Device for preparing microcapsules through multi-channel amplification

Abstract

An inner phase material inlet and an outer phase material inlet are formed in the side face of the device, a dripping pipe serving as an outlet is arranged at the bottom of the device, the dripping pipe is formed by coaxially nesting an inner phase pipeline and an outer phase pipeline, and an inner phase channel and an outer phase channel which are independent of each other are arranged in the device; one end of the inner-phase channel extends to the inner-phase material inlet, the other end of the inner-phase channel is communicated with the inner-phase pipeline, one end of the outer-phase channel extends to the outer-phase material inlet, and the other end of the outer-phase channel is communicated with the outer-phase pipeline; the inner phase channel and the outer phase channel are both arranged in the device in a bending manner; the device is provided with at least three dripping pipes which are arranged side by side, and each dripping pipe is communicated with the inner phase material inlet and the outer phase material inlet through an inner phase channel and an outer phase channel which are coaxial at the terminal. A channel in the device adopts a curve design, so that the size of the device is reduced, the space utilization rate is improved, and amplified preparation of microcapsules is realized. A plurality of dripping pipes are arranged side by side, so that the microcapsules are dripped in parallel in a single row and are prevented from being collided and broken.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of microcapsule manufacturing, in particular to a device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules. Background Art

[0002] Existing equipment for batch preparation of microcapsules is mostly a rotary stirring emulsification reactor. This kind of equipment is mostly used for preparing microscale microcapsules and cannot prepare microcapsule bodies with a size of more than 2 millimeters. The preparation of existing larger-sized microcapsules mostly adopts the dropping method, and a microchannel dropping tube is often formed by nesting an inner tube and an outer tube. In order to save driving components such as pumps, multiple dropping channels are connected in parallel at the dropping device to improve the preparation efficiency. However, existing devices for parallel amplified preparation of microcapsules have problems such as uneven cloth distribution of internal and external pipelines from the device inlet to the dropping outlet and unstable flow velocity. Essentially, it is the uneven flow distribution caused by uneven fluid resistance, which may further result in situations such as uneven microcapsule size, breakage at the tube orifice, inconsistent wall thickness, and multiple inner cores, affecting the uniformity and stability of microcapsules produced by devices with multiple parallel dropping tubes. Some devices adopt side or circular distributions, and these distribution methods are not conducive to avoiding the collision and rupture of microcapsules when dropping with the already solidified microcapsules. In addition, the method of increasing the length of the branch pipeline is also used, making the flow resistance of the branch pipeline much greater than that of the main pipeline, ignoring the influence of uneven resistance in the main channel, so as to ensure the uniformity of resistance and flow rate of each parallel pipeline, improve the cloth uniformity, and improve the flow velocity stability. However, this method will make the device larger, occupy more space, and the pipelines are messy. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] To solve the problem of insufficient uniformity and stability in the preparation of larger microcapsules pointed out in the background art, the utility model proposes a device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules. By designing a fluid distribution network, the material flow rate is evenly distributed to the dropping channel unit, so as to ensure that the microcapsule sizes prepared at each dropping outlet are uniform and realize amplified preparation. At the same time, the utility model adopts a curved design for the channel unit of the device, saving costs and improving space utilization rate.

[0004] A device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules has the following structural features: an inner-phase material inlet and an outer-phase material inlet are arranged on the side of the device, and a dropping tube serving as an outlet is arranged at the bottom of the device. The dropping tube is coaxially nested by an inner-phase pipeline and an outer-phase pipeline. Independent inner-phase channels and outer-phase channels are arranged inside the device. One end of the inner-phase channel extends to the inner-phase material inlet, and the other end is communicated with the inner-phase pipeline. One end of the outer-phase channel extends to the outer-phase material inlet, and the other end is communicated with the outer-phase pipeline. The inner-phase channel and the outer-phase channel are both curvedly arranged inside the device. The device has at least three dropping tubes arranged side by side, and each dropping tube is communicated with the inner-phase material inlet and the outer-phase material inlet through the coaxial inner-phase channel and outer-phase channel at the terminal.

[0005] Preferably, the device has twelve dripping tubes arranged side by side.

[0006] Preferably, both the inner phase channel and the outer phase channel are four - level channels. The four - level channel includes a first - level channel, a second - level channel, a third - level channel, and a fourth - level channel. The first - level channel is the feeding channel for the inner and outer phases respectively; the second - level channel is obtained by symmetrically dividing the first - level channel into two branch channels using the dichotomy method; the third - level channel is obtained by symmetrically dividing one second - level channel into two branch channels using the dichotomy method; the fourth - level channel is obtained by step - wise dividing one third - level channel into three branch channels. The whole device has a total of twelve fourth - level channels.

[0007] Preferably, the diameters of the four - level channels satisfy: first - level channel > second - level channel > third - level channel > fourth - level channel, and the lengths of the four - level channels satisfy: first - level channel < second - level channel ≤ third - level channel < fourth - level channel.

[0008] Preferably, a bifurcated support structure is arranged in the dripping tube. The bifurcated support structure includes four support columns evenly distributed in a circumferential manner to connect and support the inner - phase pipeline and the outer - phase pipeline.

[0009] Preferably, the outlet of the inner - phase pipeline is located inside the dripping tube and there is a distance between it and the outlet of the outer - phase pipeline.

[0010] Preferably, the device has multiple hollowed - out parts.

[0011] Preferably, both the inner - phase channel and the outer - phase channel have wavy bending sections, and the terminals of the wavy bending sections of the inner - phase channel and the outer - phase channel are coaxial.

[0012] Preferably, the device has a clamping groove and a clamping part that is inserted and matched with the clamping groove. The clamping part has a straight hole for fixing.

[0013] Preferably, the clamping part has a clamping seat. The clamping seat is provided with reinforcing ribs and can be inserted into the clamping groove.

[0014] Preferably, the device is made of resin and is prepared by modeling design and a stereolithography 3D printer. The resin can be selected from resin materials such as ABS resin, water - washable resin, tough resin, and red wax resin.

[0015] Compared with the existing single-channel device for preparing microcapsules, the utility model can improve the preparation efficiency through the arrangement of multiple dropping tubes; compared with the existing multi-channel device for preparing microcapsules, the utility model determines the channel size and structure through the design of the flow rate uniform distribution formula, thereby ensuring that the flow rate distribution of each branch of the internal phase and external phase solutions is uniform, and the cloth is more uniform and stable. At the same time, to save manufacturing costs, reduce the weight of the device, and improve the success rate of photocuring printing, not only is the channel changed to a curved design to improve space utilization, but also a hollow setting is added. In addition, compared with the circular distribution or multi-row distribution of multiple dropping tubes in other microcapsule preparation devices, the present invention adopts a single-row distribution to arrange multiple dropping tubes, which can ensure that a row of microcapsules dripping in parallel is transported away in time to prevent it from affecting the next wave of microcapsules to be dripped. The utility model also designs and manufactures a buckle part matching the multi-channel microcapsule preparation device, which is convenient for installation and fixation during use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are schematic diagrams of the outlines of the device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules provided by the present utility model in different directions.

[0017] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are cross-sectional views of the device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules provided by the present utility model in different directions.

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the buckle part of the device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules provided by the present utility model.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1, internal phase material inlet; 2, external phase material inlet; 3, dropping tube; 3-1, internal phase pipeline; 3-2, external phase pipeline; 4, four-stage channel; 4-1, first-stage channel; 4-2, second-stage channel; 4-3, third-stage channel; 4-4, fourth-stage channel; 5, bifurcation support structure; 6, card slot; 7, hollow; 8, straight hole; 9, card seat; 10, reinforcing rib. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The following further elaborates and explains the present utility model in conjunction with the specific embodiments and the drawings. The embodiments are only examples of the disclosed content of the present utility model and do not delimit the scope of limitation.

[0021] A device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules proposed by the present utility model, as Figures 1 to 4 shown, is prepared by modeling design and a photocuring 3D printer, and the material is rigid resin, including an internal phase material inlet 1, an external phase material inlet 2, twelve dropping tubes 3, a four-stage channel 4, a bifurcation support structure 5, a card slot 6, a hollow 7, etc. At the same time, a buckle part assembled and used with the multi-channel device is designed and manufactured, asFigure 5 As shown, it is manufactured by stereolithography printing and includes a straight hole 8 and a card seat 9.

[0022] The sizes of the inner-phase material inlet 1 and the outer-phase material inlet 2 can both be: inner diameter 3 mm, outer diameter 5 mm, and their outer diameter sizes are matched with a silicone tube of 6*8 mm specification. The sizes listed in this embodiment are only one of the embodiments, and are only used as a guide for implementing the present utility model, and should not be limited to the present utility model only adopting such sizes.

[0023] The device for multi-channel amplified preparation of microcapsules is designed and modeled by software, and includes inner and outer-phase series four-level channels, bend design, single-row distribution, and bifurcation support structure, etc., which can improve the uniformity and stability of the inner and outer phases in the channel fabric, increase the efficiency and success rate of microcapsule preparation. Further, the four-level channels of the inner and outer phases include a first-level channel 4-1, a second-level channel 4-2, a third-level channel 4-3, and a fourth-level channel 4-4 that are sequentially connected to each other.

[0024] The first-level channel is the feeding channel for each of the inner and outer phases. There are two first-level channels in the whole device, namely at the inner-phase material inlet 1 and the outer-phase material inlet 2. The sizes can be designed as: inner diameter 3 mm, outer diameter 5 mm, and length 12 mm, which are matched with a silicone tube of 6*8 mm specification to achieve feeding.

[0025] The second and third-level channels are branch channels obtained by symmetric dichotomy. The dichotomy ensures that each branch along-channel is symmetrically the same, that is, the flow resistance of each branch is the same, and further ensures that the flow rate distribution of each branch is uniform. Optionally, the inner diameters of the second and third-level channels are both 4 mm. Among them, the length of a single third-level branch channel is 28 mm. There are four second-level branch channels and four third-level branch channels in the whole device. Similarly, the flow resistance of each of its branch channels is the same and the flow rate distribution is uniform.

[0026] The fourth-level channel is obtained by using a stepped division method for the third-level channel. There are twelve fourth-level channels in the whole device. According to the flow rate uniform distribution criterion of the stepped division method, the channel diameter and length are designed and calculated, and thus can be designed as: the inner diameter of the channel is 1 mm, the channel arrangement interval is 9 mm; the length of the inner-phase channel is 45 mm, the length of the outer-phase channel is 54 mm, and a bend design is adopted, that is, both the inner-phase channel and the outer-phase channel are bent and arranged inside the device. Both the inner-phase channel and the outer-phase channel have a wavy bending section, and the terminals of the wavy bending sections of the inner-phase channel and the outer-phase channel are coaxial. In order to communicate with the dropping tube located at the bottom of the device, both the inner-phase channel and the outer-phase channel also have a vertical section. The connection part between the wavy bending section and the vertical section forms a turn from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction.

[0027] Although the structural dimensions of the twelve fourth-level channels are exactly the same, the flow resistance is the same, and the flow rate distribution is uniform, different ladder division methods result in different paths from the third-level channel to the branch inlet of the fourth-level channel. The latter branch has an additional main channel flow resistance compared to the previous branch, causing different flow resistances in the entire pipeline. The flow resistance of the last channel is the largest. To ignore the influence of different main paths on the flow resistance, according to the formula for uniform flow rate distribution in the channels, the flow resistance of the branch channels is made much larger than that of the main branch channels, that is, NR C / R U << 1, where N represents the number of branch channels, R C represents the flow resistance of the main channel between adjacent branch channels, and R U represents the flow resistance of the branch channels. To ensure uniform flow rate distribution, a design where the diameter of the branch channels is much smaller than that of the main channels and the length of the branch channels is much larger than that of the main channels is usually adopted. The preferred technical solution is that the diameters of the four-level channels satisfy: the first-level channel > the second-level channel > the third-level channel > the fourth-level channel, and the lengths of the four-level channels satisfy: the first-level channel < the second-level channel ≤ the third-level channel < the fourth-level channel.

[0028] The fourth-level channels of the inner and outer phases adopt a curved channel design (wavy curve), so that a longer branch channel can be obtained under the condition of a determined device volume, improving the space utilization rate of the device; preferably, the length of the inner-phase curve is 45 mm, and the length of the outer-phase curve is 54 mm.

[0029] The device has twelve dropping tubes 3, which are arranged side by side in a single row. Each dropping tube 3 is formed by nesting an inner-phase pipe 3-1 and an outer-phase pipe 3-2. Optionally, it is designed with an outer tube inner diameter of 2.0 mm and an inner tube inner diameter of 0.8 mm; the outlet of the inner-phase pipe 3-1 is located inside the dropping tube 3, and there is a distance between the outlet of the inner-phase pipe 3-1 and the outlet of the outer-phase pipe 3-2. Optionally, the outlet of the inner-phase pipe 3-1 extends 0.7 mm inward relative to the outlet of the outer-phase pipe 3-2, which is easy to form a microcapsule structure with the outer shell wrapping the core and avoid failure in preparing microcapsules. The twelve dropping tubes 3 are arranged side by side in a one-way manner, and the prepared microcapsules can be dropped parallel in a single row upstream and be washed away downstream in time, avoiding the newly formed dropping microcapsules from colliding and breaking with the already solidified microcapsules.

[0030] A forked support structure 5 is added at the nested part of the inner-phase pipe 3-1 and the outer-phase pipe 3-2, which includes four support columns evenly distributed in a circle. Optionally, the length of the support column is 4 mm and the thickness is 3 mm. During the actual production process, the inner-phase pipe 3-1 in the device is prone to shaking, affecting the centering effect of the prepared microcapsule shell material and core material. Adding a forked support structure can improve this situation.

[0031] The multi-channel device includes multiple hollowed-out settings, such as hollow 7. The photosensitive resin required for photocuring printing is relatively expensive. Increasing the hollowed-out settings can save manufacturing costs and reduce the weight of the device, avoiding faults caused by excessive weight during the device printing process, resulting in printing failure.

[0032] Referring to Figure 5 , the present utility model also provides a buckle member that matches the device, facilitating its installation, fixation, and disassembly during use. The buckle member has a symmetrical structure, and is provided with a straight hole 8, and the spacing can be selected as 29 mm, facilitating the installation, fixation, and replacement and disassembly of the device at any production position. The seat 9 of the buckle member is T-shaped, and the length can be selected as 26 mm, and the spacing between the two seats is 68 mm. During use, the seat of the buckle member is assembled into the card slot 6 of the device. In addition, the buckle member also includes a reinforcing rib 10 with a height of 4 mm.

[0033] Although the present utility model has been described herein with reference to the illustrative embodiments of the present utility model, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can design many other modifications and embodiments that will fall within the scope and spirit of the principles disclosed in this application. More specifically, within the scope of the disclosure of this application, various variations and improvements can be made to the components and / or layout of the subject combination layout. In addition to the variations and improvements made to the components and / or layout, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A device for preparing microcapsules by multi-channel amplification. An inner-phase material inlet (1) and an outer-phase material inlet (2) are arranged on the side of the device, and a dropping tube (3) serving as an outlet is arranged at the bottom of the device. The dropping tube (3) consists of an inner-phase pipe (3-1) and an outer-phase pipe (3-2) coaxially nested. Independent inner-phase channels and outer-phase channels are arranged inside the device. One end of the inner-phase channel extends to the inner-phase material inlet (1), and the other end is communicated with the inner-phase pipe (3-1). One end of the outer-phase channel extends to the outer-phase material inlet (2), and the other end is communicated with the outer-phase pipe (3-2). It is characterized in that, The inner phase channel and the outer phase channel are both bent and arranged inside the device; the device has at least three dripping tubes (3) arranged side by side, and each dripping tube (3) is communicated with the inner phase material inlet (1) and the outer phase material inlet (2) through the coaxial inner phase channel and outer phase channel at the terminal.

2. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device has twelve dripping tubes arranged side by side.

3. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner phase channel and the outer phase channel are both four-stage channels (4), and the four-stage channel includes a first-stage channel (4-1), a second-stage channel (4-2), a third-stage channel (4-3), and a fourth-stage channel (4-4). The first-stage channel is the feeding channel for the inner and outer phases respectively; The second-stage channel is obtained by symmetrically dividing the first-stage channel by the dichotomy method to obtain two branch channels; The third-stage channel is obtained by symmetrically dividing one second-stage channel by the dichotomy method to obtain two branch channels; The fourth-stage channel is obtained by dividing one third-stage channel by the stepped division method to obtain three branch channels, and there are a total of twelve fourth-stage channels in the whole device.

4. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameters of the four-stage channels satisfy: the first-stage channel > the second-stage channel > the third-stage channel > the fourth-stage channel, and the lengths of the four-stage channels satisfy: the first-stage channel < the second-stage channel ≤ the third-stage channel < the fourth-stage channel.

5. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to claim 4, characterized in that, A bifurcated support structure (5) is arranged in the dripping tube (3), and the bifurcated support structure includes four support columns evenly distributed in a circumferential manner to connect and support the inner phase pipe (3-1) and the outer phase pipe (3-2).

6. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to claim 5, characterized in that The outlet of the inner phase pipe (3-1) is located inside the dripping tube (3), and there is a distance between the outlet of the inner phase pipe (3-1) and the outlet of the outer phase pipe (3-2).

7. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The inner phase channel and the outer phase channel both have wavy curved sections, and the terminals of the wavy curved sections of the inner phase channel and the outer phase channel are coaxial.

8. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device has a card slot (6) and a buckle member that is inserted and matched with the card slot (6), and the buckle member has a straight hole (8) for fixing.

9. The device for preparing microcapsules by multi-channel amplification according to claim 8, characterized in that, The buckle member has a card seat (9), and the card seat (9) is provided with a reinforcing rib (10), and the card seat (9) can be inserted into the card slot (6).

10. The device for preparing microcapsules with multi-channel amplification according to claim 9, characterized in that, The material of the device is resin and is prepared by modeling design and a photocuring 3D printer.

Images