Vortex type fluid mixer

Abstract

A vortex-type fluid mixer (11) is provided with: a volute chamber (25) defined by a cylindrical peripheral side wall (13), and a first end wall (15) and a second end wall (17) provided at both ends thereof and facing each other; an inlet flow path (19) that opens in the peripheral side wall (13); an outlet flow path (21) that opens in the first end wall (15); and at least one addition flow path (23) which is connected to an intermediate portion of the outlet flow path (21) and which adds an addition fluid to the fluid flowing through the outlet flow path (21). The outlet flow path (21) is provided so as to pass through substantially the center of the first end wall (15), and the volute chamber (25) is configured such that a fluid flowing in through the inlet flow path (19) generates a swirling flow within the volute chamber (25) and flows out from the outlet flow path (21) while generating the swirling flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vortex fluid mixer, which is used in fluid transport piping in various industries such as chemical plants, semiconductor manufacturing, food, medical, and biological fields, and uses vortices to mix two or more fluids. Background Technology

[0002] As a method for mixing fluids flowing within pipes in various industries such as chemical plants, semiconductor manufacturing, food processing, medical treatment, and biotechnology, a static mixer, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, is generally used, which installs a torsion blade-shaped static mixer element within the pipe. Typically, the static mixer element has a structure where multiple smallest unit components are connected in series, with the smallest unit being a rectangular plate twisted 180 degrees around its length axis. In a typical static mixer, the end of the right element (the end in the direction of the torsion axis), which is shaped like a rectangular plate twisted 180 degrees to the right, and the end of the left element (the end in the direction of the torsion axis), which is shaped like a rectangular plate twisted 180 degrees to the left, are orthogonally joined to each other at multiple points in the direction of fluid flow within the pipe. With this structure, the fluid flowing within the pipe is divided in two each time it passes through an element, and the fluid flows along the torsion surface of the element, thereby being agitated by the action of the flow reversing from the center of the pipe to the pipe wall, resulting in uniform mixing of the fluid in the radial direction of the piping.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-205062 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In static mixers as described in Patent Document 1, the static mixer element can only be detachably inserted and configured within a tube, resulting in a gap between the tube wall and the outer periphery of the element. Fluid tends to stagnate in this gap. Furthermore, if the shape of the static mixer element is complex for stirring purposes, stagnation areas are easily created. This fluid stagnation can lead to fluid degradation or slurry solidification. Particularly in cases where static mixers are used for mixing pharmaceutical solutions, such as in semiconductor manufacturing, stagnation of the pharmaceutical solution leads to its degradation, and the degradation of the solution results in defective products when coated onto semiconductor wafers. Additionally, when static mixers are used for mixing slurries, slurry solidification increases the frequency of maintenance.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art, so that no fluid stagnation occurs in the internal parts of the in-line fluid mixer that mixes different kinds of fluids.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] In view of the aforementioned objective, the present invention provides a vortex fluid mixer comprising: a vortex chamber defined by a generally cylindrical peripheral wall and a first end wall and a second end wall disposed at both ends of the peripheral wall and facing each other; an inlet flow path extending along the central axis of the inlet flow path and opening in the peripheral wall; an outlet flow path extending along the central axis of the outlet flow path and opening in the first end wall; and at least one addition flow path connected to the middle portion of the outlet flow path for adding addition fluid to the fluid flowing in the outlet flow path, the outlet flow path being configured such that the central axis of the outlet flow path passes through approximately the center of the first end wall, the vortex chamber being configured such that the fluid flowing in via the inlet flow path generates a vortex-shaped swirling flow within the vortex chamber and flows out from the outlet flow path simultaneously with generating the swirling flow, the addition fluid added from the addition flow path being stirred and mixed with the fluid in the outlet flow path under the action of the swirling flow.

[0011] In the vortex fluid mixer, a vortex chamber is defined by a generally cylindrical peripheral wall and opposing first and second end walls located at its two ends. An inlet flow path opens into the peripheral wall of the vortex chamber, and an outlet flow path opens into the first end wall. Furthermore, when fluid flows into the vortex chamber from the inlet flow path, a vortex-like swirling flow is generated within the vortex chamber. Since the vortex chamber has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall and its central axis passes approximately through the center of the first end wall, the fluid within the vortex chamber flows out of the outlet flow path while simultaneously generating a swirling flow. Therefore, a swirling flow is also generated within the outlet flow path. Because additional fluid is added from the addition flow path to the swirling flow in the outlet flow path, the added fluid is stirred and mixed with the fluid in the outlet flow path under the action of the swirling flow.

[0012] In the vortex fluid mixer, the added flow path is preferably connected to the outlet flow path in the region where a swirling flow is generated within the outlet flow path.

[0013] The inlet flow path is preferably configured such that its central axis passes through a position away from the central axis of the vortex chamber connecting the center of the first end wall and the center of the second end wall, and is further preferably configured such that fluid flows in from the inlet flow path tangentially relative to the peripheral sidewall.

[0014] In addition, it is preferable that the length of the outlet flow path is 7.5 times or more the diameter of the outlet flow path.

[0015] Furthermore, the added flow path is preferably configured such that the central axis of the added flow path is located at a distance from the upstream end of the outlet flow path in the direction of the central axis of the outlet flow path, which is within 8 times the diameter of the outlet flow path. More preferably, the central axis of the added flow path is located at a distance from the upstream end of the outlet flow path in the direction of the central axis of the outlet flow path, which is within 4 times the diameter of the outlet flow path.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second end wall may also include a diaphragm. In this case, the diaphragm can be moved by a drive unit to approach or move away from the first end wall.

[0017] In another embodiment, the vortex fluid mixer may also include a flow control valve for adjusting the flow rate of the added fluid added from the add flow path to the outlet flow path.

[0018] [The effects of the invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, fluid flowing into the vortex chamber from the inlet flow path generates a swirling flow within the vortex chamber, and the fluid within the vortex chamber flows out from the outlet flow path simultaneously with this swirling flow. As a result, a swirling flow is also generated within the outlet flow path, and when an additive fluid is added from the additive flow path to the swirling flow in the outlet flow path, the additive fluid is stirred and mixed with the fluid in the outlet flow path under the action of the swirling flow. Therefore, mixing can be achieved without a static mixer element within the flow path, and even within the vortex chamber, the fluid flows along the circumferential wall of the cylindrical shape, thus suppressing the formation of stagnation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the overall structure of the vortex fluid mixer according to the first embodiment of the present invention by cutting a portion to make the interior visible.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation of the direction from. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the flow streamlines of the main fluid and the added fluid as they are supplied through the inlet flow path and discharged through the vortex chamber from the outlet flow path of the vortex fluid mixer.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a vortex fluid mixer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a vortex fluid mixer according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0024] Figure 5This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure and dimensions of a vortex fluid mixer used in numerical simulation.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure and dimensions of a vortex fluid mixer used in numerical simulation.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the time variation of the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained in each region at the downstream end of the outlet flow path (the end opposite to the end connected to the vortex chamber) in a numerical simulation using a vortex fluid mixer.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the correlation between the ratio of the outlet flow path length (outlet flow path length) to the outlet flow path diameter (outlet flow path diameter), obtained through numerical simulation of a vortex fluid mixer, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained in each region at the downstream end of the outlet flow path.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the correlation between the confluence location of the outlet flow path and the additive flow path, obtained through numerical simulation of a vortex fluid mixer, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained in each region downstream of the outlet flow path, under the first combination of the flow rates of the main fluid and the additive fluid.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the correlation between the confluence location of the outlet flow path and the additive flow path, obtained through numerical simulation of a vortex fluid mixer, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained in each region downstream of the outlet flow path, under the second combination of the flow rates of the main fluid and the additive fluid.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a vortex fluid mixer according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vortex fluid mixer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, referring to... Figure 1 The overall structure of the vortex fluid mixer 11 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0032] The vortex fluid mixer 11 includes: a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 13 extending along a central axis; a first end wall 15 and a second end wall 17 disposed at opposite ends of the peripheral wall 13 along the central axis; an inlet flow path 19; an outlet flow path 21; and an add flow path 23 connected to the middle portion of the outlet flow path 21. The first end wall 15 and the second end wall 17 have the same generally circular shape and are configured to block the two ends of the peripheral wall 13 along the central axis. The space surrounded by the peripheral wall 13, the first end wall 15, and the second end wall 17 constitutes a vortex chamber 25. The central axis O of the vortex chamber, extending in a manner connecting the center of the first end wall 15 and the center of the second end wall 17, is aligned with the central axis of the peripheral wall 13 and extends perpendicularly to the first end wall 15 and the second end wall 17.

[0033] The inlet flow path 19 extends along an inlet flow path central axis P1 perpendicular to the central axis O of the vortex chamber and opens at the peripheral sidewall 13. The inlet flow path central axis P1 extends through the center of the cross-section of the inlet flow path 19. Similarly, the outlet flow path 21 extends outward from the vortex chamber 25 along an outlet flow path central axis P2 parallel to the central axis O of the vortex chamber and perpendicular to the first endwall 15, and opens at the first endwall 15 of the vortex chamber 25. The outlet flow path central axis P2 extends through the center of the cross-section of the outlet flow path 21. In the illustrated embodiment, both the inlet flow path 19 and the outlet flow path 21 comprise circular tubes with a circular cross-section. However, the cross-sections of the inlet flow path 19 and the outlet flow path 21 are not limited to a circular shape and can also be polygonal shapes such as elliptical or quadrilateral shapes. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet flow path 19 comprises a straight circular tube, but it can also be other shapes such as a nozzle shape, as long as fluid can flow into the vortex chamber 25.

[0034] The inlet flow path 19 is configured such that its central axis P1 passes through an eccentric position away from the central axis O of the vortex chamber. Therefore, fluid flowing in from the inlet flow path 19 encounters the peripheral wall 13 within the vortex chamber 25 and flows along the peripheral wall 13, generating a swirling flow, forming a vortex, and flowing out of the outlet flow path 21. To facilitate the generation of the swirling flow, the inlet flow path 19 is preferably configured such that fluid flowing into the vortex chamber 25 from the inlet flow path 19 flows along the peripheral wall 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet flow path 19 extends tangentially to the peripheral wall 13, which is generally cylindrical in shape, and the central axis P1 of the inlet flow path is parallel to the tangent. Fluid flows from the inlet flow path 19 into the vortex chamber 25 substantially tangentially relative to the peripheral wall 13.

[0035] The outlet flow path 21 is configured such that the central axis P2 of the outlet flow path extends perpendicularly to the first end wall 15 and passes through approximately the center of the first end wall 15; that is, the central axis P2 of the outlet flow path extends substantially in a straight line with the central axis O of the vortex chamber. With this structure, as... Figure 2 As shown, the fluid flowing in from the inlet flow path 19 flows along the peripheral wall 13 within the vortex chamber 25, generating a vortex-like swirling flow while flowing towards the outlet flow path 21, and is discharged from the vortex chamber 25 to the outlet flow path 21 in a swirling flow state. Therefore, in the outlet flow path 21, at least near the inlet of the outlet flow path 21 from the vortex chamber 25 to the outlet flow path 21 (the connection end between the vortex chamber 25 and the outlet flow path 21, i.e., the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21), the swirling flow is maintained and flows downstream in a vortex state.

[0036] The adding flow path 23 extends along the central axis P3 of the adding flow path and, within the range where the swirling flow is generated in the outlet flow path 21, connects near the inlet (i.e., the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21) from the vortex chamber 25 to the outlet flow path 21, forming a confluence. That is, the confluence is configured such that, during the period when the main fluid discharged from the vortex chamber 25 to the outlet flow path 21 maintains a swirling flow, the added fluid is added from the adding flow path 23 to the main fluid. The confluence (merging position) of the outlet flow path 21 and the adding flow path 23 is preferably set such that the central axis P3 of the adding flow path 23 is located within a distance of 8 times the diameter of the outlet flow path 21 from the inlet (i.e., the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21), and more preferably, within a distance of 4 times the diameter of the outlet flow path 21.

[0037] In the first embodiment illustrated, with the outlet flow path 21 and the addition flow path 23 extending perpendicularly, one end of the straight addition flow path 23 is connected near the upstream end of the straight outlet flow path 21, forming a T-shaped flow path. Fluid A, which is the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19, flows into the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21 via the vortex chamber 25, and fluid B, which is the addition fluid, is supplied from the other end of the addition flow path 23. Fluid A and fluid B merge at the confluence. The shape of the confluence is not limited to a T-shape; for example, it can be a Y-shape where the addition flow path 23 merges with the outlet flow path 21 at an angle. Furthermore, in the first embodiment illustrated, to reduce the installation space, the central axis P3 of the adding flow path 23 extends parallel to the central axis P1 of the inlet flow path 19, and the inlet flow path 19 and the adding flow path 23 are arranged on the same side relative to the vortex chamber 25. However, it is possible to design it so that the central axis P3 of the adding flow path does not need to extend parallel to the central axis P1 of the inlet flow path, nor is it necessary for the inlet flow path 19 and the adding flow path 23 to be arranged on the same side relative to the vortex chamber 25, and the adding flow path 23 extends in any direction. Furthermore, two or more adding flow paths 23 can be connected to the outlet flow path 21, and three or more fluids can be combined. Similarly, the adding flow path 23 and the outlet flow path 21 are preferably straight circular pipes with a circular cross-section, but are not limited to circular pipes, and can be piping with a cross-section of any shape.

[0038] In the vortex fluid mixer 11, the inlet flow path central axis P1 passes through an eccentric position away from the vortex chamber central axis O, and the outlet flow path central axis P2 extends through a position away from the inlet flow path central axis P1. Therefore, within the vortex chamber 25, the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19 and flowing into the vortex chamber 25 contacts the peripheral sidewall 13 and flows along the peripheral sidewall 13, generating a swirling flow, becoming a vortex, and is discharged towards the outlet flow path 21. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the main fluid in the vortex chamber 25 is discharged from the outlet flow path 21 in a swirling flow state. Within the range of the swirling flow generated by the main fluid in the outlet flow path 21, the added fluid is added to the main fluid through the addition flow path 23 and merges with it. Therefore, the added fluid, which is added to the swirling flow of the main fluid from the addition flow path 23 into the outlet flow path 21, diffuses into the main body through the stirring effect of the swirling flow, which can reduce the concentration deviation (uneven concentration distribution) of different types of fluids. Accordingly, as long as the swirling flow is maintained in the outlet flow path 21, the longer the outlet flow path 21 is, and the higher the flow velocity of the main body is, the better the effect of reducing concentration deviation can be achieved. Preferably, the length of the outlet flow path 21 is more than 7.5 times the diameter of the outlet flow path 21.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the present invention, as long as a vortex-shaped swirling flow is generated within the vortex chamber 25, and the main fluid is discharged into the outlet flow path 21 while maintaining the swirling flow, and the additive fluid is added from the additive flow path 23 to the main fluid generating the swirling flow in the outlet flow path 21, the concentration deviation (uneven concentration distribution) of different types of fluids can be reduced. Therefore, the vortex-type fluid mixer is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0040] For example, it can also be like Figure 3 As shown in the vortex fluid mixer 51 according to the second embodiment, the second end wall is formed by a diaphragm 17'. In the second embodiment, the diaphragm 17' can be driven by a drive unit (not shown) to move it closer to or away from the first end wall 15, thereby increasing / decreasing the volume of the vortex chamber 25 to adjust the flow rate of the fluid (main fluid) within the vortex chamber 25. The drive unit can be driven by various methods such as manual, air-driven, or electric. By adjusting the flow rate of the fluid (main fluid) within the vortex chamber 25, the rotational speed of the main fluid within the vortex chamber 25 and in the outlet flow path 21 can be varied, enabling appropriate mixing with less concentration unevenness according to the type of fluid being mixed.

[0041] Figure 4 A vortex fluid mixer 61 according to a third embodiment is shown, in which a flow regulating valve 63 is provided on the addition flow path 23. In the vortex fluid mixer 61 according to the third embodiment, the flow regulating valve 63 allows for variation in the flow rate of the added fluid added from the addition flow path 23 to the outlet flow path 21, thereby adjusting the mixing ratio of the main fluid and the added fluid. However, as long as the flow rate of the added fluid added from the addition flow path 23 to the outlet flow path 21 can be adjusted, the location of the flow regulating valve 63 is not limited to the addition flow path 23. For example, the flow regulating valve 63 may also be provided between the supply source of the added fluid and the addition flow path 23. Alternatively, the flow rate of the main fluid, rather than the added fluid, may be varied, for example, by providing a flow regulating valve (not shown) to adjust the flow rate of the main body supplied from the inlet flow path 19 to the vortex chamber 25. In this case, the flow regulating valve may also be provided on the inlet flow path 19, or between the supply source of the main body and the inlet flow path 19.

[0042] In addition, Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the vortex fluid mixer 51 according to the second embodiment and the vortex fluid mixer 61 according to the third embodiment shown, for the... Figure 1The common components of the vortex fluid mixer 11 of the first embodiment shown are marked with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the components marked with the same reference numerals have the same structure. Therefore, the description of the common components with respect to the vortex fluid mixer 11 of the first embodiment is omitted here.

[0043] [Example]

[0044] The following is about the use of and Figure 1 The analysis results obtained from numerical simulation of a vortex fluid mixer with the same structure as the vortex fluid mixer 11 shown in the first embodiment will be explained. In the following description, for ease of understanding, the structural designations of the vortex fluid mixer used in the numerical simulation will be the same as those of the vortex fluid mixer 11.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified, numerical simulation uses methods such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The vortex fluid mixer 11 has the structure and dimensions shown. Specifically, the vortex chamber 25 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 4 mm. An inlet flow path 19 with a diameter of 4 mm is connected to the peripheral wall 13 such that its central axis P1 passes through a position 8 mm away from the center of the vortex chamber 25. Furthermore, an outlet flow path 21 with a diameter D and a length L1 is connected to the first end wall 15 such that its central axis P2, aligned with the central axis O of the vortex chamber, extends along the outlet flow path. That is, the outlet flow path 21 extends from the first end wall 15 along its central axis P2, which passes through the center of the first end wall 15 and is perpendicular to the first end wall 15. Furthermore, the 4 mm diameter cylindrical feed path 23 is connected to the outlet flow path 21 in the following manner: extending along the feed path central axis P3, which passes through the center of the outlet flow path 21 and is perpendicular to the outlet flow path central axis P2, to a position 15 mm away from the outlet flow path central axis P2. The distance from the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21, which is connected to the first end wall 15, to the feed path central axis P3 of the feed path 23 is called L2. In this vortex fluid mixer 11, blue water as the main body is supplied to the inlet flow path 19, and red water as the feed fluid is supplied to the feed path 23. The feed fluid is added from the feed path to the main fluid supplied from the inlet flow path 19 and discharged from the outlet flow path 21 in a swirling flow state through the vortex chamber 25, causing the two fluids to merge. The main fluid and the feed fluid merge and mix to generate a mixed fluid. The passive scalar of the mixed fluid is determined at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21. In addition, passive scalars are color-dependent proxies for the concentration of a mixed fluid, treating red as 1 (red water concentration is 100%) and blue as 0 (red water concentration is 0%).

[0046] First, numerical simulation was used to confirm the concentration deviation (uneven concentration distribution) of the mixed fluid caused by the radial position of the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21 (the end located on the far downstream side opposite to the end connected to the vortex chamber 25). In the numerical simulation, a vortex fluid mixer 11 was used, which has… Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure and dimensions shown, with the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21 set as... A vortex-type fluid mixer 11 with a length L1 of 80 mm for the outlet flow path 21 and a distance L2 of 5 mm from the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21 to the central axis P3 of the addition flow path supplies blue water as the main body to the inlet flow path 19 at 800 mL / min and red water as the additive fluid to the addition flow path 23 at 200 mL / min. The additive fluid is added to the main fluid and mixed to obtain a mixed fluid. The passive scalar of the mixed fluid is determined at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21, and the mixing mode of blue water and red water is evaluated using the passive scalar as an indicator.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the time-varying change of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of outlet flow path 21. Figure 7 In the diagram, the downstream section of the outlet flow path 21 is divided into multiple regions. The passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid in each region is calculated. The solid line represents the time-varying maximum value of the calculated passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid in each region, and the dashed line represents the time-varying minimum value. For example... Figure 7 As shown, at the downstream end of outlet flow path 21, the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid are approximately the same, resulting in a state where there is almost no difference between regions of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of outlet flow path 21, and almost no time variation. That is, according to Figure 7 It can be seen that at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21, there is almost no unevenness in the concentration distribution of the mixed fluid in the radial and flow directions, and the mixture is fully mixed. Therefore, it is confirmed that by using the vortex fluid mixer 11, the concentration deviation (uneven concentration distribution) caused by the radial position and flow direction of different types of fluids is reduced, thereby achieving the effect of concentration homogenization.

[0048] Next, numerical simulation was used to confirm the effect of the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 on the concentration deviation (uneven concentration distribution) of the mixed fluid. In the numerical simulation, a vortex fluid mixer 11 was used, which, although possessing… Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure and dimensions are shown, but the distance L2 from the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21 to the central axis P3 of the added flow path is set to 5mm, and the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21 is fixed at [value missing]. For a vortex fluid mixer 11 with the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 varying to a diameter D within the range of 5 to 25 mm, the passive scalar of the mixed fluid is determined at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21. Furthermore, for each vortex fluid mixer 11 having an outlet flow path 21 with a varying length L1 to diameter D, while maintaining the same mixing ratio for comparison, the numerical simulation is performed under different combinations of main fluid and added fluid flow rates, and the passive scalar of the mixed fluid is determined at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a line graph showing the correlation between the ratio of the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 to the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21 and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21, for various combinations of main fluid and added fluid flow rates while maintaining the same mixing ratio. Figure 8 In the figure, the ratio of the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 to the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21 is used as the horizontal axis, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained from the cross-section of the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21 is used as the vertical axis, showing the results of the numerical simulation. Figure 8 The diagram shows the following: When the symbol “◆” indicates that the flow rate of the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19 is 0.2 L / min and the flow rate of the additive fluid supplied to the additive flow path 23 is 0.05 L / min, the symbol “…” indicates… "The symbol "■" represents the case where the flow rate of the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19 is 0.4 L / min and the flow rate of the additive fluid supplied to the additive flow path 23 is 0.1 L / min; the symbol "●" represents the case where the flow rate of the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19 is 0.8 L / min and the flow rate of the additive fluid supplied to the additive flow path 23 is 0.2 L / min; and the symbol "●" represents the case where the flow rate of the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19 is 1.6 L / min and the flow rate of the additive fluid supplied to the additive flow path 23 is 0.4 L / min. The symbol "●" represents the relationship between the ratio of the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 to the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21 and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21.

[0050] according to Figure 8It is known that the larger the ratio of the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 to its diameter D, the smaller the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21. A smaller difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid in each region of the cross-section at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21 means that the mixed fluid is uniformly mixed at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21. Therefore, the larger the ratio of the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 to its diameter D, the better the effect of more uniform mixing of the mixed fluid. Furthermore, it is known that the higher the velocity of the main flow, the smaller the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21, tending to improve the effect of more uniform mixing of the mixed fluid. This is believed to be because the longer the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21, and the higher the velocity of the main fluid flowing in the outlet flow path 21, the more the added fluid is dispersed into the main flow under the action of the swirling flow. Considering... Figure 7 The numerical simulation conditions and results shown are related to... Figure 8 Based on the conditions and results of the numerical simulation shown, it can be said that the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 is preferably more than 7.5 times the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21.

[0051] Furthermore, numerical simulation was used to confirm the impact of the location (merging position) of the confluence (connection point) between the outlet flow path 21 and the addition flow path 23 on the concentration deviation (uneven concentration distribution) of the mixed fluid. In the numerical simulation, a vortex fluid mixer 11 was used, which, although possessing… Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure and dimensions shown are for cases where the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21 is set as... 4 mm 6 mm 8 mm and In the case of 10 mm, the length L1 of the outlet flow path 21 is changed to 25 times the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21, i.e., 25D, and the distance L2 from the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21 to the central axis P3 of the added flow path is changed to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 times the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21, i.e., D, 2D, 4D, 8D, and 12D. The passive scalar of the mixed fluid is obtained at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21.

[0052] Figure 9 and Figure 10These are line graphs showing the correlation between the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21 and the confluence point of the outlet flow path 21 and the addition flow path, obtained in numerical simulations when the flow rate of the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19 is 0.2 L / min and the flow rate of the additive fluid supplied to the addition flow path 23 is 0.05 L / min, and when the flow rate of the main fluid supplied to the inlet flow path 19 is 1.6 L / min and the flow rate of the additive fluid supplied to the addition flow path 23 is 0.4 L / min. Furthermore, to facilitate comparison, line graphs are used to obtain... Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the numerical simulation, the flow rate ratio of the main fluid to the added fluid was set to be the same to maintain the same mixing ratio. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the figure, the merging position is represented by the ratio of "the distance L2 from the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21 to the central axis P3 of the added flow path in the direction of the outlet flow path central axis P2" to "the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21" and is used as the horizontal axis. The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained from the cross-section of the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21 is used as the vertical axis, showing the results of the numerical simulation. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram shows that the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21, marked with "◆", is... Case of 10 mm, marked " "The diameter D of the outlet flow path 21 is..." In the case of 8 mm, the mark "■" indicates the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21. In the case of 6 mm, the mark "●" indicates the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21. The correlation between the confluence location (the ratio of the distance L2 from the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21 to the central axis P3 of the added flow path in the direction of the outlet flow path center axis P2 to the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21) and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21 in the case of 4mm.

[0053] according to Figure 9 and Figure 10It is known that, regardless of the flow rates of the main fluid and the added fluid, the closer the confluence of the outlet flow path 21 and the added flow path 23 is to the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21, i.e., the closer it is to the vortex chamber 25, the smaller the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21. As mentioned above, a small difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid in each region of the cross-section at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21 means that the mixed fluid is uniformly mixed at the downstream end of the outlet flow path 21. Therefore, the closer the confluence of the outlet flow path 21 and the added flow path 23 is to the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21, i.e., the closer it is to the vortex chamber 25, the better the effect of more uniform mixing of the mixed fluid is achieved. This is believed to be because the closer the confluence of the outlet flow path 21 and the added flow path 23 is to the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21, the more the intensity of the swirling flow generated in the vortex chamber 25 is maintained in the outlet flow path 21, and a higher stirring effect can be obtained through the swirling flow. In addition, according to Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, it can be said that the confluence position of the outlet flow path 21 and the addition flow path 23 (the distance L2 from the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21 to the central axis P3 of the addition flow path in the direction of the central axis P2 of the outlet flow path) is preferably close to the upstream end of the outlet flow path 21, particularly preferably within a distance of 8 times the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21, and even more preferably within a distance of 4 times the diameter D of the outlet flow path 21.

[0054] Furthermore, according to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The comparison shows that, with a fixed volume of vortex chamber 25, a higher flow rate of the mainstream fluid results in a smaller difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar quantity of the mixed fluid at the downstream end of outlet flow path 21, even if the confluence of outlet flow path 21 and additive flow path 23 is far from the upstream end of outlet flow path 21. Therefore, with a fixed volume of vortex chamber 25, a higher flow rate of the mainstream fluid improves the uniform mixing effect of the mixed fluid.

[0055] The vortex fluid mixer 11, vortex fluid mixer 51, and vortex fluid mixer 61 according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an additive flow path 23 is connected to the outlet flow path 21 to merge two fluids, but two or more additive flow paths 23 may also be connected to the outlet flow path 21 to merge three or more fluids.

[0056] Alternatively, it can be like Figure 11As shown, another vortex fluid mixer 71 is further provided downstream of the outlet flow path 21. In this case, the vortex fluid mixer 71 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 73 extending along its central axis, a first end wall 75 and a second end wall 77 disposed at opposite ends of the peripheral wall 73 in the direction of its central axis, and an outlet flow path 79 opening in the first end wall 75. The space enclosed by the peripheral wall 73, the first end wall 75, and the second end wall 77 constitutes a vortex chamber. The outlet flow path 21 of the vortex fluid mixer 11 is connected to the peripheral wall 73 by opening into the vortex chamber of the vortex fluid mixer 71. Furthermore, the outlet flow path 21 is connected to the peripheral wall 73 such that its outlet flow path central axis P2 passes through an eccentric position away from the central axis of the vortex chamber of the vortex fluid mixer 71. The outlet flow path 79 is configured to extend with its central axis passing through a position away from the outlet flow path central axis P2 of the outlet flow path 21. When the outlet flow path 21 of the vortex fluid mixer 11 is connected to the vortex fluid mixer 71 of this structure, the fluid flowing into the vortex chamber of the vortex fluid mixer 71 from the outlet flow path 21 becomes a swirling flow within the vortex chamber, generating a vortex, and then exits from the outlet flow path 79. Therefore, the fluid flowing into the vortex chamber of the vortex fluid mixer 71 from the outlet flow path 21 is stirred within the vortex chamber under the action of the vortex, thereby achieving a more uniform mixture.

[0057] Explanation of icon numbers

[0058] 11: Vortex Fluid Mixer

[0059] 13: Peripheral sidewall

[0060] 15: First end wall

[0061] 17: Second end wall

[0062] 17': Diaphragm

[0063] 19: Inlet Flow Path

[0064] 21: Exit flow path

[0065] 23: Add flow path

[0066] 25: Vortex chamber

[0067] 51: Vortex fluid mixer

[0068] 61: Vortex fluid mixer

[0069] 71: Vortex Fluid Mixer

[0070] 73: Peripheral sidewall

[0071] 75: First end wall

[0072] 77: Second end wall

[0073] 79: Outlet channel

Claims

1. A vortex fluid mixer, characterized in that... include: The vortex chamber is defined by a generally cylindrical circumferential wall and a first end wall and a second end wall disposed at both ends of the circumferential wall and facing each other. An inlet flow path extends along the central axis of the inlet flow path and opens in the peripheral sidewall; An outlet flow path extends along the central axis of the outlet flow path and opens in the first end wall; as well as At least one add flow path is connected to the middle section of the outlet flow path to add add fluid to the fluid flowing in the outlet flow path. The outlet flow path is configured such that the central axis of the outlet flow path passes through approximately the center of the first end wall. The vortex chamber is configured such that the fluid flowing in through the inlet flow path generates a vortex-shaped swirling flow within the vortex chamber and flows out from the outlet flow path at the same time as generating the swirling flow. The added fluid added from the addition flow path is stirred and mixed with the fluid in the outlet flow path under the action of the swirling flow.

2. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 1, wherein, The added flow path is connected to the outlet flow path in the region where a swirling flow is generated within the outlet flow path.

3. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 2, wherein, The inlet flow path is configured such that the central axis of the inlet flow path passes away from the central axis of the vortex chamber that connects the center of the first end wall and the center of the second end wall.

4. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 3, wherein, The inlet flow path is configured such that fluid flows in tangentially from the inlet flow path relative to the peripheral sidewall.

5. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the outlet flow path is more than 7.5 times the diameter of the outlet flow path.

6. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 1, wherein, The added flow path is configured such that the central axis of the added flow path is located at a distance from the upstream end of the outlet flow path within 8 times the diameter of the outlet flow path in the direction of the central axis of the outlet flow path.

7. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 6, wherein, The added flow path is configured such that the central axis of the added flow path is located at a distance from the upstream end of the outlet flow path within 4 times the diameter of the outlet flow path in the direction of the central axis of the outlet flow path.

8. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 1, wherein, The second end wall is composed of a diaphragm.

9. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 8, wherein, The diaphragm moves via a drive unit to approach or move away from the first end wall.

10. The vortex fluid mixer according to claim 1, wherein, The vortex fluid mixer also includes a flow control valve for adjusting the flow rate of the added fluid added from the add flow path to the outlet flow path.

Images