Mixing device

Abstract

To provide a mixing apparatus which enables a reaction to be carried out on a large scale and in which a plurality of mixing channels are provided in one mixing apparatus and a mixed flow is discharged to the outside of the apparatus for each of the mixing channels.SOLUTION: A mixing device for mixing a first fluid and a second fluid, the mixing device including a plurality of mixing flow paths formed of a recessed groove or a slit-shaped through hole provided in a base material, the mixing flow path including a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path communicating with each other, the mixing device being configured to mix the first fluid transported through the first flow path and the second fluid transported through the second flow path, the mixing device has a shape in which the mixed fluid is discharged to a third flow path, a plurality of mixing flow paths are arranged in one direction of the substrate and the other direction intersecting the one direction, a first fluid is supplied to a first flow path of the plurality of mixing flow paths, a second fluid is supplied to a second flow path of the mixing flow paths, the first fluid and the second fluid are mixed in the third flow path to generate a mixed flow, and the mixed flow is generated for each mixing flow path to discharge each mixed flow to the outside of the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology is known in which immiscible fluids are mixed to generate a slug flow. In a slug flow, an interface is formed between one immiscible fluid and the other fluid. Patent Document 1 describes a circulating flow formed within one fluid and the other fluid, which continuously renews the one fluid and the other fluid at the interface. This makes it easier for target components contained in one fluid to migrate to the other fluid. Patent Document 2 also describes a method for synthesizing a solid synthetic resin using a slug flow.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes a method for producing nanoparticles of a precious metal by mixing a liquid containing a precious metal and a liquid containing a reducing agent at a connection part and transporting the mixed liquid in a flow path connected to the connection part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-32346 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-155483 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-167595 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The use of slug flow increases the efficiency of contact between one fluid and another, allowing the desired chemical reaction to occur efficiently.

[0006] Slug flow occurs in pipes with small internal diameters. Therefore, if the internal diameter of the flow channel where the slug flow occurs is enlarged to increase the flow rate in order to scale up a chemical reaction, it may actually become more difficult for the slug flow to form.

[0007] Furthermore, when scaling up a desired reaction, a method may be used in which a desired chemical reaction is carried out using multiple devices, each device comprising a first flow path for transporting a first fluid, a second flow path for transporting a second fluid, a T-shaped confluence connecting the first and second flow paths, and a third flow path for discharging the mixed liquid discharged from the confluence, as described in Patent Document 1, for example. However, if the first flow path, the second flow path, the confluence, and the third flow path are combined into a single device, multiple devices are required, which is cumbersome. For example, assembling multiple devices prior to a chemical reaction can be cumbersome if there are a large number of devices. Furthermore, for example, cleaning the devices after use can be cumbersome if there are a large number of devices.

[0008] Similarly, in the case of a reaction that does not utilize a slug flow, such as that described in Patent Document 3, if the inner diameter of the flow channel is increased to achieve large-scale operation, the reaction conditions may change, making it difficult for the desired chemical reaction to occur.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a mixing device that has multiple mixing flow paths in one mixing device, mixes multiple fluids in each mixing flow path to generate a mixed flow, and discharges the generated mixed flow from each mixing flow path to the outside of the device, thereby providing a mixing device that can meet the demand for large-scale reactions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above-mentioned problems are solved by a mixing device for mixing a first fluid and a second fluid, the device comprising multiple mixing channels formed by grooves or slit-shaped through-holes in a substrate, the first channel, the second channel, and a third channel communicating with each other, the mixing channels configured to mix the first fluid transported through the first channel with the second fluid transported through the second channel, and discharge the mixed fluid into the third channel, the multiple mixing channels being arranged in one direction of the substrate and in another direction intersecting the first direction, the device supplying the first fluid to the first channel of the multiple mixing channels and the second fluid to the second channel of the multiple mixing channels, mixing the first fluid and the second fluid in the third channel to generate a mixed flow, and discharging the generated mixed flow outside the device for each mixing channel. In this device, the mixed flow can be generated in multiple mixing channels, allowing for a larger reaction scale, thereby avoiding the need to increase the inner diameter of the channel for the purpose of increasing the reaction scale.

[0011] The mixing device can further include a first distribution flow path that distributes a first liquid supplied into the mixing device to a plurality of first flow paths, and a second distribution flow path that distributes a second liquid supplied into the mixing device to a plurality of second flow paths. By providing the first distribution flow path and the second distribution flow path, the number of flow paths for supplying fluids into the device can be reduced.

[0012] In the above-described mixing device, the first distribution channel may have a plurality of tributaries branching from a main channel, the second distribution channel may have a plurality of tributaries branching from a main channel, and the tributaries of the first distribution channel and the tributaries of the second distribution channel may be arranged alternately in the other direction. With this configuration, the limited area of ​​the base material can be effectively utilized.

[0013] In the above mixing device, first flow paths are provided so as to face each other in the adjacent mixing flow paths in the other direction, a first fluid is supplied to the pair of opposing first flow paths from a branch flow path of a single first distribution path, and second flow paths are provided so as to face each other in the adjacent mixing flow paths in the other direction, a second fluid is supplied to the pair of opposing second flow paths from a branch flow path of a single second distribution path. This configuration reduces pressure loss due to a complex shape, simplifies the configuration of the branch flow paths, improves molding efficiency, and makes it easy to clean the flow paths.

[0014] The above mixing device may further comprise an outlet communicating with the third flow path of the mixing flow path.

[0015] In the mixing device, the mixing channel, the first distribution channel, or the second distribution channel may be provided between the plurality of substrates. This configuration makes it possible to easily form the mixing channel, the first distribution channel, or the second distribution channel in the substrate, and also makes it easy to clean the device after use.

[0016] In the mixing device, the mixing flow path, the first distribution flow path, or the second distribution flow path can be a groove or a slit-shaped through-hole provided between the plurality of substrates. This configuration makes it possible to easily form the mixing flow path, the first distribution flow path, or the second distribution flow path in the substrate as a groove or a slit-shaped through-hole, and also makes it easy to clean the device after use.

[0017] The above mixing device may further include a first inlet through which the first fluid flows in, and a second inlet through which the second fluid flows in. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, a mixing device is provided in which a plurality of mixing flow paths are provided in one mixing device, a plurality of fluids are mixed in each mixing flow path to generate a mixed flow, and the generated mixed flow is discharged outside the device for each mixing flow path, thereby making it possible to provide a mixing device that can meet the demand for large-scale reactions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a mixing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mixing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mixing device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first substrate. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the third substrate. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a third base member. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fifth substrate. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD′ in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of use of a mixing device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the mixing device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lowermost base material in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the uppermost base material in FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a mixing channel. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a mixing channel. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a mixing channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment of the mixing device of the present invention will be described below. The embodiment described below is merely a limited example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplified embodiment.

[0021] [First embodiment] 1 to 10 show one embodiment of a mixing device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the device).

[0022] The mixing device 1 of this embodiment is a mixing device that mixes a first fluid and a second fluid. As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the device 1 includes a plurality of mixing flow paths 134 configured as grooves or slit-shaped through-holes provided in a substrate. The mixing flow paths 134 are shaped such that a first flow path 131, a second flow path 132, and a third flow path 133 are connected to each other, and the mixing flow paths 134 mix the first fluid transported through the first flow path 131 with the second fluid transported through the second flow path 132 and discharge the mixed fluid into the third flow path 133. The plurality of mixing flow paths 134 are arranged in one direction of the substrate and in another direction intersecting the one direction. A first fluid is supplied to a first flow path 131 of the plurality of mixing flow paths 134, a second fluid is supplied to a second flow path 132 of the mixing flow paths 134, and the first and second fluids are mixed in a third flow path 133 to generate a mixed flow, which is then discharged outside the device 1 for each mixing flow path 134. The cross-sectional shape of the recessed groove can be any shape, such as a circle or a square.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , the device 1 of this embodiment includes multiple substrates 10. Because the mixing device 1 is formed by combining multiple substrates, each component forming a structure such as a mixing channel is referred to as a substrate. The multiple substrates 10 are fixed and integrated into one piece, as shown in FIG. 1 and other figures. The device 1 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a third substrate 13, a fourth substrate 14, and a fifth substrate 15. The first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the third substrate 13, the fourth substrate 14, and the fifth substrate 15 are each rectangular plate-shaped and are fixed by stacking and screwing them together. When fixed, the device 1 has a substantially rectangular prism shape that is thicker than the individual substrates. In the device 1, the substrates are stacked from bottom to top in the order of the first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the third substrate 13, the fourth substrate 14, and the fifth substrate 15.

[0024] The plurality of mixing channels 134 are shaped so that the first channel 131, the second channel 132, and the third channel 133 are connected to each other, so that the fluid transported through the first channel 131 and the fluid transported through the second channel 132 are mixed together, and the mixed fluid is discharged to the third channel 133. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the device 1, the plurality of mixing channels 134 are provided on one surface of the third substrate 13, downstream of the first distribution channel 51 and the second distribution channel 52 described below.

[0025] In the device 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the multiple mixing channels 134 are configured as grooves provided in the third substrate 13. Each mixing channel 134 has a shape including a first channel 131 configured as a groove, a second channel 132 configured as a groove, and a third channel 133 configured as a groove and connected to the connection between the first channel 131 and the second channel 132. As shown in FIG. 3, the upstream ends of the multiple first channels 131 are arranged on an imaginary straight line A extending in one direction of the substrate. The upstream ends of the multiple first channels 131 are also arranged on an imaginary straight line B intersecting the straight line A. The multiple upstream ends of the second channels 132 are also arranged on an imaginary straight line (not shown) extending in one direction or the other, and the multiple downstream ends of the third channels 133 are also arranged on an imaginary straight line (not shown) extending in one direction or the other. By arranging the first flow path 131, the second flow path 132, and the third flow path 133 as described above, it is possible to efficiently arrange a plurality of mixing flow paths on a substrate having a limited area.

[0026] 6, the connection angle C between the first flow path 131 and the second flow path 132 is 44°. The angle formed by the first flow path and the second flow path is not limited to this example and can be, for example, in the range of 30 to 270°. The connection angle is the angle formed by the line connecting the upstream end of the first flow path to the confluence of the first and second flow paths and the line connecting the upstream end of the second flow path to the confluence of the first and second flow paths.

[0027] In the device 1, the multiple mixing channels 134 are recessed grooves provided on one surface of the third substrate 13. One surface of the third substrate 13 and the other surface of the fourth substrate 14 come into contact with each other, closing the openings of the recessed grooves that form the mixing channels 134.

[0028] The mixing device 1 further includes a first inlet 121 for allowing a first fluid to flow in, a second inlet 122 for allowing a second fluid to flow in, a plurality of mixing flow paths 134 including a first flow path 131, a second flow path 132, and a third flow path 133, a first distribution flow path 51 communicating with the first inlet 121 and the plurality of first flow paths 131, a second distribution flow path 52 communicating with the second inlet 122 and the plurality of second flow paths 132, and an outlet 141 communicating with the third flow path 133 of the mixing flow path.

[0029] In the device 1, the first distribution channel 51 distributes a first fluid supplied from a first inlet 121 to the plurality of first channels 131. The second distribution channel 52 distributes a second fluid supplied from a second inlet 122 to the plurality of second channels 132. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, in the device 1, the first distribution channel 51 and the second distribution channel 52 are provided on the other surface of the third substrate 13, which is upstream of the mixing channel 134.

[0030] 7, in the device 1, the first distribution channel 51 has a main channel 511 and a plurality of tributary channels 512 branching off from the main channel 511. The second distribution channel 52 has a main channel 521 and a plurality of tributary channels 522 branching off from the main channel 521. The tributary channels 512 of the first distribution channel 51 and the tributary channels 522 of the second distribution channel 52 are alternately arranged in the other direction. The first distribution channel 51 and the second distribution channel 522 are separated by a convex partition wall provided on the base material and are configured to not communicate with each other.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7 , in the first distribution channel 51, the main channel 511 extends in the other direction, and the plurality of tributary channels 512 extend in the one direction and communicate with the main channel 511. In the second distribution channel 52, the main channel 521 extends in the other direction, and the plurality of tributary channels 522 extend in the one direction and communicate with the main channel 521. The tributary channels 522 of the second distribution channel 52 are disposed between the plurality of tributary channels 512 of the first distribution channel 51. As a result, the tributary channels 512 of the first distribution channel 51 and the tributary channels 522 of the second distribution channel 52 are disposed alternately in the other direction. Both the main channels 511 and 521 are shaped such that the channel width of the portion communicating with the first inlet 121 or the second inlet 122 is larger than that of the end of the main channel. This shape reduces pulsation that occurs when a fluid is supplied by a pump.

[0032] 3 to 7, in the mixing channels 134 adjacent to each other in the other direction, the first channels 131 are arranged to face each other, and a first fluid is supplied to the pair of opposing first channels 131 from a tributary channel 512 of one first distribution channel 51. In the mixing channels 134 adjacent to each other in the other direction, the second channels 132 are arranged to face each other, and a second fluid is supplied to the pair of opposing second channels 132 from a tributary channel 522 of one second distribution channel 52. The tributary channel 512 of the one first distribution channel 51 has a through hole 513 arranged at an end of the pair of opposing first channels 131. The tributary channel 522 of the one second distribution channel 52 has a through hole 523 arranged at an end of the pair of opposing second channels 132. The end of the first flow path 131 or the end of the second flow path 132 may be shifted up, down, left, or right from the above-mentioned straight line A or straight line B, as long as the opposing end of the first flow path 131 is included within the range of the single tributary flow path 512 and the opposing end of the second flow path 132 is included within the range of the single tributary flow path 522.

[0033] In the device 1, the first distribution channel 51 and the second distribution channel 52 are recessed grooves provided on the other surface of the third substrate 13. The other surface of the third substrate 13 and one surface of the second substrate 12 come into contact with each other, and the openings of the recessed grooves that form the first distribution channel 51 and the second distribution channel 52 are closed.

[0034] 5 and 7, the first distribution flow path 51 communicates with the first flow path 131 via a through-hole 513 provided in a branch flow path 512. The second distribution flow path 52 communicates with the second flow path 132 via a through-hole 523 provided in a branch flow path 522.

[0035] 2 and 7, the device 1 of this embodiment further includes a first inlet 121 communicating with the main channel 511 of the first distribution channel 51, and the second inlet 122 communicating with the main channel 521 of the second distribution channel 52. As shown in FIG. 2, in the device 1, the first inlet 121 and the first inlet 122 are located upstream of the first distribution channel 51 and the second distribution channel 52. The first inlet 121 and the second inlet 122 are formed by through-holes provided in the second substrate 12. A first fluid and a second fluid are supplied into the device from the first inlet 121 and the second inlet 122, respectively.

[0036] The first substrate 11 is provided with a through hole 111 communicating with the first supply port 121 and a through hole 112 communicating with the second inlet 122. When the first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, and the third substrate 13 are assembled, the through hole 111, the first inlet 121, the main channel 511 of the first distribution channel 51, and the first channel 131 communicate with each other, and the through hole 112, the second inlet 122, the main channel 521 of the second distribution channel 52, and the second channel 132 communicate with each other.

[0037] A fourth base material 14 is disposed on the third base material 13, and is provided with a plurality of outlets 141 that communicate with the third flow paths 133. The outlets 141 are through-holes provided in the base material. When the third base material 13 and the fourth base material 14 are assembled, the plurality of outlets 141 communicate with the ends of the third flow paths. The other surface of the fourth base material 14 contacts one surface of the third base material 13, closing the openings of the third flow paths 133. The fourth base material 14 is provided with outlets 141 in a number corresponding to the number of the plurality of third flow paths 133.

[0038] Thread grooves are cut on the inner circumferential surfaces of the through holes 111 and 112 of the first substrate 11. A flow path for supplying a first fluid into the device, such as flow path 81 in FIG. 11, is connected to the through hole 111. A flow path for supplying a second fluid into the device, such as flow path 82 in FIG. 11, is connected to the through hole 112. End fitting members having male threads on the outer circumferential surfaces that correspond to the female threads are fixed to the ends of the flow paths 81 and 82. The end fitting members may be, for example, known components having a ferrule and a male screw. By threading the male screw into the female screw, the flow path 81 and the first inlet 121 communicate with each other, and the flow path 82 and the second inlet 122 communicate with each other. The through hole 111 or the through hole 112 may be bent and have openings on their sides.

[0039] 2, a fifth base material 15 having a plurality of through holes 151 communicating with the outlet 141 is disposed on the fourth base material 14. When the fourth base material 14 and the fifth base material 15 are fixed together, the outlet 141 and the through holes 151 communicate with each other.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 9, each of the through holes 151 is detachably connected to a flow path that discharges the mixed flow outside the device, such as the flow path 83 in FIG. 11. In the device 1, the inner circumferential surfaces of the ends of the through holes 151 are female threaded. An end fitting member having a male thread on its outer circumferential surface that corresponds to the female thread is fixed to the end of the flow path 83. The end fitting member may be, for example, a known part having a ferrule and a male screw. By threading the male screw into the female screw, the outlet 141 and the flow path 83 through which the mixed flow passes can be connected. In addition to the method using the end fitting member described above, other known connecting members may also be used to connect the mixing device 1 to the various flow paths.

[0041] The flow channel 83 through which the mixed flow passes is detachable from the substrate 10. By increasing the length of the flow channel 83, the time required for the mixed flow to travel through the channel can be increased, thereby increasing the time required for the desired reaction to occur. Conversely, by decreasing the length of the flow channel, the time required for the mixed flow to travel through the channel can be decreased, thereby decreasing the time required for the desired reaction to occur. By providing multiple outlets 141, the scale of the reaction can be increased without increasing the inner diameter of the flow channel 83 or the mixing channel 134. Multiple mixed flows discharged from the mixing channel can flow through the flow channel 83 without mixing. If the mixed flow is a slug flow, the slug flow state can be maintained to allow the desired reaction to occur in the channel.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , multiple substrates 10 are fixed and integrated by inserting screws into through-holes 71 provided in each substrate and threading multiple screws (not shown) into threaded holes 72 provided in the bottom or top substrate. Each substrate is provided with a positioning through-hole 73. The position of each substrate is determined by inserting a positioning pin into the through-hole 73. Chamfered portions 74 are provided at the corners of each substrate. Stacking the substrates so that the chamfered portions 74 overlap makes it easier to align the front and back positions of the substrates. In the device 1 of FIG. 1 , a female thread is cut into the inner surface of the through-hole 72 provided in the substrate located at the bottom (first substrate 11), and through-holes 71 for inserting male screws are provided in the substrates located at the top (second substrate 12, third substrate 13, fourth substrate 14, and fifth substrate 15). A male screw is inserted into the through hole 71 and the female screw is screwed into the male screw, thereby fixing and integrating the first base material 11, the second base material 12, the third base material 13, the fourth base material 14, and the fifth base material 15. The screw groove may be formed by cutting a female screw into the inner peripheral surface of a through hole provided in the base material arranged at the top, and fixing the base materials by screwing a male screw into the female screw.

[0043] The above-described mixing apparatus 1 can be used, for example, in the system shown in FIG. 11. The example shown in FIG. 11 is a tabletop mixer-settler. The mixer-settler in FIG. 11 includes the mixing apparatus 1, a flow path 81 that supplies a first fluid to the mixing apparatus 1 using a pump 91, a flow path 82 that supplies a second fluid to the mixing apparatus 1 using a pump 92, multiple flow paths 83 that transport a mixture containing the first and second fluids mixed in the mixing apparatus 1 from the mixing apparatus 1 to the fluid collection apparatus 2, a flow path 84 that connects the fluid collection apparatus 2 to the separation tank 3, the separation tank 3, a flow path 85 that discharges a low-density liquid, a valve 93 that adjusts the flow rate in the flow path 85, a flow path 86 that discharges a high-density liquid from the separation tank, and a valve 94 that adjusts the flow rate in the flow path 86. Each path is composed of a hollow tube capable of transporting a liquid, and can be, for example, a tube made of a metal material such as stainless steel or Hastelloy, or a synthetic resin material such as PFA or PTFE.

[0044] In the mixer settler described above, the mixed liquid discharged from the third flow path 133 of the mixer 1 is transported through multiple flow paths 83. During transport through the flow paths 83, the mixed liquid maintains a slug flow state. A slug flow is formed by the first and second fluids, which are insoluble in each other, and flows through the flow paths 83. By changing the length of the flow paths 83, the contact time between the first and second fluids can be adjusted. In this case, examples of the first and second fluids include liquids with different polarities, such as water and oil or a water-insoluble organic solvent. The slug flow transported through the flow paths 83 is collected into a single flow by the fluid collecting device 2 and transported to the separation tank 3 via the flow path 84. The fluid collecting device 2 may be, for example, a device in which multiple flow paths 83 are liquid-tightly connected to one end of a funnel-shaped cavity and the flow path 84 is liquid-tightly connected to the other end of the cavity.

[0045] In the separation tank, the slug flow is stored in an internal storage tank and allowed to stand. The slug flow separates into upper and lower liquid layers due to the difference in density. The upper liquid phase, which has a lower density, is discharged to the outside of the system via flow path 85. The lower liquid phase, which has a higher density, is discharged to the outside of the system via flow path 86. The above-mentioned mixer-settler is used, for example, in a method for extracting a substance by utilizing the difference in solubility between a first fluid and a second fluid that are not soluble in each other. In addition to extraction, the above-mentioned mixer-settler can also be used to mix a first fluid and a second fluid. For example, by adding an emulsifier, the slug flow can be used to efficiently emulsify the first and second fluids. The above-mentioned device can also be used in a reaction to synthesize a synthetic resin by contacting a first fluid with a second fluid.

[0046] The above-described mixing device 1 can be used for gas-gas mixing reactions accompanied by the generation of a slug flow, liquid-liquid mixing reactions, liquid-gas mixing reactions, and gas-gas mixing reactions without the generation of a slug flow, and can also be used in a method for producing metal particles, such as that described in JP 2019-167595 A.

[0047] In the above-described mixing device 1, multiple mixing channels are arranged in one device, and the mixed liquids mixed in the individual mixing channels are not mixed with each other at least until they are discharged from the device. By mixing multiple liquids in multiple mixing channels, the volume of liquids that can be mixed in the mixing device 1 is increased, allowing for large-scale reactions. Moreover, large-scale reactions can be achieved without increasing the channel diameter of the mixing channels.

[0048] In the above-described device 1, as described above, the plurality of mixing channels 134, the first distribution channels 51, or the second distribution channels 52 are provided inside the plurality of substrates 10, more specifically, between the plurality of substrates 10. This configuration improves efficiency when forming the plurality of mixing channels 134, the first distribution channels 51, or the second distribution channels 52 in the substrates. For example, whether the substrate is formed by injection molding or cutting, forming the structure becomes easy and accurate as long as recesses, through-holes, etc. for each channel appear on the surface of the substrate. Furthermore, in addition to processing efficiency, cleaning of the channels provided in each substrate is also efficient.

[0049] For example, the mixing channel 134, the first distribution channel 51, or the second distribution channel 52 is formed as a recessed groove or a slit-shaped through-hole provided between the plurality of substrates 10. As described above, these shapes can be realized by injection molding or cutting. By using cutting or a combination of injection molding and cutting, it is possible to improve processing accuracy.

[0050] The mixing channel 134 is integrated into a single device by fixing multiple substrates, which makes it easy to prepare the device before carrying out a chemical reaction, to put away the device after carrying out the chemical reaction, and to move the device. After carrying out the chemical reaction, the multiple substrates can be disassembled and washed, which makes it easy to clean the substrates and prevents clogging and contamination of the channel.

[0051] In the device 1, multiple mixing channels 134 are arranged in a matrix. The matrix arrangement means that horizontally aligned mixing channels form rows and vertically aligned mixing channels form columns. By arranging the mixing channels in a matrix, it is possible to integrate mixing channels in a substrate with a limited area. A first fluid can be supplied to multiple first channels from a single branch channel extending vertically. Similarly, a first fluid can be supplied to multiple second channels from a single branch channel extending vertically.

[0052] The device 1 is small enough to be placed on a laboratory desk, and has the above-mentioned characteristics, making it easy to handle in a laboratory. The size of the device is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 40 to 200 mm in height, 60 to 300 mm in width, 60 to 300 mm in depth, and 60 to 300 mm in outer diameter.

[0053] The multiple substrates can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of liquid to be introduced into the device. Materials constituting the substrates include metals or synthetic resins with excellent corrosion resistance. Examples of the metals include stainless steel and Hastelloy. Examples of the synthetic resins include PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), and PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane).

[0054] The flow paths 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86 can be made of the metal or synthetic resin material. The inner diameter and length of the flow paths 113, 114, and 142 can be changed appropriately depending on the desired chemical reaction. The inner diameter of the flow path can be, for example, 0.3 to 3.2 mm, or 0.3 to 1.5 mm. The length of the flow path can be determined based on the desired chemical reaction time, and is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 200 to 20,000 mm.

[0055] [Variations] The configuration of the mixing device is not limited to that described in the above embodiment.

[0056] For example, in the above-described device 1, the number of substrates is five. The number of substrates is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be integrally molded into a single substrate 11a. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the fourth substrate 14 and the fifth substrate 15 may be integrally molded into a single substrate 15a.

[0057] The above-mentioned mixing channel and the first and second distribution channels may be provided in separate substrates. In this case, the mixing channel may be a slit hole that penetrates the substrate. In this case, the first and second distribution channels are formed as recessed holes provided on the other surface of the substrate. One surface of the substrate can close the slit hole to form the mixing channel.

[0058] In the mixing device 1, the first substrate 11 and the fifth substrate 15 are made of stainless steel. The second substrate 12 and the fourth substrate 14 are made of glass. The third substrate 13 is made of PEEK and / or PFA. The materials constituting each substrate are not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate. On the other hand, if a male screw comes into contact with a substrate made of PEEK, PFA, or glass, the substrate may be damaged. The substrate that fastens the head of the male screw is preferably made of a metal such as stainless steel or Hastelloy.

[0059] The shape of the mixing channel is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the second channel 132b and the third channel 133b may be arranged linearly, and the first channel 131b may be connected to the second channel 132b and the third channel 133b. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, the second channel 132c and the third channel 133c may be connected at a bent angle, and the first channel 131c may be connected only to the second channel 131c. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, the angle between the first channel 131d and the second channel 132d may be an obtuse angle, and the first channel 131d and the second channel may be connected to the third channel 133d. In this way, the connection angle between the first channel and the second channel is not particularly limited. For example, it may be changed within a range of 30 to 270 degrees.

[0060] In the above-mentioned device 1, each substrate is in the shape of a square plate. The shape of each substrate is not limited to a square plate. Each substrate may have any shape as long as the above-mentioned structure provided on each substrate can be formed. Each substrate may be, for example, circular or polygonal. Furthermore, each substrate may be in the shape of a plate, a block, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Mixing device 1a Mixing device 134 Mixing channel 131 First Channel 132 Second Channel 133 Third Channel 131b First flow path 132b Second flow path 133b Third channel 131c First flow path 132c Second flow path 133c Third Channel 131d First Channel 132d Second flow path 133d Third Stream 111 1st inlet 112 2nd inlet 51 First distribution channel 511 main streams 512 Tributary channel 52 Second distribution channel 521 main streams 522 Tributary channel 141 Outlet

Claims

1. A mixing device that mixes a first fluid and a second fluid, The mixing flow path is formed by grooves or slit-shaped through-holes provided in a substrate, the mixing flow path is configured such that the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path are in communication with each other, the mixing flow path mixes a first fluid transported through the first flow path with a second fluid transported through the second flow path, and discharges the mixed fluid into the third flow path; The mixing flow path includes a plurality of mixing flow paths arranged in one direction of the substrate and in another direction intersecting the one direction, A mixing device that supplies a first fluid to a first flow path of a plurality of mixing flow paths, supplies a second fluid to a second flow path of the mixing flow paths, mixes the first fluid and the second fluid in a third flow path to generate a mixed flow, and discharges the generated mixed flow outside the device for each mixing flow path.

2. a first distribution flow path that distributes a first liquid supplied into the mixing device to a plurality of first flow paths; The mixing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second distribution flow path that distributes the second liquid supplied into the mixing device to a plurality of second flow paths.

3. the first distribution channel has a plurality of branch channels branching from a main channel, the second distribution channel has a plurality of branch channels branching from a main channel, The mixing device according to claim 2 , wherein the branch passages of the first distribution passage and the branch passages of the second distribution passage are alternately arranged in the other direction.

4. In the mixing channels adjacent to each other in the other direction, first flow paths are provided to face each other, and a first fluid is supplied to the pair of facing first flow paths from a branch flow path of a single first distribution path, 4. The mixing device according to claim 3, wherein the second flow paths are arranged to face each other in the mixing flow paths adjacent to each other in the other direction, and the second fluid is supplied to the pair of facing second flow paths from a branch flow path of a single second distribution path.

5. The mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an outlet communicating with a third flow path of the mixing flow path.

6. The mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixing channel, the first distribution channel, or the second distribution channel is provided between the plurality of base materials.

7. The mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixing flow path, the first distribution flow path, or the second distribution flow path is a recessed groove or a slit-shaped through-hole provided between the plurality of substrates.

8. The mixing device includes a first inlet for receiving a first fluid; The mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second inlet for allowing a second fluid to flow in.

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