A micro-reaction generator with vortex structure

Abstract

The present invention discloses a micro-reaction generator containing a vortex structure, which relates to the field of chemical engineering technology, and includes a main channel tube, the main channel tube body of which is a sawtooth-like structure as a whole, and is provided with an inlet end and an outlet end. The main channel tube contains a plurality of curved structures and three-dimensional polygonal channels, and the three-dimensional polygonal channels are located at the corners of the sawtooth structure. The present invention enhances mixing by setting a Bezier curve composition cavity to induce the stretching and folding of the fluid, forming a strong vortex, significantly enhancing the ability of the components on both sides to pass through the mixing contact surface, improving the efficiency of the vortex and thus improving the mixing efficiency. The fluid flows into the three-dimensional polygonal channel to form a vortex perpendicular to the flow direction and rotates between the two fluids. The vortex is used to stretch and extend the contact line, greatly increasing the mass transfer driving force and improving the mixing performance. The fluid flows through the curved structure and the three-dimensional polygonal channel multiple times, and the secondary flow effect promotes mixing. As the Reynolds number increases, the mixing efficiency gradually increases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of chemical engineering, and in particular relates to a micro-reaction generator containing a vortex structure. Background Art

[0002] The core working mechanism of the microfluidic concentration gradient generator is to create a stable concentration distribution difference by leveraging the fluid mixing and molecular diffusion process within the microchannel. Solutions with different initial concentrations are injected into the same flow channel. When these fluids intersect and mix in a confined space, the solute molecules in the solution will spontaneously migrate to the low-concentration area due to their thermal motion characteristics. Under the coordinated regulation of the laminar flow characteristics and diffusion of the fluid, a continuous concentration gradient distribution is formed at a specific spatial position in the microchannel. This artificially constructed concentration gradient field can highly restore the complex chemical microenvironment characteristics of the organism, providing precisely controllable physical and chemical conditions for experimental research in fields such as cell biology and drug screening.

[0003] Existing Christmas tree-shaped microfluidic concentration gradient generators (MCGGs) and other geometries also rely on molecular diffusion to achieve concentration gradients. This condition limits the low rate in the case of continuous low gradient generators so that complete mixing can be achieved in the branches before reaching the next bifurcation. Square wave mixers have low mixing efficiency at Reynolds numbers of 2-20, which makes the Christmas tree-shaped concentration gradient chip usable only at low Reynolds numbers. The above MCGGs only work well at low Reynolds numbers (Re) and cannot achieve efficient mixing at high Reynolds numbers. Therefore, a new technology needs to be designed to improve this phenomenon. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a micro-reaction generator containing a vortex structure, which enhances mixing by setting a Bezier curve to form a cavity to induce the stretching and folding of the fluid, forming a strong vortex, significantly enhancing the ability of the components on both sides to pass through the mixing contact surface, improving the efficiency of the vortex and thus improving the mixing efficiency. The fluid flows into a three-dimensional polygonal channel to form a vortex perpendicular to the flow direction, and is stretched and squeezed in a curved pipe with a vortex structure, thereby enhancing the contact area between the fluids and promoting mixing. The influence of the vortex is used to stretch and extend the contact line, greatly increasing the mass transfer driving force, thereby improving the mixing performance. After flowing through the curved structure and the three-dimensional polygonal channel multiple times, the secondary flow effect continuously promotes mixing, and the higher the Reynolds number, the higher the mixing efficiency.

[0005] The present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a micro-reaction generator with a vortex structure includes a main channel tube, the main channel tube body having an overall sawtooth-like structure, one end of the main channel tube is provided with an inlet end, the inlet end is provided with at least two bifurcated inlets, the other end of the main channel tube is provided with an outlet end, the main channel tube and the inlet end form a T-shaped bifurcation, and the main channel tube, the inlet end and the outlet end are arranged horizontally.

[0006] The main channel tube includes multiple curved structures and three-dimensional polygonal channels. The three-dimensional polygonal channels are located at the corners of the sawtooth structure, and the inner cavities of two adjacent curved structures are connected through the inner cavities of the three-dimensional polygonal channels.

[0007] The curved structure includes at least two Bezier curve combination channels, and the Bezier curve combination channel includes a convex portion and a concave portion.

[0008] The three-dimensional polygonal channel is in a longitudinally symmetrical protruding shape, and the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the three-dimensional polygonal channel is a symmetrical hexagon. The vertices A and D of the hexagon are on the symmetry axis and the vertex A is a right angle.

[0009] Furthermore, the two adjacent curved structures are in a vertical positional relationship.

[0010] Furthermore, the shape of each of the Bezier curves is determined by three points that can form an isosceles triangle.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer contours of the raised portion and the recessed portion are two symmetrical Bezier curves.

[0012] Furthermore, the two Bezier curves constituting the outer contours of the protruding portion and the recessed portion share a common axis of symmetry.

[0013] Furthermore, two adjacent Bezier curve combination channels are in opposite directions and are connected end to end through a straight connecting channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner wall layer of the micro-reaction generator is provided with a hydrophilic coating or a glass-PDMS composite structure.

[0015] Beneficial Effects: The present invention utilizes a main channel tube and a three-dimensional polygonal channel. Fluid flows through the Bezier curve cavity of the first curved structure, inducing stretching and folding of the fluid to enhance mixing. The center of the fluid contact line is squeezed, and one side of the contact line is pulled to one side of the curve by a sudden centrifugal force. This generates a secondary flow of the fluid and forms a strong vortex parallel to the flow direction. This vortex significantly enhances the ability of components on both sides to pass through the mixing contact surface, improving the efficiency of the vortex and thus enhancing mixing efficiency. As the fluid flows into the three-dimensional polygonal channel, the sudden expansion of the channel space generates centrifugal force, squeezing the center of the fluid contact line toward the center of the channel and stretching both sides of the contact line to the sides. This vortex forms a vortex perpendicular to the flow direction, swirling between the two fluids. This increases the mass transfer area between the fluids while shortening the mass transfer distance, enhancing the contact area between the fluids and promoting mixing. The vortex effect stretches and lengthens the contact line, significantly increasing the driving force for mass transfer, thereby improving mixing performance. The fluid flows through the curved structure and the three-dimensional polygonal channel multiple times, forming vortices that promote mixing through the secondary flow effect. Mixing efficiency gradually increases with increasing Reynolds number. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 A front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 A detailed diagram of the eddy current structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 A partial detailed diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 A Bezier curve parameter-mixing efficiency diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 A cross-sectional profile diagram of a three-dimensional polygonal channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7 A streamline comparison diagram of a three-dimensional polygonal channel with respect to parameter a according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a streamline comparison diagram of a three-dimensional polygonal channel with respect to parameter b according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 9 A polygonal cavity parameter-mixing efficiency diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 10 A fluid flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 11 A fluid simulation streamline diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 12 A fluid simulation surface concentration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 13 A longitudinal section of a fluid simulation vortex structure according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure I ;

[0029] Figure 14 A cross section of a fluid simulation vortex structure according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure II .

[0030] In the figure: 1-main channel tube; 2-inlet end; 3-curved structure; 4-Bezier curve combined channel; 4a-convex part; 4b-concave part; 5-three-dimensional polygonal channel; 6-straight connecting channel; 7-outlet end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 14 As shown, a micro-reactor with a vortex structure includes a main channel tube 1, the main channel tube 1 having a zigzag structure as a whole, an inlet end 2 provided at one end of the main channel tube 1, the inlet end 2 having at least two bifurcated inlets, and an outlet end 7 provided at the other end of the main channel tube 1. The main channel tube 1 and the inlet end 2 form a T-shaped bifurcation, and the main channel tube 1, the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 7 are arranged horizontally. The above arrangement can ensure that two fluids enter the micro-reactor through the inlet end 2 and mix along the inner cavity of the main channel tube 1. The tortuous main channel tube 1 is conducive to the collision and enhanced mixing effect when the fluids are mixed.

[0033] In this embodiment, Figure 5 (a) is a graph showing changes in MI and COP values as the horizontal axis parameter c1 changes in this embodiment; Figure 5 (b) is a graph showing changes in MI and COP values as the horizontal axis parameter d1 changes in this embodiment; Figure 5 (c) is a graph showing changes in MI and COP values as the horizontal axis parameter d2 changes in this embodiment; Figure 5 (d) is a schematic diagram of the Bezier curve structure parameters in this embodiment; wherein c1, d1, and d2 are all Figure 5 The distance parameters corresponding to the symbols in (d) are as follows: MI is the cross-sectional mixing efficiency; COP is the ratio of the cross-sectional mixing efficiency to the pressure drop;

[0034] In this embodiment, Figure 9(a) is a graph showing changes in MI and COP values as the horizontal axis parameter a changes in this embodiment; Figure 9 (b) The change of MI and COP values with the change of the horizontal axis parameter b; where parameters a and b are both Figure 6 The distance parameter of the corresponding symbol in .

[0035] The main channel tube 1 includes multiple curved structures and three-dimensional polygonal channels. The three-dimensional polygonal channel 5 is located at the corner of the sawtooth structure. The inner cavities of two adjacent curved structures 3 are connected through the inner cavity of the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5.

[0036] The curved structure 3 includes at least two Bezier curve combination channels 4, and the Bezier curve combination channel 4 includes a convex portion 4a and a concave portion 4b.

[0037] The three-dimensional polygonal channel 5 is in a longitudinally symmetrical convex shape, and the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5 is a symmetrical hexagon. The vertices A and D of the hexagon are on the symmetry axis and the vertex A is a right angle.

[0038] Based on a comparison of multiple sets of data used to determine the shape parameters of the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5, when the vertical segment a from the midpoint g of the diagonal AD of the hexagonal longitudinal section of the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5 to the side BC is 0.225mm and the vertical segment b is 0.275mm, with a floating value of ±0.001mm, the vortex formed when the fluid passes through the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5 is the strongest and the mixing efficiency is the best. The above setting causes the fluid to flow into the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5, and the sudden expansion of the channel space generates centrifugal force, and the fluid forms a vortex perpendicular to the flow direction. Under the influence of the vortex, the contact line is stretched and extended, and the mass transfer driving force is greatly increased, thereby improving the mixing efficiency. The lengths of a and b determine the shape of the three-dimensional polygonal combination channel. As a and b increase, the vortex effect of the fluid perpendicular to the flow direction is further enhanced, which improves the mixing performance.

[0039] The present invention employs a main channel tube 1 and a three-dimensional polygonal channel 5. Fluids flow through the Bezier curve composite channel 4, which has a curved structure 3. At low Reynolds numbers, this induces stretching and folding of the fluids, changing their flow direction and enhancing mixing. When the Reynolds number increases to Re = 10 or higher, the center of the contact line between the two fluids flowing through the Bezier curve composite channel 4 is squeezed, and one side of the contact line is suddenly pulled to one side of the curve by centrifugal force. This generates a secondary flow and forms a strong vortex parallel to the flow direction. This vortex significantly enhances the ability of the components on both sides to pass through the mixing contact surface, improving the efficiency of the vortex and thus enhancing mixing efficiency. When fluids flow into the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5, the sudden expansion of the channel space generates centrifugal force, squeezing the center of the fluid contact line toward the center of the channel and stretching both sides of the contact line to the sides of the channel. This creates a vortex perpendicular to the flow direction, rotating between the two fluids. This increases the mass transfer area between the fluids while shortening the mass transfer distance, enhancing the contact area between the fluids and promoting mixing. The vortex significantly stretches and lengthens the contact line, significantly increasing the driving force for mass transfer, thereby improving mixing performance. The fluid flows through the curved structure 3 and the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5 multiple times, and the mixing is promoted by the secondary flow effect. As the Reynolds number increases, the mixing efficiency gradually increases.

[0040] In this embodiment, the two adjacent curved structures are in a vertical position relationship. The above arrangement changes the direction of fluid flow, and the sudden change in the direction of the fluid increases the contact area of the two fluids, thereby further enhancing the mixing efficiency of the fluids.

[0041] In this embodiment, the shape of each Bezier curve is determined by three points that form an isosceles triangle. Combining the symmetry of the Bezier curve and the unique shape of the isosceles triangle formed by the three points allows the midlines of the two Bezier curves of the protruding portion 4a and the concave portion 4b to coincide. Comparison of multiple sets of data on the isosceles triangles formed by the three points used to determine the shape of the Bezier curve shows that, when the main channel width is 0.3 mm, the three points of the curve of the protruding portion 4a form an isosceles triangle with a base length 2*c2 of 0.5 mm and a height c1 of 1 mm; the three points of the concave portion 4b form an isosceles triangle with a base length 2*d2 of 1.1 mm and a height d1 of 0.4 mm. These parameters fluctuate within ±0.001 mm, achieving optimal mixing efficiency for the Bezier curve combination channel 4. This parameter characteristic is that the shape of the Bezier curve is used to determine the morphological structure of the Bezier curve combination channel 4. Mixing efficiency testing and analysis were conducted by adjusting the Bezier curve shape to determine the optimal parameters. The optimal Bezier curve parameters were determined based on the point of highest mixing efficiency through fluid mixing simulations. As the fluid passes through this channel, it is squeezed by the curve, and the sudden centrifugal force induces a secondary flow. The line connecting the maximum point of the concave portion 4b and the maximum point of the convex portion 4a is perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow, allowing the fluid to generate a secondary flow as it passes through this area, improving mixing efficiency. At the same time, the fluid's energy output reaches its maximum at this ratio.

[0042] In this embodiment, the outer contours of the protruding portion and the recessed portion are two symmetrical Bezier curves.

[0043] Preferably, the two Bezier curves constituting the outer contours of the protruding portion and the recessed portion share a common axis of symmetry.

[0044] In this embodiment, two adjacent Bezier curve combination channels 4 are oriented in opposite directions and are connected end to end via a straight connecting channel 6. This arrangement allows the fluid, when passing through the curved structure 3, to be squeezed into the raised portion 4a by the inner wall of the recessed portion 4b and then pushed into the next Bezier curve combination channel 4 by impact. This facilitates the mixing of the fluid twice in a row, thereby improving the mixing efficiency of the fluid.

[0045] In this embodiment, the inner wall layer of the microreactor is provided with a hydrophilic coating (such as PEG modification) or a glass-PDMS composite structure. The above configuration can reduce the friction between the fluid and the inner wall of the channel tube and reduce the adsorption of drugs in the microreactor.

[0046] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0047] S1: The operator places the generator in this embodiment normally and prepares the relevant drugs. In this embodiment, 0.9% saline is added to one inlet of the micro-reaction generator and cephalosporin antibiotics or other antibiotics are added to the other inlet. Figure 10 As shown, first, the fluid is input into the inner cavity of the main channel tube 1 from the bifurcated inlet. The fluid flows into the inlet end 2 of the main channel tube 1, first passes through the straight connecting channel, and then passes through the 45° angle, as shown in FIG. Figures 11 to 12 As shown, the fluid continues to flow through the inner cavity of the Bezier curve combination channel 4 of the first curved structure 3. When the Reynolds number is low, this will induce the stretching and folding of the fluid and change the flow direction of the fluid to enhance mixing. When the Reynolds number increases to Re=10 or higher, the middle of the contact line is squeezed when the two fluids flow through the Bezier curve combination channel 4, and one side of the contact line is pulled to one side of the curve by the sudden centrifugal force. The fluid generates a second flow and forms a strong vortex parallel to the flow direction. With the assistance of the vortex, the ability of the components on both sides to pass through the mixing contact surface is significantly enhanced, which improves the efficiency of the vortex and thus improves the mixing efficiency.

[0048] S2: If Figures 11 to 12 As shown, immediately afterwards, the fluid flows into the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5 at the corner. The sudden expansion of the channel space generates centrifugal force. The middle of the fluid contact line is squeezed to the center of the channel, and the two sides of the contact line are stretched to the two sides of the channel. The fluid forms vortices perpendicular to the flow direction. These vortices rotate between the two fluids, thereby increasing the mass transfer area between the fluids and shortening the mass transfer distance, thereby enhancing the contact area between the fluids and promoting mixing. By utilizing the influence of the vortex, the contact line is stretched and extended, and the mass transfer driving force is greatly increased, thereby improving the mixing performance.

[0049] S3: After passing through the three-dimensional polygonal channel 5, the mixed fluid enters the second curved structure 3. The same Bezier curve combined channel 4 will induce the stretching and folding of the fluid to enhance mixing. The fluid will once again form a strong vortex perpendicular to the flow direction, which significantly enhances the ability to pass through the mixing contact surface, improves the efficiency of the vortex, and thus improves the mixing efficiency.

[0050] S4: The fluid mixed in the above structures then continues to enter the next curved structure 3, such as Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the fluid is further mixed by the secondary flow effect. After repeatedly flowing through the curved structure and the three-dimensional polygonal channel, the fluid is continuously mixed until it completely passes through the entire micro-channel of the zigzag structure. As the Reynolds number increases, the mixing efficiency gradually increases, and finally the fluid flows out through the channel outlet 7.

[0051] S5: After the mixing of the fluids is completed, the device is closed.

[0052] The present invention has been specifically described above in conjunction with the embodiments. Various improvements can be made without departing from the core scope of the present invention, and equivalents can be used to replace parts thereof. As long as there is no structural conflict, the various features in the embodiments disclosed in the present invention can be used in combination with each other in any way. These combinations are not exhaustively described in this specification, which is simply for the sake of saving space and resources. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but covers all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A micro-reaction generator with a vortex structure, comprising a main channel tube, characterized in that The main channel tube has a zigzag structure as a whole. One end of the main channel tube is provided with an inlet end, and the inlet end is provided with at least two bifurcated inlets. The other end of the main channel tube is provided with an outlet end. The main channel tube and the inlet end form a T-shaped bifurcation. The main channel tube, the inlet end and the outlet end are arranged horizontally. The main channel tube comprises a plurality of curved structures and three-dimensional polygonal channels, wherein the three-dimensional polygonal channels are located at the corners of the sawtooth structure, and the inner cavities of two adjacent curved structures are connected through the inner cavities of the three-dimensional polygonal channels; The curved structure comprises at least two Bezier curve combination channels, and the Bezier curve combination channel comprises a convex portion and a concave portion; The three-dimensional polygonal channel is in a longitudinally symmetrical convex shape, and the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the three-dimensional polygonal channel is a symmetrical hexagon. The vertices A and D of the hexagon are on the symmetry axis and the vertex A is a right angle.

2. The micro-reaction generator with vortex structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two adjacent curved structures are in a vertical positional relationship.

3. The micro-reaction generator with vortex structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of each Bezier curve is determined by three points that can form an isosceles triangle.

4. The micro-reaction generator with vortex structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer contours of the raised portion and the recessed portion are two symmetrical Bezier curves.

5. The micro-reaction generator with vortex structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two Bezier curves constituting the outer contours of the convex portion and the concave portion share a common axis of symmetry.

6. The micro-reaction generator with vortex structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two adjacent Bezier curve combination channels have opposite directions and are connected end to end through a straight connecting channel.

7. The micro-reaction generator with vortex structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall layer of the micro-reaction generator is provided with a hydrophilic coating or a glass-PDMS composite structure.

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