Microchannel Double Pipe Device for Uniform Particle Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional precipitation methods for producing nano- or micron-structured particles face challenges with uneven microcosmic mixing, leading to long reaction times and low production efficiency, particularly in continuous operations due to issues like blocking in high-viscosity materials.
Innovation Solution
A microchannel double-pipe device with a concentric inner and outer nozzle structure and a mechanical probe for intermittent purging, combined with temperature control and ultrasonic dispersion to enhance liquid-liquid mixing and prevent particle accumulation, allowing for continuous production of uniform particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a stirring tank is used as a reactor for precipitation, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing is uneven and production efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is divided into multiple microchannels instead of using a single large stirring tank. Each microchannel is a separate flow path where precipitation occurs, allowing parallel processing and significantly increasing production efficiency while maintaining simple device structure through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from macro-scale mixing in a stirring tank to micro-scale mixing in microchannels. This dimensional change enables rapid mixing and heat transfer at the micro level, dramatically improving production efficiency without complicating the overall device structure
2Productivity
If a rotating packed bed is used to enhance mixing, then mixing is improved, but blocking occurs during continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple independent microchannels, preventing blocking in any single channel. Even if one microchannel becomes partially blocked, others continue to operate, ensuring reliable continuous operation while maintaining high production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The microchannel structure allows dynamic adjustment of flow rates and pressures to prevent material accumulation and blocking. The system can adapt to varying operational conditions to maintain continuous operation without the blocking issues associated with rotating packed beds
3Device complexity
If conventional precipitation methods are used, then the process is simple, but particle size distribution is heterogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention operates at the micro-scale dimension within microchannels, creating uniform microcosmic mixing conditions that produce homogeneous particle size distribution. This micro-scale approach provides precise control over precipitation conditions, achieving consistent particle size while keeping the overall process simple
4Productivity
If high-viscosity materials are processed in a rotating packed bed, then mixing is enhanced, but cleaning must be done constantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flow path into multiple small microchannels, allowing high-viscosity materials to be processed efficiently in each channel while minimizing accumulation. The segmented structure reduces the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, making the system easier to operate continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The microchannel structure enables periodic flushing and cleaning cycles that are more efficient and less frequent compared to continuous cleaning requirements of rotating packed beds. This periodic maintenance approach reduces operational complexity and improves ease of manufacture
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 device achieves rapid and uniform mixing, mass transfer, and heat transfer, enabling the production of nano- or micron-structured particles with consistent sizes in a continuous manner, improving production efficiency and preventing blockages.
Implementation Method 1
the channel for inner nozzle (4) concentrically surrounds the mechanical probe (8) substantially, and constricted at the outlet of the channel for inner nozzle (4), the channel for inner nozzle (4) extends to form an inner nozzle core (9), constricted at the outlet of the channel for outer nozzle (5), the channel for outer nozzle (5) extends to form an outer nozzle core (10)
Implementation Method 2
the mechanical probe (8) is configured to intermittently empty (purge) the inner nozzle core (9)
Implementation Method 3
A microchannel double-pipe device with a concentric inner and outer nozzle structure and a mechanical probe for intermittent purging, combined with temperature control and ultrasonic dispersion to enhance liquid-liquid mixing
Implementation Method 4
the microchannel double-pipe device further comprises an ultrasonic device mounted on the outer surface of the lower part of the collector (11) to prevent the agglutination of the particles and/or break up the particle aggregates in the collector (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A microchannel double pipe device comprises a channel for inner nozzle (4), a channel for outer nozzle (5) and a mechanical probe (8). The channel for outer nozzle (5) concentrically surrounds the channel for inner nozzle (4), and the channel for inner nozzle (4) concentrically surrounds the mechanical probe (8). Constricted at the outlet of the channel for inner nozzle (4), the channel for inner nozzle (4) extends to form an inner nozzle core (9). Constricted at the outlet of the channel for outer nozzle (5), the channel for outer nozzle (5) extends to form an outer nozzle core (10). The outer nozzle core (10) essentially concentrically surrounds the inner nozzle core (9), and the outlets of the inner nozzle core (9) and the outer nozzle core (10) are at the same level essentially. The mechanical probe (8) is configured to intermittently empty the inner nozzle core (9). The device can be used for microcosmic mixing and reaction, especially suitable for continuous preparation of inorganic, organic or medicine particles with nanostructure or micron-structure using liquid-liquid precipitation method.