Tubular micro mixer for solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity fluid system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a tubular micro mixer for a solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity fluid system, and belongs to the field of chemical equipment design. The micro-mixer comprises a shell, a first micro-pipeline and a second micro-pipeline; the first micro-pipeline is arranged in the shell and is used for conveying solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity fluid; the second micro-pipeline is used for conveying solid-phase-free liquid; the first micro-pipeline penetrates through the second micro-pipeline in the vertical direction; the pipe section, located in the second micro-pipeline, of the first micro-pipeline is a mixing pipe section, a plurality of micropores are formed in the top of the mixing pipe section, and the diameter of the micropores is 0.2 mm-1 mm; and the second micro-pipeline is communicated with the first micro-pipeline through the micropores. The tubular micro mixer can improve the disturbance effect of collision mixing at the mixing position of a continuous phase and a dispersed phase, and realizes efficient mixing of the continuous phase and the dispersed phase, thereby improving the mixing efficiency and the mixing uniformity. The whole system can form a highly turbulent state in the pipeline, promote substance transfer and reduce deposition of solid particles, and is suitable for a complex chemical process requiring accurate control of reaction conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of chemical equipment design, in particular to a tubular micro mixer used for solid slurry or high-viscosity fluid systems. Background Art

[0002] Tubular microreactors are chemical equipment designed based on the principles of microscale fluid dynamics and are widely used to intensify and control chemical reaction processes. Compared to traditional reactors, tubular microreactors offer highly efficient heat and mass transfer and can complete reactions in a smaller volume, significantly improving reaction efficiency and product uniformity. Tubular microreactors primarily utilize long tube structures, with micrometer- or millimeter-scale tubes forming narrow microchannels for reactant flow and reaction. Tubular microreactors offer a simple structure, low flow resistance, and extended residence time, making them suitable for highly viscous or solid-laden systems.

[0003] A solid-containing system refers to a multiphase fluid system containing solid particles or suspended matter in a liquid or gas medium. A high-viscosity liquid is a liquid containing a high concentration of soluble polymers in a solvent and having a high viscosity (for example, a viscosity greater than 500 mPa·s). High-viscosity or solid-containing systems are widely used in many fields such as industry, pharmaceuticals, material manufacturing, food, and environmental protection. In catalytic reactions, pharmaceuticals, and polymerization reactions, evenly distributed solid particles can increase the reaction surface area and accelerate the reaction rate. Especially in multiphase fluid systems, how to maintain uniform dispersion of solid particles or high-viscosity liquids in the fluid is an important requirement. Therefore, whether in the preparation of nanomaterials, sewage treatment, or food processing, the uniformity of the distribution of high-viscosity liquids or solids has a direct impact on the quality of the final product. Solid-containing systems and high-viscosity fluids are in great demand in current industrial and scientific research fields, but they also face problems such as deposition, blockage, poor fluidity, and difficulties in mass and heat transfer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention provides a tubular micromixer for solid-containing slurries or highly viscous fluid systems. The purpose of this invention is to enhance the disturbance effect of the collision mixing at the mixing point between the continuous and dispersed phases, achieving efficient mixing of the continuous and dispersed phases. This allows solid particles in the highly viscous fluid or slurry to be fully dispersed during flow, thereby improving reaction efficiency and mixing uniformity.

[0005] To achieve the technical objectives, the present invention discloses a tubular micromixer for solid-containing slurries or high-viscosity fluid systems, comprising a housing, a first microchannel disposed within the housing for conveying the solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity fluid, and a second microchannel disposed within the housing for conveying a solid-free liquid. The housing comprises a cavity, and a heat transfer oil inlet and a heat transfer oil outlet connected to the cavity are disposed on the shell. The first microchannel is disposed transversely within the cavity, and the second microchannel is disposed vertically within the cavity, with the first microchannel vertically penetrating the second microchannel.

[0006] The section of the first micro-channel located within the second micro-channel is a mixing channel section, and a plurality of micro-holes are opened on the top of the mixing channel section, with a micro-hole diameter of 0.2mm-1mm; the second micro-channel is connected to the first micro-channel through the micro-holes; the other end of the second micro-channel extends out of the housing to serve as the second material inlet;

[0007] The two ends of the first micro-channel extending out of the shell serve as the first material inlet and the mixed material outlet respectively; the upper end of the second micro-channel extending out of the shell serves as the second material inlet, and the lower end serves as the flushing outlet and is provided with a valve for controlling opening and closing.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0009] The micromixer of this utility model effectively reduces the risk of clogging during the mixing process by designing the mixing tube section and micropores. By causing two slurry streams to collide at high speed, solid particles or highly viscous fluids are dispersed and agglomerates are broken down, thereby enhancing the dispersion of particles in the liquid. This design not only improves mixing but also reduces resistance to fluid flow by breaking up particle aggregates, preventing particle deposition and clogging in the pipe or mixing chamber.

[0010] The mixing section of the micromixer designed in this utility model enhances the dispersion of highly viscous fluids or solid particles in the mixed fluid, significantly improving the mixing efficiency of the two phases. Furthermore, the mixing section enables the slurry to be fully mixed in a shorter period of time, thereby shortening the mixing time. This not only improves production efficiency but also reduces energy consumption. Compared to traditional stirring and mixing methods, this mixer can achieve faster and more uniform mixing under the same process conditions, significantly improving the overall efficiency of the process.

[0011] The micro mixer of the utility model significantly reduces the clogging problem caused by the accumulation of high-viscosity fluids or solid matter, improves the reliability and operating efficiency of the equipment, reduces the number of equipment shutdowns and maintenance, and thus reduces operating costs.

[0012] The micromixer in this utility model utilizes tubular channels, which offer higher throughput and lower pressure drop compared to plate-type channels. Furthermore, the four-way sealing ferrule not only seals each pipe connection to prevent liquid leakage but also enhances the mechanical strength of the connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 The diagram is a structural diagram of a tubular micro mixer for solid slurry or high-viscosity fluid system, where the two dotted lines represent two vertical sections.

[0014] Figure 2 The present invention is a schematic diagram of a vertical cross-section of a tubular micro mixer used for solid slurry or high-viscosity fluid system along the length direction.

[0015] Figure 3 The present invention is a schematic diagram of a vertical cross-section of a tubular micro mixer used for solid slurry or high-viscosity fluid system along the width direction.

[0016] Figure 4 is the velocity vector diagram of the microchannel section.

[0017] In the figure: housing 1, first micro-channel 2, second micro-channel 3, flushing section 4, micropore 5, ferrule cross 6, thermal oil inlet 11, thermal oil outlet 12, first material inlet 21, mixed material outlet 22, second material inlet 31. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention will be further described and illustrated below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not limit its scope. The technical features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined accordingly, provided that there is no conflict between them.

[0019] The tubular micromixer provided in this embodiment is used to achieve uniform mixing of two materials, wherein the first material is a solid slurry or a high-viscosity fluid, which serves as a continuous phase, for example, it can be a liquid reaction raw material containing catalyst solid particles or a reaction raw material with higher viscosity; the second material is a dispersed phase, which is a soluble liquid without a solid phase, preferably a low-viscosity liquid (viscosity less than 50mPa·s), for example, it can be another low-viscosity liquid reaction raw material. The tubular micromixer is used to achieve uniform mixing of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase, avoid agglomeration of solid particles or high-viscosity fluids, and improve the effect of subsequent reactions through uniform mixing of materials.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a tubular micromixer for solid-containing slurries or high-viscosity fluid systems includes a housing 1 having a cavity therein. The housing 1 is provided with a heat transfer oil inlet 11 and a heat transfer oil outlet 12 communicating with the cavity. A first microchannel 2 for conveying the solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity fluid (continuous phase) and a second microchannel 3 for conveying a solid-free liquid (dispersed phase) are provided within the cavity of the housing 1. The first microchannel 2 is arranged transversely within the cavity, with its ends extending out of the housing 1 as a first material inlet 21 and a mixed material outlet 22, respectively. The first microchannel 2 has a mixing section with a plurality of micropores 5 having a diameter of 0.2 mm and a number of 3-10. The second microchannel 3 is arranged vertically within the cavity, with the first microchannel 2 vertically extending through the second microchannel 3. The section of the first microchannel 2 located within the second microchannel 3 is the mixing section. The upper end of the second micro-channel 3 extending out of the shell 1 serves as the second material inlet 31 , the pipe section of the second micro-channel 3 located below the mixing pipe section is the flushing section 4 , and the lower end of the second micro-channel 3 serves as the flushing outlet and is provided with a valve for controlling opening and closing.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the shell 1 is a rectangular shell made of a steel plate with a thickness of 2-4 mm. The interior of the cylinder is a cavity. The overall length of the cylinder is 140-160 mm, the width is 60-80 mm, and the height is 40-60 mm. The shell 1 is provided with a thermal oil inlet 11 and a thermal oil outlet 12. The thermal oil inlet 11 and the thermal oil outlet 12 have the same structure. The two are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of the shell and communicate with the internal cavity. External thermal oil enters the cavity from the thermal oil inlet 11 to maintain the required material temperature, and the thermal oil flows out from the thermal oil outlet 12. The thermal oil inlet 11 and the thermal oil outlet 12 are provided with interface pipes with an inner diameter of 10 mm and an outer diameter of 12 mm, and are connected to the external pipeline via a two-way ferrule. In order to avoid dead zones in the cavity, the heat transfer oil inlet 11 and the heat transfer oil outlet 12 should be respectively close to the left and right ends of the shell. The heat transfer oil inlet 11 is arranged at the bottom of the shell close to the mixed material outlet 22, and the heat transfer oil outlet 12 is arranged at the top of the shell close to the first material inlet 21. In one embodiment of the present utility model, the distance between the heat transfer oil inlet 11 and the heat transfer oil outlet 12 and their nearest left / right ends is 20 mm. The ferrule two-way is a ferrule two-way with an inner diameter of 12 mm.

[0022] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the first micro-channel 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second micro-channel 3, and there is a gap between the inner wall surface of the second micro-channel 3 and the outer wall surface of the first micro-channel 2. The inner diameter of the first micro-channel 2 is 4-20mm, and the outer diameter is 6-22mm. The first material inlet 21 and the mixed material outlet 22 are respectively arranged at the center of the left and right ends of the shell, and are connected to the external pipeline by welding. The first micro-channel 2 is used to transport solid slurry or high viscosity liquid. The inner diameter of the second micro-channel 3 is 8-24mm, and the outer diameter is 10-26mm. The second material inlet 31 and the flushing outlet are respectively arranged at the center of the upper and lower ends of the shell. The second material inlet 31 is connected to the external pipeline by welding for inputting low viscosity liquid without solid phase; the spare flushing port is connected to the external pipeline through a welding valve.

[0023] To optimize mixing, in one embodiment, the plurality of micropores 5 of the mixing tube segment are positioned directly above the central axis of the mixing tube segment and are evenly spaced along the axial direction of the mixing tube segment. There are four micropores 5 at the top of the mixing tube segment, arranged along the axial direction of the mixing tube segment, and each has a diameter of 0.2 mm.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the connection between the first micro-channel 2 and the second micro-channel 3 is sealed by welding. To prevent leakage at the weld and enhance the structural strength of the internal micro-channels, a ferrule spool 6 is provided on the outside of the connection between the first micro-channel 2 and the second micro-channel 3. The ferrule spool 6 is sealed to the outer wall of the first micro-channel 2 and the second micro-channel 3 respectively by welding or sealing rings.

[0025] When using the micro mixer to mix materials, first introduce heat transfer oil into the heat transfer oil inlet, and after the heat transfer oil fills the rectangular shell, the heat transfer oil flows out from the heat transfer oil outlet; close the valve of the flushing outlet, introduce solid slurry or high-viscosity liquid into the first material inlet as the mobile phase, and introduce a soluble liquid without solids into the second material inlet as the dispersed phase; after the dispersed phase fills the flushing section of the second micro-channel, it enters the first micro-channel filled with solid slurry or high-viscosity liquid through the micropores on the upper side of the mixing tube section, and the two fluids collide and mix. During the mixing process, the dispersed phase (soluble liquid) in the flushing section 4 will not affect the mixing effect in the mixing tube section. Filling the flushing section 4 with the dispersed phase allows the dispersed phase to enter the first micro-channel more smoothly from each micropore, achieving uniform distribution and improving the mixing effect. At the same time, the flushing section 4 serves as the outflow channel for the flushing liquid in the second micro-channel during flushing, which can achieve large-flow flushing in the second micro-channel and ensure the flushing effect. The design of the micropores increases the speed at which the dispersed phase (soluble liquid) enters the first microchannel, causing the two streams of material to collide with each other at high speed, thereby dispersing the solid particles and breaking the agglomeration effect, enhancing the dispersion of the particles in the liquid, and the mixed fluid flows through the mixed material outlet and leaves the micromixer.

[0026] When the pipeline needs to be cleaned, the valve of the flushing outlet is opened, the cleaning liquid (such as water) flows into the first micro-pipe from one side and the top of the second micro-pipe respectively, and then flows out from the other end of the micro-pipe after flushing the inner wall of the pipeline, so that high-flow cleaning is realized to improve the cleaning effect.

[0027] The mixing performance of the modeled micro-mixer is simulated by using Fluent software. Figure 4 The VOF multiphase flow model is adopted, the motion trajectory of the fluid is analyzed through the velocity vector of the material, so that the motion characteristics inside the fluid are obtained, and the mixing performance of the micro-channel and the mixing degree of the material are evaluated. In the multiphase flow model, the two phases are cooling water and glycerol respectively, the densities are 998 kg / m 3 and 1200 kg / m 3 , the viscosities are 1 mPa·s and 800 mPa·s, the low-viscosity cooling water without solid phase is used as the dispersed phase, and the glycerol with high viscosity is used as the continuous phase to simulate the solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity liquid in actual production application. The inlet velocities of the two phases are 0.2 m / s and 0.25 m / s respectively. The velocity vector results of the simulation are shown in Figure 4 The size and length of the arrow in the figure represent the relative size of the fluid velocity, and do not represent the actual fluid flow, Figure 4 The left side is a velocity distribution scale. The flow rate of the dispersed phase after passing through the hole increases sharply, causing strong disturbance at the mixing place, which can reduce the resistance of fluid flow by dispersing particle aggregation, avoid the deposition and blockage of particles in the pipeline or mixing cavity, and improve the mixing effect. Compared with the fluid of the traditional pipe-type mixer mainly flowing in the extension direction of the pipeline, the fluid of the pipe-type micro-mixer for the solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity liquid system proposed by the utility model also exists in the perpendicular direction and the angle direction of the pipeline extension, and the mixing effect is excellent.

[0028] The above-described embodiments only express several embodiments of the utility model, and the description is more specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as a limitation on the scope of the utility model patent. For ordinary skilled persons in the art, without departing from the concept of the utility model, a number of modifications and improvements can be made, which belong to the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A tubular micro mixer for solid slurry or high viscosity fluid system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell, and a first micro-channel arranged in the shell for conveying solid-containing slurry or high-viscosity fluid, and a second micro-channel arranged in the shell for conveying liquid without solid phase; the shell has a cavity, and the shell body is provided with a heat transfer oil inlet and a heat transfer oil outlet connected to the cavity; the first micro-channel is arranged horizontally in the cavity, and the second micro-channel is arranged vertically in the cavity, and the first micro-channel vertically penetrates the second micro-channel; The section of the first microchannel located within the second microchannel is a mixing section, and a plurality of micropores are opened on the top of the mixing section, with a micropore diameter of 0.2 mm to 1 mm; the second microchannel is connected to the first microchannel through the micropores; The other end of the second micro-channel extends out of the housing to serve as a second material inlet; The two ends of the first micro-channel extending out of the shell serve as the first material inlet and the mixed material outlet respectively; the upper end of the second micro-channel extending out of the shell serves as the second material inlet, and the lower end serves as the flushing outlet and is provided with a valve for controlling opening and closing.

2. The tubular micromixer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the first micro-channel is smaller than the inner diameter of the second micro-channel, and a gap exists between the inner wall surface of the second micro-channel and the outer wall surface of the first micro-channel.

3. The tubular micromixer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the first micro-channel is 4-20 mm, and the wall thickness is 1-2 mm. The inner diameter of the second micro-channel is 8-24 mm.

4. The tubular micromixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The multiple micropores of the mixing tube segment are opened right above the central axis of the mixing tube segment and are arranged axially along the mixing tube segment.

5. The tubular micromixer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multiple micropores of the mixing tube section are arranged at equal intervals, and the diameter of the micropores is 0.2 mm.

6. The tubular micromixer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is a rectangular shell with a wall thickness of 2-4 mm, a length of 140-160 mm, a width of 60-80 mm, and a height of 40-60 mm.

7. The tubular micromixer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The central axis of the first micro-channel coincides with the horizontal central line of the rectangular shell, and the central axis of the second micro-channel coincides with the vertical central line of the rectangular shell.

8. The tubular micromixer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat transfer oil inlet is arranged at the bottom of the shell near the mixed material outlet side, and the heat transfer oil outlet is arranged at the top of the shell near the first material inlet side; a ferrule is provided on the heat transfer oil inlet and the heat transfer oil outlet for connecting to an external pipeline.

9. The tubular micromixer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection between the first micro-pipe and the second micro-pipe is sealed by welding.

10. The tubular micromixer according to claim 9, characterized in that: A ferrule cross is provided on the outside of the connection between the first micro-pipe and the second micro-pipe for sealing the welding point; the ferrule cross is sealed and connected to the outer wall surfaces of the first micro-pipe and the second micro-pipe respectively.

Images