A titration molding apparatus and method for the production of zirconia microspheres

Abstract

This invention discloses a titration molding apparatus and method for producing zirconia microspheres, relating to the field of zirconia microsphere titration molding technology. The titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres includes: an outer frustum plate with several placement holes extending through its upper surface; coolant in a first pipe flowing into a second pipe through a cylinder; an inner support plate adapted to the outer frustum plate, connected to the second pipe via a discharge port and a guide cavity; the outer frustum plate connected to a rotating end; and a separating plate positioned below the discharge port of the second pipe. This titration molding apparatus and method for producing zirconia microspheres, by adjusting the outflow and inflow rates of the cylinder and dynamically balancing them, forms a smooth liquid channel, isolating small-diameter microspheres in the placement holes, reducing the possibility of small-diameter microspheres adhering to other microspheres. During transport, gravity separates microspheres of different sizes, improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of zirconia microsphere titration molding technology, specifically to a titration molding apparatus and method for producing zirconia microspheres. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of zirconia microspheres, the titration molding device is one of the key pieces of equipment for realizing microsphere molding, and it is especially suitable for preparing zirconia microspheres with small particle size and high sphericity requirements.

[0003] Referring to Chinese Patent Publication No. CN219338053U, a forming device for green zirconia ceramic microspheres includes a green forming mechanism, a lifting motor installed on one side of the top of the green forming mechanism, and a vibration motor installed on one side of the bottom of the green forming mechanism. The top of the green forming mechanism is provided with a titration mechanism and a tapping motor installed on the top of the titration mechanism. The green forming mechanism includes a collection tank, and a collection base is fixedly installed at the bottom of the collection tank. A solution tank is opened inside the collection tank, and a green forming liquid is provided inside the solution tank. Drain pipes are symmetrically installed at the bottom of the solution tank, and a drain plug is threaded to the top of the drain pipes. Several heating devices are symmetrically installed on both sides of the collection tank near the solution tank. By setting up the green forming mechanism, the raw materials for producing zirconia ceramic microspheres can be dripped into the green forming liquid for heating and forming. By setting up the titration mechanism, the raw materials for producing zirconia ceramic microspheres can be titrated.

[0004] When producing zirconia microspheres using titration molding, small zirconia microspheres predominate. To improve production efficiency, multiple titration nozzles are arranged in a circumferential array. After a large number of microspheres sink freely, they tend to aggregate at the bottom of the molding medium tank, easily adhering to each other and forming agglomerates. This is especially true for small zirconia microspheres, which have a large specific surface area and stronger surface forces, making them more prone to attraction. Small zirconia microspheres also have relatively poor flowability and are more significantly affected by Brownian motion, resulting in more random movement within the molding medium. The increased probability of collisions between microspheres makes it easier for small zirconia microspheres to aggregate in the forming medium and difficult to disperse. This not only increases the difficulty of subsequent separation processes but may also damage the microspheres during separation, affecting the yield and product quality. If the microspheres at the bottom are periodically removed by lifting the filter plate, the upper layer of the coolant solution fluctuates significantly during the upward movement. This not only affects the formation of the zirconia microspheres in the upper layer of the coolant but also carries away some of the newly fallen microspheres, introducing defective products. The diameter of the zirconia microspheres varies, requiring collection and separate sieving, which reduces work efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a titration molding apparatus and method for the production of zirconia microspheres. By adjusting the outflow and inflow rates of the cylinder and dynamically balancing them, a smooth liquid channel is formed, isolating small-diameter microspheres in placement pores. This reduces the possibility of small-diameter microspheres adhering to other microspheres. During the transport process, gravity is used to separate microspheres of different sizes, reducing particle adhesion, minimizing subsequent processing steps, improving production efficiency, and facilitating large-scale production.

[0006] Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A titration molding device for the production of zirconia microspheres, comprising: a titration stage, a cylinder placed in the middle of the titration stage, a coolant in a first pipe flowing into a second pipe through the cylinder, the liquid level in the first pipe being above the liquid level in the second pipe, the outflow and inflow of the cylinder being balanced per unit time, an outer frustum plate disposed inside the cylinder, a plurality of placement holes being formed through the upper surface of the outer frustum plate, an inner support plate fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cylinder, the inner support plate being adapted to the outer frustum plate, a discharge port being formed through the upper surface of the inner support plate, the bottom of the discharge port being connected to the second pipe through a guide cavity, the outer frustum plate being connected to the rotating end of a stepper motor through a rotating shaft, and a separating plate disposed below the discharge port of the second pipe, the separating plate being used to separate microspheres of different sizes.

[0007] Preferably, the diameter of the placement hole is 0.03-0.1mm, the outer partition frustum plate is a hollow frustum shape, and the angle between the generatrix of the outer partition frustum plate and the vertical line is 30°-35°.

[0008] Preferably, the top of the outer frustum plate is connected to a top plate, the inner support plate is slidably connected to the outer frustum plate, the inner wall of the inner support plate is connected to an inclined plate, the bottom end of the inclined plate is connected to an end arc plate, the inclined plate and the end arc plate form a guide plate, the upper edges of both ends of the guide plate are connected to side plates, the top of each side plate is connected to the bottom of one end of the inner support plate, one side of each side plate is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder, the upper surface of the top of the inclined plate is provided with a circular hole, and the rotating shaft passes through the bottom wall of the cylinder and the circular hole in sequence and is connected to the bottom of the top plate.

[0009] Preferably, the angle between the inclined plate and the horizontal line is 60-65°, two side holes are opened through the side of the bottom of the cylinder, the plane of the end of the end arc plate away from the rotating shaft is smoothly connected to the plane of the bottom of one side hole, the guide cavity is arranged between the two side plates and the guide plate, the top of the guide cavity is connected to the discharge port, and the bottom of the guide cavity is connected to one side hole.

[0010] Preferably, a horizontal plate is connected to the middle of the titration stage, and a base plate is connected to the bottom of the titration stage. The cylinder is placed on the horizontal plate. The first pipe and the second pipe are arranged on both sides of the titration stage. The top of the first pipe is connected to a liquid storage box through a first flow control valve, and the bottom of the first pipe is connected to an inlet pipe through a second flow control valve. The inlet pipe is connected to one of the side holes, and one end of the other side hole is connected to a guide cavity. The other end of the side hole is connected to the second pipe through a third flow control valve. The bottom of the second pipe is connected to a fourth flow control valve.

[0011] Preferably, the first, second, third, and fourth flow control valves are all electrically connected to the controller via wires. Flow meters are installed in both the inlet and outlet pipes. These flow meters measure the amount of liquid entering and exiting the cylinder per unit time. The liquid level difference between the first and second pipes is 5-10 cm. The liquid flow rate of the second and third flow control valves remains dynamically balanced per unit time. The liquid flow rate of the second and first flow control valves remains dynamically balanced per unit time. The liquid flow rate of the third and fourth flow control valves remains dynamically balanced per unit time.

[0012] Preferably, a liquid collecting cylinder is provided directly below the fourth flow control valve. A connecting plate is connected to the inner wall of the liquid collecting cylinder. A suction hole is provided through the side of the bottom of the liquid collecting cylinder. The suction hole is connected to the pump body through a suction pipe. The pump body is connected to the storage box through a discharge pipe. A suction port is provided at the top of the liquid collecting cylinder. A support plate is connected to the bottom of the suction port. One end of the support plate is connected to the inner wall of the liquid collecting cylinder. A positioning bottom strip is connected to the top of the support plate. A positioning middle strip is connected to one side of the connecting plate. One side of the positioning bottom strip is connected to the connecting plate. The positioning bottom strip is adapted to the positioning middle strip. The positioning bottom strip consists of a semi-circular strip and straight plates at both ends of the semi-circular strip.

[0013] Preferably, a sieving cylinder is provided at the upper part of the liquid collecting cylinder, the bottom of the sieving cylinder is slidably connected to the support plate, and a plurality of liquid outlet holes are provided through the side of the sieving cylinder. A roller separating plate is provided in the middle of the sieving cylinder, and a plurality of first sieve bars, a plurality of second sieve bars, and a plurality of third sieve bars are provided through the upper surface of the roller separating plate. The roller separating plate where the plurality of first sieve bars are located is a fine separating plate, the roller separating plate where the plurality of second sieve bars are located is a medium separating plate, and the roller separating plate where the plurality of third sieve bars are located is a coarse separating plate. The dividing plate is located at the center of the roller dividing plate. The middle dividing plate is located between the fine dividing plate and the coarse dividing plate. The ratio of the diameter of the fine dividing plate to the width of the middle dividing plate and the width of the coarse dividing plate is 5:3:2. The bottom edge of the fine dividing plate is connected to the bottom wall of the screening cylinder through a first partition. The bottom edge of the middle dividing plate is connected to the bottom wall of the screening cylinder through a second partition. A first collection chamber is provided between the first partitions. A second collection chamber is provided between the first partition and the second partition. A third collection chamber is provided between the second partition and the inner wall of the screening cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, the width of the first screen bar is 0.03-0.1 mm, the width of the third screen bar is 0.1-0.5 mm, and the width of the third screen bar is 0.5-2 mm.

[0015] A method for producing zirconia microspheres is applied to a titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres. The apparatus consists of a first pipe, a cylinder, and a second pipe forming a communicating vessel. The liquid level difference between the first and second pipes serves as the driving force for liquid flow. A first, second, third, and fourth flow control valve jointly regulate the inlet and outlet speeds, controlling the flow velocity in the liquid channel within the cylinder. A rotating outer frustum plate allows microspheres with a diameter of 0.03-0.1 mm, formed in the lower part of the coolant, to enter the placement diaphragm. The separated microspheres and those at the edge of the outer frustum plate fall through a guide cavity, an outlet pipe, and a second pipe onto a separating plate. The separating plate separates the microspheres into different collection chambers according to their sieve diameter.

[0016] Beneficial Effects: This invention provides a titration molding apparatus and method for producing zirconia microspheres. Compared with the prior art, it has the following beneficial effects: 1. By controlling and adjusting the outflow and inflow of the cylinder through several solenoid valves and maintaining a dynamic balance between the two, the solution at the bottom of the cylinder flows slowly, forming a gentle liquid channel to carry away the cooled and molded microspheres. The slowly rotating outer frustum plate and the matching inner support plate isolate small-diameter microspheres in the placement diaphragm, reducing the possibility of small-diameter microspheres adhering to other microspheres. The disappearance of the bottom support allows for the directional collection of microspheres in the placement diaphragm and on the outer frustum plate. During the conveying process, gravity separates microspheres of different sizes. The structure is simple, reduces particle adhesion, reduces subsequent processing steps, improves production efficiency, and facilitates large-scale production.

[0017] 2. Both the first and second pipes are long and narrow, resulting in greater resistance. A relatively large liquid level difference is required to propel the liquid smoothly and prevent it from flowing too slowly or even stagnating due to excessive resistance. Therefore, the liquid level difference between the first and second pipes should not be less than 5 cm. To ensure smooth liquid flow within the first pipe, the cylinder, and the second pipe, it is necessary to avoid turbulence, impact, or liquid level fluctuations caused by excessive height differences. Therefore, the liquid level difference between the first and second pipes should not be too large and should be less than 10 cm, maintaining the liquid level difference between the first and second pipes at 5-10 cm.

[0018] 3. The curved surface at the bottom of the outer frustum plate rotates relative to the large-diameter microspheres. Slight rotation makes the contact between the microspheres and the container wall dynamic, preventing them from maintaining a fixed contact point for extended periods. After a brief contact, the rotation causes separation, preventing adhesion before the surface is fully hardened. Rotation reduces surface adhesion forces, such as the cumulative effect of van der Waals forces, lowering the probability of adhesion. Slow rotation ensures more uniform contact between the microspheres and the cooling medium in all directions, avoiding softened areas caused by slow local cooling and reducing the possibility of adhesion due to localized incomplete solidification. The relative movement of the microsphere surface and the cooling medium during rotation "polishes" the surface, making it smoother and reducing mechanical interlocking or adsorption adhesion caused by surface roughness. Even if microspheres aggregate due to gravity or flow field, slight rotation disperses them through centrifugal force or collision, reducing the chance of dense contact and fundamentally reducing the risk of adhesion.

[0019] 4. There are many microbeads that fall onto the roller separating plate, and the largest number of microbeads are between 0.03-0.1mm in diameter. More screening time is required. Therefore, the screening distance of the first screen bar needs to be extended. The ratio of the diameter of the fine separating plate to the width of the medium separating plate and the width of the coarse separating plate is 5:3:2. This makes it easier for the three types of microbeads with diameters of 0.03-0.1mm, 0.1-0.5mm and 0.5-2mm to pass through the screening holes and enter the first collection chamber, the second collection chamber and the third collection chamber respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the present application and enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the present application.

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the titration stage, horizontal plate, and base plate.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the cylinder.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a stepper motor, an outer frustum plate, a partition hole, an inclined plate, and a side plate.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the separation of the outer frustum plate and the inner support plate.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the inner support plate, side plate, end arc plate, and inclined plate.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the first pipe, the cylinder, and the second pipe.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid collecting cylinder, the screening cylinder, and the support plate.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the separation of the liquid collecting cylinder and its internal structure.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the section containing the screening cylinder.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a top view of the roller plate.

[0034] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 11. Titration stage; 12. Horizontal plate; 13. Base plate; 21. Liquid storage box; 22. Discharge pipe; 23. Pump body; 24. Suction pipe; 31. First pipe; 32. Cylinder; 33. Second pipe; 34. First flow control valve; 35. Second flow control valve; 36. Inlet pipe; 37. Outlet pipe; 38. Third flow control valve; 39. Fourth flow control valve; 41. Stepper motor; 42. Rotating shaft; 43. Outer frustum plate; 44. Inner support plate; 45. Top plate; 46. Placement diaphragm hole; 4 7. Side plate; 48. Inclined plate; 49. End arc plate; 51. Guide cavity; 52. Round hole; 53. Side hole; 55. Discharge port; 61. Liquid collection cylinder; 62. Extraction hole; 63. Connecting plate; 64. Extraction port; 65. Positioning middle strip; 66. Positioning bottom strip; 67. Support plate; 71. Screening cylinder; 72. Liquid outlet hole; 73. Rolling plate; 74. First screen bar; 75. Second screen bar; 76. Third screen bar; 81. First partition plate; 82. Second partition plate; 83. First collection chamber; 84. Second collection chamber; 85. Third collection chamber.

[0035] As shown in the figure, specific structures and devices are labeled in the figure to clearly illustrate the structure of the embodiments of the present invention. However, this is only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific structure, device and environment. Those skilled in the art can adjust or modify these devices and environments according to specific needs, and such adjustments or modifications are still included in the scope of the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1 - Figure 12As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a titration molding apparatus for the production of zirconia microspheres, comprising: a titration stage 11, a cylinder 32 placed in the middle of the titration stage 11, coolant in a first pipe 31 flowing into a second pipe 33 through the cylinder 32, the liquid level in the first pipe 31 being above the liquid level in the second pipe 33, the outflow and inflow of the cylinder 32 being balanced per unit time, and an outer frustum plate 43 being disposed inside the cylinder 32, the upper surface of the outer frustum plate 43 penetrating through... The cylinder 32 has several placement holes 46. An inner support plate 44 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 32. The inner support plate 44 is adapted to the outer partition truncated plate 43. A material discharge port 55 is opened through the upper surface of the inner support plate 44. The bottom of the material discharge port 55 is connected to the second pipe 33 through the guide cavity 51. The outer partition truncated plate 43 is connected to the rotating end of the stepper motor 41 through the rotating shaft 42. A roller separating plate 73 is provided below the discharge port of the second pipe 33. The roller separating plate 73 is used to separate microspheres of different sizes.

[0038] The diameter of the partition hole 46 is 0.03-0.1mm. The outer partition frustum plate 43 is a hollow frustum shape. The angle between the generatrix of the outer partition frustum plate 43 and the vertical line is 30°-35°.

[0039] The top of the outer frustum plate 43 is connected to a top plate 45. The inner support plate 44 is slidably connected to the outer frustum plate 43. The inner wall of the inner support plate 44 is connected to an inclined plate 48. The bottom end of the inclined plate 48 is connected to an end arc plate 49. The inclined plate 48 and the end arc plate 49 form a guide plate. The upper edges of both ends of the guide plate are connected to side plates 47. The top of each side plate 47 is connected to the bottom of one end of the inner support plate 44. One side of each side plate 47 is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 32. A circular hole 52 is opened through the upper surface of the top of the inclined plate 48. The rotating shaft 42 passes through the bottom wall of the cylinder 32 and the circular hole 52 in sequence and is connected to the bottom of the top plate 45.

[0040] The angle between the inclined plate 48 and the horizontal line is 60-65°. Two side holes 53 are opened through the bottom side of the cylinder 32. The plane of the end of the end arc plate 49 away from the rotating shaft 42 is smoothly connected to the plane of the bottom of one side hole 53. The guide cavity 51 is set between the two side plates 47 and the guide plate. The top of the guide cavity 51 is connected to the discharge port 55, and the bottom of the guide cavity 51 is connected to one side hole 53.

[0041] A horizontal plate 12 is connected to the middle of the titration stage 11, and a base plate 13 is connected to the bottom of the titration stage 11. The cylinder 32 is placed on the horizontal plate 12. The first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 are arranged on both sides of the titration stage 11. The top of the first pipe 31 is connected to the liquid storage box 21 through the first flow control valve 34, and the bottom of the first pipe 31 is connected to the inlet pipe 36 through the second flow control valve 35. The inlet pipe 36 is connected to a side hole 53, and one end of the other side hole 53 is connected to the guide cavity 51. The other end of the side hole 53 is connected to the second pipe 33 through the third flow control valve 38. The bottom of the second pipe 33 is connected to the fourth flow control valve 39.

[0042] The first flow control valve 34, the second flow control valve 35, the third flow control valve 38, and the fourth flow control valve 39 are all electrically connected to the controller via wires. Flow meters are installed on both the inlet pipe 36 and the outlet pipe 37. The flow meters are used to measure the amount of liquid entering and leaving the cylinder 32 per unit time. The liquid level difference between the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 is 5-10 cm. The liquid flow rate of the second flow control valve 35 and the third flow control valve 38 are dynamically balanced per unit time. The liquid flow rate of the second flow control valve 35 and the first flow control valve 34 are dynamically balanced per unit time. The liquid flow rate of the third flow control valve 38 and the fourth flow control valve 39 are dynamically balanced per unit time.

[0043] A liquid collecting cylinder 61 is located directly below the fourth flow control valve 39. A connecting plate 63 is connected to the inner wall of the liquid collecting cylinder 61. A suction hole 62 is opened through the side of the bottom of the liquid collecting cylinder 61. The suction hole 62 is connected to the pump body 23 through the suction pipe 24. The pump body 23 is connected to the storage box 21 through the discharge pipe 22. A suction port 64 is opened at the top of the liquid collecting cylinder 61. A support plate 67 is connected to the bottom of the suction port 64. One end of the support plate 67 is connected to the inner wall of the liquid collecting cylinder 61. A positioning bottom strip 66 is connected to the top of the support plate 67. A positioning middle strip 65 is connected to one side of the connecting plate 63. One side of the positioning bottom strip 66 is connected to the connecting plate 63. The positioning bottom strip 66 and the positioning middle strip 65 are compatible. The positioning bottom strip 66 consists of a semi-circular strip and straight plates at both ends of the semi-circular strip.

[0044] A sieving cylinder 71 is installed at the upper part of the liquid collecting cylinder 61. The bottom of the sieving cylinder 71 is slidably connected to the support plate 67. Several liquid outlet holes 72 are opened through the side of the sieving cylinder 71. A roller separating plate 73 is installed in the middle of the sieving cylinder 71. Several first sieve bars 74, several second sieve bars 75, and several third sieve bars 76 are opened through the upper surface of the roller separating plate 73. The roller separating plate 73 where the first sieve bars 74 are located is a fine separating plate, the roller separating plate 73 where the second sieve bars 75 are located is a medium separating plate, and the roller separating plate 73 where the third sieve bars 76 are located is a coarse separating plate. The fine separation plate is located at the center of the roller separating plate 73, and the middle separating plate is located between the fine separation plate and the coarse separating plate. The ratio of the diameter of the fine separation plate to the width of the middle separating plate and the width of the coarse separating plate is 5:3:2. The bottom edge of the fine separation plate is connected to the bottom wall of the screening cylinder 71 through the first partition plate 81, and the bottom edge of the middle separating plate is connected to the bottom wall of the screening cylinder 71 through the second partition plate 82. A first collection chamber 83 is provided between the first partition plates 81, a second collection chamber 84 is provided between the first partition plate 81 and the second partition plate 82, and a third collection chamber 85 is provided between the second partition plate 82 and the inner wall of the screening cylinder 71.

[0045] The width of the first sieve bar 74 is 0.03-0.1mm, the width of the third sieve bar 76 is 0.1-0.5mm, and the width of the third sieve bar 76 is 0.5-2mm.

[0046] A method for producing zirconia microspheres is applied to a titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres. A communicating vessel is formed by a first pipe 31, a cylinder 32, and a second pipe 33. The liquid level difference between the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 serves as the driving force for liquid flow. The inlet and outlet speeds are jointly regulated by a first flow control valve 34, a second flow control valve 35, a third flow control valve 38, and a fourth flow control valve 39, controlling the flow rate of the liquid channel within the cylinder 32. A rotating outer frustum plate 43 causes microspheres with a diameter of 0.03-0.1 mm formed in the lower part of the coolant to enter the placement diaphragm 46. The separated microspheres and those at the edge of the outer frustum plate 43 fall through a guide cavity 51, an outlet pipe 37, and the second pipe 33 onto a separating plate 73. The separating plate 73 separates the microspheres into different collection chambers according to their sieve diameter.

[0047] In order to control costs and reduce the footprint, both the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 are long and thin pipes with greater resistance. A slightly larger liquid level difference is required to drive the liquid to flow smoothly and avoid slow flow or even stagnation due to excessive resistance. Therefore, the liquid level difference between the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 should not be less than 5 cm. In order to ensure smooth liquid flow in the first pipe 31, the cylinder 32 and the second pipe 33, it is necessary to avoid turbulence, impact or liquid level fluctuation caused by excessive height difference. Therefore, the liquid level difference between the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 should not be too large. The liquid level difference between the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 should be less than 10 cm. After maintaining the liquid level difference between the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33 at 5-10 cm, the first flow control valve 34, the second flow control valve 35, the third flow control valve 38 and the fourth flow control valve 39 are opened simultaneously and the flow rate of all flow control valves is the same per unit time. To reduce the flow velocity of the liquid at the bottom of the cylinder 32 and ensure a slow flow of liquid between the first pipe 31, the second pipe 33, and the cylinder 32, thus maintaining a stable liquid level in the cylinder 32, it is necessary not only to control the liquid level difference between the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 33, but also to reduce the size of the side orifice 53 to increase flow resistance. It is essential to ensure that the inflow rate equals the outflow rate inside the cylinder 32. If the difference between the inflow and outflow rates inside the cylinder 32 exceeds 5%, timely adjustments must be made by controlling the various solenoid valves. The diameter of the side orifice 53 is preferably 4-6 mm, but can be adjusted according to actual production needs.

[0048] The smallest microspheres produced by titration molding can be 0.03 mm, with 0.05 mm being the most common size. Most of the zirconia microspheres produced by titration molding have a diameter between 0.03 and 1 mm, which are small-diameter microspheres.

[0049] Zirconia powder is mixed with a binder and then added to a titration molding device. The device heats the mixture to a specific temperature and holds it there, transforming the material into a liquid with suitable flowability. Stepper motor 41 is activated, and its rotating end drives the outer frustum plate 43 via shaft 42. The outer frustum plate 43 rotates once every 6 seconds, maintaining a low rotation speed to minimize its impact on the solution inside the cylinder 32, especially the liquid surface. The microsphere material, relying on liquid surface tension, is dripped through the titration nozzle as single droplets, pre-forming zirconia ceramic microspheres. During their descent, the microspheres are air-cooled and shaped, then fall into the cooling liquid under gravity to solidify.

[0050] The formed microspheres continue to sink and contact the outer frustum plate 43. Both the outer frustum and the inner support plate 44 are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Neither the outer frustum nor the inner support plate 44 adheres to the microspheres. Some microspheres with a diameter between 0.03-1 mm fall directly into the placement holes 46, while others move downwards along the surface of the outer frustum plate 43. The slow rotation of the outer frustum plate 43 helps the remaining microspheres roll into the empty placement holes 46, improving the collection rate. Microspheres that do not enter the placement holes 46 move to the bottom of the outer frustum plate 43, where larger diameter microspheres accumulate. Larger diameter droplets are more likely to maintain a spherical shape under surface tension. Surface tension causes the liquid to tend towards the minimum surface area, and spherical shape is the optimal form. In a spherical shape, the contact area between droplets is minimized, and surface tension resists droplet deformation. Even with brief contact, they easily separate due to tension, reducing the possibility of adhesion. The outer frustum plate 43 rotates slowly, with a gap of less than 0.03 mm between it and the inner wall of the cylinder 32. The arc surface at the bottom of the outer frustum plate 43 rotates relative to the large-diameter microspheres. This slight rotation makes the contact between the large-diameter microspheres and the container wall dynamic, preventing the two microspheres from maintaining a fixed contact point for a long time. For microspheres that are not completely solidified, the rotation separates them after a brief contact, preventing adhesion when the surface is not fully hardened. For microspheres that have partially solidified, the rotation reduces surface adsorption forces, such as the cumulative effect of van der Waals forces, reducing the probability of adhesion. Slow rotation makes the contact between the microspheres and the cooling medium more uniform in all directions, avoiding softened areas caused by slow local cooling, and reducing the possibility of adhesion due to local incomplete solidification. Meanwhile, the relative motion between the surface of the microspheres and the cooling medium during rotation can "polish" the surface, making it smoother and reducing mechanical sticking or adsorption caused by surface roughness. Even if the microspheres gather due to gravity or flow field, slight rotation will disperse them through centrifugal force or collision, reducing the chance of dense contact and reducing the risk of adhesion from the root.

[0051] When part of the outer frustum plate 43 rotates to directly above the discharge port 55, the bottom of the spaced space no longer has the support of the inner support plate 44. The microspheres in the spaced space suddenly lose their bottom support. The outer frustum plate 43 rotates slowly, giving the microspheres a long time to fall. The microspheres enter the guide cavity 51 through the discharge hole. The guide cavity 51 is an inclined near-triangular shape, and the inclined plate 48 has a large inclination angle, which facilitates guiding the microspheres to move towards the bottom of the guide cavity 51.

[0052] Microbeads entering the bottom of the guide cavity 51 flow sequentially with the liquid flow in the cylinder 32 into the outlet pipe 37, the third flow control valve 38, the second pipe 33, and the fourth flow control valve 39. The fourth flow control valve 39 is located directly above the center of the dividing plate 73. Microbeads flowing out of the fourth flow control valve 39 fall onto the top of the dividing plate 73 and roll downwards along the arc surface. The microbeads sequentially pass through the first screen bar 74, the second screen bar 75, and the third screen bar 76. The dividing plate 73 containing several first screen bars 74 is a fine dividing plate, the dividing plate 73 containing several second screen bars 75 is a medium dividing plate, and the dividing plate 73 containing several third screen bars 76 is a coarse dividing plate. The fine dividing plate is located at the center of the dividing plate 73, and the medium dividing plate is located between the fine dividing plate and the coarse dividing plate. The microspheres that fall onto the separating plate 73 are plentiful, with the largest number being those with a diameter of 0.03-0.1 mm. These microspheres require more screening time, so the screening distance of the first screen bar 74 needs to be extended. The ratio of the diameter of the finer separation plate to the width of the intermediate separation plate and the width of the coarse separation plate is 5:3:2. This facilitates the passage of the three types of microspheres with diameters of 0.03-0.1 mm, 0.1-0.5 mm, and 0.5-2 mm through the screening holes into the first collection chamber 83, the second collection chamber 84, and the third collection chamber 85, respectively. During the collection process, the microspheres are simultaneously classified according to their diameter, saving time for subsequent operations. The liquid that enters the sieving cylinder 71 along with the microspheres gathers at the bottom of the collecting cylinder 61 through the liquid outlet 72. The pump body 23 delivers the filtered coolant to the storage box 21 through the liquid extraction pipe 24, completing the circulation of coolant cylinder 32-second pipe-collecting cylinder 61-storage box 21-first pipe 31, maintaining the amount of coolant inside the cylinder 32.

[0053] Several solenoid valves precisely control and adjust the outflow and inflow of the cylinder 32, maintaining a dynamic balance between the two. This allows the solution at the bottom of the cylinder 32 to flow slowly, forming a gentle liquid channel to carry away the cooled and formed microspheres. The slowly rotating outer frustum plate 43 and the matching inner support plate 44 isolate the small-diameter microspheres in the placement holes 46, reducing the possibility of small-diameter microspheres sticking to other microspheres. The disappearance of the bottom support allows for the directional collection of microspheres inside the placement holes 46 and on the outer frustum plate 43. During the conveying process, gravity separates microspheres of different sizes. The structure is simple, reduces particle adhesion, reduces subsequent processing steps, improves production efficiency, and facilitates large-scale production.

[0054] This invention encompasses any substitutions, modifications, equivalent methods, and solutions made within the spirit and scope of this invention. To provide the public with a thorough understanding of this invention, specific details have been described in detail in the above preferred embodiments; however, those skilled in the art will fully understand the invention even without these details. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding of the essence of this invention, well-known methods, processes, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail.

[0055] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A titration molding apparatus for the production of zirconia microspheres, characterized in that, include: A titration stage (11) is provided, with a cylinder (32) placed in the middle of the titration stage (11). Coolant in the first pipe (31) flows into the second pipe (33) through the cylinder (32). The liquid level in the first pipe (31) is above the liquid level in the second pipe (33). The outflow and inflow of the cylinder (32) are balanced per unit time. An outer frustum plate (43) is provided inside the cylinder (32). Several placement holes (46) are provided through the upper surface of the outer frustum plate (43). An inner support plate (44) is fixedly connected to the inner wall. The inner support plate (44) is adapted to the outer partition truncated plate (43). A material discharge port (55) is opened through the upper surface of the inner support plate (44). The bottom of the material discharge port (55) is connected to the second pipe (33) through the guide cavity (51). The outer partition truncated plate (43) is connected to the rotating end of the stepper motor (41) through the rotating shaft (42). A roller separating plate (73) is provided below the outlet of the second pipe (33). The roller separating plate (73) is used to separate microspheres of different sizes. The top of the outer partition truncated cone plate (43) is connected to a top plate (45). The inner support plate (44) is slidably connected to the outer partition truncated cone plate (43). The inner wall of the inner support plate (44) is connected to an inclined plate (48). The bottom end of the inclined plate (48) is connected to an end arc plate (49). The inclined plate (48) and the end arc plate (49) form a guide plate. The upper edges of both ends of the guide plate are connected to side plates (47). The top of each side plate (47) is connected to the bottom of one end of the inner support plate (44). One side of each side plate (47) is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder (32). A circular hole (52) is opened through the upper surface of the top of the inclined plate (48). The rotating shaft (42) passes through the bottom wall of the cylinder (32) and the circular hole (52) in sequence and is connected to the bottom of the top plate (45). The angle between the inclined plate (48) and the horizontal line is 60-65°. Two side holes (53) are opened through the bottom side of the cylinder (32). The plane of the end arc plate (49) away from the rotating shaft (42) is smoothly connected to the plane of the bottom of one side hole (53). The guide cavity (51) is set between the two side plates (47) and the guide plate. The top of the guide cavity (51) is connected to the discharge port (55). The bottom of the guide cavity (51) is connected to one side hole (53).

2. The titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the placement hole (46) is 0.03-0.1mm, the outer partition frustum plate (43) is a hollow frustum shape, and the angle between the generatrix of the outer partition frustum plate (43) and the vertical line is 30°-35°.

3. The titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres according to claim 2, characterized in that: A horizontal plate (12) is connected to the middle of the titration stage (11), and a bottom plate (13) is connected to the bottom of the titration stage (11). The cylinder (32) is placed on the horizontal plate (12). The first pipe (31) and the second pipe (33) are arranged on both sides of the titration stage (11). The top of the first pipe (31) is connected to a liquid storage box (21) through a first flow control valve (34). The bottom of the first pipe (31) is connected to an inlet pipe (36) through a second flow control valve (35). The inlet pipe (36) is connected to one of the side holes (53). One end of the other side hole (53) is connected to a guide cavity (51). The other end of the side hole (53) is connected to the second pipe (33) through a third flow control valve (38). The bottom of the second pipe (33) is connected to a fourth flow control valve (39).

4. The titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first flow control valve (34), the second flow control valve (35), the third flow control valve (38), and the fourth flow control valve (39) are all electrically connected to the controller via wires. The inlet pipe (36) and the outlet pipe (37) are both equipped with flow meters. The flow meters are used to measure the amount of liquid entering the cylinder (32) and flowing out of the cylinder (32) per unit time. The liquid level difference between the liquid level in the first pipe (31) and the liquid level in the second pipe (33) is 5-10 cm. The liquid flow rate of the second flow control valve (35) and the liquid flow rate of the third flow control valve (38) per unit time are dynamically balanced. The liquid flow rate of the second flow control valve (35) and the liquid flow rate of the first flow control valve (34) per unit time are dynamically balanced. The liquid flow rate of the third flow control valve (38) and the liquid flow rate of the fourth flow control valve (39) per unit time are dynamically balanced.

5. The titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres according to claim 4, characterized in that: A liquid collecting cylinder (61) is located directly below the fourth flow control valve (39). A connecting plate (63) is connected to the inner wall of the liquid collecting cylinder (61). A suction hole (62) is provided through the side of the bottom of the liquid collecting cylinder (61). The suction hole (62) is connected to the pump body (23) through a suction pipe (24). The pump body (23) is connected to the storage box (21) through a discharge pipe (22). A suction port (64) is provided at the top of the liquid collecting cylinder (61). A support plate (67) is connected to the bottom. One end of the support plate (67) is connected to the inner wall of the liquid collecting cylinder (61). A positioning bottom strip (66) is connected to the top of the support plate (67). A positioning middle strip (65) is connected to one side of the connecting plate (63). One side of the positioning bottom strip (66) is connected to the connecting plate (63). The positioning bottom strip (66) is adapted to the positioning middle strip (65). The positioning bottom strip (66) consists of a semi-circular strip and straight plates at both ends of the semi-circular strip.

6. The titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper part of the liquid collecting cylinder (61) is provided with a sieving cylinder (71). The bottom of the sieving cylinder (71) is slidably connected to the support plate (67). Several liquid outlet holes (72) are opened through the side of the sieving cylinder (71). A roller separating plate (73) is provided in the middle of the sieving cylinder (71). Several first sieve bars (74), several second sieve bars (75), and several third sieve bars (76) are opened through the upper surface of the roller separating plate (73). The roller separating plate (73) where several first sieve bars (74) are located is a fine dividing plate. The roller separating plate (73) where several second sieve bars (75) are located is a middle dividing plate. The roller separating plate (73) where several third sieve bars (76) are located is a medium dividing plate. The coarse dividing plate is located at the center of the roller dividing plate (73), and the middle dividing plate is located between the coarse dividing plate and the middle dividing plate. The ratio of the diameter of the middle dividing plate to the width of the coarse dividing plate is 5:3:

2. The bottom edge of the middle dividing plate is connected to the bottom wall of the screening cylinder (71) through the first partition (81), and the bottom edge of the middle dividing plate is connected to the bottom wall of the screening cylinder (71) through the second partition (82). A first collection chamber (83) is provided between the first partition (81), a second collection chamber (84) is provided between the first partition (81) and the second partition (82), and a third collection chamber (85) is provided between the second partition (82) and the inner wall of the screening cylinder (71).

7. The titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres according to claim 6, characterized in that: The width of the first sieve bar (74) is 0.03-0.1 mm, the width of the third sieve bar (76) is 0.1-0.5 mm, and the width of the third sieve bar (76) is 0.5-2 mm.

8. A method for producing zirconia microspheres, applied to the titration molding apparatus for producing zirconia microspheres according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The first pipe (31), the cylinder (32), and the second pipe (33) form a communicating vessel. The liquid level difference between the first pipe (31) and the second pipe (33) serves as the driving force for liquid flow. The first flow control valve (34), the second flow control valve (35), the third flow control valve (38), and the fourth flow control valve (39) jointly regulate the inlet and outlet speeds, controlling the flow rate of the liquid channel inside the cylinder (32). The rotating outer frustum plate (43) allows the microspheres with a diameter of 0.03-0.1 mm formed at the bottom of the coolant to enter the placement diaphragm (46). The isolated microspheres and the microspheres at the edge of the outer frustum plate (43) fall onto the roller plate (73) through the guide cavity (51), the outlet pipe (37), and the second pipe (33). The roller plate (73) separates the microspheres into different collection chambers according to the sieve diameter.

Images