Membrane emulsifier and emulsification method for preparing liquid drops

By designing a membrane emulsifier with a simple structure and combining image acquisition and flow regulation, the existing membrane emulsifiers have been solved, and efficient and controllable emulsion preparation is achieved, which is suitable for a variety of emulsion systems.

CN120502255AInactive Publication Date: 2025-08-19HANGZHOU LANGEMU BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511000313.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-21
Publication Date
2025-08-19
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing membrane emulsifiers are costly and cannot intuitively understand the droplet crushing-polymerization dynamic process, resulting in poor particle size uniformity and poor batch repeatability.

Method used

A membrane emulsifier with a simple structure is designed, including a membrane assembly, a dispersed phase assembly and a continuous phase assembly. A transparent cover is used to observe the droplet breakage-polymerization process, and the flow parameters are adjusted in real time through the image acquisition mechanism to realize visualization and intelligent control of droplet generation.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the overall cost of membrane emulsifiers and achieves emulsion preparation with high uniformity and controllable particle size. It is suitable for a variety of emulsion systems and supports personalized customization. It is suitable for the biomedical, food and chemical industry and semiconductor industries.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the field of membrane emulsification, and discloses a membrane emulsifier and an emulsification method for preparing liquid drops by using the membrane emulsifier. The membrane emulsifier comprises a membrane assembly, a dispersed phase assembly and a continuous phase assembly. The membrane structure of the membrane emulsifier is simple, the cost is reduced, the dynamic process of liquid drop breaking-coalescence in the emulsification process can be visually understood, and the membrane emulsifier is suitable for various emulsion systems of a water-in-oil type, an oil-in-water type, a water-in-water type, an oil-in-oil type, a gas-in-oil type, a water-in-oil-in-water type, a water-in-oil-in-water type and the like. The high-quality emulsion with a controllable particle size range (100nm-500mu m) and high uniformity (CV is less than 0.1) can be prepared at a speed of several liters per hour to thousands of liters, and controllable preparation of the emulsion from gram level to ton level is realized. The membrane emulsifier disclosed by the invention can be widely applied to preparation of emulsion and microspheres in the industries of biological medicine, food chemical industry, semiconductors and the like.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of membrane emulsification, in particular to a membrane emulsifier and an emulsification method for preparing droplets thereof. Background Art

[0002] Emulsification is a crucial unit operation in chemistry, chemical engineering, light industry, food, medicine, biochemistry, and other fields. Currently, emulsions and microspheres are typically prepared using methods such as mechanical stirring, homogenization, and ultrasound. While these processes are simple, they often result in poor particle size uniformity, difficulty controlling particle size, and poor experimental reproducibility.

[0003] To prepare emulsions and nanospheres with uniform particle sizes, membrane emulsification technology has rapidly developed in recent years. This technology not only controls the particle size of the emulsion during preparation, but also achieves uniform particle size distribution. It operates under mild conditions, consumes less energy, and produces highly reproducible products. In recent years, it has been widely used in various fields, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioseparations.

[0004] Currently, membrane emulsifiers are mostly small, experimental devices with slow emulsification speeds and low production volumes. Furthermore, pressure control, such as pressurization and depressurization, is manually controlled in these experimental emulsifiers. As emulsification progresses, the drop in the dispersed phase level causes pressure fluctuations. Therefore, manually adjusting the gas cylinder to apply pressure to the dispersed phase during the emulsification process can easily lead to unstable dispersed phase pressure, severely affecting particle size uniformity and resulting in poor batch reproducibility.

[0005] However, existing membrane emulsifiers often require the use of special-shaped mold structures, which has high mold development costs and leads to high overall costs of the membrane emulsifier. In addition, existing membrane emulsifiers cannot intuitively understand the dynamic process of droplet breakup, aggregation and merging during the emulsification process.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a membrane emulsifier and an emulsification method for preparing droplets using the membrane emulsifier to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a membrane emulsifier and an emulsification method for preparing droplets therefor. The membrane emulsifier has a simple membrane structure, reduces the overall cost of the membrane emulsifier, and can intuitively understand the dynamic process of droplet breakup and coalescence during the emulsification process, so that the prepared emulsion droplets have uniform particle size.

[0008] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a membrane emulsifier, comprising: A membrane assembly, comprising a membrane component and a membrane structure, wherein the membrane component comprises a base component and a cover plate, wherein the base component is provided with a receiving tank, wherein the bottom of the receiving tank is provided with a dispersed phase inlet, a continuous phase inlet and an emulsion outlet, and the membrane structure is covered on the dispersed phase inlet; A dispersed phase assembly, comprising a dispersed phase and a dispersed phase feed pipe, wherein the dispersed phase feed pipe is connected to the dispersed phase inlet, and the dispersed phase can form droplets through the dispersed phase feed pipe, the dispersed phase inlet and the membrane structure and enter the holding tank; a continuous phase component, comprising a continuous phase and a continuous phase feed pipe, wherein the continuous phase feed pipe is in communication with the continuous phase inlet, and the continuous phase can enter the containing tank through the continuous phase feed pipe and the continuous phase inlet; An emulsion discharge pipe is connected to the emulsion outlet.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the continuous phase inlet and the emulsion outlet are arranged on both sides of the dispersed phase inlet along the first direction; the base component is provided with a dispersed phase main flow channel, a continuous phase main flow channel and an emulsion flow channel, the dispersed phase inlet, the dispersed phase main flow channel and the dispersed phase feed pipe are connected in sequence, the continuous phase inlet, the continuous phase main flow channel and the continuous phase feed pipe are connected in sequence, and the emulsion flow channel is connected to the emulsion outlet.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the base component includes a base body and an interlayer component connected to the base body, the accommodating groove is arranged on the side of the interlayer component away from the base body, the base body is provided with a first continuous phase flow channel extending along the first direction and a second continuous phase flow channel extending along the second direction, the interlayer component is provided with a third continuous phase flow channel extending along the second direction, the first continuous phase flow channel, the second continuous phase flow channel and the third continuous phase flow channel are connected in sequence to form the continuous phase total flow channel.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the base body is provided with a first dispersed-phase flow channel extending along the third direction and a second dispersed-phase flow channel extending along the second direction, and the sandwich component is provided with a third dispersed-phase flow channel extending along the second direction, and the first dispersed-phase flow channel, the second dispersed-phase flow channel, and the third dispersed-phase flow channel are sequentially connected to form the dispersed-phase total flow channel; The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are arranged to intersect each other.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the second dispersed phase flow channel and the third dispersed phase flow channel are sealed and connected.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the second continuous phase flow channel and the third continuous phase flow channel are sealed and connected.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, a first sealing groove is arranged on a side of the base body close to the sandwich component, and the first sealing groove is surrounded by the second continuous phase flow channel. A first sealing member is arranged in the first sealing groove, one end of the first sealing member abuts against the bottom of the first sealing groove, and the other end of the first sealing member abuts against the sandwich component.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, a second sealing groove is arranged on a side of the base body close to the sandwich component, and the second sealing groove is surrounded by the second dispersed phase flow channel. A second sealing member is arranged in the second sealing groove, one end of the second sealing member abuts against the bottom of the second sealing groove, and the other end of the second sealing member abuts against the sandwich component.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the sandwich component includes a first sandwich body and an embedded structure, the embedded structure includes a flow channel portion, the third dispersed phase flow channel is arranged in the flow channel portion, the membrane structure is covered on the dispersed phase inlet and connected to the flow channel portion, the flow channel portion is embedded in the first sandwich body, and the end face of the flow channel portion away from the base body is flush with the bottom of the accommodating groove.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the embedded structure also includes a connecting portion, which is connected to the flow channel portion. A third sealing groove is provided on the side of the connecting portion away from the base body, and the third sealing groove surrounds the flow channel portion. A third sealing member is provided in the third sealing groove, one end of the third sealing member abuts against the bottom of the third sealing groove, and the other end of the third sealing member abuts against the first interlayer body.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the sandwich component includes a second sandwich body, the third dispersed phase flow channel is arranged in the second sandwich body, the third dispersed phase flow channel is arranged in the second sandwich body, and the membrane structure is connected to the second sandwich body.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the base component also includes multiple groups of limiting assemblies, which are connected to the side of the base body close to the interlayer component. The limiting assemblies include two spaced-apart limiting members, and the two limiting members of at least one group of limiting assemblies are arranged on both sides of the interlayer component along the first direction to limit the displacement of the interlayer component along the first direction.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one set of two limiting members of the limiting assembly are arranged on both sides of the sandwich component along the third direction, so as to limit the displacement of the sandwich component along the third direction.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the cover plate further comprises a cover plate body, the cover plate body is provided with a mounting hole, the transparent member is placed in the mounting hole, the cover plate comprises a transparent member, and the transparent member is sealedly connected to the groove wall of the accommodating groove; a first connecting hole is provided on the cover plate body, and a second connecting hole is provided on the base component, and the cover plate is connected to the base component by a first fastener embedded in the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, an image acquisition mechanism is further included. The image acquisition mechanism is arranged corresponding to the transparent part. The image acquisition mechanism is arranged on the side of the transparent part away from the base part. The image acquisition mechanism is configured to acquire an image of the membrane structure.

[0023] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an emulsification method using the membrane emulsifier according to the first aspect, comprising: Step 1: Install the membrane emulsifier and connect the piping system and visual monitoring system; Step 2: First, the continuous phase is introduced into the membrane emulsifier through the continuous phase feed pipe, gradually fills the internal cavity of the membrane emulsifier, and flows out of the membrane emulsifier along the emulsion discharge pipe; Step 3: After the continuous phase flows out of the membrane emulsifier, it is introduced into the dispersed phase; the dispersed phase enters the membrane emulsifier through the dispersed phase feed pipe; when the dispersed phase vertically penetrates the membrane pores, small droplets will gradually form on the membrane pore surface; after the dispersed phase vertically penetrates the membrane pores, it will be sheared by the continuous phase flowing horizontally through the membrane surface, thus forming uniform droplets on the membrane surface. Driven by the continuous phase, the droplets will detach from the membrane and flow out of the membrane emulsifier along the emulsion discharge pipe, thereby achieving the purpose of preparing droplets with uniform particle size; In step 4, the equipped image acquisition mechanism collects droplet information in real time and provides feedback to adjust technical parameters including the pumping flow of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase, making the droplet generation process visual, dynamic and intelligent.

[0024] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides the use of a membrane emulsifier as described in the first aspect in producing an emulsion, wherein the emulsion includes one or more of oil-in-water type, oil-in-water type, water-in-water type, oil-in-oil type, gas-in-water type, gas-in-oil type, water-in-oil-in-water type, and oil-in-water-in-oil type emulsions.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides the use of a membrane emulsifier as described in the first aspect in the production of microspheres, wherein the microspheres include polymer microspheres or gel microspheres; the polymer microspheres include one or more of degradable polymer microspheres or non-degradable polymer microspheres, conductive or insulating microspheres, magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, hydrophilic or hydrophobic microspheres; the gel microspheres include one or more of natural polymer gel microspheres, synthetic polymer gel microspheres, and composite gel microspheres.

[0026] Beneficial effects of the present invention: The present invention discloses a membrane emulsifier and an emulsification method for preparing droplets thereof, wherein the membrane emulsifier comprises a membrane assembly, a dispersed phase assembly and a continuous phase assembly. The dispersed phase passes through a dispersed phase feed pipe, a dispersed phase inlet and penetrates a membrane structure to form droplets and enter a holding tank. The continuous phase enters the holding tank through a continuous phase feed pipe and a continuous phase inlet. Under the action of the shear force of the continuous phase, the droplets merge with the continuous phase to form an emulsion, and finally flow out from the emulsion outlet. The membrane structure is covered at the dispersed phase inlet, so there are no special requirements for the shape and size of the membrane structure. The structure is simple and no complex mold is required, thereby reducing the overall cost of the membrane emulsifier. In addition, the cover plate comprises a transparent part, through which the dynamic process of droplet breakage and coalescence during the emulsification process can be intuitively understood. The materials, shapes and sizes of the various components of the membrane emulsifier support personalized customization, which is convenient for application in different usage scenarios. The membrane emulsifier can realize intelligent and visual emulsification process, and the quality of the emulsion is stable and reliable. This membrane emulsifier is suitable for a variety of emulsion systems, including water-in-water, oil-in-water, water-in-water, oil-in-oil, gas-in-water, gas-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water, and oil-in-water-in-oil. It can produce high-quality emulsions with a controllable particle size range (100nm-500μm) and high uniformity (CV <0.1) at rates ranging from several liters to several thousand liters per hour, enabling controlled production of emulsions from grams to tons. The membrane emulsifier described in this invention is widely used in the preparation of emulsions and microspheres in industries such as biopharmaceuticals, food chemicals, and semiconductors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the membrane emulsifier of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the membrane module of the present invention; Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the structure of the membrane module of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the membrane module of the present invention Figure 1 ; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the membrane module of the present invention Figure 2 ; Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the base body of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the base body of the present invention Figure 1 ; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the base body of the present invention Figure 2 ; Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of the first sandwich body of the present invention; Figure 10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the embedded structure of the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embedded structure of the present invention; Figure 12 It is a structural schematic diagram of the cover plate of the present invention; Figure 13 Actual droplet formation on the membrane surface of a membrane emulsifier captured by a microscope. Scale bar: 250 μm. Figure 14 Particle size distribution of oil-in-water droplets generated by a membrane emulsifier. Microscopic image of an oil-in-water emulsion generated by a membrane emulsifier, scale bar: 250 μm (A); Particle size distribution of an oil-in-water emulsion generated by a membrane emulsifier (B); Figure 15 Particle size distribution of water-in-oil droplets generated by a membrane emulsifier. Microscopic image of a water-in-oil emulsion generated by a membrane emulsifier, scale bar: 50 μm (A); Particle size distribution of a water-in-oil emulsion generated by a membrane emulsifier (B); Figure 16 Particle size distribution of polymer microspheres produced by a membrane emulsifier. Micrograph of polymer microspheres produced by a membrane emulsifier, scale bar: 50 μm (A); Particle size distribution of polymer microspheres produced by a membrane emulsifier (B).

[0028] In the picture: 1. Membrane components; 10. Base component; 101. Receiving tank; 102. Dispersed phase inlet; 103. Continuous phase inlet; 104. Emulsion outlet; 105. Dispersed phase main flow channel; 1051. First dispersed phase flow channel; 1052. Second dispersed phase flow channel; 1053. Third dispersed phase flow channel; 106. Continuous phase main flow channel; 1061. First continuous phase flow channel; 1062. Second continuous phase flow channel; 1063. Third continuous phase flow channel; 107. Emulsion flow channel; 11. Base body; 111. Dispersed phase connection hole; 112. Continuous phase connection hole; 113. Emulsion connection hole; 114. Second connection hole; 115. Third connection hole; 116. First sealing groove; 117. Second sealing groove; 12. Interlayer component; 121. First interlayer body; 1211. Fourth connecting hole; 1212. Fourth sealing groove; 122. Embedded structure; 1221. Flow channel; 1222. Connecting portion; 12221. Fifth connecting hole; 12222. Third sealing groove; 13. Limiting assembly; 131. Limiting piece; 2. Dispersed phase components; 20. Cover plate; 201. Transparent member; 202. Cover plate body; 2021. First connecting hole; 21. Dispersed phase feed pipe; 22. Dispersed phase liquid storage tank; 3. Continuous phase assembly; 31. Continuous phase feed pipe; 32. Continuous phase liquid storage tank; 4. Emulsion assembly; 41. Emulsion discharge pipe; 42. Emulsion storage tank; 5. Image acquisition mechanism; 6. Image processing and human-computer interaction terminal; X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved more clearly, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0031] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0032] See also Figures 1-4The present invention discloses a membrane emulsifier, comprising a membrane assembly, a dispersed phase assembly 2, and a continuous phase assembly 3. The membrane assembly comprises a membrane component 1 and a membrane structure. The membrane component 1 comprises a base component 10 and a cover plate 20. The base component 10 is provided with a receiving tank 101. The bottom of the receiving tank 101 is provided with a dispersed phase inlet 102, a continuous phase inlet 103, and an emulsion outlet 104. The membrane structure covers the dispersed phase inlet 102. The cover plate 20 comprises a transparent member 201, which is sealed to the tank wall of the receiving tank 101. The dispersed phase assembly 2 comprises a dispersed phase and a dispersed phase feed pipe 21. The dispersed phase feed pipe 21 is in communication with the dispersed phase inlet 102. The dispersed phase can enter the receiving tank 101 as droplets through the dispersed phase feed pipe 21, the dispersed phase inlet 102, and the membrane structure. The continuous phase assembly 3 includes a continuous phase and a continuous phase feed pipe 31 , which is connected to the continuous phase inlet 103 , and the continuous phase can enter the holding tank 101 through the continuous phase feed pipe 31 and the continuous phase inlet 103 . The emulsion discharge pipe 41 is connected to the emulsion outlet 104 .

[0033] Wherein, along the first direction X, the continuous phase inlet 103 and the emulsion outlet 104 are arranged on both sides of the dispersed phase inlet 102 .

[0034] The membrane emulsifier includes a membrane assembly, a dispersed phase assembly 2 and a continuous phase assembly 3. The dispersed phase assembly 2 includes a dispersed phase and a dispersed phase feed pipe 21. The continuous phase assembly 3 includes a continuous phase and a continuous phase feed pipe 31. The membrane assembly includes a membrane component 1 and a membrane structure. The membrane component 1 includes a base component 10 and a cover plate 20. The dispersed phase passes through the dispersed phase feed pipe 21 and the dispersed phase inlet 102 and penetrates the membrane structure to form droplets and enter the holding tank 101. The continuous phase enters the holding tank 101 through the continuous phase feed pipe 31 and the continuous phase inlet 103. Under the shear force of the continuous phase, the droplets merge with the continuous phase to form an emulsion, and finally flow out from the emulsion outlet 104. The membrane structure is covered on the dispersed phase inlet 102, so there are no special requirements for the shape and size of the membrane structure. The structure is simple and does not require complex molds, thereby reducing the overall cost of the membrane emulsifier. In addition, the cover plate 20 includes a transparent part 201, which can be used to intuitively understand the dynamic process of droplet breakup and coalescence during the emulsification process.

[0035] In some embodiments, the dispersed phase assembly 2 further includes a dispersed phase storage pipe, and the dispersed phase storage tank 22 is used to store the dispersed phase. The dispersed phase feed pipe 21 is at least partially disposed in the dispersed phase storage tank 22 and is at least partially immersed in the dispersed phase.

[0036] In some embodiments, the continuous phase assembly 3 further includes a continuous phase storage pipe, and a continuous phase storage tank 32 is used to store the continuous phase. The continuous phase feed pipe 31 is at least partially disposed in the continuous phase storage tank 32 and is at least partially immersed in the continuous phase.

[0037] In some embodiments, the membrane emulsifier further includes an emulsion discharge pipe 41 and an emulsion storage tank 42 , wherein the emulsion discharge pipe 41 is in communication with the emulsion outlet 104 . The emulsion flowing out of the emulsion outlet 104 enters the emulsion storage tank 42 through the emulsion discharge pipe 41 .

[0038] The dispersed phase liquid storage tank 22 can be a cylindrical structure or a polygonal cylindrical structure. The dispersed phase liquid storage tank 22 can be a cylindrical structure.

[0039] The continuous phase liquid storage tank 32 can be a cylindrical structure or a polygonal cylindrical structure. The continuous phase liquid storage tank 32 can be a cylindrical structure.

[0040] The emulsion storage tank 42 can be a cylindrical structure or a polygonal cylindrical structure. The emulsion storage tank 42 can be a cylindrical structure.

[0041] The transparent member 201 may be a tempered glass plate, a highly transparent high borosilicate glass plate, a soda-lime glass plate, or other highly transparent glass plates or plastic plates.

[0042] In some embodiments, the dispersed phase assembly 2 further includes a first drive assembly, which is used to drive the dispersed phase through the dispersed phase feed pipe 21, the dispersed phase inlet 102, and the membrane structure to form droplets and enter the holding tank 101. The continuous phase assembly 3 further includes a second drive assembly, which is used to drive the continuous phase through the continuous phase feed pipe 31 and the continuous phase inlet 103 and enter the holding tank 101. The first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are controlled by a drive assembly control system to facilitate precise control of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase.

[0043] The first drive assembly and the second drive assembly can be selected from the group consisting of a pump or a combination of a pressure vessel unit and a pressure regulating device. Optionally, the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are pumps. The pump can be at least one of an air-operated diaphragm pump, a plunger pump, a screw pump, a gear pump, a cam pump, a peristaltic pump, a vane pump, a piston pump, a reciprocating pump, a Roots pump, a rotor pump, a pressure regulating pump, a pressure pump, a centrifugal pump, an axial flow pump, a mixed flow pump, a vortex pump, a jet pump, a magnetic drive pump, a syringe pump, and a micropump.

[0044] In other embodiments, the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly may be a combination of a pressure vessel unit and a pressure regulating device, which mechanically transfers energy to the fluid medium to achieve directional fluid transport. The combination of the pressure vessel unit and the pressure regulating device may be a combination of a gas compressor and a pressure reducing valve, or a combination of a gas storage tank and a pressure reducing valve.

[0045] The membrane emulsifier also includes a visual monitoring system. The visual monitoring system comprises an image acquisition mechanism 5 and an image processing and human-computer interaction terminal 6. The image acquisition mechanism 5 may include, for example, a microscopic imaging device integrated with a high-speed CMOS camera. The image processing and human-computer interaction terminal 6 includes a computer equipped with a dedicated camera control system, a drive component control system, and an image processing system, as well as a high-resolution professional display terminal.

[0046] See also Figure 2-Figure 4 In some embodiments, the base component 10 is provided with a dispersed phase main flow channel 105, a continuous phase main flow channel 106, and an emulsion flow channel 107. The dispersed phase inlet 102, the dispersed phase main flow channel 105, and the dispersed phase feed pipe 21 are sequentially connected. The continuous phase inlet 103, the continuous phase main flow channel 106, and the continuous phase feed pipe 31 are sequentially connected. The emulsion flow channel 107 is connected to the emulsion outlet 104. By providing the dispersed phase main flow channel 105 on the base component 10 and sequentially connecting the dispersed phase inlet 102, the dispersed phase main flow channel 105, and the dispersed phase feed pipe 21, the shape of the dispersed phase inlet 102 and the cross-sectional shape of the dispersed phase feed pipe 21 can be made inconsistent, thereby facilitating the connection between the dispersed phase inlet 102 and the dispersed phase feed pipe 21. By setting a continuous phase main flow channel 106 on the base component 10, and connecting the continuous phase inlet 103, the continuous phase main flow channel 106 and the continuous phase feed pipe 31 in sequence, it is possible to achieve that the shape of the continuous phase inlet 103 is inconsistent with the cross-sectional shape of the continuous phase feed pipe 31, thereby facilitating the connection between the continuous phase inlet 103 and the continuous phase feed pipe 31.

[0047] In some embodiments, the base component 10 includes a base body 11 and an interlayer component 12 connected to the base body 11, the accommodating groove 101 is arranged on the side of the interlayer component 12 away from the base body 11, the base body 11 is provided with a first continuous phase flow channel 1061 extending along the first direction X and a second continuous phase flow channel 1062 extending along the second direction Y, the interlayer component 12 is provided with a third continuous phase flow channel 1063 extending along the second direction Y, the first continuous phase flow channel 1061, the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 and the third continuous phase flow channel 1063 are connected in sequence to form a continuous phase total flow channel 106. By setting the continuous phase main flow channel 106 to include the first continuous phase flow channel 1061, the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 and the third continuous phase flow channel 1063 connected in sequence, the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous phase flow channel 1061, the cross-sectional shape of the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 and the cross-sectional shape of the third continuous phase flow channel 1063 can be set to be inconsistent, so that the cross-sectional shape of the first continuous phase flow channel 1061 is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the continuous phase feed pipe 31, which facilitates the connection between the continuous phase feed pipe 31 and the continuous phase main flow channel 106, and the cross-sectional shape of the third continuous phase flow channel 1063 is consistent with the shape of the continuous phase inlet 103, which facilitates the connection between the continuous phase inlet 103 and the continuous phase main flow channel 106.

[0048] See also Figure 2-Figure 12 In some embodiments, the base body 11 is provided with a first dispersed phase flow channel 1051 extending along the third direction and a second dispersed phase flow channel 1052 extending along the second direction Y, and the interlayer component 12 is provided with a third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 extending along the second direction Y. The first dispersed phase flow channel 1051, the second dispersed phase flow channel 1052 and the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 are connected in sequence to form a dispersed phase total flow channel 105; wherein, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction are arranged to intersect in pairs. By setting the dispersed phase main flow channel 105 to include the first dispersed phase flow channel 1051, the second dispersed phase flow channel 1052 and the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 connected in sequence, the cross-sectional shape of the first dispersed phase flow channel, the cross-sectional shape of the second dispersed phase flow channel 1052 and the cross-sectional shape of the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 can be set to be inconsistent, so that the cross-sectional shape of the first dispersed phase flow channel 1051 is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the dispersed phase feed pipe 21, which facilitates the connection between the dispersed phase feed pipe 21 and the dispersed phase main flow channel 105, and the cross-sectional shape of the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 is consistent with the shape of the dispersed phase inlet 102, which facilitates the connection between the dispersed phase inlet 102 and the dispersed phase main flow channel 105.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second dispersed-phase flow channel 1052 and the third dispersed-phase flow channel 1053 are sealedly connected. By sealingly connecting the second dispersed-phase flow channel 1052 and the third dispersed-phase flow channel 1053, it is possible to prevent the dispersed phase from flowing out of the second dispersed-phase flow channel 1052 and the third dispersed-phase flow channel 1053 from the connection between the second dispersed-phase flow channel 1052 and the third dispersed-phase flow channel 1053 when flowing from the second dispersed-phase flow channel 1052 to the third dispersed-phase flow channel 1053.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 is sealedly connected to the third continuous phase flow channel 1063. By sealingly connecting the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 and the third continuous phase flow channel 1063, it is possible to prevent the continuous phase from flowing from the connection between the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 and the third continuous phase flow channel 1063 to the outside of the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 and the third continuous phase flow channel 1063 when flowing from the second continuous phase flow channel 1062 to the third continuous phase flow channel 1063.

[0051] In some embodiments, a first sealing groove 116 is provided on a side of the base body 11 close to the sandwich component 12, and the first sealing groove 116 surrounds the second continuous-phase flow channel 1062. A first sealing member is provided in the first sealing groove 116, with one end of the first sealing member abutting against the bottom of the first sealing groove 116, and the other end of the first sealing member abutting against the sandwich component 12. By providing the first sealing groove 116 on a side of the base body 11 close to the sandwich component 12, and surrounding the second continuous-phase flow channel 1062, and providing the first sealing member in the first sealing groove 116, with one end of the first sealing member abutting against the bottom of the second sealing groove 117, and the other end of the first sealing member abutting against the sandwich component 12, a sealed connection between the second continuous-phase flow channel 1062 and the third continuous-phase flow channel 1063 is achieved.

[0052] In some embodiments, a second sealing groove 117 is provided on a side of the base body 11 close to the sandwich component 12, and the second sealing groove 117 surrounds the second dispersed phase flow channel 1052. A second sealing member is provided in the second sealing groove 117, with one end of the second sealing member abutting the bottom of the second sealing groove 117 and the other end of the second sealing member abutting the sandwich component 12. By providing the second sealing groove 117 on a side of the base body 11 close to the sandwich component 12, and surrounding the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053, and providing a second sealing member in the second sealing groove 117, with one end of the second sealing member abutting the bottom of the second sealing groove 117 and the other end of the second sealing member abutting the sandwich component 12, a sealed connection between the second dispersed phase flow channel 1052 and the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 is achieved.

[0053] In some embodiments, the sandwich component 12 includes a first sandwich body 121 and an embedded structure 122. The embedded structure 122 includes a flow channel portion 1221. The third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 is disposed in the flow channel portion 1221. The membrane structure is connected to the flow channel portion 1221. The flow channel portion 1221 is embedded in the first sandwich body 121. The end surface of the flow channel portion 1221 away from the base body 11 is flush with the bottom of the receiving tank 101. By providing the embedded structure 122 including the flow channel portion 1221, the membrane structure can be connected to the flow channel portion 1221, facilitating the installation and fixation of the membrane structure. In addition, when the membrane structure is damaged and needs to be replaced, the embedded structure 122 and the membrane structure can be directly replaced together, which is convenient and quick.

[0054] In some embodiments, the embedded structure 122 further includes a connecting portion 1222 connected to the flow channel portion 1221. A third sealing groove 12222 is provided on the side of the connecting portion 1222 facing away from the base body 11. The third sealing groove 12222 surrounds the flow channel portion 1221. A third sealing member is disposed within the third sealing groove 12222, with one end of the third sealing member abutting the bottom of the third sealing groove 12222 and the other end abutting the first interlayer body 121. By providing the third sealing groove 12222 on the side of the connecting portion 1222 facing away from the base body 11 and disposing the third sealing member within the third sealing groove 12222, with one end abutting the bottom of the third sealing groove 12222 and the other end abutting the first interlayer body 121, sealed communication between the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 and the dispersed phase inlet 102 is achieved. The third sealing member is a sealing ring that ensures a tight fit between the interlayer and the glass sheet, forming a closed flow channel.

[0055] In some embodiments, the sandwich component 12 includes a second sandwich body, the third dispersed phase flow channel 1053 is disposed in the sandwich body, and the membrane structure is connected to the sandwich body. Configuring the sandwich component 12 to include a second sandwich body further simplifies the structure of the sandwich component 12.

[0056] In some embodiments, the base component 10 further includes multiple sets of limiting assemblies 13 . The limiting assemblies 13 are connected to a side of the base body 11 proximal to the sandwich component 12 . The limiting assemblies 13 include two spaced-apart limiting members 131 . The two limiting members 131 of at least one set of limiting assemblies 13 are disposed on either side of the sandwich component 12 along the first direction X, and are used to limit displacement of the sandwich along the first direction X. By providing multiple sets of limiting assemblies 13 , and disposing the two limiting members 131 of at least one set of limiting assemblies 13 on either side of the sandwich component 12 along the first direction X, the sandwich component 12 is limited in the first direction X, thereby facilitating the fixed installation of the sandwich component 12 and the base body 11 .

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one set of two limiting members 131 of the limiting assembly 13 is disposed along the third direction on either side of the sandwich component 12 to limit displacement of the sandwich along the third direction. By providing multiple sets of limiting members 13 and disposing at least one set of two limiting members 131 of the limiting assembly 13 along the third direction on either side of the sandwich component 12, the sandwich component 12 is limited in the third direction, facilitating secure installation of the sandwich component 12 and the base body 11.

[0058] Furthermore, the limiting member 131 may be a cylindrical structure or a prismatic structure. Optionally, the limiting member 131 is a prismatic structure.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cover plate 20 further includes a cover plate body 202. The cover plate body 202 has a hollow structure at its center, i.e., a mounting hole. The transparent member 201 is positioned in the mounting hole as an observation window. The cover plate body 202 is provided with a first connection hole 2021, and the base component 10 is provided with a second connection hole 114. The cover plate 20 is connected to the base component 10 via a first fastener embedded in the first connection hole 2021 and the second connection hole 114. The connection between the cover plate 20 and the base component 10 is achieved by providing the first connection hole 2021 in the cover plate body 20 and the second connection hole 114 in the base component 10. The cover plate 20 can be rectangular or have other shapes. Optionally, the cover plate 20 has a rectangular structure with four first connection holes 2021 provided therein. Preferably, the first connection holes 2021 are bolt fixing holes, serving as positioning holes for the bolts and nuts that secure the observation window to the base component 10. The transparent member 201 is a tempered glass plate, or can be a highly transparent high borosilicate glass plate, soda-lime glass, or other highly transparent glass plate or plastic plate, and is used to seal the interlayer, so that a closed flow channel is formed directly between the interlayer and the glass plate. Preferably, the transparent member 201 is a tempered glass plate.

[0060] In some embodiments, a fourth sealing groove 1212 is provided on the first interlayer body 121. The fourth sealing groove 1212 surrounds the receiving groove 101. A fourth sealing member is provided in the fourth sealing groove 1212. One end of the fourth sealing member abuts the bottom of the fourth sealing groove 1212, and the other end of the fourth sealing member abuts the transparent member 201. The fourth sealing groove 1212 and the fourth sealing member provide a sealed connection between the transparent member 201 and the wall of the receiving groove 101.

[0061] Furthermore, the first sealing member, the second sealing member, the third sealing member and the fourth sealing member may be made of rubber.

[0062] In some embodiments, the base body 11 is provided with a third connection hole 115 , the first interlayer body 121 is provided with a fourth connection hole 1211 , and the first interlayer body 121 and the base body 11 are connected by a second fastener embedded in the third connection hole 115 and the fourth connection hole 1211 .

[0063] Furthermore, the first fastener and the second fastener may be bolts, nuts or screws.

[0064] In some embodiments, the embedded structure 122 is provided with a fifth connection hole 12221 , and the fifth connection hole 12221 is used to connect the embedded structure 122 and the first interlayer body 121 .

[0065] In some embodiments, the membrane emulsifier further includes an image acquisition mechanism 5 , which is arranged corresponding to the transparent member 201 . The image acquisition mechanism 5 is arranged on the side of the transparent member 201 away from the base member, and is configured to acquire images of the membrane structure.

[0066] The image acquisition mechanism 5 can be selected as a camera.

[0067] In some embodiments, the membrane emulsifier further includes an image processing mechanism, and the image acquisition mechanism and the image processing mechanism are connected to each other via a data line. The specific connection lines between the image acquisition mechanism and the image analysis mechanism are prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0068] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the present invention innovatively employs modular design and a multi-process fusion manufacturing strategy to achieve modular, multi-faceted manufacturing of membrane emulsifiers. For example, through dynamic multi-material switching 3D printing technology (e.g., dual-nozzle co-deposition and gradient material co-extrusion), seamless integration of heterogeneous material components such as medical PLGA and food-grade PEEK can be achieved in a single molding process. CNC machining can also be used to integrate with traditional metal or high-strength engineering plastic component material systems. Furthermore, the integrated casting of components can be achieved through reverse molding. For example, the base, interlayer, insert, and cover can be manufactured using a variety of manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and template casting. Alternatively, the base, interlayer, insert, and cover can be manufactured using one or more of these methods. Optionally, the material used for 3D printing is one or more of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PLA (polylactic acid), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified), nylon (PA6 / PA12 / PAHT), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), ULTEM (PEI), PBS, PVDF, PPSU, PP, PET, PC, PPA, PPS, ASA, HIPS, glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced versions of the aforementioned materials, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced nylon, metal-ceramic composite powder, photosensitive resin, copper, stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, and ceramics.

[0069] Traditional membrane emulsifiers are mostly made of a single material, making them difficult to adapt to the needs of multiple industries. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the membrane emulsifier described herein, leveraging the rapid switching capabilities of multi-material 3D printing, can flexibly switch between the membrane emulsifier's material system and functional modules by adjusting printing parameters and material formulations (e.g., medical-grade PLA, corrosion-resistant PEEK, and high-temperature stable ceramic composites). This adapts the membrane emulsifier to the compliance requirements of diverse industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals, meeting cross-industry requirements.

[0070] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the present invention adopts a topology optimization algorithm to perform lightweight design on the equipment structure, combines the integrated transformation of the fluid drive system, reduces the number of external liquid storage tanks and auxiliary motors, realizes the miniaturization and portability of the equipment, meets the rapid deployment requirements of multiple scenarios such as laboratories and pilot workshops, improves the flexibility and applicability of the equipment, and meets the convenience requirements of users in actual operations.

[0071] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the membrane emulsifier described in the present invention can be equipped with a visual monitoring system, which can monitor the droplet generation process in real time, facilitate operators to adjust process parameters in a timely manner, ensure the stability of the emulsification process and the consistency of product quality, improve the controllability and reliability of the production process, and provide strong guarantees for product quality control.

[0072] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the membrane emulsifier of the present invention can include slots for standardized sensors, supporting plug-and-play assembly of pressure and flow sensors, enabling reconfigurable device functionality. Furthermore, it can be integrated with machine vision algorithms to automatically identify abnormal droplet size distributions and provide feedback to the control system to adjust operating parameters, ensuring an intelligent, stable, and controllable emulsification process.

[0073] The membrane emulsifier can be used to produce emulsions, microspheres, and the like. Furthermore, the emulsion includes one or more of oil-in-water, oil-in-water, water-in-water, oil-in-oil, gas-in-water, gas-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water, and oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions. The microspheres include polymer microspheres, gel microspheres, and the like. The polymer microspheres include one or more of degradable or non-degradable polymer microspheres, conductive or insulating microspheres, magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, and hydrophilic or hydrophobic microspheres. The gel microspheres include one or more of natural polymer gel microspheres, synthetic polymer gel microspheres, and composite gel microspheres.

[0074] Example 1 Emulsification method of membrane emulsifier: The present invention provides an emulsification method of a membrane emulsifier, which is as follows: Step 1, press Figure 1 As shown, install the various components of the membrane emulsifier and connect the piping system and visual monitoring system.

[0075] Step 2, such as Figure 1 As shown, the continuous phase is introduced first, and then enters the membrane emulsifier through the continuous phase feed pipe 31 , gradually fills the internal cavity of the membrane emulsifier, and flows out of the membrane emulsifier along the emulsion discharge pipe 41 .

[0076] Step three, such as Figure 1As shown, after the continuous phase flows out of the membrane emulsifier, it is fed into the dispersed phase. The dispersed phase enters the membrane emulsifier through the dispersed phase feed pipe 21. When the dispersed phase vertically passes through the membrane pores, small droplets ( Figure 13 ). Further, when the dispersed phase passes through the membrane pores vertically, it will be sheared by the continuous phase flowing horizontally through the membrane surface, thus forming uniform droplets on the membrane surface. The droplets will detach from the membrane under the drive of the continuous phase and flow along the emulsion discharge pipe 41 ( Figure 1 ) flows out of the membrane emulsifier to achieve the purpose of preparing droplets with uniform particle size.

[0077] Step 4: Equipped with image acquisition mechanism ( Figure 1 ) collects droplet information in real time and provides feedback to adjust parameters such as the dispersed phase and continuous phase pumping flow rates, making the droplet generation process visual, dynamic, and intelligent.

[0078] Figure 13 The image capture system shows the actual formation of droplets on the membrane surface of the membrane emulsifier. Figure 1 ) will collect the droplet generation status on the membrane surface in real time, and transmit the data in real time to the image processing unit equipped with a camera-specific control system and image processing system, so that the operator can monitor the droplet generation process in real time and adjust the process parameters in time, ensuring the stability of the emulsification process and the consistency of product quality, and significantly improving production efficiency.

[0079] Example 2 Application of membrane emulsifier in producing oil-in-water emulsion: To further describe the application of the membrane emulsifier of the present invention in preparing emulsions, the present invention provides a method for preparing an oil-in-water emulsion using a membrane emulsifier, as follows: 1. Solution Preparation Weigh 1g of modified soy protein (a food-grade raw material prepared according to Patent ZL202411162265.1) and add 100mL of water. Heat and stir at 85°C and 600 rpm for 1 hour to fully hydrate the modified soy protein isolate. Centrifuge the solution (centrifugation parameters: 25°C, 4500 rpm, 10 minutes) to remove the insoluble fraction, and collect the supernatant as the continuous phase. Soybean oil was used as the dispersed phase.

[0080] 2. Preparation of Oil-in-Water Emulsion according to Figure 1 After installing the membrane emulsifier and connecting the piping system and visual monitoring system, the modified soy protein solution is introduced. After the continuous phase exits the membrane emulsifier, it is introduced to form an oil-in-water emulsion. The visual monitoring system collects droplet information in real time and uses feedback to adjust the pumping pressures of the dispersed and continuous phases, maintaining the dispersed phase pumping pressure at 10kPa and the continuous phase pumping pressure at 80kPa to form an oil-in-water emulsion with uniform particle size.

[0081] 3. Data Processing The droplet images were collected in real time using a visual monitoring system, and the droplet size was analyzed using ImageJ software. The emulsion particle size was visualized using JASP software.

[0082] 4. Experimental Results like Figure 14 As shown in A in the figure, the generated emulsion is observed under a microscope, and it can be seen that the generated droplet particle size is uniform. Further analysis of the emulsion particle size data shows that ( Figure 14 The average particle size of the emulsion is 30.4 μm, and the CV value of the emulsion is 0.085. This indicates that the membrane emulsifier of the present invention can be used to prepare an oil-in-water emulsion with uniform particle size.

[0083] Example 3 Application of membrane emulsifier in producing water-in-oil emulsion: To further describe the application of the membrane emulsifier of the present invention in preparing an emulsion, the present invention provides a method for preparing a water-in-oil emulsion using a membrane emulsifier, as follows: 1. Solution Preparation Weigh 5g of Span 80 and add 95g of soybean oil. Stir magnetically for 30 minutes to use as the continuous phase. Weigh 0.5g of Brilliant Blue and dissolve it in 100mL of water to use as the dispersed phase.

[0084] 2. Preparation of Water-in-Oil Emulsion according to Figure 1 After installing the membrane emulsifier and connecting the piping system and visual monitoring system, the continuous phase solution is introduced. After the continuous phase exits the membrane emulsifier, the dispersed phase solution is introduced to form a water-in-oil emulsion. The visual monitoring system collects droplet information in real time and uses feedback to adjust the dispersed and continuous phase pumping pressures, maintaining the dispersed phase pumping pressure at 5kPa and the continuous phase pumping pressure at 60kPa to form a water-in-oil emulsion with uniform particle size.

[0085] 3. Data Processing The droplet images were collected in real time using a visual monitoring system, and the droplet size was analyzed using ImageJ software. The emulsion particle size was visualized using JASP software.

[0086] 4. Experimental Results like Figure 15 As shown in Figure A, the generated emulsion was observed under a microscope, and it was found that the generated oil-in-water droplets had uniform particle size. Further analysis of the emulsion particle size data showed that ( Figure 15 The average particle size of the emulsion is 91.5 μm, and the CV value of the emulsion is 0.117. This indicates that the membrane emulsifier of the present invention can be used to prepare water-in-oil emulsions with uniform particle size.

[0087] Example 4 Application of membrane emulsifier in the production of microspheres: To further describe the application of the membrane emulsifier of the present invention in preparing microspheres, the present invention provides a method for preparing polymer microspheres using a membrane emulsifier, which is as follows: 1. Solution Preparation Weigh 5g of polycaprolactone and add 100mL of dimethyl carbonate. Stir magnetically at 45°C for 10 minutes to form the dispersed phase. Weigh 2g of polyvinyl alcohol and add it to 100mL of water. Heat at 65°C with magnetic stirring for 1 hour to form a uniform polyvinyl alcohol solution, which will serve as the continuous phase.

[0088] 2. Preparation of polymer microspheres according to Figure 1 After installing the membrane emulsifier and connecting the piping system and visual monitoring system, the continuous phase solution is introduced. After the continuous phase exits the membrane emulsifier, the dispersed phase solution is introduced to form an oil-in-water emulsion. The visual monitoring system collects droplet information in real time and uses feedback to adjust the pumping pressures of the dispersed and continuous phases, maintaining the dispersed phase pumping pressure at 5 kPa and the continuous phase pumping pressure at 60 kPa to form an oil-in-water emulsion with uniform particle size. After the emulsion is collected, it is heated at 45°C to evaporate the dimethyl carbonate, and polycaprolactone microspheres are obtained.

[0089] 3. Data Processing The droplet images were collected in real time using a visual monitoring system, and the droplet size was analyzed using ImageJ software. The emulsion particle size was visualized using JASP software.

[0090] 4. Experimental Results like Figure 16 As shown in A in the figure, under microscope, it can be seen that the generated polymer microspheres have uniform particle size. Further analysis of the polymer microsphere particle size data shows that ( Figure 16 The average particle size of the microspheres was 65.0 μm, and the CV value of the emulsion was 0.187. This indicates that the membrane emulsifier of the present invention can be used to prepare microspheres.

[0091] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A membrane emulsifier, characterized in that: include: A membrane assembly, comprising a membrane component (1) and a membrane structure, wherein the membrane component (1) comprises a base component (10) and a cover plate (20), the base component (10) being provided with a receiving tank (101), and the bottom of the receiving tank (101) being provided with a dispersed phase inlet (102), a continuous phase inlet (103) and an emulsion outlet (104); A dispersed phase assembly (2) comprising a dispersed phase and a dispersed phase feed pipe (21), wherein the dispersed phase feed pipe (21) is in communication with the dispersed phase inlet (102), and the dispersed phase can form droplets through the dispersed phase feed pipe (21), the dispersed phase inlet (102), and the membrane structure and enter the holding tank (101); A continuous phase component (3) comprising a continuous phase and a continuous phase feed pipe, wherein the continuous phase feed pipe is in communication with the continuous phase inlet (103), and the continuous phase can enter the containing tank (101) through the continuous phase feed pipe and the continuous phase inlet (103); An emulsion discharge pipe (41), wherein the emulsion discharge pipe (41) is connected to the emulsion outlet (104).

2. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 1, characterized in that in, Along the first direction (X), the continuous phase inlet (103) and the emulsion outlet (104) are arranged on both sides of the dispersed phase inlet (102); the base component (10) is provided with a dispersed phase main flow channel (105), a continuous phase main flow channel (106) and an emulsion flow channel (107); the dispersed phase inlet (102), the dispersed phase main flow channel (105) and the dispersed phase feed pipe (21) are connected in sequence; the continuous phase inlet (103), the continuous phase main flow channel (106) and the continuous phase feed pipe (31) are connected in sequence; and the emulsion flow channel (107) is connected to the emulsion outlet (104).

3. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 2, characterized in that The base component (10) comprises a base body (11) and an interlayer component (12) connected to the base body (11); the accommodating groove (101) is arranged on a side of the interlayer component (12) away from the base body (11); the base body (11) is provided with a first continuous phase flow channel (1061) extending along the first direction (X) and a second continuous phase flow channel (1062) extending along the second direction (Y); the interlayer component (12) is provided with a third continuous phase flow channel (1063) extending along the second direction (Y); the first continuous phase flow channel (1061), the second continuous phase flow channel (1062) and the third continuous phase flow channel (1063) are sequentially connected to form the continuous phase total flow channel (106); And / or, the base body (11) is provided with a first dispersed phase flow channel (1051) extending along a third direction (Z) and a second dispersed phase flow channel (1052) extending along the second direction (Y), the sandwich component (12) is provided with a third dispersed phase flow channel (1053) extending along the second direction (Y), and the first dispersed phase flow channel (1051), the second dispersed phase flow channel (1052) and the third dispersed phase flow channel (1053) are sequentially connected to form the dispersed phase total flow channel (105); The first direction (X), the second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z) are arranged to intersect with each other.

4. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 3, characterized in that The second dispersed phase flow channel (1052) and the third dispersed phase flow channel (1053) are sealed and connected; And / or, the second continuous phase flow channel (1062) and the third continuous phase flow channel (1063) are sealed and connected.

5. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 4, characterized in that A first sealing groove (116) is provided on a side of the base body (11) close to the sandwich component (12), and the first sealing groove (116) is arranged around the second continuous phase flow channel (1062). A first sealing member is provided in the first sealing groove (116), one end of the first sealing member abuts against the bottom of the first sealing groove (116), and the other end of the first sealing member abuts against the sandwich component (12); And / or, a second sealing groove (117) is arranged on a side of the base body (11) close to the interlayer component (12), and the second sealing groove (117) is surrounded by the second dispersed phase flow channel (1052), and a second sealing member is arranged in the second sealing groove (117), one end of the second sealing member is in contact with the bottom of the second sealing groove (117), and the other end of the second sealing member is in contact with the interlayer component (12).

6. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 5, characterized in that The sandwich component (12) includes a first sandwich body (121) and an embedded structure (122), the embedded structure (122) includes a flow channel portion (1221), the third dispersed phase flow channel (1053) is arranged in the flow channel portion (1221), the membrane structure is covered on the dispersed phase inlet (102) and connected to the flow channel portion (1221), the flow channel portion (1221) is embedded in the first sandwich body (121), and the end surface of the flow channel portion (1221) away from the base body (11) is flush with the bottom of the accommodating groove (101).

7. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 6, characterized in that The embedded structure (122) also includes a connecting portion (1222), which is connected to the flow channel portion (1221). A third sealing groove (12222) is provided on the side of the connecting portion (1222) away from the base body (11), and the third sealing groove (12222) surrounds the flow channel portion (1221). A third sealing member is provided in the third sealing groove (12222), one end of the third sealing member is in contact with the bottom of the third sealing groove (12222), and the other end of the third sealing member is in contact with the first interlayer body (121).

8. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 5, characterized in that The sandwich component (12) comprises a second sandwich body, the third dispersed phase flow channel (1053) is arranged in the second sandwich body, and the membrane structure is connected to the second sandwich body.

9. The membrane emulsifier according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: The base component (10) further comprises a plurality of groups of limiting assemblies (13), wherein the limiting assemblies (13) are connected to a side of the base body (11) close to the sandwich component (12), and the limiting assemblies (13) comprise two limiting members (131) arranged at intervals, and the two limiting members (131) of at least one group of the limiting assemblies (13) are arranged on both sides of the sandwich component (12) along a first direction, for limiting the displacement of the sandwich component (12) along the first direction; And / or, the two limiting members (131) of at least one group of the limiting components (13) are arranged on both sides of the sandwich component (12) along the third direction, for limiting the displacement of the sandwich component (12) along the third direction.

10. The membrane emulsifier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The cover plate (20) comprises a transparent member (201), wherein the transparent member (201) is sealedly connected to the groove wall of the accommodating groove (101); the cover plate (20) further comprises a cover plate body (202), wherein the cover plate body (202) is provided with a mounting hole, wherein the transparent member (201) is placed in the mounting hole, wherein a first connecting hole (2021) is provided on the cover plate body (202), and a second connecting hole (114) is provided on the base component (10), wherein the cover plate (20) is connected to the base component (10) via a first fastener embedded in the first connecting hole (2021) and the second connecting hole (114).

11. The membrane emulsifier according to claim 10, characterized in that It also includes an image acquisition mechanism (5), which is arranged corresponding to the transparent member (201). The image acquisition mechanism (5) is arranged on a side of the transparent member (201) facing away from the base member (10), and is configured to acquire an image of the membrane structure.

12. A method for preparing droplets using the membrane emulsifier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: Step 1: Install the membrane emulsifier and connect the piping system and visual monitoring system; Step 2: First, the continuous phase is introduced, and the continuous phase enters the membrane emulsifier through the continuous phase feed pipe (31), gradually fills the internal cavity of the membrane emulsifier, and flows out of the membrane emulsifier along the emulsion discharge pipe (41); Step 3: After the continuous phase flows out of the membrane emulsifier, the dispersed phase is introduced; the dispersed phase enters the membrane emulsifier through the dispersed phase feed pipe (21); when the dispersed phase vertically passes through the membrane pores, small droplets will gradually form on the surface of the membrane pores; after the dispersed phase vertically passes through the membrane pores, it will be sheared by the continuous phase flowing horizontally through the membrane surface, thus forming uniform droplets on the membrane surface. The droplets will detach from the membrane surface under the drive of the continuous phase and flow out of the membrane emulsifier along the emulsion discharge pipe (41), thereby achieving the purpose of preparing droplets with uniform particle size; Step 4: The equipped image acquisition mechanism (5) collects droplet information in real time and provides feedback to adjust technical parameters including the pumping flow rates of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase, making the droplet generation process visual, dynamic and intelligent.

13. Use of the membrane emulsifier according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in producing an emulsion, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more of a water-in-oil type, an oil-in-water type, a water-in-water type, an oil-in-oil type, an air-in-water type, an air-in-oil type, a water-in-oil-in-water type, and an oil-in-water-in-oil type emulsion.

14. Use of the membrane emulsifier according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in the production of microspheres, wherein the microspheres include polymer microspheres or gel microspheres; the polymer microspheres include one or more of degradable polymer microspheres or non-degradable polymer microspheres, conductive or insulating microspheres, magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, hydrophilic or hydrophobic microspheres; the gel microspheres include one or more of natural polymer gel microspheres, synthetic polymer gel microspheres, and composite gel microspheres.

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