A reaction unit, reaction channel and microreactor

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of microreactors, and discloses a reaction unit, a reaction channel, and a microreactor. The reaction unit includes an inlet, a swirling section, and an outlet, connected sequentially. The swirling section includes an outward expanding wall and a return wall. By deviating the outward expansion of the outward expanding wall from the return wall, the mixed medium is guided to form a fluid diffusion zone, which can reduce the local flow velocity and increase the mixing contact area. Setting the return direction of the return wall at a first angle to the incoming flow direction of the swirling section causes the mixed medium to turn after diffusion, forming countercurrent shear, thereby breaking the laminar boundary layer and promoting mixing and mass transfer. The fluid pressure is used to form a swirling flow region of the mixed medium in the swirling section, which increases the contact time and flow path of the mixed medium in the swirling section, enhances the turbulence effect of the medium, promotes mass transfer and mixing of the fluid medium, and improves the mixing efficiency. Finally, the mixed medium flows out from the outlet. This invention has superior mixing and mass transfer efficiency and mixing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microreactors, and more specifically to a reaction unit, a reaction channel, and a microreactor. Background Technology

[0002] In the chemical industry, the mixing of two fluids is a common mass transfer process. Commonly used reaction equipment includes mixing vessels, extraction towers, and static mixers, which have large processing capacities and can meet the needs of large-scale production. However, generally speaking, these mixing devices provide macroscopic mixing of fluids, resulting in disadvantages such as low mixing efficiency, high power consumption, and large equipment size. Microreactors, as a type of continuous flow tubular reactor, highly integrate various functions including heat exchange, mixing, separation, analysis, and control. Microreactors possess characteristics such as large surface area, small reaction volume, and unique laminar mass transfer, exhibiting superior and efficient heat and mass transfer capabilities. They also offer advantages such as simple structure, no scale-up effect, easy control of operating conditions, and inherent safety.

[0003] In related technologies, the channels through which the mixing medium flows in microreactors are mostly mixed by mass transfer through confluence. This mixing method has the drawback of poor mixing effect of reactants. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a reaction unit, a reaction channel, and a microreactor to solve the problem of poor mixing effect of reactants in microreactors in related technologies.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a reaction unit comprising an inlet, a swirling section, and an outlet section arranged sequentially in connection. The swirling section includes an outwardly expanding wall and a return wall that are connected by an arc surface. An inflow side and an outflow side are formed between the outwardly expanding wall and the return wall, respectively communicating with the inlet and the outlet. The outwardly expanding wall is located near the inflow side and is disposed at the upstream end of the return wall. The outwardly expanding wall is deviated from the direction of the return wall. The return direction of the return wall is set at a first angle θ with the incoming flow direction of the swirling section. The return wall is located near the outlet side.

[0006] Under fluid pressure, the mixed medium flows into the swirling section along the inlet, sequentially contacting the outer expansion wall and the return wall to form a swirling flow area in the swirling section, and then flows out from the outlet.

[0007] Beneficial effects: Under fluid pressure, the mixed medium flows through the inlet, swirling section, and outlet. The outward expansion of the outer wall, deviating from the return wall, guides the mixed medium to form a fluid diffusion zone, reducing local flow velocity and increasing the mixing contact area. Setting the return direction of the return wall at a first angle to the incoming flow direction of the swirling section causes the mixed medium to turn after diffusion, forming counter-current shear, thereby breaking the laminar boundary layer and promoting mixing and mass transfer. Utilizing fluid pressure to form a swirling flow region in the swirling section increases the contact time and flow path of the mixed medium within the swirling section, enhancing the turbulence effect, promoting mass transfer and mixing, and improving mixing efficiency. Finally, the mixed medium flows out from the outlet. The reaction unit provided in this application has superior mixing and mass transfer efficiency and mixing effect.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outflow portion includes a converging portion and a expanding portion. The converging portion is connected to the outflow side of the swirling portion, and the expanding portion is connected to the downstream side of the converging portion. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity of the converging portion decreases along the unidirectional flow direction, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity of the expanding portion increases along the unidirectional flow direction.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The outflow section includes a converging section and a expanding section connected sequentially along the unidirectional flow direction. After the mixed medium flows out from the swirling section, it first flows into the converging section and then into the expanding section. The cross-sectional area of ​​the converging section is reduced to increase the kinetic energy of the mixed medium and enhance its turbulent kinetic energy at the microscale. The cross-sectional area of ​​the expanding section is increased to generate a local low-pressure zone by deceleration, which promotes the generation of eddies and facilitates the separation of the fluid medium, thus disrupting the laminar boundary and reducing pressure loss. In the reaction unit, the combination of the converging and expanding sections facilitates the flow of the mixed medium under fluid pressure, forming droplets, enhancing the mass transfer process of fluid collision and contact, and improving mixing efficiency.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first inflection point is further included, which is disposed between the inflow side and the tapering section. The tapering section is provided with a guide wall that is offset from the return direction of the return wall. The guide wall is continuously and transitionally disposed with the first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point, and the opening side of the first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point is disposed away from the swirling section.

[0011] Beneficial effects: The first inflection point serves to receive the reflux medium guided by the reflux wall and to guide the mixed medium flowing out from the inflow side toward the converging section; by misaligning the reflux direction of the reflux wall with that of the guide wall, more mixed medium can be placed in the swirling section to form a swirling motion. The first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point can smoothly guide the refluxed mixed medium into the inner cavity of the swirling section, thereby increasing the contact time and flow path of the mixed medium in the swirling section and improving the mixing efficiency; at the same time, this misaligned design is conducive to the guide wall generating a transverse velocity component that is sheared against the outflow direction of the swirling section, thus enhancing the mixing effect.

[0012] In one embodiment, a second inflection point portion is further included. The second inflection point portion is spaced apart from the first inflection point portion and is located close to the return wall surface. The return wall surface and the second arc-shaped wall surface of the second inflection point portion are continuously connected in transition. The opening side of the second arc-shaped wall surface of the second inflection point portion is located away from the tapering portion, and the curvature of the second arc-shaped wall surface is smaller than the curvature of the first arc-shaped wall surface.

[0013] Beneficial effects: By alternating the first and second inflection points, with the outflow side positioned between them, the second inflection point serves as a transition between the outflow side and the converging section, ensuring a continuous transition between the return wall and the second arc-shaped wall of the second inflection point. This allows the mixed medium within the swirling section to flow out via the outflow side. The design of the opening side of the second arc-shaped wall away from the converging section delays the separation point of the mixed medium within the swirling section to the end of the return wall, thereby reducing the boundary layer thickness and promoting mass transfer of the mixed medium. Furthermore, the curvature of the second arc-shaped wall is set smaller than that of the first arc-shaped wall, ensuring that the first inflection point... It has the ability to bend and turn the mixing medium more significantly, guiding it towards the outflow side to form convection with the mixing medium guided by the return wall, thus fully shearing and breaking the laminar boundary layer, improving mixing efficiency. At the same time, it also provides structural conditions for the mixing medium in the swirling section to flow smoothly out of the swirling section. The second inflection point has the ability to bend and turn the mixing medium less significantly, enabling more mixing medium guided by the return wall to flow along the desired return direction to the inner cavity of the central region of the swirling section, ensuring the contact time of the mixing medium in the swirling section, enhancing the turbulence of the medium, and improving the mass transfer mixing effect of the medium.

[0014] In one embodiment, the angle β between the inflow direction of the tapering portion and the outflow direction of the expanding portion is set to 130°-160°.

[0015] Beneficial effects: This larger angle design can cause the medium to deflect significantly in the outflow section, thereby inducing local flow separation and shear layer instability, generating higher intensity turbulence, accelerating the collision and mass transfer of the medium, and forming secondary turbulence on the outflow side based on the turbulence in the swirling section. The kinetic energy loss during the fluid deflection process is converted into turbulent kinetic energy and swirling kinetic energy, improving the utilization rate of driving energy and enhancing the micro-mixing efficiency of the medium.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first included angle θ is set to 120°-135°.

[0017] Beneficial effects: This angled design has two advantages. First, the larger angle can generate stronger turbulence when the mixed media collide, forming swirling vortices, thereby accelerating the exchange of matter between different media, improving mixing efficiency, and reducing the symmetry of the flow, avoiding the formation of a stable laminar structure, thus causing the fluid to constantly change direction, increasing the randomness of mixing, and causing the mixed fluid to turn back and form counter-current shear, breaking the laminar boundary layer, thereby improving mixing efficiency. Second, the angled design reduces pressure drop while generating sufficient disturbance, balancing mixing efficiency and energy consumption, and is well adapted to continuous mixing operations in the form of multiple reaction units connected in series.

[0018] In one embodiment, the outward expansion wall is adapted to guide the mixing medium to deviate from the outward expansion of the return wall, and the angle ω between the direction of the outward expansion of the mixing medium and the inflow direction of the swirling section is set to 10°-20°.

[0019] Beneficial effects: This angled design, on the one hand, uses a small angle to guide the diffusion and distribution of the mixed medium, transitioning it into the inner cavity of the swirling section, and gradually diffusing it along the circumference of the inner cavity. This reduces the flow blind zone near the wall, improves space utilization, extends the swirling path of the mixed medium in the swirling section, increases the contact area between the mixed media, and enhances the radial mixing effect. On the other hand, the small angle guiding the diffusion of the mixed medium helps to reduce local turbulence and energy loss caused by changes in flow direction, reduces system pressure drop, and when the outward expansion angle is small, the mixed medium can retain more tangential velocity components after entering the swirling section, promoting the formation of swirling flow in the cavity and improving the uniformity of mixing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the angle α between the inflow direction on the inflow side of the swirling section and the outflow direction on the outflow side of the swirling section is set to 135°-150°.

[0021] Beneficial effects: The entire reaction unit fully agitates the flowing mixing medium to create turbulence, which helps break the laminar boundary layer and accelerates the mass transfer and mixing of different media. The larger angle design, on the one hand, can prolong the residence time of the mixing medium in the reaction unit, ensuring that the mass transfer process is fully carried out, and utilizes the centrifugal and reflux effects of the swirling section to promote full exchange of mass between the mixing medium in the central region and the mixing medium in the edge region, reducing the different distribution gradients of the media. On the other hand, while maintaining sufficient turbulence, it reduces local pressure drop and lowers driving energy consumption.

[0022] In one embodiment, the inlet is configured as a through channel, and the cross-section of the inner cavity of the inlet is rectangular.

[0023] Beneficial effects: Setting the inlet section as a straight channel maintains the laminar transition state of the mixing medium, reduces the pressure drop when the reaction unit flows in, and reduces the flow resistance; setting the cross-section of the inner cavity of the inlet section as rectangular is conducive to obtaining a more uniform inlet velocity distribution and reducing the local medium concentration gradient; in addition, the combination of straight channel and rectangular cross-section can precisely control the direction of the medium, avoid the premature generation of swirl and eddies, and concentrate the kinetic energy of the medium in the inner cavity of the swirling section for effective backflow and swirling, ensuring the mixing efficiency of the disturbed turbulent flow.

[0024] In one embodiment, the inner cavity volume of the swivel portion is 2-4 times the inner cavity volume of the inlet portion.

[0025] Beneficial effects: The swirling section has a larger space than the inlet section, which helps to prolong the residence time of the mixed medium in the swirling section, allowing the mixed medium to be fully mixed in the diffusion and directional convection processes, thus improving the mixing efficiency; at the same time, it also helps to reduce the medium flow velocity, reduce flow resistance and pressure drop, reduce driving energy consumption, improve flow stability, and ensure effective unidirectional flow of the mixed medium.

[0026] Secondly, the present invention also provides a reaction channel, including multiple reaction units, wherein the inlet and outlet of two adjacent reaction units are connected, and the reaction channel further includes:

[0027] The inflow section is suitable for the flow into the mixing medium;

[0028] The outflow section is suitable for discharging the mixed medium; the first reaction unit along the unidirectional flow direction is connected to the inflow section, and the last reaction unit along the unidirectional flow direction is connected to the outflow section.

[0029] Beneficial effects: The mixing medium to be transferred is introduced into the inlet section, and multiple reaction units are connected in a unidirectional flow direction through each inlet and outlet section. This allows the mixing medium to form multi-level turbulent flow in multiple reaction units, which gradually enhances the mixing effect, fully breaks the laminar boundary layer of the mixing medium, accelerates the mass transfer and mixing of different media, and finally discharges the mixed medium that has completed mass transfer from the outlet section.

[0030] In one embodiment, it further includes at least two serial segments, each serial segment comprising a plurality of reaction units arranged in series; in the unidirectional flow direction of the reaction channel, any two adjacent serial segments are arranged end to end.

[0031] Beneficial effects: By circulating the mixing medium through several series-connected reaction units within multiple series-connected sections, the medium undergoes multiple flow direction deflections, turbulence, or vortex disturbances, which progressively enhances the mass transfer and mixing effect. The combination of multiple series-connected sections and multiple reaction units can extend the path and time of medium flow, promoting sufficient mass transfer.

[0032] In one embodiment, multiple reaction units on the same cascade segment are arranged in an alternating and interconnected manner.

[0033] Beneficial effects: The staggered arrangement can cause the mixed medium in adjacent reaction units to repeatedly turn, forming multiple different vortex regions, which is conducive to the staggered convection of the mixed medium. At the same time, the staggered arrangement of reaction units can avoid the backflow of the mixed medium and ensure a reliable unidirectional flow direction of the medium.

[0034] In one embodiment, multiple serial segments are arranged at intervals from each other, and the reaction channel further includes a reversing segment, which is used to connect two adjacent serial segments end to end, and the multiple serial segments are arranged in a folded and reversed manner through the reversing segment.

[0035] Beneficial effects: The multi-stage series segment spatial folding layout achieves a compact design and is conducive to enhancing the mixing effect; the transition between two adjacent series segments by the reversing segment promotes smooth media flow.

[0036] In one embodiment, the reaction channel further includes a confluence section, which is connected to the inflow section. The confluence section includes a first confluence part, a second confluence part, and a confluence port. The input end of the first confluence part is adapted to be connected to a first medium inlet, and the input end of the second confluence part is adapted to be connected to a second medium inlet. The confluence port is connected to the output ends of the first confluence part and the second confluence part. The first confluence part is provided with a dual-stream channel for diversion along its flow direction, and the second confluence part is provided with a single-stream channel. The single-stream channel is disposed between the dual-stream channels, and the dual-stream channels extend along both sides of the single-stream channel to converge at the confluence port.

[0037] Beneficial effects: The two media to be mixed are introduced into the confluence section through the first media inlet and the second media inlet, respectively. The combination design of the double-channel flow in the first confluence section and the single-channel flow in the second confluence section can reduce the flow resistance when the media initially flows in, so that the media first flows in a laminar and stable manner, and then the single-channel and double-channel flow are combined to achieve the purpose of premixing and improve the mixing efficiency.

[0038] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a microreactor including the aforementioned reaction channel. Since the microreactor includes a reaction channel and has the same effects as the reaction channel, it will not be described further here.

[0039] In one embodiment, the microreactor further includes a reaction plate and a cover plate, the reaction plate and the cover plate being sealed together, and the reaction channel being constructed between the reaction plate and the cover plate;

[0040] The cover plate is provided with a first medium inlet, a second medium inlet and a medium outlet. The first medium inlet and the second medium inlet are spaced apart and are adapted to be connected to the confluence section. The medium outlet is spaced apart from the medium inlet and is adapted to be connected to the outflow section.

[0041] Beneficial effects: The reaction plate and cover plate adopt a planar seal to ensure the safety of media flow, mass transfer and mixing; the microreactor adopts a dual inlet-single outlet layout, and the mixing media are fully mixed through its internal reaction channel. The microreactor has superior mixing mass transfer efficiency and mixing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the reaction channel structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reaction unit in the reaction channel of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the entry and exit of the reaction unit in the reaction channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outflow of the reaction unit in the reaction channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the formation of droplets by the mixing medium flowing through the reaction unit in the reaction channel of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the microreactor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0050] 101. Convergence section; 1011. First converging part; 1012. Second converging part; 1013. Convergence outlet;

[0051] 102. Inflow section; 103. Series connection section; 104. Reversing section; 105. Outflow section;

[0052] 201. Entry section; 202. Swirling section; 2021. Expanding wall; 2022. Return wall; 203. Contracting section; 2031. Guiding wall; 204. Expanding section; 205. First inflection point section; 206. Second inflection point section;

[0053] 301, reaction plate; 302, cover plate; 3021, first medium inlet; 3022, second medium inlet; 3023, medium outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] The term "microreactor" generally refers to a device that employs micro-reaction technology or ultra-precision machining technology in its manufacturing process, and whose internal structure (such as flow channels and channels) typically has characteristic dimensions between submicrometers and millimeters.

[0056] In a broad sense, a microreactor refers to a microreactor system that is primarily designed for reaction, consisting of one or more microreactors, and may also include auxiliary devices such as micromixing, heat exchange, separation, and extraction, as well as key components such as microsensors and microactuators.

[0057] The microreactor of the present invention can be any of the above-mentioned types. Furthermore, the materials, fluid media, etc., referred to in the present invention refer to substances participating in the mixing / reaction, and can be fluids.

[0058] The reaction medium / material of the microreactor provided by the present invention can be gaseous, liquid or dispersed, and is used for reactants to carry out physical or chemical reactions in the reaction channel.

[0059] The following combination Figures 1 to 6 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] See Figures 2 to 5 This embodiment provides a reaction unit, which includes an inlet 201, a swirling part 202 and an outlet part arranged in sequence. The outlet part includes a converging part 203 and a expanding part 204.

[0062] In this embodiment, the swirling section 202 includes an outwardly expanding wall surface 2021 and a return wall surface 2022 connected by an arc surface. An inflow side and an outflow side are formed between the outwardly expanding wall surface 2021 and the return wall surface 2022, respectively communicating with the inlet section 201 and the outlet section. The outwardly expanding wall surface 2021 is close to the inflow side and is located at the upstream end of the return wall surface 2022. The outwardly expanding wall surface 2021 is deviated from the direction of the return wall surface 2022 and is extended outward. The return direction of the return wall surface 2022 is set at a first angle θ with the incoming flow direction of the swirling section 202. The return wall surface 2022 is located close to the outlet side. Under fluid pressure, the mixing medium flows into the swirling section 202 along the inlet section 201, and sequentially contacts the outwardly expanding wall surface 2021 and the return wall surface 2022 to form a swirling flow area in the swirling section 202, and flows out from the outlet section.

[0063] The reaction unit provided in this embodiment, under fluid pressure, allows the mixed medium to flow through the inlet 201, the swirling section 202, and the outlet. By expanding the outward-expanding wall 2021 away from the return wall 2022, the mixed medium is guided to form a fluid diffusion zone, reducing local flow velocity and increasing the mixing contact area. Setting the return direction of the return wall 2022 at a first angle to the incoming flow direction of the swirling section 202 causes the mixed medium to turn after diffusion, forming counter-current shear, thereby breaking the laminar boundary layer and promoting mixing and mass transfer. Utilizing fluid pressure to form a swirling flow region for the mixed medium in the swirling section 202 increases the contact time and flow path of the mixed medium within the swirling section 202, enhancing the turbulence effect of the medium, promoting mass transfer and mixing, and improving mixing efficiency. Finally, the mixed medium flows out from the outlet. The reaction unit provided in this embodiment has superior mixing and mass transfer efficiency and mixing effect.

[0064] In one embodiment, see Figure 2The outward expansion wall 2021 is adapted to guide the mixing medium to deviate from the outward expansion of the return wall 2022. The angle ω between the direction of the outward expansion of the mixing medium and the inflow direction of the swirling section 202 is set to 10°-20°. This angle design, on the one hand, uses a small angle to guide the diffusion and distribution of the mixing medium, transitioning it into the inner cavity of the swirling section 202, and gradually diffusing along the circumference of the inner cavity, reducing the flow blind zone near the wall, improving space utilization, extending the swirling path of the mixing medium in the swirling section 202, increasing the contact area between the mixing media, and enhancing the radial mixing effect; on the other hand, the small angle guiding the diffusion of the mixing medium helps to reduce local turbulence and energy loss caused by changes in flow direction, reduce system pressure drop, and when the outward expansion angle is small, the mixing medium can retain more tangential velocity components after entering the swirling section 202, promoting the formation of swirling flow in the cavity and improving the uniformity of mixing.

[0065] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 The first included angle θ is set to 120°-135°. This angle design has two advantages. First, the larger angle can promote stronger turbulence when the mixed media collide, forming swirling vortices, thereby accelerating the exchange of matter between different media, improving mixing efficiency, and reducing the symmetry of the flow, avoiding the formation of a stable laminar structure, thus causing the fluid to constantly change direction, increasing the randomness of mixing, and causing the mixed fluid to turn back and form counter-current shear, breaking the laminar boundary layer, thereby improving mixing efficiency. Second, the included angle design reduces pressure drop while generating sufficient disturbance, balancing mixing efficiency and energy consumption, and is well adapted to continuous mixing operations in the form of multiple reaction units connected in series.

[0066] In one embodiment, see Figure 3 The angle α between the inflow direction on the inflow side and the outflow direction on the outflow side of the swirling section 202 is set to 135°-150°. This application utilizes the entire reaction unit to fully agitate the flowing mixing medium to form turbulence, which is beneficial for breaking the laminar boundary layer and accelerating the mass transfer and mixing of different media. The larger angle design, on the one hand, can prolong the residence time of the mixing medium in the reaction unit, ensuring that the mass transfer process is fully carried out, and utilize the centrifugal and reflux effects of the swirling section 202 to promote the full exchange of mass transfer between the mixing medium in the central region and the mixing medium in the edge region, reducing the different distribution gradients of the media. On the other hand, while maintaining sufficient turbulence, it reduces local pressure drop and reduces driving energy consumption.

[0067] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 and Figure 4A converging section 203 is connected to the outflow side of the swirling section 202, and a expanding section 204 is connected to the downstream side of the converging section 203. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity of the converging section 203 decreases along the unidirectional flow direction, while the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity of the expanding section 204 increases along the unidirectional flow direction. The outflow section includes the converging section 203 and the expanding section 204 connected sequentially along the unidirectional flow direction. After the mixed medium flows out of the swirling section 202, it first flows into the converging section 203 and then into the expanding section 204. The reduced cross-sectional area of ​​the converging section 203 enhances the kinetic energy of the mixed medium, while the expanding section 204 decelerates and stores energy, enhancing the turbulent kinetic energy of the mixed medium at the microscale. The increased cross-sectional area of ​​the expanding section 204 generates a local low-pressure zone through deceleration, promoting the generation of eddies, facilitating fluid medium separation and disrupting the laminar boundary, and also helping to reduce pressure loss. See also... Figure 5 In the reaction unit, the combination of the converging part 203 and the expanding part 204 facilitates the flow of the mixed medium under fluid pressure to form droplets, enhances the mass transfer process of fluid collision and contact, and improves the mixing efficiency.

[0068] In a further embodiment, see Figure 3 The reaction unit also includes a first inflection point 205, which is disposed between the inflow side and the converging part 203. The first inflection point 205 serves to receive the return medium guided by the return wall 2022 and to discharge the mixed medium flowing out of the inflow side toward the converging part 203. The converging part 203 is provided with a guide wall 2031 that is offset from the return direction of the return wall 2022. The guide wall 2031 and the first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point 205 are continuously and smoothly connected. The opening side of the first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point 205 is disposed away from the swirling part 202. By misaligning the return direction of the return wall 2022 with that of the guide wall 2031, more mixing medium can be placed in the swirling section 202 to form a swirling effect. The first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point section 205 can smoothly guide the return mixing medium into the inner cavity of the swirling section 202, thereby increasing the contact time and flow path of the mixing medium in the swirling section 202 and improving the mixing efficiency. At the same time, this misalignment design is conducive to the guide wall 2031 generating a transverse velocity component that is sheared against the outflow direction of the swirling section 202, thus enhancing the mixing effect.

[0069] In a further embodiment, see Figure 3The reaction unit also includes a second inflection point 206, which is spaced apart from the first inflection point 205. The second inflection point 206 is located close to the reflux wall 2022. The reflux wall 2022 and the second arc-shaped wall of the second inflection point 206 are continuously connected. The opening side of the second arc-shaped wall of the second inflection point 206 is away from the tapered portion 203, and the curvature of the second arc-shaped wall is smaller than that of the first arc-shaped wall. The second inflection point 206 is spaced apart from the first inflection point 205, with the outflow side positioned between the first inflection point 205 and the second inflection point 206. The second inflection point 206 serves as a transition between the outflow side and the tapered section 203, ensuring a continuous transition between the return wall 2022 and the second arc-shaped wall of the second inflection point 206, allowing the mixed medium within the swirling section 202 to flow out through the outflow side. The opening side of the second arc-shaped wall is designed to face away from the tapered section 203, delaying the separation point of the mixed medium within the swirling section 202 to the end of the return wall 2022, thereby reducing the boundary layer thickness and promoting mass transfer of the mixed medium. The curvature of the second arc-shaped wall is set smaller than that of the first arc-shaped wall, making the first arc-shaped wall... The first inflection point 205 has the ability to bend and turn the mixing medium more significantly, so as to guide the mixing medium to turn towards the outflow side and form convection with the mixing medium guided by the return wall 2022, which fully shears and breaks the laminar boundary layer, thereby improving the mixing efficiency. At the same time, it also provides structural conditions for the mixing medium in the swirling section 202 to flow smoothly out of the swirling section 202. The second inflection point 206 has the ability to bend and turn the mixing medium less significantly, so that more mixing medium guided by the return wall 2022 can flow along the desired return direction to the inner cavity of the central region of the swirling section 202, ensuring the contact time of the mixing medium in the swirling section 202, enhancing the turbulence of the medium, and improving the mass transfer mixing effect of the medium.

[0070] In one embodiment, the curvature of the second arc-shaped wall is smaller than that of the return wall 2022. This design allows the mixing medium in contact with the second arc-shaped wall and the guide wall 2031 within the tapered section 203 to have different flow velocities, promoting the stratification and misalignment of the fluid medium boundary, improving mixing efficiency, and optimizing the reduction of the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapered section 203 to increase the kinetic energy of the mixing medium.

[0071] In one embodiment, the inlet 201 is configured as a straight channel, and the cross-section of the inner cavity of the inlet 201 is rectangular. Configuring the inlet 201 as a straight channel maintains the laminar transition state of the mixing medium, reduces the pressure drop when the reaction unit flows in, and reduces flow resistance. The rectangular cross-section of the inner cavity of the inlet 201 facilitates a more uniform inlet velocity distribution and reduces local medium concentration gradients. Furthermore, the combination of the straight channel and the rectangular cross-section allows for precise control of the medium's direction, preventing premature generation of swirls and eddies, and concentrating the medium's kinetic energy within the swirling section 202 for effective backflow and swirling, ensuring the mixing efficiency of the turbulent flow.

[0072] In one embodiment, the internal volume of the swirling section 202 is 2-4 times that of the internal volume of the inlet section 201. This design provides a larger space for the swirling section 202 compared to the inlet section 201, which helps to extend the residence time of the mixing medium within the swirling section 202, allowing for thorough mixing during the diffusion and directional convection processes, thus improving mixing efficiency. Simultaneously, it helps to reduce the medium flow velocity, decrease flow resistance and pressure drop, reduce driving energy consumption, improve flow stability, and ensure effective unidirectional flow of the mixing medium. This configuration of the internal volume effectively balances the flow effect of fluid swirling with the residence time during swirling.

[0073] The reaction unit provided in this embodiment has a cross-section similar to a spherical structure with inflow and outflow directions. This allows the material medium to form a swirling flow pattern within the reaction unit, increasing the contact area between materials, significantly improving the mixing effect of reactants, and making the reaction faster, achieving better mixing and reaction results. Ideally, by controlling the fluid pressure and flow rate, after entering the reaction unit, the medium, following the inclined trend of the outward expansion wall 2021 and guided by the return wall 2022, forms a swirling flow pattern within the reaction unit, rotating 2-3 times within the swirling section 202.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides a reaction channel, which includes one or more reaction units of Embodiment 1. The inlet 201 and outlet of two adjacent reaction units are connected. The reaction channel also includes an inflow section 102 and an outlet section 105. The inflow section 102 is adapted to allow the mixing medium to flow in, and the outlet section 105 is adapted to allow the mixing medium to flow out. The first reaction unit in the unidirectional flow direction is connected to the inflow section 102, and the last reaction unit in the unidirectional flow direction is connected to the outlet section 105.

[0076] The reaction channel provided in this embodiment introduces the mixing medium to be transferred through the inflow section 102. Multiple reaction units are connected in a unidirectional flow direction through each inlet section 201 and outlet section, so that the mixing medium forms multi-level turbulent flow in multiple reaction units, which gradually enhances the mixing effect, fully breaks the laminar boundary layer of the mixing medium, accelerates the mass transfer and mixing of different media, and finally discharges the mixed medium that has completed mass transfer through the outlet section 105.

[0077] In one embodiment, the outflow section is configured as an arc-shaped flow channel structure; the angle β between the inflow direction of the converging section 203 and the outflow direction of the expanding section 204 is set to 130°-160°. This larger angle design can cause the medium to deflect significantly within the outflow section, thereby inducing local flow separation and shear layer instability, generating higher-intensity turbulence, accelerating the collision and mass transfer of the medium, and forming secondary turbulence on the outflow side based on the turbulence within the swirling section 202. The kinetic energy loss during the fluid deflection process is converted into turbulent kinetic energy and swirling kinetic energy, improving the utilization rate of driving energy and enhancing the micro-mixing efficiency of the medium.

[0078] In one embodiment, the reaction channel further includes a confluence section 101, which is connected to the inflow section 102. The confluence section 101 includes a first confluence part 1011, a second confluence part 1012, and a confluence port 1013. The input end of the first confluence part 1011 is adapted to be connected to the first medium inlet 3021, and the input end of the second confluence part 1012 is adapted to be connected to the second medium inlet 3022. The confluence port 1013 is connected to the output ends of the first confluence part 1011 and the second confluence part 1012. The first confluence part 1011 is provided with a dual-stream channel for diversion along its flow direction, and the second confluence part 1012 is provided with a single-stream channel. The single-stream channel is disposed between the dual-stream channels, and the dual-stream channels extend along both sides of the single-stream channel to converge at the confluence port 1013. The two media to be mixed by mass transfer are introduced into the confluence section 101 through the first media inlet 3021 and the second media inlet 3022, respectively. The combination design of the dual-channel flow of the first confluence section 1011 and the single-channel flow of the second confluence section 1012 can reduce the flow resistance when the media initially flows in, so that the media first flows in a laminar and stable manner, and then the single-channel and dual-channel flow are combined to achieve the purpose of premixing and improve the mixing efficiency.

[0079] In one embodiment, the reaction channel further includes two or more series segments 103, each series segment 103 comprising a plurality of reaction units connected in series; in the unidirectional flow direction of the reaction channel, any two adjacent series segments 103 are connected end to end. The mixing medium flows through the plurality of reaction units connected in series within the multiple series segments 103, and the medium undergoes multiple flow direction deflections, turbulence, or vortex disturbances, progressively enhancing the mass transfer mixing effect. The combination of multiple series segments 103 and multiple reaction units can extend the path and time of medium flow, promoting sufficient mass transfer.

[0080] In one embodiment, multiple reaction units on the same series segment 103 are arranged in an alternating manner. The alternating arrangement can cause the mixing medium in adjacent reaction units to repeatedly turn, forming multiple different vortex regions, which is conducive to promoting staggered convection of the mixing medium. At the same time, the staggered arrangement of the reaction units can avoid backflow of the mixing medium and ensure reliable unidirectional flow of the medium.

[0081] In one embodiment, multiple series segments 103 are arranged at intervals. The reaction channel also includes a reversing segment 104, which connects two adjacent series segments 103 end to end. The multiple series segments 103 are arranged in a folded and reversed configuration via the reversing segment 104. The spatial folding layout of the multi-level series segments 103 achieves a compact design and enhances the mixing effect. The transition between two adjacent series segments 103 via the reversing segment 104 facilitates smooth media flow.

[0082] Example 3

[0083] The present invention provides a microreactor, including the reaction channel of Example 2.

[0084] In one structural embodiment, see Figure 6 The microreactor also includes a reaction plate 301 and a cover plate 302, which are sealed together. The reaction plate 301 and the cover plate 302 are sealed with a planar seal to ensure the safety of media flow, mass transfer and mixing. The reaction channel is specifically constructed between the reaction plate 301 and the cover plate 302. In the specific manufacturing process, grooves can be etched on the reaction plate 301 to match and establish the inflow section 102, the series section 103, the reversing section 104 and the outflow section 105.

[0085] In one structural embodiment, see Figure 6 The cover plate 302 is provided with a first medium inlet 3021, a second medium inlet 3022, and a medium outlet 3023. The first medium inlet 3021 and the second medium inlet 3022 are arranged alternately and are adapted to be connected to the confluence section 101. The medium outlet 3023 is arranged alternately with the medium inlet and is adapted to be connected to the outflow section 105. The microreactor adopts a dual-inlet-single-outlet layout, which fully mixes the mixed media through its internal reaction channel, and has excellent mixing mass transfer efficiency and mixing effect.

[0086] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reaction unit, characterized in that, include: An inlet (201), a swirling section (202), and an outlet are sequentially connected. The swirling section (202) includes an outwardly expanding wall surface (2021) and a return wall surface (2022) connected by an arc surface. An inflow side and an outflow side are formed between the outwardly expanding wall surface (2021) and the return wall surface (2022), respectively communicating with the inlet (201) and the outlet. The outwardly expanding wall surface (2021) is close to the inflow side and is located upstream of the return wall surface (2022). The outwardly expanding wall surface (2021) is deviated from the direction of the return wall surface (2022) and expands outward. The return direction of the return wall surface (2022) is set at a first angle θ with the incoming direction of the swirling section (202). The return wall surface (2022) is located close to the outlet side. Under fluid pressure, the mixing medium flows into the swirling section (202) along the inlet (201), sequentially contacting the outward expansion wall (2021) and the return wall (2022) to form a swirling flow area in the swirling section (202) and flow out from the outlet. The outflow section includes a converging section (203) and a expanding section (204). The converging section (203) is connected to the outflow side of the swirling section (202), and the expanding section (204) is connected to the downstream side of the converging section (203). The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity of the converging section (203) decreases along the unidirectional flow direction, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity of the expanding section (204) increases along the unidirectional flow direction.

2. The reaction unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first inflection point (205), which is disposed between the inflow side and the tapering part (203). The tapering part (203) is provided with a guide wall (2031) that is offset from the return direction of the return wall (2022). The guide wall (2031) is continuously and transitionally disposed with the first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point (205). The opening side of the first arc-shaped wall of the first inflection point (205) is disposed away from the swirling part (202).

3. The reaction unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second inflection point (206), which is spaced apart from the first inflection point (205). The second inflection point (206) is located close to the return wall (2022). The return wall (2022) and the second arc-shaped wall of the second inflection point (206) are continuously connected. The opening side of the second arc-shaped wall of the second inflection point (206) is located away from the tapering part (203), and the curvature of the second arc-shaped wall is smaller than that of the first arc-shaped wall.

4. The reaction unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle β between the inflow direction of the tapering section (203) and the outflow direction of the expanding section (204) is set to 130°-160°.

5. The reaction unit according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first included angle θ is set to 120°-135°; and / or, The outwardly expanding wall surface (2021) is adapted to guide the mixing medium to deviate from the outward expansion of the return wall surface (2022), and the angle ω between the direction of the outward expansion of the mixing medium and the inflow direction of the swirling section (202) is set to 10°-20°; and / or, The angle α between the inflow direction on the inflow side of the swirl section (202) and the outflow direction on the outflow side of the swirl section (202) is set to 135°-150°; and / or, The entry part (201) is configured as a through channel, and the cross-section of the inner cavity of the entry part (201) is rectangular; and / or, The internal volume of the swirling part (202) is 2-4 times the internal volume of the inlet part (201).

6. A reaction channel, characterized in that, The reaction unit includes multiple reaction units as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the inlet (201) and outlet of two adjacent reaction units are connected, and the reaction unit further includes: The inflow section (102) is suitable for the flow into the mixing medium; The outflow section (105) is adapted to discharge the mixed medium; the first reaction unit along the unidirectional flow direction is connected to the inflow section (102), and the last reaction unit along the unidirectional flow direction is connected to the outflow section (105).

7. The reaction channel according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes at least two series segments (103), each series segment (103) comprising a plurality of reaction units arranged in series; in the unidirectional flow direction of the reaction channel, any two adjacent series segments (103) are arranged end to end; Multiple reaction units on the same series segment (103) are arranged in an alternating manner and connected; and / or, Multiple serial segments (103) are arranged at intervals. The reaction channel also includes a reversing segment (104). The reversing segment (104) is used to connect two adjacent serial segments (103) end to end. The multiple serial segments (103) are arranged in a reversing and folding manner through the reversing segment (104).

8. The reaction channel according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The reaction channel further includes a confluence section (101), which is connected to the inflow section (102). The confluence section (101) includes a first confluence part (1011), a second confluence part (1012), and a confluence port (1013). The input end of the first confluence part (1011) is adapted to be connected to the first medium inlet (3021), and the input end of the second confluence part (1012) is adapted to be connected to the second medium inlet (3022). The confluence port (1013) is connected to the output ends of the first confluence part (1011) and the second confluence part (1012). The first confluence part (1011) is provided with a dual-stream channel for diversion along its flow direction, and the second confluence part (1012) is provided with a single-stream channel. The single-stream channel is disposed between the dual-stream channels, and the dual-stream channels extend along both sides of the single-stream channel to converge at the confluence port (1013).

9. A microreactor, characterized in that, Includes the reaction channel as described in any one of claims 6-8.

10. The microreactor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The microreactor also includes a reaction plate (301) and a cover plate (302), the reaction plate (301) and the cover plate (302) being sealed together, and the reaction channel being constructed between the reaction plate (301) and the cover plate (302); The cover plate (302) is provided with a first medium inlet (3021), a second medium inlet (3022) and a medium outlet (3023). The first medium inlet (3021) and the second medium inlet (3022) are spaced apart and are adapted to communicate with the confluence section (101). The medium outlet (3023) is spaced apart from the medium inlet and is adapted to communicate with the outflow section (105).

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