A continuous system for producing expanded graphite and a method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of graphite preparation, and discloses a continuous preparation system and method of expanded graphite, which comprises a preparation module and further comprises: a gas collecting mechanism, which is arranged outside the preparation module through a gas conveying pipe; a cleaning mechanism, which is arranged inside the gas collecting mechanism; and a prompting mechanism, which is arranged in the gas collecting mechanism; wherein the gas collecting mechanism comprises a gas collecting box, the inner wall of the gas collecting box is fixedly connected with a fixed block, the inner wall of the fixed block is slidably connected with a water tank, and the top outer wall of the fixed block is fixedly connected with a liquid inlet; through cooperation of the structures such as the spraying pipe and the pressing plate, when the spraying pipe moves, the pressing plate extrudes water in the water conveying pipe, so that the water enters the spraying pipe and is sprayed to the surface of the filter screen, thereby the spraying effect can be automatically achieved during the movement of the spraying pipe, and the operator does not need to manually clean the filter screen, which is more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of graphite preparation technology, specifically a continuous preparation system and method for expanded graphite. Background Technology

[0002] The continuous expanded graphite production system is an automated equipment for the efficient production of expanded graphite. It continuously feeds natural flake graphite through processes such as acidification, washing, drying, and high-temperature expansion, achieving uninterrupted transformation from raw materials to finished products. The entire system integrates precise temperature control, automatic metering, and environmentally friendly processing functions, enabling stable control of product quality, significantly improving production efficiency, reducing labor intensity, and minimizing environmental pollution. It is suitable for large-scale industrial production.

[0003] During the high-temperature preparation of graphite and its expansion process, a large amount of high-temperature airflow is generated. This airflow contains a large number of solid particles. When the airflow is discharged to the outside, the particles are also discharged, causing pollution and other impacts on the environment. It is necessary to set up a filter screen before discharge to filter the solid particles. However, after long-term use, a large number of particles will adhere to the surface of the filter screen, causing blockage and affecting the airflow. Some existing technologies do not have the effect of automatic filter screen cleaning, which requires manual cleaning by operators, which is cumbersome and increases the workload. Therefore, in order to address the above problems, a continuous preparation system and method for expanded graphite is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems mentioned in the background section, this invention provides a continuous expanded graphite preparation system and method, which solves the problem of inconvenient filter cleaning in existing technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a continuous preparation system for expanded graphite, comprising a preparation module, and further comprising: a gas collecting mechanism disposed outside the preparation module via a gas supply pipe; a cleaning mechanism disposed inside the gas collecting mechanism; and a prompting mechanism disposed within the gas collecting mechanism;

[0006] The gas collection mechanism includes a gas collection box, a fixing block is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box, a water tank is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing block, a liquid inlet is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the fixing block, a spray assembly is provided on the outer wall of the water tank, and a filter screen is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box.

[0007] The spray assembly includes a connecting pipe, a one-way valve is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting pipe, a connecting block is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the fixing block, a water supply pipe is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the connecting block, and a spray pipe is slidably connected to the inner wall of the air collection box.

[0008] Preferably, the gas collection box and the preparation module are connected by a gas supply pipe, and the two ends of the connecting pipe are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the water supply pipe and the water tank, respectively. The water supply pipe and the water tank are connected by a connecting pipe, and the connecting block is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box.

[0009] Preferably, the spray assembly further includes a telescopic hose, the inner wall of which is provided with a valve, the inner wall of the connecting block is rotatably connected to a wheel, the outer wall of the wheel is wound with a pull rope, and the inner wall of the water supply pipe is elastically connected to a pressure plate through a return spring.

[0010] Preferably, both ends of the telescopic hose are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the water supply pipe and the spray pipe, respectively, and the water supply pipe and the spray pipe are connected to each other through the telescopic hose. Both ends of the pull rope are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the pressure plate and the spray pipe, respectively.

[0011] Preferably, the pressure plate is slidably connected to the inner wall of the water supply pipe, one end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the pressure plate, and the other end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the water supply pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the cleaning mechanism includes a motor, the output shaft of which is fixedly connected to a threaded rod, a slider is slidably connected to the inner wall of the air collection box, a soft brush is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the slider, a gear is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the soft brush, and a rack is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air collection box.

[0013] Preferably, the motor is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air collection box, the threaded rod is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the air collection box, the threaded rod is threadedly connected to the slider, and the gear meshes with the rack.

[0014] Preferably, the prompting mechanism includes a prompting plate, a baffle is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the prompting plate, a protrusion is elastically connected to the inner wall of the fixed block by a telescopic spring, a slide rod is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the protrusion, a trapezoidal block is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed block, a trigger block is fixedly connected to the bottom outer wall of the trapezoidal block, and the water tank is elastically connected to the inner wall of the fixed block by a connecting spring.

[0015] Preferably, the indicator plate is elastically connected to the inner wall of the top of the fixed block by a spiral spring, the protrusion is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed block, the slide rod is slidably connected to the outer wall of the trapezoidal block, one end of the connecting spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom of the fixed block, and the other end of the connecting spring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom of the water tank.

[0016] This application also proposes a continuous preparation method for expanded graphite, comprising the following steps:

[0017] S1. Select natural flake graphite, remove mud, sand and impurity particles from the graphite through a vibrating screen, and send the screened graphite into a continuous hot air dryer to reduce the graphite moisture content to ≤0.5%. The dried graphite is then lightly crushed by a vertical pulverizer, and the uniformity of the graphite flake thickness is controlled by an air classifier.

[0018] S2. After pretreatment, graphite is continuously fed into the intercalation reactor via a conveyor belt. The stirring speed is kept constant, the reaction temperature is raised to 40-50℃, and the reaction time is 60-90 minutes. During this period, the pH value of the reaction system is monitored by an online pH meter. After the intercalation reaction is completed, the graphite intercalation composite slurry formed is continued to be transported by a corrosion-resistant pump.

[0019] S3. The intercalation slurry is fed into a continuous countercurrent washing machine. The slurry is stirred to ensure full contact with water and remove residual sulfate ions. After washing, the graphite slurry enters a neutralization reaction tank. Sodium hydroxide solution is slowly added while stirring at 200-300 r / min. The pH value of the slurry is monitored in real time. When the pH value reaches 6.5-7.5, the addition of alkali is stopped. The neutralized graphite slurry is then subjected to solid-liquid separation using a horizontal spiral sedimentation centrifuge.

[0020] S4. The separated graphite is fed into a belt dryer to reduce the graphite moisture content to 10%-15% to initially remove surface moisture. Then it is conveyed into a vacuum drying oven to further remove residual moisture inside the graphite, and finally the moisture content is ≤1%. The dried graphite is continuously fed into the high-temperature expansion process through a closed screw conveyor.

[0021] S5. The expansion furnace is divided into a preheating section and an expansion section. Preheating causes the graphite intercalator to decompose in advance and generate initial gas. After preheating, the graphite enters the expansion section. At high temperature, the intercalator decomposes rapidly and generates a large amount of gas, which drives the graphite flakes to expand. The temperature inside the expansion furnace is monitored in real time by an infrared thermometer. An online image analysis system is used to observe the graphite expansion state and adjust the feeding rate and furnace temperature according to the expansion effect.

[0022] S6. After the expanded graphite is discharged from the outlet of the expansion furnace, it enters the air-cooling system to reduce the temperature of the expanded graphite from 800-1000℃ to 50-60℃. The cooled expanded graphite is then sent to a vibrating grading screen to be graded and separated into expanded graphite products of different particle sizes. The graded products are then sent to corresponding sealed storage tanks for quantitative packaging.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0024] This invention, through the combination of a spray pipe and a pressure plate, allows the pressure plate to move by pulling a rope when the spray pipe moves. The pressure plate squeezes the water in the water supply pipe, causing the water to enter the spray pipe and spray onto the surface of the filter screen. Thus, the spraying effect can be achieved automatically during the movement of the spray pipe, eliminating the need for manual cleaning of the filter screen by operators, which is quite convenient.

[0025] This invention, through the combination of a slider and a soft brush, etc., when the motor is started, will drive the soft brush to move back and forth along the surface of the filter screen, which in turn will drive the spray pipe to move synchronously. The combination of the two can achieve a better rinsing effect on the filter screen, further improving the cleaning efficiency of the filter screen.

[0026] This invention, through the combination of a prompting plate and a protrusion, allows the water tank to contact and press a trigger block when the water level is insufficient. This causes the protrusion to move and disengage from the baffle. Under the action of a spiral spring, the prompting plate automatically flips upward, intuitively reminding the operator that water needs to be added. This avoids the problem of the operator failing to notice the water level in the tank in time, which could affect the filter cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the gas collection box of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the fixing block and water supply pipe of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the connecting block and the water supply pipe of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the air collection box, the motor, the threaded rod, and the soft brush structure of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the gas collection box and a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the water tank, the fixing block, and a schematic diagram of the prompting mechanism of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 For the present invention Figure 8 Enlarged structural diagram of section A.

[0036] In the diagram: 100, Preparation module; 200, Gas collection mechanism; 201, Gas collection box; 202, Fixing block; 203, Liquid inlet; 204, Water tank; 205, Connecting pipe; 206, One-way valve; 207, Water supply pipe; 208, Telescopic hose; 209, Valve; 210, Spray pipe; 211, Connecting block; 212, Pull rope; 213, Pressure plate; 214, Return spring; 215, Rotary wheel; 300, Cleaning... 301. Mechanism; 302. Motor; 303. Slider; 304. Soft brush; 305. Threaded rod; 306. Gear; 307. Rack; 408. Indicating mechanism; 409. Connecting spring; 400. Indicating plate; 401. Baffle; 402. Telescopic spring; 403. Protrusion; 404. Slide rod; 405. Trapezoidal block; 406. Trigger block; 407. Scroll spring; 500. Air supply pipe; 600. Filter screen. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and 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.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the present invention provides a continuous preparation system for expanded graphite, including a preparation module 100, and further including: a gas collecting mechanism 200, which is disposed outside the preparation module 100 via a gas supply pipe 500; a cleaning mechanism 300, which is disposed inside the gas collecting mechanism 200; and a prompting mechanism 400, which is disposed in the gas collecting mechanism 200.

[0039] The gas collection mechanism 200 includes a gas collection box 201, a fixing block 202 fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box 201, a water tank 204 slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing block 202, a liquid inlet 203 fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the fixing block 202, a spray assembly provided on the outer wall of the water tank 204, and a filter screen 600 fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box 201. The spray assembly includes a connecting pipe 205, a one-way valve 206 fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting pipe 205, a connecting block 211 fixedly connected to the bottom outer wall of the fixing block 202, a water supply pipe 207 fixedly connected to the outer wall of the connecting block 211, and a spray pipe 210 slidably connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box 201.

[0040] The above-mentioned solution is adopted: the preparation module 100 is a prior art technology, which includes equipment for preparing graphite through processes such as screening, crushing, intercalation, and high temperature. In the high temperature preparation process, a large amount of hot air is generated. The hot air is drawn into the gas collection box 201 through the gas supply pipe 500 and the gas pump that works with it. Since the hot air contains a large number of solid particles, after entering the gas collection box 201, it is filtered by the filter screen 600 and discharged through the exhaust pipe above it. The filter screen 600 can filter out the solid particles to prevent them from being transported to the outside. The filter screen 600 can be cleaned by the spray assembly. At the same time, the cleaning mechanism 300 further brushes the filter screen 600 to prevent solid particles from adhering to the filter screen 600 and causing blockage, which would affect the efficiency of the hot air flow.

[0041] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the gas collection box 201 is connected to the preparation module 100 through the gas supply pipe 500. The two ends of the connecting pipe 205 are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the water supply pipe 207 and the water tank 204, respectively. The water supply pipe 207 and the water tank 204 are connected through the connecting pipe 205. The connecting block 211 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box 201.

[0042] The above scheme is adopted: the water tank 204 of the fixed block 202 contains a large amount of clean water. Water can be injected into the water tank 204 through the liquid inlet 203. The water in the water tank 204 can enter the water supply pipe 207 through the connecting pipe 205 for storage. When the cleaning mechanism 300 and the spray assembly are started, the water in the water supply pipe 207 can be sprayed from the spray pipe 210 onto the filter screen under the pressure of the pressure plate 213. The water tank 204 can move up and down in the inner wall of the fixed block 202. The connecting pipe 205 passes through one side of the outer wall of the fixed block 202 and can move up and down synchronously with the water tank 204. The connecting pipe 205 is also made of a telescopic corrugated pipe.

[0043] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the spray assembly also includes a telescopic hose 208, the inner wall of which is provided with a valve 209, the inner wall of the connecting block 211 is rotatably connected to a rotating wheel 215, the outer wall of the rotating wheel 215 is wound with a pull rope 212, and the inner wall of the water supply pipe 207 is elastically connected to a pressure plate 213 through a return spring 214.

[0044] Using the above scheme: the telescopic hose 208 is the same as the connecting pipe 205, and is made of corrugated pipe. When the spray pipe 210 moves, the clean water in the water supply pipe 207 can be sprayed out from the spray pipe 210 through the telescopic hose 208. When the spray pipe 210 moves away from the fixed block 202, the telescopic hose 208 will extend, and when it moves towards the fixed block 202, the telescopic hose 208 will retract. When the cleaning mechanism 300 is started, it can drive the spray pipe 210 to move back and forth synchronously to clean the filter screen 600 and brush off the attached particulate impurities.

[0045] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the two ends of the telescopic hose 208 are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the water supply pipe 207 and the spray pipe 210, respectively. The water supply pipe 207 and the spray pipe 210 are connected through the telescopic hose 208. The two ends of the pull rope 212 are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the pressure plate 213 and the spray pipe 210, respectively. The pressure plate 213 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the water supply pipe 207. One end of the return spring 214 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the pressure plate 213, and the other end of the return spring 214 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the water supply pipe 207.

[0046] Using the above scheme: When the spray pipe 210 moves, it pulls the pull rope 212, which moves synchronously with its fixed end. As the pull rope 212 moves, it passes over the surface of the rotating wheel 215, causing the wheel 215 to rotate. The rolling friction between the two reduces the contact wear of the pull rope 212. Furthermore, each side has two sets of rotating wheels 215, causing the pull rope 212 to bend, and its other end can pull the pressure plate 213 to move within the inner wall of the water pipe 207. Figure 4 As shown, under normal conditions, the pressure plate 213 is in a fixed position, the return spring 214 is in a normal state, and the water in the water supply pipe 207 is between the left side of the pressure plate 213 and the water supply pipe 207. When the spray pipe 210 pulls the pressure plate 213 to move via the pull rope 212, the pressure plate 213 moves to the left, squeezing the water in the water supply pipe 207, causing the water to push open the valve in the telescopic hose 208 and enter the spray pipe 210, spraying out from the nozzle. Due to the one-way valve 206 in the connecting pipe 205, the water will not flow back into the water tank 204, and the maximum movement point of the pressure plate 213 is located on the right side of the connecting pipe 205. When the spray pipe 210 moves to the left, the return spring 214 pulls the pressure plate 213 to move. Upon reset, the pressure plate 213 moves, creating a negative pressure in the water supply pipe 207. Under the pressure difference, the one-way valve 206 opens, and water from the water tank 204 flows into the water supply pipe 207 through the connecting pipe 205. Since the pressure plate 213 is always on the right side of the connecting pipe 205, the water is always on the left side of the pressure plate 213 and will not flow into the reset spring 214, thus achieving an automatic water replenishment effect. The volume of the water tank 204 can be set to be much larger than the total volume of the two sets of water supply pipes 207, allowing for multiple sprays. This eliminates the need for operators to manually clean the filter screen 600 and eliminates the need for additional water pumps or electrical control equipment to achieve the spraying effect, resulting in lower costs and reduced workload for operators.

[0047] like Figures 5 to 7As shown, the cleaning mechanism 300 includes a motor 301, with a threaded rod 304 fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 301. A slider 302 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the air collection box 201, and a soft brush 303 is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the slider 302. A gear 305 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the soft brush 303, and a rack 306 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air collection box 201. The motor 301 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air collection box 201, the threaded rod 304 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the air collection box 201, the threaded rod 304 is threadedly connected to the slider 302, and the gear 305 meshes with the rack 306.

[0048] The above scheme is adopted as follows: the motor 301 is located in the inner wall of the air collection box 201. When it starts, it will drive the threaded rod 304 to rotate. The threaded rod 304 will drive the slider 302 to move. Since the slider 302 can only move laterally in the inner wall of the air collection box 201, it will drive the soft brush 303 to move along the bottom of the filter screen 600. Since the hot air is transported from bottom to top, solid particles are attached to the bottom of the filter screen 600. The soft brush 303 can clean the bottom surface of the filter screen 600. The slider 302 is fixedly connected to the spray pipe 210 through the connecting rod. When it moves, it can drive the spray pipe 210 to move synchronously, achieving the effect of spraying water and brushing at the same time. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft of the motor 301, the slider 302 can be moved back and forth.

[0049] Furthermore, during the lateral movement of the soft brush 303, the gear 305 moves along the surface of the rack 306. Since the rack 306 is fixed, the surface teeth of the gear 305 are blocked by the surface teeth of the rack 306 when the gear 305 moves, causing the gear 305 to rotate continuously during the movement, which in turn drives the soft brush 303 to rotate continuously, further improving the cleaning effect on the filter screen 600. It also has low cost, simple structure, and is easy to maintain.

[0050] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown, the prompting mechanism 400 includes a prompting plate 402, a baffle 403 fixedly connected to the outer wall of the prompting plate 402, a protrusion 405 elastically connected to the inner wall of the fixing block 202 via a telescopic spring 404, a slide rod 406 fixedly connected to the outer wall of the protrusion 405, a trapezoidal block 407 slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing block 202, a trigger block 408 fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the trapezoidal block 407, and a water tank 204 elastically connected to the inner wall of the fixing block 202 via a connecting spring 401.

[0051] Using the above scheme: When the water in the water tank 204 is insufficient, the indicator plate 402 in the indicator mechanism 400 will flip upwards and stand upright, conspicuously reminding the operator that water needs to be added, so as to avoid the operator not noticing in time and affecting the cleaning effect of the filter screen 600; the indicator plate 402 can be flipped, and when flipped to the horizontal state, it is limited by the contact between the protrusion 405 and the baffle 403, and the spiral spring 409 is kept in the contracted state, so that the indicator plate 402 is kept in the horizontal state, which indicates that the water in the water tank 204 is sufficient; the outer wall of the protrusion 405 is set to be arc-shaped, and under normal conditions, it is kept in the popped state by the elastic force of the telescopic spring 404. One end of the telescopic spring 404 is fixed to the outer wall of the protrusion 405, and the other end is fixed in the inner wall of the fixing block 202.

[0052] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown, the indicator plate 402 is elastically connected to the inner wall of the top of the fixed block 202 by a spiral spring 409. The protrusion 405 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed block 202. The slide rod 406 is slidably connected to the outer wall of the trapezoidal block 407. One end of the connecting spring 401 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom end of the fixed block 202, and the other end of the connecting spring 401 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the water tank 204.

[0053] Using the above scheme: Due to the elastic force of the extension spring 404, the slide rod 406 is always in contact with the long side inclined surface of the trapezoidal block 407 under normal conditions. At this time, the bottom of the trigger block 408 is located inside the fixed block 202. When there is water in the water tank 204, the connecting spring 401 is compressed under the action of gravity, causing it to contract. When the water is used up, the elastic force of the connecting spring 401 will cause the water tank 204 to move upward. The outer wall of the top of the water tank 204 can contact and press the trigger block 408, and the trapezoidal block 407 will move upward synchronously. This will cause the slide rod 406 to move and pull the protrusion 405 towards the inner wall of the fixed block 202. When the indicator plate 402 moves and disengages from the baffle 403, the spiral spring at the pivot of the indicator plate 402 flips the indicator plate 402 upwards, providing an indication effect. If the water tank 204 is constantly short of water, it will continuously press the trigger block 408, keeping the indicator plate 402 in a vertical position. Only when water is added to the water tank 204 and it moves downwards, disengaging from the trigger block 408, will the protrusion 405 reset. The operator can then press down on the indicator plate 402, and the protrusion 405 will contact the baffle 403 for limiting, thus keeping the indicator plate 402 in a horizontal position. This simple structure achieves the effect of indicating water shortage.

[0054] This application also proposes a continuous preparation method for expanded graphite, comprising the following steps:

[0055] S1. Select natural flake graphite, remove mud, sand and impurity particles from the graphite through a vibrating screen, and send the screened graphite into a continuous hot air dryer to reduce the graphite moisture content to ≤0.5%. The dried graphite is then lightly crushed by a vertical pulverizer, and the uniformity of the graphite flake thickness is controlled by an air classifier.

[0056] S2. After pretreatment, graphite is continuously fed into the intercalation reactor via a conveyor belt. The stirring speed is kept constant, the reaction temperature is raised to 40-50℃, and the reaction time is 60-90 minutes. During this period, the pH value of the reaction system is monitored by an online pH meter. After the intercalation reaction is completed, the graphite intercalation composite slurry formed is continued to be transported by a corrosion-resistant pump.

[0057] S3. The intercalation slurry is fed into a continuous countercurrent washing machine. The slurry is stirred to ensure full contact with water and remove residual sulfate ions. After washing, the graphite slurry enters a neutralization reaction tank. Sodium hydroxide solution is slowly added while stirring at 200-300 r / min. The pH value of the slurry is monitored in real time. When the pH value reaches 6.5-7.5, the addition of alkali is stopped. The neutralized graphite slurry is then subjected to solid-liquid separation using a horizontal spiral sedimentation centrifuge.

[0058] S4. The separated graphite is fed into a belt dryer to reduce the graphite moisture content to 10%-15% to initially remove surface moisture. Then it is conveyed into a vacuum drying oven to further remove residual moisture inside the graphite, and finally the moisture content is ≤1%. The dried graphite is continuously fed into the high-temperature expansion process through a closed screw conveyor.

[0059] S5. The expansion furnace is divided into a preheating section and an expansion section. Preheating causes the graphite intercalator to decompose in advance and generate initial gas. After preheating, the graphite enters the expansion section. At high temperature, the intercalator decomposes rapidly and generates a large amount of gas, which drives the graphite flakes to expand. The temperature inside the expansion furnace is monitored in real time by an infrared thermometer. An online image analysis system is used to observe the graphite expansion state and adjust the feeding rate and furnace temperature according to the expansion effect.

[0060] S6. After the expanded graphite is discharged from the outlet of the expansion furnace, it enters the air-cooling system to reduce the temperature of the expanded graphite from 800-1000℃ to 50-60℃. The cooled expanded graphite is then sent to a vibrating grading screen to be graded and separated into expanded graphite products of different particle sizes. The graded products are then sent to corresponding sealed storage tanks for quantitative packaging.

[0061] Working principle and usage process of this invention:

[0062] The hot air generated by the high-temperature preparation process in the preparation module 100 is introduced into the gas collection box 201 through the gas supply pipe. The solid particles are filtered by the filter screen 600 and then discharged from the exhaust pipe above the gas collection box 201. After long-term use, solid particles will accumulate on the filter screen 600. At this time, the motor 301 can be started, and the slider 302 and the soft brush 303 are moved along the bottom of the filter screen by rotating the threaded rod 304. The gear 305 on the outer wall of the soft brush 303 is continuously rotated by the rack 306, which in turn drives the soft brush 303 to rotate. During the process of moving along the bottom of the filter screen 600, the surface of the filter screen 600 is continuously brushed in all directions, so as to more thoroughly remove the solid particles attached to the filter screen 600.

[0063] When the slider 302 moves the soft brush 303, the spray pipe 210 also moves synchronously, pulling one end of the pull rope 212. The pull rope 212 is guided by the rotating wheel 215, pulling the pressure plate 213 to slide to the left on the inner wall of the water supply pipe 207, squeezing the clean water to open the valve 209, and flowing into the spray pipe 210 through the telescopic hose 208. It is then sprayed from the nozzle of the spray pipe 210 to the top of the filter screen 600 to rinse the solid particles. When the soft brush 303 and the spray pipe 210 move towards the fixed block 202, the tension of the pull rope 212 disappears, and the pressure plate 213 slides to the right to reset under the elastic force of the return spring 214. A negative pressure is formed in the water supply pipe 207, the one-way valve 206 opens, and the clean water in the water tank 204 is automatically replenished into the water supply pipe 207 through the connecting pipe 205, completing one spray cycle. At the same time, the telescopic hose 208 retracts as the spray pipe 210 moves, waiting for the next spray.

[0064] When the water tank is full, gravity compresses the connecting spring, and the water tank is positioned below the inner wall of the fixed block. At this time, the protrusion pops out under the elastic force of the extension spring and contacts the baffle on the outer wall of the indicator board, which limits its movement. The indicator board is kept horizontal by the spiral spring, indicating that the water level in the tank is sufficient.

[0065] As the water in the water tank 204 gradually decreases, the gravity decreases, and the connecting spring 401 pushes the water tank 204 upward. The outer wall of the top of the water tank 204 contacts and presses the trigger block 408, causing the trapezoidal block 407 to slide upward. Its inclined surface pushes the slide rod 406 to move. The slide rod 406 pulls the protrusion 405 to retract towards the inner wall of the fixed block 202. The protrusion 405 disengages from the baffle 403. Under the action of the spiral spring 409, the indicator plate 402 flips upward to a vertical position, clearly indicating to the operator that the water tank 204 is low on water.

[0066] The operator replenishes water to the water tank 204 through the inlet 203. The increased gravity of the water tank 204 compresses the connecting spring 401, causing it to move downward and disengage from the trigger block 408. At this time, the protrusion 405 will pop outward due to the elastic force of the extension spring 404, and the slide rod 406 will pull the trapezoidal block 407 downward. After the water tank 204 is replenished, the operator can manually press down the indicator plate 402, causing the baffle 403 to press against the arc surface of the protrusion 405 until the indicator plate 402 flips to a horizontal position. The baffle 403 is then positioned below the protrusion 405 and returns to its initial state.

[0067] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0068] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A continuous preparation system for expanded graphite, comprising a preparation module (100), characterized in that: Also includes: A gas collecting mechanism (200) is disposed outside the preparation module (100) via a gas supply pipe (500); A cleaning mechanism (300) is disposed inside the gas collecting mechanism (200); A notification mechanism (400) is provided in the gas collecting mechanism (200); The gas collection mechanism (200) includes a gas collection box (201), a fixing block (202) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box (201), a water tank (204) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing block (202), an inlet (203) is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the fixing block (202), a spray assembly is provided on the outer wall of the water tank (204), and a filter screen (600) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box (201). The spray assembly includes a connecting pipe (205), a one-way valve (206) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting pipe (205), a connecting block (211) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the fixing block (202), a water supply pipe (207) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the connecting block (211), and a spray pipe (210) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the air collection box (201). The gas collection box (201) is connected to the preparation module (100) through a gas supply pipe (500). The two ends of the connecting pipe (205) are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the water supply pipe (207) and the water tank (204) respectively. The water supply pipe (207) and the water tank (204) are connected through the connecting pipe (205). The connecting block (211) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gas collection box (201). The spray assembly also includes a telescopic hose (208), the inner wall of which is provided with a valve (209), the inner wall of the connecting block (211) is rotatably connected with a wheel (215), the outer wall of the wheel (215) is wound with a pull rope (212), and the inner wall of the water pipe (207) is elastically connected with a pressure plate (213) through a return spring (214). The two ends of the telescopic hose (208) are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the water supply pipe (207) and the spray pipe (210), respectively. The water supply pipe (207) and the spray pipe (210) are connected through the telescopic hose (208). The two ends of the pull rope (212) are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the pressure plate (213) and the spray pipe (210), respectively. The cleaning mechanism (300) includes a motor (301), the output shaft of the motor (301) is fixedly connected to a threaded rod (304), the inner wall of the air collection box (201) is slidably connected to a slider (302), the outer wall of the slider (302) is rotatably connected to a soft brush (303), the outer wall of the soft brush (303) is fixedly connected to a gear (305), and the inner wall of the air collection box (201) is fixedly connected to a rack (306). The motor (301) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the air collection box (201), the threaded rod (304) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the air collection box (201), the threaded rod (304) is threadedly connected to the slider (302), and the gear (305) meshes with the rack (306). The prompting mechanism (400) includes a prompting plate (402), a baffle (403) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the prompting plate (402), a protrusion (405) is elastically connected to the inner wall of the fixing block (202) by a telescopic spring (404), a slide rod (406) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the protrusion (405), a trapezoidal block (407) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing block (202), a trigger block (408) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the trapezoidal block (407), and the water tank (204) is elastically connected to the inner wall of the fixing block (202) by a connecting spring (401). The indicator plate (402) is elastically connected to the inner wall of the top of the fixed block (202) by a spiral spring (409). The protrusion (405) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed block (202). The slide rod (406) is slidably connected to the outer wall of the trapezoidal block (407). One end of the connecting spring (401) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom end of the fixed block (202). The other end of the connecting spring (401) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the water tank (204).

2. The continuous expanded graphite preparation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure plate (213) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the water supply pipe (207), one end of the return spring (214) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the pressure plate (213), and the other end of the return spring (214) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the water supply pipe (207).

3. A method for continuous preparation of expanded graphite, applied to a continuous preparation system for expanded graphite as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Select natural flake graphite, remove mud, sand and impurity particles from the graphite through a vibrating screen, and send the screened graphite into a continuous hot air dryer to reduce the graphite moisture content to ≤0.5%. The dried graphite is then lightly crushed by a vertical pulverizer, and the uniformity of the graphite flake thickness is controlled by an air classifier. S2. After pretreatment, graphite is continuously fed into the intercalation reactor via a conveyor belt. The stirring speed is kept constant, the reaction temperature is raised to 40-50℃, and the reaction time is 60-90 minutes. During this period, the pH value of the reaction system is monitored by an online pH meter. After the intercalation reaction is completed, the graphite intercalation composite slurry formed is continued to be transported by a corrosion-resistant pump. S3. The intercalation slurry is fed into a continuous countercurrent washing machine. The slurry is stirred to ensure full contact with water and remove residual sulfate ions. After washing, the graphite slurry enters a neutralization reaction tank. Sodium hydroxide solution is slowly added while stirring at 200-300 r / min. The pH value of the slurry is monitored in real time. When the pH value reaches 6.5-7.5, the addition of alkali is stopped. The neutralized graphite slurry is then subjected to solid-liquid separation using a horizontal spiral sedimentation centrifuge. S4. The separated graphite is fed into a belt dryer to reduce the graphite moisture content to 10%-15% and initially remove surface moisture. Then it is conveyed into a vacuum drying oven to further remove residual moisture inside the graphite, and finally the moisture content is ≤1%. The dried graphite is continuously fed into the high temperature expansion process through a closed screw conveyor. S5. The expansion furnace is divided into a preheating section and an expansion section. Preheating causes the graphite intercalator to decompose in advance and generate initial gas. After preheating, the graphite enters the expansion section. At high temperature, the intercalator decomposes rapidly and generates a large amount of gas, which drives the graphite flakes to expand. The temperature inside the expansion furnace is monitored in real time by an infrared thermometer. An online image analysis system is used to observe the graphite expansion state and adjust the feeding rate and furnace temperature according to the expansion effect. S6. After the expanded graphite is discharged from the outlet of the expansion furnace, it enters the air-cooling system to reduce the temperature of the expanded graphite from 800-1000℃ to 50-60℃. The cooled expanded graphite is then sent to a vibrating grading screen to be graded and separated into expanded graphite products of different particle sizes. The graded products are then sent to corresponding sealed storage tanks for quantitative packaging.

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