Modular coaxially aligned fluidic device

Abstract

There is provided a modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly comprising: a) one or more union fittings; b) one or more tee-fittings configured to connect to one or more union fittings; c) one or more capillaries at least partially disposed within at least one of i) the one or more union fittings and ii) the one or more tee-fittings; d) a capillary sheath at least partially surrounding at least one of the one or more capillaries; and e) an elastic sealing element configured to seal a connection between a tee-fitting and a union fitting, said elastic sealing element supporting and aligning the capillary therein Also provided is a method of using such a modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly, a method of assembling such an assembly, and the use of such an assembly for mixing fluids.

Description

[0001] MODULAR COAXIALLY ALIGNED FLUIDIC DEVICE

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly. The present invention also relates to a method of using the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly as well as a method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly for mixing fluids.

[0004] Background

[0005] The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

[0006] Coaxially-aligned tubular devices consist of multiple tubes fitted within one another, in a coaxial manner. By pumping fluids through such devices, one may achieve precise mixing, from applications in nanomaterials synthesis to rocket engines. It is essential in these applications to have precisely aligned tubes to maximize precision control over mixing.

[0007] WO201 9158932 describes a constant shear continuous reactor device, comprising: an annular gas delivery tube comprising a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a first annular liquid delivery tube comprising a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet arranged concentrically around the annular gas delivery tube along a common axis, where the first liquid outlet is located at a downstream position relative to the gas outlet or is coterminous with the gas outlet; and an annular reactor wall tube comprising a final liquid inlet, a mixing zone section and a reactor outlet, where the annular reactor wall tube is arranged concentrically around the first annular liquid delivery tube along the common axis. This document utilizes a coaxially aligned tubular device to create high precision shear rates in a continuous reactor, but this requires extremely precise alignment of capillary tubes to achieve a uniform distribution of fluids.

[0008] 1

[0009] 15107587-1 There are several known methods in the current art to produce such devices. These may be divided into monolithic designs, in which coaxial tube is machined with a mechanical sealing mechanism, such as a thread, after which it is aligned, oriented and mechanically attached to another part, typically with a screw-thread mechanism; and multipart designs, in which tubes and fittings are assembled from individual components. Monolithic designs are mechanically robust in nature and can survive harsh conditions, but cannot be easily modified, and typically do not allow for telescoping / multistage injectors. Multipart designs are more modular in nature, but less mechanically robust.

[0010] CN112237891 A describes a microchannel device and an application thereof; a micromixer and a micro-reactor are adopted, and an outlet of the micro-mixer is connected with an inlet of the micro-reactor through a connecting pipeline. A mixed reaction coupling strengthening process of various heterogeneous systems can be carried out in the device, heterogeneous raw materials respectively pass through a preheater and then enter the micro-mixer to be mixed and contacted, a reaction separation coupling process is carried out in the micro-reactor, and a heat and mass transfer and reaction process is strengthened through micro-scale sieve pores and a micro-scale annular space. The complex heterogeneous reaction process can be efficiently carried out, and the device can be applied to the field of micro-channel technical process strengthening.

[0011] US8563325, EP3055072, US4123007, US20240033756 and KR101711663 describe various assemblies for conducting fluids.

[0012] Capillary microreactors are also described in Zhendon Liu et al, Controllable Preparation of Poly(butyl acrylate) by Suspension Polymerization in a Coaxial Capillary Microreactor, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol 50, Issue 21 , 11853-11862. Coaxial microreactors and microfluidic devices are also described in Ali Abou-Hassan et al, Fluorescence Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy for pH Mapping in a Coaxial Flow Microreactor: Application in the Synthesis of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles, J. Phys. Chem. C 2009, 113, 42, 18097-18105, in Jinyu Shi et al, Multi-size control of homogeneous explosives by coaxial microfluidics, React. Chem. Eng., 2021 , 6, 2354-2363, and in Zhengyuan Zhou et al, A hybrid 2

[0013] 15107587-1 modular microfluidic device for emulsion generation, Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, Volume 280, 1 September 2018, Pages 422-428.

[0014] The existing assemblies suffer from a number of different drawbacks and disadvantages, including the need to provide precision mounts for accurate alignment, the fragility of existing assemblies, and the consequent difficulty in providing precisely- aligned devices which are robust and telescoping. There is therefore a need to develop new devices and / or methods which address these drawbacks and disadvantages.

[0015] Summary of Invention

[0016] There is provided a new design and method for creating coaxially aligned tubular fluidic devices or assemblies, with potential applications in microreactors, analytics, and propulsion systems.

[0017] Coaxially-aligned tubular devices comprise multiple tubes fitted within one another, in a coaxial manner. By pumping fluids through such devices, one may achieve precise mixing, from applications in nanomaterials synthesis to rocket engines. It is essential in these applications to have precisely aligned tubes to maximize precision control over mixing.

[0018] As mentioned, constant shear continuous reactor device benefits from the ability to telescope multiple reactions. However, it can also comprise fragile components like quartz capillaries, which are sensitive to external stress. In prior literature, alignment was achieved by alignment of multiple t-fittings containing capillaries with precision mounts. This design, while precise, is fragile and can break easily when moved. The prior art fails to produce precisely-aligned devices which are robust and telescoping.

[0019] Current methods of aligning coaxial capillary tubes are either: 1 ) multipart or 2) monolithic. Micrometer precision alignment of coaxial tubes is necessary to generate repeatable performance for use in mixing and other situations. However, thin walled capillary tubes are fragile and prone to breakage. Existing monolithic designs are not telescoping, and existing nozzle designs do not have a staggered layout or do not use thin-walled capillaries. During assembly, stress can be introduced. None of the

[0020] 3

[0021] 15107587-1 existing designs or methods are robust to breaking, and also able to align tubes precisely and repeatably.

[0022] The present invention provides for a design that reduces stress on thin, fragile capillaries, results in precise self-alignment of the capillary tubes, and which can be assembled, disassembled, and modified (where reversibly connectable fittings are used). The resulting device is robust to breaking during handling and operation, enables highly consistent hydrodynamics in coaxial microflow, and enables more configurations and dimensions with a single mechanical design methodology.

[0023] As such, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly comprising: a) one or more union fittings; b) one or more tee-fittings configured to connect to one or more union fittings; c) one or more capillaries at least partially disposed within at least one of i) the one or more union fittings and ii) the one or more tee-fittings; d) a capillary sheath at least partially surrounding at least one of the one or more capillaries; and e) an elastic sealing element configured to seal a connection between a tee-fitting and a union fitting, said elastic sealing element supporting and aligning the capillary therein.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a first fluid to a first capillary such that the fluid flows through the capillary; b) providing a second fluid to an inlet of a tee-fitting, the inlet of the tee-fitting being in fluid communication with an outlet of the capillary; c) mixing the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0025] The present invention allows for the accurate and secure fitment of capillaries within the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly. This allows for accurate and consistent mixing of fluids provided to the assembly. It will be appreciated that the inlet does not have to be in direct fluid communication with an outlet of the capillary and fluid entering

[0026] 4

[0027] 15107587-1 the inlet of the tee-fitting may flow through a different capillary before contacting the first fluid.

[0028] The first and second fluids may be reactive with one another. As such, when the fluids come into contact with one another, they are able to chemically react with one another to form a desired intermediate or product.

[0029] The method may further include providing a third fluid downstream of the first and second fluid. The method may further include providing a fourth or further fluid downstream of the preceding streams.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a union fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the union fitting; b) connecting the union fitting to a tee-fitting; c) sealing the connection between the union fitting and the tee-fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.

[0031] The connected union fitting and tee-fitting thereby provided may be connected to a further union fitting comprising a second (or further) capillary such that the first capillary is received within the second (or further) capillary. It will be appreciated that further tee-fittings and union fittings may be similarly provided to increase the number of capillaries which can be provided. In an embodiment, the capillaries are provided in the tee-fittings and the union fittings subsequently provided. As such, the method of assembly would correspond to that of the third aspect, albeit with the union fitting comprising the capillary.

[0032] As such, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a tee fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the tee fitting; b) connecting the tee fitting to a union fitting;

[0033] 5

[0034] 15107587-1 c) sealing the connection between the tee fitting and the union fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.

[0035] Similar to the third aspect of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the tee- fitting may be connected to one of more union fittings and tee-fittings as necessary. As mentioned, the capillaries may be provided in the tee-fittings and the union fittings subsequently provided.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention for mixing fluids.

[0037] The present invention is also described by the following numbered statements:

[0038] 1 . A modular coaxially aligned fluidic device, comprising:

[0039] 1.1. one or more capillaries;

[0040] 1 .2. Capillary sheaths which surround the capillaries;

[0041] 1.3. One or more threaded Tee-fittings which ensure coaxial connection of the capillaries;

[0042] 1 .4. Threaded union fittings which connect capillaries to the Tee-fittings; and

[0043] 1.5. Elastic sealing elements that create a seal between Tee-fittings and precisely align capillaries.

[0044] 2. A modular coaxially aligned fluidic device according to statement 1 , wherein the threaded union fittings act as capillary sleeves to provide a rigid support for the capillaries.

[0045] 3. A modular coaxially aligned fluidic device according to statement 1 , wherein the capillary sleeves have staggered ends.

[0046] 4. A modular coaxially aligned fluidic device according to statement 1 , wherein the elastic sealing elements are O-rings or gaskets.

[0047] 5. A modular coaxially aligned fluidic device according to statement 1 , wherein the elastic sealing

[0048] 6

[0049] 15107587-1 elements relieve threaded connection stresses.

[0050] 6. A modular coaxially aligned fluidic device according to statement 1 , wherein the elastic sealing elements flexibly micro-position the coaxial capillaries to exact alignment.

[0051] Further aspects and embodiments of the invention are provided by the following numbered clauses.

[0052] 1 . A modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly comprising: a) one or more union fittings; b) one or more tee-fittings configured to connect to one or more union fittings; c) one or more capillaries at least partially disposed within at least one of i) the one or more union fittings and ii) the one or more tee-fittings; d) a capillary sheath at least partially surrounding at least one of the one or more capillaries; and e) an elastic sealing element configured to seal a connection between a tee- fitting and a union fitting, said elastic sealing element supporting and aligning the capillary therein.

[0053] 2. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to clause 1 , wherein the tee-fittings are threaded, optionally wherein the tee-fittings are parallel-threaded.

[0054] 3. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the union fittings are threaded, optionally wherein the union fittings are parallel-threaded.

[0055] 4. The modular coaxial aligned fluidic assembly according to clause 1 , wherein the tee-fittings and the union fittings are configured to connect via a push-fit connection, a flanged connection, a clamped connection, such as a v-band clamp connection, a welded connection, or a bonded connection.

[0056] 5. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein an end of at least one of the capillaries is recessed from, is aligned with, or extends beyond an end of a respective union fitting.

[0057] 7

[0058] 15107587-1 6. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein one or both ends of a capillary sheath is recessed from, is aligned with, or extends beyond an end of a respective capillary.

[0059] 7. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one capillary is fixed to its respective sheath, optionally wherein the fixing is via bonding, such as adhesive bonding or welding, such as via an adhesive epoxy.

[0060] 8. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the assembly comprises two or more capillaries sized such that one capillary may be disposed within an adjacent capillary in an assembled condition.

[0061] 9. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the elastic sealing element comprises an o-ring or a gasket.

[0062] 10. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the tee-fittings and the union fittings are configured to deform the elastic sealing element in the assembled condition such that the elastic sealing element contacts the capillary therein.

[0063] 11 . The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein one or more of the tee-fitting acts as the capillary sheath.

[0064] 12. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clauses, wherein the capillary sheaths have staggered ends.

[0065] 13. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the capillary sheath centres the at least one of the one or more capillaries within the union fitting or tee-fitting.

[0066] 14. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the assembly is i) an inline mixer, ii) a reactor, such as a flow reactor, such as

[0067] 8

[0068] 15107587-1 an annular flow reactor, a bubble flow reactor, or a segmented flow reactor, or iii) a nozzle, such as an electrospraying nozzle, an atomizing nozzle, a fuel injector nozzle, or a fuel mixer nozzle.

[0069] 15. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the one or more union fittings is unitary with at least one of the one or more tee-fittings.

[0070] 16. A method of using the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any of Clauses 1 to 15, the method comprising: a) providing a first fluid to a first capillary such that the fluid flows through the capillary; b) providing a second fluid to an inlet of a tee-fitting, the inlet of the tee-fitting being in fluid communication with an outlet of the capillary; c) mixing the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0071] 17. The method according to Clause 16, wherein the first and second fluids are reactive with one another.

[0072] 18. The method according to Clause 16 or Clause 17, wherein the method further includes providing a third fluid downstream of the first and second fluid.

[0073] 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein the method further includes providing a fourth or further fluid downstream of the preceding streams.

[0074] 20. A method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any of Clauses 1 to 15, the method comprising: a) providing a union fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the union fitting; b) connecting the union fitting to a tee-fitting having a second capillary disposed therein at a connection such that the first capillary is received by the second capillary; c) sealing the connection between the union fitting and the tee-fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.

[0075] 9

[0076] 15107587-1 21 . A method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a tee fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the tee fitting; b) connecting the tee fitting to a union fitting; c) sealing the connection between the tee fitting and the union fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.

[0077] 22. The method according to Clause 20 or Clause 21 , wherein connecting the union fitting and the tee-fitting is via a threaded connection, preferably a parallel threaded connection, via a push-fit connection, via a flanged connection, via a clamped connection, such as a v-band clamp connection, via a welded connection, or via a bonded connection.

[0078] 23. The method according to Clause 20, Clause 21 , or Clause 22 wherein the method includes deforming the elastic sealing element by compressing the elastic sealing element between the union fitting and the tee-fitting.

[0079] 24. The method according to any of Clauses 20 to 23, wherein the method includes connecting one or more further union fittings or tee-fittings to the assembly.

[0080] 25. Use of modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any of Clauses 1 to 15 for mixing fluids.

[0081] Drawings

[0082] Figure 1a is a schematic representation of an assembly according to the present invention;

[0083] Figure 1b is a cross-section of the assembly of Figure 1 a;

[0084] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-section of a capillary assembled within a union fitting;

[0085] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-section of two capillaries coaxially aligned within a tee fitting;

[0086] Figure 4 is a cross-section of a capillary extending from a union fitting; and

[0087] 10

[0088] 15107587-1 Figure 5 is a cross-section of a tee-fitting for a coaxially aligned tubular fluidic device according to the present invention.

[0089] Detailed Description

[0090] As mentioned above, there is provided a new design and method for creating coaxially aligned tubular fluidic devices or assemblies, with potential applications in microreactors, analytics and propulsion systems. The present invention provides for a design that reduces stress on thin, fragile capillaries, results in precision, selfalignment of the capillary tubes, and which can be assembly, disassembled and modified (where reversibly connectable fittings are used). The resulting device is robust to breaking during handling and operation, enables highly consistent hydrodynamics in coaxial microflow, and enable more configurations and dimensions with a single mechanical design methodology.

[0091] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly comprising: a) one or more union fittings; b) one or more tee-fittings configured to connect to one or more union fittings; c) one or more capillaries at least partially disposed within at least one of i) the one or more union fittings and ii) the one or more tee-fittings; d) a capillary sheath at least partially surrounding at least one of the one or more capillaries; and e) an elastic sealing element configured to seal a connection between a tee- fitting and a union fitting, said elastic sealing element supporting and aligning the capillary therein.

[0092] This arrangement has a number of advantages over existing coaxial assemblies. In particular, the stress on the thin, fragile capillaries is reduced since the elastic sealing element is able to create a seal between the different fittings that relieves the stress between the different fittings. In addition, the elastic sealing element serves to align the capillary therein.

[0093] 11

[0094] 15107587-1 In embodiments herein, the word “comprising” may be interpreted as requiring the features mentioned, but not limiting the presence of other features. Alternatively, the word “comprising” may also relate to the situation where only the components / features listed are intended to be present (e.g. the word “comprising” may be replaced by the phrases “consists of” or “consists essentially of’). It is explicitly contemplated that both the broader and narrower interpretations can be applied to all aspects and embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the word “comprising” and synonyms thereof may be replaced by the phrase “consisting of’ or the phrase “consists essentially of” or synonyms thereof and vice versa.

[0095] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a composition” includes mixtures of two or more such compositions, reference to “an oxygen carrier” includes mixtures of two or more such oxygen carriers, reference to “the catalyst” includes mixtures of two or more such catalysts, and the like.

[0096] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention and includes a first union fitting 1 , a second union fitting 3, and a third union fitting 5. The first union fitting 1 is connected to a first tee-fitting 2 via a threaded connection. A second union fitting 3 is connection to the first and second tee-fittings 2, 4. A third union fitting 5 is connected to the second tee-fitting 4. A capillary 6 extends from the third union fitting 5. It will be appreciated that there may be fewer or more tee-fittings and / or union fittings than depicted. In use a first fluid may be provided to an inlet of the first union fitting and a second fluid may be provided to an inlet of the first tee fitting. The first fluid will flow through the first union fitting and the first tee-fitting and will contact the second fluid provided via the inlet of the first tee-fitting to form a combined fluid. The combined fluid will then pass to the second tee-fitting 4 via the second union fitting 3. A third fluid may be provided via the inlet of the second tee-fitting 4. The third fluid may contact the combined fluid to provide a further combined fluid. Although the depicted embodiment provides for an assembly of three coaxially aligned capillaries, there may be embodiments which more or fewer capillaries. The threaded connections and separation of union fittings with tee-fittings enable modular assembly of the various components, enabling a telescoping arrangement.

[0097] 12

[0098] 15107587-1 A union fitting (e.g. 1 , 3, 5) comprises a body having a central passageway as well as connecting means on both ends. A union fitting serves to connect to pipes or similar together and allows reversible connection of the union fitting to the pipes or similar. As such, it is possible to connect multiple pipes together via union fittings. This allows the assembly to be modified to include multiple inlets, which in turn allows multiple fluids to be provided to the assembly as required.

[0099] A tee-fitting (e.g. 2, 4) is generally in the shape of a letter “T” and typically comprises two inlets and one outlet. A tee-fitting is configured to combine flows from the two inlets to supply the outlet. The two inlets are typically at right angles to one another, although it is possible for the angle to be other than this, and may be more than 90° or less than 90°. One of the inlets may be collinear with the outlet. In the present invention, the union fitting and the tee-fitting may be connected.

[0100] As noted herein, the tee-fittings and union fittings are intended to be connectable together (potentially in an irreversible manner). Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the tee-fittings may be threaded. Any suitable threading may be used that can complement a thread on a corresponding union fitting. For example, the tee-fittings may parallel-threaded. A tee-fitting is generally in the shape of a letter “T” and typically comprises two inlets and one outlet. A tee-fitting is configured to combine flows from the two inlets to supply the outlet. The two inlets are typically at right angles to one another, although it is possible for the angle to be other than this, and may be more than 90° or less than 90°.

[0101] As will be appreciated, in embodiments where the tee-fittings are threaded, the union fittings may also be threaded. More particularly, where the tee-fittings are parallel- threaded the union fittings may also be parallel-threaded.

[0102] By providing threaded tee-fittings and / or threaded union fittings which are parallel- threaded, there is a consistent diameter, which enables easier alignment and reduces the chance of the two fittings being connected via the parallel thread from being misaligned, independently of the length over which the parallel threads are engaged.

[0103] 13

[0104] 15107587-1 In alternative embodiments, the tee-fittings and the union fittings may be configured to connect via a push-fit connection, a flanged connection, a clamped connection, such as a v-band clamp connection, a welded connection, or a bonded connection. By connecting the fittings via reversible connections, it is possible to readily dismantle the assembly when required. By connecting the fitting via permanent connections, such as via welding or by bonding, the alignment of the components is fixed and the risk of the components becoming misaligned is reduced or eliminated.

[0105] A capillary (e.g. 6) is a narrow tube suitable for carrying fluids. In the present invention, the capillaries may be quartz capillaries, although other materials, such as glass or polymeric materials may also be used.

[0106] In the present invention the one or more capillaries may be disposed within the bore of one or both of the union fitting and the tee-fitting.

[0107] Figure 1 b is a cross-section of the assembly of Figure 1 with the same reference numerals used for the same components. As can be seen, within the tee-fittings and the union fittings are coaxial capillaries which are able to convey fluids provided thereto. The capillaries may pass through a tee-fitting and terminate downstream of an inlet of such tee-fitting.

[0108] Figure 2 is a cross-section of the assembly of Figure 1 with the same reference numerals used for the same components. As can be seen, capillary end 7 is flush with a terminal end of the union fitting 1 , and an end of the capillary sheathe 8 may be staggered such that stress on the capillary is reduced at the sealing point with an elastic sealing element depicted here as an elastic o-ring / gasket 9 when connecting to a tee-fitting 2. Having a space between the fitting and sleeve, and the elastic sealing element relieves stress. The o-ring / gasket 9 when compressed forms a tight, selfaligning orifice for the capillary. The capillary may be bonded to the sleeve and union fitting with an adhesive, welding or other means. The capillary is provided within capillary sheath 8 in order to support the portion of the capillary within the union fitting.

[0109] An elastic sealing element (e.g. 9) is able to be deformed to provide a fluid-tight seal. As noted above, a suitable elastic sealing element may be an elastic o-ring / gasket,

[0110] 14

[0111] 15107587-1 but any other suitable component that may be used to perform the same role may be used in embodiments of the invention. The elastic sealing element supports the capillary and also simultaneously serves to reduce stress on the connection between fittings.

[0112] A capillary sheath (e.g. 8) at least partially surrounds the capillary. The capillary sheath supports the capillary, which is fragile, and reduces the risk of breakage. In addition, since the assembly is modular, it is intended for multiple components to be fitted together to form a larger system. As such capillaries may have different diameters to allow one capillary to fit inside the bore of another. In order to accommodate the differently sized capillaries, the capillary sheaths may have different thickness. As such, the capillary sheaths may fill a gap between the outer surface of a capillary and the inner service of a bore of the tee-fitting and / or union fitting in which the capillary is disposed. It will be appreciated that the entirety of the gap may be filled, but does not necessarily have to be filled with the capillary sheath.

[0113] Figure 3 depicts a tee-fitting 2 connected to two union fittings 1 , 3. There are two elastic sealing elements 9, 10 in the form of o-rings or gaskets which serve to provide a fluid- tight connection and which also support and align the capillary therein. Capillary sheath 8 surrounds capillary 7. A larger capillary 11 is positioned within sleeve or sheath 12. Capillary 7 is able to fit within the bore of larger capillary 11. As can be seen, the elastic sealing elements are compressed between the union fitting and the tee-fitting and thereby hold the capillaries in place.

[0114] Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the capillaries 7 and 11 of Figure 3 as well as capillary 6 11 , which are shown in a coaxially aligned arrangement, which is achieved through the device of the current invention. The largest capillary 6 is positioned within a union fitting without the need for a sleeve or capillary sheath. The capillaries terminate at different downstream positions to allow for precise control of the flow of the fluids within the annuluses formed by the nested capillaries.

[0115] Figure 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a unitary tee-fitting 13 for a coaxially aligned tubular fluidic device according to the present invention. The unitary tee-fitting 13 has a female inlet 14 at one end. The female inlet 14 is configured to receive a capillary

[0116] 15

[0117] 15107587-1 (not shown). The unitary tee-fitting 13 has a male outlet 15 at an opposite end to the female inlet 14. The male outlet 15 is configured to receive a capillary larger than the capillary received by the female inlet 14. As depicted, the male outlet 15 has an external thread and the female inlet 14 has an internal thread. The external thread of the male outlet 15 is sized to be received by the internal thread of another tee-fitting, such that tee-fittings may be connected to one another. In this way, the union fitting and the tee-fitting may be combined in the same component.

[0118] An end of at least one of the capillaries may be recessed from, be aligned with, or extend beyond an end of a respective union fitting and / or tee-fitting. It will be appreciated that all of these conditions may be satisfied for at least some of the capillaries used in the devices of the current invention. Since the assembly is modular and intended to be connectable to additional units to provide a longer assembly, the capillaries may have different extents so that they are able to fit one inside another. As shown in Figures 1 b, 3 and 4, capillary 7 extends from union fitting 1 through tee-fitting 2, union fitting 3 and tee-fitting 4 into union fitting 5. Capillary 11 has an end that is recessed from the end of union fitting 3 (see Figure 3) but which extends through tee- fitting 4 and union fitting 5 (see Figures 1 b and 4). Capillary 6 has an end that extends beyond an end of union fitting 5 (see Figure 4).

[0119] One or both ends of a capillary sheath may be recessed from, be aligned with, or extend beyond an end of a respective capillary. Preferably, the capillary sheath is recessed from the end of the capillary or union fitting. This may help to reduce the bending angle of the capillary and therefore reduce the stress experienced during assembly, handling, and use.

[0120] The at least one capillary may be fixed to its respective sheath. The fixing may be via bonding, such as adhesive bonding or welding, such as via an adhesive epoxy. By fixing a capillary to its respective sheath, there may be less likelihood of relative movement of the capillary and the capillary sheath.

[0121] The assembly may comprise two or more capillaries sized such that one capillary may be disposed within an adjacent capillary in an assembled condition. By allowing for one capillary to be disposed within another, an annulus through which fluid is able to

[0122] 16

[0123] 15107587-1 flow is formed. In use, fluid flowing through such an annulus is able to meet a fluid flowing through the bore of the inner capillary at a predetermined and constant shear.

[0124] The elastic sealing element may comprise an o-ring or a gasket. The o-ring or gasket may therefore surround the outer circumference of the capillary in order to provide all round support for the capillary. By surrounding the capillary, the capillary is automatically aligned when the o-ring or gasket is deformed.

[0125] The tee-fittings and the union fittings may be configured to deform the elastic sealing element in the assembled condition such that the elastic sealing element contacts the capillary therein. Since the elastic sealing element is deformable, when the fittings are connected together, the elastic sealing element may be deformed to provide a fluid- tight seal between the fittings and to also align the capillary.

[0126] One or more of the tee-fittings may act as the capillary sheath. In certain embodiments, there is a separate capillary sheath, in particular where there would be a gap between an outer face of the capillary and the fitting in which it is disposed. For capillaries which have an outer diameter which matches or complements the inner diameter of a respective fitting, the inner wall of the fitting may serve as the capillary sheath.

[0127] The capillary sheaths may have staggered ends. Adjacent capillary sheaths do not necessarily, and preferably do not, touch when in an assembled condition. This is to reduce the potential stress on the ends of the respective capillary. It will be appreciated that the capillary may have an end which is cantilevered in that it extends beyond the capillary sheath.

[0128] The capillary sheath preferably centres the at least one of the one or more capillaries within the union fitting or tee-fitting. By ensuring that the capillary is centred within its respective fitting, it is easier to align adjacent capillaries. Whilst it is possible for the capillaries to be off-centre, this makes alignment more difficult and there may be unequal forces on an off-center capillary in the assembled condition.

[0129] The assembly may be i) an inline mixer, ii) a reactor, such as a flow reactor, such as an annular flow reactor, a bubble flow reactor, or a segmented flow reactor, or iii) a

[0130] 17

[0131] 15107587-1 nozzle, such as an electrospraying nozzle, an atomizing nozzle, a fuel injector nozzle, or a fuel mixer nozzle.

[0132] At least one of the one or more union fittings may be unitary with at least one of the one or more tee-fittings. As such, the union fittings and the tee-fittings may be separately formed components, or may be unitarily formed.

[0133] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a first fluid to a first capillary 7 such that the fluid flows through the capillary; b) providing a second fluid to an inlet of a tee-fitting (e.g. 2), the inlet of the tee- fitting being in fluid communication with an outlet of the capillary (e.g. 7); c) mixing the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0134] The present invention allows for the accurate and secure fitment of capillaries within the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly. This allows for accurate and consistent mixing of fluids provided to the assembly.

[0135] In the case where there are multiple capillaries, further union fittings may be provided, which can be connected to one another via tee-fittings. The diameter of subsequent capillaries increases to allow earlier capillaries to be received therein. Capillary length may be selected such that the downstream portion of the capillary ends at a desired location.

[0136] The first and second fluids may be reactive with one another. As such, when the fluids come into contact with one another, they are able to chemically react with one another to form a desired intermediate or product.

[0137] The method may further include providing a third fluid downstream of the first and second fluid. The method may further include providing a fourth or further fluid downstream of the preceding streams.

[0138] 18

[0139] 15107587-1 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a union fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the union fitting; b) connecting the union fitting to a tee-fitting having a second capillary disposed therein at a connection such that the first capillary is received by the second capillary; c) sealing the connection between a union fitting and a tee-fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.

[0140] In another embodiment, there is provided a method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a tee fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the tee fitting; b) connecting the tee fitting to a union fitting; c) sealing the connection between the tee fitting and the union fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.

[0141] In the embodiment of Figure 1 , if one starts with union fitting 1 , then capillary 7 is disposed therein.

[0142] Connecting the union fitting and the tee-fitting may be via a threaded connection, preferably a parallel threaded connection, via a push-fit connection, via a flanged connection, via a clamped connection, such as a v-band clamp connection, via a welded connection, or via a bonded connection.

[0143] The method may include deforming the elastic sealing element by compressing the elastic sealing element between the union fitting and the tee-fitting.

[0144] The method may include connecting one or more further union fittings or tee-fittings to the assembly. Since the present invention provides modularity, it is possible to connect multiple union fittings and tee-fittings together to increase the number of fluids which may be mixed.

[0145] 19

[0146] 15107587-1 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention for mixing fluids.

[0147] As such, in an embodiment, the present invention is an assembly of multiple components: parallel threaded tee-fittings which enable coaxial connection of elements and fluid injection; capillaries, which are responsible for generating structured flow in the device; capillary sheathes, which may surround the capillaries and ensure primary alignment; threaded union fittings — which hold the sleeved capillaries, can act as sleeves themselves, and provide a secure rigid support — align and connect capillaries to the tee-fittings; and an elastic sealing element, which could be an o-ring or gasket — which creates a seal between the tee-fittings that relieves the stress of threaded connections, and capillaries — simultaneously aligning the capillaries.

[0148] 20

[0149] 15107587-1

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly comprising: a) one or more union fittings; b) one or more tee-fittings configured to connect to one or more union fittings; c) one or more capillaries at least partially disposed within at least one of i) the one or more union fittings and ii) the one or more tee-fittings; d) a capillary sheath at least partially surrounding at least one of the one or more capillaries; and e) an elastic sealing element configured to seal a connection between a tee- fitting and a union fitting, said elastic sealing element supporting and aligning the capillary therein.

2. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the tee-fittings are threaded, optionally wherein the tee-fittings are parallel-threaded.

3. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the union fittings are threaded, optionally wherein the union fittings are parallel-threaded.

4. The modular coaxial aligned fluidic assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the tee- fittings and the union fittings are configured to connect via a push-fit connection, a flanged connection, a clamped connection, such as a v-band clamp connection, a welded connection, or a bonded connection.

5. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an end of at least one of the capillaries is recessed from, is aligned with, or extends beyond an end of a respective union fitting.

6. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein one or both ends of a capillary sheath is recessed from, is aligned with, or extends beyond an end of a respective capillary.2115107587-17. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one capillary is fixed to its respective sheath, optionally wherein the fixing is via bonding, such as adhesive bonding or welding, such as via an adhesive epoxy.

8. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly comprises two or more capillaries sized such that one capillary may be disposed within an adjacent capillary in an assembled condition.

9. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the elastic sealing element comprises an o-ring or a gasket.

10. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the tee-fittings and the union fittings are configured to deform the elastic sealing element in the assembled condition such that the elastic sealing element contacts the capillary therein.11 . The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the tee-fitting acts as the capillary sheath.

12. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claims, wherein the capillary sheaths have staggered ends.

13. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the capillary sheath centres the at least one of the one or more capillaries within the union fitting or tee-fitting.

14. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly is i) an inline mixer, ii) a reactor, such as a flow reactor, such as an annular flow reactor, a bubble flow reactor, or a segmented flow reactor, or iii) a nozzle, such as an electrospraying nozzle, an atomizing nozzle, a fuel injector nozzle, or a fuel mixer nozzle.2215107587-115. The modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the one or more union fittings is unitary with at least one of the one or more tee-fittings.

16. A method of using the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 15, the method comprising: a) providing a first fluid to a first capillary such that the fluid flows through the capillary; b) providing a second fluid to an inlet of a tee-fitting, the inlet of the tee-fitting being in fluid communication with an outlet of the capillary; c) mixing the first fluid and the second fluid.

17. The method according to Claim 16, wherein the first and second fluids are reactive with one another.

18. The method according to Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the method further includes providing a third fluid downstream of the first and second fluid.

19. The method according to Claim 18, wherein the method further includes providing a fourth or further fluid downstream of the preceding streams.

20. A method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 15, the method comprising: a) providing a union fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the union fitting; b) connecting the union fitting to a tee-fitting having a second capillary disposed therein at a connection such that the first capillary is received by the second capillary; c) sealing the connection between the union fitting and the tee-fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.21 . A method of assembling the modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: a) providing a tee fitting having a first capillary disposed therein, at least a portion of the capillary extending beyond an end of the tee fitting;2315107587-1b) connecting the tee fitting to a union fitting; c) sealing the connection between the tee fitting and the union fitting, and supporting and aligning the capillary via an elastic sealing element.

22. The method according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 , wherein connecting the union fitting and the tee-fitting is via a threaded connection, preferably a parallel threaded connection, via a push-fit connection, via a flanged connection, via a clamped connection, such as a v-band clamp connection, via a welded connection, or via a bonded connection.

23. The method according to Claim 20, Claim 21 , or Claim 22 wherein the method includes deforming the elastic sealing element by compressing the elastic sealing element between the union fitting and the tee-fitting.

24. The method according to any of Claims 20 to 23, wherein the method includes connecting one or more further union fittings or tee-fittings to the assembly.

25. Use of modular coaxially aligned fluidic assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 15 for mixing fluids.2415107587-1

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