Mixer Reactor produces nanoparticles.
April 17, 2002 - NMR high-intensity Multiple Stream Mixer Reactor produces uniform nanoparticles such as planarization media, superconductors, abrasive silica, recording media, photographic production and pharmaceutical products. Multiple streams of reactants, pressurized up to 40,000 psi, are fed in stoichiometric ratios into mixing chamber. Reactor uses computer controls to adjust multiple stream flow by keeping intensifier pumps operating in phase.
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Original Press release
Microfluidics, Division MFIC Corp.
30 Ossipee Rd.
Newton, MA, 02464 9101
USA
Microfluidics(TM), a Division of MIFC Corporation, Develops Revolutionary Approach to Fast Reaction Chemistry
NEW TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES CONTINUOUS PROCESSING AND FAST REACTION CHEMISTRY OF MULTIPLE STREAMS TO PRODUCE UNIFORM NANOPARTICLES
Newton, Mass. - A new, patented high-intensity Multiple Stream Mixer Reactor (MMR) from Microfluidics(TM), a division of the MFIC Corporation, Newton, Mass., produces uniform nanoparticles with phase purity previously unachievable with conventional batch reaction chemistry. This degree of reaction chemistry control can lead to cost-effective product improvements and the development and manufacture of nanomaterials in scalable quantities.
Applications for the new technology include improving the performance of planarization media, superconductors, abrasive silica, recording media, photographic production and pharmaceutical products.
The MMR uses Microfluidics' Microfluidizer(R) processor technology to mix two or more reactant fluid streams. Intense pressure and the fixed geometry of the proprietary mixing chamber are keys to MMR's performance. Multiple streams of reactants pressurized up to 40,000 psi, are fed in stoichiometric ratios into the mixing chamber. The MMR uses computer controls to adjust the multiple stream flow by keeping the intensifier pumps operating in phase. This computerized control ensures that the correct stoichiometry is used throughout all phases of the pump stroke.
The mixing chamber, which comes in several configurations depending upon reaction times, is made of either ceramic or polycrystalline diamond material. The individual reactants flow at 2 to 20 meters per second and converge on each other to macro-mix for a calculated time. This generates energy dissipation values of 10 W/kg, nearly tenfold greater than what a homogenizer, rotor/stator mixer or near the impeller of a stirred tank reactor can achieve.
The reactant mixture continues to flow downstream where it splits into flow channels that narrow to diameters no greater than a human hair and accelerates to 30 to 60 meters per second for to achieve optimal meso-mixing. Finally, in the areas of the mixing chamber where the channels are the narrowest, the reactants are accelerated to velocities of 80 to 300 meters per second. At that point, the flow channels re-converge to create optimal micro-mixing. This process produces exceptionally high product yields with minimal unwanted by-products, and with uniform submicron particle size. The intense mixing also minimizes local homogenities in pH or control. This improves uniformity of composition, crystal size and phase purity.
The MMR can be custom-built to meet research and production needs. The prototype has a capacity of 10 gallons per hour with scale-up potential to 200 gallons per hour and higher. For specific information on whether the MMR technology is applicable to your product improvement or development, contact MFIC Corporation, 1-800-370-5452; www.microfluidicscorp.com, or email mixinginfo@mfics.com.
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