Tangential Inlet Mixing Device for Nanoparticle Reproducibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in large-scale production of nanoparticles is maintaining batch-to-batch reproducibility and controlling polydispersity, leading to variations in physicochemical properties and increased manufacturing costs, which can affect user safety and prolong testing times.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with tangentially oriented inlet conduits and an overflow outlet for continuous nanoprecipitation, allowing controlled mixing and discharge of nanoparticles without applying force, enabling adjustable particle size and reproducible production from small to large scales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mixing devices with additional stirring means are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet conduits themselves perform the mixing function by directing fluid flow tangentially into the mixing chamber, creating spontaneous circulation and mixing without requiring separate stirring means. The system uses the incoming fluid flow to drive the mixing process, making the mixing action self-generated rather than externally imposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the additional stirring means from the mixing device, retaining only the essential inlet conduits and mixing chamber. By extracting the unnecessary stirring components while maintaining effective mixing through the inlet configuration, the device complexity is reduced while preserving mixing efficiency.
2Speed
If force is applied to discharge nanoparticles, then discharge speed is improved, but nanoparticle integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet conduit is positioned at a higher elevation than the inlet openings, creating a gravitational potential difference that enables nanoparticles to discharge naturally under gravity without requiring external forcing mechanisms. This gravitational discharge maintains nanoparticle integrity while achieving continuous removal from the mixing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanoparticle discharge process is driven by the gravitational field acting on the accumulated fluid and particles in the mixing chamber. The system uses its own weight and gravitational potential energy to discharge nanoparticles continuously without requiring external pumps or forcing devices, thereby preserving nanoparticle integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If batch production is used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but batch-to-batch reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device enables continuous production of nanoparticles through a steady-state process where fluids are continuously fed through the inlet conduits, mixed in the chamber, and discharged through the outlet conduit. This continuous operation eliminates batch-to-batch variations by maintaining consistent process parameters throughout production, thereby improving reproducibility while retaining flexibility through adjustable flow rates and compositions.
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 ensures cost-effective and reliable industrial production of nanoparticles with batch-to-batch reproducibility, maintaining product integrity and reducing manufacturing costs by controlling the mixing process and discharge.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet portions being arranged inside the mixing chamber, spaced from each other and with the inlet openings oriented to supply fluid into the mixing chamber substantially tangentially to the inner surface of the wall
Implementation Method 2
an outlet conduit comprising an outlet opening, the outlet conduit being configured to be arranged with the outlet opening located in the mixing chamber at a position higher than the position of the inlet openings
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mixing device (1), more in particular a mixing device (1) for the production of nanoparticles from the mixing of at least two fluids, wherein the mixing device (1) comprises a mixing chamber (2), two inlet conduits (3, 4) and an outlet (5).