Particle Formation Device With Angled Jet Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle formation techniques using supercritical fluids face challenges in achieving controlled size distribution, morphology, and crystallinity, particularly in the nanometer range, with issues like nozzle clogging and poor control over particle size, leading to submicron particles with poor physical stability.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a mixing chamber with adjustable interspace between two jets, where the angle between the jets is at least 30°, creating a cross-shear action that breaks down the solution into small droplets, allowing for precise control over particle size and surface structure, and the ability to adjust the device for different substances and conditions to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nozzle designs are used for particle formation, then the process can be simplified, but nozzle clogging occurs and particle size control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is segmented into distinct regions: a first mixing region where the solution jet is broken into droplets, and a second mixing region where the atomizing agent interacts with the droplets. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, preventing clogging while maintaining control over particle size and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging the solution jet and atomizing agent flow paths at specific angles (30-150 degrees) relative to each other. This angular arrangement in three-dimensional space creates effective mixing while avoiding direct impingement that causes clogging, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the angle between jets is increased to improve mixing, then particle size distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the angle parameter between the solution jet and atomizing agent flow paths, specifying a range of 30-150 degrees. This parameter change creates optimal mixing conditions for particle formation while maintaining reasonable device complexity. The specific angular range balances mixing effectiveness with practical conduit arrangement.
3Productivity
If supercritical fluids are used for particle formation, then extraction and atomization are enhanced, but pressure control becomes critical and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pressure control mechanisms that monitor and regulate the pressure of supercritical fluids throughout the process. This feedback control ensures stable pressure conditions, preventing fluctuations that would compromise particle size distribution and physical stability, while maintaining high extraction and atomization efficiency.
4Productivity
If particle size is reduced to nanometer range, then application value increases, but particle physical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite particle structures by combining the solution containing the substance with the atomizing agent in a controlled manner. This composite approach allows formation of nanometer-sized particles while incorporating stabilizing elements from the atomizing agent, thereby maintaining physical stability despite the reduced size.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the production of particles as small as 0.2-0.3 μm or even 0.05 μm with improved size distribution and surface structure, effectively addressing the limitations of existing methods by minimizing clogging and enhancing control over particle formation.
Implementation Method 1
the jet of the atomizing agent and the liquid jet being supplied such that they meet each other in the mixing area at an angle in the range of 30° to 150°
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle is extracted by the supercritical fluid whereby extraction and droplet formation occurs simultaneously
Implementation Method 3
This process consists in solvating the solute in the supercritical fluid and rapidly depressuring this solution through an adequate nozzle, causing an extremely rapid nucleation of the compound into a highly dispersed material
Implementation Method 4
the atomizing agent functions as an anti-solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for producing small particles of a certain substance. The device includes first inlet means (4) for a solution or a suspension containing the substance and second inlet means (3) for an atomizing agent. The device further includes mixing means (12) for the solution and the atomizing agent and outlet means (13) for the particles. First (9, 10) and second (14, 11) conduit means are provided from the first (4) and second (3) inlet means respectively to the mixing means (12). According to the invention the first (9, 10) and second (14, 11) conduit means meet each other at the mixing means (12) at an angle of at least 30°. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and to use of the device and the method as well as to particles obtained by the method.