Slug flow generator

Abstract

To provide a device generating slug flow in a flow path through which liquid is ejected from a mixing device.SOLUTION: A slug flow generating device is provided, comprising: a first member 11a having a first flow path through which first liquid is flown and a second flow path through which second liquid is flown; a second member 12a having a slit hole 121a through which the first liquid ejected through the first flow path is mixed with the second liquid ejected through the second flow path; and a third member 13a comprising a third flow path 131a through which the first liquid and the second liquid mixed through the slit hole is ejected out of the device. The first flow path and the second flow path comprise main flow paths and a plurality of branch flow paths 113a and 116a extending in a crossing direction from the main flow paths, wherein the branch flow paths of the first flow path and the branch flow paths of the second flow path are alternately arranged without communicating with each other, on the first member. The slit hole is arranged in such a manner that the branch flow paths of the first flow path are communicated with the branch flow paths of the second flow path through the slit hole, and the third flow path comprises a tapered part having an inner diameter which gradually becomes smaller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slug flow generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a mixing device configured by stacking a base plate, a distribution plate, a merging plate, and a top plate in this order from bottom to top. As shown in FIG. 4, the base plate has two through-holes. As shown in FIG. 7, one through-hole supplies a liquid from system A, and the other through-hole supplies a liquid from system B. The liquids from system A and system B flow into multiple comb-tooth-shaped branch channels provided in the distribution plate and merge in multiple slit grooves provided in the merging plate. At this time, the liquids from system A and system B are mixed. The mixed liquids in the slit grooves are discharged to the outside of the device via a reservoir and an outlet channel provided in the top plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4286895 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device of Patent Document 1 uses a comb-tooth-shaped flow channel and a slit groove to mix a liquid in system A and a liquid in system B, and is an excellent device that can efficiently mix liquids.

[0005] Slug flow is used when mixing multiple liquids. In a slug flow, slugs consisting of hydrophilic liquid and slugs consisting of hydrophobic liquid flow alternately within a channel that transports the liquid. A circulating flow is said to be formed within the slug, which has the advantage of increasing the mixing efficiency of the liquids within the slug. Another advantage is that the circulating flow promotes the transfer of materials at the interface between the liquids that make up the slug, thereby increasing reaction efficiency. Another advantage is that, because the size of the slug is small, when the slug flow is collected, it can be separated into hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquids in a short time.

[0006] The device of Patent Document 1 can efficiently mix fluids by utilizing multiple comb-shaped channels and slit grooves. The inventors' investigations revealed that, in the device of Patent Document 1, mixing is performed using the comb-shaped channels and slits, and then when the liquid is discharged from a channel connected to an outlet channel provided in the top plate, a slug flow is unlikely to form. The reservoir has a flat cross-sectional shape, and when viewed from above, it has a shape in which multiple narrow, rectangular channels extend to the left and right. The reservoir and the outlet channel are connected by a cylindrical hole whose diameter is smaller than that of the outlet path. The portion where the cylindrical hole and the reservoir are connected is bent at an approximately right angle. It is presumed that this shape makes it difficult for a slug flow to form.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a device that mixes liquids using a main flow path, multiple branch paths branching off from the main flow path, and slit holes, in which a slug flow is likely to form in the flow path that transports the mixed liquid discharged from the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] a first member having at least one or more first flow paths through which a first liquid flows and at least one or more second flow paths through which a second liquid flows; a second member having at least one or more slit holes through which the first liquid discharged from the first flow path and the second liquid discharged from the second flow path are mixed; and a third member having a third flow path through which the first liquid and the second liquid mixed in the slit holes are discharged to the outside of the device, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path each have a main flow path extending in one direction and a plurality of branch flow paths branching from the main flow path and extending in a direction intersecting the one direction, The above-mentioned problem is solved by a slug flow generating device in which the first member and the tributaries of the second member are not connected to each other on the first member but are arranged alternately in the one direction, the slit holes in the second member are arranged along the one direction so as to connect the alternately arranged tributaries of the first member and the tributaries of the second member through the slit holes, and the third member has a substantially conical space with a tapered section whose inner diameter gradually decreases, and the part of the tapered section with the larger inner diameter is arranged upstream and the part of the tapered section with the smaller inner diameter is arranged downstream.

[0009] After conducting research, the inventors discovered that by making the shape of the third flow path of the third member an approximately conical space with a tapered section whose inner diameter gradually decreases, with the larger inner diameter part of the tapered section being located upstream and the smaller inner diameter part of the tapered section being located downstream, it becomes extremely easy for a slug flow to occur in the flow path for discharging the mixed liquid connected to the third member.

[0010] In the above-described slug flow generating device, the third member preferably includes a connection portion for a discharge flow path formed of a hole communicating with the tapered portion.

[0011] In the above-described slug flow generating device, the inner diameter of the upstream end of the tapered section is preferably large enough to encompass the slit hole, so that the flow of the mixed liquid flowing out from the slit hole is not obstructed by the end of the tapered section, making it easier to form a slug flow.

[0012] In the above-mentioned slug flow generating device, the first flow path and the second flow path are holes that penetrate the first member, and a fourth member that is arranged to be in contact with the first member can be configured to prevent leakage of liquid flowing through the first flow path and the second flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a device for mixing liquids can be provided that utilizes a main flow path, multiple branch paths branching off from the main flow path, and slit holes to form a slug flow in a flow path that transports the mixed liquid discharged from the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a slug flow generating device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first member constituting the slug flow generating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a bottom view showing the back surface of the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second member constituting the slug flow generating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the part surrounded by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view of a slug flow generating device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slug flow generating device taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and is an enlarged plan view showing the configuration of a first member in a slug flow generating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 and is an enlarged plan view showing the configuration of a second member in a slug flow generating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a slug flow generating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and is an enlarged plan view showing the configuration of a second member in a slug flow generating device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a slug flow generating device according to Comparative Example 1. [Figure 14] 4 is a photograph showing a slug flow formed by using the slug flow generating device of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following describes embodiments of the slug flow generating device of the present invention. The following embodiments are merely limited examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplified embodiments.

[0016] [First embodiment] 1 to 8 show a slug flow generator 1a according to a first embodiment. The slug flow generator 1a of this embodiment includes a first member 11a having one first flow path 111a for circulating a first liquid and two second flow paths 114a for circulating a second liquid; a second member 12a having two slits 121a for mixing the first liquid discharged from the first flow path 111a with the second liquid discharged from the second flow path 114a; and a third member 13a having a third flow path 131a for discharging the first and second liquids mixed in the slits 121a to the outside of the device. In the slug flow generator 1a, the number of second flow paths 114a is the number of first flow paths 111a plus one.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first flow path 111a includes a main flow path 112a extending in one direction and multiple branch flow paths 113a branching from the main flow path 112a and extending in a direction intersecting the one direction. Similarly, the second flow path 114a includes a main flow path 115a extending in one direction and multiple branch flow paths 116a branching from the main flow path 115a and extending in a direction intersecting the one direction. The length of the branch flow paths 113a of the first flow path 111a is shorter than the length of the main flow path 112a. Similarly, the length of the branch flow paths 116a of the second flow path 114a is shorter than the length of the main flow path 115a. The main flow path 112a of the first flow path 111a and the main flow path 115a of the second flow path 114a are arranged in parallel such that the portions extending in the longitudinal direction face each other. The branch flow paths 113a of the first flow path 111a and the branch flow paths 116a of the second flow path 114a are not in communication with each other on the first member 11a, and are arranged alternately in the one direction.

[0018] The main flow path 112a of the first flow path 111a, the branch flow path 113a of the first flow path 111a, the main flow path 115a of the second flow path 114a, and the branch flow path 116a of the second flow path 114a are each composed of a slit-shaped hole penetrating the first member 11a. A circular hole 117a penetrating the first member 11a and a recessed hole 118a provided on one surface of the first member 11a are arranged at the base end of the main flow path 112a of the first flow path 111a. The recessed hole 118a, the circular hole 117a, the main flow path 112a, and the branch flow path 113a are in communication with each other. One end of the recessed hole 118a is in communication with the circular hole 117a. The other end of the recessed hole 118a is in an arc shape. The recessed hole 118a and the circular hole 117a temporarily store liquid before flowing into the main flow path 112a. Ma This liquid reservoir reduces changes in the liquid pressure and flow rate, making it difficult for the liquid pressure and flow rate in the main flow path to change.

[0019] Similarly, a circular hole 119a penetrating the first member 11a and a recessed hole 120a provided on one surface of the first member 11a are arranged at the base end of the main channel 115a of the second channel 114a. The circular hole 119a and the recessed hole 120a form a second liquid reservoir 82a. The recessed hole 120a, the circular hole 119a, the main channel 116a, and the branch channel 115a are in communication with each other.

[0020] The first liquid reservoir 81a and the second liquid reservoir 82a are arranged in the first member 11a so as to face each other. The main flow path 112a of the first flow path 111a extending from the first liquid reservoir 81a and the main flow path 115a of the second flow path 114a extending from the second liquid reservoir 82a do not intersect or communicate with each other, and are arranged so that their long sides face each other. The first flow path 111a has branch flow paths 113a on both sides of its long side. The second flow path 114a has branch flow path 116a on only one side of its long side. For a main flow path with a branch flow path on only one side, the volume of the main flow path is set as follows: "Volume of one main flow path with a branch flow path on only one side = Volume of one main flow path with branch flow paths on both sides × Total number of branch flow paths in one main flow path with branch flow paths on only one side ÷ Total number of branch flow paths in one main flow path with branch flow paths on both sides." 3, the volume of main channel 115a, which has branch channel 116a on only one side, is set to half the volume of main channel 112a, which has branch channels 113a on both sides. This configuration makes it easier to adjust and calculate the mixing ratio of the liquids supplied from first channel 111a and second channel 114a.

[0021] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the second member 12a is provided with slits 121a penetrating the second member 12a. As shown by dashed lines in Figures 3 and 4, the slits 121a are arranged along the one direction so as to connect the alternately arranged tributary channels 113a of the first channel 111a and the tributary channels 116a of the second channel 114a via the slits 121a. The number of slits 121a is preferably as follows: That is, when a group of tributary channels 113a branching from one long side of the first channel 111a (main channel 112a) toward the opposing main channel 115a and a group of tributary channels 116a branching from one long side of the second channel 114a (main channel 115a) toward the opposing main channel 112a are considered as a set of tributary channels, the number of slits 12a is preferably equal to or greater than the number of sets of tributary channels. In the example of FIG. 3, the number of slits indicated by the dashed dotted lines is two, and the number of sets of tributary channels is also two. As shown in FIG. 3, the length of the slit 121a is equal to or greater than the length of the area where one set of tributary channels is provided. With this configuration, liquid flowing out of all tributary channels can smoothly flow into the slits, forming a slug flow. The length of the slit 121a in the width direction is set to be smaller than the distance between the opposing main channels 112a and 115a, so that the slit 121a and the main channels 112a and 115a do not communicate with each other.

[0022] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the third member 13a includes a third flow path 131a having a generally conical space with a tapered portion 132a whose inner diameter gradually decreases. The tapered portion 132a is shaped so that the larger inner diameter portion of the tapered portion 132a is located upstream and the smaller inner diameter portion of the tapered portion 132a is located downstream. Specifically, the shape of the tapered portion 132a, excluding the relatively small-diameter through-holes described below, is a truncated cone. As described below, liquid introduced into the slug flow generator 1a is discharged through the slit hole 121a and flows into the tapered portion 132a. In the example shown in Figure 8, the opening 133a of the tapered portion 132a, located at the lower end of the third member 13a, is located upstream, and the opening 134a for discharging the liquid, located at the upper end of the tapered portion 132a, is located downstream. The tapered portion 132a has a smooth, inclined surface without any irregularities.

[0023] 8, the inner diameter of opening 133a at the upstream end of tapered portion 132a is large enough to encompass all of slit hole 121a. Tapered portion 132a communicates with cylindrical through-hole 135a, which communicates with connection portion 136a of discharge flow path 97, also comprising a cylindrical through-hole. Through-hole 135a has the same inner diameter as the downstream portion of tapered portion 132a.

[0024] The substantially conical space having the tapered portion 132a is connected to the through-hole 136a by a cylindrical through-hole 135a having an inner diameter smaller than that of the through-hole 136a. The substantially conical space having the tapered portion 132a has no corners on the inner surface, which makes it difficult for turbulence to occur in the mixed liquid flowing out of the slit 121a. This facilitates the generation of a slug flow in the liquid discharge flow path 97. Furthermore, the change in angle between the substantially conical space having the tapered portion 132a and the cylindrical through-hole 135a having a relatively small inner diameter is kept relatively small by the oblique side of the tapered portion 132a. This further reduces the likelihood of turbulence, making it easier for a slug flow to occur in the liquid discharge flow path 97. The inner diameter of the through-hole 135a is smaller than the longitudinal length of the slit 121a.

[0025] The end of the liquid discharge flow path 97 is fitted with a sealing portion 92 having a through-hole made of an elastic resin called a ferrule, and an operating portion 93 having a through-hole and a screw portion 931 and a knob portion 932. The sealing portion 92 has a shape with a first tapered portion whose outer diameter decreases toward the downstream side. The operating portion 93 is located downstream of the sealing portion 92, and the inner surface of the lower end of the through-hole has a second tapered portion whose outer diameter decreases toward the downstream side. The knob portion 932 is configured as a cylindrical portion with a diameter larger than that of the screw portion 931.

[0026] The connecting portion 136a has a cylindrical inner surface with a screw groove. The user grips the knob portion 932 of the operating portion 93 with their fingers and screws the screw portion 931 into the screw groove of the connecting portion 136a. The second tapered portion of the operating portion 93 comes into contact with the first tapered portion of the sealing portion 92, converting the force applied in the downward direction of the operating portion 93 into a force that tightens the flow path 97 radially inward. This connects the discharge flow path 97 to the tapered portion 132a, and fixes the end of the discharge flow path 97 to the third member 13a in a liquid-tight state.

[0027] The discharge flow path 97 may have a hydrophobic or hydrophilic inner surface. For example, a tube made of a flexible material including fluororesin such as PTFE or PFA, or a hard material such as glass may be used. The discharge flow path may be made of a hard material, but a flexible material is preferable because it improves the handling of the device 1a.

[0028] The slug flow generating device 1a of this embodiment includes a fourth member 14a having a fourth flow path 141a for circulating a first liquid and a fifth flow path 142a for circulating a second liquid. The fourth flow path 141a communicates with a first flow path 111a provided in the first member 11a. The fifth flow path 142a communicates with a second flow path 114a provided in the first member 11a. The fourth member 14a is provided with an injection flow path connector 143a communicating with the fourth flow path 141a and an injection flow path connector 144a communicating with the fifth flow path 142a. The injection flow paths are connected to the connectors 143a and 144a. The connectors 143a and 144a are cylindrical holes with threaded inner surfaces. The injection channel is connected by threading a screw portion provided at the end of the injection channel into the screw groove. The injection channel may be connected using a configuration similar to that of the operation unit 93. The desired liquid to be mixed or subjected to a chemical reaction is supplied to the injection channel by a small pump such as a syringe pump.

[0029] The fourth flow path 141a and the fifth flow path 142a have openings on the side surface and the top surface of the fourth member 14a, and are shaped with a bent portion connecting the openings on the side surface and the openings on the top surface. Liquid is injected into the slug flow generator 1a from the side surface of the fourth member 14a. Therefore, the slug flow generator 1a can be used by placing the slug flow generator 1a on a laboratory bench, for example, so that the bottom surface of the fourth member 14a is in contact with the bench.

[0030] In the slug flow generation device 1a of this embodiment, the second member 12a is stacked on top of the first member 11a so as to be in contact with the first member 11a. The third member 13a is stacked on top of the second member 12a so as to be in contact with the second member. The fourth member 14a is stacked below the first member 11a so as to be in contact with the first member 11a. As a result, the fifth flow path 142a and the second flow path 114a are connected, the fourth flow path 141a and the first flow path 111a are connected, the first flow path 111a, the second flow path 114a and the slit hole 121a are connected, and the slit hole 121a and the third flow path 131a are connected.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, the first member 11a, the second member 12a, the third member 13a, and the fourth member 14a are fixed in a stacked state by inserting a male screw 91 into a through hole provided in each member and screwing the male screw 91 into a female screw provided in the fourth member 14a. In the example of Fig. 1, a plurality of rod-shaped positioning members 102 are provided to make it easier to determine the position of each member when stacking them. The members 102 are inserted into through holes or recesses provided in the first member 11a, the second member 12a, the third member 13a, and the fourth member 14a.

[0032] Sealing materials made of annular elastic materials are respectively disposed between the fourth member 14a and the first member 11a, between the first member 11a and the second member 12a, and between the second member 12a and the third member 13a. The sealing material 94 disposed between the fourth member 14a and the first member 11a is disposed so as to encompass within its circumference all of the openings of the fourth flow path 141a, the fifth flow path 142a, the first flow path 111a, the through hole 117a, the recessed hole 118a, the second flow path 114a, the through hole 119a, and the recessed hole 120a. The sealing material 95 disposed between the first member 11a and the second member 12a is disposed so as to encompass within its circumference all of the openings of the slit hole 121a, the first flow path 111a, the through hole 117a, the second flow path 114a, and the through hole 119a. The sealant 96 disposed between the second member 12a and the third member 13a is arranged so as to encompass the slit 121a and the opening 133a of the third flow path 131a within its circumference. This prevents the flow of the mixed liquid flowing out of the slit 121a from being impeded by the corners of the end of the tapered portion 132a, making it easier for a slug flow to form in a liquid-tight state. Grooves for accommodating the sealants are formed in the upper surface of the fourth member 14a, the upper surface of the first member 11a, and the lower surface of the third member 13a.

[0033] In the slug flow generating device 1a of this embodiment, the first liquid that flows into the fourth flow path 141a flows through the main flow path 112a and multiple tributary flow paths 113a of the first flow path 111a and then flows out through the slit 121a. The second liquid that flows into the fifth flow path 142a flows through the main flow path 115a and multiple tributary flow paths 116a of the second flow path 114a and then flows out through the slit 121a. The tributary flow paths 113a of the first flow path 111a and the tributary flow paths 116a of the second flow path 114a are alternately arranged in one direction in which the slit 121a extends. Although the detailed mechanism is unknown, it is presumed that the slug flow is formed during the process in which the first liquid flows out from the tributary flow path 113a of the first flow path 111a to the slit 121a and the second liquid flows out from the tributary flow path 116a of the second flow path 114a to the slit 121a. The inside of the third flow path 131a has a tapered surface, so it is assumed that the formed slag flow is not broken down and flows directly into the discharge flow path.

[0034] As described above, in a slug flow, a circulating flow is formed within the slug. Therefore, if multiple desired substances are added to the first liquid or the second liquid, the multiple substances can be efficiently mixed within the slug. Also, as described above, in a slug flow, the transfer of substances is promoted at the interface between the liquids that make up the slug. For example, a substance contained in one of the first and second liquids can be efficiently transferred to the other liquid. This can be used to extract the desired substance.

[0035] [Second implementation body] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the slug flow generation device 1b according to the second embodiment differs from the slug flow generation device 1a according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the first member and the configuration of the second member. In other respects, the configuration of the slug flow generation device 1b according to the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the slug flow generation device 1a according to the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used in the drawings for components common to the device according to the first embodiment and the device according to the second embodiment (the same applies to the third embodiment and comparative example 1 described later).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, the first member 11b of this embodiment has a total of two first flow paths 111b and a total of three second flow paths 114b. The base ends of the two first flow paths 111b are connected to the first liquid reservoir 81b. The base ends of the three second flow paths 114b are connected to the second liquid reservoir 82b. The configurations of the first liquid reservoir 81b and the second liquid reservoir 82b are basically similar to the configurations of the first liquid reservoir 81a and the second liquid reservoir 82a of the slug flow generation device 1a according to the first embodiment, except for the number of circular holes 117b and 119b and the capacity of the recessed holes 118b and 120b, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 10, the second member 12b has four slit holes 121b. As shown in Fig. 9, the number of sets of branch channels 116b is also four. The number of branch channels 113b, 116b is four for each of the main channels 112b, 115b.

[0038] In the device of this embodiment, the lengths of the first flow path 111b, the second flow path 114b, and the slit 121b are configured to be longer than those of the device of the first embodiment. The slit 121b is contained within a substantially conical space having a tapered portion 132a. The mixed liquid flowing out of the slit 121b is guided to the discharge flow path 97 by the slit 121b, making it difficult for turbulence to occur and facilitating the generation of a slug flow.

[0039] The number of first flow paths or second flow paths is not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately depending on the amount of liquid flowing through the flow path per unit time, i.e., the flow rate. The number of branch flow paths is also not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately depending on the required flow rate.

[0040] In the slug flow generating devices 1a and 1b according to the above embodiments, the first member 11a, the second member 11b, the third member 11c, and the fourth member 11d are rectangular parallelepipeds with one of the corners beveled at an angle. The first member 11a and the second member 11b are thin plates. The beveled corners 97 prevent the first member 11a, the second member 11b, the third member 11c, and the fourth member 11b from being mixed up or misaligned when stacking them.

[0041] In the slug flow generators 1a and 1b according to the above embodiments, the first flow paths 111a and 111b and the second flow paths 114a and 114b in the first members 11a and 11b, and the slits 121a and 121b in the second members 12a and 12b are formed as through-holes. By stacking the fourth member 14a on the lower surface of the first member 11a, the upper surface of the fourth member 14a contacts the lower surface of the first member 11a, thereby closing the first flow paths 111a and 111b and the second flow paths 114a and 114b to prevent leakage of liquid. In this configuration, the first flow paths 111a and 111b, the second flow paths 114a and 114b, and the slits 121a and 121b can be formed, for example, by wire-based electric discharge machining. According to this processing method, the dimensions of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the slit holes can be made finer, and the slug flow generating device can be made smaller in size.

[0042] [Third embodiment] The slug flow generators 1a and 1b according to the above embodiments include a fourth member 14a, as shown in FIG. 11. However, the fourth member 14a may be omitted, and the first flow paths 111a and 111b and the second flow paths 114a and 114b provided in the third member may be grooves with bottoms rather than slit-like through-holes, forming a slug flow generator 1c. That is, by forming the main flow path and the branch flow paths 113c and 116c into grooves with bottoms, liquid injected into the device does not leak from the third member. This reduces the number of components constituting the slug flow generator 1c, simplifying assembly and disassembly and reducing its weight.

[0043] [Fourth embodiment] The slug flow generating device 1d according to the fourth embodiment differs from the slug flow generating device 1b according to the second embodiment only in the configuration of the first member. In other respects, the configuration of the slug flow generating device 1d according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the configuration of the slug flow generating device 1b according to the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used in the drawings for components common to the device according to the fourth embodiment and the device according to the second embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 12, the slug flow generating device 1d according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of tributary channels 112a are arranged in a set along one direction on one side of a first channel 111d (main channel 112d). Similarly, a plurality of tributary channels 116d are arranged in a set along one direction on one side of a second channel 114d (main channel 115d). In the opposing main channels 112d and 116d, a set of tributary channels 113d and a set of tributary channels 116d are alternately arranged along the one direction. The phrase "a configuration in which the tributary channels of the first channel and the tributary channels of the second channel are alternately arranged along the one direction without communicating with each other on the first member" includes a configuration in which a set of tributary channels and a set of tributary channels branching from the opposing main channel are alternately arranged along the one direction.

[0045] [Variations]

[0046] The first member, the second member, the third member, or the fourth member is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be in any shape such as a cylindrical shape or a cubic shape.

[0047] The first member or the second member is not limited to a thin plate-like member, and may be configured to have a large thickness in order to extend the reaction time or residence time.

[0048] 8, the inclination angle θ of the tapered portion is preferably 2 to 45°, more preferably 2 to 10°, and even more preferably 2 to 6°. The inclination angle θ is based on a vertical line extending from the cylindrical inner surface of the cylindrical through-hole.

[0049] The first, second, third, and fourth members can be made of various materials depending on the type of liquid to be introduced into the device. For example, they can be made of corrosion-resistant metals, synthetic resins, glass, ceramics, etc. Examples of such metals include nickel alloys known as Hastelloy (registered trademark) and stainless steel. [Example]

[0050] The present invention will be specifically described below by way of examples. The examples shown below are merely examples, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] [Example 1] An example of how the slug flow generating device 1a is used will be described below. In the following example, the slug flow generating device 1a according to the first embodiment is used to supply dodecane as a hydrophobic liquid from the fourth flow path 141a and water as a hydrophilic liquid from the fifth flow path 142a. Note that the configuration may be modified so that a hydrophilic liquid is supplied from the fourth flow path 141a and a hydrophobic liquid is supplied from the fifth flow path 142a.

[0052] Dodecane liquid was supplied to fourth flow path 141a via a syringe pump and PTFE tubing connected to connection 143a of the infusion flow path. Water was supplied to fifth flow path 142a via a syringe pump and PTFE tubing connected to connection 144a of the infusion flow path. The mixing ratio of dodecane liquid to water was 1:1. The dodecane liquid flowing into the fourth flow path passes through main flow path 112a and branch flow path 113a of first flow path 111a and flows out to slit hole 121a. The water flowing into fifth flow path 142a passes through main flow path 115a and branch flow path 116a of second flow path 114a and flows out to slit hole 121a. The water and dodecane liquid are mixed in slit hole 121a and flow through tapered portion 132a into PTFE tubing (flow path 97) fixed to connection 136a of the discharge flow path. The end of the PTFE tube is inserted into the neck of an Erlenmeyer flask, and the mixture is discharged into the Erlenmeyer flask.

[0053] As shown in Figure 14, with the slug flow generating device 1a of Example 1, it was confirmed that a slug flow of water and dodecane liquid was formed in the discharge tube connected to the slug flow generating device 1a.

[0054] [Comparative Example 1] For comparison, an experiment was conducted to mix water and dodecane using a slug flow generator 1e having the configuration shown in Figure 13. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 13, the slug flow generator 1d of Comparative Example 1 differs from the slug flow generator 1a of the first embodiment only in the configuration of the third member 13e. In the slug flow generator 1a of the first embodiment, the mixed liquid flowing out of the slit 121a flows into the third flow path 131a having the tapered portion 132a. However, in the slug flow generator 1e of Comparative Example 1, the mixed liquid flowing out of the slit 121a flows into the reservoir 132e, passes through a relatively small-diameter cylindrical hole connecting the reservoir 132e to the cylindrical through-hole 135e, and is then discharged into an Erlenmeyer flask via a PTFE tube connected to the connection portion 136a of the discharge flow path that communicates with the cylindrical through-hole 135e. The storage section 132e is non-conical and has a flat cross-sectional shape, with multiple narrow, rectangular flow paths extending left and right when viewed from above. The angle between the storage section 132d and the small-diameter cylindrical hole is close to 90°. The configuration of the slug flow generating device 1e of Comparative Example 1 is the same as that of the slug flow generating device of the first embodiment, except for the above points.

[0055] In the slug flow generator 1d of Comparative Example 1, it was difficult to form a slug flow in the discharge tube connected to the slug flow generator 1d. That is, the gap between the oil droplets and the water droplets in the slug flow was wide, the gap between the oil droplets and the water droplets was uneven, and the interface between the oil droplets and the water droplets was unclear.

[0056] As described above, it can be seen that the slug flow generating device of the present invention is a device suitable for forming a slug flow. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 11a First member 111a First flow path 114a Second flow path 121a Slit hole 12a Second member 112a Main channel 113a Branch channel 115a Main channel 116a Branch channel 131a Third Channel 13a Third member 132a Tapered section 91 Discharge flow path 136a Connection 11b First member 111b First flow path 114b Second flow path 121b slit hole 12b Second member 112b Main channel 113b Tributary channel 115b Main channel 116b Tributary channel

Claims

1. a first member having at least one or more first flow paths through which a first liquid flows and at least one or more second flow paths through which a second liquid flows; a second member having at least one slit hole for mixing the first liquid discharged from the first flow path and the second liquid discharged from the second flow path; a third member having a third flow path that discharges the first liquid and the second liquid mixed in the slit hole to the outside of the device, The first flow path and the second flow path include a main flow path extending in one direction and a plurality of branch flow paths branching from the main flow path and extending in a direction intersecting the one direction, The branch flow paths of the first flow path and the branch flow paths of the second flow path are not in communication with each other on the first member and are arranged alternately in the one direction, the slit holes of the second member are arranged along the one direction so as to communicate the alternately arranged tributary flow paths of the first flow path and the tributary flow paths of the second flow path through the slit holes, The third flow path of the third member has a tapered section whose inner diameter gradually decreases, the larger inner diameter part of the tapered section being located upstream and the smaller inner diameter part of the tapered section being located downstream, and is a truncated cone-shaped space, and the inner diameter at the upstream end of the tapered section is large enough to include the slit hole.

2. 2. The slug flow generating device according to claim 1, wherein the third member is provided with a connection portion for a discharge flow path formed by a hole communicating with the tapered portion.

3. the first flow path and the second flow path are holes penetrating the first member, A slug flow generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein a fourth member arranged to come into contact with the first member prevents leakage of liquid flowing through the first flow path and the second flow path.

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