Micro-channel mixer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of micro-mixers, and discloses a micro-channel mixer which comprises a liquid separation unit and a plurality of reaction units connected to the periphery of the liquid separation unit, the liquid separation unit can independently store two different liquid reactants, the liquid separation unit is connected with the reaction units through feeding channels, and the feeding channels are communicated with the reaction units. Two different liquid reactants enter the reaction units, each reaction unit comprises a first mixing channel and a second mixing channel which are communicated with each other, the first mixing channel is connected with the feeding channel, the first mixing channel is of a Tesla valve structure, the second mixing channel is of a spiral structure, the tail end of the second mixing channel is provided with a collecting channel, and the collecting channel is communicated with the feeding channel. And liquid materials can be rapidly and completely mixed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to micro -mixer technical field, especially relate to a micro -channel mixer. BACKGROUND

[0002] Micro -reactor is on micro -nanoscale manipulation microfluidics carries out continuous reaction, can satisfy more reaction demand, relative to traditional kettle type reactor, the specific surface area of micro -reactor is bigger, has higher heat transfer mass transfer efficiency, and micro -reactor occupies the space of small, liquid holdup is also small, can improve the safety of production process.

[0003] Traditional micro -channel mixer is mainly T or Y mixer, relies on the molecular diffusion under laminar flow, and mixing time is proportional to the square of transmission distance, and straight channel and plane flow channel lack active turbulence element, and since its mixing mechanism cannot make fluid achieve the purpose of fast and complete mixing, after the initial fast mixing, although a large amount of reactants are consumed, part of the reactants are still continuously reacted, and still need to be continuously mixed in the reactor, and finally, thorough or nearly complete reaction is achieved before being discharged from the reactor, three-dimensional flow channel and pulsating mixer can enhance turbulence, but the pulsation effect is insufficient under low flow conditions, and the processing cost is high, and the staggered collision type mixer can significantly improve the mixing intensity under medium and low Reynolds numbers, but is prone to failure under high Reynolds numbers due to inertia force. SUMMARY

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a kind of micro -channel mixer, can guarantee liquid material fast and complete mixing.

[0005] The utility model provides a kind of micro -channel mixer, including liquid distribution unit and the multiple reaction units of connecting in the outer periphery of liquid distribution unit, liquid distribution unit can store two different liquid reactants alone, and liquid distribution unit is connected with reaction unit by feed channel, to make two different liquid reactants enter reaction unit, each reaction unit includes the first mixing channel and the second mixing channel that intercommunication, first mixing channel is connected with feed channel, first mixing channel is Tesla valve structure, second mixing channel is spiral structure, and the end of second mixing channel has collection channel.

[0006] Optionally, the spiral structure is equidistant spiral, and the second mixing channel is distributed along the spiral base line, and the spiral base line is one of plane spiral line, three-dimensional spiral line, plane circular arc line or wave line.

[0007] Optionally, the cross section of the first mixing channel, the second mixing channel, the feeding channel and the collecting channel is one of circular, square, oval or triangular.

[0008] Optionally, the cross section has a size ranging from 0.005mm to 5mm.

[0009] Optionally, the feeding channel has no less than two groups.

[0010] Optionally, the feeding channel has one of T shape, Y shape or pyramid shape.

[0011] Optionally, the plurality of reaction units are arranged in the periphery of the separation unit, and the arrangement of the reaction units includes one of circular periphery arrangement, matrix arrangement or stacked arrangement.

[0012] Optionally, the separation unit includes two independent liquid storage cavities, each of which has a feeding passage for the liquid reactant to enter the liquid storage cavity, the two liquid storage cavities are supported by the feeding channel, and the two liquid storage cavities are in communication with the feeding channel.

[0013] The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art.

[0014] The micro-channel mixer provided by the embodiment of the utility model connects a plurality of reaction units in the periphery of the separation unit, so that two different liquid reactants enter the reaction unit through the feeding channel. After the liquid reactants enter the reaction unit, they first pass through the first mixing channel of the Tesla valve structure. The liquid reactants in the curved passage of the Tesla valve flow back to the straight passage at a certain angle, collide with the flowing solution in the straight passage at the confluence area, and are mixed. The flow resistance of each passage in the Tesla valve is different, which also increases the momentum difference of the colliding solution, thereby improving the mixing efficiency. The asymmetric passage design of the Tesla valve structure induces chaotic convection. The inertia effect and secondary flow of the fluid in the curved passage are used to significantly shorten the mixing length. After the reactants are mixed intensively in the Tesla valve section and a large amount of reactants are consumed, the reactants continue to flow in the second mixing channel with spiral structure for a long time. Dean vortex is generated in the second mixing channel to continuously mix the reactants, thereby reducing the loss of raw materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 The utility model provides a kind of micro-channel mixer's perspective structure schematic diagram for the embodiment of the utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 The utility model provides a kind of micro-channel mixer's plane structure schematic diagram for the embodiment of the utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 The utility model provides the plane structure schematic diagram of reaction unit for the embodiment of the utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 For Figure 1 Local structure amplification schematic view at G in the middle;

[0019] Figure 5 The connecting structure schematic view of the feed channel and the liquid separation unit is provided in the embodiment of the utility model.

[0020] Mark explanation:

[0021] 1, liquid separation unit; 10, liquid storage cavity; 11, feed channel; 2, reaction unit; 20, first mixing channel; 21, second mixing channel; 3, feed channel; 4, collection channel. Specific embodiment

[0022] The utility model is described in detail in combination with the drawings, but it should be understood that the protection scope of the utility model is not limited by the specific embodiment.

[0023] In the description of the utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the technical scheme of the utility model and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the device or element indicated must have a specific orientation, structure and operation, so it cannot be understood as a limitation on the utility model.

[0024] Therefore, the embodiment of the utility model provides a kind of microchannel mixer, can guarantee that liquid material is quickly and completely mixed.

[0025] At least one embodiment of the utility model provides a kind of microchannel mixer, including liquid separation unit and multiple reaction units connected in the outer periphery of liquid separation unit, liquid separation unit can store two different liquid reactants separately, liquid separation unit is connected with reaction unit by feed channel, to make two different liquid reactants enter reaction unit, each reaction unit includes the first mixing channel and the second mixing channel that are interconnected, first mixing channel is connected with feed channel, first mixing channel is Tesla valve structure, second mixing channel is spiral structure, and the end of second mixing channel has collection channel.

[0026] The micro-channel mixer provided by the utility model can make two liquid reactants be mixed efficiently in the first mixing channel of the Tesla valve structure, and then enter the second mixing channel of the spiral structure, so that the reactants are continuously mixed under the action of the Dean vortex, and continue to react until the reaction is completed.

[0027] The utility model will be described below through several specific embodiments. In order to keep the following description of the utility model embodiments clear and concise, the detailed description of known functions and known components can be omitted. When any component of the utility model embodiments appears in more than one figure, the component can be indicated by the same reference numeral in each figure.

[0028] Reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , wherein, Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of a micro-channel mixer provided by the utility model embodiments, Figure 2 is a plane structure schematic diagram of a micro-channel mixer provided by the utility model embodiments, Figure 3 is a plane structure schematic diagram of a reaction unit provided by the utility model embodiments, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3The utility model discloses a microchannel mixer, including the liquid separation unit 1 and the multiple reaction unit 2 of connecting in the liquid separation unit 1 periphery, the liquid separation unit 1 can store two different liquid reactants separately, and the two liquid reactants are stored separately in the liquid separation unit 1, unnecessary mixing is avoided before entering the reaction unit 2, the liquid separation unit 1 is usually designed as a closed cavity, and the inside can include the partition plate or the diaphragm, to ensure that two liquid reactants do not contact each other during storage, the liquid separation unit 1 is connected with the reaction unit 2 through the feed channel 3, to make two different liquid reactants enter the reaction unit 2, the feed channel 3 is usually designed as the slender pipeline, to ensure that liquid can flow steadily and uniformly into the reaction unit 2, the diameter and length of the feed channel 3 can be optimized according to the properties (such as viscosity, flow rate etc.) of liquid reactant, to ensure the best mixing effect, every reaction unit 2 includes the first mixing channel 20 and the second mixing channel 21 of intercommunication, the first mixing channel 20 is connected with the feed channel 3, and the first mixing channel 20 is Tesla valve structure, and Tesla valve is a kind of one-way valve without moving parts, and one-way flow is realized by relying on the kinetic characteristics of fluid, and this structure can effectively control the flow direction of liquid reactant, avoid backflow, and promote the preliminary mixing of two liquids, the design of Tesla valve structure makes two liquid reactants when passing through the first mixing channel 20, can produce turbulent effect, to enhance the mixing effect of two liquid reactants, and the second mixing channel 21 is spiral structure, and this structure can lengthen the flow path of liquid reactant in the channel, increase mixing time, spiral structure not only helps to further mix liquid reactant, but also can form vortex in the channel by centrifugal force, to promote more uniform mixing, and the design of spiral structure can also reduce the resistance of liquid flow, improve mixing efficiency, and the end of the second mixing channel 21 has collection channel 4, for collecting liquid product after mixing and reaction.

[0029] The utility model discloses a kind of microchannel mixers provided in the embodiment, by connecting multiple reaction units in periphery of liquid separation unit, two different liquid reactants enter reaction unit by feed channel, after liquid reactant enters reaction unit, first mixed channel of Tesla valve structure is passed through first, liquid reactant in Tesla valve curved channel will be backflowed to straight channel at certain angle, and the solution flowing in straight channel is collided and mixed in confluence area, and the flow resistance of each channel in Tesla valve is different, also increase the momentum difference of collision solution, and then improve mixing efficiency, the asymmetric channel design of Tesla valve structure induces chaotic convection, utilize the inertia effect and secondary flow of fluid in curved channel to significantly shorten mixing length, reactant is mixed violently in Tesla valve section, after consuming a large amount of reactant, continue to flow for a long time in second mixed channel of helical structure, dean vortex flow is generated in second mixed channel to continuously mix reactant, this vortex flow makes fluid continuously rotate and mix in channel, further improve mixing uniformity, reduce raw material loss, improve the utilization rate of liquid reactant.Tesla valve and helical channel design enable liquid reactant to realize efficient mixing in short time, microchannel structure makes that mixer is small and exquisite.Simultaneously, the utility model can adopt 3D printing forming, processing difficulty is small, processing precision is high, need not assemble.

[0030] Workflow as follows:

[0031] Step 1: two liquid reactants are stored in liquid separation unit 1 respectively, enter reaction unit 2 by feed channel 3;

[0032] Step 2: liquid reactant first enters first mixed channel 20 (Tesla valve structure), chaotic convection is generated in asymmetric channel, and inertia effect and secondary flow are utilized to realize rapid mixing;

[0033] Step 3: mixed liquid enters second mixed channel 21 (helical structure), further mixed under the action of dean vortex flow, and reaction time is prolonged;

[0034] Step 4: finally, liquid after mixing and reaction is guided from collection channel 4, and the whole mixing and reaction process is completed.

[0035] Specifically, the spiral structure is an equidistant spiral, that is, the distance between the spiral lines remains consistent. This design can ensure that the liquid reactants are subjected to uniform and stable mixing when flowing in the second mixing channel 21. The second mixing channel 21 is distributed along a spiral baseline, which is one of a planar spiral line, a three-dimensional spiral line, a planar circular arc line, or a wavy line. When the spiral baseline is a planar spiral line, a structure similar to an Archimedes spiral or a logarithmic spiral is formed. This design is suitable for efficient mixing in two-dimensional space and is easy to process and integrate. When the spiral baseline is a three-dimensional spiral line, the length of the channel can be increased, the flow time of the liquid reactants can be prolonged, and the mixing effect can be enhanced by utilizing the vortex effect in three-dimensional space. When the spiral baseline is a planar circular arc line, a segmented spiral structure is formed. This design can generate stronger vortexes in local areas and is suitable for occasions that require local reinforcement of mixing. When the spiral baseline is a wavy line, a non-uniform spiral structure is formed. The wavy line design can increase the turbulent effect of the fluid and further improve the mixing efficiency.

[0036] Optionally, the cross sections of the first mixing channel 20, the second mixing channel 21, the feeding channel 3, and the collection channel 4 are one of a circle, a square, an ellipse, or a triangle. The shape of the cross section of the channel directly affects the flow characteristics of the fluid, including flow velocity distribution, pressure loss, turbulent effect, etc. Different cross-sectional shapes are suitable for different application scenarios and can optimize the mixing effect and reaction efficiency. The selection of the cross-sectional shape also needs to consider the processing difficulty and integration convenience. Common cross-sectional shapes such as the above-mentioned shapes are easy to realize in micro-processing technology and are suitable for the design of miniaturized devices.

[0037] The shape selection of the first mixing channel 20: the circular cross section has uniform flow characteristics, which can reduce the resistance of fluid flow, and is suitable for occasions requiring low pressure loss; the square cross section is easy to process and integrate, and in the asymmetric design of the Tesla valve, the square channel can enhance the turbulent flow effect of the fluid, promoting mixing; the elliptical cross section has a larger contact area in a specific direction, which can enhance the shear force of the fluid, further improving the mixing effect; the triangular cross section can induce stronger turbulent and vortex effects, and is suitable for occasions requiring rapid mixing. The shape selection of the second mixing channel 21: the circular cross section is suitable for the design of the spiral structure, which can reduce the resistance of fluid flow while maintaining uniform mixing effect; the square cross section can enhance the turbulent flow effect of the fluid in the spiral channel, especially at the bend of the spiral baseline, the square channel can generate stronger vortex; the elliptical cross section can increase the contact area of the fluid in the spiral channel, prolonging the mixing time, which is suitable for occasions requiring high uniformity mixing; the triangular cross section can induce stronger turbulent and vortex effects in the spiral channel, further improving the mixing efficiency. The shape selection of the feed channel 3: the circular cross section has the lowest flow resistance, which is suitable for occasions requiring stable flow rate and low pressure loss; the square cross section is easy to process and integrate, which is suitable for use in miniaturized devices; the elliptical cross section has a larger flow area in a specific direction, which is suitable for occasions requiring high flow rate; the triangular cross section can induce turbulent effects, which is suitable for occasions requiring preliminary mixing. The shape selection of the collection channel 4: the circular cross section is suitable for the design of the collection channel, which can reduce the resistance of fluid flow and ensure smooth liquid product discharge; the square cross section is easy to process and integrate, which is suitable for use in miniaturized devices; the elliptical cross section has a larger flow area in a specific direction, which is suitable for occasions requiring high flow rate discharge; the triangular cross section can induce turbulent effects, which is suitable for occasions requiring further mixing or reaction.

[0038] Specifically, the size of the cross section is in the range of 0.005mm to 5mm, if it is a circular channel, the size of the cross section refers to the diameter, if it is a rectangular channel, the size of the cross section refers to the length and width. In this range, the microchannel generally has a size of less than 1mm, but it is not too small, and it is not less than 1 micron. Therefore, the size of the cross section is in the range of 0.005mm to 5mm.

[0039] As an optional solution, the feed channel 3 is not less than two groups, and the angle between each two feed channels 3 can be arbitrary because it is a composite integrated mixer.

[0040] The multiple groups of feed channels 3 enable the liquid reactants to enter the multiple reaction units 2 in parallel, significantly improving the processing capacity and efficiency of the mixer. Each group of feed channels 3 can independently control the flow rate and flow of the liquid reactants, ensuring that the two liquid reactants enter the reaction unit 2 in precise proportions, thereby improving the uniformity of mixing and reaction. The design of multiple groups of feed channels 3 enables the microchannel mixer to adapt to different mixing and reaction requirements, suitable for various application scenarios. The design of multiple groups of feed channels 3 reduces the risk of single-channel blockage, improving the reliability and stability of the mixer.

[0041] Optionally, the shape of the feed channel 3 is one of T-shaped, Y-shaped, or pyramid-shaped, such as Figure 5 The T-shaped feed channel 3 is shown in the middle, which is composed of a main channel and a vertically connected auxiliary channel, forming a "T" shape structure. The two liquid reactants enter from both ends of the main channel and meet in the auxiliary channel, then enter the first mixing channel 20. The liquid reactants collide at the T-shaped intersection, generating turbulent flow to promote preliminary mixing. The flow rates of the main channel and the auxiliary channel can be independently adjusted to control the mixing ratio. The Y-shaped feed channel is formed by merging two inclined channels into a main channel, forming a "Y" shape structure. The two liquid reactants enter from the two inclined channels and undergo preliminary mixing at the merging point. The liquid reactants form laminar or turbulent flow at the Y-shaped merging point, depending on the flow rate and channel design. By adjusting the angle of the two inclined channels, the mixing effect can be optimized. The pyramid-shaped feed channel is formed by gradually converging multiple channels into a main channel, forming a pyramid structure. The two liquid reactants enter from multiple inlets and undergo preliminary mixing at the converging point. The liquid reactants produce accelerated flow in the converging section of the pyramid-shaped channel, enhancing the turbulent effect.

[0042] Specifically, the plurality of reaction units 2 are arranged in an array on the periphery of the distribution unit 1, and the array mode of the reaction units 2 includes one of a circumferential array, a matrix array or a stacked array. In the circumferential array, the reaction units 2 are uniformly distributed on the periphery of the distribution unit 1 to form a circular or annular array layout. Each reaction unit 2 is connected to the distribution unit 1 through a feed channel 3, and the liquid reactant is uniformly distributed from the distribution unit 1 to each reaction unit 2 through the feed channel 3. The design of the circumferential array enables the liquid reactant to enter each reaction unit through the same flow path, ensuring uniformity of mixing and reaction, symmetrical structure, uniform flow path, and suitability for occasions requiring high uniformity of mixing, easy expansion, and improved processing capacity by increasing the number of reaction units. The reaction units 2 are arranged in a matrix on the periphery of the distribution unit 1 to form a grid-like array layout. Each reaction unit 2 is connected to the distribution unit 1 through a feed channel 3, and the liquid reactant is distributed from the distribution unit 1 to each reaction unit 2 through the feed channel 3. The design of the matrix array enables the liquid reactant to enter each reaction unit through parallel flow paths, suitable for large-scale parallel processing, high space utilization, and integration of a large number of reaction units in a limited space. In the stacked array, the reaction units 2 are arranged in a multi-layer stacked manner on the periphery of the distribution unit 1 to form a three-dimensional array layout. Each layer of reaction units 2 is connected to the distribution unit 1 through a feed channel 3, and the liquid reactant is distributed from the distribution unit 1 to each layer of reaction units 2 through the feed channel 3. The design of the stacked array enables the liquid reactant to flow in three-dimensional space, significantly prolonging the mixing and reaction time, significantly improving the space utilization efficiency, and being suitable for integrating a large number of reaction units in a limited height space, prolonging the flow path of the liquid reactant through multi-layer design, and enhancing the mixing and reaction effect.

[0043] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 The connection structure between the feed channel and the distribution unit is shown in the schematic view of the embodiment of the utility model for example, Figure 5As shown, the liquid separation unit 1 includes two independent liquid storage chambers 10, the capacity of which is designed according to the amount of liquid reactants and the processing capacity of the mixer, and the capacity that is too small may cause frequent liquid addition, and the capacity that is too large may increase the volume of the mixer, the material of the liquid storage chamber 10 needs to have good chemical stability and be able to resist the corrosion of the liquid reactants, and the commonly used materials include glass, stainless steel, corrosion-resistant polymers, etc., the liquid storage chamber 10 needs to have good sealing to prevent the liquid reactants from leaking or external contaminants from entering, each liquid storage chamber 10 has a material conveying channel 11, the diameter of the material conveying channel 11 is optimized according to the flow rate and viscosity of the liquid reactants to ensure that the liquid can enter the liquid storage chamber 10 stably and uniformly, the length of the material conveying channel 11 should be as short as possible to reduce the resistance of the liquid flow and avoid the liquid from staying in the channel, and the connection between the material conveying channel 11 and the external system needs to be tight and reliable to avoid liquid leakage. Common connection methods include threaded connection, quick connector, etc., the liquid reactants enter the liquid storage chamber 10 through the material conveying channel 11, and the two liquid storage chambers 10 are supported by the feed channel 3, which not only plays a mechanical supporting role but also serves as a channel for the liquid reactants to flow from the liquid storage chamber 10 to the reaction unit 2, and both liquid storage chambers 10 are in communication with the feed channel 3.

[0044] The two liquid reactants are injected from the upper and lower material conveying channels 11 located at the center of the liquid storage chamber 10, and after filling the liquid storage chamber 10, they flow through the feed channel 3 into each reaction unit 2 through the liquid separation unit 1, in each reaction unit 2, the reactants are mixed efficiently in the Tesla valve, and then enter the spiral flow channel, under the action of the Dean vortex, the reactants are continuously mixed to continue the reaction until the reaction is complete.

[0045] The utility model discloses a first mixing channel in the Tesla valve structure realizes efficient mixing, and a second mixing channel with a long spiral structure is arranged behind, for some slow reactions, the micro-channel mixer provides long-time sufficient mixing for the reactions, can guarantee the quality stability of product, and the utility model discloses an integrated structure, improves the flux of micro-mixer, and the utility model discloses the advantage lies in composite and integration, composite improves the efficiency of mixing and the reaction of the reactant of micro-reaction complete, and integration improves the flux of mixer.

[0046] The above utility model is only a few specific embodiments of the utility model, but the utility model embodiments are not limited to this, and any changes that can be thought of by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A microchannel mixer characterized by, The application relates to a liquid reaction device, which comprises a liquid separation unit (1) and a plurality of reaction units (2) connected to the periphery of the liquid separation unit (1), the liquid separation unit (1) can separately store two different liquid reactants, the liquid separation unit (1) and the reaction unit (2) are connected through a feeding channel (3) to make the two different liquid reactants enter the reaction unit (2). Each reaction unit (2) comprises a first mixing channel (20) and a second mixing channel (21) which are connected to each other, the first mixing channel (20) is connected to the feeding channel (3), the first mixing channel (20) is a Tesla valve structure, the second mixing channel (21) is a spiral structure, and the end of the second mixing channel (21) is provided with a collecting channel (4). The spiral structure is an equidistant spiral, the second mixing channel (21) is distributed along a spiral base line, and the spiral base line is one of a planar spiral line, a three-dimensional spiral line, a planar circular arc line or a wavy line.

2. The microchannel mixer of claim 1 wherein, The cross sections of the first mixing channel (20), the second mixing channel (21), the feeding channel (3) and the collecting channel (4) are one of a circle, a square, an ellipse or a triangle.

3. The microchannel mixer of claim 1 wherein, The size of the cross section ranges from 0.005 mm to 5 mm.

4. The microchannel mixer of claim 3 wherein, The feeding channel (3) is not less than two groups.

5. The microchannel mixer of claim 1 wherein, The feeding channel (3) is one of a T shape, a Y shape or a pyramid shape.

6. The microchannel mixer of claim 1 wherein, The plurality of reaction units (2) are arranged on the periphery of the liquid separation unit (1), and the array mode of the reaction units (2) is one of a circumferential array, a matrix array or a stacked array.

7. The microchannel mixer of claim 1 wherein, The liquid separation unit (1) comprises two independent liquid storage cavities (10), each of the liquid storage cavities (10) is provided with a feeding channel (11), the liquid reactant enters the liquid storage cavity (10) through the feeding channel (11), the two liquid storage cavities (10) are supported through the feeding channel (3), and the two liquid storage cavities (10) are communicated with the feeding channel (3).

8. The microchannel mixer of claim 1 wherein, ​

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