Plate Mixer

Abstract

To provide a plate-type mixer capable of changing a shape of a channel through which an object to be mixed flows.SOLUTION: This plate-type mixer comprises: a plate group having a plurality of plates stacked in a prescribed direction and a plurality of gaskets held between the plates; and a holding part that releasably holds the plate group. The plate group has a plurality of first flow-in paths through which objects to be mixed flow from the outside of the plate group into a first space, and at least one first flow-out path through which the objects to be mixed flow out from the first space to the outside of the plate group. The objects to be mixed supplied through the different first flow-in paths are mixed, and the mixer can be disassembled into the plates and the gaskets in the state of being released from the holding part. The first flow-in paths and the first flow-out path are formed by continuation of first through-holes penetrating the plates in the prescribed direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate mixer in which a plurality of fluid materials to be mixed are mixed by passing them between plates. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a so-called static mixer as shown in FIG. 22 has been known as a mixer capable of continuously mixing a plurality of fluid materials to be mixed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The mixer 600 includes an element 601 and a tubular mixer body 602 in which the element 601 is disposed.

[0004] Element 601 is formed by integrally connecting a plurality of minimum unit members 603, each of which is a rectangular plate twisted 180° around its longitudinal axis, in series so that the twist directions are alternately different. The outer diameter of element 601 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of mixer body 602, and element 601 is disposed inside mixer body 602 along the central axis c of mixer body 602.

[0005] When multiple fluid mixing materials are continuously supplied to the mixer 600 configured in this manner from one end of the mixer body 602 in the direction of the central axis c, these multiple mixing materials flow (pass) through the inside of the mixer body 602 from the one end to the other end, and are mixed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-205062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a mixer capable of continuously mixing multiple types of fluid materials as described above, it is desirable to change the shape of the flow path (space through which the materials flow) to suit mixing depending on the type of materials, but in the above mixer 600, the shape of the flow path formed inside the mixer 600 (length, arrangement, etc. of the flow path) cannot be changed depending on the type of materials.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a plate-type mixer in which the shape of the flow path through which the materials to be mixed flow can be changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The plate mixer of the present invention comprises: a plate group including a plurality of plates stacked in a predetermined direction and a plurality of gaskets sandwiched between two plates adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction to form, in cooperation with the two plates, a first space through which the material to be mixed flows between the plates; a holding portion that releasably holds the plate group, The plate group comprises: a plurality of first inlet channels extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the first space to allow the material to be mixed to flow from the outside of the plate group into the first space; and at least one first outlet path extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the first space to allow the material to be mixed to flow out of the plate group from the first space, The mixing target materials flowing in through different first inlet channels are mixed together, and the mixing target materials are configured to be disassembled into the plate and the gasket when released from the holding portion, The first inflow passage and the first outflow passage are formed by first through holes that penetrate the plate in the predetermined direction at corresponding positions of the plate and are connected in the predetermined direction.

[0010] According to this configuration, when the plate group is released from the holding portion, the plate group can be disassembled into plates and gaskets, making it easy to replace the plates and gaskets. As a result, by changing the number of plates, the position and number of the first through holes, the shape of the gasket, etc., it is possible to change the shape of the flow path through which the material to be mixed flows inside the plate group.

[0011] In the plate mixer, At least one plate of the plurality of plates may have at least one second through hole that connects two first spaces adjacent to each other in the plate group in the predetermined direction, at a portion that separates the two first spaces.

[0012] In this way, in the plate group, the portion of the plate separating the two first spaces has at least one second through hole that connects the two adjacent first spaces in a predetermined direction, which makes it possible for the material to be mixed to move (flow in) from one first space to the other first space through the second through hole, for the flow of the material to be mixed to branch from one first space to the other first space through the second through hole, and for the flow of the material to be mixed to merge from one first space to the other first space through the second through hole, thereby further improving the freedom in arranging the flow paths through which the material to be mixed flows within the plate group.

[0013] In addition, in the plate type mixer, Each of the plurality of gaskets forms at least one of the first space and a second space through which a temperature-regulating fluid flows between the plates, The plate group comprises: at least one second inlet channel extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the second space to allow the fluid to flow from the outside of the plate group into the second space; at least one second outlet path extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the second space to allow the fluid to flow from the second space to the outside of the plate group, The second space may be formed in the plate group at a position adjacent to the first space in the predetermined direction with the plate interposed therebetween.

[0014] According to this configuration, at the portion where the second space and the first space in the plate group are adjacent to each other via a plate, the fluid flowing through the second space and the material to be mixed flowing through the first space exchange heat through the plate, and therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the fluid supplied to the second inlet channel from outside the plate group, the temperature of the material to be mixed can be adjusted (heated, cooled, etc.).

[0015] In addition, in the plate type mixer, a plurality of pairs of the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel are arranged in the plate group, The plate group comprises: at least one mixing channel extending from the plurality of first inlet channels to the at least one first outlet channel and including a plurality of the first spaces; a plurality of temperature adjustment flow paths each extending from a second inlet channel to a second outlet channel corresponding to the second inlet channel and each including at least one second space; The device is divided into a plurality of partitioned regions arranged in the predetermined direction, the mixing flow channel is arranged to pass through each of the plurality of partitioned regions, The plurality of temperature adjustment flow paths are arranged in different divided regions, The at least one second space included in each temperature control flow path may be formed in a position adjacent to the first space included in the partitioned region in which the temperature control flow path is arranged, via the plate, in the specified direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, each temperature control flow path is arranged in a different partitioned area, and therefore by adjusting the temperature of the fluid supplied to each second inlet channel (i.e., adjusting the temperature of the fluid flowing through each temperature control flow path), different temperature adjustments can be made to the material to be mixed for each partitioned area in which the temperature control flow path is arranged.

[0017] In addition, in the plate type mixer, the plate group has a third inlet passage extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group, The third inflow channel may cause the material to be mixed to flow into the mixing channel from outside the plate group in the second or subsequent divided region in the order that the mixing channel passes through.

[0018] According to this configuration, the material to be mixed can be made to flow into the mixing channel in the second or subsequent partitioned region in the order in which the mixing channel passes (that is, the material to be mixed can be made to flow into the mixing channel from midway through).

[0019] in this case, The third inflow channel may cause the material to be mixed to flow into the mixing channel in the partitioned region where the temperature adjustment channel is arranged.

[0020] According to this configuration, in the plate group, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the material to be mixed flowing through the mixing flow path (the material to be mixed after merging) in a partitioned area where another material to be mixed merges (flows into) the material to be mixed flowing through the mixing flow path through the third inlet channel.

[0021] In addition, in the plate type mixer, a plurality of the third inlet channels are arranged in the plate group, The plurality of third inflow channels may each cause the material to be mixed to flow into the mixing channel in a different sectioned region where the temperature adjustment channel is arranged.

[0022] According to this configuration, in the plate group, the temperature of the material to be mixed flowing through the mixing flow path (the material to be mixed after merging) can be adjusted in each divided area where another material to be mixed merges (flows into) through the third inlet channel with the material to be mixed flowing through the mixing flow path.

[0023] In addition, in the plate type mixer, The holding portion is a pair of clamping portions disposed on both sides of the plate group in the predetermined direction; a support portion that supports the pair of clamping portions so as to change the interval between the pair of clamping portions; The clamping mechanism may further include a gap adjusting section that changes the gap between the pair of clamping sections.

[0024] According to this configuration, by changing the distance between the pair of clamping parts using the distance adjustment part, the plate group can be held by the holding parts and the plate group can be released from the holding parts.

[0025] In addition, in the plate type mixer, the plate has a gasket placement portion on which the gasket can be placed, The gasket receiving portion may have a shape corresponding to a plurality of types of gasket shapes.

[0026] According to this configuration, when changing the shape of the gasket by replacement or the like to change the shape of the flow path formed inside the plate group, by using a gasket of any one of the multiple gasket shapes, it becomes easier to arrange the gasket between the plates when forming the plate group.

[0027] In addition, in the plate type mixer, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel are each formed by third through holes that penetrate the plate in the predetermined direction at corresponding positions of the plate and are connected in the predetermined direction, the plate has three or more of the first through holes and two or more of the third through holes; The first through hole and the third through hole may be through holes of the same size and shape.

[0028] In this way, by making the first through hole and the third through hole the same size and shape, the third through hole can be used to form the first inlet passage and the first outlet passage, and the first through hole can be used to form the second inlet passage and the second outlet passage, thereby further improving the design freedom in terms of the shape and arrangement of the flow paths formed inside the plate group.

[0029] in this case, When viewed from the predetermined direction, the plate has a rectangular shape that is long in one direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the first through hole and the third through hole are circular holes, The plurality of circular holes, including the first through hole and the third through hole, may be arranged in line symmetry in the plate with the center line extending in the longitudinal direction or the center line extending in the lateral direction of the plate as the axis of symmetry, or may be arranged in point symmetry with the center point of the plate as the center of symmetry.

[0030] According to this configuration, when forming a plate group, the plates can be used by inverting them around the center line extending in the longitudinal direction or the center line extending in the lateral direction, or by inverting them around the center point, thereby further improving the freedom in designing the shape of the flow path formed inside the plate group.

[0031] In addition, in the plate type mixer, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel are each formed by third through holes that penetrate the plate in the predetermined direction at corresponding positions of the plate and are connected in the predetermined direction, the first through hole and the third through hole are circular holes, the plurality of circular holes including the first through hole and the third through hole are arranged in the plate in line symmetry with a center line extending in a longitudinal direction or a center line extending in a lateral direction of the plate as an axis of symmetry, or are arranged in point symmetry with a center point of the plate as a center of symmetry, The circular holes at corresponding positions in the line-symmetric or point-symmetric arrangement may have the same size.

[0032] With this configuration, when forming a plate group, the plates can be inverted around the center line extending in the longitudinal direction or the center line extending in the lateral direction, or inverted around the center point, thereby further improving the freedom in designing the shape of the flow path formed inside the plate group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] As described above, according to the present invention, a plate-type mixer capable of changing the shape of the flow path through which the materials to be mixed flow can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plate-type mixer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plate mixer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first section region of a plate group included in the plate-type mixer, with some components omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the second section region of the plate group, with some components omitted. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of flow channels formed inside the plate group. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of flow channels formed inside the plate group. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the first plate as seen from the first surface side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view of the first plate as seen from the second surface side. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view of the second plate as seen from the first surface side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the second plate as seen from the second surface side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view of the first gasket as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a view of the first plate viewed from the first surface side with the first gasket disposed on the first surface. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view of the second gasket as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view of the second plate viewed from the first surface side in a state where the second gasket is disposed on the first surface. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a view of the third gasket as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a view of the second plate viewed from the first surface side in a state where the third gasket is disposed on the first surface. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a view of the fourth gasket as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a view of the first plate viewed from the first surface side with the fourth gasket disposed on the first surface. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the concentration, flow rate, and temperature of the material to be mixed inside the plate group. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow path before the gasket is replaced. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the flow path after the gasket has been replaced. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional mixer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the plate-type mixer (hereinafter simply referred to as the “mixer”) according to this embodiment includes multiple plates 3 stacked in a predetermined direction. The multiple fluid materials A and B are mixed by flowing them between the plates. The materials A and B that can be mixed by this mixer 1 include fluids such as liquids and gases, powders (collections of powders, particles, etc.), mixtures of liquids such as emulsion fluids and slurry fluids, mixtures of fluids and powders, and mixtures of liquids and gases (e.g., carbonated water and foaming soapy water). In this embodiment, the material A is sulfuric acid, and the material B is water (dilution water). The mixer 1 dilutes the sulfuric acid by mixing the sulfuric acid with the dilution water. Hereinafter, a mixture of multiple materials A and B (i.e., a mixture of multiple materials) may be referred to as a “mixture C.”

[0037] Specifically, the mixer 1 includes a plate group 2 having a plurality of plates 3 stacked in a predetermined direction and a plurality of gaskets 4 sandwiched between two plates 3 adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction (hereinafter also simply referred to as "between the plates") to form (define) predetermined flow path spaces (first space Sp1, second space Sp2) between the plates in cooperation with the two plates 3. The mixer 1 also includes a holding part 5 that releasably holds the plate group 2.

[0038] In the plate group 2, multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed supplied from outside the plate group 2 are mixed by flowing between predetermined plates (first space Sp1: see FIG. 5). The plate group 2 is configured to be separable into plates 3 and gasket 4 when released from the holder 5 (i.e., when not held). The plate group 2 can also adjust the temperature of the materials A and B to be mixed and the mixture C by allowing fluids W1 and W2 to flow between predetermined plates (second space Sp2: see FIG. 5). The plate group 2 of this embodiment is held in the holder 5 so that the overlapping direction (predetermined direction) of the plates 3 coincides with the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, the overlapping direction of the plates 3 is defined as the X-axis direction, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the overlapping direction of the plates 3 and aligned with the plates 3 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0039] The fluids W1 and W2 have fluidity and are intended to adjust the temperature of the materials A, B, or C to be mixed by exchanging heat with the materials A, B, or C to be mixed. Specifically, like the materials A and B to be mixed, the fluids W1 and W2 are fluids such as liquids and gases, powders (collections of powders, particles, etc.), mixtures of liquids such as emulsion fluids and slurry fluids, mixtures of fluids and powders, mixtures of liquids and gases (for example, carbonated water, foaming soapy water), etc., and the fluids W1 and W2 in this embodiment are water (cooling water). Furthermore, when heating the objects to be mixed A, B or mixture C, a fluid (heating medium) W1, W2 having a higher temperature than the objects to be mixed A, B, etc., such as warm water (water below 100°C), hot water (water at 100°C or higher), steam, etc., is used, and when cooling the objects to be mixed A, B or mixture C, a fluid (cooling medium) W1, W2 having a lower temperature than the objects to be mixed A, B, etc., such as water at room temperature (room temperature) or low-temperature water (water at a temperature lower than room temperature), etc., may be used.

[0040] 5 and 6, the plate group 2 has a plurality of flow paths (flow path spaces) Ch1 to Ch5 and Ch11 to Ch16 therein, and mixes the materials A and B to be mixed that flow in through different flow paths Ch1, Ch2, and Ch5. These multiple flow paths include flow paths Ch1 to Ch5 through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, and flow paths Ch11 to Ch16 through which the fluids W1 and W2 flow.

[0041] The plate group 2 is divided into a plurality of partitioned regions aligned in the X-axis direction. These partitioned regions Ar1 and Ar2 are regions divided based on the arrangement of flow paths Ch15 and Ch16 through which temperature-regulating fluids W1 and W2 flow. The plate group 2 of this embodiment is divided into a first partitioned region Ar1 and a second partitioned region Ar2. In this plate group 2, the flow path Ch15 through which fluid W1 flows is arranged in the first partitioned region Ar1, and the flow path Ch16 through which fluid W2 flows is arranged in the second partitioned region Ar2.

[0042] Furthermore, in the plate group 2, on one end face in the X-axis direction (the left side in Figure 2), the portions corresponding to the flow paths Ch1 to Ch3, Ch5, and Ch11 to Ch14 are open, and on the other end face in the X-axis direction, the positions corresponding to the flow paths Ch1 to Ch5, and Ch11 to Ch14 are closed (blocked).

[0043] More specifically, the plate group 2 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) first inlet channels Ch1, Ch2 that extend inside the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction and communicate with the first space Sp1, thereby allowing the materials A and B to be mixed to flow into the first space Sp1 from outside the plate group 2, and at least one (one in this embodiment) first outlet channel Ch3 that extends inside the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction and communicates with the first space Sp1, thereby allowing the materials A and B to be mixed to flow out from the first space Sp1 to outside the plate group 2.

[0044] In the plate group 2 of this embodiment, each of the two first inflow channels Ch1 and Ch2 communicates with a respective one of the multiple first spaces Sp1 formed (arranged) in the first partitioned region Ar1. Furthermore, the first outflow channel Ch3 communicates with a respective one of the multiple first spaces Sp1 formed (arranged) in the second partitioned region Ar2. These first inflow channels Ch1 and Ch2 and the first outflow channel Ch3 are formed by connecting, in the X-axis direction, communication holes (first through holes) 31A and 31B that penetrate the plate 3 in the X-axis direction at corresponding positions on the plate 3.

[0045] The plate group 2 also has at least one (two in this embodiment) second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12 that extend in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2 and are connected to the second space Sp2, thereby allowing the fluids W1, W2 to flow into the second space Sp2 from outside the plate group 2, and at least one (two in this embodiment) second outlet channels Ch13, Ch14 that extend in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2 and are connected to the second space Sp2, thereby allowing the fluids W1, W2 to flow out from the second space Sp2 to outside the plate group 2.

[0046] In the plate group 2 of this embodiment, one of the two second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12 communicates with each of the second spaces Sp2 formed in the first partitioned region Ar1, and a second outlet channel (one of the second outlet channels) Ch13 corresponding to this one second inlet channel Ch11 communicates with each of the second spaces Sp2 arranged in the first partitioned region Ar1. Furthermore, the other of the two second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12 communicates with each of the second spaces Sp2 formed in the second partitioned region Ar2, and a second outlet channel (the other of the second outlet channels) Ch14 corresponding to this other second inlet channel Ch12 communicates with each of the second spaces Sp2 formed in the second partitioned region Ar2. These second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12 and second outlet channels Ch13, Ch14 are formed by connecting communication holes (third through holes) 31A, 31B that penetrate the plate 3 in the X-axis direction at corresponding positions of the plate 3 in the X-axis direction.

[0047] The plate group 2 also has at least one mixing flow path Ch4 extending from a plurality of first inlet channels Ch1, Ch2 to at least one first outlet channel Ch3 and including a plurality of first spaces Sp1, and a plurality (two in this embodiment) of temperature adjustment flow paths Ch15, Ch16 extending from each of the second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12 to the second outlet channels Ch13, Ch14 corresponding to the second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12, respectively, and each including at least one second space Sp2.

[0048] The mixing flow channel Ch4 is formed to pass through each of the plurality of partitioned regions Ar1, Ar2 in the plate group 2. The mixing flow channel Ch4 of this embodiment is arranged in the plate group 2 to pass through the first partitioned region Ar1 and then the second partitioned region Ar2 in that order.

[0049] Specifically, the mixing channel Ch4 has a plurality of first spaces Sp1 arranged in the first segment region Ar1 and communicating with the first inflow channels Ch1 and Ch2, a plurality of first spaces Sp1 arranged in the second segment region Ar2 and communicating with the first outflow channel Ch3, and a connection channel Ch40 connecting the plurality of first spaces Sp1 in the first segment region Ar1 to the plurality of first spaces Sp1 in the second segment region Ar2. The connection channel Ch40 extends in the X-axis direction through the first segment region Ar1 and the second segment region Ar2 within the plate group 2 and communicates with each of the first spaces Sp1 in the first segment region Ar1 and each of the first spaces Sp1 in the second segment region Ar2. The connection channel Ch40 is formed by connecting communication holes 31A and 31B, which penetrate the plate 3 in the X-axis direction at corresponding positions in the plate 3, in the X-axis direction.

[0050] The two temperature control channels Ch15 and Ch16 are formed in different sectional areas Ar1 and Ar2, respectively. In the plate group 2 of this embodiment, one of the two temperature control channels Ch15 and Ch16, a first temperature control channel Ch15, is formed in the first sectional area Ar1, and the other temperature control channel Ch16, a second temperature control channel Ch16, is formed in the second sectional area Ar2.

[0051] The first temperature adjustment channel Ch15 is formed by a plurality of second spaces Sp2 that communicate with one of the second inflow channels Ch11 and one of the second outflow channels Ch13 in the first partitioned region Ar1.

[0052] The second temperature adjustment channel Ch16 is formed by a plurality of second spaces Sp2 that communicate with the other second inflow channel Ch12 and the other second outflow channel Ch14 in the second partitioned region Ar2.

[0053] Furthermore, the plate group 2 has at least one third inlet channel Ch5 extending in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2. This third inlet channel Ch5 communicates with the mixing channel Ch4 in the second or subsequent partitioned region in the order in which the mixing channel Ch4 passes (in the example of this embodiment, the second partitioned region Ar2), and causes the material to be mixed B to flow into the mixing channel Ch4 from outside the plate group 2. In the plate group 2 of this embodiment, the third inlet channel Ch5 causes the material to be mixed B to flow into the mixing channel Ch4 in the second partitioned region Ar2 in which the second temperature adjustment channel Ch16 is formed.

[0054] Each of the plates 3 constituting the plate group 2 in which the above-described flow paths Ch1 to Ch5 and Ch11 to Ch16 are formed (arranged) is a long plate extending in the Z-axis direction and has heat conductivity. Each of the plates 3 is formed by press-molding a metal plate (thin plate) made of stainless steel, titanium, or the like. The plates 3 may also be made of resin, ceramic, or the like. In this case, the plates 3 are formed by extrusion molding, for example.

[0055] In this embodiment, "having thermal conductivity" refers to a thermal conductivity of 0.2 W / m·K or more. This value is set based on the material with the lowest thermal conductivity (e.g., a fluororesin that can be used for chemical-resistant applications) among the materials intended for use in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, which mixes the materials A and B to be mixed while regulating their temperature. In other words, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the plates 3 are formed from a material with a thermal conductivity of a predetermined value (0.2 W / m·K) or more so that the materials A and B to be mixed are mixed while exchanging heat with the other fluids W1 and W2.

[0056] The plates 3 include two types of plates (first plates 3A and second plates 3B) as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. These two types of plates 3A and 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction in the plate group 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In the plate group 2 of this embodiment, between adjacent partitioned regions Ar1 and Ar2 in the X-axis direction, the first plate 3A of one partitioned region (e.g., the first partitioned region) Ar1 is arranged in an orientation rotated 180° about the center point C1 relative to the first plate 3A of the other partitioned region (e.g., the second partitioned region) Ar2. Similarly, the second plate 3B of one partitioned region (e.g., the first partitioned region) Ar1 is arranged in an orientation rotated 180° about the center point C1 relative to the second plate 3B of the other partitioned region (e.g., the second partitioned region) Ar2. Furthermore, the center point C1 of each plate 3A, 3B is the intersection of a vertical center line CL1 extending in the Z-axis direction at the center of the Y-axis direction of the plates 3A, 3B and a horizontal center line CL2 extending in the Y-axis direction at the center of the Z-axis direction of the plates 3A, 3B.

[0057] Specifically, each of the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B is a rectangular plate extending in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and elongated in the Z-axis direction. The first plate 3A and the second plate 3B each have a first surface S1, S3 on one side in the X-axis direction and a second surface S2, S4 on the opposite side of the first surface S1, S3 (i.e., the other side in the X-axis direction). The contour shapes of the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B are the same. Furthermore, when the plates 3A, 3B of this embodiment are rotated 180° around a center point C1, the contour shapes of the plates 3A, 3B before and after rotation are the same.

[0058] In the plate group 2 of this embodiment, the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B are arranged alternately in the X-axis direction so that the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A faces the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B faces the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0059] Each of the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B arranged in the first partitioned region Ar1 has a first region Ar31, a second region Ar32, and a third region Ar33 arranged in this order from one end (the upper end in this embodiment) to the other end (the lower end in this embodiment) in the Z-axis direction. In the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B of this embodiment, the first region Ar31 of the first plate 3A and the first region Ar31 of the second plate 3B are in the same range in the Z-axis direction (i.e., regions that overlap each other when viewed from the X-axis direction), the second region Ar32 of the first plate 3A and the second region Ar32 of the second plate 3B are in the same range in the Z-axis direction, and the third region Ar33 of the first plate 3A and the third region Ar33 of the second plate 3B are in the same range in the Z-axis direction.

[0060] Each of the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B has a gasket mounting portion 30G in which the gasket 4 can be mounted. Each of the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B of this embodiment also has a pair of engagement portions 30E formed on both ends in the Z-axis direction.

[0061] The gasket placement portion 30G is a portion of each plate 3A, 3B where the gasket 4 is placed, and prevents the gasket 4 from shifting relative to the plates 3A, 3B when the gasket 4 is sandwiched between the plates. The gasket placement portion 30G has a shape corresponding to a plurality of gasket shapes. The gasket placement portion 30G of this embodiment has a shape corresponding to four gasket shapes. The gasket placement portion 30G is shown with double lines in Figures 7 to 10 to make the shape easier to understand, but is actually made up of grooves formed in each plate 3A, 3B, protrusions formed on both sides of each portion of the gasket 4 in the width direction, etc.

[0062] As described above, each plate 3A, 3B is formed by press-molding a metal plate (thin plate), and therefore the grooves, protrusions, etc. that make up the gasket placement portion 30G are in a front-back relationship on the first surfaces S1, S3 and second surfaces S2, S4 of the same plate 3A, 3B (i.e., they have the same shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, but the protruding direction (or recessing direction) is opposite).

[0063] Furthermore, the engagement portion 30E is a portion that engages with a part 531 of the holding portion 5 when the plate group 2 is held by the holding portion 5. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 30E is a notch formed at both ends in the Z-axis direction of each of the plates 3A and 3B. The engagement portion 30E is formed at the center position in the Y-axis direction of each end of the Z-axis direction of each of the plates 3A and 3B.

[0064] Each of the plates 3A, 3B has a plurality of convex portions 301 and a plurality of concave portions 302 at least in the region surrounded by the gasket 4 (the region corresponding to the first space Sp1 or the second space Sp2) when viewed from the X-axis direction with the gasket 4 sandwiched between the plates. Note that in each drawing, only the convex portions 301 and concave portions 302 in the second region Ar32 are shown, and illustration of the convex portions and concave portions in other regions is omitted. Also, the number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the convex portions 301 and concave portions 302 in the second region Ar32 are shown schematically.

[0065] These multiple convex portions 301 and multiple concave portions 302 are portions for improving the mixing efficiency of the objects A and B or the heat exchange efficiency between the objects A and B and the fluids W1 and W2 via the plates 3 by causing branching, merging, turbulence, etc. in the flow of the objects A and B or the fluids W1 and W2 when the objects A and B or the fluids W1 and W2 flow through the first space Sp1 or the second space Sp2 formed between the plates.

[0066] The specific shapes, sizes, numbers, arrangements, etc. of the convex portions 301 and concave portions 302 are variously set depending on the types of materials A and B to be mixed or the types of fluids W1 and W2, etc. For example, the plurality of convex portions 301 and the plurality of concave portions 302 formed on the first surfaces S1 and S3 of the second regions Ar32 of each plate 3A and 3B are arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern in which V-shaped convex portions 301 and V-shaped concave portions 302 are alternately formed in the Z-axis direction.

[0067] In this embodiment, the plates 3A and 3B are formed by press-forming a metal plate (thin plate) as described above. Therefore, the convex portions 301 on the second surfaces S2 and S4 of the plates 3A and 3B are opposite to the concave portions 302 on the first surfaces S1 and S3, respectively, and the concave portions 302 on the second surfaces S2 and S4 are opposite to the convex portions 301 on the first surfaces S1 and S3. Specifically, the concave portions 302 recessed toward the first surface S1 in the X-axis direction are disposed on the back surfaces (corresponding to the second surfaces S2 and S4) of the convex portions 301 on the first surfaces S1 and S3 that protrude toward the first surfaces S1 and S3 in the X-axis direction, respectively, and the convex portions 301 protruding toward the second surfaces S2 and S4 in the X-axis direction are disposed on the back surfaces (corresponding to the second surfaces S2 and S4) of the concave portions 302 on the first surfaces S1 and S3 that protrude toward the second surfaces S2 and S4 in the X-axis direction (see FIGS. 7 to 10).

[0068] The configuration of each of the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B will be specifically described below. Note that the configuration of each of the plates 3A and 3B will be described based on the plates 3A and 3B in a state where they are arranged in the first partition area Ar1.

[0069] The first plate 3A has a plurality of (ten in this embodiment) communication holes 31A and at least one mixing through hole (second through hole) 35A. The plurality of communication holes 31A and the at least one mixing through hole 35A each penetrate the first plate 3A in the X-axis direction (thickness direction).

[0070] The multiple communication holes 31A are arranged in the first plate 3A so as to be in the same position when the first plate 3A is rotated 180 degrees about the center point C1. That is, when the first plate 3A is rotated about the center point C1 from the orientation shown in Figures 7 and 8 so that the upper and lower ends are reversed, the communication holes 31A of the first plate 3A in the state (orientation) after the rotation overlap with the communication holes 31A of the first plate 3A in the state (orientation) before the rotation, as viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0071] In the first plate 3A of this embodiment, the plurality of communication holes 31A are arranged symmetrically about the vertical center line CL1 and the horizontal center line CL2.

[0072] Of these multiple communication holes 31A, three communication holes 31A (first communication hole 310A, second communication hole 311A, third communication hole 312A) are arranged in the first region Ar31, four communication holes 31A (fourth communication hole 313A, fifth communication hole 314A, sixth communication hole 315A, seventh communication hole 316A) are arranged in the second region Ar32, and three communication holes 31A (eighth communication hole 317A, ninth communication hole 318A, tenth communication hole 319A) are arranged in the third region Ar33.

[0073] In detail, the first communicating hole 310A is a communicating hole (first through hole) 31A that constitutes the first inlet channel Ch1 in the first division region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and is positioned in the center in the Y-axis direction at one end of the first region Ar31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0074] On the other hand, in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2, the first communication hole 310A forms the connection channel Ch40 (that is, a part of the mixing channel Ch4).

[0075] The second communication hole 311A ​​is a communication hole (first through hole) 31A that constitutes the first inflow channel Ch2 in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and the third communication hole 312A is a communication hole (first through hole) 31A that constitutes the first outflow channel Ch3 in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2. The second communication hole 311A ​​and the third communication hole 312A are arranged in the first region Ar31 on the other side in the Z-axis direction from the first communication hole 310A and at both ends in the Y-axis direction.

[0076] On the other hand, in the second division region Ar2 of the plate group 2, the second communication hole 311A ​​is used as the communication hole 31A that constitutes the third inlet channel Ch5, and the third communication hole 312A is not used (i.e., the materials to be mixed A, B and the fluids W1, W2 do not flow).

[0077] The fourth communication hole 313A is a communication hole (third through hole) 31A that constitutes one of the second outflow channels Ch13 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2, the fifth communication hole 314A is a communication hole (third through hole) 31A that constitutes the other of the second inflow channels Ch12 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2, the sixth communication hole 315A is a communication hole (third through hole) 31A that constitutes the other of the second outflow channels Ch14 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and the seventh communication hole 316A is a communication hole (third through hole) 31A that constitutes one of the second inflow channels Ch11 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2. These fourth to seventh communication holes 313A to 316A are arranged at the four corners of the second region Ar32. More specifically, the fourth communication hole 313A and the fifth communication hole 314A are arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction at one end in the Z-axis direction in the second region Ar32, and the sixth communication hole 315A and the seventh communication hole 316A are arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction at the other end in the Z-axis direction in the second region Ar32.

[0078] On the other hand, in the second division region Ar2 of the plate group 2, the fourth communication hole 313A is not used, the fifth communication hole 314A is used as the communication hole (third through hole) 31A that constitutes the other second outflow passage Ch14, the sixth communication hole 315A is used as the communication hole (third through hole) 31A that constitutes the other second inflow passage Ch12, and the seventh communication hole 316A is not used.

[0079] The eighth communication hole 317A is a communication hole 31A that is not used in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and the ninth communication hole 318A is a communication hole 31A that constitutes the third inlet channel Ch5 in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2. The eighth communication hole 317A and the ninth communication hole 318A are located at both ends in the Y-axis direction at one end in the Z-axis direction of the third region Ar33.

[0080] On the other hand, in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2, the eighth communication hole 317A is used as the communication hole (first through hole) 31A that constitutes the first outflow channel Ch3, and the ninth communication hole 318A is not used.

[0081] Furthermore, the tenth communicating hole 319A is a communicating hole 31A that constitutes the connection path Ch40 (i.e., part of the mixing flow path Ch4) in the first division region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and is located in the third region Ar33 on the other side of the eighth communicating hole 317A and the ninth communicating hole 318A in the Z-axis direction and in the center in the Y-axis direction.

[0082] On the other hand, in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2, the tenth communicating through-hole 319A is not used.

[0083] The first through tenth communication holes 310A through 319A are each circular through-holes, and first communication hole 310A and tenth communication hole 319A have the same inner diameter (first inner diameter d1), and second communication hole 311A ​​through ninth communication hole 318A have the same inner diameter (second inner diameter d2). In communication hole 31A of this embodiment, first inner diameter d1 of first communication hole 310A and tenth communication hole 319A is larger than second inner diameter d2 of the other communication holes 311A ​​through 318A.

[0084] At least one mixing through hole 35A is a through hole that, in the plate group 2, causes the flows of the materials A and B to branch or merge as the materials A and B pass through the mixing through hole 35A, thereby contributing to the mixing of the materials A and B. The first plate 3A of the present embodiment has a plurality of mixing through holes 35A, and these plurality of mixing through holes 35A are arranged in the first region Ar31.

[0085] Specifically, the multiple mixing through holes 35A are aligned at intervals in the Z-axis direction at positions on the other side in the Z-axis direction of the second communication hole 311A ​​and the third communication hole 312A in the first region Ar31. More specifically, the multiple mixing through holes 35A are aligned at intervals in the Z-axis direction at the center in the Y-axis direction of the first region Ar31, and each mixing through hole 35A is an elongated hole extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0086] The second plate 3B has a plurality of (ten in this embodiment) communication holes 31B and at least one mixing through hole (second through hole) 35B. The plurality of communication holes 31B and the at least one mixing through hole 35B each penetrate the second plate 3B in the X-axis direction (thickness direction).

[0087] Each of the multiple communication holes 31B is alternately connected in the X-axis direction with the corresponding communication holes 31A of the first plate 3A in the plate group 2, thereby forming a flow path space extending in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2. That is, the communication holes 31A of the first plate 3A and the communication holes 31B of the second plate 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction in the plate group 2, thereby forming a space inside the plate group 2 in which the materials to be mixed A, B or the fluids W1, W2 can flow in the X-axis direction (in other words, the stacking direction of the plates 3). For this reason, the second plate 3B of the present embodiment has the same number of communication holes 31B as the communication holes 31A of the first plate 3A, and each of the multiple communication holes 31B of the second plate 3B is arranged in the same position as the corresponding communication hole 31A of the first plate 3A and has the same shape and size.

[0088] Similar to the multiple communication holes 31A of the first plate 3A, the multiple communication holes 31B are arranged in the second plate 3B so as to be in the same arrangement when the second plate 3B is rotated 180 degrees about the center point C1. That is, when the second plate 3B is rotated about the center point C1 from the orientation shown in Figures 9 and 10 so that the upper and lower ends are reversed, the communication holes 31B of the second plate 3B in the state (orientation) after the rotation overlap with the communication holes 31B of the second plate 3B in the state (orientation) before the rotation, as viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0089] In the second plate 3B of this embodiment, like the plurality of communication holes 31A of the first plate 3A, the plurality of communication holes 31B are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line CL1 and also about the transverse center line CL2.

[0090] The plurality of communication holes 31B and at least one mixing through-hole 35B of the second plate 3B will also be specifically described below.

[0091] Of the multiple communication holes 31B, three communication holes 31B (first communication hole 310B, second communication hole 311B, third communication hole 312B) are arranged in the first region Ar31, four communication holes 31B (fourth communication hole 313B, fifth communication hole 314B, sixth communication hole 315B, seventh communication hole 316B) are arranged in the second region Ar32, and three communication holes 31B (eighth communication hole 317B, ninth communication hole 318B, tenth communication hole 319B) are arranged in the third region Ar33.

[0092] In detail, the first communicating hole 310B is a communicating hole (first through hole) 31A that constitutes the first inlet channel Ch1 in the first division region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and is positioned in the center in the Y-axis direction at one end of the first region Ar31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0093] On the other hand, in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2, the first communication hole 310B forms the connection channel Ch40 (that is, a part of the mixing channel Ch4).

[0094] The second communication hole 311B is a communication hole (first through hole) 31A that constitutes the first inflow channel Ch2 in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and the third communication hole 312B is a communication hole (first through hole) 31B that constitutes the first outflow channel Ch3 in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2. The second communication hole 311B and the third communication hole 312B are arranged in the first region Ar31 on the other side in the Z-axis direction from the first communication hole 310B and at both ends in the Y-axis direction.

[0095] On the other hand, in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2, the second communication hole 311B is used as the communication hole 31B that constitutes the third inlet channel Ch5, and the third communication hole 312B is not used.

[0096] The fourth communication hole 313B is a communication hole (third through hole) 31B that constitutes one of the second outflow channels Ch13 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2, the fifth communication hole 314B is a communication hole (third through hole) 31B that constitutes the other of the second inflow channels Ch12 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2, the sixth communication hole 315B is a communication hole (third through hole) 31B that constitutes the other of the second outflow channels Ch14 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and the seventh communication hole 316B is a communication hole (third through hole) 31B that constitutes one of the second inflow channels Ch11 in the first sectional region Ar1 of the plate group 2. These fourth to seventh communication holes 313B to 316B are arranged at the four corners of the second region Ar32. More specifically, the fourth communicating hole 313B and the fifth communicating hole 314B are arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction at one end in the Z-axis direction in the second region Ar32, and the sixth communicating hole 315B and the seventh communicating hole 316B are arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction at the other end in the Z-axis direction in the second region Ar32.

[0097] On the other hand, in the second division region Ar2 of the plate group 2, the fourth communication hole 313B is not used, the fifth communication hole 314B is used as the communication hole (third through hole) 31B that constitutes the other second outflow passage Ch14, the sixth communication hole 315B is used as the communication hole (third through hole) 31B that constitutes the other second inflow passage Ch12, and the seventh communication hole 316B is not used.

[0098] The eighth communication hole 317B is a communication hole 31B that is not used in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and the ninth communication hole 318B is a communication hole 31B that constitutes the third inlet channel Ch5 in the first section region Ar1 of the plate group 2. The eighth communication hole 317B and the ninth communication hole 318B are located at both ends in the Y-axis direction at one end in the Z-axis direction of the third region Ar33.

[0099] On the other hand, in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2, the eighth communication hole 317B is used as the communication hole (first through hole) 31B that constitutes the first outflow channel Ch3, and the ninth communication hole 318B is not used.

[0100] Furthermore, the tenth communicating hole 319B is a communicating hole 31B that constitutes the connection path Ch40 (i.e., part of the mixing flow path Ch4) in the first division region Ar1 of the plate group 2, and is located in the third region Ar33 on the other side of the eighth communicating hole 317B and the ninth communicating hole 318B in the Z-axis direction and in the center in the Y-axis direction.

[0101] On the other hand, in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2, the tenth communicating through-hole 319B is not used.

[0102] The first through tenth communicating holes 310B through 319B are each circular through holes, and the first communicating hole 310B and the tenth communicating hole 319B each have the same first inner diameter d1 as the first communicating hole 310A and the tenth communicating hole 319A of the first plate 3A, and the second communicating hole 311B through the ninth communicating hole 318B have the same second inner diameter d2 as the second communicating hole 311A ​​through the tenth communicating hole 319A of the first plate 3A.

[0103] At least one mixing through hole 35B is a through hole that contributes to mixing of the objects A and B to be mixed, similar to the mixing through holes 35A of the first plate 3A, and the second plate 3B of this embodiment has multiple mixing through holes 35B (more specifically, the same number as the mixing through holes 35A of the first plate 3A), and these multiple mixing through holes 35B are arranged in the first region Ar31.

[0104] Specifically, the multiple mixing through holes 35B are aligned at intervals in the Z-axis direction at positions on the other side of the second communication holes 311B and the third communication holes 312B in the first region Ar31 in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, the multiple mixing through holes 35B are aligned at intervals in the Z-axis direction at the center of the first region Ar31 in the Y-axis direction, and each mixing through hole 35B is an elongated hole extending in the Y-axis direction. Each mixing through hole 35B in this embodiment is arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction as the corresponding mixing through hole 35A in the first plate 3A.

[0105] The number of mixing through holes 35B in the first region Ar31 of the second plate of this embodiment is the same as the number of mixing through holes 35A in the first region Ar31 of the first plate 3A, but may be different. Furthermore, the position in the Z-axis direction of each mixing through hole 35B in the first region Ar31 of the second plate 3B of this embodiment is the same as the position in the Z-axis direction of the corresponding mixing through hole 35A in the first region Ar31 of the first plate 3A, but may be different.

[0106] Next, the gaskets 4 constituting the plate group 2 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

[0107] As described above, each of the gaskets 4 is sandwiched between plates to form a predetermined flow path space (first space Sp1, second space Sp2) between the plates. Specifically, each of the gaskets 4 defines (demarcates) the first space Sp1 through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, the second space Sp2 through which the temperature-adjusting fluids W1 and W2 flow, or the first space Sp1 and the second space Sp2 between the plates. The gaskets 4 include multiple types of gaskets, and the gaskets 4 in this embodiment include four types of gaskets 4 (first gasket 4A, second gasket 4B, third gasket 4C, and fourth gasket 4D). Each of the gaskets 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D is a sealing material made of synthetic rubber such as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), fluororesin, or the like.

[0108] In this embodiment, the gaskets 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D have the same contour shape when viewed in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, when each of the gaskets 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D is rotated 180 degrees around a point corresponding to the center point C1 of the plate 3, the contour shape of each of the gaskets 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D after rotation is the same as the contour shape of each of the gaskets 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D before rotation.

[0109] The first gaskets 4A and the second gaskets 4B are arranged between the plates in the first section area Ar1 of the plate group 2 so as to be alternately positioned in the X-axis direction.

[0110] More specifically, the first gasket 4A is sandwiched between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B in the first sectional area Ar1. As a result, the first gasket 4A forms a first space Sp1 (see the smoked area indicated by the symbol R1 in FIG. 12 ) between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B in the first sectional area Ar1.

[0111] 11 and 12, when the first gasket 4A is disposed on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, the first gasket 4A has a first flow path forming portion 41A that surrounds the periphery of an area (first space Sp1) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, and a plurality of first sealing portions 42A that surround the periphery of predetermined communication holes 31A (second to ninth communication holes 311A ​​to 318A). The first gasket 4A also has a plurality of connecting portions 43A that connect the first flow path forming portion 41A and each of the first sealing portions 42A. Note that, hereinafter, the first space Sp1 surrounded by the first flow path forming portion 41A will also be referred to as a first flow path R1.

[0112] When viewed from the X-axis direction, first flow path forming portion 41A is a portion that surrounds first communicating hole 310A and ten communicating holes 319A on first surface S1 of first plate 3A. More specifically, when viewed from the X-axis direction, first flow path forming portion 41A surrounds an area on first surface S1 of first plate 3A that includes first communicating hole 310A, the plurality of mixing through holes 35A in first region Ar31, and ten communicating holes 319A, and also surrounds an area on second surface S4 of second plate 3B that includes first communicating hole 310B, the plurality of mixing through holes 35B in first region Ar31, and ten communicating holes 319B. As a result, the first flow path forming portion 41A forms a first flow path R1 between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B, through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow from the first communicating holes 310A and 310B to the ten communicating holes 319A and 319B.

[0113] In this embodiment, the first flow path forming section 41A is annular and extends in the Z-axis direction, with a substantially constant width at each position in the Z-axis direction (flow direction of the objects A and B to be mixed: see arrow α1 in Figure 12), and first communicating holes 310A, 310B and ten communicating holes 319A, 319B are arranged at both ends in the flow direction α1 of the area (first flow path R1) surrounded by the first flow path forming section 41A.

[0114] The multiple first sealing portions 42A are portions that, when viewed from the X-axis direction, surround each of the second through ninth communication holes 311A ​​to 318A on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, and also surround each of the second through ninth communication holes 311B to 318B on the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B.

[0115] Each of the multiple connection portions 43A connects the first flow path forming portion 41A and each of the first sealing portions 42A at a position that overlaps with a corresponding portion of another type of gasket 4B, 4C, 4D when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0116] The second gasket 4B is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B in the first sectional area Ar1 of the plate group 2. As a result, the second gasket 4B forms a first space Sp1 and a second space Sp2 (see the smoked areas indicated by symbols R2 and R3 in FIG. 14 ) between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B in the first sectional area Ar1.

[0117] 13 and 14, when the second gasket 4B is disposed on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, the second gasket 4B has a second flow path forming portion 41B surrounding the periphery of an area (first space Sp1) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, a third flow path forming portion 42B surrounding the periphery of an area (second space Sp2) through which the temperature-adjusting fluid W1 flows, and a plurality of second sealing portions 43B surrounding the periphery of predetermined communication holes 31B (first communication hole 310B, third communication hole 312B, fifth communication hole 314B, sixth communication hole 315B, eighth communication hole 317B to tenth communication hole 319B). The second gasket 4B also has a plurality of connecting portions 44B that connect the flow path forming portions 41B and 42B together, the second sealing portions 43B together, or the flow path forming portions 41B and 42B and the second sealing portions 43B. In the following description, the first space Sp1 surrounded by the second flow path forming portion 41B will also be referred to as a second flow path R2, and the second space Sp2 surrounded by the third flow path forming portion 42B will also be referred to as a third flow path R3.

[0118] When viewed from the X-axis direction, the second flow path forming portion 41B is a portion that surrounds the second communication hole 311B on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B and the plurality of mixing through holes 35B in the first region Ar31. More specifically, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the second flow path forming portion 41B surrounds the region on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B that includes the second communication hole 311B and the plurality of mixing through holes 35B in the first region Ar31, and also surrounds the region on the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A that includes the second communication hole 311A ​​and the plurality of mixing through holes 35A in the first region Ar31. As a result, the second flow path forming portion 41B forms, between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, a second flow path R2 through which the materials A and B to be mixed can flow from the second communication holes 311A ​​and 311B to the mixing through-holes 35A and 35B on the most downstream side (the lowest side in FIG. 14). In this second flow path R2, the materials A and B to be mixed flow in the direction indicated by arrow α2 in FIG.

[0119] The second flow path forming section 41B in this embodiment is annular in shape with a substantially constant width at each position in the flow direction α2 of the objects to be mixed A and B, and second communication holes 311A, 311B and the lowest mixing through holes 35A, 35B in the first area Ar31 are arranged at both ends in the flow direction α2 of the area (second flow path R2) surrounded by the second flow path forming section 41B.

[0120] The third flow path forming portion 42B is a portion of the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B that surrounds the fourth communication hole 313B and the seventh communication hole 316B when viewed from the X-axis direction. More specifically, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the third flow path forming portion 42B surrounds an area of ​​the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B that includes the fourth communication hole 313B and the seventh communication hole 316B, and also surrounds an area of ​​the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A that includes the fourth communication hole 313A and the seventh communication hole 316A. In this way, the third flow path forming portion 42B forms a third flow path R3 between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, through which the fluid W1 flows from the seventh communication holes 316A and 316B to the fourth communication holes 313A and 313B. In this third flow path R3, the fluid W1 flows in the direction indicated by arrow α3 in FIG. 14 .

[0121] In the third flow path forming portion 42B of this embodiment, fourth communication holes 313A, 313B and seventh communication holes 316A, 316B are arranged at both ends in the flow direction α3 of the area (third flow path R3) surrounded by the third flow path forming portion 42B.

[0122] When viewed from the X-axis direction, the multiple second sealing portions 43B surround each of the first communication hole 310B, the third communication hole 312B, the fifth communication hole 314B, the sixth communication hole 315B, and the eighth to tenth communication holes 317B to 319B on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, and also surround each of the first communication hole 310A, the third communication hole 312A, the fifth communication hole 314A, the sixth communication hole 315A, and the eighth to tenth communication holes 317A to 319A on the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A.

[0123] Furthermore, the second sealing portion 43B surrounding the first communicating holes 310A, 310B has a portion in common with the second flow path forming portion 41B, and the second sealing portion 43B surrounding the tenth communicating holes 319A, 319B has a portion in common with the second sealing portion 43B surrounding the eighth communicating holes 317A, 317B.

[0124] Each of the multiple connection portions 44B connects the flow path forming portions 41B, 42B to each other, the second sealing portions 43B to each other, or the flow path forming portions 41B, 42B to the second sealing portion 43B at a position that overlaps with the corresponding portion of another type of gasket 4A, 4C, 4D when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0125] The third gasket 4C and the fourth gasket 4D are arranged between the plates in the second section area Ar2 of the plate group 2 so as to be alternately positioned in the X-axis direction.

[0126] Specifically, the third gasket 4C is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B in the second section region Ar2. As a result, the third gasket 4C forms a first space Sp1 and a second space Sp2 (see the smoked areas indicated by symbols R4 and R5 in FIG. 16 ) between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B in the second section region Ar2. As described above, in the second section region Ar2, the plates 3A and 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction, rotated 180° around the center point C1 with respect to the plates 3A and 3B in the first section region Ar1 (in this embodiment, rotated upside down) (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ).

[0127] 15 and 16, when the third gasket 4C is disposed on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, the third gasket 4C has a fourth flow path-forming portion 41C surrounding the periphery of an area (first space Sp1) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, a fifth flow path-forming portion 42C surrounding the periphery of an area (second space Sp2) through which the temperature-adjusting fluid W2 flows, and a plurality of third sealing portions 43C surrounding the periphery of predetermined communication holes 31B (first communication hole 310B, third communication hole 312B, fourth communication hole 313B, seventh to tenth communication holes 316B to 319B). The third gasket 4C also has a plurality of connecting portions 44C that connect the flow path-forming portions 41C and 42C together, the third sealing portions 43C together, or the flow path-forming portions 41C and 42C and the third sealing portion 43C. In the following description, the first space Sp1 surrounded by the fourth flow path forming portion 41C will also be referred to as a fourth flow path R4, and the second space Sp2 surrounded by the fifth flow path forming portion 42C will also be referred to as a fifth flow path R5.

[0128] The fourth flow path forming portion 41C is a portion that surrounds the second communication hole 311B and the plurality of mixing through holes 35B in the first region Ar31 in the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B when viewed from the X axis direction (see FIG. 16). More specifically, the fourth flow path forming portion 41C surrounds the region that includes the second communication hole 311B and the plurality of mixing through holes 35B in the first region Ar31 in the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, and also surrounds the region that includes the second communication hole 311A ​​and the plurality of mixing through holes 35A in the first region Ar31 in the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A when viewed from the X axis direction. As a result, the fourth flow path forming portion 41C forms a fourth flow path R4 (first space Sp1) between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, through which the materials A and B to be mixed can flow from the second communication holes 311A ​​and 311B to the mixing through-holes 35A and 35B on the most downstream side (the uppermost side in FIG. 16). In this fourth flow path R4, the materials A and B to be mixed flow in the direction indicated by arrow α4 in FIG.

[0129] The fourth flow path forming section 41C of this embodiment is annular in shape with a substantially constant width at each position in the flow direction α4 of the objects to be mixed A and B, and the second communication holes 311A, 311B and the uppermost mixing through holes 35A, 35B in the first area Ar31 are arranged at both ends in the flow direction α4 of the area (fourth flow path R4) surrounded by the fourth flow path forming section 41C.

[0130] The fifth flow path forming portion 42C is a portion that surrounds the fifth communication hole 314B and the sixth communication hole 315B on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B when viewed from the X axis direction. More specifically, the fifth flow path forming portion 42C surrounds the area on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B that includes the fifth communication hole 314B and the sixth communication hole 315B, and also surrounds the area on the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A that includes the fifth communication hole 314A and the sixth communication hole 315A. In this way, the fifth flow path forming portion 42C forms a fifth flow path R5 between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, through which the fluid W2 flows from the sixth communication holes 315A and 315B to the fifth communication holes 314A and 314B. In the fifth flow path R5, the fluid W2 flows in the direction indicated by an arrow α5 in FIG.

[0131] In the fifth flow path forming section 42C of this embodiment, fifth communication holes 314A, 314B and sixth communication holes 315A, 315B are arranged at both ends of the flow direction α5 of the area (fifth flow path R5) surrounded by the fifth flow path forming section 42C.

[0132] When viewed from the X-axis direction, the multiple third sealing portions 43C surround each of the first communication hole 310B, the third communication hole 312B, the fourth communication hole 313B, and the seventh to tenth communication holes 316B to 319B on the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B (see Figure 15), and also surround each of the first communication hole 310A, the third communication hole 312A, the fourth communication hole 313A, and the seventh to tenth communication holes 316A to 319A on the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A.

[0133] A part of the third sealing portion 43C surrounding the first communication holes 310A and 310B is common to the fourth flow path forming portion 41C.

[0134] Each of the multiple connection portions 44C connects the flow path forming portions 41C, 42C to each other, the third sealing portions 43C to each other, the flow path forming portions 41C, 42C to the third sealing portion 43C, or the third sealing portion 43C to the connection portion 44C at a position that overlaps with the corresponding portion of another type of gasket 4A, 4B, 4D when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0135] The fourth gasket 4D is sandwiched between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B in the second sectional area Ar2 of the plate group 2. As a result, the fourth gasket 4D forms a first space Sp1 (see the smoked area indicated by the symbol R6 in FIG. 18 ) between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B in the second sectional area Ar2.

[0136] 17 and 18, when the fourth gasket 4D is disposed on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, the fourth gasket 4D has a sixth flow path forming portion 41D that surrounds the periphery of a region (first space Sp1) through which the materials to be mixed A and B flow, and a plurality of fourth sealing portions 42D that surround the periphery of predetermined communication holes 31A (second to seventh communication holes 311A ​​to 316A, ninth communication hole 318A, and tenth communication hole 319A). The fourth gasket 4D also has a plurality of connecting portions 43D that connect the fourth sealing portions 42D to each other or that connect the sixth flow path forming portion 41D to the fourth sealing portion 42D. Note that, hereinafter, the first space Sp1 surrounded by the sixth flow path forming portion 41D will also be referred to as a sixth flow path R6.

[0137] The sixth flow path forming portion 41D is a portion that surrounds the first communication hole 310A and the eighth communication hole 317A on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A when viewed from the X axis direction. More specifically, the sixth flow path forming portion 41D surrounds an area on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A that includes the first communication hole 310A, the plurality of mixing through holes 35A in the first region Ar31, and the eighth communication hole 317A, and also surrounds an area on the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B that includes the first communication hole 310B, the plurality of mixing through holes 35B in the first region Ar31, and the eighth communication hole 317B. As a result, the sixth flow path forming portion 41D forms a sixth flow path R6 between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B, through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow from the first communication holes 310A and 310B to the eighth communication holes 317A and 317B.

[0138] The sixth flow path forming section 41D of this embodiment extends in the Z-axis direction except for one end in the Z-axis direction, and is annular in shape with a substantially constant width at each position in the Z-axis direction (flow direction of the objects A and B to be mixed: see arrow α6 in Figure 18) except for the one end, and first communication holes 310A, 310B and eighth communication holes 317A, 317B are arranged at both ends in the flow direction α6 of the area (sixth flow path R6) surrounded by the sixth flow path forming section 41D.

[0139] When viewed from the X-axis direction, the multiple fourth sealing portions 42D surround each of the second to seventh communicating holes 311A ​​to 316A, the ninth communicating hole 318A, and the tenth communicating hole 319A on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, and also surround each of the second to seventh communicating holes 311B to 316B, the ninth communicating hole 318B, and the tenth communicating hole 319B on the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B.

[0140] Each of the multiple connection portions 43D connects the fourth sealing portions 42D to each other, or connects the sixth flow path forming portion 41D to the fourth sealing portion 42D at a position that overlaps with the corresponding portion of another type of gasket 4A, 4B, 4C when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0141] In the plates 3 and gaskets 4 configured as described above, the first plates 3A and the second plates 3B are arranged alternately in the X-axis direction, and the first gasket 4A is sandwiched between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B, and the second gasket 4B is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, thereby forming a first partition area Ar1 of the plate group 2 (see Figures 2, 3, 12, and 14).

[0142] Furthermore, the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B are arranged alternately in the X-axis direction in a state (posture) rotated 180 degrees around the center point C1 relative to each plate 3A, 3B in the first partition area Ar1, and a third gasket 4C is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, and a fourth gasket 4D is sandwiched between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B, thereby forming a second partition area Ar2 of the plate group 2 (see Figures 2, 4, 16, and 18).

[0143] The plate group 2 is formed by arranging these multiple sectional areas Ar1 and Ar2 in the X-axis direction (in this embodiment, the first sectional area Ar1 and the second sectional area Ar2 are arranged in the X-axis direction).

[0144] At this time, in the first division region Ar1 of the plate group 2, a first flow path R1 (first space Sp1) is formed inside the first flow path forming portion 41A of the first gasket 4A (the area surrounded by the first flow path forming portion 41A) when viewed from the X-axis direction between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B (see Figure 12).

[0145] Furthermore, in the first division region Ar1 of the plate group 2, between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, a second flow path R2 (first space Sp1) is formed inside the second flow path forming portion 41B of the second gasket 4B (the area surrounded by the second flow path forming portion 41B) when viewed from the X-axis direction, and a third flow path R3 (second space Sp2) is formed inside the third flow path forming portion 42B (the area surrounded by the third flow path forming portion 42B) (see Figure 14).

[0146] Furthermore, in the second division region Ar2 of the plate group 2, between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S3 of the second plate 3B, a fourth flow path R4 (first space Sp1) is formed inside the fourth flow path forming portion 41C of the third gasket 4C (the area surrounded by the fourth flow path forming portion 41C) when viewed from the X-axis direction, and a fifth flow path R5 (second space Sp2) is formed inside the fifth flow path forming portion 42C (the area surrounded by the fifth flow path forming portion 42C) (see Figure 16).

[0147] In addition, in the second division region Ar2 of the plate group 2, a sixth flow path R6 (first space Sp1) is formed inside the sixth flow path forming portion 41D of the fourth gasket 4D (the area surrounded by the sixth flow path forming portion 41D) when viewed from the X-axis direction, between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S4 of the second plate 3B (see Figure 18).

[0148] 3, 5, 6, and 11 to 14, in the first partitioned region Ar1 of the plate group 2, the first communication holes 310A, 310B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form a first inlet channel Ch1. The second communication holes 311A, 311B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form a first inlet channel Ch2. The third communication holes 312A, 312B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form a first outlet channel Ch3. The fourth communication holes 313A, 313B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form one second outlet channel Ch13. The fifth communication holes 314A, 314B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form the other second inlet channel Ch12. The sixth communication holes 315A, 315B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form the other second outlet channel Ch14. The seventh communication holes 316A, 316B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form one second inlet channel Ch11. The ninth communication holes 318A, 318B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form the third inlet channel Ch5. The tenth communication holes 319A, 319B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form the connection channel Ch40.

[0149] 4 to 6 and 15 to 18, in the second segment region Ar2 of the plate group 2, the first communication holes 310A, 310B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form a connection channel Ch40, which communicates with the connection channel Ch40 formed in the first segment region Ar1 by connecting the tenth communication holes 319A, 319B. That is, the connection channel Ch40 extends across the first segment region Ar1 and the second segment region Ar2. The second communication holes 311A, 311B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form a third inlet channel Ch5, which communicates with the third inlet channel Ch5 formed in the first segment region Ar1 by connecting the ninth communication holes 318A, 318B. That is, the third inlet channel Ch5 extends across the first segment region Ar1 and the second segment region Ar2. The fifth communication holes 314A, 314B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form the other second outlet channel Ch14, which is connected to the other second outlet channel Ch14 formed in the first segment region Ar1 by the sixth communication holes 315A, 315B. That is, the other second outlet channel Ch14 extends across the first segment region Ar1 and the second segment region Ar2. The sixth communication holes 315A, 315B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form the other second inlet channel Ch12, which is connected to the other second inlet channel Ch12 formed in the first segment region Ar1 by the fifth communication holes 314A, 314B. That is, the other second inlet channel Ch12 extends across the first segment region Ar1 and the second segment region Ar2. Furthermore, the eighth communication holes 317A, 317B of each plate 3A, 3B are alternately connected in the X-axis direction to form a first outlet channel Ch3, which is connected to the first outlet channel Ch3 formed in the first segment region Ar1 by connecting the third communication holes 312A, 312B. That is, the first outlet channel Ch3 extends across the first segment region Ar1 and the second segment region Ar2.

[0150] Next, returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding portion 5 that holds the plate group 2 will be specifically described.

[0151] The holding unit 5 includes a pair of clamping units 51, 52 arranged on both sides of the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction, a support unit 53 that supports the pair of clamping units 51, 52 so as to change the distance between the pair of clamping units 51, 52 in the X-axis direction, and a distance adjustment unit 58 that changes the distance between the pair of clamping units 51, 52 in the X-axis direction.

[0152] Each of the pair of clamping portions 51, 52 is a thick plate-like member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, each of the clamping portions 51, 52 has a rectangular shape with a size corresponding to that of the plate 3 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0153] Specifically, one of the pair of clamping portions 51, 52, the clamping portion 51, is a thick rectangular plate that is elongated in the Z-axis direction, and has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) through holes 511-518 that penetrate in the X-axis direction at positions corresponding to predetermined communication holes 31A, 31B (in this embodiment, the first communication hole to the seventh communication hole 310A, 310B-316A, 316B and the ninth communication hole 318A, 318B, respectively; in other words, the first inlet channels Ch1, Ch2, the first outlet channel Ch3, the third inlet channel Ch5, the second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12, and the second outlet channels Ch13, Ch14) of the plates 3A, 3B that constitute the first division region Ar1 of the plate group 2.

[0154] Furthermore, one of the clamping parts 51 has a plurality of engagement parts 519 arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction and spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. Each of these engagement parts 519 engages with the gap adjustment part 58. In this embodiment, each of the engagement parts 519 is a notch recessed inward in the Y-axis direction at the edge of one of the clamping parts 51 in the Y-axis direction.

[0155] The other clamping part 52 of the pair of clamping parts 51, 52 is a rectangular thick plate that is long in the Z-axis direction, similar to the one clamping part 51. The other clamping part 52 has a guided part 521 that engages with the support part 53 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction relative to the one clamping part 52. The other clamping part 52 has a plurality of engagement parts 529 that are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction on both ends in the Y-axis direction.

[0156] The guided portions 521 are disposed on both ends in the Z-axis direction of the other clamping portion 52. That is, the other clamping portion 52 has two guided portions 521. In this embodiment, the guided portions 521 are notches recessed inward in the Z-axis direction at the edge in the Z-axis direction, and engage with the support portions 53 by fitting a part of the support portions 53 into the notches.

[0157] Each of the multiple engagement portions 529 engages with a distance adjustment portion 58. In this embodiment, each engagement portion 529 is a notch recessed inward in the Y-axis direction at the edge of the other clamping portion 52 in the Y-axis direction. Each of the multiple engagement portions 529 is disposed at a position overlapping with a corresponding engagement portion 519 of one clamping portion 51 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0158] The support portion 53 has a pair of guide bars 531 each extending in the X-axis direction, and also has a support member 532 that maintains the distance between the pair of guide bars 531.

[0159] The pair of guide bars 531 extend parallel to each other from both ends of one clamping unit 51 in the Z-axis direction. The pair of guide bars 531 fit into guided portions (notches) of the other clamping unit 52, thereby guiding the other clamping unit 52 so that it can move toward and away from the one clamping unit 51 in the X-axis direction (relative movement) in a state (posture) parallel to the one clamping unit 51. Furthermore, each of the pair of guide bars 531 engages with the engagement portions 30E at both ends of the plates 3A and 3B in the Z-axis direction, thereby guiding each of the plates 3A and 3B to their respective placement positions. The engagement portions 30E in this embodiment are notches as described above, and each of the pair of guide bars 531 fits into the notches (engagement portions) 30E formed at both ends of the plates 3A and 3B in the Z-axis direction, thereby guiding each of the plates 3A and 3B to their respective placement positions.

[0160] The support member 532 extends in the Z-axis direction and connects the ends of a pair of guide bars 531 (the ends opposite the side connected to one of the clamping portions 52) to each other, thereby maintaining the distance between the ends in the Z-axis direction.

[0161] The gap adjustment unit 58 applies force to one clamping unit 51 and the other clamping unit 52 in a direction that reduces the gap between the pair of clamping units 51, 52. The gap adjustment unit 58 of this embodiment has a plurality of fastening members 581, and each fastening member 581 has a bolt 582 extending in the X-axis direction and a nut 583 that screws onto the bolt 582.

[0162] Each fastening member 581 fastens the pair of clamping portions 51, 52 in a direction that reduces the distance between them in the X-axis direction while fitting into the corresponding engaging portions 519, 529 (which overlap when viewed from the X-axis direction) of the pair of clamping portions 51, 52. Fastening the pair of clamping portions 51, 52 by the multiple fastening members 581 clamps the gasket 4 arranged between the plates with sufficient force, thereby making each of the flow paths R1 to R6 formed between the plates liquid-tight.

[0163] In the mixer 1 configured as above, for example, sulfuric acid (material to be mixed) A and dilution water (material to be mixed) B are mixed while adjusting the temperature, thereby diluting the sulfuric acid. Here, material to be mixed A is sulfuric acid with a concentration of 98%. Furthermore, fluids W1 and W2 used to adjust the temperature when mixing material to be mixed A and material to be mixed B are both water (cooling water) at room temperature (for example, 20 to 30°C). Details of the mixing of material to be mixed A and B will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 19.

[0164] To the mixer 1, the material A to be mixed is supplied to the first inlet channel Ch1, the material B to be mixed is supplied to the first inlet channel Ch2 and the third inlet channel Ch5, the fluid W1 is supplied to one of the second inlet channels Ch11, and the fluid W2 is supplied to the other second inlet channel Ch12 (see Figure 6).

[0165] The material A to be mixed supplied to the first inlet channel Ch1 flows from the first inlet channel Ch1 into each of the first flow paths R1 in the first partitioned region Ar1 of the plate group 2. Furthermore, the material B to be mixed (primary dilution water in FIG. 19) supplied to the first inlet channel Ch2 flows from the first inlet channel Ch2 into each of the second flow paths R2 in the first partitioned region Ar1.

[0166] The material to be mixed B that has flowed into each second flow path R2 merges with the material to be mixed A flowing through the first flow path R1 in a region corresponding to the first region Ar31 of the first partitioned region Ar1. Specifically, the material to be mixed A that has flowed into each first flow path R1 and the material to be mixed B that has flowed into each second flow path R2 move to the adjacent flow path R1, R2 through a plurality of mixing through-holes 35A, 35B that are arranged in portions of the plates 3A, 3B that separate the first flow path R1 (first space Sp1) and the second flow path R2 (first space Sp1) that are adjacent in the X-axis direction and that connect the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 (i.e., connect the first spaces Sp1 with each other) in a region corresponding to the first region Ar31 of the first partitioned region Ar1, and are mixed by repeatedly branching, merging, and the like of the flows of the material to be mixed A and the material to be mixed B.

[0167] Of the mixed materials A and B flowing through the first flow path R1 and the mixed materials A and B flowing through the second flow path R2, all of the materials A and B flowing through the second flow path R2 flow into the first flow path R1 from the region corresponding to the first region Ar31 of the first partitioned region Ar1 to the region corresponding to the second region Ar32. As a result, the materials A and B flow only through the first flow path R1 in the region corresponding to the second region Ar32 of the first partitioned region Ar1.

[0168] In the region corresponding to the second region Ar32 of this first partition region Ar1, the plurality of convex portions 301 and the plurality of concave portions 302 (in this embodiment, the convex portions 301 and the concave portions 302 arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern) provided on each plate 3A, 3B cause the flows of the materials A and B to be mixed in the first flow path R1 to branch and merge repeatedly, thereby allowing the materials A and B to be mixed to be thoroughly mixed with each other.

[0169] In this way, when the materials A and B to be mixed (i.e., sulfuric acid and dilution water) are mixed together in the region corresponding to the first region Ar31 and the second region Ar32 of the first partitioned region Ar1, the materials A and B generate heat due to this mixing (see the range indicated by symbol β1 in FIG. 19), but the materials A and B are cooled by the fluid (cooling water) W1 flowing through each of the third flow paths R3 of the first partitioned region Ar1. More details are as follows.

[0170] A fluid (cooling water in FIG. 5) W1 supplied to one of the second inlet channels Ch11 flows from the one of the second inlet channels Ch11 into each of the third flow paths R3 in the first partitioned region Ar1. Here, in a region of the first partitioned region Ar1 corresponding to the second region Ar32, the first flow path R1 (first space Sp1) and the third flow path R3 (second space Sp2) are formed adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction via the plates 3A and 3B. Therefore, heat exchange occurs between the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through the first flow path R1 and the fluid W1 flowing through the third flow path R3 via the plates 3A and 3B, thereby cooling the materials A and B to be mixed whose temperatures have risen due to heat generated by mixing (in other words, the temperatures of the materials A and B to be mixed are adjusted).

[0171] The mixed materials A and B cooled by the fluid W1 in this manner (i.e., having exchanged heat with the fluid W1) flow from each first flow path R1 into the connecting path Ch40 in the region corresponding to the third region Ar33 of the first partition region Ar1, and then flow through the connecting path Ch40 into the second partition region Ar2.

[0172] On the other hand, after cooling the mixed materials A and B by flowing through each third flow path R3 in the first partition area Ar1 (i.e., after exchanging heat with the mixed materials A and B), the flow material W1 flows from each third flow path R3 into one of the second outlet paths Ch13 and is discharged from one of the second outlet paths Ch13 to the outside of the plate group 2.

[0173] Subsequently, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through the connection channel Ch40 flow from the connection channel Ch40 into each of the sixth flow paths R6 in the second partition region Ar2 of the plate group 2. Furthermore, the material B to be mixed supplied to the third inlet channel Ch5 flows from the third inlet channel Ch5 into each of the fourth flow paths R4 in the second partition region Ar2.

[0174] The material to be mixed B that flows into each fourth flow path R4 merges with the materials A and B that flow through the sixth flow path R6 in a region corresponding to the first region Ar31 of the second partitioned region Ar2. Specifically, the materials A and B that flow into each sixth flow path R6 and the material B that flow into each fourth flow path R4 move to the adjacent flow path R6, R4 through a plurality of mixing through-holes 35A, 35B that are arranged in portions of the plates 3A, 3B that separate the sixth flow path R6 (first space Sp1) and the fourth flow path R4 (first space Sp1) that are adjacent in the X-axis direction and that connect the sixth flow path R6 and the fourth flow path R4 (i.e., connect the first spaces Sp1 to each other) in a region corresponding to the first region Ar31 of the second partitioned region Ar2, thereby repeatedly branching, merging, and the like of the flows of the materials A and B and the materials B to be mixed are mixed.

[0175] Of the mixed materials A and B flowing through the sixth flow path R6 and the mixed materials A and B flowing through the fourth flow path R4, all of the materials A and B flowing through the fourth flow path R4 flow into the sixth flow path R6 from the region corresponding to the first region Ar31 of the second partitioned region Ar2 to the region corresponding to the second region Ar32. As a result, the materials A and B flow only through the sixth flow path R6 in the region corresponding to the second region Ar32 of the second partitioned region Ar2.

[0176] In the region of the second partition region Ar2 corresponding to the second region Ar32, the plurality of convex portions 301 and the plurality of concave portions 302 (in this embodiment, the convex portions 301 and the concave portions 302 arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern) provided on each plate 3A, 3B cause the flows of the materials A and B to be mixed in the sixth flow path R6 to branch and merge sufficiently repeatedly, thereby allowing the materials A and B to be mixed to be sufficiently mixed with each other (more specifically, the materials A and B to be mixed that have flowed through the mixing flow path Ch4 from the first partition region Ar1 and the material B to be mixed that has been supplied by the third inlet channel Ch5 in the second partition region Ar2 are sufficiently mixed).

[0177] In this way, when the materials A and B to be mixed are mixed together in the region of the second segment area Ar2 corresponding to the first region Ar31 and the second region Ar32, this mixing generates heat in the materials A and B to be mixed (see the range indicated by symbol β2 in FIG. 19), similar to the mixing of the materials A and B to be mixed together in the region of the first segment area Ar1 corresponding to the first region Ar31 and the second region Ar32. However, similar to the heat generation in the first segment area Ar1, the materials A and B to be mixed are cooled by the fluid (cooling water) W2 flowing through each of the fifth flow paths R5 of the second segment area Ar2. More details are as follows.

[0178] The fluid W2 (cooling water in FIG. 5) supplied to the other second inlet channel Ch12 flows from the other second inlet channel Ch12 into each fifth flow path R5 in the second partitioned region Ar2. Here, in a region of the second partitioned region Ar2 corresponding to the second region Ar32, the sixth flow path R6 (first space Sp1) and the fifth flow path R5 (second space Sp2) are formed adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction via the plates 3A and 3B. Therefore, heat exchange occurs between the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through the sixth flow path R6 and the fluid W2 flowing through the fifth flow path R5 via the plates 3A and 3B, thereby cooling the materials A and B to be mixed whose temperatures have risen due to heat generated by mixing (in other words, the temperatures of the materials A and B to be mixed are adjusted).

[0179] The materials A and B to be mixed (i.e., mixture C) cooled by the fluid W2 in this manner (i.e., having exchanged heat with the fluid W2) flow from each sixth flow path R6 into the first outlet channel Ch3 in a region of the second partitioned region Ar2 corresponding to the third region Ar33, and are discharged from the first outlet channel Ch3 to the outside of the plate group 2. In the mixer of this embodiment, sulfuric acid diluted to 75% is discharged from the first outlet channel Ch3.

[0180] On the other hand, after flowing through each fifth flow path R5 in the second partition area Ar2 and exchanging heat with the mixing objects A and B (i.e., after cooling the mixing objects A and B), the flow material W2 flows from each fifth flow path R5 into the other second outlet path Ch14 and is discharged outside the plate group 2 from the other second outlet path Ch14.

[0181] As described above, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, when diluting 98% sulfuric acid to produce 75% sulfuric acid, the mixing target (dilution water) B is divided into the first and second compartments Ar1 and Ar2 and then combined with the mixing target (sulfuric acid) A. This reduces the temperature rise of the mixing targets A and B (mixture C) in each compartment Ar1 and Ar2 compared to combining the mixing target (dilution water) B with the mixing target (sulfuric acid) A all at once. In this state, supplying fluids (cooling water) W1 and W2 to the compartments Ar1 and Ar2, respectively, effectively cools the mixing targets A and B (mixture C) in the first and second compartments Ar1 and Ar2. Furthermore, this cooling reduces the temperature rise of the mixing targets A and B (mixture C), improving safety.

[0182] The mixer 1 described above includes a plate group 2 having a plurality of plates 3A, 3B stacked in the X-axis direction and a plurality of gaskets 4 sandwiched between two adjacent plates 3A, 3B in the X-axis direction to form, in cooperation with the two plates 3A, 3B, a first space Sp1 through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow between the plates, and a holding part 5 that releasably holds the plate group 2. The plate group 2 also has a plurality of first inflow channels Ch1, Ch2 that extend inside the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction and communicate with the first space Sp1 to allow the materials A and B to be mixed to flow into the first space Sp1 (first flow path R1, second flow path R2) from the outside of the plate group 2, and at least one first outflow channel Ch3 that extends inside the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction and communicates with the first space Sp1 (sixth flow path R6) to allow the materials A and B to be mixed to flow out of the first space Sp1 to the outside of the plate group 2. This plate group 2 mixes materials A and B to be mixed that flow in through different first inflow channels Ch1 and Ch2, and is configured so that it can be disassembled into plates 3A and 3B and a gasket 4 when released from the holding part 5. The first inflow channels Ch1 and Ch2 and the first outflow channel Ch3 are formed by predetermined communication holes (first through holes) 31A and 31B that penetrate the plates 3A and 3B in the X-axis direction at corresponding positions on the plates 3A and 3B and are connected in the X-axis direction.

[0183] In this way, the plate group 2 can be disassembled into the plates 3A and 3B and the gasket 4 when released from the holder 5, and therefore it is easy to replace the plates 3A and 3B and the gasket 4. This makes it possible to change the shape and position of the flow paths Ch1 to Ch5, Ch15, and Ch16 through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow inside the plate group 2 by changing the number of plates 3A and 3B, the number and positions of the communication holes (first through holes) 31A and 31B, the shape of the gasket 4, etc.

[0184] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, at least one of the multiple plates 3A, 3B has at least one mixing through-hole (second through-hole) 35A, 35B that connects two adjacent first spaces Sp1 (the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2, or the fourth flow path R4 and the sixth flow path R6) in the X-axis direction in the plate group 2, at a location that separates the two first spaces Sp1. In this way, in the plate group 2, the portion of the plates 3A, 3B that separates the two adjacent first spaces Sp1 has at least one mixing through hole 35A, 35B that connects the two first spaces Sp1, which makes it possible for the materials A and B to be mixed to move (flow in) from one first space Sp1 to the other first space Sp1 through the mixing through hole 35A, 35B, for the flows of the materials A and B to be mixed to branch from one first space Sp1 to the other first space Sp1 through the mixing through holes 35A, 35B, and for the flows of the materials A and B to be mixed to merge from one first space Sp1 to the other first space Sp1 through the mixing through holes 35A, 35B, thereby further improving the freedom of arrangement of the flow paths Ch1 to Ch5, Ch15, Ch16 through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow within the plate group 2.

[0185] In the mixer 1 of this embodiment, each of the multiple gaskets 4 forms at least one space (flow path space) between the plates, which is a first space Sp1 or a second space Sp2. The plate group 2 also has at least one second inlet channel Ch11, Ch12 extending in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2 and communicating with the second space Sp2 (third flow path R3, fifth flow path R5) to allow the fluids W1, W2 to flow into the second space Sp2 from the outside of the plate group 2, and at least one second outlet channel Ch13, Ch14 extending in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2 and communicating with the second space Sp2 to allow the fluids W1, W2 to flow out from the second space Sp2 (third flow path R3, fifth flow path R5) to the outside of the plate group 2. The second space Sp2 is formed in the plate group 2 at a position adjacent to the first space Sp1 (first flow path R1, sixth flow path R6) in the X-axis direction via plates 3A, 3B. As a result, at the portion where the second space Sp2 and the first space Sp1 in the plate group 2 are adjacent to each other via the plates 3A and 3B, the fluids W1 and W2 flowing through the second space Sp2 and the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through the first space Sp1 exchange heat through the plates 3A and 3B, and therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the fluids W1 and W2 supplied to the second inlet channels Ch11 and Ch12 from outside the plate group 2, the temperature of the materials A and B to be mixed and the mixture C can be adjusted (heated, cooled, etc.).

[0186] Moreover, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of sets of second inflow channels Ch11, Ch12 and second outflow channels Ch13, Ch14 (two sets in this embodiment) are arranged in the plate group 2. Moreover, the plate group 2 has at least one mixing channel Ch4 extending from the plurality of first inflow channels Ch1, Ch2 to at least one first outflow channel Ch3 and including a plurality of first spaces Sp1 (first channel R1, second channel R2, fourth channel R4, sixth channel R6), and a plurality of temperature adjustment channels Ch15, Ch16 extending from each second inflow channel Ch11, Ch12 to the second outflow channels Ch13, Ch14 corresponding to the second inflow channels Ch11, Ch12, respectively, and including at least one second space Sp2 (third channel R3, fifth channel R5), and is divided into a plurality of divided regions Ar1, Ar2 aligned in the X-axis direction. In the plate group 2, the mixing channel Ch4 is arranged to pass through each of the multiple sectional areas Ar1, Ar2, and the multiple temperature control channels Ch15, Ch16 are arranged in different sectional areas Ar1, Ar2. At least one second space Sp2 (third channel R3, fifth channel R5) included in each of these temperature control channels Ch15, Ch16 is formed in a position adjacent in the X-axis direction to the first space Sp1 (first channel R1, sixth channel R6) included in the sectional area Ar1, Ar2 in which the temperature control channels Ch15, Ch16 are arranged, via the plates 3A, 3B.

[0187] In this way, in the plate group 2, each temperature control flow path Ch15, Ch16 is arranged in a different partition area Ar1, Ar2, and therefore by adjusting the temperature of the fluids W1, W2 supplied to each second inlet channel Ch11, Ch12 (i.e., adjusting the temperature of the fluids W1, W2 flowing through each temperature control flow path Ch15, Ch16), different temperature adjustments can be made to the objects A, B to be mixed for each partition area Ar1, Ar2 in which the temperature control flow paths Ch15, Ch16 are arranged.

[0188] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the plate group 2 has a third inlet channel Ch5 extending in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2, and the third inlet channel Ch5 allows the material to be mixed B to flow into the mixing channel Ch4 from outside the plate group 2 in a partitioned region Ar2 that is the second or subsequent partitioned region in the order in which the mixing channel Ch4 passes (in the example of this embodiment, the second partitioned region). Therefore, the material to be mixed can be flowed into the mixing channel Ch4 in a partitioned region Ar2 that is the second or subsequent partitioned region in the order in which the mixing channel Ch4 passes (i.e., the material to be mixed can be flowed into the mixing channel Ch4 from partway through the mixing channel Ch4). In this case, the material to be mixed supplied from the third inlet channel Ch5 to the mixing channel Ch4 may be the same as either of the materials to be mixed A or B supplied from the first inlet channels Ch1 and Ch2, or may be a material to be mixed that is different from the materials to be mixed A or B supplied from the first inlet channels Ch1 and Ch2.

[0189] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the third inflow channel Ch5 causes the material to be mixed B to flow into the mixing channel Ch4 in the second partitioned region Ar2 where the temperature adjustment channel Ch16 is arranged. Therefore, in the plate group 2, the temperature of the materials to be mixed A and B (materials to be mixed after joining) flowing through the mixing channel Ch4 can be adjusted in the partitioned region Ar2 where another material to be mixed B joins (flows into) the materials to be mixed A and B flowing through the mixing channel Ch4 via the third inflow channel Ch5.

[0190] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the holding unit 5 has a pair of clamping units 51, 52 arranged on both sides of the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction, a support unit 53 that supports the pair of clamping units 51, 52 so as to change the distance between the pair of clamping units 51, 52, and a gap adjustment unit 58 that changes the distance between the pair of clamping units 51, 52. Therefore, by changing the distance between the pair of clamping units 51, 52 using the gap adjustment unit 58, the plate group 2 can be held by the holding unit 5 and the plate group 2 can be released from the holding unit 5.

[0191] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the plates 3A and 3B each have a gasket mounting portion 30G in which a gasket 4 can be mounted. The gasket mounting portion 30G has a shape corresponding to multiple gasket shapes, specifically, a shape in which the shapes of four types of gaskets 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are overlapped. Therefore, when changing the shape of the flow paths R1-R6 formed inside the plate group 2 by changing the shape of the gasket 4 through replacement or the like, using a gasket 4 of one of the multiple gasket shapes makes it easy to position the gasket 4 between the plates when forming the plate group 2. Furthermore, the liquid-tight state of each of the flow paths R1-R6, Ch1-Ch3, Ch5, Ch11-Ch14, Ch40, etc. is suitably maintained. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , by replacing the gasket 4E between the plates with a gasket 4F of a different shape corresponding to the gasket mounting portion 30G, the shape of the flow path R10 is changed to that of the flow path R11. For example, in the flow paths R10 and R11, the materials A and B to be mixed or the fluids W1 and W2 flow in the direction indicated by the arrow α in FIGS.

[0192] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the communication holes 31A, 31B (first communication hole to tenth communication holes 310A to 319A, 310B to 319B) of each plate 3A, 3B are each circular holes (of the same shape), and the multiple circular holes 310A to 319A, 310B to 319B are arranged in plates 3A, 3B in line symmetry with the vertical center line CL1 or the horizontal center line CL2 of the plates 3A, 3B as the axis of symmetry, or in point symmetry with the center point C1 of the plates 3A, 3B as the center of symmetry. The circular holes 31A, 31B at corresponding positions in the line symmetry or point symmetry arrangement have the same size.

[0193] According to this configuration, to form the flow path space extending in the X-axis direction inside the plate group 2, the first inlet channels Ch1, Ch2 and the first outlet channels Ch3 can be formed in one partitioned region, and the communicating holes (third through holes) 31A, 31B forming the second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12 and the second outlet channels Ch13, Ch14, etc. can be used in another partitioned region. Furthermore, to form the second inlet channels Ch11, Ch12 and the second outlet channels Ch13, Ch14 in one partitioned region, the communicating holes (first through holes) 31A, 31B forming the first inlet channels Ch1, Ch2 and the first outlet channels Ch3, etc. can be used in another partitioned region. This improves the design freedom of the shape and arrangement of the flow paths formed inside the plate group 2. Furthermore, when forming the plate group 2, the plates 3A, 3B can be inverted about the vertical center line CL1 or the horizontal center line CL2, or about the center point C1, which further improves the design freedom of the shape of the flow paths formed inside the plate group 2.

[0194] In the mixer 1 of this embodiment, for example, the communication holes 31A, 31B (eighth communication holes 317A, 317B) that are not used in the first partitioned region Ar1 are used to form the first outlet channel Ch3 in the second partitioned region Ar2. In this way, the communication holes 31A, 31B that are not used in one partitioned region may be used to form a channel in another partitioned region.

[0195] In the mixer 1 of this embodiment, for example, the communication holes 31A, 31B (sixth communication holes 315A, 315B) used to form the second outlet channel Ch14 in the first segment region Ar1 are used to form the second inlet channel Ch12 in the second segment region Ar2. In addition, for example, the communication holes 31A, 31B (fifth communication holes 314A, 314B) used to form the second inlet channel Ch12 in the first segment region Ar1 are used to form the second outlet channel Ch14 in the second segment region Ar2.

[0196] In this way, the communicating holes 31A, 31B that were used to form the first inflow channels Ch1, Ch2 or the second inflow channels Ch11, Ch12 in one partitioned area may be used to form the first outflow channel Ch3 or the second outflow channels Ch13, Ch14 in another partitioned area.

[0197] In addition, the communicating holes 31A, 31B used to form the first outflow channel Ch3 or the second outflow channels Ch13, Ch14 in one partitioned area may be used to form the first inflow channels Ch1, Ch2 or the second inflow channels Ch11, Ch12 in another partitioned area.

[0198] The plate-type mixer of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, or part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0199] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the plate group 2 is configured to mix two types of materials to be mixed, A and B, but is not limited to this configuration. The plate group 2 may also be configured (flow path arrangement) to mix three or more types of materials to be mixed.

[0200] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the plates 3 in the plate group 2 are arranged so that the stacking direction is horizontal, but this configuration is not limited to this. The mixer 1 may also be configured so that the plates 3 are arranged so that the stacking direction is a direction other than horizontal, such as up and down.

[0201] In the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, all of the plates 3 and gaskets 4 constituting the plate group 2 can be disassembled (in other words, can be separated), but this configuration is not limited to this. Only the plates 3 and gaskets 4 constituting a partial region of the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction may be configured to be disassembled.

[0202] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, each plate 3 has at least one mixing through-hole 35A, 35B (i.e., a through-hole (second through-hole) that connects adjacent first spaces Sp1 in the X-axis direction via the plate 3), but this configuration is not limited to this. Only some of the multiple plates 3 that make up the plate group 2 may have the mixing through-hole 35A, 35B, or none of the plates 3 may have the mixing through-hole 35A, 35B. Furthermore, different numbers and shapes of mixing through-holes 35A, 35B may be arranged on each plate 3. Furthermore, all of the mixing through-holes 35A, 35B on the same plate 3 do not have to be the same shape or size.

[0203] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the plate group 2 has two types of plates 3A and 3B that differ in shape (for example, the shapes and arrangements of the convex portions 301 and concave portions 302, the arrangement of the through holes, etc.), but is not limited to this configuration. The plate group 2 may be configured to have only one type of plate 3, or may be configured to have three or more types of plates 3.

[0204] Furthermore, the specific shape, arrangement, number, etc., of the communicating holes 31A, 31B of the plate 3 are not limited. For example, in the plate 3 of this embodiment, the multiple communicating holes 31A, 31B are arranged on the plates 3A, 3B in line symmetry with the longitudinal center line CL1 or the lateral center line CL2 of the plates 3A, 3B as the axis of symmetry, or in point symmetry with the center point C1 of the plates 3A, 3B as the center of symmetry. However, this configuration is not limited. The multiple communicating holes 31A, 31B may be arranged on the plate 3 in line symmetry with the axis of symmetry being a line on the plate 3 other than the longitudinal center line CL1 or the lateral center line CL2, or in point symmetry with the center point C1 on the plate 3 as the center of symmetry. Furthermore, the multiple communicating holes 31A, 31B may be arranged on the plate 3 in neither line symmetry nor point symmetry.

[0205] The numbers of communicating holes 31A, 31B in each plate 3 do not have to be the same. The multiple communicating holes 31A, 31B arranged on the same plate may include communicating holes of different sizes, shapes, etc. In the plates 3A, 3B of the above embodiment, the first communicating holes 310A, 310B and tenth communicating holes 319A, 319B have different sizes (first inner diameter d1) from the second to ninth communicating holes 311A, 311B to 318A, 318B have different sizes (second inner diameter d2), but all communicating holes 31A, 31B on the same plate 3A, 3B may have the same size (inner diameter) and the same shape.

[0206] In the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the plate group 2 has four types of gaskets 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, but is not limited to this configuration. The plate group 2 may have one to three types, or five or more types of gaskets 4.

[0207] In the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the gasket 4 is sandwiched between the plates to form the first space Sp1, or at least one first space Sp1 and at least one second space Sp2, but is not limited to this configuration. The gasket 4 may be configured to form only the second space Sp2 between the plates.

[0208] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the holding unit 5 is configured to hold the plate group 2 by sandwiching the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction between the pair of clamping units 51, 52, but is not limited to this configuration. The holding unit 5 may have another configuration as long as it can apply force to the plate group 2 in a sandwiching direction in the X-axis direction to bring the plates 3 and the gaskets 4 into close contact with each other and hold the plate group 2 in a state where each flow path space (first space Sp1, second space Sp2, etc.) formed between the plates is liquid-tight.

[0209] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the plate group 2 has two sectional regions Ar1 and Ar2, but may have three or more sectional regions Ar1, Ar2, ... In this case, the temperature adjustment flow path (second space Sp2) may be disposed in each of the sectional regions Ar1, Ar2, ..., or may be disposed in only some of the sectional regions.

[0210] When the temperature control flow path (second space Sp2) is arranged in each of the multiple partition areas Ar1, Ar2, ..., a second inlet path that allows fluid to flow from the outside of the plate group 2 into the temperature control flow path (second space Sp2) of the corresponding partition area, and a second outlet path that allows fluid to flow from the temperature control flow path (second space Sp2) of the corresponding partition area to the outside of the plate group 2, extend to each partition area Ar1, Ar2, ...

[0211] Furthermore, when the plate group 2 has three or more sectional areas Ar1, Ar2, ..., the plate group 2 may have a plurality of third inlet channels Ch5, and each of these plurality of third inlet channels Ch5 may be configured to cause the materials A and B to be mixed to flow into the mixing channel Ch4 in different sectional areas Ar1, Ar2, ..., in which the temperature adjustment channels are arranged. According to this configuration, in the plate group 2, the materials A and B to be mixed (materials to be mixed after joining) flowing through the mixing channel Ch4 can be individually temperature-adjusted for each sectional area where the material B to be mixed joins (flows into) the materials A and B to be mixed through the mixing channel Ch4 via the third inlet channel Ch5.

[0212] In addition, in the plate group 2 of the above embodiment, one set (mixing set) of a plurality of first inflow channels Ch1, Ch2, at least one first outflow channel Ch3, and a mixing channel Ch4 connecting the plurality of first inflow channels Ch1, Ch2 and the at least one first outflow channel Ch3 is arranged (formed), but is not limited to this configuration. The plate group 2 may have a plurality of the mixing sets.

[0213] Furthermore, the plate group 2 in the above embodiment is divided into an area (first partitioned area) Ar1 in which the first temperature adjustment channel Ch15 is arranged and an area (second partitioned area) Ar2 in which the second temperature adjustment channel Ch16 is arranged, i.e., the plate group 2 is divided into partitioned areas Ar1 and Ar2 for each area in which different temperature adjustment channels Ch15, Ch16 are arranged, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the plate group 2 may be divided into a partitioned area in which a temperature adjustment channel is arranged and a partitioned area in which no temperature adjustment channel is arranged.

[0214] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the plate group 2 has two inflow channels (first inflow channels) Ch1 and Ch2 that allow the materials A and B to be mixed to flow into each first space Sp1 from outside the plate group 2, but this configuration is not limited to this. The plate group 2 may have three or more inflow channels depending on the types (number) of materials to be mixed. Furthermore, the plate group 2 may be configured so that the number (total number) of the first inflow channels Ch1 and Ch2 and the third inflow channel Ch5 is the same as the types (number) of materials to be mixed.

[0215] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, fluids W1, W1 of the same temperature are supplied to the two partitioned regions Ar1, Ar2 (temperature adjustment channels Ch15, Ch16), but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the plate group 2 may have a partitioned region for heating and a partitioned region for cooling the objects A, B to be mixed. That is, in the plate group 2, fluids W1, W2, ... of different temperatures may be supplied to each of the partitioned regions Ar1, Ar2, ....

[0216] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, all of the multiple openings for supplying the materials A, B or the fluids W1, W2 to the inside of the plate group 2 and the multiple openings for discharging them from the inside of the plate group 2 are arranged at one end in the X-axis direction (one of the clamping units 51), but this configuration is not limited to this. Some of the multiple openings for supplying the materials A, B or the fluids W1, W2 to the inside of the plate group 2 and the multiple openings for discharging them from the inside of the plate group 2 may be arranged at an intermediate position in the X-axis direction of the plate group 2 or at the end on the other side in the X-axis direction (the other clamping unit 52). [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 1…Mixer, 2…Plate group, 3…Plate, 3A…First Plate, 3B…Second Plate, 30E…Connecting part, 30G…Gusket placement part, 301…Protrusion, 302…Recess, 31A, 31B…Connecting hole (U-shaped hole), 310A, 310B…First connecting hole, 311A, 311B…Second connecting hole, 312A, 312B…Third connecting hole, 313A, 313B…Fourth connecting hole, 314A, 314B…Fifth connecting hole, 315A, 315B…Sixth connecting hole, 316A, 316B…Seventh connecting hole, 317A, 317B…Eighth connecting hole, 318A, 318B…Ninth connecting hole, 319A, 319B…Tenth connecting hole, 35A, 35B…Mixed through hole (second through hole), 4…Gusket, 4A…First gutket, 41A…First flow path forming section, 42A…First sealing section, 43A…Connection section, 4B…Second gutket, 41B…Second flow path forming section, 42B…Third flow path forming section, 43B…Second sealing section, 44B…Connection section Part 4C…Third Gasket, 41C…Fourth Flow Path Forming Part, 42C…Fifth Flow Path Forming Part, 43C…Third Sealing Part, 44C…Connection Part, 4D…Fourth Gasket, 41D…Sixth Flow Path Forming Part, 42D…Fourth Sealing Part, 43D…Connection Part, 5…Holding Part, 51, 52…Holding Part, 511~518…Through Hole, 5 19, 529…Connecting part, 521…Guide part, 53…Support part, 531…Guide bar, 532…Support part, 58…Interval adjustment part, 581…Attachment part, 582…Bolt, 583…Natch, 600…Mixer, 601…Erement, 602…Mixer body, 603…Minimum unit part, A, B…Mixing object, Ar1…First dividing area, Ar2…Second dividing area, Ar31…First area, Ar32…Second area, Ar33…Third area, C…Mix, C1…Center point, CL1…Vertical centerline, CL2…Horizontal centerline, Ch1, Ch2…First inflow path, Ch3…First outflow path, Ch4…Mixing flow path, C h5…Third inflow path, Ch11, Ch12…Second inflow path, Ch13, Ch14…Second outflow path, Ch15…First temperature adjustment flow path, Ch16…Second temperature adjustment flow path, Ch40…Connection path, R1…First flow path (first space), R2…Second flow path (first space), R3…Third flow path (second space), R4…Fourth flow path (first space), R5…Fifth flow path (second space), R6…Sixth flow path (first space), R10, R11…Flow path, S1, S3…First surface, S2, S4…Second surface, Sp1…First space, Sp2…Second space, W1, W2…Flow material, c…Central axis, d1…First inner diameter, d2…Second inner diameter, α1, α2α4, α6...flow direction of the material to be mixed, α3, α5...flow direction of the fluid,

Claims

1. a plate group including a plurality of plates stacked in a predetermined direction and a plurality of gaskets sandwiched between two plates adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction to form a first space between the plates in cooperation with the two plates through which the material to be mixed flows; a holding portion that releasably holds the plate group, The plate group comprises: a plurality of first inlet channels extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the first space, thereby allowing the material to be mixed to flow from the outside of the plate group into the first space; and at least one first outlet path extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the first space to allow the material to be mixed to flow out of the plate group from the first space, The mixing target materials that flow into the first space through different first inlet channels are mixed together, and the mixing target materials are configured to be disassembled into the plate and the gasket when released from the holding portion, the first space is a space surrounded by a predetermined gasket sandwiched between two plates adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction, the first inflow passage and the first outflow passage of the plate group are formed by first through holes that penetrate in the predetermined direction at positions in the plates corresponding to the first inflow passages or the first outflow passages and that are connected in the predetermined direction when the plurality of plates are stacked in the predetermined direction, The plurality of gaskets include a plurality of types of gaskets having different shapes, Each of the plurality of types of gaskets has the same contour when viewed from the predetermined direction, and forms at least one of the first space and a second space through which a temperature-regulating fluid flows between the plates; the plate has a gasket placement portion on which the gasket can be placed, the gasket placement portion has a shape corresponding to the shapes of the plurality of types of gaskets, The plate group comprises: at least one second inlet channel extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the second space to allow the fluid to flow from the outside of the plate group into the second space; at least one second outlet path extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group and communicating with the second space to allow the fluid to flow from the second space to the outside of the plate group, The second space is a space surrounded by a specified gasket sandwiched between two plates adjacent to each other in the specified direction, and is formed in the plate group at a position adjacent to the first space in the specified direction via the plate.

2. 2. The plate-type mixer according to claim 1, wherein at least one plate of the plurality of plates has at least one second through-hole that connects two first spaces adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction in the plate group, at a portion that separates the two first spaces.

3. a plurality of pairs of the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel are arranged in the plate group, The plate group comprises: at least one mixing channel extending from the plurality of first inlet channels to the at least one first outlet channel and including a plurality of the first spaces; a plurality of temperature adjustment flow paths each extending from a second inlet channel to a second outlet channel corresponding to the second inlet channel and each including at least one second space; The device is divided into a plurality of partitioned regions arranged in the predetermined direction, the mixing flow channel is arranged to pass through each of the plurality of partitioned regions, The plurality of temperature adjustment flow paths are arranged in different divided regions, 3. The plate-type mixer according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second space included in each temperature control flow path is formed at a position adjacent to the first space included in the partitioned region in which the temperature control flow path is arranged, via the plate, in the predetermined direction.

4. the plate group has a third inlet passage extending in the predetermined direction inside the plate group, The plate-type mixer according to claim 3, wherein the third inlet channel allows the material to be mixed to flow into the mixing channel from outside the plate group in the second or subsequent divided area in the order in which the mixing channel passes.

5. The plate-type mixer according to claim 4 , wherein the third inlet channel causes the materials to be mixed to flow into the mixing channel in the partitioned region where the temperature adjustment channel is arranged.

6. a plurality of the third inlet channels are arranged in the plate group, The plate-type mixer according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of third inlet channels is a mutually different partitioned region in which the temperature control channel is arranged, and causes the material to be mixed to flow into the mixing channel in the partitioned region.

7. The holding portion is a pair of clamping portions disposed on both sides of the plate group in the predetermined direction; a support portion that supports the pair of clamping portions so as to change the interval between the pair of clamping portions; The plate-type mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a gap adjustment unit that changes the gap between the pair of clamping units.

8. the plate has a gasket placement portion on which the gasket can be placed, 8. The plate-type mixer according to claim 1, wherein the gasket placement portion has a shape corresponding to a plurality of types of gasket shapes.

9. the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel are each formed by third through holes that penetrate the plate in the predetermined direction at corresponding positions of the plate and are connected in the predetermined direction, the plate has three or more of the first through holes and two or more of the third through holes; The plate-type mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first through holes and the third through holes are through holes of the same size and shape.

10. When viewed from the predetermined direction, the plate has a rectangular shape that is long in one direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the first through hole and the third through hole are circular holes, The plate-type mixer of claim 9, wherein the plurality of circular holes, including the first through hole and the third through hole, are arranged in line symmetry in the plate with a center line extending in the longitudinal direction or a center line extending in the lateral direction of the plate as the axis of symmetry, or are arranged in point symmetry with a center point of the plate as the center of symmetry.

11. the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel are each formed by third through holes that penetrate the plate in the predetermined direction at corresponding positions of the plate and are connected in the predetermined direction, the first through hole and the third through hole are circular holes, the plurality of circular holes including the first through hole and the third through hole are arranged in the plate in line symmetry with a center line extending in a longitudinal direction or a center line extending in a lateral direction of the plate as an axis of symmetry, or in point symmetry with a center point of the plate as a center of symmetry, The plate-type mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the circular holes at corresponding positions in the line-symmetric or point-symmetric arrangement have the same size.

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