Microreactor

Abstract

A microreactor that further improves mixing efficiency or reaction efficiency is provided. [Solution] A microreactor that performs a mixing process or a reaction process of a plurality of fluids including a first fluid and a second fluid within an internal space (21) having a circular planar shape, and is equipped with a plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles (22) that are arranged circumferentially near the outer periphery of the internal space and discharge the first fluid, a plurality of microchannels (23) that extend radially within the internal section and through which the fluids discharged from the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles flow, a plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles (24) that are arranged circumferentially alternately with the microchannels near the inner peripheral ends of the microchannels in the internal section and discharge a second fluid that is supplied, a flat section (25) that extends circumferentially and communicates with the inner peripheral ends of the microchannels and the second fluid discharge nozzles in the internal section, and a microscroll channel (26) that is provided inside the flat section in the internal section and communicates with the flat section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microreactor having minute channels on the order of micrometers for mixing or reacting multiple types of liquids. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional example of this type of microreactor, Patent Document 1 describes a microfluidic chip in which liquids supplied from multiple liquid supply ports are introduced into microchannels, mixed and reacted in the microchannels, and the processed liquid is obtained from a liquid discharge port. This microfluidic chip includes a liquid supply section that splits at least two types of liquid into multiple streams and supplies them in an alternating array, a flow flattening section downstream of the liquid supply section, which has a flow channel shape in which the cross-sectional area is approximately the same or slightly larger in the direction of flow, and a laminate flow forming section that is provided between the liquid supply section and the flow flattening section and which forms a laminate flow (laminar flow) by causing another liquid to flow down a flow channel formed between the liquid streams.

[0003] According to the microfluidic chip described in Patent Document 1, forming a laminar flow increases the contact area between two types of liquid, and activates molecular diffusion at the contact surface, making it possible to perform highly efficient processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4367283 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, as in the microfluidic chip described in Patent Document 1, it has been difficult to sufficiently improve the mixing efficiency or reaction efficiency simply by laminarizing two types of liquids and increasing the contact area between adjacent liquids.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a microreactor that can further improve mixing efficiency or reaction efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a microreactor for performing a mixing process or a reaction process of a plurality of fluids, including a first fluid and a second fluid, in an internal space having a circular planar shape. The microreactor includes a plurality of first-fluid discharge nozzles arranged circumferentially near the outer periphery of the internal space and discharging a supplied first fluid, a plurality of microchannels extending radially within the internal space and through which the fluids discharged from the plurality of first-fluid discharge nozzles flow, a plurality of second-fluid discharge nozzles arranged circumferentially near inner circumferential ends of the plurality of microchannels in the internal space and discharging a supplied second fluid, a circumferentially extending flat portion in the internal space communicating with the inner circumferential ends of the plurality of microchannels and the plurality of second-fluid discharge nozzles, and a microscroll channel provided inside the flat portion in the internal space and communicating with the flat portion.

[0008] Near the inner circumferential ends of the multiple micro-channels through which the first fluid flows, multiple second fluid discharge nozzles that discharge the second fluid are arranged alternately with the multiple micro-channels in the circumferential direction, and the first fluid flowing out of the micro-channels and the second fluid discharged from the second fluid discharge nozzles flow into the flat portion in an adjacent state and are mixed, so that the contact area between the first fluid and the second fluid is large, and they are efficiently mixed and react with each other.

[0009] It is preferable that the inner circumferential ends of the microchannels and the second-fluid discharge nozzles are alternately arranged adjacent to each other so that the first fluid flowing through the microchannels and the second fluid discharged from the second-fluid discharge nozzles each form a laminar flow (laminated flow) in the flat portion. By forming such a laminar flow, the ratio of the mutual contact area of ​​the first fluid and the second fluid to the total volume increases, and molecular diffusion at the contact surface becomes active. Active molecular diffusion improves the efficiency of mixing or reaction. The greater the number of layers of the laminar flow, the higher the efficiency of mixing or reaction.

[0010] It is also preferable that a step be formed between the flat section and the micro-scroll passage. The first and second fluids flowing through the flat section flow down a step of 0.6 mm in height, generating significant turbulence. Furthermore, the volume change from the wide flat section to the narrow micro-scroll passage causes a sudden increase in flow velocity. As a result, the first and second fluids are mixed and react with each other very efficiently.

[0011] It is also preferable that the micro-scroll flow passage further comprises a first fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized first fluid is supplied from the outside, a second fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized second fluid is supplied from the outside, and a discharge port communicating with an end of the micro-scroll flow passage and through which the mixed or reacted fluid is discharged.

[0012] In this case, it is more preferable that a first fluid supply passage connecting the first fluid supply port and the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space, and a second fluid supply passage connecting the second fluid supply port and the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space.

[0013] It is also preferable that the apparatus further comprises a third fluid discharge nozzle that communicates with the micro-scroll flow path and discharges the supplied third fluid.

[0014] In this case, it is more preferable that the micro-scroll flow passage further comprises a first fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized first fluid is supplied from the outside, a second fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized second fluid is supplied from the outside, a third fluid supply port communicating with the third fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized third fluid is supplied from the outside, and a discharge port communicating with an end of the micro-scroll flow passage and through which the mixed or reacted fluid is discharged.

[0015] In this case, it is further preferable that a first fluid supply passage connecting the first fluid supply port and the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space, a second fluid supply passage connecting the second fluid supply port and the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space, and a third fluid supply passage connecting the third fluid supply port and the third fluid discharge nozzle is provided below the internal space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the first fluid flowing out of the microchannel and the second fluid ejected from the second fluid ejection nozzle flow into the flat portion while adjacent to each other and are mixed, which increases the contact area between the first and second fluids and allows them to mix and react with each other efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a microreactor according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2A to 2D are a plan view, a left side view, a right side view, and a front view showing the lower member and the intermediate member of the microreactor in the embodiment of FIG. 1 superimposed on each other. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion indicated by a circle A in the plan view of FIG. 2 in an enlarged scale. [Figure 4]4A and 4B are enlarged views of a portion of the upper surface of an intermediate member of the microreactor in the embodiment of FIG. 1, in which (A) is a plan view showing the first fluid discharge nozzle, the microchannel, the second fluid discharge nozzle, the flat portion, and a portion of the microscroll channel, (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4A, (C) is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 4B, and (D) is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 4B. [Figure 5] 2 is a plan view showing the lower surface of an intermediate member of the microreactor in the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2A to 2D are a plan view, a left side view, a right side view, and a front view showing the lower member of the microreactor in the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system for supplying a first fluid and a second fluid to a microreactor in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and discharging the processed fluids from the microreactor. [Figure 8] 1A to 1D are a plan view, a left side view, a right side view, and a front view showing the lower and intermediate members of a microreactor according to another embodiment of the present invention superimposed on one another. [Figure 9] 1A to 1E are a plan view, a left side view, a right side view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, showing the lower and intermediate members of a microreactor according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of a microreactor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the microreactor of this embodiment is primarily composed of a lower member 10, an intermediate member 11, and an upper member 12, which are stacked one on top of the other and secured together with bolts (not shown). The lower member 10 is provided with a first fluid supply port 13 through which a pressurized first fluid is supplied from the outside, a second fluid supply port 14 through which a pressurized second fluid is supplied from the outside, and an outlet port 15 through which a mixed or reacted fluid is discharged. The lower member 10, the intermediate member 11, and the upper member 12 are also provided with a plurality of bolt holes 16 (eight in this embodiment) through which fastening bolts are inserted, and a plurality of guide holes 17 (two in this embodiment) through which guide pins are inserted. The lower member 10, the intermediate member 11, and the upper member 12 are formed of a metal material such as SUS, and are square in plan view. Their external dimensions, which are merely an example, are 80.0 mm × 80.0 mm. The thickness of each member is, by way of example only, 12.0 mm for the lower member 10, 6.0 mm for the intermediate member 11, and 10.0 mm for the upper member 12.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows the state in which the lower member 10 and intermediate member 11 of the microreactor of this embodiment are superimposed, with (A) being a plan view, (B) being a left side view, (C) being a right side view, and (D) being a front view. Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the portion indicated by circle A in the plan view of Fig. 2(A). The top and bottom surfaces of the upper member 12 are flat planes except for the portions of the bolt holes 16 and guide holes 17.

[0021] 2 and 3, a circumferential groove 20 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer periphery of the top surface of the intermediate member 11 in this embodiment. A packing (not shown) is inserted into this circumferential groove 20, thereby forming an internal space 21 having a circular planar shape between the top surface of the intermediate member 11 and the bottom surface of the upper member 12. The depth of the circumferential groove 20 is, by way of example only, 0.85 mm. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of this internal space 21 (the inner diameter of the circumferential groove 20) is, by way of example only, 58.0 mm, and the outer diameter (the outer diameter of the circumferential groove 20) is, by way of example only, 64.0 mm.

[0022] A large number (60 in this embodiment) of first fluid discharge nozzles 22 that discharge the first fluid to be supplied are formed near the outer periphery of the above-mentioned internal space 21 and are arranged at equal angles along the circumferential direction. The first fluid discharge nozzles 22 are mainly composed of through holes that penetrate between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 11, and in this embodiment, the diameter of the first fluid discharge nozzles 22 is, by way of example only, 0.55 mm.

[0023] The internal space 21 is formed with a large number of microchannels 23 (60 in this embodiment) that extend radially from the large number of first fluid discharge nozzles 22 and are configured to pass the fluids discharged from these first fluid discharge nozzles 22. The microchannels 23 are recessed grooves with rectangular cross sections in the radial direction, and in this embodiment, by way of example only, have a width of 0.70 mm and a depth of 0.07 mm. The terminal ends of the microchannels 23 communicate with a flat portion 25.

[0024] Furthermore, near the inner circumferential ends of the many minute flow paths 23 in the internal space 21, a large number (60 in this embodiment) of second fluid discharge nozzles 24 are formed, which discharge the second fluid to be supplied, and are arranged adjacent to and alternately with these minute flow paths 23 in the circumferential direction. The second fluid discharge nozzles 24 are mainly composed of through holes that penetrate between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 11, and in this embodiment, their diameter is, by way of example only, φ0.55 mm.

[0025] The flat portion 25 in the internal space 21 is a flat portion extending along the circumferential direction of the internal space 21, and is connected to the inner circumferential ends of the numerous microchannels 23 and the numerous second fluid discharge nozzles 24. In this embodiment, the depth of the flat portion 25 is 0.10 mm, which is merely an example. As will be described later, the first fluid discharged from the first fluid discharge nozzle 22 and flowing through the microchannel 23 and the second fluid discharged from the second fluid discharge nozzle 24 form alternating laminar flows (laminated flows), which allow the fluids to flow into the flat portion 25 in an adjacent state with a large contact area, resulting in efficient mixing.

[0026] In the internal space 21, a minute scroll passage 26 is provided inside the flat portion 25 and communicates with this flat portion 25. The minute scroll passage 26 is a spiral groove, and in this embodiment, by way of example, its width is 1.50 mm and its depth is 0.70 mm. The terminal end of the minute scroll passage 26 communicates with a discharge hole 27 that penetrates between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 11 in the center of the internal space 21. The discharge hole 27 communicates with the discharge port 15 of the lower member 10.

[0027] 4A and 4B show an enlarged view of a portion of the upper surface of the intermediate member 11 of the microreactor of this embodiment, with (A) being a plan view showing the first fluid discharge nozzle 22, the microchannel 23, the second fluid discharge nozzle 24, the flat portion 25, and a portion of the microscroll channel 26, (B) being a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 4A, (C) being an enlarged view of part C in Fig. 4B, and (D) being an enlarged view of part D in Fig. 4B. The flows of the first and second fluids in this portion will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0028] 3 and 4(C), the first fluid flowing through the microchannel 23 flows out from the microchannel 23, which has a narrow cross section with a width of 0.70 mm and a depth of 0.07 mm, into the wide flat portion 25 with a depth of about 0.1 mm. The first fluid flowing through this microchannel 23 flows down the first step 28, which is 0.03 mm high and formed between the inner circumferential end of the microchannel 23 and the flat portion 25, but because the height of this first step is low, almost no turbulence is generated in the first fluid in this portion.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the inner circumferential ends of the microchannels 23 from which the first fluid flows out and the second-fluid discharge nozzles 24 from which the second fluid is discharged are arranged alternately adjacent to each other, so that the first and second fluids form alternating laminar flows in the flat portion 25. By forming such laminar flows, the ratio of the mutual contact area of ​​the first and second fluids to the total volume increases, and molecular diffusion at this contact surface becomes active. This increased degree of molecular diffusion improves the efficiency of mixing or reaction. The greater the number of layers in the laminar flow, the higher this efficiency becomes.

[0030] The second fluid discharge nozzle 24 is formed so that the outer peripheral end side on the rear side is higher, and therefore the second fluid is discharged in a diffused spray shape in the inner peripheral direction, as shown in Fig. 3. Because the second fluid is in the form of such a diffused flow, it is more effectively mixed with the first fluid from the minute flow channel 23.

[0031] As described above, the first and second fluids flowing through the flat section 25 are laminar flows. However, as shown in FIG. 4(D), this laminar flow undergoes a large volume change when it flows from the wide flat section 25 (0.1 mm deep) into the micro-scroll passage 26, which is 1.50 mm wide and 0.70 mm deep. Furthermore, the laminar flows of the first and second fluids become turbulent as they flow down the second step 29 (corresponding to the step of the present invention) with a height of 0.60 mm formed between the flat section 25 and the micro-scroll passage 26. Due to the sudden increase in flow velocity caused by the volume change from the wide flat section 25 to the narrow micro-scroll passage 26 and the generation of turbulence caused by flowing down the large second step 29 from the flat section 25 to the micro-scroll passage 26, the laminar flows of the first and second fluids are mixed with each other with very high mixing efficiency and react with each other with very high reaction efficiency.

[0032] On the other hand, the laminar flows of the first and second fluids flowing through the flat section 25 are affected by the spiral shape of the micro-scroll passage 26 and become large rotational flows that flow in a direction (counterclockwise) that depends on the spiral direction. Even after flowing down into the micro-scroll passage 26, this flow generates swells due to the difference between the inner and outer peripheries of the spiral, causing the first and second fluids to further mix or react with each other. Note that by changing the spiral direction, width, and depth of the micro-scroll passage 26, it is possible to increase or decrease the mixing and reaction time, and it is also possible to adapt to fluids with high viscosity.

[0033] 5 shows the bottom surface of the intermediate member 11, and FIG. 6 shows the top surface, left side surface, right side surface and front surface of the lower member 10.

[0034] 5, two coaxial circumferential grooves 30 and 31 are formed on the underside of the intermediate member 11, extending in the circumferential direction with different radii, and the outer circumferential groove 30 has a large number of through holes 22a formed therein that communicate with the large number of first fluid discharge nozzles 22. The inner circumferential groove 31 has a large number of through holes 24a formed therein that communicate with the large number of second fluid discharge nozzles 24.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6, three coaxial circumferential grooves 32, 33, and 34 are formed in the upper surface of the lower member 10, extending in the circumferential direction and having different radii. The radius of the outer circumferential groove 32 of the lower member 10 is set larger than the radius of the outer circumferential groove 30 of the intermediate member 11, and the radius of the middle circumferential groove 33 of the lower member 10 is set smaller than the radius of the outer circumferential groove 30 of the intermediate member 11. The radius of the middle circumferential groove 33 of the lower member 10 is set larger than the radius of the inner circumferential groove 31 of the intermediate member 11, and the radius of the inner circumferential groove 34 of the lower member 10 is set smaller than the radius of the inner circumferential groove 31 of the lower member 10. A hole 35, which communicates with the first fluid supply port 13, opens between the circumferential grooves 32 and 33 on the upper surface of the lower member 10. Furthermore, a hole 36 that communicates with the second fluid supply port 14 opens between the circumferential grooves 33 and 34 on the upper surface of the lower member 10. A hole 37 that communicates with the discharge port 15 opens in the center of the upper surface of the lower member 10. Since packings are inserted into each of the circumferential grooves 32, 33, and 34, the upper surface of the lower member 10 and the lower surface of the intermediate member 11 are closely superimposed to form a first fluid supply passage 38 that includes the space of the circumferential groove 30 and where hole 35 opens, a second fluid supply passage 39 that includes the space of the circumferential groove 31 and where hole 36 opens, and a fluid discharge passage 40 that opens to the central hole 37 are formed between the lower member 10 and the intermediate member 11 by the above-mentioned arrangement.

[0036] 7 shows an example of a system for supplying the first and second fluids to the microreactor in this embodiment and discharging the processed fluids from the microreactor, where only the lower member 10 is shown.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7 , a tube 50 is connected to the first fluid supply port 13 of the microreactor, and this tube 50 is connected to a first fluid supply source 51. A pressure pump 52 is provided in the tube 50. A tube 53 is connected to the second fluid supply port 14 of the microreactor, and this tube 53 is connected to a second fluid supply source 54. A pressure pump 55 is provided in the tube 53. A tube 56 is connected to the outlet 15 of the microreactor. Therefore, the first fluid from the first fluid supply source 51 is pressurized and supplied to the first fluid supply port 13 via the tube 50. Furthermore, the second fluid from the second fluid supply source 54 is pressurized and supplied to the second fluid supply port 14 via the tube 53. The mixed or reacted fluids from the outlet 15 are taken out to the outside via the tube 56. The tubes 50, 53, and 56 may be nylon tubes, water-resistant polyurethane tubes, fluororesin tubes, or tubes made of other materials.

[0038] As described above in detail, in the microreactor of this embodiment, multiple second-fluid discharge nozzles 24 for discharging a second fluid are arranged circumferentially adjacent to the multiple microchannels 23 near the inner circumferential ends of the multiple microchannels 23 through which the first fluid flows. Therefore, the first fluid flowing out of the microchannels 23 and the second fluid discharged from the second-fluid discharge nozzles 24 flow into the flat portion 25 in a state of adjacent laminar flow and mix. This increases the contact area between the first and second fluids, allowing them to efficiently mix and react with each other. Furthermore, the second-fluid discharge nozzle 24 is formed so that its rear outer circumferential end is higher, discharging the second fluid in a spray-like manner in the inner circumferential direction. Because the second fluid is in this diffused flow, it is more effectively mixed with the first fluid from the microchannels 23. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the laminar flows of the first and second fluids flow down the relatively high second step 29 formed between the flat portion 25 and the micro-scroll flow path 26, creating a highly turbulent flow. The first and second fluids are mixed with each other with very high mixing efficiency and react with each other with very high reaction efficiency due to the sudden increase in flow velocity caused by the volume change from the wide flat section 25 to the narrow micro-scroll passage 26 and the large turbulence generated by flowing down the large second step 29 from the flat section 25 to the micro-scroll passage 26. Furthermore, the first and second fluids flowing through the flat section 25 are affected by the spiral shape of the micro-scroll passage 26 and become a large rotational flow flowing counterclockwise depending on the spiral direction. Even after flowing down into the micro-scroll passage 26, this flow generates swell due to the difference between the inner and outer peripheries of the spiral, which further mixes or reacts the first and second fluids.

[0039] 8 shows a state in which a lower member 110 and an intermediate member 111 of a microreactor according to another embodiment of the present invention are superimposed on each other, with (A) being a plan view, (B) being a left side view, (C) being a right side view, and (D) being a front view. The upper and lower surfaces of the upper member of the microreactor (not shown) are flat surfaces except for the bolt holes 116 and guide holes 117. This microreactor is smaller in size than the microreactors shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, and the estimated flow rate is 1 / 5 or less of that of the microreactors according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0040] The microreactor of this embodiment is primarily composed of a lower member 110, an intermediate member 111, and an upper member (not shown), which are stacked one on top of the other and secured together with bolts (not shown). The lower member 110 is provided with a first fluid supply port 113 through which a pressurized first fluid is supplied from the outside, a second fluid supply port 114 through which a pressurized second fluid is supplied from the outside, and an outlet port 115 through which a mixed or reacted fluid is discharged. The lower member 110, the intermediate member 111, and the upper member are also provided with a plurality of bolt holes 116 (four in this embodiment) through which fastening bolts are inserted, and a plurality of guide holes 117 (two in this embodiment) through which guide pins are inserted. The lower member 110, the intermediate member 111, and the upper member are formed of a metal material, such as SUS, and have a square planar shape and, by way of example only, external dimensions of 60.0 mm × 60.0 mm. The thickness of each member is, by way of example only, 10.0 mm for the lower member 110, 5.0 mm for the intermediate member 111, and 8.0 mm for the upper member.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 8, a circumferential groove 120 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer periphery of the top surface of the intermediate member 111 in this embodiment. A packing (not shown) is inserted into this circumferential groove 120, thereby forming an internal space 121 having a circular planar shape between the top surface of the intermediate member 111 and the bottom surface of the upper member. The depth of the circumferential groove 120 is, by way of example only, 0.85 mm. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of this internal space 121 (the inner diameter of the circumferential groove 120) is, by way of example only, 45.0 mm, and the outer diameter (the outer diameter of the circumferential groove 120) is, by way of example only, 50.0 mm.

[0042] A large number (60 in this embodiment) of first fluid discharge nozzles 122 that discharge the first fluid to be supplied are formed near the outer periphery of the above-mentioned internal space 121 and are arranged at equal angles along the circumferential direction. The first fluid discharge nozzles 122 are mainly composed of through holes that penetrate between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 111, and in this embodiment, the diameter of the first fluid discharge nozzles 122 is, by way of example only, 0.24 mm.

[0043] The internal space 121 is formed with a large number of microchannels 123 (60 in this embodiment) that extend radially from the large number of first fluid discharge nozzles 122 and are configured to pass the fluids discharged from these first fluid discharge nozzles 122. The microchannels 123 are recessed grooves with semicircular cross sections in the radial direction, and in this embodiment, by way of example only, have a width of 0.35 mm and a depth of 0.1 mm. The terminal ends of the microchannels 123 communicate with a flat portion 125.

[0044] Furthermore, near the inner circumferential ends of the many minute flow paths 123 in the internal space 121, a large number (60 in this embodiment) of second fluid discharge nozzles 124 that discharge the supplied second fluid are formed, arranged adjacent to and alternating with these minute flow paths 123 along the circumferential direction. The second fluid discharge nozzles 124 are mainly composed of through holes that penetrate between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 111, and in this embodiment, their diameter is, by way of example only, 0.24 mm.

[0045] The flat portion 125 in the internal space 121 is a flat portion extending along the circumferential direction of the internal space 121, and is connected to the inner circumferential ends of the numerous microchannels 123 and the numerous second fluid discharge nozzles 124. In this embodiment, the depth of the flat portion 125 is 0.10 mm, which is merely an example. The first fluid discharged from the first fluid discharge nozzle 122 and flowing through the microchannel 123 and the second fluid discharged from the second fluid discharge nozzle 124 form alternating laminar flows, and as a result, they flow into the flat portion 125 in an adjacent state and are mixed.

[0046] In the internal space 121, a micro-scroll passage 126 communicating with the flat portion 125 is provided inside the flat portion 125. The micro-scroll passage 126 is a spiral groove, and in this embodiment, by way of example, its width is 1.00 mm and its depth is 0.20 mm. The terminal end of the micro-scroll passage 126 communicates with a discharge hole 127 penetrating between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 111 in the center of the internal space 121. The discharge hole 127 communicates with the discharge port 115 of the lower member 110. The number of spiral turns of the micro-scroll passage 126 in the microreactor of this embodiment is set to be smaller than that in the microreactors of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0047] The microreactor of this embodiment has smaller overall dimensions than the microreactors of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, and the length, width, and depth of the flow channels are also smaller, so various effects can be expected due to the smaller reaction volume.

[0048] Other configurations, operations, and effects of the microreactor of this embodiment are the same as those of the microreactor of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] 9 shows a state in which a lower member 210 and an intermediate member 211 of a microreactor according to yet another embodiment of the present invention are superimposed, with (A) being a plan view, (B) being a left side view, (C) being a right side view, (D) being a front view, and (E) being a rear view. The upper and lower surfaces of the upper member (not shown) of the microreactor are flat except for the bolt holes 216 and the guide holes 217. This microreactor has an additional mechanism for supplying a third fluid, as compared to the microreactor according to the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0050] The microreactor of this embodiment is mainly composed of a lower member 210, an intermediate member 211, and an upper member (not shown), which are stacked on top of each other and secured together with bolts (not shown). The lower member 210 is provided with a first fluid supply port 213 through which a pressurized first fluid is supplied from the outside, a second fluid supply port 214 through which a pressurized second fluid is supplied from the outside, a third fluid supply port 257 through which a pressurized third fluid is supplied from the outside, and an outlet 215 through which a mixed or reacted fluid is discharged. The lower member 210, the intermediate member 211, and the upper member are also provided with a plurality of (four in this embodiment) bolt holes 216 through which fastening bolts are inserted, and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) guide holes 217 through which guide pins are inserted. The lower member 210, the intermediate member 211, and the upper member are made of a metal material such as SUS, and have a square planar shape with external dimensions of, by way of example only, 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm. The thickness of each member is, by way of example only, 10.0 mm for the lower member 210, 5.0 mm for the intermediate member 211, and 8.0 mm for the upper member.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 9, a circumferential groove 220 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the intermediate member 211 in this embodiment. A packing (not shown) is inserted into this circumferential groove 220, thereby forming an internal space 221 having a circular planar shape between the upper surface of the intermediate member 211 and the lower surface of the upper member 212. The depth of the circumferential groove 220 is, by way of example only, 0.85 mm. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of this internal space 221 (the inner diameter of the circumferential groove 220) is, by way of example only, 45.0 mm, and the outer diameter (the outer diameter of the circumferential groove 220) is, by way of example only, 50.0 mm.

[0052] A large number (60 in this embodiment) of first fluid discharge nozzles 222 that discharge the first fluid to be supplied are formed near the outer periphery of the above-mentioned internal space 221 and are arranged at equal angles along the circumferential direction. The first fluid discharge nozzles 222 are mainly composed of through holes that penetrate between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 211, and in this embodiment, the diameter of the first fluid discharge nozzles 222 is, by way of example only, 0.24 mm.

[0053] The internal space 221 is formed with a large number of microchannels 223 (60 in this embodiment) that extend radially from the large number of first fluid discharge nozzles 222 and are configured to pass the fluids discharged from these first fluid discharge nozzles 222. The microchannels 223 are recessed grooves with semicircular cross sections in the radial direction, and in this embodiment, by way of example only, have a width of 0.35 mm and a depth of 0.1 mm. The terminal ends of the microchannels 223 communicate with a flat portion 225.

[0054] Furthermore, a large number (60 in this embodiment) of second fluid discharge nozzles 224 that discharge the supplied second fluid are formed near the inner circumferential ends of the many minute flow paths 223 in the internal space 221, and are arranged adjacent to these minute flow paths 223 in the circumferential direction and alternately with these minute flow paths 223. The second fluid discharge nozzles 224 are mainly composed of through holes that penetrate between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 211, and in this embodiment, their diameter is, by way of example only, φ0.24 mm.

[0055] The flat portion 225 in the internal space 221 is a flat portion extending along the circumferential direction of the internal space 221, and is connected to the inner circumferential ends of the numerous microchannels 223 and the numerous second fluid discharge nozzles 224. In this embodiment, the depth of the flat portion 225 is, by way of example only, 0.10 mm. The first fluid discharged from the first fluid discharge nozzle 222 and flowing through the microchannel 223 and the second fluid discharged from the second fluid discharge nozzle 224 form alternating laminar flows, which allow them to flow adjacent to each other into the flat portion 225 and be mixed.

[0056] In the internal space 221, a micro-scroll passage 226 communicating with the flat portion 225 is provided inside the flat portion 225. The micro-scroll passage 226 is a spiral groove, and in this embodiment, by way of example, its width is 1.00 mm and its depth is 0.20 mm. The terminal end of the micro-scroll passage 226 communicates with a discharge hole 227 penetrating between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 211 in the center of the internal space 221. The discharge hole 227 communicates with the discharge port 215 of the lower member 210. The number of spiral turns of the micro-scroll passage 226 in the microreactor of this embodiment is set to be smaller than that in the microreactors of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0057] In the microreactor of this embodiment, a single third fluid discharge nozzle 258 that discharges the supplied third fluid is formed midway through the micro-scroll flow path 226. The third fluid discharge nozzle 258 is a through-hole that penetrates between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate member 211, and in this embodiment, its diameter is, by way of example only, 0.24 mm. This third fluid discharge nozzle 258 communicates with a third fluid supply port 257. Although not shown in the drawings, in this embodiment, a third fluid supply passage that communicates the third fluid supply port 257 and the third fluid discharge nozzle 258 is formed between the lower member 210 and the intermediate member 211.

[0058] According to the microreactor of this embodiment, in addition to the first and second fluids, it is possible to mix or react a third fluid. Note that, although the above description has been given with a single third fluid discharge nozzle 258 added, it is clear that a plurality of third fluid discharge nozzles 258 may be provided. Furthermore, in addition to the first, second, and third fluids, a configuration may be adopted in which an additional fluid is mixed or reacted.

[0059] Other configurations, operations, and effects of the microreactor of this embodiment are the same as those of the microreactor in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 and the embodiment of FIG. 8, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and are not limiting. The present invention can be embodied in various other modified and altered forms. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10, 110, 210 Lower part 11, 111, 211 Intermediate parts 12 Upper member 13, 113, 213 1st fluid supply port 14, 114, 214 2nd fluid supply port 15, 115, 215 outlet 16, 116, 216 bolt holes 17, 117, 217 guide holes 20, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 Circumferential groove 21, 121, 221 interior space 22, 122, 222 First fluid discharge nozzle 22a, 24a through hole 23, 123, 223 Microchannels 24, 124, 224 Second fluid discharge nozzle 25, 125, 225 flat part 26, 126, 226 Micro scroll flow passage 27, 127, 227 discharge hole 28 First Step 29 Second Step 35, 36, 37 holes 38 1st fluid supply passage 39 Second fluid supply passage 40 Fluid discharge passage 50, 53 tubes 51 First fluid supply source 52, 55 Pressure pump 54 Second fluid supply source 257 3rd fluid supply port 258 Third fluid discharge nozzle

Claims

1. A microreactor for performing a mixing process or a reaction process of a plurality of fluids including a first fluid and a second fluid in an internal space having a circular planar shape, a plurality of micro-channels extending radially through the interior section and through which the fluids discharged from the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles flow; a plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles arranged alternately with the plurality of micro-channels in the interior space and arranged circumferentially near inner circumferential ends of the plurality of micro-channels; a flat section extending circumferentially in the interior space and communicating with the inner circumferential ends of the plurality of micro-channels and the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles; and a micro-scroll channel provided inside the flat section in the interior space and communicating with the flat section.

2. 2. The microreactor according to claim 1, wherein inner circumferential ends of the microchannels and the second fluid discharge nozzles are alternately arranged adjacent to each other so that the first fluid flowing through the microchannels and the second fluid discharged from the second fluid discharge nozzles each form a laminar flow in the flat portion.

3. 3. The microreactor according to claim 1, wherein a step is formed between the flat portion and the minute scroll flow path.

4. 2. The microreactor according to claim 1, further comprising: a first fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized first fluid is supplied from an outside; a second fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized second fluid is supplied from an outside; and a discharge port communicating with an end of the micro-scroll flow path and through which a mixed or reacted fluid is discharged.

5. 5. The microreactor according to claim 4, wherein a first fluid supply passage communicating the first fluid supply port with the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space, and a second fluid supply passage communicating the second fluid supply port with the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space.

6. 2. The microreactor according to claim 1, further comprising a third fluid discharge nozzle communicating with the microscroll flow path and discharging the supplied third fluid.

7. 7. The microreactor according to claim 6, further comprising: a first fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized first fluid is supplied from the outside; a second fluid supply port communicating with the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized second fluid is supplied from the outside; a third fluid supply port communicating with the third fluid discharge nozzles and through which a pressurized third fluid is supplied from the outside; and a discharge port communicating with an end of the micro-scroll flow path and through which fluids subjected to a mixed process or a reacted process are discharged.

8. 8. The microreactor according to claim 7, wherein a first fluid supply passage communicating the first fluid supply port with the plurality of first fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space, a second fluid supply passage communicating the second fluid supply port with the plurality of second fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space, and a third fluid supply passage communicating the third fluid supply port with the third fluid discharge nozzles is provided below the internal space.

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