Carbon nanotube recovery device, carbon nanotube production device, and carbon nanotube recovery method

Abstract

A carbon nanotube recovery device for recovering carbon nanotubes is provided with a recovery chamber for recovering carbon nanotubes, and the recovery chamber has a housing and a storage container provided below the housing. The housing has a first opening that communicates with the carbon nanotube generation device, an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the first opening, and a second opening that communicates with the storage container, and the storage container is detachably attached to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube recovery device for recovering carbon nanotubes, a carbon nanotube manufacturing device having the carbon nanotube recovery device, and a carbon nanotube recovery method. Background Art

[0002] Carbon nanotubes have excellent properties such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, and are therefore a new material that has attracted much attention in many fields. As a manufacturing device for carbon nanotubes, a manufacturing device using a chemical vapor deposition method (i.e., a CVD method) is known in Patent Document 1, in which a raw material (carbon source) containing carbon is thermally decomposed to generate carbon nanotubes.

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a carbon nanotube recovery device that is disposed in or near a recovery section of a reactor that generates carbon nanotubes using a CVD method. In the recovery device described in Patent Document 2, the carbon nanotubes are rolled into a roll to form a roll body by rotating a roll-up member that rolls up the carbon nanotubes, and the roll body is taken out from a take-out port provided in the recovery section to recover the carbon nanotubes.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japan Patent Application Publication No. 2019-064918

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-190166 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the carbon nanotube recovery device described in Patent Document 2, the carbon nanotube coil is taken out from the recovery unit at the stage where the carbon nanotube coil has a predetermined diameter. Therefore, each time a carbon nanotube coil is produced, the carbon nanotube production device needs to be stopped and the reaction furnace and the recovery unit need to be cooled to room temperature to recover the produced coil. In addition, when the production of carbon nanotubes is restarted, the atmosphere temperature in the reaction furnace needs to be raised to a temperature suitable for the production of carbon nanotubes.

[0010] That is, in the carbon nanotube recovery device described in Patent Document 2, the temperature of the reactor needs to be lowered and then raised each time the carbon nanotubes are recovered, and the carbon nanotubes cannot be generated in the reactor for a long time. Therefore, in the case of mass production of carbon nanotubes, it takes a long time to complete the production of the desired amount of carbon nanotubes.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a carbon nanotube recovery device, a carbon nanotube production device, and a carbon nanotube production method that can shorten the time required to produce a desired amount of carbon nanotubes when mass-producing carbon nanotubes.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that by isolating the atmosphere between a carbon nanotube production device and a recovery device, carbon nanotubes can be recovered without cooling the production device, thereby completing the present invention.

[0014] Hereinafter, a technical solution of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems will be exemplified.

[0015] [1] A carbon nanotube recovery device that recovers carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generating device, characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device has a recovery chamber for recovering the carbon nanotubes, the recovery chamber having a shell and a storage container arranged below the shell, the shell having a first opening portion communicating with the carbon nanotube generating device, an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the first opening portion, and a second opening portion communicating with the storage container, and the storage container is detachably mounted relative to the shell.

[0016] [2] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to [1] is characterized in that the recovery chamber has a gas supply port for supplying gas and an exhaust port for exhausting the gas supplied into the recovery chamber.

[0017] [3] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to [2] is characterized in that the gas supply port is provided in the shell, and the exhaust port is located below the gas supply port.

[0018] [4] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to [3] is characterized in that the exhaust port is provided in the storage container.

[0019] [5] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to [4] is characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device comprises: an exhaust pipe which communicates with the exhaust port; and an oxygen concentration meter which is arranged in the exhaust pipe.

[0020] [6] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [2] to [5] is characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device has a gas supply mechanism that switches between non-combustible gas and air to supply either non-combustible gas or air to the recovery chamber.

[0021] [7] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [6], characterized in that a mesh-shaped recovery cage is provided inside the storage container, and the recovery cage is detachably provided relative to the storage container.

[0022] [8] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device includes a compression mechanism that compresses the carbon nanotubes stored in the storage container.

[0023] [9] A carbon nanotube production device, characterized in that the carbon nanotube production device comprises: a generation device that generates carbon nanotubes; and the carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [8].

[0024]

[10] A carbon nanotube recovery method, in which a carbon nanotube recovery device is used, characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device has a recovery chamber for recovering the carbon nanotubes, the recovery chamber has a shell and a storage container arranged below the shell, and the carbon nanotube recovery method comprises: a storage step, in which the carbon nanotubes generated by the carbon nanotube generating device are passed through an opening portion provided in the shell and connected to the carbon nanotube generating device and stored in the storage container; and a recovery step, in which the storage container is removed from the shell with the opening portion closed, and the carbon nanotubes in the storage container are recovered.

[0025]

[11] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to

[10] is characterized in that, in the recovery step, before the storage container is removed from the shell, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber is replaced with a non-flammable gas.

[0026]

[12] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to

[11] is characterized in that after the atmosphere in the recovery chamber is replaced with a non-combustible gas, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber is replaced with air.

[0027]

[13] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to

[12] is characterized in that, in the recovery process, the oxygen concentration of the gas exhausted from the recovery chamber is measured, and the storage container is removed from the shell based on the measured oxygen concentration.

[0028]

[14] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , characterized in that exhaust is performed at a position below the supply port of the gas supplied to the recovery chamber.

[0029]

[15] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to any one of

[10] to

[14] , characterized in that the gas supplied to the recovery chamber is supplied to the shell and exhausted from the storage container.

[0030]

[16] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to any one of

[10] to

[15] is characterized in that, in the storage process, the carbon nanotubes are stored in a mesh recovery cage arranged inside the storage container, and in the recovery process, after the storage container is removed from the shell, the recovery cage storing the carbon nanotubes is replaced with another recovery cage.

[0031]

[17] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to any one of

[10] to

[16] , characterized in that in the storage step, the carbon nanotubes stored in the storage container are compressed.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, a carbon nanotube recovery device, a carbon nanotube production device, and a carbon nanotube production method can be provided, which can shorten the time required to produce a desired amount of carbon nanotubes when mass-producing carbon nanotubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of the carbon nanotube production apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the rolled structure of carbon nanotubes.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a state where the winding member has moved to the pulling-out position.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining a mesh-shaped recovery cage.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining a method for recovering carbon nanotubes.

[0039] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a carbon nanotube production apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining a method for recovering carbon nanotubes.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the compression mechanism of carbon nanotubes.

[0042] Fig. 9This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a carbon nanotube production apparatus in which a reaction furnace is provided on a side surface of a winding chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted.

[0044] (First embodiment)

[0045] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 for manufacturing carbon nanotubes (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "CNT") according to a first embodiment. In addition, CNT in this specification is a tubular carbon allotrope (typically, a cylindrical structure of a graphite structure), including so-called single-layer CNT, multi-layer CNT, or carbon nanohorns with horn-shaped tube tips.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the CNT manufacturing device 1 includes a generating device 2 for generating CNTs and a recovery device 3 for recovering CNTs, which is provided at the lower end of the CNT generating device 2. In addition, the "X direction" in the figure is the depth direction of the recovery device 3, the "Y direction" is the width direction of the recovery device 3, and the "Z direction" is the height direction of the recovery device 3. The directions X to Z are mutually perpendicular.

[0047] <Carbon Nanotube Production Device>

[0048] The device structure of the generating device 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate CNTs. Therefore, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a device using a chemical vapor deposition method (ie, CVD method) for generating CNTs by thermally decomposing a raw material gas containing carbon can be used as the generating device 2.

[0049] Figure 1 The production device 2 shown as an example includes a reaction furnace 21 , a heater 22 provided on the side of the reaction furnace 21 , and a raw material supply port 23 for supplying a raw material for producing CNTs to the reaction furnace 21 .

[0050] The shape of the reaction furnace 21 is not limited, and is preferably a straight tube (i.e., a shape with a straight axis). In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the reaction furnace 21 may be a polygon or a circular, elliptical, oval, oblong, or other arc-shaped shape.

[0051] The shape and heating method of the heater 22 are not particularly limited as long as the reaction furnace 21 can be heated to a temperature suitable for the generation of CNTs. The heater 22 can heat the reaction furnace 21 to, for example, 500°C to 2000°C, preferably 1000°C to 1600°C. As specific examples of the heater 22, there are tungsten heaters that can heat the reaction furnace 21 to 500°C to 2000°C or silicon carbide heaters (SiC heaters) that can heat the reaction furnace 21 to 600°C to 1600°C.

[0052] For example, a carrier gas such as hydrogen is also supplied to the raw material supply port 23 together with a gas serving as a carbon source and raw materials such as a catalyst metal or a catalyst metal compound.

[0053] <Carbon Nanotube Recovery Device>

[0054] The recovery device 3 includes a winding chamber 30 for winding up the CNT produced by the production device 2 and a recovery chamber 40 for recovering the CNT wound body R formed in the winding chamber 30 .

[0055] First, refer to Figure 2 The winding chamber 30 and its peripheral structure will be described.

[0056] The winding chamber 30 has an opening 31 on the top surface thereof, which communicates with the lower end of the reaction furnace 21 of the production device 2. The CNT produced in the reaction furnace 21 is transported into the winding chamber 30 through the opening 31 together with the carrier gas.

[0057] A winding mechanism 32 for winding up CNT is provided on a side surface of the winding chamber 30. The winding mechanism 32 includes a rotating body 33, a winding member 34, and a driving unit 35.

[0058] The rotating body 33 is a cylindrical or columnar member, for example, and is arranged with its axis of rotation facing the horizontal direction (the X direction in this embodiment). The rotating body 33 is provided to penetrate the side surface of the winding chamber 30, and a part of the rotating body 33 protrudes into the winding chamber 30.

[0059] The winding member 34 is a member extending in the axial direction of the rotating body 33, and is composed of, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical roller. The base end of the winding member 34 is attached to the top end (the end on the winding chamber 30 side) of the rotating body 33. In addition, the installation position of the winding member 34 is not particularly limited, and the winding member 34 can be installed at a position where it can contact the CNT after passing through the opening 31.

[0060] The driving unit 35 is provided outside the winding chamber 30. As the driving unit 35, a motor or the like is used, for example. The rotating body 33 on which the winding member 34 is mounted is connected to the driving unit 35, and the rotating body 33 is rotated by the driving unit 35, so that the winding member 34 also rotates integrally with the rotating body 33. The rotation speed of the rotating body 33 is appropriately set according to the generation speed of CNT and the size of the desired CNT winding body R, for example, set to 0.01 rpm to 500 rpm.

[0061] A separation mechanism 36 is further provided outside the winding chamber 30 to separate the CNT winding body R formed on the winding member 34. The separation mechanism 36 is a mechanism that moves the rotating body 33, the winding member 34, and the driving unit 35 in a direction from the inside to the outside of the winding chamber 30. In other words, the separation mechanism 36 is a mechanism that moves the winding member 34 in a direction to be pulled out from the winding chamber 30, and the separation mechanism 36 can be used to move the rotating body 33 and the winding member 34 from the top end side of the winding member 34 to the base end side.

[0062] In this embodiment, as an example of the separation mechanism 36, a cylinder mechanism 37 is provided outside the winding chamber 30. The winding member 34 can be moved in a direction of rotation by the extension and contraction of the cylinder mechanism 37. Figure 2 The position where the CNT is wound (winding position) is shown Figure 3 The winding member 34 can move between the positions (pulling positions) where the CNT roll R is separated from the winding member 34. That is, the winding member 34 can move in a direction approaching or moving away from the side surface of the winding chamber 30.

[0063] In the recovery device 3 having the separation mechanism 36, after the CNT roll R is formed by the winding member 34 in the winding position, the winding member 34 is retreated to the extraction position, whereby the CNT roll R contacts the inner surface of the side surface of the winding chamber 30. Then, in this state, the winding member 34 is further retreated, whereby the inner peripheral surface of the CNT roll R is not supported by the winding member 34. Thus, the CNT roll R falls off the winding member 34, and the CNT roll R and the winding member 34 are separated. Thereafter, the winding member 34 is advanced from the extraction position to the winding position, and the winding of CNT for forming the next CNT roll R is started.

[0064] In addition, the CNT production apparatus 1 does not necessarily need to have a CNT winding structure. When no winding structure is provided, the CNT production apparatus 1 is configured by connecting a recovery chamber 40 described later to the lower end of the production apparatus 2, for example.

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 1 The recovery chamber 40 and its peripheral structure will be described.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the recovery chamber 40 includes a housing 50 and a storage container 60 disposed below the housing 50 .

[0067] A first opening 51 communicating with the winding chamber 30 is provided on the top surface of the housing 50 , and a second opening 52 communicating with the storage container 60 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 50 .

[0068] The first opening 51 has a shape that allows the CNT winding body R formed in the winding chamber 30 to pass through. As described above, since the winding chamber 30 is connected to the reaction furnace 21 of the generating device 2 via the opening 31, it can also be said that the first opening 51 of the housing 50 connected to the winding chamber 30 is an opening connected to the generating device 2.

[0069] Similar to the first opening 51 , the second opening 52 has a shape that allows the CNT roll R formed in the winding chamber 30 to pass therethrough.

[0070] An isolation valve 53 is provided inside the housing 50 as an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the first opening 51. The isolation valve 53 can be used to switch between a state in which the first opening 51 is open and a state in which the first opening 51 is closed. The state in which the first opening 51 is open means that CNT can pass through the first opening 51 and reach the housing 50 from the winding chamber 30, and the state in which the first opening 51 is closed means that the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 and the atmosphere in the housing 50 are isolated.

[0071] The isolation valve 53 includes a flat valve core 54 and a rotation shaft 55 for rotating the valve core 54. The rotation shaft 55 is provided near the periphery of the first opening 51, and is fixed in such a manner that the rotation axis faces the horizontal direction (in the Y direction in this embodiment). By connecting one end of the valve core 54 to the rotation shaft 55, the valve core 54 can be rotated in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction within a predetermined angle range around the rotation axis.

[0072] The valve core 54 has a shape capable of covering the first opening 51, and a seal (not shown) is provided on the surface of the valve core 54 on the side opposite to the first opening 51. Therefore, when the valve core 54 rotates and becomes horizontal, the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 and the atmosphere in the housing 50 are isolated due to the presence of the seal.

[0073] In addition, the structure of the opening and closing mechanism of the first opening 51 is not limited to the above structure as long as the opening and closing of the first opening 51 can be switched. Figure 1The opening and closing mechanism is a structure in which an isolation valve 53 is provided in the housing 50, and the valve core 54 is rotated from bottom to top to close the first opening 51, but it can also be a structure in which an isolation valve (not shown) is provided in the winding chamber 30, and the valve core (not shown) of the isolation valve is rotated from top to bottom to close the first opening 51. Alternatively, instead of the isolation valve 53, a door (not shown) that can slide in the horizontal direction is provided just above or just below the first opening 51 to close the first opening 51.

[0074] However, there are cases where the CNT discharged from the reactor 21 is not wound up by the winding member 34 and falls down, for example, sometimes the CNT adheres to the bottom surface in the winding chamber 30. In this case, in the structure in which an isolation valve is provided in the winding chamber 30 and the valve core is rotated from top to bottom, it is conceivable that the CNT is sandwiched between the valve core and the first opening 51 and the sealing is affected. If the sealing is reduced, maintenance work is required to remove the CNT adhered to the gap between the valve core and the first opening 51. Such a problem may also occur in the case where a door that can slide in the horizontal direction is provided as an opening and closing mechanism of the first opening 51.

[0075] Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving sealing performance and reducing maintenance frequency, it is preferred to Figure 1 As shown, the opening and closing mechanism of the first opening 51 is a structure in which an isolation valve 53 is provided in the housing 50 and a valve element 54 is rotated from the bottom to the top.

[0076] A non-combustible gas supply line 56 and an air supply line 57 are provided outside the housing 50. Valves 56a and 57a are provided on the supply lines 56 and 57, respectively. Each supply line 56 and 57 is connected to a gas supply pipe 58, and by switching the opening and closing of the valves 56a and 57a, non-combustible gas or air is supplied to the gas supply pipe 58. The type of non-combustible gas is not particularly limited, but nitrogen is preferably used.

[0077] A gas supply port 59 connected to a gas supply pipe 58 is formed on a side surface of the housing 50. Non-combustible gas or air is supplied into the housing 50 through the gas supply port 59.

[0078] In addition, in a gas supply mechanism that is capable of switching between the supply and stop of the above-mentioned non-flammable gas and the supply and stop of air, the switching of each gas can be implemented by manual operation of the operator, or it can be implemented automatically by a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the gas supply mechanism.

[0079] Although not shown in the figure, a support member such as a base or columnar legs for supporting the weight of the generating device 2, the winding chamber 30, the housing 50, etc. is appropriately provided on the bottom of the housing 50. Thus, even when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, the posture of the CNT manufacturing device 1 can be maintained.

[0080] Next, the storage container 60 provided in the recovery chamber 40 will be described.

[0081] The storage container 60 is a container with a partially open upper surface, and can accommodate a plurality of CNT coils R. The CNT coils R that have fallen through the first opening 51 and the second opening 52 of the housing 50 are temporarily stored in the storage container 60 .

[0082] The storage container 60 is detachably mounted to the housing 50. The method of fixing the storage container 60 and the housing 50 is not particularly limited as long as the operator can remove the storage container 60 from the housing 50. For example, a fixing method using a fixing jig can be applied.

[0083] A seal (not shown) is provided between the upper surface of the storage container 60 and the bottom of the housing 50. When the storage container 60 is mounted on the housing 50, the seal prevents the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 from flowing out from the gap between the housing 50 and the storage container 60.

[0084] An exhaust line 61 for exhausting the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is provided outside the storage container 60. The exhaust line 61 includes a valve 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b, and the exhaust pipe 61b is connected to an exhaust port 62 formed on the side of the storage container 60. The gas supplied to the housing 50 is exhausted through the exhaust port 62. By using a mesh-shaped recovery cage 64 described later, the CNT that is not taken up by the take-up member 34 and falls can be captured, so that for the gas discharged from the exhaust port 62 of the storage container 60, an environmentally friendly operation with improved cleanliness of the exhaust gas can be achieved.

[0085] In addition, the exhaust port 62 may be provided not in the storage container 60 but in, for example, the housing 50. In this case, in order to improve the cleanliness of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port of the housing 50 and achieve environmentally friendly operation, it is preferred to provide a mesh-shaped filter member (not shown) at the exhaust port of the housing 50 to capture the CNTs that have fallen without being taken up by the take-up member 34.

[0086] However, it is preferred that the exhaust port 62 is located below the gas supply port 59. As described later, when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, there is a process of replacing the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 from the carrier gas to the non-combustible gas. However, when the specific gravity of the carrier gas is lighter than that of the non-combustible gas, the carrier gas tends to remain in the upper part of the housing 50.

[0087] On the other hand, when the exhaust port 62 is located below the gas supply port 59, the incombustible gas flows from the top to the bottom in the housing 50, so it is easy to exhaust the carrier gas with the incombustible gas, and it is easy to replace the recovery chamber 40 with the carrier gas atmosphere with the incombustible gas atmosphere. Figure 1 As shown, when the exhaust port 62 is provided in the storage container 60, the atmosphere in the storage container 60 is easily replaced.

[0088] An oxygen concentration meter 63 for measuring the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is preferably provided on the exhaust pipe 61. By using the oxygen concentration meter 63, it is easy to predict what gas the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is composed of, so that the storage container 60 described later can be removed and the isolation valve 53 can be reopened at an appropriate time. In this way, the unnecessary waiting time that may be generated in the process from the recovery of CNT to the restart of production can be omitted.

[0089] like Figure 4 As shown, a recovery cage 64 capable of storing the CNT winding body R is preferably provided inside the storage container 60. The recovery cage 64 is a mesh-shaped cage having a plurality of openings, and is freely detachable from the storage container 60. The material of the recovery cage 64 is not particularly limited as long as it has heat resistance to the heat of the CNT winding body R dropped into the storage container 60, and for example, a metal material can be used.

[0090] In the case where the recovery cage 64 is provided, when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, the CNT winding body R can be easily recovered by taking out the recovery cage 64 storing the CNT winding body R from the storage container 60. In addition, since another recovery cage with an empty interior can be provided in the storage container 60 from which the recovery cage 64 has been taken out, the time required to reinstall the storage container 60 with respect to the housing 50 can be shortened.

[0091] Furthermore, since the recovery cage 64 is formed in a mesh shape, the gas supplied to the housing 50 can pass through the mesh of the recovery cage 64, and exhaust from the exhaust port 62 is not hindered. Figure 1 ) is taken up and falls, but since such CNT is captured by the recovery cage 64, it is possible to suppress the CNT from mixing into the exhaust pipe 61. That is, the cleanliness of the exhaust gas can be improved by the mesh-shaped recovery cage 64, and environmentally friendly operation can be achieved.

[0092] The CNT manufacturing device 1 of this embodiment is constructed as described above. In addition, the material of each component constituting the CNT manufacturing device 1 is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the performance of the effects described in this specification, and for example, stainless steel or general structural rolled steel (SS material) is used. In addition, among the components constituting the CNT manufacturing device 1, the components that the CNT may contact may also be coated with Teflon (registered trademark).

[0093] (Carbon Nanotube Recovery Method)

[0094] Next, an example of a CNT recovery method using the recovery device 3 is described. In addition, the supply or stop of each gas, opening and closing of the isolation valve 53 and other actions that can be automatically performed can be automatically performed by a control unit (not shown) or manually performed by an operator.

[0095] First, if Figure 5 As shown in (a), in the storage process of storing CNT in the storage container 60, the isolation valve 53 in the housing 50 is opened and the first opening 51 is in an open state. In this process, since the supply of gas from the gas supply pipe 58 is stopped and the exhaust is performed from the exhaust pipe 61b, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 becomes the atmosphere of the generation device 2 ( Figure 1 )'s carrier gas atmosphere supplied to the reaction furnace 21.

[0096] At this time, in the winding chamber 30, the CNT winding body R is formed by winding the CNT ( Figure 2 ) and separation of CNT coil R ( Figure 3 ). The CNT roll R separated here passes through the first opening 51 and the second opening 52 from the winding chamber 30 and falls into the storage container 60. By repeating such winding and separation of CNTs, the CNT roll R is stored in the storage container 60.

[0097] Next, if Figure 5 As shown in (b), when the CNT storage process has been carried out for a predetermined time or a predetermined amount of CNT has been stored in the storage container 60, the supply of carrier gas is stopped and exhaust from the exhaust pipe 61b is stopped, and the generation of CNT is stopped. Thereafter, the isolation valve 53 is closed to close the first opening 51. As a result, the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 and the atmosphere in the housing 50 are isolated. At this time, the heater 22 ( Figure 1 ) is not stopped, and the atmosphere temperature in the reaction furnace 21 and the winding chamber 30 is maintained at a temperature suitable for the production of CNTs.

[0098] Next, if Figure 5As shown in (c), a non-combustible gas such as nitrogen is supplied from the gas supply pipe 58, and exhaust is restarted from the exhaust pipe 61b to replace the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 with the non-combustible gas. Since the carrier gas contains hydrogen as a flammable gas, it is preferred to replace the recovery chamber 40 with the non-combustible gas in this way.

[0099] Next, if Figure 5 As shown in (d), the gas supplied from the gas supply pipe 58 is switched from the incombustible gas to the air, and the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with the air. Figure 1 ), for example, when the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is above a predetermined value, it can be determined that the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with air.

[0100] In addition, the temperature of the non-combustible gas and air supplied to the recovery chamber 40 may be normal temperature (for example, 20° C. to 25° C.).

[0101] Next, if Figure 5 As shown in (e), after the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with air, the supply of air from the gas supply pipe 58 is stopped and the exhaust from the exhaust pipe 61b is stopped, and the exhaust pipe 61b is removed from the storage container 60. Thereafter, the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, and the CNT winding body R in the removed storage container 60 is recovered.

[0102] In this process, the atmosphere in the housing 50 flows out from the bottom of the housing 50 and the outside air flows into the housing 50, but the atmosphere in the housing 50 and the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 are isolated by the isolation valve 53. Therefore, the atmosphere does not flow from the housing 50 to the winding chamber 30 side, and the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 is maintained at a temperature suitable for the production of CNTs.

[0103] Next, if Figure 5 As shown in (f), after the CNT winding body R in the storage container 60 is recovered, the storage container 60 is installed in the housing 50 again. Here, the storage container 60 installed in the housing 50 is, for example, Figure 5 (e) The storage container 60 removed in another empty state is different from the storage container 60, or is provided with a Figure 4 The recovery cage 64 is shown in an empty state after replacing the storage container of other recovery cages.

[0104] After the storage container 60 is mounted on the housing 50, the exhaust pipe 61b is mounted on the storage container 60, and the supply of incombustible gas from the gas supply pipe 58 and the exhaust from the exhaust pipe 61b are restarted to replace the inside of the recovery chamber 40 with the incombustible gas atmosphere. Figure 1), for example, when the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is below a predetermined value, it can be determined that the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with a non-combustible gas.

[0105] Then, after the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with a non-combustible gas atmosphere, the isolation valve 53 is opened and the supply to the generating device 2 ( Figure 1 ) is supplied with raw materials and carrier gas for CNT production to the reactor 21. As described above, at this stage, the atmosphere in the reactor 21 and the winding chamber 30 is maintained at a temperature suitable for the production of CNTs. In addition, during the period when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, the first opening 51 is closed, so that the outside air does not flow into the atmosphere in the reactor 21 and the winding chamber 30.

[0106] That is, at the point in time when the atmosphere in the reaction furnace 21 and the winding chamber 30 is in a state suitable for the production of CNTs and the raw material and carrier gas for CNT production are supplied, the production of CNTs is restarted.

[0107] Afterwards, repeat Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 The steps of winding and storing CNTs and the recovery step shown in (f) of FIG. Figure 5 The process of replacing the inside of the housing 50 with air as shown in (d). In this case, while maintaining the non-combustible gas atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40, the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, and after the non-combustible gas placed in the housing 50 and the storage container 60 is replaced with external air, the operator recovers the CNT.

[0108] In the CNT recovery method of the present embodiment described above, the storage container 60 storing the CNT wound body R can be removed from the housing 50 while the atmosphere is isolated between the winding chamber 30 and the housing 50. Therefore, during the CNT recovery process, the atmosphere in the reaction furnace 21 of the generating device 2 can be maintained in a state suitable for the generation of CNTs.

[0109] As a result, the atmosphere replacement process and heating process for generating CNTs, which were previously required after the CNT recovery process, can be omitted. As a result, the time from the end of the CNT recovery process to the restart of CNT generation can be shortened, and the time to complete the production of the desired amount of CNTs can be shortened.

[0110] Furthermore, when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50 , low-temperature outside air does not flow into the high-temperature reactor 21 , thereby extending the life of the reactor 21 . The reason for achieving this effect is as follows.

[0111] For example, when the reaction furnace 21 is formed of ceramics, if outside air flows into the high-temperature reaction furnace 21, the reaction furnace 21 may be damaged by thermal shock caused by the temperature difference. In addition, when the reaction furnace 21 is formed of carbon, if outside air flows into the high-temperature reaction furnace 21, the carbon in the reaction furnace 21 may be rapidly oxidized and burnt out.

[0112] On the other hand, in the recovery device 3 of the present embodiment, when the storage container 60 is removed, the first opening 51 of the housing 50 is closed. Therefore, low-temperature external air does not flow into the high-temperature reactor 21, and the above-mentioned problem does not occur, and the life of the reactor 21 can be extended.

[0113] (Second embodiment)

[0114] Figure 6 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a CNT manufacturing device 1 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in addition to the first supply line 56 and the first exhaust line 61 for incombustible gas, a second supply line 70 and a second exhaust line 72 for incombustible gas are provided. The recovery device 3 according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0115] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second supply conduit 70 for the incombustible gas includes a valve 70 a and a gas supply pipe 70 b. The gas supply pipe 70 b is connected to a gas supply port 71 formed at a lower portion of a side surface of the housing 50.

[0116] The second exhaust line 72 includes a valve 72a and an exhaust pipe 72b. The exhaust pipe 72b is connected to an exhaust port 73 formed on a side surface of the housing 50 opposite to the side surface on which the gas supply port 71 is formed. The exhaust port 73 is formed at a position higher than the gas supply port 71.

[0117] Next, refer to Figure 7 An example of a method for recovering CNTs using the recovery device 3 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 The process (d) and Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 The process (d) is the same as that of the embodiment 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0118] like Figure 7 As shown in (e), when the storage container 60 is removed, the supply of air from the gas supply pipe 58 and the exhaust from the exhaust pipe 61b are stopped, and the supply of non-combustible gas from the gas supply pipe 70b and the exhaust from the exhaust pipe 72b are started. In this state, the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, and the CNT winding body R in the storage container 60 is recovered.

[0119] In this process, when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, the incombustible gas supplied from the gas supply pipe 70b mainly flows toward the exhaust pipe 72b, forming an airflow from the bottom to the top in the housing 50. Therefore, even if a poor seal occurs between the winding chamber 30 and the housing 50 due to, for example, deterioration of the seal, and the gas in the winding chamber 30 flows out to the housing 50 side, the outflowing gas can be discharged from the exhaust pipe 72b.

[0120] After the CNT winding body R in the storage container 60 is recovered, Figure 7 As shown in (f), the supply of incombustible gas from the gas supply pipe 70b and the exhaust from the exhaust pipe 72b are stopped, and the storage container 60 is mounted again on the housing 50. Thereafter, the supply of incombustible gas from the gas supply pipe 58 and the exhaust from the exhaust pipe 61b are restarted.

[0121] As described above, in the recovery device 3 of the second embodiment, when the storage container 60 is removed from the shell 50, even if the gas in the winding chamber 30 flows out from the first opening 51 due to deterioration of the seal or the like, the gas can be prevented from flowing out to the outside of the shell 50.

[0122] From the perspective of improving this effect, Figure 6 The gas supply port 71 communicating with the second supply conduit 70 of the non-combustible gas shown is preferably formed at a position lower than the first opening 51, and more preferably formed near the second opening 52. As a result, an upward airflow is easily formed in the entire housing 50, and the gas flowing out from the winding chamber 30 into the housing 50 is difficult to flow out from the lower end of the housing 50.

[0123] In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the above-mentioned effect, the exhaust port 73 communicating with the second exhaust duct 72 is preferably formed near the first opening 51. Thus, even if the gas flows out from the winding chamber 30 into the housing 50, the gas is easily discharged from the exhaust port 73 and does not flow toward the bottom of the housing 50.

[0124] The CNT recovery apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment has been described above.

[0125] In addition, in the recovery device 3, as Figure 8 As shown in the example, a compression mechanism 80 for compressing CNT may be provided. The compression mechanism 80 includes a pressing plate 81 as a pressing member and a driving unit 82 connected to the pressing plate 81 .

[0126] The cross-section of the pressing plate 81 cut along the vertical direction is a stepped shape, and has an upper portion 81a and a lower portion 81b. The lower portion 81b has an outer shape smaller than the inner dimension of the storage container 60 (the inner dimension of the recovery cage 64 when the recovery cage 64 is provided). The driving unit 82 is composed of, for example, a motor, a cylinder, etc., and the pressing plate 81 can be raised or rotated by the driving unit 82.

[0127] In the compression mechanism 80 having the above structure, the pressing plate 81 can be located at a position where the lower layer portion 81b of the pressing plate 81 is located below the first opening 51 ( Figure 8 The pressing plate 81 can be rotated between a position (a position indicated by a double-dashed line) and a position where the lower layer portion 81b of the pressing plate 81 does not exist below the first opening 51. In other words, the pressing plate 81 can be rotated between a position (compression position) for compressing the CNT winding body R in the storage container 60 and a position (retracted position) that does not hinder the falling of the CNT winding body R.

[0128] Furthermore, since the pressing plate 81 has an outer shape smaller than the inner dimensions of the storage container 60 , when the upper portion 81 a descends to near the bottom surface in the housing 50 , the lower portion 81 b descends into the storage container 60 .

[0129] When the compression mechanism 80 is used to recover CNTs, the pressing plate 81 is basically stopped at the retreat position during the generation and winding of CNTs. For example, when a predetermined time has passed since the start of CNT generation or when the CNT winding body R dropped into the storage container 60 overflows from the upper end of the storage container 60, the pressing plate 81 in the retreat position is rotated to the compression position.

[0130] Then, the pressing plate 81 is lowered, and the CNT wound body R stored in the storage container 60 is compressed by the lower layer portion 81b of the pressing plate 81. Thereafter, the pressing plate 81 is raised, and the pressing plate 81 is rotated from the compression position to the retracted position.

[0131] By using the compression mechanism 80, the CNT winding body R stored in the storage container 60 can be compressed during the CNT production process. As a result, the storage space of the CNT winding body R in the storage container 60 is expanded, and CNT production can continue. Therefore, the amount of CNT recovered each time the CNT is recovered increases, and the frequency of the CNT recovery process can also be reduced, so that a longer CNT production time can be ensured.

[0132] In particular, since CNTs are light in weight, they are not crushed by their own weight. In addition, due to the nature of CNTs, CNT rolls R are unlikely to roll on the surface of other CNT rolls R, and CNTs stored in the storage container 60 tend to occupy a large space. Therefore, providing the compression mechanism 80 is useful.

[0133] In the CNT production apparatus 1 described above, the generating apparatus 2 is arranged above the collecting apparatus 3, but the generating apparatus 2 may be arranged to the side of the collecting apparatus 3. Fig. 9 As shown, the reaction furnace 21 of the production device 2 may be installed on the side surface of the winding chamber 30 of the recovery device 3 .

[0134] Fig. 9 The winding member 34 in the example shown is arranged so that the rotation axis is in the Y direction, and the CNT discharged from the opening 31 communicating with the reactor 21 is wound by the rotating winding member 34. Figure 3 The same separation mechanism as shown in the figure 36 moves the take-up member 34 to the Fig. 9 The CNT roll R formed by the winding is pulled out from the paper surface, and falls. As a result, the CNT roll R falls from the winding chamber 30 to the housing 50, and the CNT roll R is stored in the storage container 60. Even the CNT production device 1 constructed in this way can be implemented using, for example Figure 5 or Figure 7 A method for recycling CNTs is described.

[0135] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the examples. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can think of various variations or modifications within the scope of the technical concept recorded in the claims, and the variations or modifications are of course considered to belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0136] For example, the structural elements of the above-mentioned embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. According to the arbitrary combination, it is of course possible to obtain the functions and effects of each structural element related to the combination, and it is possible to obtain other functions and other effects that are self-evident to those skilled in the art according to the description of this specification.

[0137] In addition, the effects described in this specification are only illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive. That is, according to the description of this specification, the technology of the present invention can include the above-mentioned effects and play other effects that are self-evident to those skilled in the art, or the technology of the present invention can play other effects that are self-evident to those skilled in the art to replace the above-mentioned effects.

[0138] Industrial Applicability

[0139] The present invention can be applied to a recovery device and a production device of carbon nanotubes.

[0140] Description of Reference Numerals

[0141] 1. CNT manufacturing device (carbon nanotube manufacturing device); 2. CNT generating device (carbon nanotube generating device); 3. CNT recovery device (carbon nanotube recovery device); 21. Reactor; 22. Heater; 23. Raw material supply port; 30. Winding chamber; 31. Opening; 32. Winding mechanism; 33. Rotating body; 34. Winding member; 35. Driving unit; 36. Separation mechanism; 37. Cylinder mechanism; 40. Recovery chamber; 50. Shell; 51. First opening; 52. Second opening; 53. Isolation valve; 54. Valve core; 55. Rotating shaft; 56. Incombustible gas Supply pipeline; 56a, valve; 57, air supply pipeline; 57a, valve; 58, gas supply pipe; 59, gas supply port; 60, storage container; 61, exhaust pipeline; 61a, valve; 61b, exhaust pipe; 62, exhaust port; 63, oxygen concentration meter; 64, recovery cage; 70, non-flammable gas supply pipeline; 70a, valve; 70b, gas supply pipe; 71, gas supply port; 72, exhaust pipeline; 72a, valve; 72b, exhaust pipe; 73, exhaust port; 80, compression mechanism; 81, pressure plate; 82, drive unit; R, CNT winding body (carbon nanotube winding body).

Claims

1. A carbon nanotube recovery device for recovering carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generation device, wherein: The carbon nanotube recovery device comprises a recovery chamber for recovering the carbon nanotubes. The recovery chamber comprises a shell and a storage container disposed below the shell. The housing has a first opening communicating with the carbon nanotube generating device, an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the first opening, and a second opening communicating with the storage container. The storage container is detachably mounted on the housing.

2. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery chamber has a gas supply port for supplying gas and an exhaust port for exhausting the gas supplied into the recovery chamber.

3. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 2, wherein: The gas supply port is provided in the housing, and the exhaust port is located below the gas supply port.

4. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 3, wherein: The exhaust port is arranged on the storage container.

5. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 4, wherein: The carbon nanotube recovery device has: an exhaust pipeline communicating with the exhaust port; and An oxygen concentration meter is arranged in the exhaust pipe.

6. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 2, wherein: The carbon nanotube recovery device includes a gas supply mechanism that switches between the non-combustible gas and the air to supply either the non-combustible gas or the air to the recovery chamber.

7. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: A mesh-shaped recovery cage is provided inside the storage container, and the recovery cage is detachably provided relative to the storage container.

8. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The carbon nanotube recovery device includes a compression mechanism that compresses the carbon nanotubes stored in the storage container.

9. A carbon nanotube production device, characterized in that: The carbon nanotube manufacturing device has: a generating device that generates carbon nanotubes; as well as The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1.

10. A carbon nanotube recovery method, in which a carbon nanotube recovery device is used, wherein: The carbon nanotube recovery device comprises a recovery chamber for recovering the carbon nanotubes. The recovery chamber comprises a shell and a storage container disposed below the shell. The carbon nanotube recovery method has the following advantages: a storage step in which the carbon nanotubes generated by the carbon nanotube generating device are stored in the storage container through an opening provided in the housing and communicating with the carbon nanotube generating device; as well as and a recovery step of removing the storage container from the housing while the opening is closed, and recovering the carbon nanotubes in the storage container.

11. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein: In the recovery step, before the storage container is removed from the housing, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber is replaced with a non-combustible gas.

12. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 11, wherein: After replacing the atmosphere in the recovery chamber with the non-combustible gas, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber is replaced with air.

13. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 12, wherein: In the recovery step, the oxygen concentration of the gas exhausted from the recovery chamber is measured, and the storage container is removed from the housing based on the measured oxygen concentration.

14. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 11, wherein: Exhaust is performed at a position below the supply port of the gas supplied into the recovery chamber.

15. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 14, wherein: The gas supplied to the recovery chamber is supplied to the shell. The storage container is vented.

16. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein: In the storage step, the carbon nanotubes are stored in a mesh-shaped recovery cage provided inside the storage container. In the recovery step, after the storage container is removed from the housing, the recovery cage storing the carbon nanotubes is replaced with another recovery cage.

17. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein: In the storage step, the carbon nanotubes stored in the storage container are compressed.

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