초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus for processing materials employ two cylindrical members, one mounted within the other, defining an annular processing chamber. Preferably, the outer member is stationery (stator), while the inner rotates (rotor). The radial spacing between the stator inner surface and the rotor

Methods and apparatus for processing materials employ two cylindrical members, one mounted within the other, defining an annular processing chamber. Preferably, the outer member is stationery (stator), while the inner rotates (rotor). The radial spacing between the stator inner surface and the rotor outer surface is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the two laminar boundary layers formed on the two surfaces by the material being processed. The surfaces are made smooth, as by buffing to a finish of not more than 10 microinches. This structure inhibits formation of Taylor vortices in the processing passage, which cause unstable flow and consequent incomplete mixing. Preferably, the relative velocity between rotor and stator surfaces is at least 1.2 meters per second. The surfaces may be coated with catalysts. Transducers may be provided to apply processing energy, such as microwave, light or ultrasonic waves, through the stator wall.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for processing materials, comprising:passing materials to be processed in a flow path through an annular processing passage between two closely spaced smooth surfaces provided by respective cylindrical apparatus members at least one rotating relative to the another; wherein the material

1. A method for processing materials, comprising:passing materials to be processed in a flow path through an annular processing passage between two closely spaced smooth surfaces provided by respective cylindrical apparatus members at least one rotating relative to the another; wherein the material forms material boundary layers against both the surfaces; wherein the radial spacing between the two surfaces is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the two boundary layers: and wherein the smoothnesses of the surfaces are such that formation of Taylor vortices in the processing passage is inhibited.