the cone of the first tapered inner circumferential surface 56b is set to be greater than 5 degrees and less than 120 degrees. In addition, the top angle θ1 of the cone of the first tapered inner circumferential surface 56b is more preferably greater than 10 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and further preferably greater than 15 degrees and less than 55 degrees.

[0112] The second tapered inner peripheral surface 56c of the outer member 51 is formed into a tapered (conical) inner peripheral surface, and extends downward from the lower end of the first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b. The second tapered inner peripheral surface 56c is formed into a tapered shape that becomes thinner from the upper end toward the lower end. Figure 7 As shown, the second tapered inner circumferential surface 56c divides the radial outer side of the space (reduced area 70b described later) whose width becomes narrower toward the upper flow passage 70 in the axial cross section. The position (not shown) of the top of the cone of the second tapered inner circumferential surface 56c is located on the central axis CL. The apex angle θ3 of the cone of the second tapered inner circumferential surface 56c is set larger than the apex angle θ1 of the cone of the first tapered inner circumferential surface 56b (θ3>θ1).

[0113] The second cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56d of the outer member 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape and continuously extends from the lower end of the second tapered inner circumferential surface 56c to the lower end opening 51b below. The second cylindrical inner circumferential surface 56d defines the radially outer side of the region (inflow region 70a described later) into which the treated fluid first flows into the flow passage 70.

[0114] In addition, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, a jacket (space) through which another fluid for adjusting the temperature of the fluid to be processed in the flow path 70 can flow may be provided in the outer member 51 .

[0115] The fixing member 54 of the gap adjusting portion 53 is fixed (eg, fastened) to the outer member 51 and includes a cover portion 60 for closing the upper end opening 51a of the outer member 51 and a cylindrical insertion portion 61 for being inserted into the upper end opening 51a of the outer member 51 from above.

[0116] The cover portion 60 of the fixing member 54 is formed to have a larger diameter than the upper end opening 51a of the outer member 51. A through hole is formed in the upper and lower directions (axial directions) at a predetermined position (in the present embodiment, the central part of the cover portion 60 centered on the central axis CL) on the radial inner side of the cylindrical insertion portion 61 described later in the cover portion 60, and the internal thread portion 30 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole. A pin 31 for preventing rotation extending in the axial direction is fixed to a position different from the internal thread portion 30 on the radial inner side of the cylindrical insertion portion 61 in the cover portion 60. A spring 32 for limiting the movement of the inner member 52 caused by the clearance of the differential screw 55 described later is fixed to a position different from the through hole and the pin 31 of the internal thread portion 30 in the cylindrical insertion portion 61 in the cover portion 60. A guide shaft g as a guide is inserted on the radial inner side of the spring 32, and the deformation of the spring 32 in the direction intersecting the upper and lower directions is limited by the guide shaft g.

[0117] The cylindrical insertion portion 61 of the fixing member 54 has: an outer peripheral surface 61a, which is close to or in contact with the upper area of ​​the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51; an inner peripheral surface 61b, which supports the inner member 52 to be able to slide; and a lower surface 61c, which divides the upper part of the flow path 70.

[0118] The outer peripheral surface 61a of the insertion portion 61 is formed into a circular cross-section slightly smaller than the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51, and faces the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a from the radial inner side. A sealing member 62 (for example, an O-ring) is provided between the outer peripheral surface 61a of the insertion portion 61 and the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51. The sealing member 62 is provided along the entire circumference area between the outer peripheral surface 61a of the insertion portion 61 and the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51, and seals between the outer peripheral surface 61a of the insertion portion 61 and the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51, thereby limiting the outflow of the treated fluid from the flow path 70 to the upper side.

[0119] The inner circumferential surface 61b of the insert portion 61 is formed in a circular cross section, and faces the outer circumferential surface 57 of the upper end of the inner member 52 from the radially outer side. A sealing member 63 (e.g., an O-ring) is provided between the inner circumferential surface 61b of the insert portion 61 and the outer circumferential surface 57 of the inner member 52. The sealing member 63 is provided along the entire circumferential area between the inner circumferential surface 61b of the insert portion 61 and the outer circumferential surface 57 of the inner member 52, and seals between the inner circumferential surface 61b of the insert portion 61 and the outer circumferential surface 57 of the inner member 52, thereby limiting the outflow of the treated fluid from the flow path 70 to the upper side.

[0120] The inner member 52 is arranged on the radial inner side of the outer member 51 (the inner space of the outer member 51), and is supported by the fixing member 54 so as to be slidable in the up-down direction. That is, the inner member 52 can move relative to the outer member 51 in the up-down direction (axial direction) via the fixing member 54. In the present embodiment, the inner member 52 is inserted into the inner space of the outer member 51 from the upper end opening 51a of the outer member 51 while being supported by the fixing member 54. The inner member 52 has an outer peripheral surface 57 that divides the flow passage 70 between the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer member 51 and the inner member 51.

[0121] The inner member 52 of this embodiment is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward. A supported portion 34 supported by a differential screw 55 is provided in the internal space of the inner member 52. The supported portion 34 is provided with an internal thread portion 35, a pin insertion hole 36, and a spring support portion 37 as in the first embodiment. The relative rotation of the outer member 51 and the inner member 52 is restricted by the pin 31 inserted through the pin insertion hole 36 of the fixing member 54.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the spring 64 is arranged between the upper surface around the internal threaded portion 35 of the supported portion 34 of the inner member 52 and the lower surface around the internal threaded portion 30 of the cover portion 60 of the fixed member 54. The spring 64 is a spiral spring extending in the up-down direction and can be elastically deformed in the up-down direction. The shaft portion 55a of the differential screw 55 described later is inserted into the inner diameter portion of the spring 64. The spring 64 restricts deformation in the direction intersecting the up-down direction through the shaft portion 55a of the differential screw 55. The spring 64 in the use state is arranged between the supported portion 34 of the inner member 52 and the cover portion 60 of the fixed member 54 in the state of elastic deformation in the contraction direction, and applies force to the inner member 52 downward. Thus, the up-down movement of the inner member 52 relative to the fixed member 54 and the outer member 51 caused by the gap of the differential screw 55 is restricted. In addition, the internal space of the inner member 52 can also function as a sleeve that can flow the above-mentioned other fluids for adjusting the temperature of the processed fluid in the flow passage 70.

[0123] The outer peripheral surface 57 of the inner member 52 is the outer peripheral surface of the radial inner side that divides the flow path 70. In the present embodiment, there are six outer peripheral surfaces in different upper and lower regions. The six outer peripheral surfaces are, from the top, the first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a, the first conical outer peripheral surface 57b, the second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c, the second conical outer peripheral surface (conical outer peripheral surface) 57d, the third conical outer peripheral surface 57e, and the fourth conical outer peripheral surface 57f. That is, the inner member 52 has the second conical outer peripheral surface (conical outer peripheral surface) 57d in the region of at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 57. The lower region of the first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a of the inner member 52, the first conical outer peripheral surface 57b, the second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c, the second conical outer peripheral surface 57d, the third conical outer peripheral surface 57e, and the fourth conical outer peripheral surface 57f divide the radial inner side of the flow path 70. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 57 of the inner member 52 is set to be an outer peripheral surface 57 having a first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a, a first conical outer peripheral surface 57b, a second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c, a second conical outer peripheral surface 57d, a third conical outer peripheral surface 57e and a fourth conical outer peripheral surface 57f, but it is not limited to this, as long as the outer peripheral surface 57 has a second conical outer peripheral surface (conical outer peripheral surface) 57d in at least a portion of the area.

[0124] The first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a of the inner member 52 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction, and is provided at the upper end of the inner member 52. The upper area of ​​the first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface 61b of the insertion portion 61 of the fixed member 54 in a state of facing each other. The upper area of ​​the first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a and the inner peripheral surface 61b of the insertion portion 61 of the fixed member 54 are sealed by a sealing member 63. The lower area of ​​the first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a is arranged at a position away from the lower area of ​​the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51 in the radial direction, and faces the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51 from the radial direction. The lower area of ​​the first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a divides the radial inner side of the space (the outflow area 70d described later) where the treated fluid and the like exist before flowing out from the flow passage 70.

[0125] The first tapered outer peripheral surface 57b of the inner member 52 is an outer peripheral surface formed in a tapered (conical) shape, extending downward from the lower end of the first tubular outer peripheral surface 57a. The first tapered outer peripheral surface 57b is formed into a tapered shape that becomes thinner from the lower end toward the upper end. That is, the first tapered outer peripheral surface 57b extends downward in a manner of expanding the diameter from the lower end of the first tubular outer peripheral surface 57a. The position of the top of the first tapered outer peripheral surface 57b (not shown) is located on the central axis CL. The first tapered outer peripheral surface 57b divides the radial inner side of the space (the outflow area 70d described later) where the treated fluid and the like exist before flowing out from the flow path 70.

[0126] The second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c of the inner member 52 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction, and extends downward from the lower end of the first conical outer peripheral surface 57b. That is, the second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c is formed to have a larger diameter than the first cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57a. The second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c is arranged at a position radially away from the area of ​​the lower part of the first cylindrical inner peripheral surface 56a of the outer member 51 and the area of ​​the upper end of the first conical inner peripheral surface 56b, and faces each other from the radial inner side relative to the areas of both sides. The second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c divides the radial inner side of the space (the outflow area 70d described later) where the treated fluid and the like exist before flowing out from the flow path 70.

[0127] The second conical outer peripheral surface 57d of the inner member 52 is formed into a conical (conical) outer peripheral surface, extending downward from the lower end of the second cylindrical outer peripheral surface 57c. The second conical outer peripheral surface 57d faces the first conical inner peripheral surface 56b in a state of being radially away from the first conical inner peripheral surface 56b of the outer member 51. In the present embodiment, the second conical outer peripheral surface 57d is formed into a taper that becomes thinner from the top toward the bottom end. A space capable of processing the processed fluid (the processing area 70c described later) is defined between the second conical outer peripheral surface 57d and the first conical inner peripheral surface 56b. That is, the second conical outer peripheral surface 57d defines the radial outer side of the processing area 70c capable of processing the processed fluid. As Figure 7 As shown, the position (omitted from the illustration) which becomes the top of the cone angle of the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d is located on the central axis CL. The apex angle θ2 of the cone of the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d is the same as the apex angle θ1 of the cone of the first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b, and is set to be greater than 5 degrees and less than 120 degrees. In this way, the apex angles θ1 and θ2 of the cones of the first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b and the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d are set to the same angles of greater than 5 degrees and less than 120 degrees. In addition, the apex angle θ2 of the cone of the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d is the same as the apex angle θ1 of the cone of the first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b, and is more preferably greater than 10 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and further preferably greater than 15 degrees and less than 55 degrees.

[0128] The third tapered outer peripheral surface 57e of the inner member 52 is formed into a tapered (conical) outer peripheral surface, and extends downward from the lower end of the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d. The third tapered outer peripheral surface 57e is formed into a tapered shape that becomes thinner from the upper end toward the lower end. Figure 7 As shown, the third tapered outer peripheral surface 57e divides the radial inner side of the space (reduced area 70b described later) whose width becomes narrower toward the upper flow path 70 in the axial cross section. The position (not shown) of the top of the cone of the third tapered outer peripheral surface 57e is located on the central axis CL. The apex angle of the cone of the third tapered outer peripheral surface 57e is set larger than the apex angle θ2 of the cone of the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d.

[0129] The fourth tapered outer peripheral surface 57f of the inner member 52 is a tapered (conical) outer peripheral surface extending from the lower end of the third tapered outer peripheral surface 57e to the lower end of the inner member 52. The fourth tapered outer peripheral surface 57f is tapered so as to become thinner from the upper end toward the lower end. Figure 7 As shown, the fourth tapered outer peripheral surface 57f divides the radial inner side of a space (a reduced area 70b described later) whose width becomes narrower toward the upper flow path 70 in the axial cross section. The position of the top of the cone of the fourth tapered outer peripheral surface 57f (the position substantially the same as the lower end of the inner member 52) is located on the central axis CL. The apex angle θ4 of the cone of the fourth tapered outer peripheral surface 57f is set to be larger than the apex angle of the cone of the third tapered outer peripheral surface 57e. In addition, the apex angle θ4 of the cone of the fourth tapered outer peripheral surface 57f is set to be smaller than the apex angle θ3 of the cone of the second tapered inner peripheral surface 56c of the outer member 51 (θ4<θ3).

[0130] The differential screw 55 of the gap adjustment part 53 is a member capable of adjusting the separation distance L (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "gap distance L") between the first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b and the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d by sliding the inner member 52 in the up-down direction relative to the fixed member 54. That is, the gap adjustment part 53 including the fixed member 54 and the differential screw 55 is capable of adjusting the gap distance L between the first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b and the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d by relatively moving the outer member 51 and the inner member 52 in the up-down direction. The differential screw 55 integrally includes a shaft portion 55a and a handle portion 55b.

[0131] The shaft portion 55a of the differential screw 55 extends linearly in the axial direction, and is inserted through the through hole formed with the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 54, the through hole formed with the internal thread portion 35 of the inner member 52, and the inner diameter portion of the spring 64. The upper end of the shaft portion 55a protrudes upward from the fixing member 54. The shaft portion 55a has a first external thread portion 38 screwed with the internal thread portion 30 of the fixing member 54 and a second external thread portion 39 screwed with the internal thread portion 35 of the inner member 52. In addition, in the present embodiment, the internal thread portion 35 is provided on the supported portion 34 of the inner member 52, and the second external thread portion 39 is provided on the differential screw 55, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide an external thread portion in place of the internal thread portion 35 on the supported portion 34 of the inner member 52, and to provide the internal thread portion screwed with the external thread portion in place of the second external thread portion 39 on the differential screw 55.

[0132] The handle 55b of the differential screw 55 is an operating part of the differential screw 55 and extends radially outward from the upper end of the shaft 55a. The user can slide the inner member 52 relative to the outer member 51 in the axial direction by holding the handle 55b and rotating the shaft 55a.

[0133] Next, the flow passage 70 defined between the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer member 51 and the outer peripheral surface 57 of the inner member 52 will be described.

[0134] In the state where the microreactor 50 is assembled, the flow passage 70 for the processed fluid to flow from the lower side to the upper side is divided between the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer member 51 and the outer peripheral surface 57 of the inner member 52. The flow passage 70 of this embodiment has four areas. The four areas of the flow passage 70 are, from the bottom, an inflow area 70a, a reduction area 70b, a processing area 70c, and an outflow area 70d.

[0135] The inflow area 70a of the flow passage 70 is a space where the treated fluid flowing into the flow passage 70 initially flows, and extends upward from the lower end opening 51b of the outer member 51 with the central axis CL as the center. In the inflow area 70a, the treated fluid pressure-fed by the same pressure-fed system as in the first embodiment flows upward from the lower end opening 51b.

[0136] The narrowing region 70b of the flow passage 70 is a region that expands upward from the upper end of the inflow region 70a. The width of the narrowing region 70b (the distance between the outer circumferential surface 57 of the inner member 52 and the inner circumferential surface 56 of the outer member 51 in the axial cross section) becomes narrower toward the upper side.

[0137] The processing area 70c of the flow path 70 is a micro-channel with a small gap distance L and capable of processing the processed fluid, and is divided between the second tapered outer peripheral surface 57d of the inner member 52 and the first tapered inner peripheral surface 56b of the outer member 51. The diameter in the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the processing area 70c of this embodiment increases from the lower side to the upper side. In addition, the gap distance L of the processing area 70c of this embodiment is constant from the lower side to the upper side.

[0138] The gap distance L of the processing region 70c when the microreactor 50 is in use is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 3 mm or less. By setting the gap distance L within the above range, a micro flow path capable of efficiently processing the fluid to be processed can be formed.

[0139] The outflow region 70d of the flow passage 70 is a space into which the processed fluid or the like flows through the processing region 70c. The outflow region 70d is located above the processing region 70c, is connected to the processing region 70c, and is divided above by the lower surface 61c of the fixing member 54. The separation distance between the outer peripheral surface 57 of the inner member 52 of the outflow region 70d and the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer member 51 is set to be wider than the gap distance L of the processing region 70c. The outflow region 70d is connected to the outflow port 58 of the outer member 51, and the processed material processed by the microreactor 50 flows out to the outside from the outflow region 70d via the outflow port 58 and the outflow path 59.

[0140] The outer circumferential surface 57 of the inner member 52 and the inner circumferential surface 56 of the outer member 51 that define the flow path 70 have no horizontal portion where the treated fluid or the like flowing through the flow path 70 may accumulate when the axial direction is in the up-and-down direction.

[0141] The raw materials of the outer circumferential surface 57 of the inner member 52 and the inner circumferential surface 56 of the outer member 51 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and metals etc. can be appropriately selected according to the type of the processed fluid. In addition, the outer circumferential surface 57 of the inner member 52 and the inner circumferential surface 56 of the outer member 51 that divide the flow path 70 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and are preferably coated with corrosion-resistant materials.

[0142] Next, the flow of the fluid to be treated when the treatment is performed using the microreactor 50 will be described.

[0143] like Figure 7 As shown by the hollow arrow f1 in the figure, the treated fluid is first pressure-fed from the pressure-feeding system and flows axially upward from the lower end opening 51b of the outer member 51 of the microreactor 50 into the inflow area 70a of the flow path 70. The treated fluid that flows into the inflow area 70a flows into the reduction area 70b above, and in the reduction area 70b, it expands radially outward and rises along the fourth conical outer peripheral surface 57f of the inner member 52. In the reduction area 70b, the width of the reduction area 70b becomes narrower as it moves upward, and the diameter of the reduction area 70b becomes larger as it moves upward. Therefore, the treated fluid slowly changes its flow from the axial direction to the circumferential direction while flowing into the treatment area 70c above. The treated fluid that flows into the treatment area 70c is treated by efficiently applying force in the tiny flow path while maintaining the flow in the circumferential direction through the appropriately set gap distance L. The treated fluid that has been treated in the treatment area 70c flows into the outflow area 70d above. As shown Figure 7 As shown by the blank arrow f2 in FIG. 7 , the processed fluid or the like that has flowed into the outflow region 70 d flows out as a processed product from the outflow port 58 of the outflow region 70 d to the outside of the microreactor 50 and is stored in, for example, a storage tank.

[0144] In addition, the method of using the micro-reactor 50 when it is in use and the method of using it when it is cleaned or sterilized are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0145] In the microreactor 50 constructed as described above, the relative rotation between the outer member 51 and the inner member 52 is restricted. In addition, since there is a gap adjustment portion 53 capable of adjusting the gap distance L, similarly to the above-mentioned first embodiment, a microreactor 50 can be provided which can suppress the length of the flow path 70 of the treated fluid (treated object) and the treatment time, has a small number of parts, and can suppress the manufacturing cost with a simple structure.

[0146] In addition, since the inlet of the processed fluid to the flow channel 70 is one portion of the lower end opening 51 b of the outer member 51 , a simpler structure can be achieved.

[0147] In addition, since the reduced area 70b is provided in front of the processing area 70c of the flow passage 70, the reduced area 70b functions as a manifold for supplying the processed fluid to the processing area 70c, and the pressure of the processing area 70c can be maintained (e.g., uniformly maintained) by the reduced area 70b. Thus, the generation of voids and cavitation in the processing area 70c can be suppressed.

[0148] In addition, a spring 64 is disposed between the supported portion 34 of the inner member 52 and the cover portion 60 of the fixing member 54, and the shaft portion 55a of the differential screw 55 is inserted through the inner diameter portion of the spring 64. Therefore, the spring 64 surrounding the shaft portion 55a of the differential screw 55 can also effectively suppress the movement of the inner member 52 caused by the gap of the differential screw 55.

[0149] In addition, in this embodiment, one lower end opening 51b is provided to function as an inlet for the processed fluid, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and similarly to the first embodiment, inlet ports for the processed fluid may be provided at a plurality of locations.

[0150] In addition, in the present embodiment, no horizontal portion where the processed fluid or the like flowing through the flow path 70 may stay is provided on the outer peripheral surface 57 of the inner member 52 and the inner peripheral surface 56 of the outer member 51 that define the flow path 70, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0151] In addition, in the present embodiment, the gap adjustment portion 53 is composed of a fixing member 54 fixed on the outer member 51 and a differential screw 55 installed on the fixing member 54 and the inner member 52, but is not limited to this. Various structures that can adjust the gap distance L by allowing the outer member 51 and the inner member 52 to move relative to each other in the up and down directions can be applied as the gap adjustment portion 53.

[0152] Description of Reference Numerals

[0153] 10, 50: Microreactor

[0154] 11, 51: Outer member

[0155] 12, 52: Inner member

[0156] 13, 53: Gap adjustment unit

[0157] 14, 54: Fixed components

[0158] 15, 55: Differential screw

[0159] 16, 56: Inner circumference

[0160] 16b: Conical inner surface

[0161] 17, 57: Outer surface

[0162] 17c: Conical outer surface

[0163] 21: Multiple flow inlets (multiple processed logistics inlets)

[0164] 25: Casing

[0165] 40, 70: circulation path

[0166] 40a, 70c: Processing area

[0167] 56b: First tapered inner peripheral surface (tapered inner peripheral surface)

[0168] 57d: Second tapered outer peripheral surface (tapered outer peripheral surface)

[0169] L: Gap distance

[0170] S1, S2, S3: Pressure delivery system

Claims

1. A microreactor, characterized in that: The microreactor has: The outer member is cylindrical and extends in a predetermined direction, and has a tapered inner peripheral surface in at least a part of the inner peripheral surface; an inner member disposed radially inward of the outer member and having a tapered outer peripheral surface facing the tapered inner peripheral surface in at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface; as well as The gap adjusting portion can adjust the gap distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface by relatively moving the outer member and the inner member in the predetermined direction. The relative rotation of the outer member and the inner member is restricted, A flow path for the processed object to flow from one side to the other side in the predetermined direction is defined between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member. The area in the flow passage divided by the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface functions as a processing area for processing the processed object. The apex angles of the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface are set to be the same angle between 5 degrees and 120 degrees.

2. The microreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that In the treatment area of ​​the flow channel, any one of reaction, crystallization, mixing, dissolution and dispersion including a biochemical reaction is performed.

3. The microreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface are tapered so as to become thinner from the other side in the predetermined direction toward the one side.

4. The microreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The microreactor has a plurality of processed material flow inlets for allowing the processed material to flow into the flow passage. The plurality of inlets for the processed material flow are arranged on the upstream side of the processing area of ​​the flow passage or in the middle of the processing area.

5. The microreactor according to claim 4, characterized in that The multiple processed logistics inlets are respectively connected to different pressure delivery systems.

6. The microreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The gap distance in a use state when processing a processed object is 0.1 μm or more and 3 mm or less.

7. The microreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The gap adjustment portion includes: a fixing member that supports the inner member so as to be slidable in the predetermined direction and is fixed to the outer member; and a differential screw for slidingly moving the inner member in the prescribed direction relative to the fixing member.

8. The microreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member that define the flow path do not have a horizontal portion where the processed object flowing through the flow path may stay.

9. The microreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least one of the outer member and the inner member has a jacket through which another fluid for adjusting the temperature of the processed object flowing through the flow path can flow.

10. The microreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member that define the flow path are coated with a corrosion-resistant material.

11. A method for using a microreactor, which is a method for using the microreactor according to claim 6, characterized in that: When adjusting the gap distance to the use state, the tapered inner peripheral surface is brought into contact with the tapered outer peripheral surface by the gap adjusting portion, and then the tapered outer peripheral surface is moved away from the tapered inner peripheral surface to the other side in the predetermined direction to achieve the use state.

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