Slit chamber and atomization apparatus

Abstract

To provide a slit chamber and an atomization apparatus that are capable of processing a raw material at a large flow rate even when the input amount of the raw material increases, and capable of suppressing the leakage of the raw material in a compact form.SOLUTION: A slit chamber comprises: an upstream nozzle 6 including an upstream nozzle water guiding part 6c for a raw material M to pass through; a midstream nozzle 7 disposed downstream of the upstream nozzle 6 and including a midstream nozzle atomization channel 7e for processing the raw material M; and a downstream nozzle 8 disposed on downstream of the midstream nozzle 7 and including a downstream nozzle atomization channel 8d for processing the raw material M which could not be sufficiently processed by the midstream nozzle 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slit chamber and an atomization device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a ball mill, a colloid mill, a disperser, a homogenizer, an atomizer, etc. have been used as the atomization device. In order to adjust the characteristics of the raw material and the performance to be provided, the atomizer is provided with a chamber having a nozzle. According to the prior art, a nozzle and liner structure called a slit chamber is disclosed.

[0003] For example, in the emulsification device disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the flow path is blocked by two liner members made of hard plate material. The first liner member arranged on the inflow side has two first through holes formed therethrough at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the plate surface. Each mixed liquid ejected from the nozzle can pass through the two first through holes. A groove portion that communicates the ends of the through holes is formed on one plate surface of the first liner member. The second liner member is arranged on the outflow side in close contact with the first liner member. A second groove portion perpendicular to the first groove portion is formed on the surface facing the first liner member in close contact with the first liner member. Two second through holes for discharge are formed through both outer ends of the second groove portion. Emulsification is performed while the mixed liquid passes through the first and second liner members.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a slit chamber. In order to prevent stress from concentrating in a specific area for the multiple nozzles that make up the slit chamber, holes and grooves are formed in the upstream and downstream nozzles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2788010 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 05-012976 [Patent Document 3] JP 2022-63686 A (Figs. 1, 3, etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, in conventional emulsification devices, in order to increase the processing volume per hour, it is necessary to improve the nozzle structure by increasing the number of slit chambers, enlarging the size of various nozzles, increasing the number of flow paths or enlarging the flow path diameter, etc. However, when multiple chambers are arranged in parallel, it is necessary to secure space. In addition, there is a possibility that the nozzles will become excessively large.

[0007] In addition, if the number of nozzles is increased, the gaps between the nozzles will increase, which may cause leakage of raw materials. Furthermore, even if the processing volume increases, if the processing performance decreases, the effect of increasing the size will be halved. Therefore, rather than simply increasing the number of nozzles, it is necessary to maintain or improve the processing performance.

[0008] The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a slit chamber and an atomization device that are compact and capable of suppressing leakage of raw material, capable of processing a large flow rate of raw material even when the input amount of raw material increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the slit chamber of the present invention comprises a water-guiding nozzle into which raw material is introduced, an upstream nozzle which is arranged downstream of the water-guiding nozzle and has an upstream nozzle water-guiding section through which the raw material passes, a midstream nozzle which is arranged downstream of the upstream nozzle and has a midstream nozzle atomization flow path for atomizing the raw material, and a downstream nozzle which is arranged downstream of the midstream nozzle and has a downstream nozzle atomization flow path for atomizing the raw material that has flowed through the midstream nozzle. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slit chamber and an atomization device that are compact and capable of suppressing leakage of raw material, capable of processing a large flow rate of raw material even when the input amount of raw material increases. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a configuration of an atomization device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a slit chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 3 shows a front view of the upstream nozzle taken along cross section II of FIG. 2. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3 is a front view of the intermediate nozzle taken along line II-II of FIG. 2. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3 is a front view of the downstream nozzle taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 . [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the slit chamber 1 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of another example of the slit chamber. [Figure 6A] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow of raw material in a slit chamber of another example. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow of raw material in the slit chamber 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a slit chamber according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a slit chamber of variant 1. [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a tapered portion of the atomization flow passage for a midstream nozzle in modified embodiment 2. [Figure 9B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a tapered portion of an atomization flow passage for a downstream nozzle in a second modified embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an intermediate nozzle of a third modified embodiment, taken along line II-II of FIG. 2 . [Figure 10B] Enlarged view of part IV in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A]FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an intermediate nozzle of Modification 1 of Modification 3, taken along line II-II of FIG. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an intermediate nozzle of modified example 2 of modified embodiment 3, taken along line II-II of FIG. [Figure 11C] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an intermediate nozzle of modified example 3 of modified embodiment 3, taken along line II-II of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The present invention relates to a slit chamber and an atomization device for atomizing a raw material slurry.

[0013] <<Embodiment>> Hereinafter, the atomization device 100 of the embodiment and the slit chamber 1 used in the atomization device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0014] <Atomization device 100> FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of an atomization device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The atomization device 100 of the embodiment includes a raw material tank 101, a liquid supply pump 102, a pressure booster 103, and a slit chamber 1. The slit chamber 1 is a device for atomizing a pressurized slurry-like raw material M. The slit chamber 1 has a columnar shape such as a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer shape of the slit chamber 1 is not limited and may be a substantially polygonal columnar shape.

[0015] A slurry-like raw material M is stored in the raw material tank 101. A liquid supply pump 102 pumps the slurry-like raw material M from the raw material tank 101 toward a pressure booster 103. The pressure intensifier 103 pressurizes the slurry-like raw material M pumped from the liquid supply pump 102 and sends it to the slit chamber 1. The slit chamber 1 performs an atomization process, including an emulsification process, on the pressurized slurry-like raw material M.

[0016] The atomizer 100 is connected to high-pressure piping, high-pressure hoses, etc. through which the raw material M in a slurry state is fed.

[0017] Next, a processing procedure in the atomization device 100 of this embodiment will be described. First, the raw material M to be atomized is charged into the raw material tank 101 and adjusted to a slurry state. Next, the slurry-like raw material M in the raw material tank 101 is pumped into the pressure boosting chamber 103z of the pressure booster 103 by the liquid supply pump 102. The pumped slurry-like raw material M is pressurized by the reciprocating motion of the piston 103p of the pressure booster 103 (arrow α11 in FIG. 1).

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the slit chamber 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a front view of upstream nozzle 6, which is a cross section taken along line II in FIG. FIG. 3B shows a front view of the intermediate nozzle 7, which is a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. FIG. 3C shows a front view of the downstream nozzle 8, which is a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG.

[0019] A first tip 2a is disposed at the tip of the slit chamber 1, and is connected to a high-pressure pipe, a high-pressure hose, etc. A slurry-like raw material M pressurized by a pressure booster 103 is supplied to the slit chamber 1 via the high-pressure pipe, the high-pressure hose, etc.

[0020] The slurry-like raw material M supplied to the first tip 2a of the slit chamber 1 passes through the flow path inside the water-guiding nozzle 5 and enters the upstream nozzle water-guiding section 6c of the upstream nozzle 6. The slurry-like raw material M then passes through the upstream nozzle water-guiding section 6c and enters the midstream nozzle 7. The diameter of the raw material M is reduced in the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 7e. As a result, the raw material M is subjected to shear stress and collision force, and is atomized. Furthermore, the raw material M that cannot be completely processed by the midstream nozzle 7 collides with the end face of the downstream nozzle 8 from the midstream nozzle water guide section 7c, changes its trajectory at a right angle, and is reduced in diameter in the downstream nozzle atomization flow path 8d. As a result, the raw material M is subjected to shear stress and collision force, and is atomized. The collision force includes not only the collision force between the raw materials M themselves, but also the collision force of the raw material M colliding with the surfaces of the flow paths (7e, 8d).

[0021] The raw material M atomized by the midstream nozzle 7 and the downstream nozzle 8 passes through the midstream nozzle through hole 7f and the downstream nozzle through hole 8e and is sprayed from the junction port 9. The atomization process may be performed not only once, but also multiple times.

[0022] <Configuration of Slit Chamber 1> In the slit chamber 1 shown in Fig. 2, a slurry-like raw material M is supplied from the inlet side (IN) to the outlet side (OUT). The slit chamber 1 includes a first chamber inner member 2, a second chamber inner member 3, and an outer chamber member 4. The first chamber inner member 2 has a cylindrical first tip portion 2a forming one end portion, a cylindrical peripheral portion 2b and a recessed portion 2c forming the other end portion, and a columnar central portion 2e. That is, the first chamber inner member 2 has a hole-shaped recessed portion 2c and a flange-shaped peripheral portion 2b at the rear end portion (downstream end portion). The recessed portion 2c is cylindrical and is formed on the downstream side of the central portion 2e. The flange-shaped peripheral portion 2b is formed outside the recessed portion 2c. A through hole 2e1 through which the raw material M flows is formed at the center of the central portion 2e.

[0023] As described above, the raw material M in a slurry state pressurized by the pressure intensifier 103 is introduced into the first chamber inner member 2 of the slit chamber 1 shown in FIG. As a result, the slurry-like raw material M is taken in from the first tip portion 2a into the through-hole 2e1 of the central portion 2e. The first tip portion 2a may have any shape that can be easily connected to a part of the atomization device 100. The first tip portion 2a is, for example, cylindrical or tubular with a polygonal cross section. A one-touch fixing device may be provided so that the first tip portion 2a can be easily connected to a part of the atomization device 100 with a high-pressure pipe or a high-pressure hose.

[0024] A second chamber inner member 3 is connected to the rear end (downstream end) of the first chamber inner member 2. The second chamber inner member 3 is formed with a hole 3a1 (see FIG. 2) on one side and a hole 3a2 (see FIG. 2) on the other side. A substantially columnar nozzle (5, 6, 7, 8) is inserted into the hole 3a1 on one side. The nozzles (5, 6, 7, 8) have the function of atomizing the raw material M. The first chamber inner member 2 and the second chamber inner member 3 are connected by fitting, press fitting, etc. On the outside of the first chamber inner member 2 and the second chamber inner member 3, a chamber outer member 4 is disposed.

[0025] 2, a water guide nozzle 5, an upstream nozzle 6, a midstream nozzle 7, and a downstream nozzle 8 are provided in the hole 3a1 of the second chamber inner member 3. The truncated cone portion 5d on one side of the water guide nozzle 5 is in close contact with the first chamber inner member 2. And, on the downstream side of the water guide nozzle 5, the upstream nozzle 6, the midstream nozzle 7, and the downstream nozzle 8 are provided in this order.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, behind the nozzles (5, 6, 7, 8) of the second chamber inner member 3, there are arranged a medium-diameter junction port 9 for the jet liquid, a small-diameter junction port 9o, and a hole portion 3a2 with a larger diameter than the junction port 9.

[0027] The cylindrical chamber outer member 4 has a cylindrical stepped engagement portion 4a on its inside. The flange-shaped peripheral edge 2b of the first chamber inner member 2 engages with the engagement portion 4a. The engagement between the chamber outer member 4 and the first chamber inner member 2 sets a reference plane for positioning the first chamber inner member 2 and the various nozzles, namely the water guide nozzle 5, upstream nozzle 6, midstream nozzle 7, and downstream nozzle 8, and the second chamber inner member 3.

[0028] The recess 2c of the first chamber inner member 2 has a depth sufficient to accommodate the water guide nozzle 5. The second chamber inner member 3 has a cylindrical second tip portion 3a. It is sufficient that the recess 2c ensures strength and structural stability when in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the second tip portion 3a. The peripheral edge portion 2b of the first chamber inner member 2 needs only to be able to stably engage the first chamber inner member 2 and the chamber outer member 4. The peripheral portion 2b of the first chamber inner member 2 and the engaging portion 4a of the chamber outer member 4 may be formed of a material with high rigidity and hardness, since they come into contact with each other. The peripheral portion 2b and the engaging portion 4a may be coated with a material with high rigidity and hardness. The peripheral portion 2b and the engaging portion 4a have a width and size that allow them to engage with each other. The first chamber inner member 2 and the chamber outer member 4 may be engaged with each other via a resin part.

[0029] The second chamber inner member 3 shown in Fig. 2 has a cylindrical second tip portion 3a. The second tip portion 3a is cylindrical and is formed on the upstream side. The second tip portion 3a of the second chamber inner member 3 is joined to the recessed portion 2c of the first chamber inner member 2. As a result, the raw material M in a slurry state is supplied from the flow path formed in the first chamber inner member 2 to the various nozzles, namely the water guide nozzle 5, the upstream nozzle 6, the midstream nozzle 7, and the downstream nozzle 8.

[0030] As described above, the first chamber inner member 2 and the second chamber inner member 3 are disposed inside the chamber outer member 4 shown in Fig. 2. The chamber outer member 4 fixes the positions of the first chamber inner member 2 and the second chamber inner member 3. The chamber outer member 4 applies a tightening force to the entire slit chamber 1, thereby stabilizing the position of the flow path through which the slurry-like raw material M passes.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the slit chamber 1 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the water guide nozzle 5 adjusts the clamping position between the first chamber inner member 2 and the second chamber inner member 3 while stabilizing the positions of the various nozzles, namely the upstream nozzle 6, midstream nozzle 7, and downstream nozzle 8.

[0032] <Water guide nozzle 5> The water nozzle 5 shown in Fig. 4 has a cone-shaped tapered protrusion 5a on the upstream side. The first chamber inner member 2 has a cone-shaped tapered recess 2d on the downstream side. The tapered protrusion 5a and the tapered recess 2d are arranged so as to be in surface contact with each other and form a seal.

[0033] The water guide nozzle 5 has a water guide nozzle peripheral portion 5b on the outer periphery on the downstream side. The water guide nozzle peripheral portion 5b has an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the hole 3a1 of the second tip portion 3a. As a result, the water guide nozzle 5 fits into the second tip portion 3a, and vibration in the entire circumferential direction is suppressed. Note that the surface of the water guide nozzle peripheral portion 5b may be coated or the like to prevent damage due to contact with the hole 3a1 of the second tip portion 3a.

[0034] As a modified example, the water guide nozzle 5 may have a structure divided into an inner member and an outer member. As an example, the inner member (not shown) of the water guide nozzle 5 is disposed inside the water guide nozzle outer member (not shown). For example, the inner member of the water guide nozzle 5 is formed of a material harder than the water guide nozzle outer member in order to withstand raw material processing.

[0035] The water guide nozzle 5 has a flow passage 5r (see FIG. 4) inside that communicates with the upstream nozzle water guide section 6c (see FIG. 3A) of the upstream nozzle 6. The flow passage 5r may be straight or may have a tapered shape. The shape of the flow passage 5r can be set arbitrarily depending on the shape of the upstream nozzle water guide section 6c and the amount of raw material M to be passed through.

[0036] <Upstream Nozzle 6> As shown in Fig. 2, the upstream nozzle 6 is disposed inside the second chamber inner member 3 and downstream of the water guide nozzle 5. The upstream nozzle 6 has a cylindrical upstream nozzle inner member 6a and an annular upstream nozzle outer member 6b. The upstream nozzle inner member 6a is disposed inside the upstream nozzle outer member 6b. The upstream nozzle inner member 6a is formed of a material that is harder than the upstream nozzle outer member 6b in order to withstand raw material processing.

[0037] The upstream-nozzle inner member 6a shown in Figures 3A and 4 has a plurality of upstream-nozzle water guide sections 6c (Figure 3A) consisting of through holes. The upstream-nozzle water guide sections 6c are for supplying raw material M to the downstream midstream nozzle 7 (see Figure 4), and a plurality of them are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. By arranging a plurality of upstream-nozzle water guide sections 6c, raw material M can be evenly supplied from multiple directions toward the downstream midstream nozzle 7 (see Figure 4).

[0038] 3A is preferably a through hole having a circular cross section or an elongated cross section. The inner diameter, length and number of the through holes can be appropriately set.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the midstream nozzle 7 is disposed inside the second chamber inner member 3 and downstream of the upstream nozzle 6. The midstream nozzle 7 shown in Fig. 3B has a cylindrical midstream nozzle inner member 7a and an annular midstream nozzle outer member 7b. The midstream nozzle inner member 7a is disposed inside the midstream nozzle outer member 7b. The midstream nozzle inner member 7a is made of a material harder than the midstream nozzle outer member 7b in order to withstand raw material processing since it is directly hit by the raw material.

[0040] The midstream nozzle inner member 7a has a plurality of midstream nozzle water guides 7c each consisting of a through hole with a circular cross section. The midstream nozzle water guides 7c are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, so that the raw material M can be supplied into the midstream nozzle inner member 7a from multiple directions. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the midstream nozzle atomization flow paths 7e are formed radially, so that the raw material M can be supplied evenly into the midstream nozzle inner member 7a from multiple directions. A midstream annular groove 7m is formed on the outside of the midstream nozzle atomization flow passage 7e and the midstream nozzle water guide portion 7c shown in Figs.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, by connecting the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7, the upstream nozzle water guide section 6c and the midstream nozzle water guide section 7c become connected water guide sections, and the raw material M is allowed to pass through the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7.

[0042] The midstream nozzle water guide section 7c shown in Fig. 3B is preferably a through hole that is circular or elongated (vertically long) when viewed from the front. The inner diameter, length, and number of the through holes can be set appropriately. The midstream nozzle water guide section 7c can be a straight through hole as shown in Fig. 4, or a tapered through hole.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3B and 4, the midstream nozzle inner member 7a has a midstream nozzle atomization flow passage 7e and a midstream nozzle through hole 7f. The midstream nozzle through hole 7f is a hole for discharging the raw material M after the atomization process. The midstream nozzle atomization flow passages 7e extending radially are passages for atomizing the raw material M. The midstream nozzle atomization flow passages 7e have a cut shape such as a rectangle in cross section, and one or more of them are formed. In this embodiment, a plurality of midstream nozzle atomization flow paths 7e are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The raw material M flowing out from the upstream nozzle water guide section 6c flows into the midstream nozzle atomization flow paths 7e. The number of midstream nozzle atomization flow paths 7e is greater than the number of midstream nozzle water guide sections 7c. A part of the raw material M from the upstream nozzle water guide 6c passes through the midstream nozzle atomization flow passage 7e (see FIG. 3B) and collides with the wall surface, etc., to be atomized. Furthermore, a part of the raw material M that has passed through the midstream nozzle water guide 7c flows to the downstream nozzle 8. As shown in FIG. 4, the raw material M atomized in the midstream nozzle atomization flow passage 7e is supplied from the midstream nozzle through hole 7f to the downstream nozzle through hole 8e and sent out to the junction port 9 on the outlet side.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the downstream nozzle 8 is disposed inside the second chamber inner member 3 and downstream of the midstream nozzle 7 . 3C and 4, the downstream nozzle 8 has a columnar downstream nozzle inner member 8a and an annular downstream nozzle outer member 8b. The downstream nozzle inner member 8a is disposed inside the downstream nozzle outer member 8b. The downstream nozzle inner member 8a is configured to be directly hit by the raw material M, and therefore is preferably formed from a material harder than the downstream nozzle outer member 8b in order to withstand raw material processing.

[0045] The downstream nozzle inner member 8a shown in FIG. 3C has downstream nozzle atomization flow paths 8d extending radially, and downstream nozzle through holes 8e. The downstream nozzle atomization flow passage 8d has a cut shape and is a passage for atomizing the raw material M. The through hole 8e for the downstream nozzle is a flow path for flowing the raw material M atomized in the atomization flow path 8d for the downstream nozzle toward the junction port 9. In this embodiment, a plurality of downstream-nozzle atomization flow paths 8d are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, a downstream annular groove 8m is formed on the outer side of the downstream nozzle through hole 8e. The raw material M flowing out from the midstream nozzle water guide portion 7c flows into the downstream nozzle atomization flow path 8d.

[0046] The materials of the water guide nozzle 5, upstream nozzle 6, midstream nozzle 7, and downstream nozzle 8 shown in Fig. 4 are preferably high hardness materials such as various metals, cemented carbide, sintered diamond, and single crystal diamond. In addition, it is also possible to add a member that takes into consideration wear resistance and a contamination-free shaft seal structure to a part of the upstream nozzle 6, midstream nozzle 7, and downstream nozzle 8, or to apply a coating to the surfaces of the upstream nozzle 6, midstream nozzle 7, and downstream nozzle 8. It is also possible to apply a coating only to the surface where the raw material M hits or the surface where an external force is applied. This suppresses wear of the upstream nozzle 6, midstream nozzle 7, and downstream nozzle 8.

[0047] <Other examples of atomization flow paths (16e, 17e) and the atomization flow path 7e for midstream nozzle and the atomization flow path 8d for downstream nozzle of the embodiment> FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of another example of the slit chamber 21. In FIG. In the other example of the slit chamber 21, the atomization flow passage 7e for the midstream nozzle in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is changed to an atomization flow passage 16e for the upstream nozzle, and the atomization flow passage 8d for the downstream nozzle in the embodiment is changed to an atomization flow passage 17e for the midstream nozzle.

[0048] 4, an atomization flow passage 7e for a midstream nozzle is provided downstream of the boundary surface between the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7. Also, the slit chamber 1 of the embodiment is provided with an atomization flow passage 8d for a downstream nozzle downstream of the boundary surface between the midstream nozzle 7 and the downstream nozzle 8. In contrast to this, the slit chamber 21 shown in FIG. 5 as another example has an atomization flow passage 16e for the upstream nozzle provided on the upstream side of the boundary surface between the upstream nozzle 16 and the midstream nozzle 17, and also has an atomization flow passage 17e for the midstream nozzle provided on the upstream side of the boundary surface between the midstream nozzle 17 and the downstream nozzle 18. In addition, in another example, the slit chamber 21 shown in Figure 5 has an upstream annular groove 7m1 provided on the upstream side of the boundary surface between the upstream nozzle 16 and the midstream nozzle 17, and also has a midstream annular groove 8m1 provided on the upstream side of the boundary surface between the midstream nozzle 17 and the downstream nozzle 18.

[0049] The raw material M can also be atomized in another example of the slit chamber 21 shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the raw material M in the slit chamber 21 of the other example shown in FIG. In the other example of the slit chamber 21, the phenomenon in which the raw material M once entering the midstream nozzle water guiding section 17c flows from the downstream into the atomization flow path for the upstream nozzle 16e is not observed, and the raw material M flows smoothly into the atomization flow path for the upstream nozzle 16e and the atomization flow path for the midstream nozzle 17e.

[0050] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the raw material M in the slit chamber 1 of the embodiment. In the slit chamber 1 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the phenomenon in which the raw material M once entering the midstream nozzle water guiding portion 7c flows into the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 7e from the downstream side is not observed. Therefore, it was confirmed that the slit chamber 1 of the embodiment is superior to the slit chamber 21 of the other example in terms of the flow of the raw material M, and the raw material M is less likely to clog the atomization flow path 7e for the midstream nozzle or the atomization flow path 8d for the downstream nozzle.

[0051] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a modified slit chamber 1A. The slit chamber 1A is provided with a plurality of midstream nozzles between the upstream nozzle 6 and the downstream nozzle 8 (in FIG. 7, a first midstream nozzle 7A, a second midstream nozzle 7B, and a third midstream nozzle 7C). The upstream nozzle 6 of the modified slit chamber 1A has a columnar upstream nozzle inner member 6a and a ring-shaped upstream nozzle outer member 6b. A recess 6m, which is a cylindrical space, is formed in the center of the downstream edge 6a1 of the columnar upstream-nozzle inner member 6a, facing the midstream-nozzle through-hole 7f1 of the midstream nozzle 7A. The presence of the recess 6m reduces the collision of the raw material M with the downstream edge 6a1 of the upstream-nozzle inner member 6a, thereby suppressing wear of the downstream edge 6a1.

[0052] It is advisable to form a recess similar to recess 6m in the center of downstream edge 6a1 of upstream nozzle inner member 6a of upstream nozzle 6 shown in Fig. 4, facing midstream nozzle through hole 7f1 of first midstream nozzle 7A. This suppresses wear of downstream edge 6a1 (see Fig. 4) of upstream nozzle inner member 6a due to raw material M. Further, for the midstream nozzle through holes 7f1, 7f2, and 7f3 shown in FIG. 7, a through hole tapered portion 30 may be disposed or formed in which the diameter s1 is small at first and gradually increases.

[0053] In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, when a plurality of first midstream nozzles 7A, second midstream nozzles 7B, and third midstream nozzles 7C are arranged, the processed raw material M passes through midstream nozzle through holes 7f1, 7f2, and 7f3 formed in each midstream nozzle (7A, 7B, 7C). Here, the longer the distance between the inlet side of the through hole 7f1 for the midstream nozzle and the outlet side of the through hole 7f3 for the midstream nozzle, the larger the total volume of the through holes 7f1, 7f2, and 7f3 for the midstream nozzle becomes. Also, taking into consideration the flow of energy associated with the discharge from the junction port 9, it is necessary to devise a way to prevent as much of the processed raw material M from remaining on the inlet side of the through hole 7f1 for the midstream nozzle as possible.

[0054] Therefore, the diameter s1 may be gradually or stepwise decreased or increased from the inlet side of the midstream nozzle through hole 7f1 toward the outlet side of the midstream nozzle through hole 7f3. The through-hole taper portion 30 can also be formed in the first midstream nozzle 7A, the second midstream nozzle 7B, and the third midstream nozzle 7C. Alternatively, in order to make it easier to connect a plurality of first midstream nozzles 7A, the second midstream nozzle 7B, and the third midstream nozzle 7C, an independent through-hole taper member 30b can be fitted into the midstream nozzle through-hole 30k formed in the first midstream nozzle 7A, the second midstream nozzle 7B, and the third midstream nozzle 7C, and the through-hole taper member 30b can be fixed at least at one point, either front or rear.

[0055] The midstream nozzle inner member 7a shown in FIG. 3B may be formed with a midstream nozzle groove 7g which is an annular hole, and a discharge hole 7h which is a through hole. Even when the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7 are connected, the raw material M is under pressure from the inside of each of the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7, and there is a possibility that the raw material M will leak from the gap between the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7. Therefore, by forming the midstream nozzle groove 7g of the annular hole, an excess amount of raw material M can be accommodated in the midstream nozzle 7. Therefore, the leakage of the raw material M from between the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7 is reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, a through-hole discharge hole 7h is formed in the midstream nozzle inner member 7a. With this, when the raw material M is about to leak into the gap between the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7, it is discharged from the discharge hole 7h, thereby suppressing or preventing the raw material M from leaking outside the slit chamber 1. The discharge hole 7h is connected to the midstream nozzle water guiding section 7c (see FIG. 4).

[0057] As shown in Fig. 7 of the modified example, by disposing an annular first seal member 40 between the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7, leakage of the raw material M can be prevented. Specifically, an annular hole pocket 17h is formed on the inside of the joint surface of the upstream nozzle 6 or the midstream nozzle 7. By disposing the annular first seal member 40 in the annular hole pocket 17h, leakage of the raw material M can be prevented. Examples of the first seal member 40 include butadiene rubber and silicone rubber.

[0058] 4, a second annular seal member similar to the first seal member 40 can also be disposed between the midstream nozzle 7 and the downstream nozzle 8. This makes it possible to prevent leakage of the raw material M from between the midstream nozzle 7 and the downstream nozzle 8. For example, by forming an annular hole pocket (not shown) on the inside of the joint surface between the midstream nozzle 7 and the downstream nozzle 8 and disposing a second annular seal member similar to the first seal member 40 therein, it is possible to prevent leakage of the raw material M from the gap between the midstream nozzle 7 and the downstream nozzle 8.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 4, the downstream nozzle 8 is disposed downstream of the midstream nozzle 7. As shown in Fig. 3C, the downstream nozzle 8 has a downstream nozzle inner member 8a and a downstream nozzle outer member 8b. The downstream nozzle inner member 8a is disposed inside the downstream nozzle outer member 8b. The downstream nozzle inner member 8a is formed of a material having a higher hardness than the downstream nozzle outer member 8b in order to withstand the atomization process of the raw material M.

[0060] The downstream nozzle 8 shown in FIG. 3C has downstream-nozzle atomization flow paths 8d extending radially, and a downstream-nozzle through-hole 8e. The atomization flow passage 8d for the downstream nozzle is a flow passage for atomizing the raw material M. The atomization flow passage 8d for the downstream nozzle has a cut shape with a substantially rectangular cross section, and one or more of the atomization flow passages 8d are formed. The cross-sectional shape of the atomization flow passage 8d for the downstream nozzle can be selected arbitrarily. A downstream nozzle annular groove 8m is formed on the outer side of the downstream nozzle atomization flow passage 8d shown in FIG.

[0061] The raw material M supplied from the midstream nozzle water guide section 7c shown in Figures 3B and 4 passes through the downstream nozzle atomization flow path 8d (Figures 3C and 4), whereby the raw material M that could not be completely atomized by the midstream nozzle 7 can be processed.

[0062] The through-hole 8e for a downstream nozzle shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 4 is a hole for discharging the raw material M after the atomization process in the atomization flow passage 8d for a downstream nozzle and the like.

[0063] That is, the raw material M passes through the upstream nozzle water guide section 6c shown in Fig. 4 and is processed in the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 7e (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 3B). The raw material M that was not completely processed in the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 7e passes through the midstream nozzle water guide section 7c (see Fig. 3B and Fig. 4) and is processed in the downstream nozzle atomization flow path 8d. By adopting such a structure, the amount of raw material M that can be atomized can be increased. In addition, the raw material M after the atomization process is discharged from the junction port 9 (see Fig. 4) via the midstream nozzle through hole 7f and the downstream nozzle through hole 8e.

[0064] Conventionally, in order to increase the throughput of the raw material M, there has been a method of using a plurality of slit chambers. In response to this, it is advisable to arrange a plurality of midstream nozzles 7 as shown in Fig. 7 of a modified example. For example, a first midstream nozzle 7A, a second midstream nozzle 7B, and a third midstream nozzle 7C are shown in Fig. 7. The number of midstream nozzles 7 is not limited. This can further increase the amount of raw material M that can be atomized. And, atomization processing can be performed in the atomization flow path 7e11 for the first midstream nozzle, the atomization flow path 7e12 for the second midstream nozzle, and the atomization flow path 7e13 for the third midstream nozzle, which are provided in each midstream nozzle (7A, 7B, 7C) similar to the atomization flow path 7e for the midstream nozzle (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 3B). This makes it possible to configure the atomization device 100 including the slit chamber 1 shown in Fig. 1 so as not to become large in size.

[0065] Also, a pocket 17h and a seal member 40 can be disposed on the inner wall surface of each of 7A, 7B, and 7C shown in FIG. By disposing sealing members 40 (see FIG. 7) between the upstream nozzle 6, the midstream nozzles (7A, 7B, 7C), and the downstream nozzle 8, leakage of the raw material M can be prevented.

[0066] According to the above configuration, even if the amount of raw material M input into the slit chamber 1 increases, it is possible to continuously apply shear stress and collision force to the raw material M, and to atomize a large flow rate of the raw material M. In addition, it is possible to provide the slit chamber 1 and the atomization device 100 that can suppress leakage of the raw material M.

[0067] <Transformation 1> FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a slit chamber 21A of the first modified embodiment. The modified slit chamber 21A is a device for atomizing the pressurized slurry-like raw material M. The slit chamber 21A has a generally columnar shape. In the slit chamber 21A, the raw material M in a slurry state is supplied from a first tip portion 22a on the inlet side (IN) toward the outlet side (OUT).

[0068] The slit chamber 21A has a first chamber inner member 22, a second chamber inner member 23, and a chamber outer member 24. The first chamber inner member 22 has an annular first tip portion 22a. The second chamber inner member 23 is connected to the first chamber inner member 22. The chamber outer member 24 is disposed outside the first chamber inner member 22 and a portion of the second chamber inner member 23.

[0069] A water guide nozzle 25, an upstream nozzle 26, a downstream nozzle 27, a load-receiving nozzle 28, and a junction port 29 are arranged inside the second chamber inner member 23. The water guide nozzle 25 is joined to the first chamber inner member 22. The upstream nozzle 26 is arranged downstream of the water guide nozzle 25. The downstream nozzle 27 is arranged downstream of the upstream nozzle 26. The load-receiving nozzle 28 is arranged downstream of the downstream nozzle 27.

[0070] The chamber outer member 24 has a recessed portion 24c, which is a cylindrical space, on the inside. The tightening adjustment portion 10 is disposed in the space defined by the recessed portion 24c and the outside of the first chamber inner member 22. The tightening adjustment unit 10 has, for example, an elastic member such as one or more compression springs, which can add elastic force to avoid excessive tightening of the first chamber inside member 22, the water guide nozzle 25, the upstream nozzle 26, the downstream nozzle 27, the load receiving nozzle 28, etc.

[0071] Also, a fastener 20 may be provided to fasten the upstream nozzle 6, midstream nozzles (7A, 7B, 7C), and downstream nozzle 8 shown in FIG. 7. In particular, when a plurality of midstream nozzles 7, such as a first midstream nozzle 7A, a second midstream nozzle 7B, and a third midstream nozzle 7C, are provided, there is a possibility that the raw material M may leak from the contact surfaces between the nozzles (7A, 7B, 7C). Therefore, the fastener 20 (see FIG. 7) may be provided to fasten the nozzles (7A, 7B, 7C) to prevent or suppress leakage of the raw material M. As the fastener 20, a fastening pin, a screw, or the like may be used.

[0072] The fastener 20 can also be divided and arranged between the upstream nozzle 6 and the midstream nozzle 7, between the midstream nozzles (7A, 7B, 7C), between the midstream nozzle 7 and the downstream nozzle 8, between the upstream nozzle 6 and the downstream nozzle 8, etc. The optimal combination can be set depending on the external force acting within the flow path, etc. The fasteners 20 can be arranged not only in one direction, but also in a number of different directions.

[0073] <Transformation 2> FIG. 9A shows the tapered section 7e1 of the atomization flow passage for the midstream nozzle in the second modified embodiment. FIG. 9B shows a tapered section 8d1 of the atomization flow passage for the downstream nozzle in the second modified embodiment. In the modified embodiment 2, the atomization flow passage 7e for the midstream nozzle shown in FIG. 3B and the atomization flow passage 8d for the downstream nozzle shown in FIG. 3C of the embodiment are changed to a tapered section 7e1 for the midstream nozzle atomization flow passage (see FIG. 9A) and a tapered section 8d1 for the downstream nozzle atomization flow passage (see FIG. 9B), respectively.

[0074] That is, the atomization flow passage 7e for midstream nozzle shown in FIG. 3B can be formed in place of the tapered portion 7e1 for midstream nozzle atomization flow passage of the second modified embodiment (see FIG. 9A). Further, the downstream nozzle atomization flow passage 8d shown in FIG. 3C can be formed in place of the downstream nozzle atomization flow passage tapered portion 8d1 (see FIG. 9B) of the second modified embodiment. By forming the midstream nozzle atomization flow path tapered portion 7e1 and the downstream nozzle atomization flow path tapered portion 8d1, the shear force applied to the raw material M can be strengthened.

[0075] The taper of the midstream nozzle atomization flow path tapered section 7e1 (see FIG. 9A) is desirably shaped so that the outside is wide (spreads or bulges) and the inside is narrow so that the raw material M is smoothly supplied from the midstream nozzle atomization flow path tapered section 7e1 to the midstream nozzle through-hole 7f. Similarly, the taper of the downstream nozzle atomization flow path tapered portion 8d1 (see FIG. 9B) is desirably shaped so that the outside is wide (spreads or bulges) and the inside is narrow so that the raw material M is smoothly supplied from the downstream nozzle atomization flow path tapered portion 8d1 into the downstream nozzle through-hole 8e.

[0076] In this specification, the midstream nozzle atomization flow channel tapered section 7e1 and the downstream nozzle atomization flow channel tapered section 8d1 are illustrated as tapered sections, but a flow channel having a stepped shape or the like can also be selected.

[0077] <Transformation 3> FIG. 10A shows an enlarged front view of the intermediate nozzle 37 of the third modified embodiment, which is a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. In the intermediate nozzle 37 of the third modified embodiment, a cylindrical midstream nozzle inner member 37a has a plurality of midstream nozzle water guiding portions 37c made of through holes formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in the cylindrical midstream nozzle inner member 37a, a large number or a plurality of midstream nozzle atomization flow paths 37e, each having a cut-like shape and a substantially rectangular cross section, are formed extending radially.

[0078] FIG. 10B shows an enlarged view of part IV in FIG. 10A. The inlet 37e1 of the atomization flow passage 37e for midstream nozzle is formed in a shape having a convex curvature. This prevents the raw material M from clogging the inlet 37e1 of the atomization flow passage 37e for midstream nozzle. The downstream flow passage 37e2 downstream from the inlet 37e1 is formed in a straight line with the same flow passage width s11. In addition, it is preferable that the inlet 8d0 of the atomization flow passage 8d for the downstream nozzle of the downstream nozzle inner member 8a shown in Fig. 3C is also formed in a shape having a convex curvature similar to that of Fig. 10B. This prevents the raw material M from clogging the inlet 8d0 of the atomization flow passage 8d for the downstream nozzle.

[0079] FIG. 11A shows an enlarged front view of intermediate nozzle 37 of modified example 1 of modified embodiment 3, which is a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. The atomization flow passage 37g for midstream nozzle in the modified example 1 of the modified embodiment 3 is formed linearly in a shape in which the flow passage width s12 narrows toward the downstream. The rate at which the flow passage width s12 narrows (the inclination angle of the side wall of the atomization flow passage 37g for midstream nozzle) can be determined appropriately. The phenomenon of clogging with the raw material M is suppressed by making the flow passage width s12 larger on the upstream side and gradually decreasing toward the downstream side, compared to the case in which the flow passage width s12 is constant. This prevents the raw material M from clogging the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 37g.

[0080] FIG. 11B shows an enlarged front view of intermediate nozzle 37 of modified example 2 of modified embodiment 3, which is a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. In the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 37h of the modified example 2 of the modified embodiment 3, the inlet portion 37h1 is formed in a shape having a concave curvature. The downstream portion 37h2 downstream from the inlet portion 37h1 is formed in a shape in which the flow path width s13 narrows toward the downstream. This prevents the raw material M from clogging the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 37h including the inlet portion 37h1.

[0081] FIG. 11C shows an enlarged front view of intermediate nozzle 37 of modified embodiment 3, which is a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. In the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 37i of the modified example 3 of the modified embodiment 3, the inlet portion 37i1 is formed in a shape having a convex curvature. The downstream portion 37i2 downstream from the inlet portion 37i1 is formed in a shape in which the flow path width s4 narrows toward the downstream. This prevents the raw material M from clogging the midstream nozzle atomization flow path 37i including the inlet portion 37i1.

[0082] The example of FIGS. 11A to 11C can also be applied to the downstream nozzle through hole 8e shown in FIG. 3C.

[0083] According to the above-described embodiment and modified embodiment, even if the input amount of the raw material M increases, it is possible to continuously apply shear stress and collision force to the raw material M, and to process a large flow rate of the raw material M. In addition, it is possible to provide the slit chamber 1 and the atomization device 100 that can prevent or suppress leakage of the raw material M.

[0084] <<Other embodiments>> 1. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified appropriately without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified configurations, and various modifications and specific forms are possible within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Slit chamber 2. First chamber inner member 3 Second chamber inner member 4. Chamber outer member 5. Water nozzle 6 Upstream nozzle 6c Upstream nozzle water guide section 7 Midstream Nozzle 7A No. 1 midstream nozzle 7B No. 2 midstream nozzle 7C 3rd midstream nozzle 7e Atomization channel for midstream nozzle 7e1 Atomization flow path taper for midstream nozzle (tapered part) 7e11 Atomization flow passage for the first midstream nozzle (atomization flow passage for the midstream nozzle) 7e12 Atomization flow passage for the second midstream nozzle (atomization flow passage for the midstream nozzle) 7e13 Atomization flow passage for the 3rd midstream nozzle (atomization flow passage for the midstream nozzle) 7f Midstream nozzle through hole 7g Midstream nozzle groove 7h Discharge hole 8 Downstream nozzle 8D Atomization channel for downstream nozzle 8d0 Entrance 8d1 Downstream nozzle atomization flow passage tapered section (tapered section) 8e Downstream nozzle through hole 9 Junction 20 Fasteners 30 Tapered through hole 37h1 Inlet section (inlet section with concave curvature) 37i1 Inlet section (inlet section with convex curvature) 40 Seal part 100 Atomization device 101 Raw material tank 102 Liquid supply pump 103 Booster M Raw material

Claims

1. A water nozzle through which the raw material is introduced; an upstream nozzle disposed downstream of the water guide nozzle and having an upstream nozzle water guide portion through which the raw material passes; a midstream nozzle that is disposed downstream of the upstream nozzle and has a midstream nozzle atomization flow path for atomizing the raw material; a downstream nozzle that is disposed downstream of the midstream nozzle and has a downstream nozzle atomization flow path for atomizing the raw material that has flowed through the midstream nozzle.

2. The slit chamber according to claim 1, A slit chamber characterized in that at least one of said midstream nozzle atomization flow passage and said downstream nozzle atomization flow passage has a tapered portion.

3. The slit chamber according to claim 1 or 2, a through hole for a midstream nozzle through which the raw material atomized in the midstream nozzle atomization flow passage flows downstream; a through hole for a downstream nozzle through which the raw material atomized in the atomization flow passage for the downstream nozzle flows downstream.

4. The slit chamber according to claim 3, 4. The slit chamber according to claim 3, wherein the midstream nozzle through hole has a tapered portion on its inner surface.

5. The slit chamber according to claim 1, A slit chamber characterized in that a plurality of the midstream nozzles are arranged in series.

6. The slit chamber according to claim 1, A slit chamber characterized in that at least one of the midstream nozzle atomization flow passage and the downstream nozzle atomization flow passage is formed in plurality and arranged radially.

7. The slit chamber according to claim 1, A slit chamber characterized in that at least one of said midstream nozzle atomization flow passage and said downstream nozzle atomization flow passage has a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases.

8. The slit chamber according to claim 1, A slit chamber characterized in that at least one of said midstream nozzle atomization flow path and said downstream nozzle atomization flow path has an inlet portion at one end formed with a concave or convex curvature.

9. The slit chamber according to claim 1, The midstream nozzle has a midstream nozzle groove into which the raw material enters; and a discharge hole into which the leaked raw material flows.

10. The slit chamber according to claim 1, A slit chamber comprising a fastener for fastening the upstream nozzle, the midstream nozzle, and the downstream nozzle.

11. The slit chamber according to claim 1, A slit chamber comprising a seal portion disposed between the upstream nozzle and the midstream nozzle, or between the midstream nozzle and the downstream nozzle.

12. The slit chamber according to claim 1, The midstream nozzle is formed of a plurality of midstream nozzles, A slit chamber having a seal portion between the plurality of midstream nozzles.

13. A raw material tank for storing the raw material; A liquid supply pump that pressure-feeds the raw material in the raw material tank; a pressure booster that pressurizes the raw material pumped from the liquid supply pump; An atomization device comprising the slit chamber according to claim 1 or 2.

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