Device and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells with array ultrasonic waves

Abstract

The invention discloses a hydroxyapatite shell rapid cleaning device and method with array ultrasonic waves. Comprising a first ultrasonic array, a second ultrasonic array, a top cover, a cleaning frame, a cleaning tank, a propeller, a motor, a blow-off pipe, a shell, an anti-skid pad and a built-in handle. When the device is used, the device is checked, cleaning liquid is injected, shells are placed on the cleaning frame and then immersed in the cleaning tank, the propeller stirs at a low speed to form stable circulation, then the ultrasonic array is started, ultrasonic waves are turned off after cleaning is finished, stirring is conducted for 1-2 minutes, the cleaning frame is taken out after standing is conducted, the shells are washed with water and drained, and finally waste liquid and impurities are drained through the blow-off pipe. According to the device and the method, the shells can be quickly cleaned, attached organic dirt is thoroughly removed, the structures of the shells are not damaged, the purity of prepared hydroxyapatite is improved, and the high efficiency and the environmental protection property of hydroxyapatite shell utilization are enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydroxyapatite cleaning technology, and in particular to an apparatus and method for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves. Background Technology

[0002] Hydroxyapatite (Ca 10 Hydroxyapatite (PO4)6(OH)2 is a calcium phosphate salt highly similar to the inorganic components of human bones and teeth. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity, it is widely used in bone defect repair, dental implants, drug delivery systems, and heavy metal wastewater adsorption. Traditional hydroxyapatite synthesis mainly relies on chemical reagents, which is costly and complex. In recent years, using waste shells rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO3 content is usually as high as 95%-99%) (such as clam shells, abalone shells, oyster shells, etc.) as a calcium source to prepare hydroxyapatite has become an important resource-efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly technical route. This method not only realizes the high-value utilization of seafood processing waste and reduces environmental pressure, but the resulting hydroxyapatite product, due to its trace biological elements and specific microstructure, sometimes exhibits better biological properties. However, shells are usually covered with a large amount of organic pollutants during recycling, including residual soft tissue, silt, microbial biofilms, and impurities deposited in seawater. If these pollutants are not thoroughly cleaned, they will seriously affect the purity and performance of the subsequent hydroxyapatite preparation. Currently, shell pretreatment mainly employs physical and chemical methods such as manual brushing, high-pressure water jet rinsing, or prolonged soaking. These methods suffer from problems such as high labor intensity, high water consumption, incomplete cleaning (especially ineffective for micropores and biofilms), and easy damage to the physical structure of the shells, which have become bottlenecks restricting the large-scale, high-quality production of hydroxyapatite. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves. This method can quickly clean the shells, thoroughly remove attached organic contaminants without damaging the shell structure, improve the purity of hydroxyapatite preparation, and enhance the efficiency and environmental friendliness of hydroxyapatite shell utilization.

[0004] The specific technical solution of the device and method for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves is as follows:

[0005] An apparatus and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using an array of ultrasonic waves includes an ultrasonic array one, an ultrasonic array two, a top cover, a cleaning frame, a cleaning tank, a propeller, a motor, a drain pipe, a housing, anti-slip pads, and built-in handles. The ultrasonic array one is located inside the right side housing of the apparatus and is completely flush with the right inner wall of the cleaning tank. The ultrasonic array two is located inside the rear housing of the apparatus and is completely flush with the rear inner wall of the cleaning tank. The top cover is located at the top of the apparatus and has a handle for easy gripping. The cleaning frame is a rectangular grid frame. The cleaning tank is located inside the entire apparatus, with crossbars on the upper left and right sides of the cleaning tank for fixing the cleaning frame. The propeller is located at the center of the bottom of the cleaning tank. The motor is located inside the bottom housing of the entire apparatus and connected to the propeller. Anti-slip pads are evenly distributed at the four corners of the bottom of the apparatus. Built-in handles are symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the exterior of the apparatus. Before use, check the integrity of all components of the device. Prepare a weakly alkaline cleaning solution with a pH of 7.5-9.0 and containing 0.1%-0.5% nonionic surfactant. Inject the cleaning solution at 25-40℃ into the cleaning tank. Place the shells to be cleaned evenly in the cleaning rack, place them stably in the cleaning tank, and secure them to ensure complete immersion. First, start the propeller and stir at a low speed of 30-60 r / min for 5 minutes to form a stable circulation. Turn on the ultrasonic array one and ultrasonic array two. For lightly polluted shells, set the frequency to 40-60kHz and the power to 50-70W, and clean for 3-5 minutes. For heavily polluted shells, set the frequency to 20-40kHz and the power to 80-100W, and clean for 8-12 minutes. After cleaning, turn off the ultrasonic waves, keep stirring for 1-2 minutes, and then stop the machine and let it stand for 3-5 minutes. Remove the cleaning rack and rinse it with clean water 1-2 times, then drain the water. Empty the waste liquid from the cleaning tank and remove impurities. Rinse the bottom of the cleaning tank so that all remaining impurities are discharged through the drain pipe.

[0006] The aforementioned device and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves comprises two ultrasonic arrays: an ultrasonic array one located inside the right side shell and an ultrasonic array two located inside the rear shell of the device, respectively, closely attached to the inner wall of the cleaning tank. Both arrays consist of 12 circular transducers arranged in a 3×4 parallel equidistant array, with the center lines of each transducer not overlapping. The operating frequency is 20-80kHz, and the power of a single transducer is 50-100W. This allows for the formation of an interlaced, oscillating three-dimensional sound field within the cleaning tank, preventing local energy superposition that could lead to shell damage.

[0007] The aforementioned apparatus and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves have a top cover located at the top of the apparatus and connected to the outer shell via a hinged structure. When the top cover is fully closed, it fits tightly against the apparatus to form a closed space. The surface of the top cover is provided with a ring-shaped handle for easy opening and closing. The closed space can prevent the cleaning fluid from vibrating and splashing out, isolate some noise, and maintain a stable sound field and flow field environment in the cleaning tank.

[0008] The aforementioned device and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves features a cleaning rack made of stainless steel, which is resistant to acid and alkali corrosion and has strong chemical stability. At the same time, stainless steel has high mechanical strength, which can stably support the shells, and its smooth surface is easy to clean. It is not easy to accumulate dirt or breakage even after repeated use. The upper left and right sides of the cleaning rack are equipped with upward-curving hooks, which can suspend the entire cleaning rack in the cleaning tank for easy access.

[0009] The apparatus and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves include a cleaning tank with an inner wall made of stainless steel to prevent chemical corrosion. The smooth surface makes it difficult for dirt to adhere and also helps the ultrasonic waves to be reflected and propagated evenly, effectively cleaning the dead corners of the shells. The four vertical edges of the cleaning tank are smoothly transitioned with rounded arcs, which allows the cleaning liquid to flow in a circular motion to assist in rinsing the shells. A drain pipe is provided at the lower rear side of the cleaning tank to more easily discharge deposited impurities and mud.

[0010] The aforementioned device and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using an array of ultrasonic waves features a propeller made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is chemically stable, resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, and is a non-metallic material that does not reflect or absorb ultrasonic waves, thus not interfering with the cleaning effect of the ultrasonic array. The highest point of the propeller blades is lower than the bottom of the cleaning frame to prevent them from colliding with the cleaning frame during rotation, which could cause damage to components and breakage of the shell.

[0011] The aforementioned device and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves has a motor located inside the bottom shell of the device and connected to a propeller drive, which can drive the propeller to stir at a low speed of 30-60 r / min to form a stable circulation.

[0012] The aforementioned device and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves includes anti-slip pads made of rubber, shaped like triangular feet with rounded corners, evenly distributed at the four corners of the device's bottom. These pads provide anti-slip and shock absorption, preventing the device from sliding due to vibration.

[0013] The aforementioned device and method for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves has an outer shell made of ABS resin, which has good insulation and is lightweight. It also has symmetrical built-in handles on the left and right sides for easy handling.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a device and method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using an ultrasonic array. Through the synergistic effect of the ultrasonic array and the propeller, highly efficient shell cleaning is achieved: The ultrasonic array generates mechanical vibrations at a specific frequency. These vibrations propagate through the inner wall of the cleaning tank and the cleaning fluid medium, inducing a dense "cavitation" phenomenon in the liquid—that is, the rapid formation, growth, and violent implosion of bubbles within micro-regions of the liquid. This process generates extremely strong local micro-jet streams and shock waves, which act on the shell surface immersed in the cleaning fluid, effectively peeling off and pulverizing stubborn deposits, especially cleaning shells with irregular surface morphology and micropores. The propeller installed at the center of the bottom of the cleaning tank generates a spiral water flow that converges from all sides towards the center and rotates upwards, preventing the shells from remaining stationary during cleaning. This causes them to slightly tumble or shift on the cleaning rack, exposing all surfaces. Furthermore, the detached material and suspended impurities generated by the ultrasonic cavitation effect are rapidly carried away from the shell surface and deposited. Finally, impurities and wastewater are discharged through the drain pipe, improving cleaning efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this invention clearer, the following figures are provided for illustration:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall subjective structure of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal ultrasonic array structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a left view of the structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a right view of the structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal assembly structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a front view of the internal assembly structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning rack structure of the present invention;

[0023] Attached diagram: 1. Ultrasonic array one; 2. Ultrasonic array two; 3. Top cover; 4. Cleaning rack; 5. Cleaning tank; 6. Propeller; 7. Motor; 8. Drain pipe; 9. Outer casing; 10. Anti-slip mat; 11. Built-in handle Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, 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.

[0025] In describing specific embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 The perspective is defined as a schematic diagram of a device structure for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," and "horizontal," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood through specific circumstances.

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding technical features. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0027] As attached Figure 1-7 As shown, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves, which includes an ultrasonic array one (1), an ultrasonic array two (2), a top cover (3), a cleaning rack (4), a cleaning tank (5), a propeller (6), a motor (7), a drain pipe (8), a shell (9), an anti-slip mat (10), and a built-in handle (11).

[0028] As attached Figure 1 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves. The device is characterized in that the cleaning tank (5) is located inside the entire device and is tightly connected to the outer shell (9). The upper left and right sides of the cleaning tank (5) have crossbars for fixing the cleaning frame (4), and the two ends of the crossbars are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cleaning tank (5).

[0029] As attached Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves, characterized in that the built-in handles (11) are located on the left and right sides of the outside of the device and are symmetrical, and the built-in handles (11) are embedded in the left and right surfaces of the outer shell (9).

[0030] As attached Figure 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves, characterized in that the top cover (3) is hinged to the upper part of the outer shell (9), and the top cover (3) is tightly fitted with the device to form a closed space after it is completely closed, and the top cover (3) is integrally connected with the ring handle.

[0031] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves. The device is characterized in that both the ultrasonic array one (1) and the ultrasonic array two (2) are composed of 12 circular transducers, which are respectively attached to the right and rear inner walls of the cleaning tank (5) without gaps. The transducers are distributed in a 3×4 parallel equidistant array, and the center lines of each transducer do not overlap, which can form an interlaced three-dimensional sound field to avoid local energy superposition leading to shell damage.

[0032] As attached Figure 5 and attached Figure 6 As shown, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves, characterized in that the propeller (6) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and is connected to the motor (7) inside the bottom of the shell through a transmission rod, and the connection part is sealed to prevent leakage.

[0033] As attached Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells using arrayed ultrasonic waves. The device is characterized in that the cleaning frame (4) is made of stainless steel and is placed in the cleaning tank (5) during operation. It is fixed by hooks on the upper left and right sides of the cleaning frame (4) and crossbars on the upper left and right sides of the cleaning tank (5). The propeller (6) is located at the bottom center of the cleaning tank (5), and the highest point of the propeller blade (6) is lower than the bottom of the cleaning frame (4) to prevent it from hitting the cleaning frame (4) during rotation, which would cause damage to the blade and breakage of the shell.

[0034] As attached Figure 3 , 4As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the present invention provides a device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with arrayed ultrasonic waves. The device is characterized in that the anti-slip pad (10) is made of rubber, is triangular in shape with rounded corners, and is respectively set at the four corners of the bottom of the device and is bonded to the outer shell (9).

[0035] This invention provides a method for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using an array of ultrasonic waves. The method employs the aforementioned apparatus for rapidly cleaning hydroxyapatite shells using an array of ultrasonic waves, and specifically includes the following steps:

[0036] 1. Before use, check the integrity of each component of the device and confirm that the propeller (6), top cover (3), drain pipe (8), etc. are undamaged or stuck, to ensure that the device can operate normally;

[0037] 2. Preparation of cleaning solution: Prepare a weakly alkaline aqueous solution with a pH of 7.5-9.0, add 0.1%-0.5% nonionic surfactant (such as polyethylene glycol octylphenyl ether), stir evenly, and adjust the temperature of the cleaning solution to 25-40℃;

[0038] 3. Inject cleaning solution: Slowly inject the cleaning solution with the adjusted temperature into the cleaning tank (5). The liquid level should be such that the shells to be placed later can be completely submerged. Avoid the liquid level being too high or too low, which will affect the cleaning effect.

[0039] 4. Loading shells: Place the shells to be cleaned evenly and stably in the cleaning rack (4); then place the cleaning rack (4) loaded with shells stably into the cleaning tank (5), and fix the cleaning rack (4) with the crossbar at the top of the cleaning tank (5) to prevent shaking during the cleaning process and ensure that all shells are completely submerged in the cleaning liquid.

[0040] 5. Pre-treatment of circulation: Start the motor to drive the propeller (6) and stir at a low speed of 30-60 r / min for 5 minutes to form a stable spiral circulation in the cleaning tank (5) and initially loosen the attached substances on the shell surface;

[0041] 6. Ultrasonic cleaning: Turn on ultrasonic array one (1) and ultrasonic array two (2), and set the parameters according to the degree of shell contamination:

[0042] a) Slightly contaminated (surface mainly composed of mud and sand, with no obvious biofilm): Set ultrasonic frequency to 40-60kHz, single transducer power to 50-70W, and cleaning time to 3-5 minutes.

[0043] b) Severe contamination (surface biofilm, residual soft tissue and microporous impurities): Set ultrasonic frequency to 20-40kHz, single transducer power to 80-100W, cleaning time to 8-12 minutes.

[0044] 7. Post-processing stage: After the cleaning time is over, turn off the ultrasonic array and keep the propeller (6) stirring for 1-2 minutes to use the water flow to carry the peeled impurities away from the shell surface; then turn off the motor (7) and let the cleaning tank (5) stand for 3-5 minutes to allow the impurities to fully settle to the bottom of the tank.

[0045] 8. Shell cleaning and draining: Take out the cleaning rack (4) fixed in the cleaning tank (5), rinse the shells in the cleaning rack (4) with clean water 1-2 times to remove residual cleaning liquid and a small amount of attached impurities, and then place the cleaning rack (4) in a ventilated place to drain the shell moisture.

[0046] 9. Waste liquid discharge: Open the drain pipe (8) at the bottom of the cleaning tank (5) to drain the waste liquid in the tank;

[0047] 10. Cleaning the device: Manually clean the impurities deposited in the cleaning tank (5), and then rinse the bottom of the cleaning tank (5) with clean water to ensure that all residual impurities are discharged through the drain pipe (8).

[0048] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with an array of ultrasonic waves, characterized in that, The device comprises an ultrasonic array one (1), an ultrasonic array two (2), a top cover (3), a cleaning rack (4), a cleaning tank (5), a propeller (6), a motor (7), a sewage pipe (8), a shell (9), a non-slip mat (10), an internal handle (11), wherein the ultrasonic array one (1) is located inside the right side shell of the device and completely adheres to the right side inner wall of the cleaning tank (5); the ultrasonic array two (2) is located inside the rear side shell of the device and completely adheres to the rear side inner wall of the cleaning tank (5), the top cover (3) is located at the upper part of the device and is provided with a handle for easy grabbing, the cleaning rack (4) is a rectangular grid frame, the cleaning tank (5) is located inside the entire device, the upper left and right sides of the cleaning tank (5) have horizontal rods for fixing the cleaning rack (4), the propeller (6) is located at the center of the bottom of the cleaning tank (5), the motor (7) is located inside the bottom shell of the entire device and is connected with the propeller (6), the non-slip mats (10) are evenly arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the device, and the internal handles (11) are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides outside the device.

2. A method of rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with an array of ultrasonic waves, characterized by, According to the device of claim 1, the following steps are included: checking the integrity of each component of the device before use, preparing a weak alkaline cleaning solution with a pH value of 7.5-9.0 and containing 0.1%-0.5% non-ionic surfactant, and injecting the cleaning solution at 25-40℃ into the cleaning tank (5); placing the shells to be cleaned evenly in the cleaning rack (4), stably placing them into the cleaning tank (5) and fixing them to ensure complete immersion; starting the propeller (6) at a low speed of 30-60r / min for 5 minutes to form a stable circulating flow; turning on the ultrasonic array one (1) and the ultrasonic array two (2), setting the frequency at 40-60kHz and the power at 50-70W for slightly polluted shells, and cleaning for 3-5 minutes, setting the frequency at 20-40kHz and the power at 80-100W for heavily polluted shells, and cleaning for 8-12 minutes; after cleaning, first turn off the ultrasonic wave, keep stirring for 1-2 minutes, then stop and stand still for 3-5 minutes; take out the cleaning rack (4) and rinse it with clean water for 1-2 times, and drain the water; empty the waste liquid in the cleaning tank (5) and clean the impurities; rinse the bottom of the cleaning tank (5) to make all the residual impurities discharged through the sewage pipe (8).

3. A device for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shells with an array of ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic array one (1) and the ultrasonic array two (2) are located inside the right side shell and the rear side shell of the device respectively, tightly adhere to the inner wall of the cleaning tank (5), both are composed of 12 circular transducers, arranged in a 3×4 parallel equidistant array, the center lines of each transducer do not overlap, the working frequency is 20-80kHz, and the single transducer power is 50-100W.

4. The apparatus for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shell with arrayed ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, wherein, The top cover (3) is located at the upper part of the device and is connected with the shell (9) through a hinged structure, the top cover (3) is tightly adhered to the device after being completely closed to form a closed space, and a ring handle is arranged on the surface of the top cover (3).

5. The apparatus for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shell with arrayed ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, wherein, The cleaning rack (4) is made of stainless steel, and the upper left and right sides are provided with upwardly curved hooks, so that the whole cleaning rack (4) can be hung in the cleaning tank (5), and the cleaning rack (4) is convenient to take and place.

6. The apparatus for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shell with arrayed ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, wherein The inner wall of the cleaning tank (5) is made of stainless steel, four vertical edges of the cleaning tank (5) are smoothly transitioned by circular arcs, and the rear lower side of the cleaning tank (5) is provided with the blowdown pipe (8).

7. The apparatus for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shell with arrayed ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, wherein The propeller (6) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the highest part of the propeller (6) is lower than the bottom of the cleaning rack (4).

8. The apparatus for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shell with arrayed ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, wherein The motor (7) is located in the inside of the bottom shell of the device, is in transmission connection with the propeller (6), and drives the propeller (6) to stir at a low speed of 30-60 r / min.

9. The apparatus for rapid cleaning of hydroxyapatite shell with arrayed ultrasonic waves according to claim 1, wherein, The anti-skid pad (10) is made of rubber, is in the shape of a triangular pad foot, each corner is designed in a round corner, is uniformly arranged at four corners of the bottom of the device, and the shell (9) is made of ABS resin.

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