Microchannel structure and fine-particle production method using the same

A microchannel structure comprising:

• a dispersed-phase introduction channel which communicates with a dispersed-phase introduction inlet;
• a continuous-phase introduction channel which communicates with a continuous-phase introduction inlet;
• a discharge channel which communicates with a discharge outlet;
• a fine-particle formation channel;
• and
• a plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction which are microchannels, wherein
• one end of the fine-particle formation channel in a fluid traveling direction communicates with the continuous-phase introduction channel whereas the other end thereof communicates with the discharge channel,
• a side part of the dispersed-phase introduction channel and a side part of the fine-particle formation channel communicate via the plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction,
• the plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction are parallel to one another,
• the plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction and the fine-particle formation channel join at an arbitrary angle at joining sections in the fine-particle formation channel,
• a cross sectional area of the fine-particle formation channel gradually increases from a communication position thereof with the continuous-phase introduction channel to a communication position thereof with the discharge channel,
• lengths of the branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction gradually increase as the communication positions of the branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction with the dispersed-phase introduction channel depart from the dispersed-phase introduction inlet, and
• the cross sectional area of the fine-particle formation channel and the lengths of the branch channels both gradually increase with a positive correlation with respect to a distance from the continuous-phase introduction channel and the dispersed-phase introduction channel, respectively, such that pressures of a dispersed phase at the branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction are equal and pressures of the dispersed phase at the joining sections with the branch channels are equal, to uniformly distribute a continuous phase to outlets of the dispersed phase of the branch channels.