Method and statistical micromixer for mixing at least two liquids

US6935768B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH · DE
• Mikroglas Chemtech GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Holger Lowe · Oppenheim, DE
• Jorg Schiewe · Mainz, DE
• Volker Hessel · Wasungen, DE
• Thomas Dietrich · Bôle, CH
• Andreas Freitag · Saarburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 30, 2005
• Expiry date: Feb 24, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S366/03
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a procedure and a micromixer for mixing at least two fluids. The aim of the invention is to reduce the mixing time of the micromixer compared to micromixers known to the art while maintaining high mixing quality and small structural dimensions. The inventive procedure is characterized by the following steps: a plurality of separated fluid currents of both fluids are brought together and alternately adjacent fluid lamellae of both fluids are formed: the combined fluid currents are carried away and a focused total fluid current is formed; the focused total fluid current is fed as fluid jet into an expansion chamber; and the resulting mixture is drawn off. The micromixer comprises a plurality of alternately adjacent fluid channels which open into an inlet chamber. A focusing channel is in fluid connection with said inlet chamber and opens into an expansion chamber. The inventive procedure and micromixer are especially advantageous in that they are suitable for the production of emulsions and dispersions.