Mixing container

Abstract

The objective is to provide a method and apparatus for producing emulsions with a simple structure and at low cost. [Solution] The mixing vessel according to the present invention is a mixing vessel that generates an emulsion composed of dispersed particles, which are dispersed particles, and a dispersion medium that disperses the dispersed particles. It comprises a mixing region located at the uppermost reaches, which forms a high-speed jet fluid of the dispersion medium or dispersed particles moving from upstream to downstream and generates microbubbles. The mixing region includes a dispersed particles inlet for introducing the dispersed particles, a dispersion medium inlet for introducing the dispersion medium, and an emulsifier inlet for introducing the emulsifier. Microbubbles are generated in the internal solution containing the dispersion medium, dispersed particles, and emulsifier, and when these microbubbles burst, an emulsion of the dispersed particles and dispersion medium is generated.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a mixing container. [Background technology]

[0002] Many products are known to be produced by mixing water and oil and emulsifying them to create emulsions. For example, emulsion fuels produced by mixing fuel oil with water are well known. Methods for producing emulsions by mixing water and oil include using conventional agitators with rotors or ultrasonic agitators.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for producing emulsion fuel by mixing fuel oil and an emulsifier, preparing a mixture by stirring while adding water dropwise, performing a first stirring with a high-pressure stirrer, and after its completion, creating turbulence in the mixture by rotating it at high speed for 1 to 30 minutes with a high-speed rotary stirrer. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-71732 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the emulsion manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires a multi-stage stirring process in which the emulsion is first stirred using a high-pressure stirrer, and then stirred at high speed using a high-speed rotary stirrer after the initial stirring is complete, in order to produce an emulsion with a uniform particle size. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus is complex and the manufacturing cost is high. Furthermore, emulsion manufacturing apparatuses that utilize ultrasonic stirrers, etc., also have a complex structure. What is needed is a method and apparatus that can produce emulsions with a simple structure and at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The mixing vessel according to the present invention is a mixing vessel that generates an emulsion composed of dispersed particles, which are dispersed particles, and a dispersion medium that disperses the dispersed particles, and comprises a mixing region located at the uppermost reaches, which forms a high-speed jet fluid of the dispersion medium or dispersed particles moving from upstream to downstream and generates microbubbles. The mixing region includes a dispersed particles inlet for introducing the dispersed particles, a dispersion medium inlet for introducing the dispersion medium, and an emulsifier inlet for introducing an emulsifier, and is characterized in that microbubbles are generated in the internal solution containing the dispersion medium, the dispersed particles, and the emulsifier, and when these microbubbles burst, an emulsion of the dispersed particles and the dispersion medium is generated.

[0007] The mixing vessel according to the present invention is equipped with a mixing region located at the uppermost reaches, which forms a high-speed jet of dispersion medium or dispersed phase moving from upstream to downstream and generates microbubbles. Microbubbles are generated in the internal solution containing the dispersion medium, dispersed phase, and emulsifier, and when these microbubbles burst, an emulsion of dispersed phase and dispersion medium is generated. By forming a high-speed jet of dispersion medium or dispersed phase in the internal solution containing the dispersion medium, dispersed phase, and emulsifier, microbubbles are generated, and an emulsion of dispersed phase and dispersion medium can be generated due to these microbubbles. As a result, the structure of the apparatus is simple and the manufacturing cost of the emulsion can be reduced. Furthermore, since the dispersion medium, dispersed phase, and emulsifier are mixed using microbubbles to generate the emulsion, an emulsion with a uniform particle size can be produced.

[0008] Furthermore, the mixing vessel according to the present invention may be characterized by further comprising: a transfer area provided downstream of the mixing area through which microbubbles flow; and an extension pipe whose downstream end is connected to the upstream end of the transfer area and whose upstream end extends into the interior of the mixing area.

[0009] In the mixing vessel according to the present invention, a transfer region through which microbubbles flow is provided downstream of the mixing region. This allows the emulsion of the dispersed phase and dispersion medium generated in the mixing region to be further mixed, thereby producing a homogeneous emulsion with a nearly constant mixing ratio of dispersed phase and dispersion medium. Furthermore, by providing an extension tube with its downstream end connected to the upstream end of the transfer region and its upstream end extending into the mixing region, the same effect as if the upstream end of the transfer region were substantially moved to the upstream end of the extension tube can be obtained. This allows the length of the mixing region in the extension direction for generating the emulsion of dispersed phase and dispersion medium to be adjusted by the length of the extension tube. When the amount of emulsion to be generated changes, it is necessary to adjust the volume of the mixing region or the length of the mixing region in the extension direction according to the amount of emulsion. By providing an extension tube and adjusting the length of this extension tube, it is possible to obtain the same function and effect as if the length of the mixing region in the extension direction were adjusted.

[0010] Furthermore, the mixing vessel according to the present invention may be further characterized by comprising a stirring section provided downstream of the mixing area to homogenize the generated emulsion. This allows the generated emulsion to be homogenized by the stirring section provided downstream of the mixing area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The mixing vessel according to the present invention is equipped with a mixing region located at the uppermost reaches, which forms a high-speed jet of dispersion medium or dispersed phase moving from upstream to downstream and generates microbubbles. Microbubbles are generated in the internal solution containing the dispersion medium, dispersed phase, and emulsifier, and when these microbubbles burst, an emulsion of dispersed phase and dispersion medium is generated. By forming a high-speed jet of dispersion medium or dispersed phase in the internal solution containing the dispersion medium, dispersed phase, and emulsifier, microbubbles are generated, and an emulsion of dispersed phase and dispersion medium can be generated due to these microbubbles. As a result, the structure of the apparatus is simple and the manufacturing cost of the emulsion can be reduced. Furthermore, since the dispersion medium, dispersed phase, and emulsifier are mixed using microbubbles to generate the emulsion, an emulsion with a uniform particle size can be produced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mixing container according to the first embodiment. Figure 1(a) shows a front view of the mixing container as seen from the front, and Figure 1(b) shows a side view of the mixing container as seen from the side. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-sectional view of the mixing vessel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a modified side cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a mixing auxiliary member according to the first embodiment. Figure 4(a) shows a side view of the mixing auxiliary member viewed from the side, and Figure 4(b) shows a front view of the mixing auxiliary member viewed from the front. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a modified mixing plate of the mixing auxiliary member. Figure 5(a) shows a side view of the mixing auxiliary member viewed from the side, and Figure 5(b) shows a front view of the mixing auxiliary member viewed from the front. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing another modification of the mixing plate of the mixing auxiliary member. Note that FIG. 6(a) shows a side view of the mixing auxiliary member viewed from the lateral direction, and FIG. 6(b) shows a front view of the mixing auxiliary member viewed from the front direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional view of the nozzle portion of the mixing container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for schematically explaining the operating principle of the mixing container according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the result of measuring the particle size distribution of the mixture generated using the mixing container. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the mixing container according to the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 10(a) is a diagram schematically showing a side cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the second embodiment. Further, FIG. 10(b) is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional view taken along the X-X line of FIG. 10(a). In FIG. 10, a fluid control structure is provided in the mixing chamber of the mixing container. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing another mixing container according to the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a side cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the second embodiment. Further, FIG. 11(b) is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional view taken along the XI-XI line of FIG. 11(a). In FIG. 11, a fluid control structure different from the fluid control structure shown in FIG. 10 is provided in the mixing chamber of the mixing container.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The mixing container according to some embodiments, and a mixing method using the mixing container will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, in the description, terms indicating directions such as "upper" and "lower" are for convenience based on the state shown in the drawings.

[0014] (First Embodiment) The mixing container 1 according to this embodiment provides a device that can easily mix water and oil to obtain an emulsion mixture. Furthermore, the mixing container 1 can, in principle, mix water and oil without the need for a stirring device. It also enables continuous mixing of water and oil.

[0015] Figure 1 schematically shows a mixing container according to this embodiment. Figure 1(a) shows the mixing container as viewed from the front, and Figure 1(b) shows the mixing container as viewed from the side. Figure 2 schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the mixing container 1. Figure 1 also shows a reference line S that passes through the center of the mixing container 1 and extends in the direction of extension of the mixing container 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mixing container 1 according to this embodiment may have a mixing region 2 for supplying and mixing water and oil, a transfer region 3 connected to the mixing region 2 and for transferring the mixture mixed in the mixing region 2, and a separation region 4 connected to the transfer region 3 and for taking out the mixture transferred via the transfer region 3. The mixing region 2, the transfer region 3, and the separation region 4 are arranged in order in the first direction, which is the direction of extension of the mixing container 1.

[0016] Mixing area 2 is an area for supplying and mixing water and oil. Mixing chamber 5 is provided in mixing area 2. Mixing chamber 5 may have a sealed structure that can be pressurized to atmospheric pressure or above atmospheric pressure, for example.

[0017] The mixing chamber 5 may have a cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross-section. However, it is not limited to this, and the mixing chamber 5 may have a cylindrical shape with a substantially elliptical, substantially rectangular, or polygonal cross-section. The mixing chamber 5 is connected to a water injection pipe 6 and an oil injection pipe 7 for supplying water and oil, which are the raw materials, to the mixing chamber 5, respectively. In this embodiment, the mixing chamber 5 and the water injection pipe 6 and the oil injection pipe 7 are connected using flange joints to make them detachable. Furthermore, the mixing chamber 5 is connected to an emulsifier injection pipe 8 for supplying an emulsifier to make the mixture into an emulsion. The mixing chamber 5 and the emulsifier injection pipe 8 are connected using flange joints. In addition, a water pressure pump (not shown) for controlling the pressure of the supplied water can be connected to the water injection pipe 6. An oil pressure pump (not shown) for controlling the pressure of the supplied oil can be connected to the oil injection pipe 7. Furthermore, an emulsifier pressure pump (not shown) for controlling the pressure of the supplied emulsifier can be connected to the emulsifier oil injection pipe 8. Flange joints for connecting the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 are attached to the side of the mixing chamber 5, and the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied from the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 are supplied into the mixing chamber 5 from the side of the mixing chamber 5.

[0018] Note that water can be either the dispersed phase or the dispersion medium that disperses the dispersed phase. When oil is the dispersed phase, water can be the dispersion medium (oil-in-water (O / W)). Also, when water is the dispersed phase, oil can be the dispersion medium (water-in-oil (W / O)). For simplicity, the following explanation will describe the case where oil is the dispersed phase and water is the dispersion medium (oil-in-water (O / W)). In this case, the water injection pipe 6 corresponds to the dispersion medium inlet, and the oil injection pipe 7 corresponds to the dispersed phase inlet. The emulsifier injection pipe 8 corresponds to the emulsifier inlet.

[0019] Emulsifiers are a type of surfactant. For example, when mixing with machine oil, alpha sulfonic acid esters can be used. In addition to machine oil, various other types of oils, such as edible oils, can be used as the oil to be mixed with water. The emulsifier can be selected according to the type of oil being mixed.

[0020] Furthermore, a nozzle section 11 is connected to the mixing chamber 5 for ejecting a high-pressure water stream (hereinafter referred to as pressurized water) in the extension direction (first direction) of the mixing container 1. The nozzle section 10 is configured to eject pressurized water in the first direction when the mixing chamber 5 is supplied with water and oil and filled. A first pipe 18 for supplying water is connected to the nozzle section 11, and a pressure pump 19 (not shown) connected to the first pipe 18 supplies high-pressure water to the nozzle section 11 via the first pipe 18. In this embodiment, the pressure of the water supplied to the nozzle section 11 can be 1 to 10 MPa. Also, the amount of water supplied to the nozzle section 11 is 0.06 m³, depending on the inner diameter of the nozzle. 3 / hr~5.0m 3 It can be set to / hr. Also, the inner diameter of the discharge section 15 at the tip of the nozzle section 11 can be in the range of 1 to 20 mm. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the discharge section 15 is approximately 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Also, the inner diameter of the discharge section 15 is 2 mm, the water pressure supplied to the nozzle section 11 is 2.5 MPa, and the water flow rate is 0.6 m 3 At a rate of / hr, the flow velocity of the pressurized water ejected from the nozzle 11 can be set to 53 m / s. The nozzle 11 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The nozzle portion 11 is a surface that extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction (first direction) of the side surface of the mixing chamber 5, and can be attached to the approximate center of the substantially cylindrical mixing chamber 5. As described above, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied from the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 can be supplied radially to the mixing chamber 5 from the side surface. On the other hand, the nozzle portion 11 attached to the surface of the mixing chamber 5 extends in the first direction, and pressurized water (high-speed jet fluid) is ejected in the first direction from the discharge portion 15 of the nozzle portion 11. In other words, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied to the mixing chamber 5 are supplied to the interior from a direction intersecting the ejection direction (first direction) of the pressurized water ejected from the discharge portion 15 of the nozzle portion 11 (in the following description, the direction intersecting the first direction will be referred to as the second direction). As a result, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied to the mixing chamber 5 are mixed more efficiently by the pressurized water, and an emulsion mixture (mixed fluid) can be produced.

[0022] In this embodiment, the extension directions of the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 connected to the mixing chamber 5 can be offset from the radial direction of the mixing chamber 5. (A cross-sectional view looking inside from the nozzle side has been added.) As a result, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied into the mixing chamber 5 from the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 are supplied in a direction offset from the center of the mixing chamber 5. The pressurized water ejected from the nozzle section 11 is ejected in the axial direction (extension direction) of the mixing chamber 5 as a water flow flux with a predetermined cross-sectional area. The water, oil, and emulsifier are supplied in a direction offset from the center of the mixing chamber 5. In other words, the water, oil, and emulsifier are supplied near the water flow flux of the pressurized water without intersecting it. In this embodiment, as described above, the mixing chamber 5 has a sealed structure, and pressurized water, oil, and emulsifier are supplied to the mixing chamber 5 from the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 connected to the mixing chamber 5 by pumps (not shown), maintaining an environment with a pressure of atmospheric pressure or higher inside the mixing chamber 5. As a result, the water, oil, and emulsifier are uniformly mixed with the high-pressure water ejected from the nozzle, producing an emulsion with uniform particle sizes. Furthermore, the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 are connected to the mixing chamber 5 such that their extension directions are offset from the radial direction of the mixing chamber 5, and the water, oil, and emulsifier are supplied into the mixing chamber 5 in a direction offset from the center of the mixing chamber 5, thereby enveloping the water flux of the pressurized water. This allows the water, oil, and emulsifier to be mixed more uniformly and then transported to the transfer area 3.

[0023] As will be described in detail later, the transfer area 3 is provided with a cylindrical transfer pipe 21 connected to the mixing chamber 5, and the inner diameter of the transfer pipe 21 is designed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the mixing chamber 5. The pressure and flow rate of the pressurized water, water, oil, and emulsifier injected into the mixing chamber 5, and the balance of the resistance to the fluid as the mixed fluid containing these pressurized water, water, oil, and emulsifier is transported to the transfer pipe of the transfer container 3, determine the pressure in the mixing chamber 5 and the mixing time of the water, oil, and emulsifier by the pressurized water in the mixing chamber 5.

[0024] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, a roughly cylindrical transfer pipe 21 is provided in the transfer area 3. The transfer pipe 21 extends in approximately the same direction as the extension direction (first direction) of the mixing chamber 5. A first opening 25 is provided on the back surface opposite to the surface to which the nozzle portion 11 of the mixing chamber 5 is connected. Furthermore, a second opening 26 at one end of the transfer pipe 21 and the first opening 25 of the mixing chamber 5 are positioned opposite each other and connected. In this embodiment, the second opening 26 of the transfer pipe 21 and the first opening 25 of the mixing chamber 5 are connected to each other by a flange joint. In addition, the transfer pipe 21 and the mixing chamber 5 are connected such that their respective central axes approximately coincide with the reference line S. In other words, when viewing the transfer pipe 21 in the first direction from the surface of the mixing chamber 5, the inner bore of the transfer pipe 21 can be seen through the first opening 25 and the second opening 26.

[0025] The transfer pipe 21 may have a cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross-section, corresponding to the shape of the mixing chamber 5. However, it is not limited to this, and the transfer pipe 21 may have a cylindrical shape with a substantially elliptical, substantially rectangular, or polygonal cross-section, corresponding to the shape of the mixing chamber 5.

[0026] With water, oil, and emulsifier supplied to the mixing chamber 5, pressurized water is ejected from the discharge section 15 of the nozzle section 11 in a first direction, mixing the water, oil, and emulsifier. Furthermore, the pressurized water ejected from the discharge section 15 of the nozzle section 11 can pass through the first and second openings and reach the third opening 27 on the other end of the transfer pipe 21. At this time, the water, oil, and emulsifier mixed in the mixing chamber 5 can move through the transfer pipe 21 in the first direction while being further mixed by the pressurized water.

[0027] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the transfer pipe 21 is designed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the mixing chamber 5. As a result, the flow velocity of the mixture (mixed fluid) that has been mixed and become an emulsion in the mixing chamber 5 becomes greater when it passes through the transfer pipe 21 than the flow velocity in the mixing chamber 5. This causes the emulsion mixture (mixed fluid) to be further mixed as it passes through the transfer pipe 21. In this embodiment, the inner diameter (diameter) of the mixing chamber 5 is approximately 30 mm, and the inner diameter (diameter) of the transfer pipe 21 can be approximately 10 mm. Preferably, the ratio of the inner diameter (diameter) of the mixing chamber 5 to the inner diameter (diameter) of the transfer pipe 21 can be in the range of 1.5:1 to 10:1. The length of the transfer pipe 21 can be approximately 200 mm to 2000 mm.

[0028] Furthermore, Figure 3 schematically shows a modified side cross-sectional view of the mixing container 101 according to this embodiment. In the mixing container 1 shown in Figure 2, the second opening 26 at one end of the transfer pipe 21 and the first opening 25 of the mixing chamber 5 are arranged opposite each other and connected to one another. However, in the mixing container 101 shown in Figure 3, one end of the transfer pipe 21 can have an extension pipe 109 that protrudes into the mixing chamber 5.

[0029] Depending on the amount of water and oil to be mixed, it is necessary to adjust the volume of the mixing chamber 5, or the volume of the mixing area within the mixing chamber 5. For example, if the amount of water and oil to be mixed is large, the flight time of the pressurized water needs to be increased, and the mixing time needs to be increased, so the volume of the mixing area needs to be increased. On the other hand, if the amount of water and oil to be mixed is small, the mixing time can be shorter, so the volume of the mixing area can be reduced.

[0030] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the volume of the mixing area within the mixing chamber 5 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the extension pipe 109 that protrudes into the mixing chamber 5 according to the amount of water and oil to be mixed. Therefore, the same effect as if the volume of the mixing chamber 5 had been changed can be achieved without actually changing the volume of the mixing chamber 5. In other words, by adjusting the length of the extension pipe 109 that protrudes into the mixing chamber 5, the volume of the mixing area where water and oil are mixed within the mixing chamber 5 can be easily adjusted. As a result, water, oil, and emulsifier can be mixed efficiently. In this embodiment, a structure is adopted in which one end of the transfer pipe 21 is extended into the mixing chamber 5 to form the extension pipe 109, and the length of the extension pipe 109 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the transfer pipe 21 that extends into the mixing chamber 5. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the extension pipe 109 may be detachably attached to the mixing chamber 5. In this case, the length of the extension pipe 109 extending into the mixing chamber 5 can be adjusted by selecting and replacing extension pipes 109 of different lengths depending on the type or amount of oil to be mixed.

[0031] Furthermore, by providing an extension pipe 109 that protrudes into the mixing chamber 5 from one end of the transfer pipe 21, the extension pipe 109 can function as a guide. As a result, pressurized water and water and oil in emulsion state can be reliably transported along the extension pipe 109 to the transfer pipe 21 in the transfer area.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to increase the mixing efficiency of the mixture (mixed fluid) that has become an emulsion in the transfer pipe 21, a mixing auxiliary member 30 can be provided inside the transfer pipe 21. In this embodiment, the mixing auxiliary member 30 corresponds to the stirring section. Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the mixing auxiliary member 30 provided inside the transfer pipe 21. As shown in Figure 4, the mixing auxiliary member 30 can be attached and fixed to the flange connecting the transfer pipe 21 and the separation container 40 provided in the separation region 4. Figure 4(a) shows a side view of the mixing auxiliary member 30 viewed from the side, and Figure 4(b) shows a front view of the mixing auxiliary member 30 viewed from the front.

[0033] The mixing auxiliary member 30 further mixes the mixture (mixed fluid) that has moved into the transfer pipe 21, and may have one or more mixing plates 31. Referring to Figure 4, the mixing plates 31 may include a first mixing plate 31a and a second mixing plate 31b, which are plate-shaped and arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. It may also have a support rod 33 for supporting the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b. The support rod 33 can be supported by being inserted through holes provided in the periphery of the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b and fixed to the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b. The first mixing plate 31a may have a donut shape with a first through hole 32a in its approximate center. The second mixing plate 31b may also have a donut shape with a second through hole 32b in its approximate center.

[0034] The diameters of the through holes 32 (32a, 32b) formed in the approximate center of the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b can be set to approximately 30 mm each, when the inner diameter of the transfer pipe 21 is approximately 50 mm. Although the diameters of the through holes 32 (32a, 32b) formed in the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b are set to approximately the same value, the system is not limited to this, and the diameters of the through holes 32 (32a, 32b) formed in the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b may be different.

[0035] From the discharge section 15 of the nozzle section 11, pressurized water is ejected in a first direction, and the water, oil, and emulsifier mixed in the mixing chamber 5 are moved into the transfer pipe 21 while being mixed. Subsequently, the mixed water, oil, and emulsifier are further uniformly mixed by the mixing auxiliary member 30 provided in the transfer pipe 21, and the particle size reduction progresses. In this embodiment, the mixed fluid containing the mixed water, oil, and emulsifier is agitated as it collides with the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b of the mixing auxiliary member 30, and is transported in a first direction, thereby enabling uniform mixing, particle size reduction, and further emulsification.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b of the mixing auxiliary member 30 can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the reference axis S (the extension direction of the transfer pipe 21). This allows the mixture of water, oil, and emulsifier that collides with the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b to be further stirred, uniformly mixed, and further emulsion formation to be promoted. However, the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b may also be arranged at an inclination with respect to the extension direction of the reference axis S (the extension direction of the transfer pipe 21). Furthermore, the inclination of the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b may be changed. This allows for adjustment of the stirring and mixing state of the water, oil, and emulsifier by the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b. In this embodiment, the inclination of the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b can be freely changed by moving the support rods supporting the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b in a first direction. When the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b are mounted almost perpendicular to the extension direction of the reference axis S (the extension direction of the transfer pipe 21), the collision between the water, oil, and emulsifier moving inside the transfer pipe 21 and the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b is maximized, making agitation easier and increasing the mixing efficiency. On the other hand, turbulence may occur depending on the amount of water or oil to be processed, or the amount and pressure of the pressurized water ejected from the nozzle section 11, causing stagnation in the liquid. By tilting the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b, the generation of turbulence can be suppressed, thereby reducing the occurrence of stagnation in the liquid.

[0037] The mixing auxiliary member 30 has two mixing plates 31 (a first mixing plate 31a and a second mixing plate 31b), but is not limited to this; it may have one mixing plate or two or more mixing plates. The number of mixing plates 31 in the mixing auxiliary member 30 can be appropriately determined according to the type of oil to be processed, the amount of water or oil, or the amount and pressure of the pressurized water ejected from the nozzle 11.

[0038] Furthermore, the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate 31b of the mixing auxiliary member can have a substantially circular shape to match the cross-sectional shape of the transfer pipe 21. However, it is not limited to this, and can have shapes other than circular as long as they match the cross-sectional shape of the transfer pipe 21.

[0039] In the above description, the mixing auxiliary member 30 may have a plate-shaped first mixing plate 31 and a second mixing plate 32 arranged facing each other. However, the mixing plate 31 of the mixing auxiliary member 30 can be of various shapes other than the flat plate shape of the first mixing plate 31a and the second mixing plate described above. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate modified examples of the mixing plate 31. Figure 5(a) shows a side view of the mixing auxiliary member 130 viewed from the side, and Figure 5(b) shows a front view of the mixing auxiliary member 130 viewed from the front. Similarly, Figure 6(a) shows a side view of the mixing auxiliary member 230 viewed from the side, and Figure 6(b) shows a front view of the mixing auxiliary member 230 viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the mixing auxiliary members 130 and 230 correspond to the stirring section.

[0040] The mixing plate 131 of the mixing auxiliary member 130 shown in Figure 5 can have a curved shape resembling Mount Fuji, with the plate protruding more convexly in the radial direction. The mixing plate 131, like the mixing plate 31 of the mixing auxiliary member 30 (first mixing plate 31a, second mixing plate 31b), has a through hole 132 in the center. The mixing auxiliary member 130 can be installed inside the transfer pipe 21 with the side of the mixing plate 131 that protrudes in the shape of Mount Fuji facing the nozzle portion 11. When the mixture (mixed fluid) moves through the transfer pipe 21 and collides with the mixing plate 131, a portion of the mixture (mixed fluid) can form streamlines such that the direction of fluid flow is reversed at the curved portion of the mixing plate. This makes it possible to produce a high-quality emulsion state. The height of the protruding portion of the mixing plate 131 can be, for example, about 5 mm to 30 mm measured from the bottom surface.

[0041] Figure 6 illustrates another modified example of the mixing plate 31. In the mixing plate 231 shown in Figure 6, multiple grooves 237 having a wave-shaped concave form are formed on the surface. The mixing plate 231, like the mixing plate 31 (first mixing plate 31a, second mixing plate 31b) shown in Figure 4, has a through hole 232 in the center. In this embodiment, the mixing plate 231 can have multiple grooves 237 having a wave-shaped concave form on its surface, but is not limited to this, and only one groove 237 may be formed. Alternatively, it may have one or more grooves formed in a concentric circle. When the mixture (mixed fluid) moves through the transfer pipe 21 and collides with the mixing plate 231, a portion of the mixture (mixed fluid) is guided by the grooves 237 provided on the mixing plate 231, and streamlines are formed along the grooves 237, creating a flow corresponding to the shape and arrangement of the grooves 237. This further enhances the mixing of the mixture (mixed fluid) in the transfer pipe. The depth of the groove 237 in the mixing plate 231 can be, for example, about 5 mm to 30 mm when measured from the bottom surface of the groove 237.

[0042] Furthermore, the inclination of the mixing plate 31 (or mixing plate 131, 231) of the mixing auxiliary member 30 (or mixing auxiliary members 130, 230) with respect to the extension direction of the transfer pipe 21 (inclination with respect to the mixed fluid) can be adjusted when attaching the mixing auxiliary member 30 (or mixing auxiliary member 130, 230) to the transfer pipe 21. Additionally, a mechanism (not shown) can be provided to adjust the inclination of the mixing plate 31 (or mixing plate 131, 231) of the mixing auxiliary member 30 (or mixing auxiliary member 130, 230) from outside the transfer pipe 21, allowing the inclination of the mixing plate 31 (or mixing plate 131, 231) to be adjusted even while the mixing container 1 is in operation.

[0043] The mixing auxiliary member 30 (or mixing auxiliary members 130, 230) installed inside the transfer pipe 21 can greatly increase the mixing efficiency of the mixture (mixed fluid) that has become an emulsion inside the transfer pipe 21. Furthermore, by installing the mixing auxiliary member 30 (or mixing auxiliary members 130, 230) inside the transfer pipe 21, the resistance to the fluid passing through the transfer pipe 21 can also be controlled, thereby allowing control of the pressure inside the mixing chamber 5 connected to the transfer pipe 21 and the mixing time of water, oil, and emulsifier by the pressurized water ejected from the nozzle 11.

[0044] Next, the separation region 4 connected to the transfer region 3 will be described in detail. Referring to Figure 1, the separation region 4 is provided with a roughly cylindrical separation container 41. The separation container 41 extends in approximately the same direction as the extension direction (first direction) of the mixing chamber 5 and the transfer pipe 21. One end of the separation container 41 is positioned opposite the third opening 27 at the other end of the transfer pipe 21, and they are connected to each other by a flange joint. In this embodiment, the mixing auxiliary member 30 is attached to the flange connecting one end of the separation container 41 and the third opening 27 at the other end of the transfer pipe 21. Furthermore, the separation container 41 and the transfer pipe 21 are connected such that their respective central axes approximately coincide with the reference line S. In other words, the mixing chamber 5, the transfer pipe 21, and the separation container 41 are connected such that when the transfer pipe 21 and the separation container 41 are viewed from the surface of the mixing chamber 5 in the first direction, the inner cavity of the separation container 41 can be seen through the first opening 25, the second opening 26, the transfer pipe 21, and the third opening 27.

[0045] The separation container 41 may have a cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross-section, corresponding to the shape of the transfer pipe 21. However, it is not limited to this, and the separation container 41 may have a cylindrical shape with a substantially elliptical, substantially rectangular, or polygonal cross-section, corresponding to the shape of the transfer pipe 21.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1, the separation container 41 has a first discharge pipe 42 and a second discharge pipe 43 attached to it by flange joints, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first discharge pipe 42 is a pipe for taking out the emulsion mixture of water, oil, and emulsifier transported from the transfer pipe 21 to the outside, and extends downward and is attached to the separation container 41. The second discharge pipe 43 is a pipe for releasing gases such as carbon dioxide contained in the emulsion mixture of water, oil, and emulsifier transported from the transfer pipe 21 to the outside, and is attached upward at a different location from the first discharge pipe 42 and is attached to the separation container 41. In addition, a collision plate 45 for stopping pressurized water ejected from the nozzle section 11 is attached to the other end of the separation container 41 opposite one end by a replaceable flange joint. The collision plate 45 is for stopping the high-pressure, high-speed pressurized water ejected from the nozzle section 11, and can be made of a plate-shaped stainless steel about 10 mm thick.

[0047] Next, the nozzle portion 11, which is attached to approximately the center of the surface of the mixing chamber 5, will be described in detail. Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the nozzle portion 11. Note that Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle portion main body 12 housed in the nozzle housing 13.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the nozzle portion 11 may have a nozzle body portion 12 and a nozzle housing 13 for housing and holding the nozzle body portion 12. The nozzle body portion 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the hole opened in the center is designed to gradually decrease with respect to the extension direction of the nozzle body portion 12, and the inner diameter of the discharge portion 15 at the tip of the nozzle portion 11 can be in the range of 1 to 20 mm. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the discharge portion 15 is approximately 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0049] Referring to Figure 7, the nozzle body 12 may have an injection section 14 having a first inner diameter (diameter) d1, a discharge section 15 having an inner diameter (diameter) d2 smaller than the first inner diameter d1, and a tapered section 16 positioned between the injection section 14 and the discharge section 15, connecting the injection section 14 and the discharge section 15. The inner diameter of the tapered section 16 may have a tapered structure that gradually decreases from inner diameter d1 to inner diameter d2. The injection section 14, discharge section 15, and tapered section 16 of the nozzle body 12 may all have a concentric circular cross-section with the same center point. When water with a predetermined pressure is injected into the injection section 14 of the nozzle section 11 (nozzle body 12), the water flow velocity gradually increases as it passes through the tapered section 16, allowing high-speed water to be ejected from the discharge section 15. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the water ejected from the discharge section 15 is sprayed linearly in one direction, it is preferable that the length of the discharge section 15 be three times or more the inner diameter (diameter) d2.

[0050] The nozzle unit 11 can be attached to approximately the center of the surface of the mixing chamber 5 by utilizing the nozzle housing 13 in which the nozzle body 12 is housed.

[0051] Next, the operating principle of the mixing container 1 will be explained in detail. Figure 8 shows a schematic block diagram of the mixing container 1. As mentioned above, the mixing container 1 may have a mixing area 2 for supplying and mixing water and oil, a transfer area 3 connected to the mixing area 2 and for transferring the mixture mixed in the mixing area 2, and a separation area 4 connected to the transfer area 3 and for taking out the mixture transferred via the transfer area 3. Referring to Figure 8, pressurized water (jet stream) with a pressure of about several MPa is forcefully ejected in the first direction (the extension direction of the mixing container) from the nozzle part 11 attached to the mixing chamber 5 of the mixing area 2. The diameter of the nozzle outlet (outlet) of the nozzle part 11 can be, for example, about 0.5 mm to 10 mm. Simultaneously with the ejection of pressurized water (jet stream), water for concentration adjustment, oil which is the substance to be mixed, and an emulsifier are injected into the mixing chamber 5 via the water injection pipe 6, the oil injection pipe 7, and the emulsifier injection pipe 8. If necessary, the water for concentration adjustment, the oil to be mixed, and the emulsifier can each be injected under pressure using a pump (not shown). The water for concentration adjustment, the oil to be mixed, and the emulsifier can be injected in a state that includes, for example, pressurized water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a jet stream). This makes it possible to achieve a state in which pressurized water (jet stream) penetrates the fluid containing the mixture of the water for concentration adjustment, the oil to be mixed, and the emulsifier (hereinafter referred to as the mixed fluid), so that mixing can be done efficiently. At this time, the mixed fluid is carried along by the jet stream and generates a high-speed fluid. As a result, according to Bernoulli's theorem, the pressure near the boundary layer between the jet stream and the mixed fluid is reduced, and fine bubbles (microbubbles) are generated. According to the inventor's knowledge, when these microbubbles are generated, the microbubbles contract and burst simultaneously, generating shock waves, a so-called cavitation phenomenon can occur. This generation of microbubbles and the cavitation phenomenon cause a continuous stirring phenomenon, which can atomize the oil in the mixed fluid and create an emulsion state.

[0052] Furthermore, the microbubbles generated in the mixing chamber 5 of the mixing region 2 can move simultaneously with the mixed fluid while maintaining the stirring and mixing action of the mixed fluid as the mixed fluid passes through the transfer pipe 21 of the transfer region 3. In this embodiment, a mixing auxiliary member 30 (or mixing auxiliary members 130, 230) is provided in the transfer pipe 21, which can further increase the mixing efficiency of the mixture (mixed fluid) in an emulsion state.

[0053] An emulsion-like mixture (mixed fluid) is formed when water or oil becomes fine droplets, which are dispersed in the other liquid, resulting in an emulsion. Specifically, water droplets are dispersed in the oil phase, or oil droplets are dispersed in the water phase, resulting in an emulsion. When oil droplets are dispersed in water, it is defined as an oil-in-water (O / W) type, and when water droplets are dispersed in oil, it is defined as a water-in-oil (W / O) type. The emulsion-like mixture (mixed fluid) produced in mixing container 1 can include either oil-in-water (O / W) or water-in-oil (W / O) types. Furthermore, depending on the type of emulsifier mixed, it is possible to selectively produce either an oil-in-water (O / W) or water-in-oil (W / O) type. In other words, water can be either the dispersed phase or the dispersion medium that disperses the dispersed phase. In the case of an oil-in-water (O / W) type, oil is the dispersed phase and water is the dispersion medium. In the case of water-in-oil (W / O) droplets, water is the dispersed phase and oil is the dispersion medium.

[0054] The mixed fluid, which has been mixed in the transfer region 2 to form an emulsion, moves to the separation container 41 in the separation region 4. The separation container 41 is equipped with a collision plate 45, which reduces the velocity of the mixed fluid, allowing the emulsion mixture of water, oil, and emulsifier to be removed to the outside through the first discharge pipe. In addition, gaseous components such as carbon dioxide generated by the cavitation phenomenon that occurs when the jet of water collides with the mixture can be discharged to the outside through the second discharge pipe 43 connected to the separation container 41. As a result, mixing of water, oil, and emulsifier can be achieved without using a stirrer to agitate the fluid, and a fine emulsion mixture of water, oil, and emulsifier can be produced by passing through the mixing chamber 5 and the transfer pipe 21 only once. Furthermore, the processing time for producing this emulsion mixture can be about 1 second or less, so the emulsion mixture can be produced in a short time.

[0055] Next, a method for producing an emulsion mixture by mixing water, oil, and an emulsifier using the mixing container 1 will be described in detail. First, the discharge valve 47 attached to the first discharge pipe 41 of the separation container 41 is closed, and water is supplied into the mixing chamber 5 from the water injection pipe 6 to fill it with water. At this time, the transfer pipe 21 and the inside of the separation container 41 are also filled with water at a predetermined pressure. The pressure of the supplied water is pressurized by a pump and supplied at a pressure of atmospheric pressure or higher. Therefore, the water pressure in the mixing chamber 5 is also at atmospheric pressure or higher. In this embodiment, for example, the water pressure in the mixing chamber 5 is set to approximately 1 atmosphere.

[0056] Next, the discharge valve 47 is opened, and water, oil, and emulsifier are supplied into the mixing chamber 5 from the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8, respectively. At this time, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied into the mixing chamber 5 are pressurized by a pump and supplied at a predetermined pressure.

[0057] Next, high-pressure water (a jet stream) having a predetermined pressure is ejected from the nozzle section 11 into the mixing chamber 5, which is filled with a fluid containing water, oil, and an emulsifier. Typical values ​​for the pressure, flow rate, and ejection velocity of the high-pressure water ejected from the nozzle section 11 are described below. High-pressure water pressure: 0.5 MPa to 3.0 MPa (typical value: 1 MPa) High-pressure water flow rate: 0.1~3.0 m 3 / hr (Typical value 1.0m) 3 / hr) High-pressure water jet velocity: 20-100 m / sec The diameter of the nozzle outlet (spray nozzle) of the nozzle section 11 is approximately 0.5 to 10 mm. A typical nozzle outlet (spray nozzle) has a diameter of approximately 2 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, typical flow rates of water, oil, and emulsifier supplied into the mixing chamber 5 from the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8, respectively, are described below. Water flow rate: 0.1-10 m 3 / hr Oil flow rate: 0.1-10 m³ 3 / hr Emulsifier flow rate: 0.01~1 m³ 3 / hr

[0059] High-pressure water (jet stream) is ejected from the nozzle section 11 into the water, oil, and emulsifier filled in the mixing chamber 5, mixing the water, oil, and emulsifier to create a fine emulsion mixture of water, oil, and emulsifier. In this embodiment, the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 are connected to the mixing chamber 5 such that their extension directions are offset from the radial direction of the mixing chamber 5, and the water, oil, and emulsifier are supplied in a direction offset from the center of the mixing chamber 5. As a result, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied from the water injection pipe 6, oil injection pipe 7, and emulsifier injection pipe 8 create a flow that envelops the water flux of the pressurized water (jet stream), resulting in a more uniform mixing of water, oil, and emulsifier.

[0060] The mixture containing water, oil, and an emulsifier, which is generated by mixing in the mixing chamber 5, is further mixed while passing through the transfer pipe, and the emulsion-like mixture of water, oil, and an emulsifier is continuously taken out from the first discharge pipe to the outside.

[0061] Also, if necessary, the inclination of the mixing plate 31 of the mixing auxiliary member 30 attached in the transfer pipe 21 can be adjusted to control the mixing state.

[0062] Using the mixing container 1, water, oil, and an emulsifier can be mixed to generate a mixture of water, oil, and an emulsifier in an emulsion state with a relatively uniform particle size. Fig. 9 shows the results of measuring the particle size distribution of the mixture generated using the mixing container 1. Note that Fig. 9(a) shows the number distribution with respect to the particle size of the mixture. Also, Fig. 9(b) shows the volume distribution with respect to the particle size of the mixture.

[0063] Also, when measuring the particle size distribution shown in Fig. 9, the manufacturing conditions of the mixture manufactured using the mixing container 1 are shown below. (Manufacturing conditions) Mixture to be mixed: Edible oil (rapeseed oil) Emulsifier (surfactant): Commercially available powdered soap is used. Mixing ratio of oil and water (volume ratio): 1:1 Addition amount of emulsifier (volume ratio): 1% Pressure in the mixing chamber: 1 atm Pressure of high-pressure water: 3 Mpa Flow rate of high-pressure water: 0.07 m 3 / hr Flow rate of oil: 0.07 m 3 / hr

[0064] As can be seen from Fig. 9, the average particle size value of the number distribution of the mixture is about 3200 nm, and the standard deviation is about 2800 nm. Also, the average particle size value of the volume distribution is about 3300 nm, and the standard deviation is about 2900 nm. It was found that the range of variation in the particle size value is relatively narrow, and an emulsion mixture with a uniform particle size is generated.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, a fluid control structure 350 can be provided on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305 to further efficiently mix water, oil, and emulsifier in the mixing chamber 305. Figures 10 and 11 schematically show a mixing container 301 equipped with a fluid control structure 350 in the mixing chamber 305 (305a, 305b) of this embodiment. In Figure 10, Figure 10(a) schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the second embodiment. Figure 10(b) schematically shows a cross-sectional view cut along line XX in Figure 10(a). Figure 11(a) schematically shows a side cross-sectional view of another mixing container according to the second embodiment. Figure 11(b) schematically shows a cross-sectional view cut along line XI-XI in Figure 11(a).

[0066] Furthermore, the structure can be the same as that of the first embodiment, except that a fluid control structure 350 is provided on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305. Therefore, unless otherwise necessary, explanations other than those for the mixing chamber 305 and the fluid control structure 350 provided on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305 will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the fluid control structure 350 includes a convex flow path control member 350a formed on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305a provided in the mixing region 2. In Figure 10, the flow path control member 350a can have a plate-like shape. Multiple flow path control members 350a can be provided on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305a. However, it is not limited to this, and a single flow path control member 350a may be provided on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305a. The flow path control member 350a may also be a flat plate or a curved shape. By forming the flow path control member 350a on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305a, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied into the mixing chamber 305a from the water injection pipe 306, oil injection pipe 307, and emulsifier injection pipe 308, and moving within the mixing chamber 305a, collide with the flow path control member 350a, thereby controlling their flow. The water, oil, and emulsifier supplied into the mixing chamber 305a are supplied in a direction offset from the center of the mixing chamber 305a, so as to surround the water flux of the pressurized water. However, the flow direction of the water, oil, and emulsifier flowing within the mixing chamber 305a can be controlled by the flow path control member 350a so that they further surround the water flux of the pressurized water.

[0068] Figure 11 also shows a case where another flow path control member 350b is provided on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305b of the mixing region 2 as a fluid control structure 350. In Figure 11, the flow path control member 350b can have a convex projection shape. Multiple flow path control members 350b can be provided on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305b. The shape of the flow path control member 350b can be a triangle, quadrilateral, circle, ellipse, or polygon when viewed from above. By forming the flow path control member 350b on the inner wall surface of the mixing chamber 305b, the water, oil, and emulsifier supplied into the mixing chamber 305b from the water injection pipe 306, oil injection pipe 307, and emulsifier injection pipe 308, and moving within the mixing chamber 305b, collide with the flow path control member 350b, thereby controlling their flow. The water, oil, and emulsifier supplied into the mixing chamber 305b are supplied in a direction offset from the center of the mixing chamber 305b, so as to surround the water flux of the pressurized water. However, the flow direction of the water, oil, and emulsifier flowing within the mixing chamber 305b can be controlled by the flow path control member 350b so that they further surround the water flux of the pressurized water.

[0069] While the principles of the present invention have been illustrated and described in preferred embodiments, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. The present invention is not limited to the specific configurations disclosed in these embodiments. Accordingly, all modifications and changes arising from the scope of the claims and their spirit are claimed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1, 101, 301 Mixing container 2 Mixed area 3 Transfer area 4 Separation area 5, 305, 305a, 305b mixing chamber 6, 306 water injection pipe 7, 307 Oil injection pipe 8,308 Emulsifier injection tube 11 Nozzle section 14 Injection part 15 Discharge part 16 Tapered section 18. First Piping 19. Pressure pump 21 Transfer pipe 25 First opening 26. Second opening 27 Third opening 30, 130, 230 Mixing auxiliary members 31, 131, 231 mixed board 31a 1st mixing board 31b 2nd mixing board 32, 132, 232 through holes 32a 1st through hole 32b 2nd through hole 33 Support rod 41 Separation container 42 1st discharge pipe 43 2nd discharge pipe 45 Collision plate 109 Extension tube 237 Groove 350 Fluid control structure 350a, 350b Flow path control members

Claims

1. A mixing vessel for producing an emulsion composed of a dispersed phase, which is dispersed particles, and a dispersion medium that disperses the dispersed phase, A mixing region located at the uppermost reaches, which forms a high-speed jet fluid of a dispersion medium or dispersed phase moving from upstream to downstream, and generates microbubbles, The system comprises a transfer area provided downstream of the mixing area through which microbubbles flow, and an extension pipe whose downstream end is connected to the upstream end of the transfer area and whose upstream end extends into the interior of the mixing area. The mixing region is connected to a nozzle section for ejecting the high-speed jet fluid, and a dispersed phase inlet for introducing the dispersed phase, a dispersed medium inlet for introducing the dispersion medium, and an emulsifier inlet for introducing the emulsifier are connected in a direction intersecting the ejection direction from which the high-speed jet fluid is ejected. A mixing container characterized in that the high-speed jet fluid ejected into the mixing region is ejected through the extension tube into the transfer region, thereby generating microbubbles in the internal solution present between the nozzle and the extension tube, and the microbubbles burst in the internal solution containing the dispersion medium, the dispersed phase, and the emulsifier, thereby generating an emulsion of the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.

2. Further comprising a stirring section provided downstream of the mixing region to homogenize the generated emulsion, The mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the stirring section has a through hole in substantially the center, and is configured such that when the emulsion generated in the mixing region passes through the stirring section, the emulsion is stirred while colliding with the peripheral edge of the stirring section.

3. The mixing container according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path control member having a plate-like or protruding shape formed on the inner wall surface of the mixing region.

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