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

Abstract

A carbon nanotube recovery device is provided with: a winding chamber; a recovery chamber; a first exhaust line that exhausts the gas supplied into the recovery chamber; and a second exhaust line that discharges the gas supplied into the winding chamber, the recovery chamber having a first opening that communicates with the winding chamber and having an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the first opening. The exhaust gas from the first exhaust gas line, the exhaust gas from the second exhaust gas line, and the exhaust gas from both the first exhaust gas line and the second exhaust gas line can be changed.

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 method for recovering carbon nanotubes. Background Art

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

[0003] In addition, in Patent Document 2, a carbon nanotube recovery device is disclosed which is provided inside or near a recovery section of a reaction furnace for generating carbon nanotubes using the CVD method. In the recovery device described in Patent Document 2, by rotating a winding member for winding carbon nanotubes, the carbon nanotubes are wound into a roll shape to form a wound body, and the wound body is taken out from an outlet provided in the recovery section to recover the carbon nanotubes.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-064918

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-190166 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In the carbon nanotube recovery device described in Patent Document 2, the wound body is taken out from the recovery section at the stage when the wound body of the carbon nanotubes reaches a predetermined diameter. Therefore, for each production of a wound body of carbon nanotubes, it is necessary to stop the carbon nanotube generating device and cool the reaction furnace and the recovery section to room temperature to recover the produced wound body. In addition, when restarting the generation of carbon nanotubes, it is necessary to raise the atmosphere temperature in the reaction furnace to a temperature suitable for the generation of carbon nanotubes.

[0010] That is, in the carbon nanotube recovery device described in Patent Document 2, each time carbon nanotubes are recovered, it is necessary to cool and then reheat the reaction furnace, and the time during which carbon nanotubes cannot be generated in the reaction furnace is relatively long. Therefore, in the case of mass-producing 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 manufacturing device, and a carbon nanotube manufacturing method that can shorten the time required to produce a desired amount of carbon nanotubes during mass production of carbon nanotubes.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problem

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

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

[0015] [1] A carbon nanotube recovery device that recovers carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generation device, characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device includes: a winding chamber that winds the carbon nanotubes; a recovery chamber that is provided at a position lower than the winding chamber and recovers the carbon nanotubes; a first exhaust pipe that discharges the gas supplied into the recovery chamber; an exhaust port to which the first exhaust pipe is connected; and a second exhaust pipe that discharges the gas supplied into the winding chamber. The winding chamber includes: a winding member that winds the carbon nanotubes; and an exhaust port to which the second exhaust pipe is connected. The recovery chamber has a first opening that communicates with the winding chamber and is provided with an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the first opening. The carbon nanotube recovery device is configured to be able to change between exhausting from the first exhaust pipe, exhausting from the second exhaust pipe, and exhausting from both the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe.

[0016] [2] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to [1], characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device includes a control unit that controls the operation of the first exhaust pipe and the operation of the second exhaust pipe. The control unit is configured to perform the following control: during the process of storing the wound body formed by winding the carbon nanotubes in the recovery chamber with the first opening open, at least exhaust from the first exhaust pipe; during the process of recovering the carbon nanotubes in the recovery chamber with the first opening closed, at least exhaust from the second exhaust pipe.

[0017] [3] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to [1] or [2], characterized in that the exhaust port is located at a position lower than the winding member.

[0018] [4] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that the second exhaust gas pipeline has: a filter that captures the carbon nanotubes in the exhaust gas; and a cleaning mechanism that peels off the carbon nanotubes attached to the filter.

[0019] [5] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device has a third exhaust gas pipeline that discharges the gas supplied into the winding chamber, and the carbon nanotube recovery device is configured to be able to change between the exhaust gas from the second exhaust gas pipeline and the exhaust gas from the third exhaust gas pipeline.

[0020] [6] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that a mesh-shaped recovery cage is provided inside the recovery chamber and is detachably installed with respect to the recovery chamber.

[0021] [7] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [6], characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery device is provided with a compression mechanism that compresses the carbon nanotubes stored in the recovery chamber.

[0022] [8] The carbon nanotube recovery device according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the recovery chamber has: a housing; and a storage container provided below the housing, and the first opening, the opening and closing mechanism, and the second opening communicating with the storage container are provided on the housing, and the storage container is detachably installed with respect to the housing.

[0023] [9] A carbon nanotube manufacturing device, characterized in that the carbon nanotube manufacturing device has: a generating 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 using the carbon nanotube recovery device described in [1], characterized in that the carbon nanotube recovery method has: a storage step in which, with the first opening open, a wound body formed by winding the carbon nanotubes generated by the carbon nanotube generating device is stored in the recovery chamber; and a recovery step in which, with the first opening closed, the carbon nanotubes in the recovery chamber are recovered, and in the storage step, at least exhaust gas is discharged from the first exhaust gas pipeline, and in the recovery step, at least exhaust gas is discharged from the second exhaust gas pipeline.

[0025]

[11] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to

[10] is characterized in that exhaust is performed based on the second exhaust pipe at a position below the winding member that winds the carbon nanotubes.

[0026]

[12] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to

[10] or

[11] is characterized in that a cleaning mechanism for peeling the carbon nanotubes attached to the filter is used to regularly clean the inner surface of the filter, and the filter is provided in the second exhaust pipe.

[0027]

[13] The carbon nanotube recovery method according to

[12] is characterized in that when cleaning the filter or performing a filter replacement operation, the third exhaust pipe is used to replace the second exhaust pipe.

[0028]

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

[10] to

[13] is characterized in that in the storage step, the carbon nanotubes are stored in a mesh-shaped recovery cage provided inside the recovery chamber, and in the recovery step, the recovery cage storing the carbon nanotubes is replaced with another recovery cage.

[0029]

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

[10] to

[14] is characterized in that in the storage step, the carbon nanotubes stored in the recovery chamber are compressed.

[0030]

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

[10] to

[15] is characterized in that the recovery chamber has a housing and a storage container that is detachably mounted below the housing, and in the recovery step, the storage container is detached from the housing to recover the carbon nanotubes in the storage container.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a carbon nanotube recovery device, a carbon nanotube manufacturing device, and a carbon nanotube manufacturing method that can shorten the time until a desired amount of carbon nanotubes is manufactured during mass production of carbon nanotubes. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a carbon nanotube manufacturing device according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining a winding structure of carbon nanotubes.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a state after the winding member has moved to the extraction position.

[0036] Figure 4 It is a figure for explaining the mesh-shaped recovery cage.

[0037] Figure 5 It is a figure for explaining the filter cleaning mechanism of the second exhaust pipe line.

[0038] Figure 6 It is a figure for explaining another structural example of the filter cleaning mechanism.

[0039] Figure 7 It is a figure for explaining the recovery method of carbon nanotubes.

[0040] Figure 8 It is a figure showing an example in which a non-combustible gas supply mechanism is provided in the second exhaust pipe line.

[0041] Figure 9 It is a figure for explaining the gas purge in the pipe before starting the exhaust from the second exhaust pipe line.

[0042] Figure 10 It is a figure for explaining the third exhaust pipe line.

[0043] Figure 11 It is a figure for explaining the flow of exhaust gas when using the second exhaust pipe line and the flow of exhaust gas when using the third exhaust pipe line.

[0044] Figure 12 It is a figure showing an example in which a non-combustible gas supply mechanism is provided in the second exhaust pipe line and the third exhaust pipe line.

[0045] Figure 13 It is a figure for explaining the gas purge in the pipe before starting the exhaust from the second exhaust pipe line or the third exhaust pipe line.

[0046] Figure 14 It is a figure for explaining the compression mechanism of carbon nanotubes.

[0047] Figure 15 It is showing Figure 14 the conveying state of the storage container in the case of using the compression mechanism.

[0048] Figure 16 It is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 17 It is a figure for explaining the recovery method of carbon nanotubes.

[0050] Figure 18 It is a figure showing a structural example of a carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus in which a reaction furnace is provided on the side surface of a winding chamber. Detailed implementation mode

[0051] 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 structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0052] (First Embodiment)

[0053] Figure 1 FIG. 1 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 the first embodiment. In addition, the CNT in this specification is a tubular carbon allotrope (typically, a cylindrical structure of a graphite structure), and includes so-called single-walled CNT, multi-walled CNT, or carbon nano-horns having an angled tip at the tube end. The CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for manufacturing single-walled CNT.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 has a generation device 2 for generating CNT and a recovery device 3 for recovering CNT provided at the lower end of the CNT generation device 2. In addition, in the figure, the "X direction" 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. Each of the directions X to Z is a mutually perpendicular direction.

[0055] <Carbon Nanotube Generation Device>

[0056] The device structure of the generation device 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate CNT. Therefore, for example, a device using a chemical vapor deposition method (i.e., CVD method) that generates CNT by thermally decomposing a carbon-containing source gas as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can be used as the generation device 2.

[0057] Figure 1 The illustrated generation device 2 has a reaction furnace 21, a heater 22 provided on the side of the reaction furnace 21, and a source supply port 23 for supplying a source for generating CNT to the reaction furnace 21.

[0058] The shape of the reaction furnace 21 is not limited, and for example, it is preferably a straight tube shape (i.e., a shape in which the axis extends linearly). In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the reaction furnace 21 may also be a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a kidney-shaped shape, or the like with an arc.

[0059] Regarding the shape and heating method of the heater 22, as long as the reaction furnace 21 can be heated to a temperature suitable for the production of CNTs, there is no particular limitation. As long as the heater 22 can heat the reaction furnace 21, for example, to 500°C to 2000°C, preferably to 1000°C to 1600°C. As a specific example of the heater 22, there is a tungsten heater that can heat the reaction furnace 21 to 500°C to 2000°C or a silicon carbide heater (SiC heater) that can heat the reaction furnace 21 to 600°C to 1600°C.

[0060] A carrier gas such as hydrogen is also supplied to the raw material supply port 23 together with raw materials such as the gas serving as the carbon source, the catalyst metal, or the catalyst metal compound.

[0061] <Carbon nanotube recovery device>

[0062] The recovery device 3 includes a winding chamber 30 for winding the CNTs generated by the generation device 2 and a recovery chamber 40 for recovering the CNT winding body R formed in the winding chamber 30.

[0063] First, refer to Figure 2 Describe the winding chamber 30 and its peripheral structure.

[0064] On the top surface portion of the winding chamber 30, an opening 31 communicating with the lower end of the reaction furnace 21 of the generation device 2 is provided. The CNTs generated in the reaction furnace 21 are transported into the winding chamber 30 together with the carrier gas via the opening 31.

[0065] A winding mechanism 32 for winding CNTs is provided on the side surface portion of the winding chamber 30. The winding mechanism 32 includes a rotating body 33, a winding member 34, and a driving unit 35.

[0066] The rotating body 33 is, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical member, and is arranged such that the rotation axis direction faces the horizontal direction (the X direction in the present embodiment). The rotating body 33 is provided so as to penetrate the side surface portion of the winding chamber 30, and a part of the rotating body 33 protrudes into the winding chamber 30.

[0067] The winding member 34 is a member extending in the axial direction of the rotating body 33 and is, for example, constituted by a cylindrical or cylindrical roller. The proximal end of the winding member 34 is attached to the top end (the end portion 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 may be provided at a position where it can contact the CNTs passing through the opening 31.

[0068] The driving unit 35 is provided outside the winding chamber 30. As the driving unit 35, for example, a motor or the like is used. The rotating body 33 on which the winding member 34 is mounted is connected to the driving unit 35, and by rotating the rotating body 33 using the driving unit 35, 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 CNT generation speed and the desired size of the CNT wound body R, and is set to, for example, 0.01 rpm to 500 rpm.

[0069] Outside the winding chamber 30, a separating mechanism 36 for separating the CNT wound body R formed on the winding member 34 is also provided. The separating mechanism 36 is a mechanism for moving 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 separating mechanism 36 is a mechanism for moving the winding member 34 in a direction of being pulled out from the winding chamber 30, and the rotating body 33 and the winding member 34 can be moved from the tip side to the base end side of the winding member 34 by using this separating mechanism 36.

[0070] In the present embodiment, as an example of the separating mechanism 36, a cylinder mechanism 37 is provided outside the winding chamber 30. The winding member 34 can be moved between the winding position (the position where CNTs are wound) shown in Figure 2 and the position (the pulling-out position) where the CNT wound body R is separated from the winding member 34 shown in Figure 3 by the telescopic action of the cylinder mechanism 37. That is, the winding member 34 can be moved in a direction approaching or separating from the side surface portion of the winding chamber 30.

[0071] In the recovery device 3 provided with the above-described separating mechanism 36, after the CNT wound body R is formed by the winding member 34 in the winding position, the winding member 34 is retracted to the pulling-out position, whereby the CNT wound body R comes into contact with the inner surface of the side surface portion of the winding chamber 30. Then, in this state, the winding member 34 is further retracted, whereby the inner peripheral surface of the CNT wound body R is not supported by the winding member 34.

[0072] As a result, the CNT wound body R falls off from the winding member 34, and the CNT wound body R and the winding member 34 are separated. After that, the winding member 34 is advanced from the pulling-out position to the winding position, and the winding of CNTs for forming the next CNT wound body R is started. In addition, the structure of the separating mechanism 36 is not limited to the structure described in the present embodiment.

[0073] Next, referring again to Figure 1 the recovery chamber 40 and its peripheral structure will be described.

[0074] As Figure 1 shown, the recovery chamber 40 has a housing 50 and a storage container 60 provided below the housing 50.

[0075] A first opening 51 communicating with the winding chamber 30 is provided in the top surface portion of the housing 50, and a second opening 52 communicating with the storage container 60 is provided in the bottom surface portion of the housing 50.

[0076] The first opening 51 has a shape through which the CNT wound body R formed in the winding chamber 30 can pass. As described above, since the winding chamber 30 communicates with the reaction furnace 21 of the generating device 2 via the opening 31, the first opening 51 of the housing 50 communicating with the winding chamber 30 can also be said to be an opening communicating with the generating device 2.

[0077] Similarly to the first opening 51, the second opening 52 has a shape through which the CNT wound body R formed in the winding chamber 30 can pass.

[0078] An isolation valve 53 is provided inside the housing 50 as an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the first opening 51. The isolation valve 53 can be used to change between a state where the first opening 51 is open and a state where the first opening 51 is closed. The state where the first opening 51 is open means a state where CNT can pass through the first opening 51 and reach the housing 50 from the winding chamber 30, and the state where the first opening 51 is closed means a state where the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 and the atmosphere in the housing 50 are isolated.

[0079] The isolation valve 53 includes a flat valve element 54 and a rotating shaft portion 55 for rotating the valve element 54. The rotating shaft portion 55 is provided near the periphery of the first opening 51, and the rotating shaft portion 55 is fixed such that the axis of rotation is oriented in the horizontal direction (Y direction in the present embodiment). By connecting one end of the valve element 54 to the rotating shaft portion 55, the valve element 54 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise within a predetermined angle range about the axis of rotation.

[0080] The valve element 54 has a shape capable of covering the first opening 51, and a seal (not shown) is provided on the surface of the valve element 54 on the side facing the first opening 51. Therefore, when the valve element 54 rotates to a horizontal state, due to the presence of this seal, the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 and the atmosphere in the housing 50 are isolated.

[0081] In addition, regarding the structure of the opening / closing mechanism of the first opening 51, if the opening / closing state of the first opening 51 can be changed, the structure of the opening / closing mechanism of the first opening 51 is not limited to the above structure. For example Figure 1The opening and closing mechanism is structured such that an isolation valve 53 is provided within the housing 50, and the valve element 54 rotates upward from below to close the first opening 51. However, it may also be structured such that an isolation valve (not shown) is provided within the winding chamber 30, and the valve element (not shown) of this isolation valve rotates downward from above to close the first opening 51. Alternatively, instead of the isolation valve 53, a door (not shown) capable of sliding horizontally may be provided directly above or below the first opening 51 to close the first opening 51.

[0082] However, there are also cases where CNTs discharged from the reactor 21 are not wound by the winding member 34 and fall. For example, CNTs sometimes adhere to the bottom surface within the winding chamber 30. In the case of a structure in which an isolation valve is provided within the winding chamber 30 and the valve element rotates downward from above, it can be envisioned that CNTs are caught between the valve element and the first opening 51, affecting the sealing performance. Assuming that the sealing performance deteriorates, maintenance operations are required to remove CNTs from the gap between the valve element and the first opening 51. Such problems may also occur similarly in the case where a door capable of sliding horizontally is provided as the opening and closing mechanism for the first opening 51.

[0083] Therefore, from the viewpoints of improving the sealing performance and reducing the maintenance frequency, it is preferably as Figure 1 shown, the opening and closing mechanism of the first opening 51 is structured such that an isolation valve 53 is provided within the housing 50, and the valve element 54 rotates upward from below.

[0084] An incombustible gas supply line 56 and an air supply line 57 are provided outside the housing 50. Valves 56a and 57a are respectively provided on these supply lines 56 and 57. Each supply line 56 and 57 is connected to a gas supply pipe 58, and by changing the opening and closing states of the above valves 56a and 57a, incombustible gas or air is supplied to the gas supply pipe 58. The type of incombustible gas is not particularly limited, and nitrogen is preferably used.

[0085] A gas supply port 59 for connecting the gas supply pipe 58 is formed on the side surface of the housing 50. Incombustible gas or air is supplied into the housing 50 via this gas supply port 59.

[0086] Furthermore, in a gas supply mechanism capable of changing between the supply state and the stop state of the above incombustible gas and between the supply state and the stop state of air, the change between the supply state and the stop state of each gas can be implemented by manual operation of an operator or automatically by a control unit 200 described later that controls the operation of the gas supply mechanism.

[0087] Next, the storage container 60 included in the recovery chamber 40 will be described.

[0088] The storage container 60 is a container with a partially open upper surface and is capable of accommodating a plurality of CNT wound bodies R. In this storage container 60, the CNT wound bodies R that have fallen through the first opening 51 and the second opening 52 of the housing 50 are temporarily stored. The stored CNT wound bodies R are recovered from an openable and closable door (not shown) provided in the storage container 60.

[0089] In addition, the storage container 60 is fixed to the bottom surface portion of the housing 50, and a seal (not shown) is provided between the upper surface portion of the storage container 60 and the bottom surface portion of the housing 50. Through this seal, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is prevented from flowing out to the outside through the gap between the housing 50 and the storage container 60.

[0090] A first exhaust gas pipeline 61 for exhausting the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is provided outside the storage container 60. The first exhaust gas pipeline 61 has a valve 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b, and the exhaust pipe 61b is connected to an exhaust port 62 formed on the side surface portion of the storage container 60. The gas supplied into the housing 50 is discharged through this exhaust port 62.

[0091] In addition, the exhaust port 62 may not be provided in the storage container 60 but may be provided in, for example, the housing 50, but preferably the exhaust port 62 is located at a position lower than the gas supply port 59. As will be described later, when recovering the CNT wound body R from the storage container 60, there is a process of replacing the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 from the carrier gas with an incombustible gas. However, when the specific gravity of the carrier gas is lighter than the specific gravity of the incombustible gas, the carrier gas tends to stay in the upper part of the housing 50.

[0092] On the other hand, when the exhaust port 62 is located at a position lower than the gas supply port 59, in the housing 50, since the incombustible gas flows from above to below, it is easy to discharge the carrier gas using the incombustible gas, and it is easy to replace the recovery chamber 40 with an incombustible gas atmosphere that is in a carrier gas atmosphere. In addition, as Figure 1 shown, when the exhaust port 62 is provided in the storage container 60, the replacement of the atmosphere in the storage container 60 becomes easy.

[0093] Preferably, an oxygen concentration meter 63 for measuring the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is provided on the first exhaust gas pipeline 61. By using this oxygen concentration meter 63, it is easy to predict what gas the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is composed of, so that the operation of recovering the CNT wound body R from the storage container 60 and reopening the isolation valve 53, which will be described later, can be performed at an appropriate time. Thereby, the unnecessary standby time that may occur during the process from the recovery of CNT to the restart of generation can be omitted.

[0094] As Figure 4As shown, it is preferable to provide a recovery cage 64 capable of storing the CNT wound body R inside the storage container 60. The recovery cage 64 is a mesh-like cage formed with a plurality of openings, and is 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 wound body R that has fallen into the storage container 60. For example, a metal material can be used.

[0095] When the recovery cage 64 is provided, when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, the CNT wound body R can be easily recovered by taking out the recovery cage 64 storing the CNT wound body R from the storage container 60. In addition, if another recovery cage with an empty interior is provided in the storage container 60 from which the recovery cage 64 has been taken out, the time of the CNT recovery process can be shortened.

[0096] In addition, since the recovery cage 64 is formed in a mesh shape, the gas supplied into the housing 50 can pass through the mesh of the recovery cage 64 and does not hinder the exhaust from the exhaust port 62. In addition, sometimes a part of the CNTs are not wound by the winding member 34 ( Figure 1 ) and fall, but since such CNTs are trapped by the recovery cage 64, it is possible to suppress the CNTs from mixing into the first exhaust pipe 61. That is, through the mesh-like recovery cage 64, the cleanliness of the exhaust gas can be improved, and an environmentally friendly operation can be achieved.

[0097] As described above, the housing 50 and the storage container 60 included in the recovery chamber 40 have been described, but it is also possible that the recovery chamber 40 is not divided into the housing 50 and the storage container 60, but is composed of a single container. In this case, the recovery chamber 40 has a space for storing the CNT wound body R below the isolation valve 53.

[0098] As Figure 1 shown, in addition to the above-described first exhaust pipe 61, the recovery device 3 further includes a second exhaust pipe 70 for exhausting the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30. The second exhaust pipe 70 is an exhaust pipe mainly used when the first opening 51 is closed by the isolation valve 53.

[0099] The second exhaust pipe 70 includes a valve 70a and an exhaust pipe 70b, and the exhaust pipe 70b is connected to an exhaust port 71 formed on the side surface of the winding chamber 30. The gas supplied into the winding chamber 30 is exhausted through the exhaust port 71.

[0100] Further, it is preferable that the exhaust port 71 is formed at a position below the winding member 34. Since the CNTs discharged from the reaction furnace 21 are light in weight, they are easily affected by the flow of the carrier gas toward the exhaust port 71. However, when the exhaust port 71 is located below the winding member 34, the CNTs easily come into contact with the winding member 34 between the reaction furnace 21 and the exhaust port 71. Thereby, the amount of CNTs not wound can be reduced, and the recovery amount of CNTs can be increased.

[0101] A cylindrical diameter-expanding portion 72 is provided on the downstream side of the valve 70a in the second exhaust pipe line 70, and an exhaust pipe 70b communicating with the exhaust port 71 is connected to one end of the diameter-expanding portion 72. Another exhaust pipe 70c for discharging the exhaust gas flowing into the diameter-expanding portion 72 to the downstream side is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the diameter-expanding portion 72.

[0102] A cylindrical filter 73 is provided in the diameter-expanding portion 72. The filter 73 is used to capture CNTs in the exhaust gas. The inner diameter of the filter 73 is larger than the inner diameter of the exhaust pipe 70b, and the exhaust gas flowing from the exhaust pipe 70b into the diameter-expanding portion 72 passes through the filter 73 and flows toward the exhaust pipe 70c.

[0103] When such a filter 73 is provided, the cleanliness of the exhaust gas can be improved for environmental protection operations, so it is preferable to provide the filter 73. In addition, the filter 73 is constituted by, for example, a mesh-like metal tube or the like, but the specific structure of the filter 73 is not particularly limited as long as it can capture the CNTs floating in the exhaust gas.

[0104] Further, when the amount of CNTs attached to the inner surface of the filter 73 increases during continuous use of the second exhaust pipe line 70 and the filter 73 becomes clogged as a result, the flow of the exhaust gas is obstructed. In this case, there is Figure 1 a possibility that the pressures in the reaction furnace 21 and the winding chamber 30 as shown increase and the desired pressure cannot be maintained. Therefore, it is necessary to perform maintenance operations such as cleaning and replacement of the filter 73 before the filter 73 becomes clogged.

[0105] However, since the second exhaust pipe line 70 ( Figure 1 ) cannot be used during the maintenance operation of the filter 73, there is a case where the operation of the CNT generation device 2 needs to be stopped during the maintenance operation. Therefore, in order to ensure a longer CNT generation time, as Figure 5 shown, it is preferable to provide a cleaning mechanism 74 for peeling off the CNTs attached to the filter 73.

[0106] Figure 5The illustrated cleaning mechanism 74 includes a rod 75 that rotates using, for example, a motor as a drive source, and a scraper 76 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the rod 75. The rod 75 penetrates from the outside to the inside of the enlarged diameter portion 72 along the axial direction of the enlarged diameter portion 72, and a part of the rod 75 protrudes to the outside of the enlarged diameter portion 72. The scraper 76 is a flat plate having a length equal to the length of the filter 73 and a width slightly smaller than the radius of the inner diameter of the cylindrical filter 73.

[0107] According to Figure 5 the illustrated cleaning mechanism 74, by rotating the rod 75, the scraper 76 rotates along the inner peripheral surface of the filter 73, thereby enabling the CNT attached to the inner surface of the filter 73 to be peeled off.

[0108] The structure of the cleaning mechanism 74 may also be, for example, Figure 6 the structure shown. Figure 6 The illustrated cleaning mechanism 74 includes a rod 77 that reciprocates using, for example, a cylinder as a drive source, and a circular plate 78 mounted at the tip of the rod 77. The diameter of the circular plate 78 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the filter 73.

[0109] According to Figure 6 the illustrated cleaning mechanism 74, by the reciprocating movement of the rod 77, the pushing or pulling out action of the circular plate 78 is performed. When the pushing action of the circular plate 78 is performed, the CNT attached to the inner surface of the filter 73 can be peeled off. In addition, in order to suppress the disturbance of the waste gas flow caused by the contact between the waste gas and the circular plate 78 when the pushing or pulling out action of the circular plate 78 is performed, it is preferable to provide a plurality of through holes (not shown) in the circular plate 78 as ventilation holes.

[0110] The above Figure 5 and Figure 6 the illustrated cleaning mechanism 74 operates regularly when using the second exhaust gas pipeline 70 ( Figure 1 ). For example, the cleaning mechanism 74 operates 3 times every 10 minutes (rotates 3 times or reciprocates 3 times) or operates 3 times (rotates 3 times or reciprocates 3 times) when the pressure in the reaction furnace 21 rises above a predetermined pressure. In addition, the cleaning mechanism 74 can be operated by manual operation of an operator, but it is preferably operated automatically at regular intervals or based on the atmosphere conditions in the reaction furnace 21 as described above.

[0111] The recovery device 3 is provided with a control unit 200. The control unit 200 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, a memory, etc., and has a program storage unit (not shown). Various programs for controlling the operations of a first exhaust pipe 61 and a second exhaust pipe 70, which will be described later, are stored in the program storage unit. For example, programs for controlling the opening and closing operations of the isolation valve 53, and the opening and closing operations of the respective valves 56a, 57a, 61a, 70a provided in the recovery device 3 are stored. Alternatively, the above programs may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and loaded into the control unit 200 from the storage medium.

[0112] The CNT manufacturing device 1 of the present embodiment is configured 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 manifestation of the effects described in this specification. For example, stainless steel or general structural rolled steel (SS material) is used. Additionally, among the components constituting the CNT manufacturing device 1, members that may come into contact with CNTs may be coated with Teflon (registered trademark).

[0113] (Carbon nanotube recovery method)

[0114] Next, an example of a method for recovering CNTs using the recovery device 3 will be described. Additionally, for operations such as the opening and closing of valves for supplying or stopping the supply of various gases, and the opening and closing of the isolation valve 53, which can be automatically performed, are automatically performed via the control unit 200, but may also be manually performed by an operator.

[0115] First, as Figure 7 shown in (a) of, in the storage process of storing CNTs 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 exhaust is performed from the first exhaust pipe 61, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 becomes the carrier gas atmosphere supplied to the reaction furnace 21 of the generation device 2 ( Figure 1 ). Additionally, in the present embodiment, the second exhaust pipe 70 is not used in the CNT storage process, but exhaust may also be performed from the second exhaust pipe 70 in this process. That is, in the CNT storage process, at least exhaust is performed from the first exhaust pipe 61.

[0116] At this time, in the winding chamber 30, the formation ( Figure 2 ) of the CNT wound body R by winding CNTs and the separation ( Figure 3)。The separated CNT wound body R then falls from the winding chamber 30 through the first opening 51 and the second opening 52 into the storage container 60. By repeating such winding and separation of CNTs, the CNT wound body R is stored in the storage container 60.

[0117] Next, as Figure 7 shown in (b), at the stage where the CNT storage process has been carried out for a predetermined time or a predetermined amount of CNTs has been stored in the storage container 60, exhaust gas is started from the second exhaust pipe 70. After that, the exhaust gas from the first exhaust pipe 61 is stopped, and the isolation valve 53 is closed to close the first opening 51. Thus, the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 and the atmosphere in the housing 50 are isolated from each other.

[0118] In this process, the generating device 2 ( Figure 1 ) does not stop, and the carrier gas supplied to the reaction furnace 21 is discharged from the second exhaust pipe 70, so that the generation and winding of CNTs can be continuously carried out.

[0119] Next, as Figure 7 shown in (c), an incombustible gas such as nitrogen is supplied from the gas supply pipe 58, and the exhaust gas from the first exhaust pipe 61 is restarted to replace the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 with the incombustible gas. Since the carrier gas contains hydrogen as a combustible gas, it is preferable to replace the inside of the recovery chamber 40 with the incombustible gas in this way.

[0120] Next, as Figure 7 shown in (d), the gas supplied from the gas supply pipe 58 is changed from the incombustible gas to air, and the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with air. At this time, when an oxygen concentration meter 63 ( Figure 1 ) is provided, for example, when the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas of the first exhaust pipe 61 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it can be determined that the inside of the recovery chamber 40 has been replaced with air.

[0121] In addition, the temperature of the above-mentioned incombustible gas and air supplied to the recovery chamber 40 can be normal temperature (for example, 20°C to 25°C).

[0122] Next, as Figure 7 shown in (e), after the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 has been replaced with air, the supply of air from the gas supply pipe 58 is stopped and the exhaust gas from the first exhaust pipe 61 is stopped, and the door (not shown) provided in the storage container 60 is opened to recover the CNT wound body R. In addition, when a recovery cage 64 as shown in Figure 4 is provided in the storage container 60, the recovery cage 64 storing the CNT wound body R is taken out, and another recovery cage in an empty state is set.

[0123] In addition, in this process, there may be a situation where the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 flows out through a door (not shown) opened when recovering the CNT winding body R and external air flows into the recovery chamber 40. However, the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 and the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 are separated by the isolation valve 53. Therefore, the atmosphere does not flow from the recovery chamber 40 to the winding chamber 30 side, and the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 is maintained in a state suitable for CNT generation.

[0124] Next, as shown in (f) of Figure 7 , resume supplying the non-combustible gas from the gas supply pipe 58 and exhausting the gas from the first exhaust pipe 61, and replace the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 with a non-combustible gas atmosphere. At this time, when an oxygen concentration meter 63 ( Figure 1 ) is provided, for example, when the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is below a predetermined value, it can be determined that the inside of the recovery chamber 40 has been replaced with a non-combustible gas.

[0125] Then, after the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with a non-combustible gas atmosphere, stop exhausting the gas from the second exhaust pipe 70 and stop supplying the non-combustible gas from the gas supply pipe 58, and open the isolation valve 53. Thereby, the recovery device 3 returns to the same state as the process shown in (a) of Figure 7 , and repeat the process of winding and storing CNTs and the recovery process.

[0126] In the CNT recovery method of the present embodiment described above, the atmosphere can be isolated between the winding chamber 30 and the recovery chamber 40, and the exhaust pipe of the carrier gas can be changed from the first exhaust pipe 61 to the second exhaust pipe 70. Therefore, when recovering CNTs, it is possible to exhaust the gas from at least the second exhaust pipe 70, so that the generation of CNTs can be continuously carried out.

[0127] That is, since it is not necessary to stop the CNT generation device as in the conventional CNT recovery operation, the time required to manufacture a desired amount of CNTs can be significantly shortened during mass production.

[0128] In addition, when recovering CNTs, the first opening 51 is closed, and low-temperature external air does not flow into the high-temperature reaction furnace 21, thereby enabling the long life of the reaction furnace 21. The reason for obtaining this effect is as follows.

[0129] For example, when the reaction furnace 21 is formed of ceramics, if external 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, for example, when the reaction furnace 21 is formed of carbon, if external air flows into the high-temperature reaction furnace 21, the reaction furnace 21 may be burned out due to the rapid oxidation of the carbon in the reaction furnace 21.

[0130] On the other hand, in the recovery device 3 of the present embodiment, even if outside air flows into the storage container 60 when recovering CNTs, the first opening 51 of the housing 50 remains in a closed state. Therefore, the low-temperature outside air does not flow into the high-temperature reaction furnace 21, so the above problems will not occur, and the long life of the reaction furnace 21 can be achieved.

[0131] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, in the above-described second exhaust gas pipeline 70, it is preferable to provide a gas supply pipe 70d for supplying non-combustible gas and a valve 70e between the valve 70a and the enlarged diameter portion 72. The reasons are as follows.

[0132] When the second exhaust gas pipeline 70 is not in use, air remains in the portion of the exhaust pipe 70b downstream of the valve 70a, the enlarged diameter portion 72, and the interior of the exhaust pipe 70c due to operations such as replacing the filter 73. In this state, when the valve 70a is opened to change the exhaust gas pipeline from the first exhaust gas pipeline 61 ( Figure 1 ) to the second exhaust gas pipeline 70, there is a situation where the air remaining in the interior of the exhaust pipe 70b, the enlarged diameter portion 72, and the exhaust pipe 70c flows back to the winding chamber 30 and the reaction furnace 21 side.

[0133] On the other hand, if the above-described supply mechanism for non-combustible gas is provided in the second exhaust gas pipeline 70, as Figure 9 shown, non-combustible gas can be supplied to the downstream side of the valve 70a before the valve 70a is opened, and the interiors of the exhaust pipe 70b, the enlarged diameter portion 72, and the exhaust pipe 70c can be purged with non-combustible gas. Thereby, the backflow of air to the winding chamber 30 and the reaction furnace 21 side can be suppressed, and the quality of the generated CNTs can be improved. In addition, the valves painted black in the figure indicate that the valves are in a fully closed state.

[0134] When a supply mechanism for non-combustible gas is provided in the second exhaust gas pipeline 70, it is preferable to provide an oxygen concentration meter 79 in the exhaust pipe 70c on the downstream side of the enlarged diameter portion 72. Thereby, the amount of air remaining in the interiors of the exhaust pipe 70b, the enlarged diameter portion 72, and the exhaust pipe 70c can be monitored. Therefore, the valve 70a can be opened at a time when the oxygen concentration in the piping has been sufficiently reduced, and the effect of suppressing the backflow of air to the winding chamber 30 side can be improved.

[0135] In addition, in the process of using the second exhaust gas pipeline 70 shown in (b) to Figure 7 (e) of Figure 7 , by using Figure 5 or Figure 6The illustrated cleaning mechanism 74 periodically cleans the filter 73. As a result, the CNTs are peeled off from the inner surface of the filter 73, but the peeled-off CNTs are not discharged from the enlarged diameter portion 72 and accumulate inside the enlarged diameter portion 72. The CNTs remaining in the enlarged diameter portion 72 are in the form of dust with a length of about 1 mm. Although blockage of the enlarged diameter portion 72 such as the inability to use the second exhaust pipe 70 does not occur in the early stage, when the amount of the dust-like CNTs exceeds the allowable amount, maintenance operations such as removal of the dust-like CNTs and filter replacement are required.

[0136] Such maintenance operations can also be carried out, for example, Figure 7 in the process shown in (a) of FIG. which does not use the second exhaust pipe 70. However, when the maintenance operation cannot be completed before the start of the recovery process of the CNT winding body R, the second exhaust pipe 70 cannot be used, so the CNT generation device needs to be stopped.

[0137] Therefore, in order to continuously generate CNTs even in such a case and improve productivity, preferably, as Figure 10 shown, in addition to the second exhaust pipe 70, a third exhaust pipe 80 is provided.

[0138] (Third exhaust pipe)

[0139] Figure 10 The illustrated third exhaust pipe 80 has the same structure as the second exhaust pipe 70 and is provided with a valve 80a and an exhaust pipe 80b. In addition, Figure 10 is a view obtained by observing the recovery device 3 ( Figure 1 ) from above. The exhaust pipe 80b is connected to an exhaust port 81 formed in the winding chamber 30. The exhaust port 81 is at the same height as the exhaust port 71 to which the second exhaust pipe 70 is connected and is arranged at an interval along the Y direction from the exhaust port 71.

[0140] In addition, the third exhaust pipe 80 has an enlarged diameter portion 82 on the downstream side of the valve 80a, and a filter 83 and Figure 5 or Figure 6 a cleaning mechanism as illustrated are provided inside the enlarged diameter portion 82. Another exhaust pipe 80c is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 82, and a valve 80d is provided in the exhaust pipe 80c.

[0141] The exhaust pipe 70c of the second exhaust pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80c of the third exhaust pipe 80 are respectively connected to a converging pipe 84, and the exhaust gas of the second exhaust pipe 70 and the exhaust gas of the third exhaust pipe 80 are discharged from the converging pipe 84.

[0142] In the case where such a third exhaust pipe 80 is provided, as Figure 11As shown, it is possible to change between the state of exhausting from the second exhaust pipe 70 and the state of exhausting from the third exhaust pipe 80. In addition, the valve painted black in the figure indicates that the valve is in the fully closed state.

[0143] Figure 11 (a) of FIG. is a diagram showing the state of using the second exhaust pipe 70. In this state, since the two valves 80a and 80d of the third exhaust pipe 80 are closed, exhaust is not performed from the exhaust port 81, and the third exhaust pipe 80 is not used.

[0144] On the other hand, when the amount of powdery CNT remaining in the enlarged diameter portion 72 of the second exhaust pipe 70 exceeds the allowable amount and maintenance work on the enlarged diameter portion 72 is required, as Figure 11 (b) of FIG. shows, the two valves 70a and 70e of the second exhaust pipe 70 are closed, and the two valves 80a and 80d of the third exhaust pipe 80 are opened.

[0145] Thereby, the atmosphere in the winding chamber 30 can be exhausted from the third exhaust pipe 80, and the CNT storage process and recovery process shown in (a) to Figure 7 (f) of FIG. can be repeated even without using the second exhaust pipe 70. And the maintenance work on the second exhaust pipe 70 is carried out during the period of using the third exhaust pipe 80. After the work is completed, the exhaust pipe used is changed from the third exhaust pipe 80 to the second exhaust pipe 70. After that, the maintenance work on the third exhaust pipe 80 is also carried out as needed. Figure 7 As described above, if the third exhaust pipe 80 is provided, CNT generation can be continuously carried out even when the maintenance work on the second exhaust pipe 70 takes a long time.

[0146] In addition, as

[0147] shown, when the third exhaust pipe 80 is provided, it is preferable to provide a mechanism for supplying an incombustible gas and a mechanism for discharging the incombustible gas in the second exhaust pipe 70 and the third exhaust pipe 80 respectively. Figure 12 Specifically, a valve 70f is provided in the second exhaust pipe 70 and the gas supply pipe 70d described in

[0148] . And an exhaust pipe 70g connected to the exhaust pipe 70c and a valve 70h are provided between the oxygen concentration meter 79 and the valve 70f. Figure 8

[0149] ​In addition, on the third exhaust pipe 80, a gas supply pipe 80e for supplying non-combustible gas connected to the exhaust pipe 80b and a valve 80f are provided between the valve 80a and the enlarged diameter portion 82. Further, an exhaust pipe 80g connected to the exhaust pipe 80c and a valve 80h are provided between the oxygen concentration meter 85 and the valve 80d.

[0150] In the second exhaust pipe 70 and the third exhaust pipe 80 with such a structure, before starting the exhaust of the winding chamber 30 from the second exhaust pipe 70, as shown in (a) of Figure 13 , the valves 70a and 70f are in the closed state, the valves 70e and 70h are in the open state, and non-combustible gas is supplied from the gas supply pipe 70d. Thereby, the non-combustible gas flows through the portion of the exhaust pipe 70b on the downstream side of the valve 70a, the enlarged diameter portion 72, the exhaust pipe 70c, and the exhaust pipe 70g, and the air remaining in the pipe is discharged. After that, the valves 70e and 70h are closed, and the valves 70a and 70f are opened, thereby starting the exhaust from the second exhaust pipe 70 as shown in (a) of Figure 11 .

[0151] On the other hand, before starting the exhaust of the winding chamber 30 from the third exhaust pipe 80, as shown in (b) of Figure 13 , the valves 80a and 80d are in the closed state, the valves 80f and 80h are in the open state, and non-combustible gas is supplied from the gas supply pipe 80e. Thereby, the non-combustible gas flows through the portion of the exhaust pipe 80b on the downstream side of the valve 80a, the enlarged diameter portion 82, the exhaust pipe 80c, and the exhaust pipe 80g, and the air remaining in the pipe is discharged. After that, the valves 80f and 80h are closed, and the valves 80a and 80d are opened, thereby starting the exhaust from the third exhaust pipe 80 as shown in (b) of Figure 11 .

[0152] In addition, in the example of Figures 10 to 13 , the exhaust port 71 for the second exhaust pipe 70 and the exhaust port 81 for the third exhaust pipe 80 are separately provided, but it is also possible to, for example, provide only the exhaust port 71 and connect the exhaust pipe 80b of the third exhaust pipe 80 to the exhaust pipe 70b of the second exhaust pipe 70. In other words, the third exhaust pipe 80 can branch from the second exhaust pipe 70.

[0153] (Compression mechanism)

[0154] In the recovery device 3, it is also possible to provide a compression mechanism 90 for compressing CNTs as exemplified in Figure 14 . In addition, (a) of Figure 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the recovery device 3 provided with the compression mechanism 90, Figure 14Figure (b) is a schematic view of the storage container 60 provided with the compression mechanism 90 as viewed from above. In any of the figures, the illustration of the wall surface on the near side of the paper of the storage container 60 is omitted.

[0155] In Figure 14 the example shown, the storage container 60 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the compression direction of the CNT. The mesh-shaped recovery cage 64 disposed inside the storage container 60 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape corresponding to the shape of the storage container 60, and the recovery cage 64 is provided at a position where the CNT wound body R falling from the second opening 52 of the housing 50 can be accommodated.

[0156] In addition, wheels are installed on the recovery cage 64, and the recovery cage 64 can move horizontally. A door 65 for opening and closing the entrance and exit of the recovery cage 64 is provided on the side surface of the storage container 60, and the door 65 rotates about a rotation shaft portion 66 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0157] The compression mechanism 90 is provided on the side surface of the storage container 60 opposite to the side surface provided with the door 65. The compression mechanism 90 has a pressing plate 91 as a pressing member and a driving portion 92 connected to the pressing plate 91.

[0158] The pressing plate 91 is disposed below the second opening 52 and inside the recovery cage 64, at a position close to the inner surface of the recovery cage 64 and not obstructing the fall of the CNT wound body R (initial position). The driving portion 92 is constituted by, for example, a cylinder capable of reciprocating movement, and the pressing plate 91 can reciprocate inside the recovery cage 64 through the driving portion 92.

[0159] In the compression mechanism 90 having the above structure, in the process of storing the CNT wound body R in the recovery cage 64, the pressing plate 91 advances regularly, thereby compressing the CNT wound body R stacked inside the recovery cage 64. After that, the pressing plate 91 retreats to the initial position, and a newly fallen CNT wound body R is stacked inside the recovery cage 64.

[0160] In addition, it is preferable that the stroke amount of the pressing plate 91 is changed corresponding to the storage amount of the CNT inside the recovery cage 64 to prevent excessive compression of the CNT wound body R. For example, the stroke amount of the pressing plate 91 can be set in several stages in advance, and the stroke amount can be reduced step by step corresponding to the number of operations of the pressing plate 91.

[0161] When the operation of compressing the CNT wound body R inside the recovery cage 64 and the operation of storing the CNT wound body R inside the recovery cage 64 are repeated and a sufficient amount of CNT wound body R is stored in the recovery cage 64, as Figure 15As shown, open the door 65 and take out the recycling cage 64 from the storage container 60. In addition, an opening (not shown) through which the pressing plate 91 can pass is formed on the side surface of the recycling cage 64. Even if the recycling cage 64 is carried out of the storage container 60, the pressing plate 91 remains inside the storage container 60.

[0162] After that, set another empty recycling cage in the storage container 60, close the door 65, and continue the CNT storage process.

[0163] As described above, if the compression mechanism 90 is used, the CNT wound body R stored in the storage container 60 can be compressed during the generation process of CNT. Thus, the storage space for the CNT wound body R in the storage container 60 is expanded, and CNT can continue to be generated. Therefore, the amount of CNT recovered each time CNT is recycled increases, and the frequency of the CNT recovery process can also be reduced, so that a longer CNT manufacturing time can be ensured.

[0164] In particular, since CNT is light in weight, it will not be flattened by its own weight. In addition, due to the properties of CNT, the CNT wound body R is difficult to roll on the surface of other CNT wound bodies R, and the CNT stored in the storage container 60 tends to occupy a large space. Therefore, it is useful to provide the compression mechanism 90. In addition, the compression mechanism 90 is not limited to the structure described in this embodiment. For example, it can also be applied to the case where the recycling cage 64 is not provided.

[0165] (Second Embodiment)

[0166] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic structure of the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. The main difference of the second embodiment from the first embodiment is that the storage container 60 is detachably attached to the housing 50.

[0167] The storage container 60 is a container with a partially open upper surface and can accommodate a plurality of CNT wound bodies R. In this storage container 60, the CNT wound body R that has fallen through the first opening 51 and the second opening 52 of the housing 50 is temporarily stored.

[0168] As described above, the storage container 60 is detachably attached to the housing 50. Regarding the fixing method of the storage container 60 and the housing 50, as long as the operator can remove the storage container 60 from the housing 50, there is no particular limitation. For example, a fixing method using a fixing jig can be applied.

[0169] A seal (not shown) is provided between the upper surface portion of the storage container 60 and the bottom surface portion of the housing 50. In a state where the storage container 60 is installed in the housing 50, the seal prevents the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 from flowing out to the outside through the gap between the housing 50 and the storage container 60.

[0170] In addition, although not shown, support members such as a base and columnar legs for supporting the self-weights of the generating device 2, the winding chamber 30, the housing 50, etc. are appropriately provided on the bottom surface portion of the housing 50. Thus, even when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, the posture of the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 can be maintained.

[0171] In addition, outside the housing 50, in addition to the first supply pipe 56 for non-combustible gas, a second supply pipe 100 for non-combustible gas is provided. The second supply pipe 100 for non-combustible gas has a valve 100a and a gas supply pipe 100b. The gas supply pipe 100b is connected to a gas supply port 101 formed in the lower part of the side surface of the housing 50.

[0172] Outside the housing 50, a fourth exhaust pipe 110 is also provided. The fourth exhaust pipe 110 has a valve 110a and an exhaust pipe 110b. The exhaust pipe 110b is connected to an exhaust port 111, and the exhaust port 111 is formed in the side surface portion of the housing 50 opposite to the side surface portion where the gas supply port 101 is formed. The exhaust port 111 is formed at a position above the gas supply port 101.

[0173] Above, the schematic structure of the recovery device 3 of the second embodiment has been described. In addition, in the above description, the description of the part having the same structure as the recovery device 3 of the first embodiment has been omitted, but within the range that does not hinder the function of the recovery device 3 of the second embodiment, the structure of the recovery device 3 of the first embodiment can also be combined. For example, Figure 4 the recovery cage 64 shown, Figure 5 or Figure 6 the cleaning mechanism 74 shown, Figure 8 the third exhaust pipe 80 shown can all be applied to the recovery device 3 in the second embodiment.

[0174] Next, with reference to Figure 17 an example of a method for recovering CNTs when the recovery device 3 of the present embodiment is used will be described. In addition, Figure 17 the processes of (a) to Figure 17 (d) are the same as the processes of (a) to Figure 7 (d) of Figure 7 and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0175] In Figure 17 after replacing the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 with air in the process shown in (d) ofFigure 17 As shown in (e) thereof, the supply of air from the gas supply pipe 58 is stopped and the exhaust from the first exhaust pipe 61 is stopped, and the exhaust pipe 61b of the first exhaust pipe 61 is removed from the storage container 60. After that, the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50.

[0176] At this time, the supply of the non-flammable gas from the gas supply pipe 100b and the exhaust from the fourth exhaust pipe 110 are started. Here, the non-flammable gas supplied from the gas supply pipe 100b mainly flows toward the fourth exhaust pipe 110, and an air flow from the lower side to the upper side is formed in the housing 50. Therefore, even if, for example, due to the deterioration of the seal, a seal failure occurs between the winding chamber 30 and the housing 50, and as a result, the gas in the winding chamber 30 flows out to the housing 50 side, the outflowing gas can be discharged from the fourth exhaust pipe 110.

[0177] After the CNT winding body R in the storage container 60 is recovered, as Figure 17 shown in (f) thereof, the supply of the non-flammable gas from the gas supply pipe 100b is stopped and the exhaust from the fourth exhaust pipe 110 is stopped, and the storage container 60 is reinstalled on the housing 50. Here, the storage container 60 installed on the housing 50 is, for example, another storage container in an empty state different from the storage container 60 removed in (e) or a storage container provided with another recovery cage in an empty state after the recovery cage 64 shown in Figure 17 is replaced. Figure 4 shown in

[0178] In addition, when the storage container 60 is installed on the housing 50, the exhaust pipe 61b of the first exhaust pipe 61 is also installed on the storage container 60. After that, the supply of the non-flammable gas from the gas supply pipe 58 and the exhaust from the first exhaust pipe 61 are restarted. And, after the atmosphere in the recovery chamber 40 is replaced with a non-flammable gas atmosphere, the exhaust from the second exhaust pipe 70 is stopped and the supply of the non-flammable gas from the gas supply pipe 58 is stopped, and the isolation valve 53 is opened. Thus, the recovery device 3 returns to the same state as the process shown in (a) of Figure 17 and thereafter, the CNT storage process and the recovery process are repeated.

[0179] According to the recovery device 3 of the second embodiment described above, the storage container 60 can be removed from the housing 50, and thus, the recovery of the CNT winding body R in the storage container 60 becomes easy.

[0180] In addition, in this recovery device 3, it is preferable to provide a second supply pipe 100 for the non-flammable gas and a fourth exhaust pipe 110. Thereby, when the storage container 60 is removed from the housing 50, even if the gas in the winding chamber 30 flows out from the first opening 51 due to the deterioration of the seal or the like, it is possible to prevent the gas from flowing out to the outside of the housing 50.

[0181] From the viewpoint of enhancing this effect, the gas supply port 101 communicating with the second supply pipe 100 shown in Figure 16 is preferably formed at a position below the first opening 51, and more preferably near the second opening 52. Thereby, an upward air current is easily formed throughout the housing 50, and the gas flowing out from the winding chamber 30 into the housing 50 is less likely to flow out from the lower end of the housing 50.

[0182] In addition, from the viewpoint of enhancing the above-described effect, the exhaust port 111 communicating with the fourth exhaust pipe 110 is preferably formed near the first opening 51. Thereby, even if the gas flows out from the winding chamber 30 into the housing 50, the gas is easily discharged from the exhaust port 111 and does not flow downward toward the housing 50.

[0183] Furthermore, in the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 described in the above first and second embodiments, the generating apparatus 2 is disposed above the recovering apparatus 3, but the generating apparatus 2 may also be disposed beside the recovering apparatus 3. For example, as shown in Figure 18 , the reaction furnace 21 of the generating apparatus 2 may be installed on the side surface portion of the winding chamber 30 of the recovering apparatus 3.

[0184] Figure 18 In the example shown, the winding member 34 is disposed such that the rotation axis is in the Y direction, and the CNT discharged from the opening 31 communicating with the reaction furnace 21 is wound by the rotating winding member 34. By using the same separating mechanism as the separating mechanism 36 shown in Figure 3 , the winding member 34 is pulled out toward the depth side of the paper surface of Figure 18 , and the formed CNT wound body R falls. Thereby, the CNT wound body R falls from the winding chamber 30 into the housing 50, and the CNT wound body R is stored in the storage container 60. Even in the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 configured as such, it is possible to implement the CNT recovery method described, for example, in Figure 7 or Figure 17 .

[0185] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various variations or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and such variations or modifications are of course also considered to be within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0186] For example, the structural elements of the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. According to this arbitrary combination, it is of course possible to obtain the functions and effects of the respective structural elements related to the combination, and other functions and other effects that are obvious to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification can also be obtained.

[0187] In addition, the effects described in this specification are illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. That is to say, the technology of the present invention can achieve other effects that are self-evident to those skilled in the art according to the description of this specification including the above effects, or the technology of the present invention can achieve other effects that are self-evident to those skilled in the art according to the description of this specification to replace the above effects.

[0188] Industrial Applicability

[0189] The present invention can be applied to a carbon nanotube recovery device and a manufacturing device.

[0190] Description of Reference Numerals

[0191] 1, CNT manufacturing device (carbon nanotube manufacturing device); 2, CNT generation device (carbon nanotube generation device); 3, CNT recovery device (carbon nanotube recovery device); 21, reaction furnace; 22, heater; 23, raw material supply port; 30, winding chamber; 31, opening; 32, winding mechanism; 33, rotating body; 34, winding member; 35, driving part; 36, separation mechanism; 37, cylinder mechanism; 40, recovery chamber; 50, housing; 51, first opening; 52, second opening; 53, isolation valve; 54, valve core; 55, rotating shaft part; 56, first supply pipeline for non-combustible gas; 56a, valve; 57, air supply pipeline; 57a, valve; 58, gas supply pipe; 59, gas supply port; 60, storage container; 61, first exhaust pipeline; 61a, valve; 61b, exhaust pipe; 62, exhaust port; 63, oxygen concentration meter; 64, recovery cage; 65, door; 66, rotating shaft part; 70, second exhaust pipeline; 70a, valve; 70b, exhaust pipe; 70c, exhaust pipe; 70d, gas supply pipe; 70e, valve; 70f, valve; 70g, exhaust pipe; 70h, valve; 71, exhaust port; 72, diameter expansion part; 73, filter; 74, cleaning mechanism; 75, rod; 76, scraper; 77, rod; 78, circular plate; 79, oxygen concentration meter; 80, third exhaust pipeline; 80b, exhaust pipe; 80c, exhaust pipe; 80d, valve; 80e, gas supply pipe; 80f, valve; 80g, exhaust pipe; 80h, valve; 81, exhaust port; 82, diameter expansion part; 83, filter; 84, converging pipe; 85, oxygen concentration meter; 90, compression mechanism; 91, pressing plate; 92, driving part; 100, second supply pipeline for non-combustible gas; 100a, valve; 100b, gas supply pipe; 101, gas supply port; 110, fourth exhaust pipeline; 110a, valve; 110b, exhaust pipe; 111, exhaust port; 200, control part; R, CNT winding body (carbon nanotube winding body).

Claims

1. A carbon nanotube recovery device that recovers carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generation device, wherein, the carbon nanotube recovery device has: a winding chamber that winds the carbon nanotubes; a recovery chamber that is provided at a position lower than the winding chamber and recovers the carbon nanotubes; a first exhaust pipe that discharges the gas supplied into the recovery chamber; an exhaust port to which the first exhaust pipe is connected; and a second exhaust pipe that discharges the gas supplied into the winding chamber, the winding chamber has: a winding member that winds the carbon nanotubes; and an exhaust port to which the second exhaust pipe is connected, the recovery chamber has a first opening communicating with the winding chamber and is provided with an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the first opening, the carbon nanotube recovery device is configured to be able to change between exhausting from the first exhaust pipe, exhausting from the second exhaust pipe, and exhausting from both the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe.

2. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein, the carbon nanotube recovery device is provided with a control unit that controls the operation of the first exhaust pipe and the operation of the second exhaust pipe, the control unit is configured to perform the following control: During the process of storing the wound body formed by winding the carbon nanotubes in the recovery chamber with the first opening open, at least exhaust from the first exhaust pipe, During the process of recovering the carbon nanotubes in the recovery chamber with the first opening closed, at least exhaust from the second exhaust pipe.

3. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein, the exhaust port is located at a position lower than the winding member.

4. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein, the second exhaust pipe has: a filter that captures the carbon nanotubes in the waste gas; and a cleaning mechanism that peels off the carbon nanotubes attached to the filter.

5. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 4, wherein, the carbon nanotube recovery device has a third exhaust pipe that discharges the gas supplied into the winding chamber, the carbon nanotube recovery device is configured to be able to change between exhausting from the second exhaust pipe and exhausting from the third exhaust pipe.

6. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein, inside the recovery chamber, a mesh-shaped recovery cage is provided that is detachably installed with respect to the recovery chamber.

7. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein, the carbon nanotube recovery device is provided with a compression mechanism that compresses the carbon nanotubes stored in the recovery chamber.

8. The carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein, the recovery chamber has: a housing; and a storage container that is provided below the housing, the housing is provided with the first opening, the opening / closing mechanism, and a second opening communicating with the storage container, the storage container is detachably installed with respect to the housing.

9. A carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus, wherein, the carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus includes: a generation device that generates carbon nanotubes; and the carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1.

10. A carbon nanotube recovery method that uses the carbon nanotube recovery device according to claim 1, wherein, the carbon nanotube recovery method includes: a storage step in which, with the first opening open, a wound body formed by winding carbon nanotubes generated by the carbon nanotube generation device is stored in the recovery chamber; and a recovery step in which, with the first opening closed, the carbon nanotubes in the recovery chamber are recovered, in the storage step, at least exhaust gas is discharged from the first exhaust pipeline, in the recovery step, at least exhaust gas is discharged from the second exhaust pipeline.

11. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein, exhaust gas is discharged based on the second exhaust pipeline at a position below the winding member that winds the carbon nanotubes.

12. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein, a cleaning mechanism for peeling the carbon nanotubes attached to the filter is used to regularly clean the inner surface of the filter, and the filter is provided in the second exhaust pipeline.

13. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 12, wherein, when cleaning the filter or replacing the filter, the third exhaust pipeline is used to replace the second exhaust pipeline.

14. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein, in the storage step, the carbon nanotubes are stored in a mesh-like recovery cage provided inside the recovery chamber, in the recovery step, the recovery cage storing the carbon nanotubes is replaced with another recovery cage.

15. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein, in the storage step, the carbon nanotubes stored in the recovery chamber are compressed.

16. The carbon nanotube recovery method according to claim 10, wherein, the recovery chamber has a housing and a storage container that is detachably mounted below the housing, in the recovery step, the storage container is detached from the housing, and the carbon nanotubes in the storage container are recovered.

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