Mixing device and method for mixing compositions

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices for mixing liquids having gradients or varying viscosities and methods of use thereof.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 319,599, filed March 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to devices and methods for mixing fluids having different viscosities. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Fibrin glue consists of two main components: fibrinogen and thrombin. These components can be placed in two syringes formed with a common port at the tip. When injected simultaneously, the two components must be mixed so that equal amounts meet at the point of delivery and generate an efficient, uniform, well-structured fibrin network. The devices and methods described herein aim to overcome the problems encountered when mixing fibrin glue components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some embodiments, a device is described for mixing liquids with gradients or varying viscosities that can be easy to manufacture, inexpensive, and efficient. For example, when mixing thrombin and fibrinogen, the main challenge lies in the difference in the properties of the two fluids being mixed. Thrombin has a viscosity close to that of water, while fibrinogen is at least 100 times more viscous.

[0005]

[0005] More efficient mixing of thrombin and fibrinogen can be achieved using the devices described herein.

[0006]

[0006] The devices described herein may include one or more mixing disks. When using one or more mixing disks, the mixing capacity of the disks is based on Darcy's law, which is defined by the following formula: ΔP=(Qnl) / Sk Where: Delta P (ΔP) is the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the porous medium, Q is the liquid flow rate, n is the viscosity of the fluid, S is the cross-sectional area, k is the porosity of the disk.

[0007]

[0007] - Two fluids, thrombin and fibrinogen, flowing through the same porous disk, -Thrombin, which has a lower viscosity than fibrinogen - the same pressure at the inlet to the porous disk, the pressure difference at the outlet of the disk is: ΔP thrombine =(Qn thrombine xL) / Sk<ΔP fibrinogen =(Qn fibrinogen xL)|Sk

[0008]

[0008] The pressure gradient at the outlet of the porous disc contributes to and increases the quality of mixing of the two liquids.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mixing device can include an inlet, a tube, a first mixing disk, a second mixing disk, and an outlet, where the first mixing disk, the second mixing disk, or a combination thereof includes cutouts, masking, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, three or more mixing disks are included.

[0010] In other embodiments, the mixing device may be configured to mix a composition including a first liquid having a first viscosity and a second liquid having a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity, hi some embodiments, the second viscosity is less than the first viscosity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the disc is porous and / or formed from a porous material.

[0012] In another embodiment, the first disk includes a cutout.

[0013] In another embodiment, the second disk includes a cutout.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first disk includes a masking.

[0015] In another embodiment, the second disk includes a masking.

[0016]

[0016] Also described herein are methods of mixing compositions using the mixing devices described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a mixed device that includes at least two mixed disks. [Diagram 2] This shows the viscosity between two liquids moving through a mixing disc. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a cut disk. [Figure 3B] 1 shows a cut disk. [Figure 3C] 1 shows a cut disk. [Figure 4] Two disks are shown, each with 45 degree segments oriented opposite each other. [Figure 5A] 3 shows a disk including a masked portion. [Figure 5B] 3 shows a disk including a masked portion. [Figure 5C] 3 shows a disk including a masked portion. [Figure 6A]The disks and viscosity gradients including masked portions oriented relative to one another are shown as keys to Figures 6B-6E. In this, the portions labeled "M" represent the liquid tight masked portions, and the portions labeled "1", "2", "3", or "4" represent the orientation number. For each mixing device configuration, in order of flow, the first disk is labeled L1, the second disk L2, the third disk L3, etc., and each disk is identified by its orientation number as described. [Figure 6B] 1 shows a disk with masked portions oriented relative to one another and a viscosity gradient, depicting an L1,3:L2,1 configuration. [Figure 6C] 1 shows a disk with masked portions oriented relative to one another and a viscosity gradient, depicting an L1,2:L2,4 configuration. [Figure 6D] 1 shows a disk with masked portions oriented relative to one another and a viscosity gradient, depicting an L1,2:L2,1 configuration. [Figure 6E] 1 shows a disk containing masked portions oriented relative to one another and a viscosity gradient, depicting an L1,3:L2,1 configuration in which the porous portions have been replaced with voids. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an experimental setup for evaluating the properties of the devices described herein; and FIG. 2 shows a side view of a system used to measure the viscosity gradient of the devices described herein. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an experimental setup for evaluating the properties of the devices described herein; and FIG. 2 shows a top view of a system used to measure the viscosity gradient of the devices described herein. [Figure 8] 1 shows a setup used as a control, containing a porous disc. [Figure 9]The data shown is from the porous disk shown in Figure 8. For the graphs in Figures 8-14, the x-axis is not normalized. A vertical line has been drawn on each graph at location 2.25 to compare the data over the same portion of the tube diameter. Mixing quality can be represented by the surface under the curve, from 0 mm to 3.0 mm on the x-axis, and how that surface covers the entire portion of the tube. [Figure 10] Data is shown using disks that were cut at 45 degrees. [Figure 11] Data is shown with the disk parallel to the interface in the L1,3:L2,1 configuration. [Figure 12] Data is shown for the L1,2:L2,4 configuration with the disk perpendicular to the interface. [Figure 13] Data is shown using mutually perpendicular disks in an L1,2:L2,1 configuration. [Figure 14] 4 shows a data mask at L1,3:L2,1 for the air gap configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of flow rate and mixing without and with a mixing disk. [Figure 16] 1 shows a schematic of flow and mixing without a mixing disk and with 50% masking at the baffle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018]

[0034] In some embodiments, a device is described that can mix liquids with gradients or different viscosities. The device includes one or more, or in some embodiments, two or more, mixing disks. These mixing disks can have various modifications. Modifications can include partial masking and / or partial cutouts. In some embodiments, masking or partial masking can be used instead of or in addition to the porous disk.

[0019]

[0035] The mixing disk described herein can be any disk-shaped object used to mix multiple liquids that transfer devices. The mixing disk can be made of a porous material. In some embodiments, a portion of the porous disk can be masked to prevent liquids from flowing out. In yet some other embodiments, the mixing disk can only include masked portions (remainder void spaces) and not include any portions that are porous.

[0020]

[0036] In one embodiment, the devices described herein may be used to mix thrombin and fibrinogen.

[0021]

[0037] In some embodiments, depending on the liquids being mixed, the application time of the resulting mixture can be less than about 5 seconds, less than about 10 seconds, less than about 15 seconds, less than about 20 seconds, less than about 25 seconds, or less than about 30 seconds.

[0022]

[0038] A typical mixing device is shown in Figure 1. The mixing device 100 includes a first inlet 102 and a second inlet 104. The inlets lead through a first tube 108 and a second tube 110 to a Y-junction 106. After meeting at the Y-junction 106, liquid delivered through each inlet passes through a first mixing disk 112 and a second mixing disk 114 while traversing a main tube 116. Eventually, the liquid flows out of an outlet 118.

[0023]

[0039] If no type of turbulence occurs when the liquids are introduced into one another, the two liquids may exhibit a laminar flow pattern.

[0024]

[0040] In some embodiments, the device can include at least two mixed discs, while in other embodiments, the device can include three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more mixed discs.

[0025]

[0041] In some embodiments, the device can include at least two inlets for liquid, while in other embodiments the device can include three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more inlets.

[0026]

[0042] 2, the first liquid 202 and the second liquid 204 have a viscosity gradient due to their different viscosities. As the liquids pass through the mixing disc 206, the viscosity gradient is pushed towards the area of ​​the first liquid, thereby reducing the initial gradient.

[0027]

[0043] Each mixing disk described herein can have an independent shape and orientation that can aid in mixing two or more liquids to create a homogenous mixture at the outlet of the device.

[0028]

[0044] In some embodiments, a portion of the disk may be cut away. For example, a 45 degree segment or a 90 degree segment may be removed from the disk, as shown in FIG. 3A. In other embodiments, more or less may be removed from the disk, resulting in a greater or lesser degree of cut away.

[0029]

[0045] In other embodiments, multiple segments may be removed from the disk. For example, two 45 degree segments may be removed from the disk, as shown in FIG. 3B. In other embodiments, more or less may be removed from each segment on the disk, resulting in a greater or lesser degree of cutout from each disk. Additionally, each segment removed may be sized independently. For example, a disk may include both a 45 degree segment and a 90 degree segment, as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0030]

[0046] Furthermore, each segment may be independently oriented about the circular axis of the disk. In other words, the segments need not be symmetrical. This arrangement is shown in Figure 3C, where the segments are not aligned.

[0031]

[0047] When more than one disk is used, the cutouts in the disks may be oriented independently of one another, for example, as shown in Figure 4, where two disks, each having a 45 degree segment, are oriented opposite one another, such that such a device configured in this manner is referred to herein as Device 2.

[0032]

[0048] In other embodiments, a portion of the disk may be masked, meaning that the masked portion will block liquid flow. For example, a 180 degree mask or a 90 degree mask may be added to the disk as shown in Figure 5A. In other embodiments, larger or smaller pieces may be masked on the disk, resulting in a larger or smaller degree of masking.

[0033]

[0049] In other embodiments, multiple segments may be masked on the disk. For example, two 45 degree segments may be masked on the disk, as shown in FIG. 5B. In other embodiments, more or less may be masked on each disk, resulting in a greater or lesser degree of masking. Furthermore, each masked segment may be sized independently. For example, a disk may include both a 45 degree mask and a 90 degree mask, as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0034]

[0050] Furthermore, each masked segment may be independently oriented about the circular axis of the disk. In other words, the segments need not be symmetrical. This arrangement is shown in Figure 5C, where the masked segments are misaligned.

[0035]

[0051] When more than one disk is used, the masking on the disks can be oriented independently of each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, two disks, each with a 180 degree masking, are oriented opposite each other or parallel to the interface. Such a device configured in this manner is referred to herein as Device 3.

[0036]

[0052] In Figure 6C, two disks, each with 180 degree masking, are oriented opposite each other or perpendicular to the interface. Such a device configured in this manner is referred to herein as Device 4.

[0037]

[0053] In Figure 6D, two disks, each with 180 degree masking, are oriented perpendicular to each other. Such a device configured in this manner is referred to herein as Device 5.

[0038]

[0054] In Figure 6E, two maskings, each at 180 degrees, are oriented opposite each other or parallel to the interface. Such a device configured in this manner is referred to herein as Device 6.

[0039]

[0055] In one embodiment, the device can include three disks. The three disks can be in a L1,2:L2,1:L3,3 configuration. In one embodiment, this configuration includes only masking and does not include a porous portion. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the first and third disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the second disk. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the first and second disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the second and third disks.

[0040]

[0056] In one embodiment, the device can include four disks. The four disks can be in a L1,2:L2,1:L3,3:L4,4 configuration. In one embodiment, this configuration includes only the masking and does not include the porous portion. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the first and third disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the second and fourth disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the first and second disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the second and third disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the third and fourth disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the first and fourth disks. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the first disk. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the second disk. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the third disk. In other embodiments, the porous portion can be included only in the fourth disk.

[0041]

[0057] A method of use may include providing a first liquid having a first viscosity and a second liquid having a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity, the first and second liquids being mixed using a first mixing disc and a second mixing disc.

[0042]

[0058] The described methods and devices can enhance mixing by 40% relative to using two porous discs, hi other embodiments, the described methods and devices can enhance mixing by at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 30% relative to using two porous discs.

[0043]

[0059] In other embodiments of both the devices and methods described herein, the first and second liquids are mixed using a first mixing disc and a second masking without a disc.

[0044]

[0060] In other embodiments of both the devices and methods described herein, the first and second liquids are mixed using a first masking without a disk and a second masking without a disk.

[0045]

[0061] In other embodiments of both the devices and methods described herein, the first and second liquids are mixed using a first cut mixing disc and a second mixing disc.

[0046]

[0062] In other embodiments of both the devices and methods described herein, the first and second liquids are mixed using a first cut mixing disc and a second cut mixing disc.

[0047]

[0063] In other embodiments of both the devices and methods described herein, the first and second liquids are mixed using a first cut mixing disk and a second cut mixing disk, both perpendicular to each other.

[0048]

[0064] In other embodiments of both the devices and methods described herein, the first and second liquids are mixed using a first cut mixing disk and a second cut mixing disk, both parallel to each other.

[0049]

[0065] In some embodiments, mixing may result from the mixing device generating flow turbulence and transverse motion. Factors may include, but are not limited to, the disk design (e.g., level of porosity), number of disks, location of disks, injection tip and location relative to the first disk, disk spacing, and component viscosity.

[0050]

[0066] Working Example

[0051]

[0067] The following non-limiting examples are provided for illustrative purposes only to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting any of the embodiments described herein.

[0052]

[0068] Example 1 To model mixing a fibrin glue containing thrombin and fibrinogen as described herein, liquids with similar viscosities to thrombin and fibrinogen are used. These liquids are water and glycerin. Water has a viscosity similar to that of thrombin. Glycerin has a viscosity similar to that of fibrinogen. The glycerin used is about 87% w / v and can have a viscosity of about 120 cP.

[0053]

[0069] To visualize and quantify the proportion of one fluid in a stream composed of two liquids, a dye is added to the water component, here it can be a fluorescent dye such as rhodamine 6G. This dye has an excitation wavelength of 492 nm and an emission wavelength of 530 nm.

[0054]

[0070] The experimental setup is shown in Figures 7 and 8. This setup is used to test different combinations of mixing devices. Since it is very difficult to study flows in the turbulent regime, it is assumed that if one system is better than another at low flow rates, it will also be better in turbulent flows. Based on this hypothesis, all tests are performed at low (steady) flow rates (0.1 mL / min).

[0055]

[0071] In this experimental setup, the mixing device can have an exit diameter of about 2.5 mm to about 3 mm, with the distance between each disk being about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

[0056]

[0072] Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) is used, focusing a laser sheet onto the mixing area of ​​the mixing device being tested, and a camcorder is placed after the second filter, allowing imaging of the resulting flow.

[0057]

[0073] The dye is excited within the flow at the excitation wavelength of the dye and the emission of the dye is measured using fluorescence.

[0058]

[0074] A control setup is shown in Figure 8, in which two porous disks are used. Data from this setup is shown in Figure 9, and such a device configured in this manner is referred to herein as Device 1.

[0059]

[0075] Data from the experimental setup for Device 2 (shown in Figure 4) is shown in Figure 10. The two porous disks are cut at 45 degrees. The data obtained with Device 2 shows that the curvature of the line at position 3 is shifted slightly to the right, resulting in improved mixing. The curves obtained at positions 1, 2, and 3 have a similar pattern. The estimated mixing rate for Device 2 is about 15%.

[0060]

[0076] Data from the experimental setup for Device 3 (shown in FIG. 6B) is shown in FIG. 11. The two disks are 50% masked parallel to the interface in the baffle.

[0061]

[0077] Device 3 has a second disk in the L2,1 configuration (same as Device 5 described below). Device 3 spreads only slightly across the tube width, promoting a shift in the curve at position 3. The estimated mixing fraction for Device 3 is approximately 15%.

[0062]

[0078] Data from the experimental setup for Device 4 (shown in FIG. 6C) is shown in FIG. 12. The two disks are masked 50% perpendicular to the interface at the baffle. Device 4 shows a large right shift in the curve at position 3 indicating increased mixing.

[0063]

[0079] The right shift for Device 4 starts before the first disk and continues after the first and second disks. The three curves move to the right but still maintain a bell-shaped pattern. Here, the water + dye components appear to be concentrated in the center of the stream, surrounded by the glycerol. The estimated mixing ratio for Device 4 is about 25%.

[0064]

[0080] Data from the experimental setup for Device 5 (shown in FIG. 6D) is shown in FIG. 13. The two disks are 50% masked perpendicular to each other in the baffle. Device 5 shows a large right shift of the line at position 3 indicating increased mixing.

[0065]

[0081] Device 5 also promotes a shift of the three curves to the right, but the curves are flattened and the surface under the curve is spread across the diameter of the tube, indicating better mixing than Device 4.

[0066]

[0082] Both Device 4 and Device 5 contain a similar first disk fluid inlet. However, the two devices differ in the second disk and may therefore behave differently upon exiting the second disk. In Device 5, the fluid in the chamber between the first and second disks must travel laterally to the right to find an exit from Disk 2. This improves the mixing quality of Device 5.

[0067]

[0083] Considering the current fluid flow, the L2,1 configuration (Device 5) promotes a movement of the water+dye component to the right, which has the effect of spreading the curve at position 3 across 2 / 3 of the tube diameter. The estimated mixing fraction for Device 5 is approximately 40%.

[0068]

[0084] Data from an experimental setup similar to that shown in Figure 6E is shown in Figure 14 and is referred to as Device 6. This mixing configuration has two alternating openings (void volume) and the openings do not actually distribute the two component streams. Opening L1,1 promotes the direct passage of the water+dye liquid (which has the higher flow rate). L2,1 forces lateral motion to the right.

[0069]

[0085] The curves for this device 6 and the control device 1 (Figure 9) have similar patterns. Thus, this mixing configuration is at least as capable of mixing as the control device. The data show that the surface under the curve at position 3 at 1 mm is larger than the control. The estimated mixing rate for this configuration is approximately 10%-15%.

[0070]

[0086] These experiments suggest that Device 5 and Device 4 provide the best mixing when compared to other device configurations tested. Device 3 and Device 6 have similar configurations, except that Device 3 has a second disk in the L2,1 configuration, which improves mixing slightly but contributes to increased backpressure. Device 6, which includes only a mask and no porous portion, does not exhibit the increased backpressure that Device 3 does.

[0071]

[0087] Figure 15 shows schematic mixing without and with a mixing disk. The data suggests that mixing of liquids of different viscosities is enhanced when a porous disk is included in the device. This is evidenced by the enhancement of the mixing interface area between devices with and without a porous disk.

[0072]

[0088] Figure 16 shows a schematic mixing device with porous disks in an L1,3:L2,1 configuration. The data suggests that enhanced mixing of liquids of different viscosities occurred after the liquids passed through the first mixing disk. This is evidenced by the enhanced mixing interface area seen after the liquids passed through the first mixing disk.

[0073]

[0089] Disclosed embodiments

[0074]

[0090] Embodiment 1. A mixing device comprising an inlet, a tube, a first mixing disk, a second mixing disk, and an outlet, wherein the first mixing disk, the second mixing disk, or a combination thereof, includes a cutout, a masking, or a combination thereof.

[0075]

[0091] Embodiment 2. A mixing device as described in embodiment 1, configured to mix a composition comprising a first liquid having a first viscosity and a second liquid having a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity.

[0076]

[0092] Embodiment 3. A mixing device as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first mixing disc comprises a cutout.

[0077]

[0093] Embodiment 4. A mixing device as described in embodiment 1, wherein the second mixing disc comprises a cutout portion.

[0078]

[0094] Embodiment 5. A mixing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the first mixing disc comprises a masking.

[0079]

[0095] Embodiment 6. A mixing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the second mixing disc comprises a masking.

[0080]

[0096] Embodiment 7. The mixing device of embodiment 1, further comprising a third mixing disc.

[0081]

[0097] Embodiment 8. The mixing device of embodiment 8, wherein the third mixing disc comprises cutouts, masking, or a combination thereof.

[0082]

[0098] Embodiment 9. The mixing device of embodiment 1, further comprising a fourth mixing disc.

[0083]

[0099] Embodiment 10. The mixing device of embodiment 9, wherein the fourth mixing disc includes cutouts, masking, or a combination thereof.

[0084]

[0100] Embodiment 11. A method of mixing a composition comprising a first liquid having a first viscosity and a second liquid having a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity, using the mixing device described in embodiment 1.

[0085]

[0101] Finally, although aspects of the present specification have been emphasized by reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will readily recognize that these disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to the specific methods, protocols, and / or reagents, etc. described herein. Thus, various modifications or alterations to the disclosed subject matter, or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter, can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the specification. Finally, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Thus, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely shown and described.

[0086]

[0102] Specific embodiments, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein, are described herein. Of course, variations of these described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of all possible variations of the above embodiments is encompassed in this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0087]

[0103] Grouping of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting. Each element of a group may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other elements of groups disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more elements of a group may be included in or deleted from a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to include the modified group and thus fulfills the description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0088]

[0104] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​expressing features, items, quantities, parameters, characteristics, terms, etc. used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". As used herein, the term "about" means that the particular feature, item, quantity, parameter, characteristic, or term encompasses a range of plus or minus 10% above and below the value of the stated feature, item, quantity, parameter, characteristic, or term. Thus, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should be construed at least in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values ​​setting forth the broad scope of the present disclosure are approximations, the numerical ranges and values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical range or value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. The recitation of numerical ranges of values ​​herein is intended merely to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and unless otherwise stated herein, each individual value of the numerical range is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein.

[0089]

[0105] The terms "a," "an," "the," and similar referents used in the context of describing this disclosure (particularly in the context of the claims that follow) should be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not limit the scope of the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0090]

[0106] Certain embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using the language "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of." When used in the claims, whether as filed or added by amendment, the transitional language "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional language "consisting essentially of" limits the claim to the particular materials or steps, as well as those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics. The embodiments of the present disclosure so claimed are essentially or expressly described and enabled herein.

Claims

1. The entrance and Tubes and A first mixing disk; a second mixing disk, wherein at least a portion of said first mixing disk and said second mixing disk is porous; Exit and wherein the first mixing disc, the second mixing disc, or a combination thereof includes a cutout, a masking, or a combination thereof.

2. 10. The mixing device of claim 1 configured to mix a composition comprising a first liquid having a first viscosity and a second liquid having a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity.

3. The mixing device of claim 1 , wherein said first mixing disc includes a cutout.

4. The mixing device of claim 1 , wherein said second mixing disc includes a cutout.

5. 10. The mixing device of claim 1, wherein the first mixing disc includes a masking.

6. 10. The mixing device of claim 1, wherein the second mixing disc includes a masking.

7. 10. The mixing device of claim 1 further comprising a third mixing disc.

8. 10. The mixing device of claim 8, wherein the third mixing disc includes cutouts, masking, or a combination thereof.

9. 10. The mixing device of claim 1 further comprising a fourth mixing disc.

10. 10. The mixing device of claim 9, wherein the fourth mixing disc includes cutouts, masking, or a combination thereof.

11. 13. A method of mixing a composition comprising a first liquid having a first viscosity and a second liquid having a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity using the mixing device of claim 1.

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