JP4297707B2

JP4297707B2 - Equipment for continuous preparation of microdroplets

Info

Publication number: JP4297707B2
Application number: JP2003078332A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 泰雄幡手; 和也伊地知; 俊雄筒井; 昌弘吉田; 恵宣河野; 弘一郎塩盛; 盛佳小波; 正之谷岡
Original assignee: Nisso Engineering Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nisso Engineering Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-20
Filing date: 2003-03-20
Publication date: 2009-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-20
Also published as: JP2004283715A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、各種の微小液滴（エマルジョンと同じ）を連続して作るための微小液滴の連続調製設備に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
発明対象の微小液滴は、下記特許文献１，２で例示されるようにエネルギー、農薬、医療、化粧品、食品の各分野において、複数の原液を分散機で乳化処理した後、処理部で熱処理等を施して中間物や製品として生成される。文献１は、図４（ａ）の連続調製設備（以下、製造プラントと称する）により重質油エマルジョンを製造する例である。この製造プラントでは、原液（アスファルト）１及び原液（界面活性剤水溶液）２をそれぞれポンプ３，４によりラインミキサ５へ導入して混合し、ポンプ６から導入される温水７と共にスタティクミキサ８へ導かれて混合されながらエマルジョン化され、更に処理部としての冷却器９を通して粗大粒子を低減させた製品エマルジョンを連続して作る。これに対し、文献２は本発明者らが先に開発したもので、図４（ｂ）の製造プラントによりマイクロカプセル用の徐放性複合エマルジョンを製造する例である。この製造プラントでは、撹拌体４２を内設したバイブロミキサ５０Ａ〜５０Ｄが複数使用される。そして、原液（水相）Ａ及び原液（油相）Ｂは、第１段目のバイブロミキサ５０Ａにポンプ５１ａ，５１ｂ及び弁５２ａ，５２ｂを介し導入されて混合された後、第２段目以降のバイブロミキサ５０Ｂにて中間物であるＷ／Ｏ型エマルジョンに調製される。該Ｗ／Ｏ型エマルジョンは、第３段目のバイブロミキサ５０Ｃに送られると共にそこでボンプ５１ｃ及び弁５２ｃを介し導入される原液（水相）Ｃと混合された後、第４段目以降のバイブロミキサ５０Ｄ，５０ＥにてＷ／Ｏ／Ｗ型エマルジョン（Ｄ）に調製される。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平７−３１００８２号公報（第２−６頁、図１）
【特許文献２】
特開平１１−３４９６８８号公報（第２−６頁、図４と図５）
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記微小液滴の製造において、通常は品質上、均一な液滴径にすることが重要であり、量産に際しては分散機の検討（例えば、機械式であれば回転撹拌か振動撹拌にするか等）と共に運転条件が繰り返し試験される。製造プラントは、そのような検討及び試験を通して最適なものとして構築され、後に生じる稼動条件の変更が極めて限られている。ところが、この種の微小液滴は、性能改良及び多機能化が常に検討されていて、原液の組み合わせや配合・濃度等の変更、更に目標液滴径の変更等が比較的頻繁に行われる。従来製造プラントでは、既設の分散機等の運転条件にて対処できないと、設備改築費の増大、更に稼動停止が長期化するという問題がある。
【０００５】
本発明は以上のような背景から工夫されたものである。その目的は、稼動条件の変更に対処し易くして汎用性に優れ、設備改築及び稼動停止を極力避けることができるようにして微小液滴の高品質化等を図る上での支障を解消できるようにする。他の目的は以下の内容説明の中で明らかにする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため本発明は、図１の例で特定すると、粒子中に機能性物質を封じ込めた微小液滴の連続調製に用いられるもので、分散剤及び界面活性剤を含む原液や機能性物質を含む原液を入れる複数の貯槽１０ａ〜１０ｃを設けた液供給部１と、前記貯槽より各原液Ａ〜Ｃを導入し撹拌混合して乳化する分散機２，３と、前記分散機より乳化された液を槽本体３０に導入して熱処理を施す後処理部４とを有した微小液滴の連続調製設備において、前記分散機として槽本体２０に機械式撹拌機構を装備した第１分散機２及び槽本体２５に超音波式撹拌機構を装備した第２分散機３と、前記液供給部１より前記第１分散機２の槽本体２０へ前記貯槽の液を導入可能にする第１配管系１１，１２，１３と、前記第１分散機２の槽本体２０より前記第２分散機３の槽本体２５へ液を導入可能にする第２配管系１４と、前記第２分散機３より前記後処理部４へ液を導入可能にする第３配管系１５と、前記第１配管系１３と前記第３配管系１５とを接続し、前記液供給部１より前記後処理部４の槽本体３０へ前記貯槽の液を導入可能にする第４配管系１６と、前記第４配管系１６と第２配管系とを接続し、前記液供給部１より前記第１と第４の各配管系及び第２配管系１４の一部を通って前記第２分散機３の槽本体２５へ前記貯槽の液を導入可能にする第５配管系１７とをユニットとして備え、更に、前記第４配管系及び／又は第５配管系の一部がラインミキサで構成されていることを特徴としている。
【０００７】
（工夫点等）以上の発明設備（製造プラント）は次のような利用を可能にする。(1)、各原液を撹拌混合して乳化する形態としては、例えば、第１分散機及び第２分散機へ順に送りながら乳化して後処理部へ送る態様、第２分散機で乳化して後処理部へ送る態様、第１配管系から第４配管系のラインミキサで乳化処理して後処理部へ送る態様等を選択可能にする。細部は後述する。
(2)、異なる撹拌機構からなる第１分散機及び第２分散機を標準装備しているため、撹拌態様が広く、それにより対象微小液滴の液滴径を幅広い範囲で制御可能にして、製造プラント構築後に生じる稼動条件の変更に対処し易い。
(3)、以上の点は、製造プラントとして汎用性に富み、例えば、初期稼動及び変更時等で行う最適運転条件の設定試験において、有効かつ便利なものとなり、設備改築の機会や稼動停止の時間を少なくして経費削減を実現できる。
【０００８】
(4)、更に、前記第１分散機が機械的な剪断力や振動を加える機械式撹拌機構であり、前記第２分散機が超音波を照射する超音波式撹拌機構、つまり分散機を機械式と超音波式とで構成しているため、最適乳化条件をきめ細かに試験したり量産可能にし、例えば、第１分散機の機械式撹拌機構により予備乳化し、次に第２分散機の超音波式機構により乳化促進及び液滴径の均一微細化を図り易くする。
(5)、なお、請求項２のごとく前記機械式の第１分散機が複数により構成されていると、図３（ｃ）のような使い方を可能にする。即ち、一例としては、文献２のＷ／Ｏエマルジョンを機械式の一段目で調製し、該Ｗ／Ｏ型エマルジョンを次の機械式の二段目に導入すると共にそこで他の原液と混合撹拌してＷ／Ｏ／Ｗ型エマルジョンを調製するような態様である。
(6)、また、以上の発明設備は、前記第４配管系及び／又は第５配管系の一部がラインミキサで構成されているため、上述したようにラインミキサで乳化しながら後処理部へ送る態様、又は、原液を第２分散機に導入する過程でラインミキサで予備乳化する態様を可能にする。
(7)、なお、以上の発明設備において、粒子中に機能性物質（芯物質）を封じ込めた微小液滴は、芯物質を適切に選択調製することで芯物質の徐放や隔離、毒性の軽減、液体の固体化、臭気や味のマスキング等を目的に応じた多様な機能を付加できる。製造では、各原液（水相及び油相等）を分散機で乳化し、後処理部で重合を完了した後、濾過・乾燥処理するが、高品質化を図る上で、乳化（エマルジョン）を均一かつ微細化することが重要となり、各原液の濃度、温度、混合比等と共に分散機の型式選定及びその最適運転条件について試験されるため本発明が最も有効に機能する。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は本発明を適用した基本形態を示し、図２は液供給部の貯槽が多くなったときの変形例を示し、図３は第１分散機の他の構成例を示している。各図は本発明設備の要部を模式化したものである。以下の説明では、作動的に同じ部材には同一符号を付して重複記載を極力省く。勿論、この形態は本発明を何ら制約するものではない。
【００１０】
（基本形態）図１の連続調製設備は、分散剤及び界面活性剤等を含む原液と、機能性物質等を含む原液とを撹拌混合して乳化処理した後、該乳化処理液について熱処理等を施すマイクロカプセル用の微小液滴を量産する製造プラントであり、液供給部１と、機械式分散機２と、超音波式分散機３と、後処理部４とが順に設置されており、又、第１配管系１１，１２，１３〜第５配管系１７を有している。なお、図面では、後処理部以降の濾過部及び乾燥部等については従来と同じため省略している。
【００１１】
ここで、液供給部１は、原液Ａ〜Ｃを貯める複数の貯槽１０ａ〜１０ｃを有している。各貯槽１０ａ〜１０ｂは、加温機構や温度センサ等が必要に応じ付設され、又、専用の配管系から対応する原液が補充されるようになっている。貯槽１０ａ〜１０ｂのうち、１槽は予備あるいは洗浄等のリンス液用としてもよい。
【００１２】
機械式分散機２は、機械的な剪断力や振動を加える撹拌機構を槽本体２０に装備したものである。この例では、機械式撹拌機構として、槽本体２０の一端側に設けられた加振機２１と、槽本体２０に内設された回転撹拌機２２とにより構成されている。但し、この分散機２は、ラインミキサのような配管系に組み込まれるものを除き、機械式であれば他の公知の撹拌機構でもよい。槽本体２０には、両端側に出入口２０ａ，２０ｂが設けられている。これに対し、超音波式分散機３は、超音波を照射するもので、槽本体２５の一端側に超音波発生装置２６を装備したものである。この超音波式分散機構は、例えば、鹿児島大学工学部研究報告、第３０号（１９８８）、「超音波発生機を利用した液滴調製装置の開発」（今福達夫・幡手泰雄・碇醇）に報告されているように、液中でのキャビテイーション作用や界面攪乱作用を利用するものである。槽本体２５には、両端側に出入口２５ａ，２５ｂが設けられている。なお、機械式分散機２及び超音波式分散機３は縦型に限られず、横型でも差し支えない。
【００１３】
後処理部４は、上記した分散機等で乳化したものを導入して加熱や冷却等の熱処理する重合完結用の槽本体３０が主体となる。この例では、槽本体３０が下側より少し上に設けられた入口３０ａと、上側に設けられた排気口３０ｂと、下端側に設けられた出口３０ｃと、不図示の加熱機構と、槽内に設けられた撹拌羽根タイプの撹拌機構３１とを有している。そして、槽本体３０は、導入された液を加熱及び撹拌しながら重合を完結し、出口３０ｃより微小液滴（エマルジョン）を開閉弁９ａを介し次工程（濾過部等）へ供給する。なお、後処理部４には、槽本体３０が複数（４〜７）設けられており、上記した分散機等で乳化したものを各槽本体に切り換えて連続的に受け入れて後処理可能となっている。
【００１４】
（配管系）第１配管系１１，１２，１３は、各貯槽に接続されて液圧送用ポンプＰ５ａ〜５ｃ及び弁６ａ〜６ｃを有した配管１１ａ〜１１ｃ（１１）と、各配管１１ａ〜１１ｃが連通される共通の配管１２と、配管１２と機械式分散機２の出入口（この例では入口）２０ａとを接続している配管１３等からなり、液供給部１の各貯槽より第１分散機２へ液を導入可能にする経路である。弁６ａ〜６ｃは流量調製及び開閉を兼ねるものである。通常は流量調製弁及び開閉弁により構成される。配管１３には、開閉弁７ａが第１分散機２側に付設されている。
【００１５】
第２配管系１４は、第１分散機２の出入口（この例では出口）２０ｂと第２分散機３の出入口（この例では入口）２５ａとを接続しており、第１分散機２の槽本体２０側より第２分散機３の槽本体２５内へ液を導入可能にする経路である。この配管には第１分散機２側に開閉弁７ｃが付設されている。なお、図１の符号Ｘ1の箇所に開閉弁を付設してもよい。これに対し、第３配管系１５は、第２分散機３の出入口（この例では出口）２５ｂと後処理部４の槽本体３０の入口３０ａとを接続しており、第２分散機３の槽本体２５側より後処理部４の槽本体３０内へ液を導入可能にする経路である。この配管には第２分散機３側に開閉弁７ｄが付設されている。
【００１６】
第４配管系１６は、第１配管系を構成している配管１３と第３配管系１５を構成している配管とを接続しており、液供給部１の各貯槽より後処理部４の槽本体３０内へ液を導入可能にする経路である。第４配管系１６の上流端は配管１３のうち開閉弁７ａより上流側に接続され、第４配管系１６の下流端は第３配管系１５を構成している配管のうち開閉弁７ｄより下流側に接続されている。また、第４配管系１６を形成している配管には、配管１３の近くに付設された開閉弁７ｂと、第３配管系１５の近くに付設された開閉弁８ｂと、途中に付設された開閉弁８ａとが介装され、又、開閉弁７ｂ側と開閉弁８ａ側との間の配管部分及び、開閉弁８ａ側と開閉弁８ｂ側との間の配管部分がそれぞれラインミキサ１８ａ，１８ｂにより構成されている。また、図１の符号Ｘ2の箇所に開閉弁を付設してもよい。
【００１７】
第５配管系１７は、第４配管系１６と第２配管系１４とを接続し、液供給部１より第１配管系１１〜１３、第４配管系１６及び第２配管系１４の一部を通って第２分散機３の槽本体２５の入口２５ａへ貯槽の液を導入可能にする経路である。即ち、第５配管系１７の上流端は第４配管系１６を構成している配管のうちラインミキサ１８ａと開閉弁８ａとの間に接続され、第５配管系１７の下流端は第２配管系１４を構成している配管のうち開閉弁７ｃより下流側に接続されている。また、第５配管系１７を形成している配管には、第２配管系１４の近くに開閉弁８ｃが介装され、又、途中の配管部分がラインミキサ１８ｃにより構成されている。また、図１の符号Ｘ3の箇所に開閉弁を付設してもよい。
【００１８】
（使用例）以上の連続調製設備では、各原液を撹拌混合して乳化する形態として次の４方法が可能で乳化条件ないしは稼動条件の汎用性に富んでいる。即ち、
ア）まず、第１分散機２及び第２分散機３で専ら乳化する態様である。この稼動では、開閉弁７ｂ，８ｂ，８ｃが閉状態、開閉弁７ａ，７ｃ，７ｄが開状態に切換制御される。そして、液供給部１において、使用原液が３液であれば、各貯槽１０ａ〜１０ｃの原液がポンプ５ａ〜５ｃ及び弁６ａ〜６ｃを介して所定流量比でそれぞれ配管１１〜１３を通じて第１分散機２の槽本体２０内へ導入されて乳化され、第２配管系１４を介して第２分散機３へ導かれて槽本体２５内で乳化促進及び液滴の微細化が施され、その後、第３配管系１５を介して後処理部３０へ導入される。これらは連続して行われる。なお、使用原液が２液であれば、対応する貯槽より同じように供給すればよい。これは以下の稼動でも同じ。
イ）第１分散機２で専ら乳化する態様である。この稼動では、上記した箇所Ｘ1,Ｘ2に開閉弁が付設され、それらの開閉弁及び開閉弁７ｂ，７ｄが閉状態、開閉弁７ａ，７ｃ，８ａ，８ｃ，８ｂが開状態に切換制御される。そして、液供給部１において、使用原液は前記と同様に所定流量比でそれぞれ配管１１〜１３を通じて第１分散機２の槽本体２０内へ導入されて乳化され、その後、第２配管系１４、第５配管系１７、第４配管系１６の対応配管部分、第３配管系１５を介して後処理部３０へ導入される。ラインミキサ１８ｃ，１８ｂは、移送過程において乳化を補足すると共に沈降等を起きないようにする。
ウ）第２分散機３で専ら乳化する態様である。この稼動では、開閉弁７ａ，７ｃ，８ａ，８ｂが閉状態、開閉弁７ｂ，７ｄ，８ｃが開状態に切換制御される。そして、液供給部１において、使用原液は前記と同様に所定流量比でそれぞれ配管１１〜１３、第４配管系１６の対応配管部分、第５配管系１７、第２配管系１４の対応配管部分を通じて第２分散機３の槽本体２５内へ導入されて乳化され、その後、第３配管系１５を介して後処理部３０へ導入される。ラインミキサ１８ａ，１８ｃは移送過程において初期乳化を促す。
エ）第４配管系１６のラインミキサ１８ａ，１８ｂで専ら乳化する態様である。この稼動では、上記した箇所Ｘ3に開閉弁が付設され、該開閉弁及び開閉弁７ａ，７ｄが閉状態、開閉弁７ｂ，８ａ，８ｂが開状態に切換制御される。そして、液供給部１において、使用原液は前記と同様に所定流量比でそれぞれ配管１１〜１３、第４配管系１６を通じて圧送される過程でラインミキサ１８ａ，１８ｂの機械的な撹拌機構により乳化されながら、第３配管系１５の対応配管部分を介して後処理部３０へ導入される。
【００１９】
以上のように、この連続調製設備では、機械式第１分散機２及び超音波式第２分散機３を標準装備しているため撹拌態様が広く、また、弁の開閉制御だけで対象微小液滴の液滴径を幅広い範囲で調製できるため、例えば、初期稼動及び後日の設計変更時等で行う最適運転条件の設定試験において極めて便利なものとなり、設備改築の機会や稼動停止の時間を少なくできる。
【００２０】
（変形例１）図２の連続調製設備は、図１の設備に対し、液供給部１の貯槽数が４つになっている点、機械式分散機２の槽本体２０及び第１配管系が変更されている点、第３配管系１５が液抜き用配管１９を有している点で相違し、それ以外は実質的に同じである。このため、この説明では変更点だけを詳述する。
【００２１】
図２の液供給部１は、原液Ａ〜Ｃ及び洗浄用リンス液や他の原液Ｄを貯める貯槽１０ａ〜１０ｄを有している。各貯槽１０ａ〜１０ｄは、加温機構や温度センサ等が必要に応じ付設され、又、専用の配管系から対応する原液やリンス液が補充されるようになっている。機械式分散機２の槽本体２０は、一端側に設けられた２つの入口２０ａ，２０ｃと、他端側に設けられた１つの出口２０ｂとを有している。このため、第１配管系１１，１２，１３として次のような接続になっている。即ち、各貯槽に接続されて液圧送用ポンプＰ５ａ〜５ｄ及び弁６ａ〜６ｄを有した配管１１ａ〜１１ｄ（１１）と、配管１１ａと配管１１ｂを繋ぐ共通の配管１２ａと、配管１１ｃと配管１１ｄを繋ぐ共通の配管１２ｂと、配管１２ａと機械式分散機２の入口２０ｃとを接続している配管１３ａと、配管１２ｂと機械式分散機（第１分散機）２の他方の入口２０ａとを接続している配管１３ｂと、配管１３ａと第４配管系１６とを接続している配管１３ｃとからなる。配管１３ａには、第１分散機２の入口２０ｃ側に開閉弁７ｅが介在されている。配管１３ｃの上流側は配管１３ａのうち開閉弁７ｅの手前に接続しており、配管１３ｃの下流側は第４配管系１６のうち開閉弁７ｂを過ぎた箇所に接続されている。
【００２２】
以上の配管構成では、例えば、図１に比べて原液等が次のような態様で供給可能となる。第１分散機２及び第２分散機３で乳化する態様において、開閉弁７ｂ，７ｆが閉状態、開閉弁７ａ，７ｅが開状態に切換制御されると、貯槽１０ａ及び／又は貯槽１０ｂの原液を第１分散機２の入口２０ｃから、貯槽１０ｃ及び／又は貯槽１０ｄの原液を第１分散機２の入口２０ａから、それぞれ決められた流量比で槽本体２０に導入可能にする。勿論、貯槽１０ａ及び貯槽１０ｂの原液だけを第１分散機２の入口２０ｃから槽本体２０に導入したり、貯槽１０ｃ及び貯槽１０ｄの原液を第１分散機２の入口２０ａから槽本体２０に導入してもよい。更に、この構成では、文献２のようにＷ／Ｏ型エマルジョンを第１分散機２で調製した後、該Ｗ／Ｏ型エマルジョンを他の原液（例えば、水相）と共に第２分散機３に導入してＷ／Ｏ／Ｗ型エマルジョンに調製することができる。この場合は、例えば、開閉弁７ｂ，７ｅ，８ａを閉状態、開閉弁７ａ，７ｆ，７ｃ，８ｃを開状態に切換制御し、貯槽１０ｃ及び／又は貯槽１０ｄの原液を第１分散機２の入口２０ａから槽本体２０に導入してＷ／Ｏ型エマルジョンを調製する。そして、該Ｗ／Ｏ型エマルジョンを第２配管系１４から第２分散機３側へ送る途中で、第２配管系１４の配管内のＷ／Ｏ型エマルジョンに、貯槽１０ａ又は／及び貯槽１０ｂの原液を配管１３ａ，１３ｃ、第４配管系１６を構成している配管部分、ラインミキサ１８ａ，１８ｃを介して合流させながら、第２分散機３の入口２５ａから槽本体２５に導入する。以上の使い方は一例に過ぎず、更に色々な乳化態様を可能にする。また、液抜き用配管１９は、異常時の液抜きやリンス液の排出用等として機能し、必要部に付設される一例である。
【００２３】
（変形例２）図３（ａ）〜（ｃ）は以上の機械式分散機（第１分散機）を複数で構成した３例である。ここで、同（ａ）の形態は、図１の第１分散機２に相当する機械式分散機２Ａ，２Ａの各槽本体２０を配管１４ａを介し直列に接続した例である。これに対し、同（ｂ）及び（ｃ）の形態は、図１と図２の各第１分散機２に相当する機械式分散機２Ａ，２Ｂの槽本体２０を配管１４ａを介し直列に接続した形態である。このうち、同（ｂ）では、図２に相当する分散機２Ｂを上流側にし図１に相当する分散機２Ａを下流側（第２分散機３と接続される側）に設けている。同（ｃ）では、図１に相当する分散機２Ａを上流側にし図２に相当する分散機２Ｂを下流側（第２分散機３と接続される側）に設けている。後者では、例えば、上流側の分散機２ＡでＷ／Ｏ型エマルジョンを調製し、下流側分散機２Ｂで配管１３ｂ等から導入される原料と共にＷ／Ｏ／Ｗ型エマルジョンに調製することが可能となる。
【００２４】
以上のように、本発明は、請求項で特定する要件を充足している範囲で種々変形ないしは展開可能なものである。その一例として、マイクロカプセル用の微小液滴（エマルジョン）は、芯物質の水溶液と疎水性ポリマーとから油中水型（Ｗ／Ｏ型）の調製、芯物質と親水性ポリマーの水溶液とから水中油型（Ｏ／Ｗ型）の調製、油中水型エマルジョンを更に水溶液に乳化させた水中油中水型（Ｗ／Ｏ／Ｗ型）の調製、水中油型エマルジョンを更に油溶液中に乳化させた油中水中油型（Ｏ／Ｗ／Ｏ型）の調製、何れであってもよい。
【００２５】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明したように、本発明にあっては、撹拌機構の異なる第１及び第２分散機を組として有していることと配管系の工夫により、設備稼動条件として広い範囲を充足できようにし、高品質化等を図る上で行われる稼動条件の変更に対処し易くし、これによって課題に挙げた設備改築費及び稼動停止の問題を解消でき、信頼性を向上できる。また、本発明は、例えば、目標液滴径等を充足させる上で最適運転条件を広い範囲に亘って試験可能にしたり、分散機として異なる撹拌機構のものを使って液滴径を大、小、中というように多種に製造することも実現容易にする等の利点も有している。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明形態の連続調製設備を模式的に示す構成図である。
【図２】上記連続調製設備の変形例を図１に対応して示す構成図である。
【図３】図１と図２の第１分散機を複数にした変形例を示す図である。
【図４】従来技術及び課題を説明するための参考図である。
【符号の説明】
１…液供給部（１０ａ〜１０ｄは貯槽）
２，２Ａ，２Ｂ…第１分散機（機械式分散機）
３…第２分散機（超音波式分散機）
４…後処理部（３０は槽本体）
１１〜１３…第１配管系
１４…第２配管系
１５…第３配管系
１６…第４配管系
１７…第５配管系
１８ａ〜１８ｃ…ラインミキサ
５ａ〜５ｄ…ポンプ
６ａ〜６ｄ…弁（開閉兼用の流量弁）
７ａ〜７ｆ…開閉弁
８ａ〜８ｄ…開閉弁
Ａ〜Ｄ…液（原液等）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to equipment for continuously preparing microdroplets for continuously producing various microdroplets (same as emulsions).
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the fields of energy, agricultural chemicals, medical care, cosmetics, and foods, the fine liquid droplets of the subject of the invention are subjected to a heat treatment in the processing unit after emulsifying a plurality of stock solutions with a disperser. Etc. to produce intermediates and products. Document 1 is an example of producing a heavy oil emulsion using the continuous preparation facility (hereinafter referred to as a production plant) shown in FIG. In this manufacturing plant, a raw solution (asphalt) 1 and a raw solution (surfactant aqueous solution) 2 are introduced and mixed into a line mixer 5 by pumps 3 and 4, respectively, and are mixed with hot water 7 introduced from the pump 6 into a static mixer 8. Emulsified while being guided and mixed, and further, a product emulsion in which coarse particles are reduced is continuously made through a cooler 9 as a processing section. On the other hand, Document 2 was previously developed by the present inventors and is an example of producing a sustained-release composite emulsion for microcapsules by the production plant of FIG. In this manufacturing plant, a plurality of vibro mixers 50A to 50D having a stirring body 42 are used. The stock solution (aqueous phase) A and the stock solution (oil phase) B are introduced into the first-stage vibromixer 50A via the pumps 51a and 51b and the valves 52a and 52b, and then mixed, and then the second and subsequent stages. In the Vibro mixer 50B, a W / O emulsion as an intermediate is prepared. The W / O type emulsion is sent to the third stage vibrator mixer 50C and mixed therewith with the stock solution (aqueous phase) C introduced through the pump 51c and the valve 52c, and then the fourth and subsequent stage vibrators. A W / O / W emulsion (D) is prepared by mixers 50D and 50E.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-310082 (page 2-6, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2 ]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-349688 (page 2-6, FIGS. 4 and 5)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the production of the above micro droplets, it is usually important to make the droplet diameter uniform in terms of quality. Considering a disperser for mass production (for example, whether to use rotary stirring or vibration stirring if mechanical) ) And the operating conditions are repeatedly tested. Manufacturing plants are constructed as optimal through such examination and testing, and subsequent changes in operating conditions are extremely limited. However, this type of microdroplet is constantly being studied for performance improvement and multi-functionalization, and changes in the combination of raw solutions, blending / concentration, etc., as well as changes in the target droplet diameter, etc. are performed relatively frequently. In a conventional manufacturing plant, if it is not possible to cope with the operating conditions of an existing disperser or the like, there is a problem that the cost of rebuilding the equipment increases and the operation stoppage is prolonged.
[0005]
The present invention has been devised from the above background. Its purpose is to make it easy to cope with changes in operating conditions and is excellent in versatility, and it can eliminate the obstacles to improving the quality of micro droplets by making it possible to avoid equipment renovation and shutdown as much as possible. Like that. Other purposes will be clarified in the following description.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention for achieving the above object, when identified in the example of FIG. 1 is used for a continuous preparation of infinitesimal droplets containment functional substance in the particles, Ya stock solution containing a dispersant and a surfactant A liquid supply unit 1 provided with a plurality of storage tanks 10a to 10c for storing a stock solution containing a functional substance, dispersers 2 and 3 for introducing each stock solution A to C from the storage tank, stirring and mixing, and emulsifying, and the disperser In the continuous preparation equipment for fine droplets having a post-treatment unit 4 for introducing a more emulsified liquid into the tank body 30 and subjecting it to heat treatment, the tank body 20 is equipped with a mechanical stirring mechanism as the disperser. A second disperser 3 equipped with an ultrasonic stirring mechanism in the disperser 2 and the tank body 25, and a liquid that allows the liquid in the storage tank to be introduced into the tank body 20 of the first disperser 2 from the liquid supply unit 1. 1 piping system 11, 12, 13 and the tank body 20 of the first disperser 2 A second piping system 14 that allows liquid to be introduced into the tank body 25 of the second disperser 3, and a third piping system 15 that allows liquid to be introduced from the second disperser 3 into the post-treatment unit 4, A fourth piping system 16 that connects the first piping system 13 and the third piping system 15 and enables the liquid in the storage tank to be introduced from the liquid supply section 1 into the tank body 30 of the post-processing section 4; The fourth disperser 3 is connected to the fourth piping system 16 and the second piping system, and passes from the liquid supply unit 1 through the first and fourth piping systems and a part of the second piping system 14. And a fifth piping system 17 that enables the liquid in the storage tank to be introduced into the tank main body 25 as a unit, and a part of the fourth piping system and / or the fifth piping system is constituted by a line mixer. It is characterized by that.
[0007]
(Convention points, etc.) The above invention facilities (manufacturing plant) can be used as follows. (1) As a form in which each stock solution is stirred and mixed to emulsify, for example, a mode of emulsifying while sequentially sending to the first disperser and the second disperser and sending to the post-processing section, emulsifying with the second disperser A mode of sending to the post-processing unit, a mode of emulsifying with a line mixer of the first piping system to the fourth piping system and sending to the post-processing unit, and the like can be selected. Details will be described later.
(2) Since the first disperser and the second disperser comprising different agitation mechanisms are equipped as standard, the agitation mode is wide, thereby enabling the droplet diameter of the target fine droplets to be controlled in a wide range, It is easy to cope with changes in operating conditions that occur after the construction of a manufacturing plant.
(3) The above points are highly versatile as a production plant.For example, it is effective and convenient for setting tests for optimum operating conditions during initial operation and change, and it is possible to improve the facility remodeling or stop the operation. Costs can be reduced with less time.
[0008]
(4) Furthermore, the first disperser is a mechanical stirring mechanism that applies mechanical shearing force and vibration, and the second disperser is an ultrasonic stirring mechanism that irradiates ultrasonic waves, that is, the disperser is a machine. Therefore, the optimum emulsification conditions can be carefully tested and mass-produced. For example, pre-emulsification is performed by the mechanical stirring mechanism of the first disperser, and then the ultra-dispersion of the second disperser is performed. The sonic mechanism facilitates emulsification and makes the droplet diameter uniform.
(5) In addition, if the mechanical first disperser is constituted by a plurality as in claim 2, it is possible to use as shown in FIG. That is, as an example, the W / O emulsion of Document 2 is prepared in the first stage of the mechanical type, and the W / O type emulsion is introduced into the second stage of the next mechanical type, where it is mixed and stirred with other stock solutions. In this manner, a W / O / W type emulsion is prepared.
(6) In addition, since the above-described invention equipment has a part of the fourth piping system and / or the fifth piping system configured by a line mixer, the post-processing unit is emulsified by the line mixer as described above. Or a mode in which the stock solution is pre-emulsified with a line mixer in the process of introducing the stock solution into the second disperser.
(7) In addition, in the above invention facilities, microdroplets containing a functional substance (core substance) in the particles can be controlled and sequestered and sequestered by the appropriate selection and preparation of the core substance. Various functions can be added according to the purpose such as reduction, solidification of liquid, masking of odor and taste. In production, each stock solution (water phase, oil phase, etc.) is emulsified with a disperser, and after completion of polymerization in the post-treatment section, it is filtered and dried. To achieve high quality, the emulsification (emulsion) is uniform. It is important to refine the structure, and the present invention functions most effectively because it is tested for the selection of the type of the disperser and the optimum operating conditions together with the concentration, temperature, mixing ratio, etc. of each stock solution.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a basic form to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 shows a modified example when the number of storage tanks in the liquid supply unit increases, and FIG. 3 shows another configuration example of the first disperser. Each figure is a schematic view of the main part of the equipment of the present invention. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same members in terms of operation, and repeated descriptions are omitted as much as possible. Of course, this embodiment does not limit the present invention.
[0010]
(Basic form) The continuous preparation equipment in FIG. 1 is prepared by stirring and mixing a stock solution containing a dispersant and a surfactant and the like and a stock solution containing a functional substance, followed by heat treatment and the like. A production plant that mass-produces fine droplets for microcapsules to be applied, in which a liquid supply unit 1, a mechanical disperser 2, an ultrasonic disperser 3, and a post-processing unit 4 are installed in order; The first piping system 11, 12, 13 to the fifth piping system 17 are provided. In the drawing, the filtration unit and the drying unit after the post-processing unit are omitted because they are the same as the conventional one.
[0011]
Here, the liquid supply unit 1 has a plurality of storage tanks 10a to 10c for storing the stock solutions A to C. Each of the storage tanks 10a to 10b is provided with a heating mechanism, a temperature sensor, or the like as necessary, and a corresponding stock solution is replenished from a dedicated piping system. Of the storage tanks 10a to 10b, one tank may be used for rinsing liquid such as preliminary or cleaning.
[0012]
The mechanical disperser 2 has a tank body 20 equipped with a stirring mechanism that applies mechanical shearing force and vibration. In this example, the mechanical stirring mechanism includes a vibrator 21 provided on one end side of the tank body 20 and a rotary stirrer 22 provided in the tank body 20. However, the disperser 2 may be another known stirring mechanism as long as it is a mechanical type, except for a unit incorporated in a piping system such as a line mixer. The tank body 20 is provided with doorways 20a and 20b on both ends. In contrast, the ultrasonic disperser 3 irradiates ultrasonic waves, and is equipped with an ultrasonic generator 26 on one end side of the tank body 25. This ultrasonic dispersion mechanism is described in, for example, Kagoshima University Faculty of Engineering Research Report No. 30 (1988), “Development of Droplet Preparation Devices Using an Ultrasonic Generator” (Tatsuo Imafuku, Yasuo Hirote, Tsuji) As reported, it uses cavitation and interfacial disturbance in liquid. The tank body 25 is provided with doorways 25a and 25b on both ends. The mechanical disperser 2 and the ultrasonic disperser 3 are not limited to the vertical type, and may be a horizontal type.
[0013]
The post-processing unit 4 is mainly composed of a tank body 30 for completion of polymerization, in which what is emulsified by the above-described disperser or the like is introduced and heat treatment such as heating or cooling is performed. In this example, the tank body 30 has an inlet 30a provided slightly above the lower side, an exhaust port 30b provided on the upper side, an outlet 30c provided on the lower end side, a heating mechanism (not shown), And a stirring blade type stirring mechanism 31 provided in the. And the tank main body 30 completes superposition | polymerization, heating and stirring the introduce | transduced liquid, and supplies a microdroplet (emulsion) to the following process (filtration part etc.) via the on-off valve 9a from the exit 30c. The post-processing unit 4 is provided with a plurality (4 to 7) of tank bodies 30, and those emulsified by the above-described disperser or the like are switched to the tank bodies and continuously received for post-processing. ing.
[0014]
(Piping system) The first piping systems 11, 12, and 13 are connected to each storage tank and have piping 11a to 11c (11) having hydraulic pumps P5a to 5c and valves 6a to 6c, and each piping 11a to 11c. Are connected to a common pipe 12, a pipe 13 connecting the pipe 12 and an inlet / outlet (an inlet in this example) 20 a of the mechanical disperser 2, and the like. This is a path that allows liquid to be introduced into the machine 2. The valves 6a to 6c also serve as flow rate adjustment and opening / closing. Usually, it is composed of a flow adjustment valve and an on-off valve. The pipe 13 is provided with an on-off valve 7a on the first disperser 2 side.
[0015]
The second piping system 14 connects the inlet / outlet (exit in this example) 20b of the first disperser 2 and the inlet / outlet (inlet in this example) 25a of the second disperser 3, and the tank of the first disperser 2 This is a path that allows the liquid to be introduced into the tank body 25 of the second disperser 3 from the main body 20 side. The pipe is provided with an on-off valve 7c on the first disperser 2 side. In addition, you may attach an on-off valve in the location of the code | symbol X1 of FIG. On the other hand, the third piping system 15 connects the inlet / outlet (the outlet in this example) 25b of the second disperser 3 and the inlet 30a of the tank body 30 of the post-processing unit 4. This is a path that allows the liquid to be introduced into the tank body 30 of the post-processing unit 4 from the tank body 25 side. The pipe is provided with an on-off valve 7d on the second disperser 3 side.
[0016]
The fourth piping system 16 connects the piping 13 configuring the first piping system and the piping configuring the third piping system 15, and the post-processing unit 4 is connected to each storage tank of the liquid supply unit 1. This is a path that allows the liquid to be introduced into the tank body 30. The upstream end of the fourth piping system 16 is connected to the upstream side of the opening / closing valve 7 a in the piping 13, and the downstream end of the fourth piping system 16 is downstream of the opening / closing valve 7 d in the piping constituting the third piping system 15. Connected to the side. In addition, the piping forming the fourth piping system 16 is provided on the way with an on-off valve 7b attached near the piping 13 and an on-off valve 8b attached near the third piping system 15. An on-off valve 8a is interposed, and a pipe portion between the on-off valve 7b side and the on-off valve 8a side and a pipe portion between the on-off valve 8a side and the on-off valve 8b side are respectively line mixers 18a, 18b. It is comprised by. Moreover, you may attach an on-off valve to the location of the code | symbol X2 of FIG.
[0017]
The fifth piping system 17 connects the fourth piping system 16 and the second piping system 14, and a part of the first piping systems 11 to 13, the fourth piping system 16, and the second piping system 14 from the liquid supply unit 1. This is a path through which the liquid in the storage tank can be introduced to the inlet 25a of the tank main body 25 of the second disperser 3. That is, the upstream end of the fifth piping system 17 is connected between the line mixer 18a and the on-off valve 8a in the piping constituting the fourth piping system 16, and the downstream end of the fifth piping system 17 is the second piping. The piping which comprises the system | strain 14 is connected downstream from the on-off valve 7c. In addition, an opening / closing valve 8c is interposed in the piping forming the fifth piping system 17 in the vicinity of the second piping system 14, and an intermediate piping portion is constituted by a line mixer 18c. Moreover, you may attach an on-off valve in the location of the code | symbol X3 of FIG.
[0018]
(Usage example) In the above continuous preparation equipment, the following four methods are possible as a form in which each stock solution is stirred and mixed to emulsify, and the versatility of emulsification conditions or operation conditions is rich. That is,
A) First, the first disperser 2 and the second disperser 3 emulsify exclusively. In this operation, the on-off valves 7b, 8b, 8c are switched to the closed state and the on-off valves 7a, 7c, 7d are switched to the open state. And in the liquid supply part 1, if the use undiluted | stock solution is 3 liquor, the undiluted | stock solution of each storage tank 10a-10c will be 1st disperse | distributed through the piping 11-13 respectively by the predetermined flow rate ratio via the pumps 5a-5c and the valves 6a-6c. Introduced into the tank body 20 of the machine 2 and emulsified, guided to the second disperser 3 via the second piping system 14 and emulsified in the tank body 25 and refined of the droplets, It is introduced into the post-processing unit 30 via the third piping system 15. These are performed continuously. In addition, what is necessary is just to supply similarly from a corresponding storage tank, if a use undiluted | stock solution is 2 liquids. The same applies to the following operations.
A) A mode of emulsification exclusively by the first disperser 2. In this operation, on-off valves are attached to the above-mentioned locations X1, X2, and the on-off valves and on-off valves 7b, 7d are closed and the on-off valves 7a, 7c, 8a, 8c, 8b are switched to the open state. . In the liquid supply unit 1, the stock solution used is introduced into the tank body 20 of the first disperser 2 through the pipes 11 to 13 at a predetermined flow rate ratio and emulsified, and then the second pipe system 14, The fifth piping system 17 and the corresponding piping portion of the fourth piping system 16 and the third piping system 15 are introduced into the post-processing unit 30. The line mixers 18c and 18b supplement emulsification in the transfer process and prevent sedimentation and the like.
C) A mode of emulsification exclusively by the second disperser 3. In this operation, the on-off valves 7a, 7c, 8a, 8b are switched to the closed state and the on-off valves 7b, 7d, 8c are switched to the open state. In the liquid supply unit 1, the undiluted solution used is the pipes 11 to 13, the corresponding piping parts of the fourth piping system 16, the corresponding piping parts of the fifth piping system 17, and the second piping system 14, respectively, at a predetermined flow rate ratio as described above. Is introduced into the tank body 25 of the second disperser 3 and emulsified, and then introduced into the post-processing unit 30 via the third piping system 15. The line mixers 18a and 18c promote initial emulsification during the transfer process.
D) In this embodiment, the emulsification is performed exclusively by the line mixers 18a and 18b of the fourth piping system 16. In this operation, an opening / closing valve is attached to the above-mentioned location X3, and the opening / closing valve 7a, 7d is closed and the opening / closing valves 7b, 8a, 8b are switched to the open state. In the liquid supply unit 1, the stock solution to be used is emulsified by the mechanical stirring mechanism of the line mixers 18 a and 18 b in the process of being pumped through the pipes 11 to 13 and the fourth pipe system 16 at a predetermined flow rate ratio as described above. However, it is introduced into the post-processing unit 30 via the corresponding piping portion of the third piping system 15.
[0019]
As described above, this continuous preparation equipment is equipped with the mechanical first disperser 2 and the ultrasonic second disperser 3 as standard equipment, so that the stirring mode is wide, and the target fine liquid can be obtained only by opening / closing control of the valve. Since the droplet diameter can be adjusted in a wide range, it is very convenient for setting tests for optimum operating conditions during initial operation and design changes at a later date. it can.
[0020]
(Variation 1) The continuous preparation facility of FIG. 2 has four storage tanks of the liquid supply unit 1 with respect to the facility of FIG. 1, the tank body 20 and the first piping system of the mechanical disperser 2 Is different, and the third piping system 15 is different in that it has a liquid draining pipe 19, and is otherwise substantially the same. For this reason, only the changes will be described in detail in this description.
[0021]
The liquid supply unit 1 in FIG. 2 has storage tanks 10a to 10d that store the stock solutions A to C, the rinse solution for cleaning, and other stock solutions D. Each of the storage tanks 10a to 10d is provided with a heating mechanism, a temperature sensor, or the like as necessary, and is replenished with a corresponding stock solution or rinse solution from a dedicated piping system. The tank body 20 of the mechanical disperser 2 has two inlets 20a and 20c provided on one end side, and one outlet 20b provided on the other end side. For this reason, the following connections are made as the first piping systems 11, 12, and 13. That is, pipes 11a to 11d (11) connected to the respective storage tanks and having hydraulic pumps P5a to 5d and valves 6a to 6d, a common pipe 12a connecting the pipe 11a and the pipe 11b, a pipe 11c and a pipe 11d. A common pipe 12b connecting the pipe 12a, a pipe 13a connecting the pipe 12a and the inlet 20c of the mechanical disperser 2, and a pipe 12b and the other inlet 20a of the mechanical disperser (first disperser) 2 The pipe 13 b is connected to the pipe 13 b and the pipe 13 c is connected to the fourth pipe system 16. An opening / closing valve 7e is interposed in the pipe 13a on the inlet 20c side of the first disperser 2. The upstream side of the pipe 13c is connected before the on-off valve 7e in the pipe 13a, and the downstream side of the pipe 13c is connected to a portion of the fourth piping system 16 past the on-off valve 7b.
[0022]
In the above piping configuration, for example, the stock solution and the like can be supplied in the following manner as compared with FIG. In the mode of emulsification by the first disperser 2 and the second disperser 3, when the on-off valves 7b, 7f are switched to the closed state and the on-off valves 7a, 7e are switched to the open state, the stock solution in the storage tank 10a and / or the storage tank 10b From the inlet 20c of the first disperser 2, and the stock solution of the storage tank 10c and / or the storage tank 10d can be introduced into the tank body 20 from the inlet 20a of the first disperser 2 at a determined flow rate ratio. Of course, only the stock solution of the storage tank 10a and the storage tank 10b is introduced into the tank body 20 from the inlet 20c of the first disperser 2, or the stock solution of the storage tank 10c and the storage tank 10d is introduced into the tank body 20 from the inlet 20a of the first disperser 2. May be. Further, in this configuration, after preparing the W / O type emulsion in the first disperser 2 as in Reference 2, the W / O type emulsion is added to the second disperser 3 together with other stock solutions (for example, aqueous phase). It can be introduced to prepare a W / O / W type emulsion. In this case, for example, the on-off valves 7b, 7e, 8a are switched to the closed state and the on-off valves 7a, 7f, 7c, 8c are switched to the open state, and the stock solution in the storage tank 10c and / or the storage tank 10d is transferred to the first disperser 2. It introduce | transduces into the tank main body 20 from the inlet 20a, and prepares a W / O type | mold emulsion. Then, in the middle of sending the W / O type emulsion from the second piping system 14 to the second disperser 3 side, the W / O type emulsion in the piping of the second piping system 14 is transferred to the storage tank 10a and / or the storage tank 10b. The stock solution is introduced into the tank body 25 from the inlet 25a of the second disperser 3 while being merged through the pipes 13a and 13c, the pipe parts constituting the fourth pipe system 16, and the line mixers 18a and 18c. The above usage is only an example, and various emulsification modes are possible. Further, the liquid draining pipe 19 functions as a liquid drain at the time of abnormality or discharge of the rinse liquid, and is an example attached to a necessary part.
[0023]
(Modification 2) FIGS. 3A to 3C show three examples in which a plurality of the above mechanical dispersers (first dispersers) are configured. Here, the form (a) is an example in which the tank main bodies 20 of the mechanical dispersers 2A and 2A corresponding to the first disperser 2 of FIG. 1 are connected in series via a pipe 14a. On the other hand, in the embodiments (b) and (c), the tank bodies 20 of the mechanical dispersers 2A and 2B corresponding to the first dispersers 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 are connected in series via the pipe 14a. It is a form. Among them, in (b), the disperser 2B corresponding to FIG. 2 is provided on the upstream side, and the disperser 2A corresponding to FIG. 1 is provided on the downstream side (side connected to the second disperser 3). In (c), the disperser 2A corresponding to FIG. 1 is provided on the upstream side, and the disperser 2B corresponding to FIG. 2 is provided on the downstream side (side connected to the second disperser 3). In the latter case, for example, it is possible to prepare a W / O type emulsion with the upstream disperser 2A and prepare a W / O / W type emulsion with the raw material introduced from the pipe 13b or the like with the downstream disperser 2B. Become.
[0024]
As described above, the present invention can be variously modified or developed as long as the requirements specified in the claims are satisfied. As an example, microdroplets (emulsions) for microcapsules are prepared in water-in-oil type (W / O type) from an aqueous solution of a core material and a hydrophobic polymer, and from an aqueous solution of a core material and a hydrophilic polymer in water. Preparation of oil type (O / W type), preparation of water-in-oil-in-water type (W / O / W type) in which water-in-oil emulsion is further emulsified in aqueous solution, oil-in-water type emulsion is further emulsified in oil solution Preparation of oil-in-water oil type (O / W / O type) can be used.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, it is possible to satisfy a wide range of equipment operating conditions by having the first and second dispersers with different stirring mechanisms as a set and devising the piping system. Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with changes in operating conditions that are performed in order to achieve high quality and the like, thereby solving the problems of equipment renovation costs and operation stoppages, which are problems, and improving reliability. Further, the present invention is, for example, to allow testing over a wide range the optimum operating condition on to satisfy the target droplet diameters, droplet size using of different stirring mechanism as disperser large, small In addition, there are advantages such as making it easy to realize various production such as inside.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a continuous preparation facility according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a modification of the continuous preparation facility corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a modification in which a plurality of first dispersers of FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided.
FIG. 4 is a reference diagram for explaining a conventional technique and problems.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Liquid supply part (10a-10d is a storage tank)
2, 2A, 2B ... 1st disperser (mechanical disperser)
3. Second disperser (ultrasonic disperser)
4 ... Post-processing part (30 is the tank body )
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11-13 ... 1st piping system 14 ... 2nd piping system 15 ... 3rd piping system 16 ... 4th piping system 17 ... 5th piping system 18a-18c ... Line mixer 5a-5d ... Pump 6a-6d ... Valve (opening and closing) Combined flow valve)
7a-7f: Open / close valve 8a-8d ... Open / close valve AD: Liquid (stock solution, etc.)

Claims

Intended for use in the continuous preparation of infinitesimal droplets containment functional substance in the particles, and the liquid supply portion provided with a plurality of reservoirs contain a stock solution containing the stock solution and functional material containing a dispersant and a surfactant , Continuous preparation equipment for fine droplets having a disperser that introduces each stock solution from the storage tank and stirs, mixes and emulsifies, and a post-treatment unit that introduces the liquid emulsified from the disperser into the tank body and performs heat treatment In
A first disperser equipped with a mechanical stirring mechanism in the tank body as the disperser and a second disperser equipped with an ultrasonic stirring mechanism in the tank body;
A first piping system that enables introduction of the liquid in the storage tank from the liquid supply unit to the tank body of the first disperser;
A second piping system that allows liquid to be introduced from the tank body of the first disperser into the tank body of the second disperser;
A third piping system capable of introducing a liquid from the tank body of the second disperser to the tank body of the post-processing unit;
A fourth piping system that connects the first piping system and the third piping system, and allows the liquid in the storage tank to be introduced into the tank body of the post-processing section from the liquid supply section;
The tank body of the second disperser is connected to the fourth piping system and the second piping system, and passes through a part of the first and fourth piping systems and the second piping system from the liquid supply unit. And a fifth piping system that enables introduction of the liquid in the storage tank as a unit,
Furthermore, a part of the fourth piping system and / or the fifth piping system is constituted by a line mixer.

The equipment for continuously preparing microdroplets according to claim 1, wherein the first disperser comprises a plurality.