Dispersing machine and its use

Abstract

A disperser 10 according to the present disclosure comprises a cylindrical outside member 11 that has a tapered inner peripheral surface 15b and that extends in the axial direction, an inside member 13 that has a tapered outer peripheral surface 16a facing the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b of the outside member 11 and that is disposed inwardly of the outside member 11 in the radial direction, and a fixation member 12 and a differential screw 14 that can adjust the clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a by moving the outside member 11 and the inside member 13 relative to each other in the axial direction, wherein: a circulation passage 40 through which a fluid circulates from one side in the axial direction to the other is provided between an inner peripheral surface 15 of the outside member 11 and an outer peripheral surface 16 of the inside member 13; the circulation passage 40 includes a dispersion area 40b which is compartmented by the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a; and the angle of one of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a relative to the other in a cross section in the axial direction changes midway through the dispersion area 40b.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a high-performance disperser capable of producing nanoparticles by dispersing with low power, capable of not only producing nanoparticles but also dissolving at the nano-level and polymers, and applicable to crystallization operations and emulsion polymerization operations, and a method for using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Nanoparticles are entering practical use in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. For example, the COVID-19 vaccine is well-known worldwide. The first COVID-19 vaccine approved in the United States and the European Union is an RNA vaccine. RNA vaccines contain ribonucleic acid (RNA). When introduced into tissues, messenger RNA (mRNA) directs cells to produce foreign proteins, stimulating an adaptive immune response and teaching the body how to recognize and destroy the corresponding pathogen. While nucleotide-modified mRNA is often used for RNA vaccines, this is not always the case. mRNA delivery is achieved by co-formulating the molecule into lipid nanoparticles, which protect the RNA strand and facilitate cellular absorption. These nanoparticles are said to be 100 nm in diameter. Virus-like particle vaccines and DNA plasmid vaccines are also undergoing clinical trials, and nanospheres, liposomes, and nanoemulsions are also being developed. This creates a demand for shear-controlled dispersers for ultrafine particle production, especially those suitable for injectable formulations.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a high-performance agitation-type disperser. Blades rotate at high speed inside a tank, and a screen with slits rotates at high speed in the opposite direction to the blades, spraying out a jet stream that applies shear force to atomize the material, but this has the problem of requiring a large amount of power.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a production method for producing lipid emulsions and liposomes in a short time with low power. In this production method, a material to be treated containing phospholipids is pressurized, the air layer is removed, and the material is rotated at high speed to form fine particles. If an air layer is mixed into the dispersion tank, many small air bubbles will be trapped in the material to be treated, which will turn the material into a pseudo-compressible fluid and will not be able to apply shear force properly, but even this production method requires a considerable amount of power.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a flow reactor (continuous reactor) that has a high heat exchange rate and is decomposable. Although it is an excellent flow reactor, the shear force is too small to be used as a disperser, making it difficult to produce nanoparticles such as those used in vaccines.

[0006] Patent Document 4 describes a gap shear disperser that includes a conical rotor and a vessel that houses the rotor concentrically and has a conical, inclined inner wall. This gap shear disperser is intended to uniformly atomize viscous materials such as paste, and considering the rotor's core runout caused by rotation and its structure, it is difficult to achieve a micron-order gap between the rotor and the vessel. Even if the gap between the rotor and the vessel were to be a micron-order gap, cavitation would occur in the gap when a viscous fluid is processed, making it difficult to apply shear force to the material being processed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-114724 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-24269 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-105507 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 3-79834 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a disperser capable of efficiently applying shear force to a workpiece with low power to produce fine particles, particularly nanoparticles, and a method for using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a disperser of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical outer member having a tapered inner peripheral surface in a partial region of its inner peripheral surface and extending in a predetermined direction; an inner member having a tapered outer peripheral surface in a partial region of its outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface of the outer member and that is positioned radially inside the outer member; and a clearance adjustment unit that can adjust the clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface by moving the outer member and the inner member relative to each other in the predetermined direction, wherein a flow passage is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member, through which a fluid flows from one side to the other in the predetermined direction, and the flow passage includes a dispersion region defined by the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface, and the angle of one of the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface relative to the other in the cross section in the predetermined direction is different in the middle of the dispersion region.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a disperser according to the first aspect, wherein the dispersion region of the flow passage has a contraction region in which the clearance distance becomes narrower as it goes from the one side to the other side, and a constant region that continues from the contraction region to the other side and in which the clearance distance is constant.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a disperser according to the first or second aspect, wherein the clearance adjustment unit has a fixed member that supports the inner member so that it can slide in the predetermined direction and is fixed to the outer member, and a differential screw that slides the inner member in the predetermined direction relative to the fixed member.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a disperser according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the clearance adjustment unit can selectively set the disperser to one of a contact state in which the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface are in contact, a use state in which the clearance distance is short when the disperser is used, and a separated state in which the clearance distance is greater than in the use state, without disassembling the outer member and the inner member.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a disperser according to the second aspect, wherein the fixed area of ​​the dispersion region of the flow passage is set to a length of 1 mm or more along the flow path direction from one side to the other side in the cross section in the specified direction.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the disperser according to the second aspect, wherein the clearance distance of the fixed region of the dispersion region of the flow path is 0.1 μm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the disperser of the second aspect, wherein the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface, which define the fixed area of ​​the dispersion region of the flow passage, are made of ceramics.

[0016] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a disperser according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the outer member and the outer circumferential surface of the inner member that define the flow passage do not have horizontal portions where fluid flowing through the flow passage may accumulate.

[0017] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a disperser according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the outer member and the outer circumferential surface of the inner member that define the flow passage are coated with a corrosion-resistant material.

[0018] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the disperser according to the ninth aspect, wherein the coating is a fluororesin coating.

[0019] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the disperser of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein at least one of the outer member and the inner member has a jacket through which another fluid can flow for temperature adjustment of the fluid flowing through the flow passage.

[0020] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a method of using a disperser that uses the disperser of the fourth aspect, wherein when adjusting the clearance distance to the usage state, the clearance adjustment unit brings the outer member and the inner member into contact with each other, and then separates the tapered inner peripheral surface from the tapered outer peripheral surface to achieve the usage state.

[0021] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a method of using a disperser according to the fourth aspect, wherein when the flow passage is cleaned or sterilized, the outer member and the inner member are spaced apart by the clearance adjustment unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently apply shear force to a workpiece with low power to produce fine particles, particularly nanoparticles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a disperser according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main part of the dispersing machine of FIG. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams showing the various states of the disperser, where (a) shows the contact state, (b) shows the use state, and (c) shows the separated state. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a modified example of the main part of the disperser. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of a disperser showing a modified example of the clearance adjusting section. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of a disperser according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, UP indicates the up direction. CL indicates the central axis of the outer member and the inner member. In the following description, the axial direction means the direction along the central axis CL of the outer member and the inner member. The radial direction means the direction perpendicular to the central axis CL. The white arrows in each drawing indicate the flow direction of the fluid to be treated. In the following description, the axial direction (predetermined direction) is defined as the up-down direction, with one side of the axial direction being defined as the lower side and the other side of the axial direction being defined as the upper side.

[0025] The disperser according to the present disclosure is a device capable of producing nanoparticles from a fluid to be treated (hereinafter referred to as "fluid to be treated") by precisely dispersing the fluid. The term "disperser" is a general term for devices that apply shear force to a fluid to be treated to obtain a treated product, and may be used not only for producing fine particles such as nanoparticles, but also for producing emulsions, liposomes, nanospheres, etc., polymer dissolution, complete mixing at the molecular level, crystallization operations, emulsion polymerization operations, etc. Furthermore, the term "fluid" refers not only to gases and liquids, but also to fluid materials such as powders and granules and slurries.

[0026] Fig. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a disperser according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the disperser of Fig. 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the disperser 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises an outer member 11 formed in a cylindrical shape extending in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the vertical direction), a fixed member (clearance adjustment unit) 12 fixed to the outer member 11, an inner member 13 arranged radially inside the outer member 11 and supported so as to be slidable on the fixed member 12, and a differential screw (clearance adjustment unit) 14 attached to the fixed member 12 and the inner member 13.

[0028] The outer member 11 and the inner member 13 are concentrically arranged so that their central axes CL overlap. A gap (space) is provided between the inner peripheral surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 16 of the inner member 13, and this gap functions as a flow path 40 through which the fluid to be treated flows. The flow path 40 allows the fluid to flow from below (one side in a predetermined direction) to above (the other side in the predetermined direction). In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the structure of the disperser 10 will be described in a usable state (hereinafter referred to as the "used state") in which the outer member 11, the fixing member 12, the inner member 13, and the differential screw 14 are assembled.

[0029] The outer member 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a central axis CL extending in a predetermined direction (vertical direction in this embodiment). The outer member 11 has an upper end opening 11a at its upper end, a lower end opening 11b at its lower end, and an inner circumferential surface 15 extending between the upper end opening 11a and the lower end opening 11b. The upper end opening 11a and the lower end opening 11b are arranged so as to be concentric with the central axis CL. In this embodiment, the upper end opening 11a is formed with a larger diameter than the lower end opening 11b. The upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 functions as an insertion port for inserting the inner member 13 into the outer member 11.

[0030] The inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 defines a space inside (hereinafter referred to as the "internal space"). In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 has four different regions, each with a different function, in an upper and lower position. The four inner circumferential surfaces 15 of the outer member 11 with different functions are, from bottom to top, an inlet portion inner circumferential surface 15a, a tapered inner circumferential surface 15b, an outlet portion inner circumferential surface 15c, and a sealing portion inner circumferential surface 15d. That is, the outer member 11 has a tapered inner circumferential surface 15b in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface 15. The inlet portion inner circumferential surface 15a, the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b, and the outlet portion inner circumferential surface 15c of the outer member 11 define the radial outside of the flow passage 40.

[0031] The inlet section inner peripheral surface 15a of the outer member 11 is an inner peripheral surface located below the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b, and extends continuously from the lower end opening 11b of the outer member 11 to the lower end of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b. In this embodiment, the inlet section inner peripheral surface 15a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inlet section inner peripheral surface 15a defines the radial outside of a space into which the fluid to be treated first flows (an inlet region 40a, described below). The lower end opening 11b of the outer member 11 communicates with a supply source (not shown) that pressurizes the fluid to be treated, allowing the fluid to flow into the flow passage 40. In this embodiment, the fluid to be treated is introduced into the flow passage 40 from the lower end opening 11b of the outer member 11 at a pressure of 0.5 MPaG by the supply source (not shown).

[0032] The tapered inner circumferential surface 15b of the outer member 11 is an inner circumferential surface formed in a tapered (conical) shape and extends continuously upward from the inlet portion inner circumferential surface 15a. In this embodiment, the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b is formed in a tapered shape that tapers downward. The tapered inner circumferential surface 15b defines the radial outside of a space (dispersion region 40b described below) in which the fluid to be treated can be dispersed. The apex of the taper angle of the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b (not shown) is located on the central axis CL.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b has two upper and lower regions with different taper angles. Specifically, the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b has a lower lower region 17 with a smaller taper angle θ1 and an upper upper region 18 with a larger taper angle θ2 than the lower region 17 (θ1<θ2). The upper region 18 extends upward from the upper end of the lower region 17 (the lower end of the upper region 18). In other words, the taper angle of the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b changes at a predetermined height position in the middle portion of the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b. The taper angle refers to the angle between the surfaces on both sides in a cross section taken along the axial direction including the central axis CL.

[0034] The outlet portion inner peripheral surface 15c of the outer member 11 extends upward from the upper end of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b. In this embodiment, the outlet portion inner peripheral surface 15c is formed in a cylindrical shape. An outlet port 19 is formed in the outlet portion inner peripheral surface 15c to allow the treated fluid to flow out of the flow passage 40. The outlet portion inner peripheral surface 15c defines the radial outside of a space (an outlet region 40c, described later) in which the treated fluid exists before flowing out of the flow passage 40.

[0035] The seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d of the outer member 11 is an inner peripheral surface located above the flow passage 40 and extends upward from the upper end of the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 15c. In this embodiment, the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d is formed in a cylindrical shape extending continuously from the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 15c. In this embodiment, the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d is close to or in contact with the outer peripheral surface 26a of the insertion portion 26 (described later) of the fixed member 12, and does not define the flow passage 40. A seal member 20 (e.g., an O-ring) (described later) provided on the fixed member 12 abuts against the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d. This prevents the flow of the treated fluid upward from the flow passage 40. Note that, although the seal member 20 is provided on the fixed member 12 in this embodiment, this is not limiting and the seal member 20 may be provided on the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d of the outer member 11.

[0036] As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 , the outer member 11 may be provided with a jacket 21 (space) through which another fluid can flow to regulate the temperature of the fluid to be treated (fluid) in the flow passage 40. For example, the jacket 21 may be provided over the entire area from the height position of the lower end of the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b of the outer member 11 to the height position of the outlet portion inner circumferential surface 15c near the bottom of the outlet 19. An inlet 22 is provided at the lower end of the jacket 21 for allowing the other fluid to flow into the jacket 21. An outlet 23 is provided at the upper end of the jacket 21 for allowing the other fluid to flow out of the jacket 21. Examples of the other fluid include heat transfer media such as steam, hot water, cold water, and gas (nitrogen gas, etc.). Note that the jacket 21 may be provided along the outer circumferential surface of the outer member 11 by integrating a jacket-forming member 24 formed separately from the outer circumferential surface of the outer member 11 while spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the outer member 11, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 . Alternatively, a space that functions as the jacket 21 may be provided within the thickness of the outer member 11 without providing the jacket-forming member 24 .

[0037] The fixing member 12 has a lid portion 25 that closes the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11, and a cylindrical insertion portion 26 that is inserted into the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 from above, and is fixed (for example, fastened) to the outer member 11.

[0038] The lid portion 25 of the fixing member 12 is formed with a diameter larger than the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11. A through-hole penetrating in the up-down direction (axial direction) is formed in the lid portion 25 at a predetermined position on the radially inner side of the cylindrical insertion portion 26 (in this embodiment, at the center of the lid portion 25 centered on the central axis CL), and a female thread portion 27 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole. A rotation-preventing pin 28 extending along the axial direction is fixed to the lid portion 25 at a position different from the female thread portion 27 on the radially inner side of the cylindrical insertion portion 26. The pin 28 is detachable from the lid portion 25, and when fixed to the lid portion 25, extends downward along the axial direction from the lower surface of the lid portion 25.

[0039] The cylindrical insertion portion 26 of the fixed member 12 has an outer peripheral surface 26a that faces and is close to or in contact with the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d of the outer member 11, an inner peripheral surface 26b that slidably supports the inner member 13, and a lower surface 26c that defines the upper portion of the flow passage 40. The outer peripheral surface 26a of the insertion portion 26 is formed into a circular cross section with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d of the outer member 11 and faces the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d. A seal member 20 (e.g., an O-ring) is provided on the outer peripheral surface 26a of the insertion portion 26. The seal member 20 abuts against the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d of the outer member 11 over the entire periphery, thereby sealing between the outer peripheral surface 26a of the insertion portion 26 and the seal portion inner peripheral surface 15d of the outer member 11 and restricting the outflow of the treated fluid upward from the flow passage 40. The inner circumferential surface 26b of the insertion portion 26 is formed to have a circular cross section, and a seal member 29 (e.g., an O-ring) is provided on the inner circumferential surface 26b. The seal member 29 abuts against the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13 over the entire periphery, thereby sealing between the inner circumferential surface 26b of the insertion portion 26 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13, and restricts the outflow of the fluid to be treated upward from the flow passage 40. In this embodiment, the seal members 20 and 29 are provided on the fixed member 12, but this is not limitative. The seal member 20 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11, and the seal member 29 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13.

[0040] The inner member 13 is disposed radially inside the outer member 11 (in the internal space of the outer member 11) and is slidably supported by the fixed member 12. That is, the inner member 13 is axially movable relative to the outer member 11 via the fixed member 12. In this embodiment, the inner member 13 is inserted into the internal space of the outer member 11 from the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 while being supported by the fixed member 12. The inner member 13 has an outer peripheral surface 16 that defines a flow passage 40 between itself and an inner peripheral surface 15 of the outer member 11.

[0041] The inner member 13 of this embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that opens upward. A supported portion 30 that is supported by the differential screw 14 is provided in the internal space of the inner member 13.

[0042] A through hole that is coaxial with the female thread portion 27 of the fixing member 12 is formed in the supported portion 30 of the inner member 13, and a female thread portion 31 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole. In this embodiment, the diameter of the through hole of the female thread portion 31 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the female thread portion 27 of the fixing member 12. The pitch of the thread of the female thread portion 31 of the supported portion 30 is set shorter than the pitch of the thread of the female thread portion 27 of the fixing member 12. For example, the pitch of the thread of the female thread portion 31 of the supported portion 30 is set to 1.8 mm, and the pitch of the thread of the female thread portion 27 of the fixing member 12 is set to 2.0 mm. Furthermore, a pin insertion hole 32 through which a pin 28 of the fixing member 12 is inserted is formed in the supported portion 30. The pin 28 that passes through the pin insertion hole 32 allows axial movement of the inner member 13 relative to the fixing member 12 and restricts rotation of the inner member 13 relative to the fixing member 12. The internal space of the inner member 13 may function as a jacket through which the other fluid can flow in order to adjust the temperature of the fluid to be treated (fluid) in the flow passage 40. The other fluid flowing through the jacket (internal space) of the inner member 13 may be the same fluid as the other fluid flowing through the jacket 21 of the outer member 11, or may be a different fluid.

[0043] The outer peripheral surface 16 of the inner member 13 is an outer peripheral surface that defines the radial inside of the flow passage 40, and in this embodiment, has outer peripheral surfaces with different functions in three different regions, one above the other. The outer peripheral surface 16 of the inner member 13 with three different functions is, from bottom to top, a tapered outer peripheral surface 16a, an outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b, and a seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c. That is, the inner member 13 has a tapered outer peripheral surface 16a in a partial region of the outer peripheral surface 16.

[0044] The tapered outer peripheral surface 16a of the inner member 13 is a tapered (conical) outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b of the outer member 11 while being spaced radially inward from the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b. In this embodiment, the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a extends continuously upward from the apex of the lower end of the inner member 13 so as to increase in diameter. That is, the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a of this embodiment is formed in a tapered shape that tapers downward. As a result, a dispersion region 40b (described later) of the flow passage 40 is defined between the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b. The inner member 13 of this embodiment is formed so that the apex of the taper angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a is located at the lower end of the inner member 13. The apex of the taper angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a is located on the central axis CL.

[0045] 2, in this embodiment, the taper angle θ3 of the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a is set to a constant angle from the upper end to the lower end, unlike the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b. The taper angle θ3 of the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a is set to the same angle as the taper angle θ2 of the upper region 18 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b (θ3 = θ2).

[0046] The outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b of the inner member 13 extends upward from the upper end of the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a. In this embodiment, the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b is disposed at a position spaced radially inward from the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 15c of the outer member 11, and defines a space (outflow region 40c, described below) between the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b of the inner member 13 and the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 15c of the outer member 11. The distance between the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b of the inner member 13 and the outflow portion inner peripheral surface 15c of the outer member 11 is set to be longer than the distance between the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the upper region 18 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b (clearance distance L1, described below).

[0047] The seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c of the inner member 13 is an outer peripheral surface located above the flow passage 40 and extends upward from the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b. In this embodiment, the seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c is formed in a cylindrical shape extending continuously from the outflow portion outer peripheral surface 16b. The seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c is formed with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the inner peripheral surface 26b of the insertion portion 26 of the fixing member 12 and faces the inner peripheral surface 26b of the insertion portion 26. The seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface 26b of the insertion portion 26 of the fixing member 12 and does not define the flow passage 40. A seal member 29 provided on the inner peripheral surface 26b of the insertion portion 26 of the fixing member 12 abuts against the seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c. The seal member 29 abuts against the entire periphery of the seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c of the inner member 13, restricting the outflow of the treated fluid upward from the flow passage 40.

[0048] The differential screw 14 is a member that can adjust the distance (hereinafter referred to as the "clearance distance") between the tapered inner surface 15b and the tapered outer surface 16a by moving the inner member 13 relative to the outer member 11, and has an integral shaft portion 14a and a handle portion 14b.

[0049] The shaft portion 14a of the differential screw 14 extends linearly in the axial direction and is inserted through a through-hole in which the female thread portion 27 of the fixing member 12 is formed and a through-hole in which the female thread portion 31 of the inner member 13 is formed. The upper end of the shaft portion 14a protrudes upward from the lid portion 25 of the fixing member 12. The shaft portion 14a has a first male thread portion 33 that threadably engages with the female thread portion 27 of the fixing member 12 and a second male thread portion 34 that threadably engages with the female thread portion 31 of the inner member 13. In this embodiment, the first male thread portion 33 has a larger diameter than the second male thread portion 34. The thread pitch of the first male thread portion 33 is set longer than the thread pitch of the second male thread portion 34. For example, the thread pitch of the first male thread portion 33 is set to 2.0 mm, and the thread pitch of the second male thread portion 34 is set to 1.8 mm. That is, when the differential screw 14 is rotated once, the inner member 13 slides 0.2 mm in the axial direction relative to the outer member 11. Note that in this embodiment, the female threaded portion 31 is provided on the supported portion 30 of the inner member 13, and the second male threaded portion 34 is provided on the differential screw 14, but this is not limited to this. For example, a male threaded portion may be provided on the supported portion 30 of the inner member 13 instead of the female threaded portion 31, and a female threaded portion that screws into the male threaded portion may be provided on the differential screw 14 instead of the second male threaded portion 34.

[0050] The handle portion 14b of the differential screw 14 has an arm portion 35 that extends radially outward from the upper end of the shaft portion 14a, and an operating portion 36 that extends axially upward from the tip of the arm portion 35. A user can rotate the handle portion 14b and rotate the shaft portion 14a by, for example, gripping the operating portion 36, thereby sliding the inner member 13 in the axial direction relative to the outer member 11.

[0051] Next, the assembly of the disperser 10 will be described. When assembling the disperser 10, first, the differential screw 14 and the inner member 13 are assembled to the fixed member 12. Next, the inner member 13 assembled to the fixed member 12 is inserted into the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11 from the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a side, and the insertion portion 26 of the fixed member 12 is inserted into the upper end opening 11a of the outer member 11, and the lid portion 25 of the fixed member 12 is fixed to the outer member 11. In this way, the disperser 10 can be assembled by assembling the outer member 11, the fixed member 12, the inner member 13, and the differential screw 14. Furthermore, when assembling the disperser 10, the clearance distance between the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b can be adjusted. Adjustment of the clearance distance will be described later.

[0052] Next, the flow passage 40 defined between the inner peripheral surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer peripheral surface 16 of the inner member 13 will be described.

[0053] When the disperser 10 is assembled, a flow passage 40 through which the fluid to be treated flows from the bottom to the top is defined between the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13. The flow passage 40 of this embodiment has three regions with different shapes and functions. The three regions of the flow passage 40 are, from bottom to top, an inlet region 40a, a dispersion region 40b, and an outlet region 40c.

[0054] The inlet region 40a of the flow passage 40 is a space through which the fluid to be treated that flows into the flow passage 40 first flows, and is defined by the inner circumferential surface 15a of the inlet portion of the outer member 11. The inlet region 40a of the flow passage 40 is in communication with the lower end opening 11b of the outer member 11.

[0055] The dispersion region 40b of the flow passage 40 is a region capable of dispersing the fluid to be treated, and is defined between the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a of the inner member 13 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b of the outer member 11. The dispersion region 40b extends upward continuously from the inlet region 40a. In this embodiment, the diameter of the dispersion region 40b increases from the bottom to the top.

[0056] The dispersion region 40b of the flow passage 40 has a contraction region 40ba defined between the lower region 17 of the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a, and a constant region 40bb defined between the upper region 18 of the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a (see FIG. 2). The contraction region 40ba of the dispersion region 40b is a region of the dispersion region 40b where the clearance distance narrows from the bottom to the top. The constant region 40bb of the dispersion region 40b is a region of the dispersion region 40b where the clearance distance is constant from the bottom to the top. That is, in this embodiment, the clearance distance of the dispersion region 40b gradually narrows from the bottom to the top in a cross section along the axial direction, and at a predetermined height, the distance remains constant thereafter (or above). In this manner, in the disperser 10 of the present embodiment, the taper angle of one of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a relative to the other in the axial cross section is set to a different angle midway through the dispersion region 40b (at a predetermined height position). As a result, regions (in this embodiment, a reduced region 40ba and a constant region 40bb) in which the manner (rate) of change in the clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a differ from each other are provided in the dispersion region 40b of the flow channel 40. In the following description, the term "clearance distance" simply refers to the distance between the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b, and the term "clearance distance L1" refers to the clearance distance in the constant region 40bb of the flow channel 40 (the distance between the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the upper region 18 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b).

[0057] The clearance distance L1 of the fixed region 40bb of the dispersion region 40b is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 2 mm or less. By setting the clearance distance L1 within this range, it is possible to efficiently apply a large shear force to the fluid to be treated, thereby performing the dispersion treatment. Furthermore, the length L2 of the fixed region 40bb of the dispersion region 40b along the flow path direction (flow path direction in the axial cross section) from the bottom to the top (see FIG. 1) is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and particularly preferably 5 mm or more. By setting the length L2 of the fixed region 40bb of the dispersion region 40b within the above range, it is possible to efficiently apply a large shear force to the fluid to be treated, thereby performing the dispersion treatment.

[0058] The outlet region 40c of the flow passage 40 is a space into which the treated fluid that has passed through the dispersion region 40b flows, and is defined between the outlet portion inner circumferential surface 15c of the outer member 11 and the outlet portion outer circumferential surface 16b of the inner member 13. The outlet region 40c is located above the dispersion region 40b and communicates with it, and its upper part is defined by the lower surface 26c of the insertion portion 26 of the fixing member 12. The separation distance between the outlet portion inner circumferential surface 15c and the outlet portion outer circumferential surface 16b in the outlet region 40c is set wider than the clearance distance L1 of the fixed region 40bb of the dispersion region 40b.

[0059] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13 do not have a horizontal portion where fluid flowing through the flow passage 40 may accumulate when the axial direction is set to the up-down direction. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13 do not have an upper surface that is horizontal when the axial direction is set to the up-down direction.

[0060] The material for the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13 can be selected appropriately, such as metal, depending on the type of fluid to be treated. For example, SUS316L may be buffed and then electropolished. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13, the region defining the fixed region 40bb of the dispersion region 40b of the flow channel 40, is preferably made of ceramics such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, or alumina to prevent seizure, although diamond-like carbon may also be used as a substitute. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13, which define the flow channel 40, are preferably coated with a corrosion-resistant material. Examples of the corrosion-resistant coating include glass lining, fluororesin coating, and ceramic coating, with fluororesin coating being more preferred.

[0061] Next, the flow of the fluid to be treated when dispersion treatment or the like is carried out by the disperser 10 will be described.

[0062] 1, the fluid to be treated is first pumped from a supply source (not shown) and flows into the inlet region 40a of the flow passage 40 from the lower end opening 11b of the outer member 11 at the bottom of the disperser 10. The fluid to be treated that has flowed into the inlet region 40a flows from the inlet region 40a into the dispersion region 40b above.

[0063] The treated fluid that flows into the dispersion region 40b first flows into the contraction region 40ba of the dispersion region 40b. In the contraction region 40ba, the treated fluid moves upward along the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a. In the contraction region 40ba, the clearance distance gradually narrows as it moves upward, so the treated fluid gradually changes its flow from axial to circumferential and maintains its pressure as it flows into the upper constant region 40bb. The treated fluid that flows into the constant region 40bb is subjected to shear force by the appropriately set clearance distance L1, and is dispersed. The treated fluid that maintains its pressure in the dispersion region 40b flows into the upper outflow region 40c.

[0064] The treated fluid that flows into the outlet region 40c is released under low pressure in the outlet region 40c, where a portion of the treated fluid evaporates, generating flash steam and cavitation. The generation of this flash steam and cavitation applies shear force to the treated fluid to disperse it. That is, the treated fluid, whose pressure has been maintained in the dispersion region 40b, is further dispersed when released under low pressure in the outlet region 40c. The dispersed product flows out of the disperser 10 from the outlet 19 of the outlet region 40c.

[0065] Next, how to use the disperser 10 will be described.

[0066] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of each state of the disperser, where (a) shows the contact state, (b) shows the use state, and (c) shows the separated state.

[0067] First, a method of using the disperser 10 when adjusting the clearance distance L1 of the fixed region 40bb of the flow path 40 and putting the disperser 10 into a usable state will be described, and then a method of using the disperser 10 when cleaning or sterilizing the same will be described.

[0068] When adjusting the clearance distance L1 of the fixed region 40bb of the flow passage 40, first, the differential screw 14 is rotated to slide the inner member 13 downward in the axial direction relative to the outer member 11, thereby bringing the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a of the inner member 13 into contact with the upper region 18 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b of the outer member 11 (clearance distance L1 = 0) (see FIG. 3(a)). Next, the differential screw 14 is rotated in the direction opposite to that for bringing the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 into contact with each other, thereby separating the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a of the inner member 13 from the upper region 18 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b of the outer member 11 so as to achieve the desired clearance distance L1, thereby bringing the outer member 11 into a usable state (see FIG. 3(b)). In this way, the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b are moved away from a contacting state, and therefore, unlike when the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b are adjusted in a direction to bring them closer together, the clearance distance L1 of the fixed region 40bb of the flow passage 40 can be easily fine-tuned, and the disperser 10 can be set to the desired clearance distance L1 and put into use. The amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the differential screw 14 at this time can be calculated from the desired clearance distance L1, the thread pitch of the first male thread portion 33 (female thread portion 27 of the fixing member 12) of the differential screw 14, and the thread pitch of the second male thread portion 34 (female thread portion 31 of the inner member 13). Specifically, the difference between the pitch of the threads of the first male thread portion 33 of the differential screw 14 and the pitch of the threads of the second male thread portion 34 is the movement distance of the inner member 13 relative to the outer member 11 when the differential screw 14 is rotated once (360 degrees), and the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the differential screw 14 can be calculated from this movement distance when rotated once and the desired clearance distance L1.

[0069] When cleaning or sterilizing the disperser 10, the differential screw 14 is further rotated from the use state to set the clearance distance to a spaced state (see FIG. 3(c)) in which the clearance distance is greater than that in the use state (see FIG. 3(c)). This allows the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a to be spaced apart to an extent that allows cleaning or sterilization, so that cleaning in place and sterilization in place can be performed without disassembling the outer member 11 and the inner member 13.

[0070] In this way, in the disperser 10, by rotating the differential screw 14, the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a and the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b can be brought into contact with each other (see FIG. 3(a)). Furthermore, by rotating the differential screw 14, the disperser 10 can be brought into a usage state (see FIG. 3(b)) in which the clearance distance when using the disperser 10 is short. Furthermore, by further rotating the differential screw 14 from the usage state, the disperser 10 can be brought into a separated state (see FIG. 3(c)) in which the clearance distance is further increased than in the usage state. In other words, the disperser 10 according to this embodiment can be selectively placed in any one of the contact state, usage state, and separated state without disassembling the outer member 11 and the inner member 13.

[0071] In the disperser 10 configured as described above, the angle between the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a in the axial cross section is set to a different angle midway through the dispersion region 40b. This allows regions (in this embodiment, a contraction region 40ba and a constant region 40bb) in which the clearance distance between the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a changes in different ways to be provided in the dispersion region 40b of the flow channel 40. For example, by providing the contraction region 40ba in the dispersion region 40b, the flow of the treated fluid can be gradually changed from an axial to a circumferential flow. Furthermore, by providing the constant region 40bb in the dispersion region 40b, by appropriately setting the clearance distance L1, a large shear force can be efficiently applied to the treated fluid to perform dispersion processing, thereby obtaining a precision dispersion (e.g., nanoparticles).

[0072] Furthermore, the treated fluid that flows from the dispersion region 40b into the outflow region 40c is released under low pressure, causing flash steam and cavitation. The generation of flash steam and cavitation applies shear force to the treated fluid to disperse it, enabling the treated fluid to be further dispersed.

[0073] Furthermore, since the flow passage 40 is defined by the tapered inner peripheral surface 15b and the tapered outer peripheral surface 16a, the clearance distance can be adjusted by moving the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 relative to each other in the axial direction, unlike when one of the surfaces is not tapered (for example, a cylindrical surface extending along the axial direction).

[0074] Furthermore, fine adjustment is possible because the clearance distance is adjusted by the differential screw 14. This allows the clearance distance to be set appropriately, and a large shear force can be efficiently applied to the fluid to be treated to perform dispersion treatment, thereby obtaining a precision dispersion (for example, nanoparticles).

[0075] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13 do not have horizontal portions where fluid flowing through the flow passage 40 may accumulate when the axial direction (predetermined direction) is set to the up-down direction. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the cleaning agent (such as condensed water of pure steam) from remaining in the flow passage 40 when the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13 are cleaned.

[0076] Furthermore, during dispersion of the fluid to be treated, the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 are not moved relative to each other. Therefore, unlike when the outer member and the inner member are rotated relative to each other during dispersion, a precision dispersion can be obtained from the fluid to be treated with low power.

[0077] Furthermore, the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 are not moved relative to each other during dispersion treatment of the fluid to be treated. That is, the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 do not have any sliding parts that slide against each other during use, so the structure can be simplified and the generation of foreign matter can be suppressed. In this way, the generation of foreign matter can be suppressed and cleaning-in-place and sterilization-in-place can be performed, so the device can be applied to pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment (especially injection manufacturing equipment).

[0078] Specifically, manufacturing processes for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, chemical products, electronic components, and the like often include a dispersion process, which produces nanocrystals, nanoemulsions, liposomes, nanospheres, and the like. Dispersers capable of producing these fine particles, particularly nanoparticles, have various requirements. For example, dispersers used to manufacture vaccines, such as those for the novel coronavirus, require in-place cleaning and in-place sterilization, which clean and sterilize parts without disassembly to eliminate human error, since the vaccine is an injectable drug. Furthermore, during sterilization, pure steam or the like is passed through the flow path 40, requiring heat protection measures for the inner circumferential surface 15 of the outer member 11 and the outer circumferential surface 16 of the inner member 13, which define the flow path 40. Furthermore, condensed water from the pure steam must be discharged without accumulating. The disperser 10 according to the present disclosure can meet these requirements, as described above.

[0079] It is also necessary to reliably prevent the incorporation of foreign matter (e.g., foreign matter generated from sliding parts, etc.) into the precision dispersion. For this reason, it is difficult to use dispersers such as bead mills or ultrasonic oscillators. In bead mills, foreign matter such as bead fragments and wear powder may be generated and contaminate the material to be processed. In ultrasonic dispersers, erosion due to cavitation may occur, leading to the generation of foreign matter, which may then contaminate the material to be processed. As described above, the disperser 10 according to the present disclosure can meet these requirements.

[0080] In addition, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and the like are required to perform validation to verify whether the processes and methods for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and medical devices are correct. As described above, the disperser 10 according to the present disclosure can meet various requirements for dispersers used to manufacture pharmaceuticals and the like, and can therefore also meet the requirements for validation.

[0081] Furthermore, a seal member 29 seals the gap between the seal portion outer peripheral surface 16c of the inner member 13 and the inner peripheral surface 26b of the insertion portion 26 of the fixed member 12. This makes it possible to prevent dust and other particles from entering the fluid to be treated in the flow passage 40 from the internal space of the inner member 13, where the differential screw 14 and other components are arranged.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently apply shear force to the object to be processed with low power, thereby producing fine particles, particularly nanoparticles.

[0083] In this embodiment, the tapered inner circumferential surface 15b of the outer member 11 has two upper and lower regions (lower region 17 and upper region 18) with different taper angles, and the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a of the inner member 13 has a constant taper angle from the upper end to the lower end, thereby providing the contraction region 40ba and the constant region 40bb in the dispersion region 40b of the flow passage 40. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a of the inner member 13 may have a lower lower region 51 with a larger taper angle θ4 and an upper upper region 52 with a smaller taper angle θ5 than the lower region 51 (θ4 > θ5). The tapered inner circumferential surface 15b of the outer member 11 may have a constant taper angle θ6 from the upper end to the lower end, and this taper angle θ6 may be set to the same angle as the taper angle θ5 of the upper region 52 of the tapered outer circumferential surface 16a. As a result, the diverging region 40b of the flow passage 40 may be provided with a contracting region 40ba and a constant region 40bb.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the angle between one of tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and tapered outer circumferential surface 16a and the other in the axial cross section is set to two different angles midway through dispersion region 40b, but this is not limited to this. The angle between one of tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and tapered outer circumferential surface 16a and the other in the axial cross section may be at least two different angles, and may be, for example, three or more different angles.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, a constant region 40bb with a constant clearance distance is provided in the dispersion region 40b of the flow passage 40, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the angle between one of the tapered inner surface 15b and the tapered outer surface 16a and the other is a different angle halfway through the dispersion region 40b.

[0086] In this embodiment, the taper angle of one of tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and tapered outer circumferential surface 16a in the axial cross section is changed at a predetermined height, and the taper angle of the other is set to a constant angle from the upper end to the lower end, but this is not limited to this. For example, the taper angles of both tapered inner circumferential surface 15b and tapered outer circumferential surface 16a may be changed at a predetermined height so as to provide regions in which the clearance distance changes in different ways in dispersion region 40b of flow passage 40.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, the fixed member 12 fixed to the outer member 11 and supporting the inner member 13 so as to be slidable relative to the fixed member 12, and the differential screw 14 that allows the inner member 13 to slide relative to the fixed member 12 are provided, and the fixed member 12 and the differential screw 14 function as a clearance adjustment unit. However, the clearance adjustment unit is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , a female threaded portion (clearance adjustment unit) 61 may be provided above the inner peripheral surface 15 d of the seal portion of the outer member 11, and a male threaded portion (clearance adjustment unit) 62 that screws into the female threaded portion 61 may be provided above the outer peripheral surface 16 c of the seal portion of the inner member 13. The female threaded portion 61 and the male threaded portion 62 function as an assembly unit that assembles the outer member 11 and the inner member 13. Furthermore, the female threaded portion 61 and the male threaded portion 62 also function as a clearance adjustment unit because they can move the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 in the axial direction by rotating the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 relative to each other. A sealing member 63 (for example, an O-ring) is provided between the female thread portion 61 and the male thread portion 62 and the flow passage 40. In this case, the female thread portion 61 and the male thread portion 62 for assembling the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 can function as a clearance adjustment portion, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0088] 5, both the outer member 11 and the inner member 13 may be provided with a jacket 21 (space) for adjusting the temperature of the fluid to be treated (fluid) in the flow passage 40. The jacket 21 allows the flow of other fluids (for example, heat transfer media such as water vapor, hot water, cold water, gas (nitrogen gas, etc.)) for adjusting the temperature of the fluid to be treated (fluid).

[0089] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The disperser 70 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c and the tapered outer circumferential surface 76c are tapered from bottom to top. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0090] FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of a disperser according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, a disperser 70 according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises an outer member 71 formed in a cylindrical shape extending in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the vertical direction), a fixed member (clearance adjustment unit) 72 fixed to the outer member 71, an inner member 73 arranged radially inside the outer member 71 and supported so as to be slidable on the fixed member 72, and a differential screw (clearance adjustment unit) 74 attached to the fixed member 72 and the inner member 73.

[0092] The outer member 71 and the inner member 73 are concentrically arranged so that their central axes CL overlap. A gap (space) is provided between an inner peripheral surface 75 of the outer member 71 and an outer peripheral surface 76 of the inner member 73, and this gap functions as a flow path 40 through which the fluid to be treated flows. The flow path 40 allows the fluid to flow from below (one side in a predetermined direction) to above (the other side in the predetermined direction). In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the structure of the disperser 70 in use will be described.

[0093] The outer member 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a central axis CL extending in a predetermined direction (vertical direction in this embodiment). The outer member 71 has an upper end opening 71a at its upper end, a lower end opening 71b at its lower end, and an inner circumferential surface 75 extending between the upper end opening 71a and the lower end opening 71b. The upper end opening 71a and the lower end opening 71b are arranged so as to be concentric with the central axis CL. In this embodiment, the upper end opening 71a is formed with a smaller diameter than the lower end opening 71b. The lower end opening 71b of the outer member 71 functions as an insertion port for inserting the inner member 73 into the outer member 71.

[0094] The inner circumferential surface 75 of the outer member 71 has four different regions, each with a different function, in a vertically different manner. The inner circumferential surface 75 of the outer member 71, which has four different functions, is, from bottom to top, a sealing portion inner circumferential surface 75a, an inlet portion inner circumferential surface 75b, a tapered inner circumferential surface 75c, and an outlet portion inner circumferential surface 75d. That is, the outer member 71 has the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface 75. The inlet portion inner circumferential surface 75b, the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c, and the outlet portion inner circumferential surface 75d of the outer member 71 define the radially outer side of the flow passage 40.

[0095] The seal portion inner circumferential surface 75a of the outer member 71 is an inner circumferential surface located below the flow passage 40 and extends upward from the lower end opening 71b of the outer member 71. In this embodiment, the seal portion inner circumferential surface 75a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending continuously from the lower end opening 71b of the outer member 71. In this embodiment, the seal portion inner circumferential surface 75a is close to or in contact with the outer circumferential surface 26a of the insertion portion 26 (described later) of the fixed member 72, and does not define the flow passage 40. A seal member 20 (e.g., an O-ring) provided on the fixed member 72 abuts against the seal portion inner circumferential surface 75a. This prevents the flow of the treated fluid downward from the flow passage 40. Note that in this embodiment, the seal member 20 is provided on the fixed member 72, but this is not limiting. The seal member 20 may be provided on the seal portion inner circumferential surface 75a of the outer member 71.

[0096] The inlet portion inner circumferential surface 75b of the outer member 71 is an inner circumferential surface located below the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c, and extends continuously from the upper end of the seal portion inner circumferential surface 75a to the lower end of the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c. In this embodiment, the inlet portion inner circumferential surface 75b is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inlet portion inner circumferential surface 75b defines the radial outer side of the inlet region 40a into which the fluid to be treated first flows. An inlet 77 for the fluid to be treated is formed in the inlet portion inner circumferential surface 75b. The inlet 77 communicates with a supply source (not shown) that pumps the fluid to be treated and allows the fluid to flow into the flow passage 40. In this embodiment, the fluid to be treated is introduced into the flow passage 40 from the inlet 77 at a pressure of 0.5 MPaG by the supply source (not shown).

[0097] The tapered inner circumferential surface 75c of the outer member 71 is an inner circumferential surface formed in a tapered (conical) shape and extends continuously upward from the inlet portion inner circumferential surface 75b. In this embodiment, the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c is formed in a tapered shape that tapers from bottom to top. The tapered inner circumferential surface 75c defines the radial outside of a space (dispersion region 40b) in which the fluid to be treated can be dispersed. The apex of the taper angle of the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c (not shown) is located on the central axis CL.

[0098] In this embodiment, tapered inner circumferential surface 75c has two regions, upper and lower, with different taper angles. Specifically, tapered inner circumferential surface 75c has a lower lower region 78 with a larger taper angle and an upper upper region 79 with a smaller taper angle than lower region 78. Upper region 79 extends upward from the upper end of lower region 78 (the lower end of upper region 79). In other words, the taper angle of tapered inner circumferential surface 75c changes at a predetermined height position in the middle portion of tapered inner circumferential surface 75c.

[0099] The outlet portion inner peripheral surface 75d of the outer member 71 extends continuously from the upper end of the tapered inner peripheral surface 75c to the upper end opening 71a of the outer member 71 above. In this embodiment, the outlet portion inner peripheral surface 75d is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outlet portion inner peripheral surface 75d defines the radial outside of a space (outlet region 40c) in which the treated fluid exists before flowing out of the flow passage 40. The diameter of the outlet region 40c is set longer than the distance (clearance distance L1) between an upper region 79 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 75c and a tapered outer peripheral surface 76c (described later) of the inner member 73. The upper end opening 71a of the outer member 71 functions as an outlet for allowing the treated fluid to flow out of the flow passage 40.

[0100] The fixing member 72 has a lid portion 80 that closes the lower end opening 71b of the outer member 71, and a cylindrical insertion portion 81 that is inserted into the lower end opening 71b of the outer member 71 from below, and is fixed (for example, fastened) to the outer member 71. Note that the lid portion 80 and insertion portion 81 of the fixing member 72 have substantially the same configuration as the lid portion 25 and insertion portion 26 of the fixing member 12 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The inner member 73 is disposed radially inside the outer member 71 (in the internal space of the outer member 71) and is slidably supported by the fixed member 72. That is, the inner member 73 is axially movable relative to the outer member 71 via the fixed member 72. In this embodiment, the inner member 73 is inserted into the internal space of the outer member 71 from a lower end opening 71b of the outer member 71 while being supported by the fixed member 72. The inner member 73 has an outer peripheral surface 76 that defines the flow passage 40 between itself and an inner peripheral surface 75 of the outer member 71.

[0102] The inner member 73 of this embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that opens downward. In the internal space of the inner member 73, the supported portion 30 that is supported by the differential screw 74 is provided.

[0103] The outer peripheral surface 76 of the inner member 73 is an outer peripheral surface that defines the radial inside of the flow passage 40, and in this embodiment, has outer peripheral surfaces with different functions in three different regions, one above the other. The outer peripheral surface 76 of the inner member 73 with three different functions is, from bottom to top, a seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a, an inlet portion outer peripheral surface 76b, and a tapered outer peripheral surface 76c. In other words, the inner member 73 has a tapered outer peripheral surface 76c in a partial region of its outer peripheral surface 76.

[0104] The seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a of the inner member 73 is an outer peripheral surface located below the flow passage 40 and extends upward from the lower end of the inner member 73. In this embodiment, the seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a is formed with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 81 of the fixed member 72 and faces the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 81. The seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 81 of the fixed member 72 and does not define the flow passage 40. A seal member 29 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 81 of the fixed member 72 abuts against the seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a. The seal member 29 abuts against the entire periphery of the seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a of the inner member 73 and restricts the outflow of the treated fluid from the flow passage 40 downward.

[0105] The inlet portion outer peripheral surface 76b of the inner member 73 extends upward from the upper end of the seal portion outer peripheral surface 76a. In this embodiment, the inlet portion outer peripheral surface 76b is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inlet portion outer peripheral surface 76b is located at a position spaced radially inward from the inlet portion inner peripheral surface 75b of the outer member 71, and defines a space (inlet region 40a) between the inlet portion outer peripheral surface 76b and the inlet portion inner peripheral surface 75b.

[0106] The tapered outer peripheral surface 76c of the inner member 73 is a tapered (conical) outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface 75c of the outer member 71 while being spaced radially inward from the tapered inner peripheral surface 75c. In this embodiment, the tapered outer peripheral surface 76c extends downward from the apex at the upper end of the inner member 73. That is, the tapered outer peripheral surface 76c of this embodiment is formed in a tapered shape that tapers upward. This defines a dispersion region 40b of the flow passage 40 between the tapered outer peripheral surface 76c and the tapered inner peripheral surface 75c. The inner member 73 of this embodiment is formed so that the apex of the taper angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 76c is located at the upper end of the inner member 73. The apex of the taper angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 76c is located on the central axis CL.

[0107] In this embodiment, the taper angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 76c is set to a constant angle from the upper end to the lower end, unlike the tapered inner peripheral surface 75c, and is set to the same angle as the taper angle of the upper region 79 of the tapered inner peripheral surface 75c.

[0108] The differential screw 74 is a member that can adjust the clearance distance between the tapered inner circumferential surface 75c and the tapered outer circumferential surface 76c by moving the inner member 73 relative to the outer member 71, and integrally includes a shaft portion 74a and a handle portion 74b. Note that the shaft portion 74a and the handle portion 74b have substantially the same configuration as the shaft portion 14a and the handle portion 14b of the differential screw 14 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the diameter of the dispersion region 40b of the flow passage 40 decreases from the bottom to the top.

[0110] The disperser 70 configured as above has the same effects as the disperser 10 of the first embodiment. That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently apply shear force to the material to be treated with low power, thereby producing fine particles, particularly nanoparticles.

[0111] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all other embodiments, examples, operational techniques, etc. made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10,70: Dispersion machine 11,71:Outer member 12, 72: Fixing member (clearance adjustment part) 13,73: Inner member 14,74: Differential screw (clearance adjustment part) 15,75: Inner surface 15b, 75c: Tapered inner surface 16,76:Outer surface 16a, 76c: Tapered outer surface 21: Jacket 40: Distribution path 40b: Dispersion area 40ba: Reduced area 40bb: Fixed area 61: Female thread (clearance adjustment part) 62: Male thread (clearance adjustment part)

Claims

1. a cylindrical outer member having a tapered inner circumferential surface in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface and extending in a predetermined direction; an inner member having a tapered outer peripheral surface in a partial region of its outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface of the outer member, and disposed radially inside the outer member; a clearance adjustment unit that adjusts a clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface by moving the outer member and the inner member relatively in the predetermined direction, a flow passage through which a fluid flows from one side to the other side in the predetermined direction is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the flow passage includes a dispersion region defined by the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface, the flow passage does not merge with other passages, The angle of one of the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface relative to the other in the cross section in the predetermined direction is different midway through the dispersion region so that the rate of change in the clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface in the flow passage is smaller on one side of the predetermined direction than on the other side. A dispersing machine characterized by:

2. The diverging region of the flow passage has a contracting region in which the clearance distance becomes narrower from the one side to the other side, and a constant region that continues from the contracting region to the other side and in which the clearance distance is constant. The disperser according to claim 1 .

3. The clearance adjustment portion includes a fixed member that supports the inner member so that the inner member is slidable in the predetermined direction and is fixed to the outer member, and a differential screw that slides the inner member in the predetermined direction relative to the fixed member. The disperser according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The clearance adjusting unit can selectively set the disperser to any one of a contact state in which the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface are in contact with each other, a use state in which the clearance distance is short when the disperser is used, and a spaced state in which the clearance distance is greater than in the use state, without disassembling the outer member and the inner member. The disperser according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The certain region of the dispersion region of the flow path has a length of 1 mm or more along the flow path direction from one side to the other side in the cross section in the predetermined direction. The disperser according to claim 2 .

6. The clearance distance of the fixed region of the dispersion region of the flow path is 0.1 μm or more and 2 mm or less. The disperser according to claim 2 .

7. The tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface, which define the fixed area of ​​the dispersion region of the flow passage, are made of ceramics. The disperser according to claim 2 .

8. The inner circumferential surface of the outer member and the outer circumferential surface of the inner member that define the flow passage do not have a horizontal portion where fluid flowing through the flow passage may accumulate. The disperser according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The inner circumferential surface of the outer member and the outer circumferential surface of the inner member that define the flow passage are coated with a corrosion-resistant material. The disperser according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The coating is a fluororesin coating The disperser according to claim 9 .

11. At least one of the outer member and the inner member has a jacket through which another fluid can flow for temperature regulation of the fluid flowing through the flow passage. The disperser according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A method for using the disperser according to claim 4, comprising: When adjusting the clearance distance to the use state, the clearance adjusting portion brings the outer member and the inner member into contact with each other, and then moves the tapered inner peripheral surface away from the tapered outer peripheral surface to the use state. A method for using a disperser characterized by the above.

13. A method for using the disperser according to claim 4, comprising: When the flow passage is cleaned or sterilized, the outer member and the inner member are spaced apart by the clearance adjusting portion. A method for using a disperser characterized by the above.

14. a cylindrical outer member having a tapered inner circumferential surface in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface and extending in a predetermined direction; an inner member having a tapered outer peripheral surface in a partial region of its outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface of the outer member, and disposed radially inside the outer member; a clearance adjustment unit that adjusts a clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface by moving the outer member and the inner member relatively in the predetermined direction, a flow passage through which a fluid flows from one side to the other side in the predetermined direction is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the flow passage includes a dispersion region defined by the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface, an angle between one of the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface and the other in the cross section in the predetermined direction is different midway through the dispersion region, The diverging region of the flow passage has a contracting region in which the clearance distance becomes narrower from the one side to the other side, and a constant region that continues from the contracting region to the other side and in which the clearance distance is constant. A dispersing machine characterized by:

15. a cylindrical outer member having a tapered inner circumferential surface in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface and extending in a predetermined direction; an inner member having a tapered outer peripheral surface in a partial region of its outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface of the outer member, and disposed radially inside the outer member; a clearance adjustment unit that adjusts a clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface by moving the outer member and the inner member relatively in the predetermined direction, a flow passage through which a fluid flows from one side to the other side in the predetermined direction is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the flow passage includes a dispersion region defined by the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface, an angle between one of the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface and the other in the cross section in the predetermined direction is different midway through the dispersion region, The clearance adjustment portion includes a fixed member that supports the inner member so that the inner member is slidable in the predetermined direction and is fixed to the outer member, and a differential screw that slides the inner member in the predetermined direction relative to the fixed member. A dispersing machine characterized by:

16. a cylindrical outer member having a tapered inner circumferential surface in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface and extending in a predetermined direction; an inner member having a tapered outer peripheral surface in a partial region of its outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface of the outer member, and disposed radially inside the outer member; a clearance adjustment unit that adjusts a clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface by moving the outer member and the inner member relatively in the predetermined direction, a flow passage through which a fluid flows from one side to the other side in the predetermined direction is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the flow passage includes a dispersion region defined by the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface, an angle between one of the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface and the other in the cross section in the predetermined direction is different midway through the dispersion region, The clearance adjusting unit can selectively set the state to any one of a contact state in which the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface are in contact with each other, a use state in which the clearance distance is short when the disperser is used, and a separate state in which the clearance distance is greater than in the use state, without disassembling the outer member and the inner member. A dispersing machine characterized by:

17. a cylindrical outer member having a tapered inner circumferential surface in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface and extending in a predetermined direction; an inner member having a tapered outer peripheral surface in a partial region of its outer peripheral surface that faces the tapered inner peripheral surface of the outer member, and disposed radially inside the outer member; a clearance adjustment unit that adjusts a clearance distance between the tapered inner peripheral surface and the tapered outer peripheral surface by moving the outer member and the inner member relatively in the predetermined direction, a flow passage through which a fluid flows from one side to the other side in the predetermined direction is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the flow passage includes a dispersion region defined by the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface, an angle between one of the tapered inner circumferential surface and the tapered outer circumferential surface and the other in the cross section in the predetermined direction is different midway through the dispersion region, At least one of the outer member and the inner member has a jacket through which another fluid can flow for temperature regulation of the fluid flowing through the flow passage. A dispersing machine characterized by:

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