Vortex flow type fluid mixer

Abstract

To provide a fluid mixer where a space is reduced and a variation of concentration in both of a pipe radial direction and a flow direction can be reduced.SOLUTION: A vortex flow type fluid mixer 11 comprises: a cylindrical peripheral side wall 13; a vortex chamber 25 installed at both ends of the cylindrical peripheral side wall and regulated with mutually facing first end wall 15 and second end wall 17; an inlet flow passage 19 to open to the peripheral side wall 13; an outlet flow passage 21 to open to the first end wall 15; and a confluent part 23 which is installed at an upstream side of the inlet flow passage 19 and where at least two fluid supply passages are confluent. In the vortex chamber 25, a vortex flow is made when fluid supplied from at least two fluid supply passages and joined at the confluent part 23 is flowed in the vortex chamber 25 via the inlet flow passage 19, the vortex flow is made in the vortex chamber 25 and the mixed fluid is flowed from the outlet flow passage 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vortex type fluid mixer that is used for fluid transport piping in various industries such as chemical plants, the semiconductor manufacturing field, the food field, the medical field, and the bio field, and mixes two or more types of fluids by using a vortex flow. [Background technology]

[0002] In various industrial fields such as chemical plants, semiconductor manufacturing, food, medical, and biotechnology, a static mixer in which a twisted blade-shaped static mixer element is mounted in a pipe is generally used as a method for mixing fluids flowing in a pipe, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. A static mixer element is usually constructed by connecting a plurality of minimum unit members in series, with a rectangular plate twisted 180 degrees around its longitudinal axis as the minimum unit member. In a typical static mixer, the end of the right element (the end in the torsional axis direction), which is a rectangular plate twisted 180 degrees clockwise, and the end of the left element (the end in the torsional axis direction), which is a rectangular plate twisted 180 degrees counterclockwise, are installed in a pipe in a state where they are joined at right angles to each other at multiple points in the direction of fluid flow. With this configuration, the fluid flowing inside the pipe is divided into two each time it passes through an element, and as the fluid flows along the twisted surface of the element, it is subjected to a diversion action from the center of the pipe to the pipe wall and a reversal of the twisting direction of the flow, causing the fluid to be agitated and mixed uniformly in the radial direction of the piping. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-205062 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2010 / 016448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In mixing fluids using a static mixer, the fluids are stirred along the flow, so it is possible to reduce the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in the radial direction of the piping of different types of fluids, but it is not possible to reduce the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in the flow direction of the piping of different types of fluids. As a method for reducing the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in the flow direction of mixed different types of fluids, there is a method of providing a tank in the middle of the flow path, storing the fluid in the tank, homogenizing the concentration, and then discharging the fluid, or a method of providing multiple branches in the flow path, rejoining the fluids at different positions, and mixing them by utilizing the time difference to homogenize the concentration, as described in Patent Document 2. However, there is a problem that a large space is required to install a tank or multiple branch paths. For this reason, when there is a space constraint on the device, it is not possible to use a tank or time-difference mixing, and it is difficult to eliminate the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in the flow direction. For example, in a semiconductor wafer manufacturing line, if a chemical solution with a variation in concentration is applied to a semiconductor wafer, it can cause defective products.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems existing in the conventional technology and to provide a space-saving fluid mixer that can reduce the variation in concentration in both the radial direction and the flow direction of the piping. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above object, the present invention provides a vortex type fluid mixer comprising: a vortex chamber defined by a cylindrical peripheral side wall and first and second end walls provided at both ends of the peripheral side wall and facing each other; an inlet flow passage extending along a central axis of an inlet flow passage and opening at the peripheral side wall; an outlet flow passage extending along a central axis of an outlet flow passage and opening at the first end wall; and a junction portion provided upstream of the inlet flow passage at which at least two fluid supply passages join, wherein the vortex chamber is configured so that fluids supplied from the at least two fluid supply passages and joined at the junction portion form a vortex when they flow into the vortex chamber via the inlet flow passage, and the fluids that have formed a vortex and been mixed in the vortex chamber flow out from the outlet flow passage.

[0007] In the above vortex type fluid mixer, a vortex chamber is defined by a cylindrical peripheral side wall and a first end wall and a second end wall provided at both ends thereof, the inlet flow passage opens to the peripheral side wall of the vortex chamber, and the outlet flow passage opens to the first end wall, and when the fluids that join at the joining section provided upstream of the inlet flow passage flow into the vortex chamber through the inlet flow passage, they form a vortex. Therefore, the fluids that flow in from the inlet flow passage become swirling flows in the vortex chamber and flow in a vortex shape before flowing out from the outlet flow passage. As a result, even when different types of fluids join at the joining section, the concentration variation (unevenness in concentration distribution) of the different types of fluids can be reduced by the stirring action of the vortex flow in the vortex chamber. The inventors of the present application have also found that in a vortex type fluid mixer configured as described above, the fluid flowing from the inlet passage into the vortex chamber flows along different paths from the inlet passage into the vortex chamber to the outlet passage depending on the position where the fluid flows in the cross section of the inlet passage perpendicular to the flow direction, and the length of the streamline from the inlet passage into the vortex chamber to the outlet passage differs. As a result, fluids at different positions in the flow direction in the inlet passage are mixed at various points in the vortex chamber and at the inlet of the outlet passage, so that a mixing effect utilizing a time difference can be achieved to reduce the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in the flow direction of different types of fluids.

[0008] In the above-mentioned vortex type fluid mixer, it is preferable that the inlet flow passage is provided so that a central axis of the inlet flow passage passes through a position away from a central axis of the vortex chamber connecting the center of the first end wall and the center of the second end wall.

[0009] The outlet flow passage is preferably provided such that a central axis of the outlet flow passage extends through a position spaced apart from a central axis of the inlet flow passage.

[0010] It is also preferable that the outlet passage is provided such that a central axis of the outlet passage extends on a central axis of the vortex chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment, the nozzle may further include a protruding portion protruding into the vortex chamber from at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall. In this case, the protruding portion may be provided at a position offset from a central axis of the vortex chamber, or the protruding portion may be provided at a position offset from a central axis of the outlet flow passage.

[0012] In another embodiment, the second end wall may be a diaphragm. In this case, the diaphragm may be moved by a drive unit so as to approach and move away from the first end wall.

[0013] The first end wall and the second end wall are circular or elliptical. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a vortex is generated in the vortex chamber, and the concentration variation of different types of fluids can be reduced by the stirring action of the vortex in the vortex chamber. Furthermore, the fluid flowing into the vortex chamber from the inlet passage flows along different paths from the inlet passage into the vortex chamber to the outlet passage depending on the position where the fluid flows in the cross section of the inlet passage perpendicular to the flow direction, and the length of the streamline from the inlet passage into the vortex chamber to the outlet passage also differs. Therefore, the fluids at different positions in the flow direction in the inlet passage are mixed at various places in the vortex chamber and at the inlet of the outlet passage, and the mixing effect utilizing the time difference can reduce the concentration variation in the flow direction of different types of fluids. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the overall configuration of a vortex fluid mixer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a portion cut away so that the inside can be seen. FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, showing the positions of a plurality of regions of the cross section as viewed in the direction of the arrows. [Diagram 3] 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic flow line of the fluid passing through region H in FIG. 2 when it flows through the vortex chamber of the vortex type fluid mixer shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic flow line of a fluid passing through region I in FIG. 2 when it flows through a vortex chamber of the vortex type fluid mixer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic flow line of the fluid passing through region F in FIG. 2 when it flows through the vortex chamber of the vortex type fluid mixer shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a vortex fluid mixer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the inside of a vortex type fluid mixer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the inside of a vortex type fluid mixer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and dimensions of a vortex fluid mixer used in a numerical simulation. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and dimensions of a vortex fluid mixer used in a numerical simulation. [Figure 11] 13 is a graph showing the time changes in the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained in each region at the reference position of the inlet passage in a numerical simulation using a vortex fluid mixer. [Figure 12] 13 is a graph showing the time change in the maximum and minimum values ​​of the passive scalar of the mixed fluid obtained in each region at the reference position of the outlet flow passage in a numerical simulation using a vortex type fluid mixer. [Figure 13] 3 is a graph showing a comparison of the lengths of streamlines when a fluid passing through each region at the reference position of the inlet passage shown in FIG. 2 flows through a vortex chamber in a numerical simulation using a vortex type fluid mixer. [Figure 14] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in the average passive scalar of a fluid passing through the cross section at the reference position of the outlet passage when fluids with passive scalar values ​​of 1 and 0 alternately flow into the inlet passage in a numerical simulation using a vortex fluid mixer. [Figure 15] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in the average passive scalar of a fluid passing through the cross section at the reference position of the inlet passage when fluids with passive scalar values ​​of 1 and 0 are alternately allowed to flow in from the outlet passage in a numerical simulation using a vortex fluid mixer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a vortex type fluid mixer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a vortex type fluid mixer 11 of a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] The vortex type fluid mixer 11 includes a cylindrical peripheral side wall 13 extending along the central axis, a first end wall 15 and a second end wall 17 provided at both ends of the peripheral side wall 13 in the central axis direction so as to face each other, an inlet flow path 19, an outlet flow path 21, and a junction 23 provided upstream of the inlet flow path 19. The first end wall 15 and the second end wall 17 have the same shape and are provided so as to close both ends of the peripheral side wall 13 in the central axis direction, and a space surrounded by the peripheral side wall 13, the first end wall 15, and the second end wall 17 constitutes a vortex chamber 25. A vortex chamber central axis O extending to connect the center of the first end wall 15 and the center of the second end wall 17 coincides with the central axis of the peripheral side wall 13. In this specification, the center of the first end wall 15 and the center of the second end wall 17 refer to the center positions of the first end wall 15 and the second end wall 17, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end wall 15 and the second end wall 17 are circular, and the peripheral side wall 13 is cylindrical. However, the shapes of the first end wall 15 and the second end wall 17 are not limited to being circular, and may be any shape, such as an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape or a rectangular shape, as long as a vortex flow can be generated in the vortex chamber 25.

[0018] The inlet passage 19 extends along an inlet passage central axis P1 perpendicular to the vortex chamber central axis O, and opens to the peripheral side wall 13. The inlet passage central axis P1 extends so as to pass through the center of the cross section of the inlet passage 19. The outlet passage 21 extends from the vortex chamber 25 to the outside along an outlet passage central axis P2 parallel to the vortex chamber central axis O, and opens to the first end wall 15 of the vortex chamber 25. The outlet passage central axis P2 extends so as to pass through the center of the cross section of the outlet passage 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet passage 19 and the outlet passage 21 are both formed of circular pipes having a circular cross section. However, the cross sections of the inlet passage 19 and the outlet passage 21 are not limited to a circular shape, and may be polygonal, such as an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet passage 19 is formed of a straight circular pipe, but may be formed in other shapes, such as a nozzle shape, as long as the fluid can be introduced into the vortex chamber 25.

[0019] The inlet flow passage 19 is provided so that the inlet flow passage central axis P1 passes through an eccentric position away from the vortex chamber central axis O. Therefore, the fluid flowing in from the inlet flow passage 19 hits the peripheral side wall 13 in the vortex chamber 25 and flows along the peripheral side wall 13 to generate a swirling flow, which then flows toward the outlet flow passage 21 and flows out from the outlet flow passage 21. In order to easily generate a swirling flow, the inlet flow passage 19 is preferably provided so that the fluid flowing into the vortex chamber 25 from the inlet flow passage 19 flows along the peripheral side wall 13. On the other hand, the outlet flow passage 21 can be provided at any position on the first end wall 15 as long as the fluid flowing into the vortex chamber 25 from the inlet flow passage 19 flows out from the outlet flow passage 21 after generating a vortex. In other words, the outlet flow passage 21 may be provided so that the outlet flow passage central axis P2 extends through a position away from the inlet flow passage central axis P1 so that the fluid flowing into the vortex chamber 25 from the inlet flow passage 19 does not flow out from the outlet flow passage 21 as it is.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet passage 19 extends in a tangential direction of the cylindrical circumferential side wall 13 and is connected to the circumferential side wall 13 such that the inlet passage central axis P1 is parallel to the tangent line, so that the fluid flows from the inlet passage 19 into the vortex chamber 25 in a direction substantially tangential to the circumferential side wall 13. The outlet passage 21 is provided so as to open to the first end wall 15 and so that the outlet passage central axis P2 passes through the center of the first end wall 15, i.e., so that the outlet passage central axis P2 extends in alignment with the vortex chamber central axis O. With this configuration, the fluid flowing in from the inlet passage 19 flows along the circumferential side wall 13 in the vortex chamber 25, generating a swirling flow, and flows toward the outlet passage 21 in a vortex shape while gradually approaching the center.

[0021] The confluence section 23 is configured to merge different types of fluids supplied from at least two fluid supply paths connected to different fluid supply sources and to flow into the vortex chamber 25 through the inlet flow path 19. In the illustrated first embodiment, the confluence section 23 is configured by a T-shaped flow path in which one end of one sub-flow path 23b is connected to the middle of a linear main flow path 23a, one end of which is connected to the inlet flow path 19, and the fluid A is supplied from the other end of the main flow path 23a and the fluid B is supplied from the other end of the sub-flow path 23b, so that the fluids A and B are merged at the confluence section 23. The shape of the confluence section 23 is not limited to a T-shape, and may be, for example, a Y-shape. In addition, two or more sub-flow paths 23b may be connected to the main flow path 23a, and three or more types of fluids may be merged at the confluence section 23. The main flow path 23a and the sub-flow path 23b constituting the junction 23 are preferably straight circular pipes having a circular cross section, but are not limited to circular pipes and may be pipes having a cross section of any shape. In addition, the pipe diameters (inner diameters) of the main flow path 23a and the sub-flow path 23b are preferably equal, but the pipe diameter (inner diameter) of the sub-flow path 23b may be smaller than the pipe diameter (inner diameter) of the main flow path 23a.

[0022] In the vortex type fluid mixer 11, different kinds of fluids merged at the merging portion 23 flow into the vortex chamber 25 through the inlet passage 19. The inlet passage central axis P1 passes through an eccentric position away from the vortex chamber central axis O, and the outlet passage central axis P2 extends through a position away from the inlet passage central axis P1. Therefore, in the vortex chamber 25, the fluid flowing in from the inlet passage 19 hits the peripheral side wall 13 and flows along the peripheral side wall 13 to generate a swirling flow, which becomes a vortex flow toward the outlet passage 21 and flows out from the outlet passage 21. That is, the merged fluid containing different kinds of fluids and flowing in from the inlet passage 19 forms a vortex flow in the vortex chamber 25. Therefore, the merged fluid flowing in from the inlet passage 19 reduces the concentration variation (unevenness in concentration distribution) of the different kinds of fluids due to the stirring action of the vortex flow, and can reduce the radial concentration variation (unevenness in concentration distribution) of the different kinds of fluids in the inlet passage 19.

[0023] Furthermore, the inventors have found that in the configuration as described above in which the fluid flowing in from inlet passage 19 becomes a swirling flow in vortex chamber 25, generating a vortex flow and flowing out from outlet passage 21, the swirling flow path that the fluid flowing in from inlet passage 19 follows from flowing from inlet passage 19 into vortex chamber 25 to flowing out from outlet passage 21 varies depending on the radial position of the fluid flowing in the cross section of inlet passage 19 perpendicular to the flow direction, i.e., the inlet passage central axis P1, and that the length of the streamline from flowing in from inlet passage 19 to flowing out from outlet passage 21 varies.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the positions of the regions A to I when the cross section of the inlet passage 19 perpendicular to the inlet passage central axis P1 along the line II-II in FIG. 1 is divided into nine regions, from region A to region I, and the cross section is viewed in the direction of the arrow. FIGS. 3 to 5 show the flow lines obtained by reproducing the flow of the fluids located in the regions H, I, and F by numerical simulation. The fluid in the region H flows from the inlet passage 19 to the outlet passage 21 through the vortex chamber 25 along the flow lines shown in FIG. 3, so the length of the flow line of the vortex in the vortex chamber 25 is short, and the fluid does not stay in the vortex chamber 25 for a long time before flowing out of the outlet passage 21. The fluid in the region I flows from the inlet passage 19 to the outlet passage 21 through the vortex chamber 25 along the flow lines shown in FIG. 4, so the length of the vortex in the vortex chamber 25 is slightly longer than the flow lines shown in FIG. 3, and it can be seen that the fluid stays in the vortex chamber 25 for a slightly longer time than the fluid flowing in the region H before flowing out of the outlet passage 21. The fluid in region F flows from inlet passage 19 through vortex chamber 25 to outlet passage 21 along the flow lines as shown in Figure 5. It can be seen that the length of the vortex in vortex chamber 25 is longer than the flow lines shown in Figure 4 and remains in vortex chamber 25 for a longer time than the fluid flowing in region I before flowing out of outlet passage 21.

[0025] In this way, the length of the path and the flow line in the vortex chamber 25 differs depending on the region through which the fluid flows in the cross section of the inlet passage 19, so that the fluids in different regions of the cross section of the inlet passage 19 follow different paths and merge and mix at various points in the vortex chamber 25 and at the inlet to the outlet passage 21. As a result of mixing fluids with different flow line lengths that follow different paths, fluids at different positions in the flow direction of the inlet passage 19 are mixed, so a mixing effect is obtained by utilizing a time difference, and it is possible to reduce the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in the flow direction of different types of fluids. In addition, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the fluid flowing out of the vortex chamber 25 also flows in the outlet passage 21 while generating a swirling flow, so it can be seen that a mixing effect due to this swirling flow is also obtained.

[0026] In this way, the vortex fluid mixer 11 according to the present invention can reduce the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in both the radial and flow directions of the fluids that join at the joining section 23, without the need for a tank or branching path, thereby achieving the effect of obtaining a mixed fluid with a more uniform concentration.

[0027] The vortex fluid mixer according to the present invention can reduce the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) if it is configured to generate a swirling flow in the vortex chamber 25. Therefore, the vortex fluid mixer is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0028] For example, as in the vortex type fluid mixer 51 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the second end wall may be constituted by a diaphragm 17'. In the second embodiment, the diaphragm 17' is driven by a drive unit (not shown) to approach and move away from the first end wall 15, thereby increasing and decreasing the volume of the vortex chamber 25, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the fluid in the vortex chamber 25. The drive unit may employ various drive methods such as manual, air-driven, and electric. By adjusting the flow rate of the fluid in the vortex chamber 25, it is possible to perform appropriate mixing with less concentration unevenness according to the type of fluid to be mixed.

[0029] In addition, a protrusion protruding into the vortex chamber 25 may be further provided on the first end wall 15 or the second end wall 17 of the vortex fluid mixer. FIG. 7 shows a vortex fluid mixer 61 according to a third embodiment in which a protrusion 63 is provided on the first end wall 15, and FIG. 8 shows a vortex fluid mixer 71 according to a fourth embodiment in which a protrusion 63 is provided on the second end wall 17. The position of the protrusion 63 is not limited as long as it is provided to hinder the vortex flow in the vortex chamber 25. However, it is preferable that the protrusion 63 is arranged so that at least a part of the protrusion 63 overlaps with an extension of the inlet passage 19 into the vortex chamber 25 so that the swirling flow of the fluid that has flowed into the vortex chamber 25 from the inlet passage 19 collides with the protrusion 63 earlier. In addition, the protrusion 63 is columnar, and the cross section of the protrusion 63 perpendicular to the movement axis can be any shape. The cross section of the protrusion 63 may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon such as a square, a triangle, or a diamond, or a plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 63 is a cylinder having a circular cross section. Since the protrusion 63 is provided in the vortex chamber 25, the fluid flows along the circumferential surface of the protrusion 63. Therefore, compared to the case where the protrusion 63 is not provided, the length of the flow line of the fluid from the inlet passage 19 into the vortex chamber 25 to the outlet passage 21 can be made longer, and the stirring effect by the vortex (swirl flow) can be further enhanced.

[0030] In the vortex type fluid mixer 51 according to the second embodiment, the vortex type fluid mixer 61 according to the third embodiment, and the vortex type fluid mixer 71 according to the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the same reference symbols are used for components common to the vortex type fluid mixer 11 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Moreover, components with the same reference symbols have the same configuration. Therefore, here, a description of the components common to the vortex type fluid mixer 11 of the first embodiment will be omitted. EXAMPLES

[0031] Hereinafter, a description will be given of the analysis results by a numerical simulation using a vortex fluid mixer having a configuration similar to that of the vortex fluid mixer 11 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In the following description, for ease of understanding, the same reference numerals as those of the vortex fluid mixer 11 will be used for each component of the vortex fluid mixer used in the numerical simulation.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, the numerical simulation was performed under conditions using a vortex type fluid mixer 11 having the configuration and dimensions shown in Figures 9 and 10. In detail, the vortex chamber 25 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 4 mm, and an inlet passage 19 having a circular pipe shape with a diameter of 4 mm is connected to the peripheral side wall 13 so that the inlet passage central axis P1 passes through a position 7.5 mm away from the center of the vortex chamber 25. The main flow passage 23a of the junction 23 is connected in a straight line to the inlet flow passage 19, and the right end of the main flow passage 23a in the figure passes through the center of the vortex chamber 25 and extends to a position 30 mm away from a line perpendicular to the inlet flow passage central axis P1. The secondary flow passage 23b of the junction 23 is connected to the main flow passage 23a so that the central axis of the secondary flow passage 23b of the junction 23 passes through the center of the vortex chamber 25 and extends to a position 20 mm away from a line perpendicular to the inlet flow passage central axis P1. The secondary flow passage 23b of the junction 23 is connected to the main flow passage 23a so that the central axis of the secondary flow passage 23b of the junction 23 passes through the center of the vortex chamber 25 and extends to a position 20 mm away from a line perpendicular to the inlet flow passage central axis P1. The outlet flow passage 21 of the junction 23 is connected to the first end wall 15 so as to extend along the outlet flow passage central axis P2 aligned in a straight line with the vortex chamber central axis O. That is, the outlet flow passage 21 extends from the first end wall 15 along the outlet flow passage central axis P2 perpendicular to the first end wall 15 passing through the center of the first end wall 15.

[0033] First, the variation in fluid concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) depending on the radial position in the inlet flow passage 19 and the outlet flow passage 21 was confirmed by a numerical simulation. In the numerical simulation, blue water was supplied to the main flow passage 23a of the junction 23 at 500 mL / min, and red water was supplied to the sub-flow passage 23b at 500 mL / min, and they were merged at the junction 23. The mixing of the blue water and the red water was evaluated using the passive scalar as an index at a reference position just before the vortex chamber 25 of the inlet flow passage 19 and at a reference position just after the vortex chamber 25 of the outlet flow passage 21. The passive scalar is a substitute index of concentration for the color of the mixed fluid, with red regarded as 1 (red water concentration is 100%) and blue regarded as 0 (red water concentration is 0%). The passive scalar in the inlet passage 19 was measured at a reference position determined 15 mm from a line passing through the center of the vortex chamber 25 and perpendicular to the inlet passage central axis P1, and the passive scalar of the fluid in the outlet passage 21 was measured at a reference position determined 15 mm from the first end wall 15 of the vortex chamber 25.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the change over time of the passive scalar in the inlet flow passage 19, and FIG. 12 is a graph showing the change over time of the passive scalar of the fluid in the outlet flow passage 21. In addition, in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the cross section at the reference position of the inlet flow passage 19 and the outlet flow passage 21 is divided into a plurality of regions to obtain the passive scalar of the fluid in each region, and the maximum value of the passive scalar of the fluid in each region is shown with a solid line and the minimum value with a dashed line. From FIG. 11, it can be seen that in the inlet flow passage 19, the difference in the passive scalar is large depending on the region of the cross section, that is, the unevenness of the concentration distribution in the radial direction is large, and the fluid is not mixed sufficiently. On the other hand, from FIG. 12, it can be seen that in the outlet flow passage 21, the difference in the passive scalar of the fluid depending on the region of the cross section is almost no, that is, the unevenness of the concentration distribution in the radial direction of the fluid is almost no, and the fluid is mixed sufficiently. Therefore, it was confirmed that by using the vortex fluid mixer 11, the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) due to the radial position of different types of fluids is reduced, and the effect of eliminating the variation in concentration (unevenness in concentration distribution) in the radial direction, i.e., the effect of uniforming the concentration in the radial direction, is obtained.

[0035] Next, the effect of reducing the variation in concentration of the fluid in the flow direction in the inlet flow passage 19 (unevenness in the concentration distribution), which is obtained by using the vortex type fluid mixer 11, was confirmed by a numerical simulation.

[0036] 13 shows the results of a numerical simulation performed under the same conditions as the above-mentioned numerical simulation for confirming the variation in the concentration of the fluid (unevenness in the concentration distribution) depending on the radial position in the inlet passage 19 and the outlet passage 21, using the vortex type fluid mixer 11 having the dimensions shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 13 shows a graph comparing the lengths of the streamlines that the fluid in each region follows from the vortex chamber 25 to the outlet passage 21 when the cross section of the reference position (position 15 mm from the line passing through the center of the vortex chamber 25 and perpendicular to the inlet passage central axis P1) of the inlet passage 19 is divided into nine regions from region A to region I as shown in Fig. 2. It can be seen from Fig. 13 that the lengths of the streamlines of the fluid from region A to region I are different from each other, and in particular, there is a large difference between the lengths of the streamlines of the fluid in regions A, B, G, and H and the lengths of the streamlines of the fluid in regions C, D, E, F, and I. Therefore, it can be seen that by using vortex type fluid mixer 11, fluids with flow lines of different lengths are mixed at various points in vortex chamber 25 and at the inlet from vortex chamber 25 to outlet passage 21, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the variation in concentration of the fluid in the flow direction in inlet passage 19 (unevenness in concentration distribution).

[0037] Figures 14 and 15 are graphs showing the change over time in the passive scalar (concentration index) of the fluid obtained in the inlet passage 19 and the outlet passage 21 when blue water and red water are alternately supplied to one of the inlet passage 19 and the outlet passage 21 in a numerical simulation using the vortex type fluid mixer 11 having the configuration shown in Figures 9 and 10. However, the vortex type fluid mixer 11 used in the numerical simulation to obtain Figures 14 and 15 has a different configuration and dimensions from the vortex type fluid mixer 11 shown in Figures 9 and 10 in that the inlet passage 19 is a circular pipe with a diameter of 4 mm and a length of 15 mm, the junction 23 is omitted, and the outlet passage 21 is a circular pipe with a diameter of 3 m and a length of 10 mm, but is common in other respects.

[0038] In the above numerical simulation, the reference position of the inlet passage 19 was determined to be 15 mm from a line passing through the center of the vortex chamber 25 and perpendicular to the inlet passage central axis P1, and the reference position of the outlet passage 21 was determined to be 10 mm from the first end wall 15 of the vortex chamber 25. Red water (passive scalar is 1 (red water concentration is 100%)) was supplied at 500 mL / min for 1 second to one of the reference positions of the inlet passage 19 and the outlet passage 21, and then blue water (passive scalar is 0 (red water concentration is 0%)) was supplied at 500 mL / min for 1 second, alternately, to the other of the reference position of the inlet passage 19 and the reference position of the outlet passage 21, and the passive scalar value of the fluid at the other of the reference position of the inlet passage 19 and the reference position of the outlet passage 21 was obtained. Figure 14 is a graph showing the change over time in the passive scalar of the fluid determined at the reference position of the outlet flow passage 21 when blue water and red water are alternately supplied to the reference position of the inlet flow passage 19, and for comparison, Figure 15 is a graph showing the change over time in the passive scalar of the fluid determined at the reference position of the inlet flow passage 19 when blue water and red water are alternately supplied to the reference position of the outlet flow passage 21. The value of the passive scalar at the reference position is calculated by averaging the passive scalar values ​​of each region in the cross section at the reference position.

[0039] 14 and 15, it can be seen that the amplitude of the passive scalar is smaller in FIG. 14 than in FIG. 15. Under the condition that a fluid with a passive scalar value of 0 and 1 is alternately supplied, the amplitude of the passive scalar value is smaller, which means that the variation in concentration in the flow direction (unevenness in the concentration distribution) is reduced. In addition, when a fluid is supplied from the inlet passage 19 and discharged from the outlet passage 21 as in the condition of the numerical simulation in FIG. 14, a swirling flow is generated in the vortex chamber 25, and a stirring effect due to the vortex flow is obtained. On the other hand, when a fluid is supplied from the outlet passage 21 and discharged from the inlet passage 19 as in the condition of the numerical simulation in FIG. 15, a swirling flow is unlikely to be generated in the vortex chamber 25, and a stirring effect due to the vortex flow is not obtained. Therefore, by comparing Figures 14 and 15, it can be confirmed that if a vortex type fluid mixer 11 is used to supply a combined fluid from inlet passage 19 and the fluid is discharged from outlet passage 21 via vortex chamber 25, the effect of the vortex flow can be achieved to reduce the concentration variation (unevenness in concentration distribution) of the combined fluid in the flow direction.

[0040] Although the vortex type fluid mixers 11, 51, 61, and 71 according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, a cylindrical vortex chamber 25 is used, but it is also possible to use an elliptical or polygonal cylindrical vortex chamber as long as a vortex can be generated in the vortex chamber 25. In addition, in the illustrated embodiments, one sub-flow passage 23b is connected to the main flow passage 23a at the confluence 23, and two types of fluids are joined, but two or more sub-flow passages 23b may be connected to the main flow passage 23a at the confluence 23, and three or more types of fluids may be joined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 11 Vortex fluid mixer 13 Peripheral wall 15 First End Wall 17 Second End Wall 17' diaphragm 19 Inlet channel 21 Outlet flow path 23 Confluence section 25 Vortex chamber 51 Vortex-type fluid mixer 61 Vortex-type fluid mixer 63 Protrusion 71 Vortex-type fluid mixer

Claims

1. a vortex chamber defined by a cylindrical peripheral wall and a first end wall and a second end wall provided at both ends of the peripheral wall and facing each other; an inlet passage extending along a central axis of the inlet passage and opening at the peripheral side wall; an outlet passage extending along an outlet passage central axis and opening at the first end wall; a junction portion provided on the upstream side of the inlet flow path and at least two fluid supply paths join together; Equipped with The vortex chamber is configured to form a vortex when the fluids supplied from the at least two fluid supply paths and joined at the junction flow into the vortex chamber via the inlet flow path, and the fluids mixed in the vortex chamber form a vortex and flow out from the outlet flow path.

2. 2. The vortex type fluid mixer according to claim 1, wherein the inlet flow passage is provided such that a central axis of the inlet flow passage passes through a position away from a central axis of a vortex chamber connecting a center of the first end wall and a center of the second end wall.

3. The vortex type fluid mixer according to claim 2 , wherein the outlet passage is provided such that a central axis of the outlet passage extends through a position spaced apart from a central axis of the inlet passage.

4. 3. The vortex type fluid mixer according to claim 2, wherein the outlet passage is provided such that a central axis of the outlet passage extends on a central axis of the vortex chamber.

5. The vortex type fluid mixer according to claim 2 , further comprising a protrusion protruding into the vortex chamber from at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall.

6. 6. The vortex type fluid mixer according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is provided at a position offset from a central axis of the vortex chamber.

7. The vortex type fluid mixer according to claim 5 , wherein the protrusion is provided at a position offset from a central axis of the outlet passage.

8. The vortex fluid mixer of claim 1 , wherein the second end wall is formed by a diaphragm.

9. The swirl fluid mixer of claim 8 , wherein the diaphragm is moved toward and away from the first end wall by a driver.

10. The vortex type fluid mixer according to claim 1 , wherein the first end wall and the second end wall are circular or elliptical.

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