Solvent removing apparatus and method of producing microsphere using the same
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12083225-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
A solvent-removing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a tank body accommodating an emulsion including first source material in a continuous phase and second source material in a dispersed phase, a fluid supply unit for supplying fluid into the tank body to cause the emulsion to circulate, and a discharge unit for discharging the gas in the tank body to the outside.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a solvent removing apparatus configured to accommodate an emulsion that includes a first raw material of a continuous phase and a second raw material of a dispersed phase. A tank body holds the emulsion, and a fluid supply part supplies a fluid into the tank body to form a flow in the emulsion. An exhaust part discharges gas inside the tank body to the outside of the tank body.
A key aspect is that the fluid supply part includes a first fluid supply part and a second fluid supply part disposed while being spaced apart from each other inside the tank body. The first fluid supply part and the second fluid supply part supply fluids in different directions so that rotational flow is formed in the emulsion. The tank body geometry is further defined such that a bottom portion is formed on a plane of a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a lateral wall portion extends in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.
The apparatus further includes features that support solvent removal and emulsion control, such as formation of gas bubbles by the fluid supply part, exhaust operation for suction and depressurization, and liquid supply or discharge of the continuous phase. A heating part may be included to vaporize solvent. A liquid discharge part can include a pipe portion extended into the tank body and an expanded pipe portion connected to a distal end, where the expanded pipe portion is located at a first height from a bottom portion and is in contact with an emulsion water level surface to maintain an appropriate volume; a filter can be arranged so that only the continuous phase passes.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claim scopes. Across the independent claims, the inventive features cover an emulsion-in-tank solvent removal arrangement with rotational flow and gas discharge, plus continuous-phase discharge via a controlled-height expanded pipe portion and phase-selective discharge via a filter.
Rotational flow from spaced, differently directed fluid supply parts
The apparatus includes a tank body accommodating an emulsion with a continuous phase and a dispersed phase, and a fluid supply part including a first fluid supply part and a second fluid supply part disposed while being spaced apart from each other inside the tank body; the first and second fluid supply parts supply fluids in different directions so that rotational flow is formed in the emulsion.
Exhaust gas discharge outside the tank body
The apparatus includes an exhaust part configured to discharge gas inside the tank body to the outside of the tank body.
Tank geometry defined by orthogonal directions and spaced supply portions
The tank body has a bottom portion formed on a plane formed by a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a lateral wall portion extended in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, where the first and second fluid supply parts are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and spaced apart from each other in the third direction.
Rotational flow plus continuous-phase liquid discharge via expanded pipe portion
The apparatus includes a fluid supply part configured to supply a fluid into the tank body and form a rotational flow in the emulsion, an exhaust part configured to discharge gas inside the tank body to the outside of the tank body, and a liquid discharge part configured to discharge a part of the continuous phase of the emulsion to the outside; the liquid discharge part has a pipe portion extended into the tank body and an expanded pipe portion connected to a distal end, with the expanded pipe portion located at a first height from a bottom portion and in contact with a water level surface of the emulsion to maintain an appropriate volume.
Filter in expanded pipe portion to pass continuous phase
The liquid discharge part includes an expanded pipe portion with a filter arranged so that only the continuous phase passes, while the dispersed phase or microspheres do not pass through the filter.
Overall, claim coverage centers on a solvent removing apparatus treating an emulsion in a tank using fluid supply to form rotational flow and an exhaust part to discharge gas outside the tank. One independent claim additionally defines specific tank geometry and the 3-directional spacing and directionality of two fluid supply parts, while the other independent claim adds continuous-phase liquid discharge via an expanded pipe portion positioned at a height in contact with the emulsion water level and optionally phase-selective discharge by a filter.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Microsphere producing method using the solvent removing apparatus to remove solvent from the dispersed phase of an emulsion to form microspheres.
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