Flow Passage Structure With Branch Path Diameter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow passage structures face challenges in increasing the treatment amount of fluid interactions without expanding their size, as the contact interface area between reacting fluids remains constant after mixing, limiting the reaction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The flow passage structure features a substrate with parallel groove portions on both surfaces, sealed by plates, and includes inlet paths, junctions, and branch paths with varying diameters, allowing for increased contact interface area and turbulence, facilitating fluid interaction and reaction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow passage structure uses a conventional configuration with inlet paths joined on the same surface, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the treatment amount (reaction amount) of fluids cannot be increased without increasing the size of the flow passage structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement where inlet paths are joined on the same surface to a three-dimensional arrangement where inlet paths are joined in the thickness direction through through-holes. This dimensional change allows flow passageways to be more closely arranged in the planar direction, increasing the treatment amount without increasing the overall size of the flow passage structure.
2Productivity
If the flow passage structure increases the number of flow passageways by arranging inlet paths in the thickness direction, then the treatment amount of fluids can be increased, but the interaction between fluids after joining is not easily facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a circulation path that dynamically recirculates the mixed fluid from the reaction path back to the junction path. This dynamic recirculation continuously updates and renews the contact interface between fluids, preventing the contact interface area from becoming constant and thereby facilitating ongoing interaction and reaction between the fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation path ensures continuous useful action by constantly circulating the mixed fluid through the reaction path and back to the junction path. This continuous circulation maintains active fluid interaction throughout the system, preventing stagnation and ensuring that the reaction process continues efficiently without interruption.
3Productivity
If the contact interface area between fluids is increased to facilitate reaction, then the reaction efficiency is improved, but the contact interface area becomes substantially constant after agitation settles down, limiting further reaction enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation path creates periodic action by continuously cycling the mixed fluid through the reaction path and back to the junction path. This periodic circulation repeatedly agitates and renews the contact interface between fluids, preventing the system from reaching a static state where the contact interface area becomes constant, thereby sustaining enhanced reaction efficiency over extended periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow passage structure having a plurality of flow passageways therein includes a first junction portion for joining a first fluid introduced into a first inlet path and a second fluid introduced into a second inlet path, a first joined fluid flow passage through which a fluid made by joining both the fluids flows, a branch portion for dividing the fluid flowing in the first joined fluid flow passage into two fluids, a first branch path through which one of the two divided fluids flows, and a second branch path through which the other flows, wherein a corresponding diameter of the first branch path and a corresponding diameter of the second branch path in each of the passageways are smaller than a corresponding diameter of the first joined fluid flow passage in the passageway.