Lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device and use method thereof

Abstract

The lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device comprises a primary screening device, a magnetic impurity removal device is arranged below the primary screening device, a curved-surface vortex cavity is formed below the magnetic impurity removal device, a vortex classifier is arranged below the curved-surface vortex cavity, and the magnetic impurity removal device is arranged below the magnetic impurity removal device. An ultrasonic array is arranged in the curved surface vortex cavity, a plurality of classified collection containers are arranged below the vortex classifier, and the technical problems that in the prior art, in the impurity removal and agglomeration dispersion process, the technology is complex, and pollution is likely to be caused are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of space exploration material analysis technology, and in particular relates to a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] As Earth's closest natural satellite, the Moon's surface is covered by a loose, granular medium—lunar regolith—formed by impacts and space weathering. Lunar regolith contains abundant metallic and non-metallic components, volatile elements, and water ice resources, especially... 3 He, considered a key candidate for future clean nuclear fusion energy, could sustain Earth's energy system for tens of thousands of years. However, since human lunar exploration began, only a small number of real lunar soil samples have been obtained. Faced with the extreme scarcity and high cost of obtaining real lunar soil samples, simulated lunar soil has become an indispensable core alternative material and research hotspot in ground-based experimental research. However, to achieve mass production of simulated lunar soil, large-scale preparation processes are usually relied upon, which often make it difficult to accurately replicate the microscopic properties of real lunar soil. This results in mass-produced simulated lunar soil generally suffering from excessive particle agglomeration and heterogeneous impurities, causing systematic deviations from the target lunar soil in key physical properties such as shear strength, compressibility, thermal conductivity, and electromagnetic response. To bridge this gap to the greatest extent and ensure the representativeness and scientific validity of experimental results, it is crucial to implement targeted pretreatment procedures before using simulated lunar soil for specific research or engineering verification. The core lies in removing irrelevant impurities introduced during the preparation process and effectively reducing the cohesive force and agglomeration tendency between particles, thereby making its microstructure and surface state closer to the real lunar soil environment. Therefore, efficient pretreatment of simulated lunar soil can maximize the fidelity and applicability of the simulated lunar soil, ensuring that it can truly reflect the characteristics of lunar soil and support reliable scientific research and engineering decisions.

[0003] Current methods for removing impurities mainly rely on physical sieving, magnetic separation, and manual sorting. While chemical cleaning has been studied, its application is limited due to its significant impact on the composition of simulated lunar regolith, high potential contamination risk, complex processes, and high costs. There is a lack of efficient and targeted removal methods for specific impurities that are non-magnetic, minute, and have densities similar to the target minerals (such as fragments of certain refractory minerals). Furthermore, simulated lunar regolith is prone to excessive fragmentation, and existing physical methods for reducing agglomeration easily damage the unique sharp edges and original morphology of simulated lunar regolith particles, potentially introducing new grinding contamination. Although ultrasonic vibration is effective for small laboratory samples, its efficiency is low and energy consumption is high when scaled up to batch processing, and it may cause secondary particle damage or localized overheating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device and its usage method, which solves the technical problems of complex processes and easy pollution in the above-mentioned prior art for impurity removal and agglomeration dispersion.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device includes: a primary screening device, a magnetic impurity removal device below the primary screening device, a curved vortex cavity below the magnetic impurity removal device, an vortex separator below the curved vortex cavity, an ultrasonic array inside the curved vortex cavity, and several classification and collection containers below the vortex separator.

[0007] The present invention provides a pretreatment and classification device for lunar soil particles, wherein the primary screening device includes: a low-pressure airflow guiding cavity, into which a low-pressure airflow is introduced, and a flexible screen is provided on the upper part of the low-pressure airflow guiding cavity.

[0008] The present invention discloses a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device, wherein the vortex separator includes a vortex cavity shell, the vortex cavity shell has a cylindrical structure, and a spiral vortex tube is provided inside the vortex cavity shell.

[0009] The present invention provides a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device, wherein the ultrasonic array is uniformly distributed on the inner wall side of the ultrasonic array.

[0010] The present invention provides a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device, wherein the magnetic impurity removal device is an annular high-strength permanent magnet roller, and the surface of the high-strength permanent magnet roller is coated with an ultra-hard diamond coating.

[0011] A method of using a lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0012] S1. Impurity removal: Simulated lunar soil is fed into the primary screening device and undergoes physical filtration through a flexible screen and magnetic screening through a magnetic impurity removal device.

[0013] S2, Gas Aggregation and Dispersion Process: The simulated lunar soil particles processed in step s1 enter the curved vortex cavity and are driven by dry inert gas to form a slow-flow shear field.

[0014] S3. Microscopic deagglomeration process: The ultrasonic array in the curved vortex cavity is activated to precisely break down van der Waals bonds without touching the particle body through microjoule-level energy, thereby simulating the agglomeration and separation of lunar soil particles.

[0015] S4. Particle size classification: The simulated lunar soil particles after microscopic deagglomeration enter the eddy current separator for non-destructive separation of coarse, medium and fine particles in a pure force field, and are then classified and collected.

[0016] The present invention discloses a method for using a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device, wherein in step s1, airflow is introduced into a low-pressure airflow guide cavity to achieve non-contact flotation removal of light impurities.

[0017] The present invention discloses a method for using a lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device, wherein the flexible screen is a low-frequency vibrating screen.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It proposes a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device and its usage method. Large particles are separated without damage through low-frequency vibration of a flexible screen and low-pressure airflow assistance. Light impurities are then removed by non-contact flotation in a multi-stage adjustable airflow field via a multi-stage airflow grading chamber. Residual metal fragments are precisely adsorbed by a magnetic impurity removal device. A curved vortex cavity is then used to introduce dry inert gas, driving the formation of a slow-flow shear field. Through gentle collisions between particles and loose physical aggregation via wall sliding, an embedded low-frequency ultrasonic array is simultaneously activated. Its microjoule-level energy precisely breaks down van der Waals bonds without touching the particle itself. A vortex separator, within a multi-stage closed-loop centrifugal pneumatic separator, intelligently adjusts the rotor speed and vortex guide vanes according to the target particle size, enabling coarse, medium, and fine particles to be separated without damage in a pure force field. This provides high-fidelity standardized samples for ground verification experiments such as lunar soil drilling, in-situ construction, and resource extraction. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, not all embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. 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.

[0024] like Figure 1-3As shown, a lunar soil particle pretreatment and classification device includes: a primary screening device 1, a magnetic impurity removal device 2 disposed below the primary screening device 1, a curved vortex cavity 3 disposed below the magnetic impurity removal device 2, an vortex separator 5 disposed below the curved vortex cavity 3, an ultrasonic array 4 disposed inside the curved vortex cavity 3, and several classification collection containers disposed below the vortex separator 5.

[0025] The device adopts a longitudinal layout, with each module physically connected by a sealed transition pipe to ensure the complete enclosure of the simulated lunar soil during processing, preventing leakage of fine dust or interference from environmental moisture. The bottom outlet of the primary screening device 1 is tightly connected to the feed hopper of the magnetic impurity removal device 2. Under gravity, the material falls directly onto the surface of the magnetic separator roller after passing through the primary screening. A diversion trough is provided below the magnetic impurity removal device 2, where non-magnetic particles converge and enter the tangential inlet of the curved vortex cavity 3, ensuring that the material enters the vortex field tangentially. The bottom of the curved vortex cavity 3 is aligned and sealed with the air inlet of the vortex separator 5, and the deagglomerated particles are directly injected into the separator for particle size classification with the airflow.

[0026] A feeding hopper is located above the primary screening device 1, and a feeder is installed at the outlet of the feeding hopper to precisely control the initial feeding speed of the simulated lunar soil. The permanent magnet roller of the magnetic impurity removal device 2 is connected to a drive motor, and the speed is adjusted by a frequency converter to control the magnetic separation efficiency. A dry nitrogen gas source system is configured externally for the device, which is connected to the airflow inlet of the low-pressure airflow guide cavity 11 and the curved vortex cavity 3 through branches. The central control unit realizes precise adjustment of the wind speed of the slow-flow shear field. The entire device is fixed on a vibration-damping support frame to ensure the transmission of vibration while maintaining the airtightness of the system.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the primary screening device 1 includes: a low-pressure airflow guiding cavity 11, into which low-pressure airflow is introduced, and a flexible screen 12 is provided on the upper part of the low-pressure airflow guiding cavity 11.

[0028] It should be noted that the sieve removes large impurities such as stones and fibers, achieving non-destructive separation. A low-pressure airflow is introduced into the low-pressure airflow guide chamber 11, which buffers the airflow and reduces particle collision damage. Multi-stage airflow grading can be employed, utilizing the difference in aerodynamic characteristics between particles and lightweight impurities through a stepped, adjustable airflow field to achieve non-contact flotation removal. The magnetic impurity removal device 2 adsorbs and removes magnetic metal shavings, and its ultra-hard surface coating prevents scratches on the particle surface.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the eddy current separator 5 includes an eddy current cavity housing 31, which has a cylindrical structure and a spiral eddy current tube 32 is provided inside the eddy current cavity housing 31.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic array 4 is evenly distributed on the inner wall side of the ultrasonic array 4.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic impurity removal device 2 is an annular high-strength permanent magnet roller, and the surface of the high-strength permanent magnet roller is coated with an ultra-hard diamond coating.

[0032] A method of using a lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device includes the following steps:

[0033] S1. Impurity removal: Simulated lunar soil is fed into the primary screening device 1 and undergoes physical filtration through the flexible screen 12 and magnetic screening through the magnetic impurity removal device 2.

[0034] S2, Gas Aggregation and Dispersion Process: The simulated lunar soil particles processed in step s1 enter the curved vortex cavity 3 and are driven by dry inert gas to form a slow-flow shear field.

[0035] S3, Microscopic deagglomeration process: The ultrasonic array 4 inside the curved vortex cavity 3 is activated, and the van der Waals bonds are precisely broken down with microjoule-level energy without touching the particle body, so as to realize the agglomeration and separation of simulated lunar soil particles.

[0036] S4. Particle size classification: The simulated lunar soil particles after microscopic deagglomeration enter the eddy current separator 5 for non-destructive separation of coarse, medium and fine particles in a pure force field, and are then classified and collected.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, in step s1, airflow is introduced into the low-pressure airflow guide cavity 11 to achieve non-contact flotation removal of light impurities.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible screen 12 is a low-frequency vibrating screen.

[0039] It should be noted that dry nitrogen gas is introduced into the curved vortex cavity to generate a low-speed swirling flow field. The particles are deagglomerated by airflow shearing and soft collision, suppressing capillary forces and electrostatic adsorption. At the same time, the ultrasonic array emits micro-vibration waves to directionally break van der Waals bonds. The micro-scale energy only destroys the agglomeration bonds without damaging the particle itself. The vortex separator, based on the principle of particle force balance, changes the motion trajectory of coarse and fine particles by adjusting the rotor speed and secondary wind speed, thus achieving precise particle size classification.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device, characterized in that, include: A primary screening device (1) is provided below the primary screening device (1), a magnetic impurity removal device (2) is provided below the magnetic impurity removal device (2), a curved vortex cavity (3) is provided below the curved vortex cavity (3), an vortex separator (5) is provided below the curved vortex cavity (3), an ultrasonic array (4) is provided inside the curved vortex cavity (3), and several sorting and collection containers are provided below the vortex separator (5).

2. The lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary screening device (1) includes: a low-pressure airflow guiding cavity (11), in which low-pressure airflow is introduced, and a flexible screen (12) is provided on the upper part of the low-pressure airflow guiding cavity (11).

3. The lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The eddy current separator (5) includes an eddy current cavity housing (31), which has a cylindrical structure and a spiral eddy current tube (32) is provided inside the eddy current cavity housing (31).

4. The lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ultrasonic array (4) is evenly distributed on the inner wall side of the ultrasonic array (4).

5. The lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The magnetic impurity removal device (2) is an annular high-strength permanent magnet roller, and the surface of the high-strength permanent magnet roller is coated with an ultra-hard diamond coating.

6. A method of using the lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Impurity removal: Simulated lunar soil is fed into the primary screening device (1) and undergoes physical filtration by the flexible screen (12) and magnetic screening by the magnetic impurity removal device (2). S2, Gas aggregation and dispersion process: The simulated lunar soil particles after step s1 enter the curved vortex cavity (3) and are driven by dry inert gas to form a slow-flow shear field; S3, Microscopic deagglomeration process: The ultrasonic array (4) inside the curved vortex cavity (3) is activated, and the van der Waals bonds are precisely broken down with microjoule-level energy without touching the particle body, so as to realize the agglomeration and separation of simulated lunar soil particles; S4. Particle size classification: The simulated lunar soil particles after microscopic deagglomeration enter the eddy current separator (5) for non-destructive separation of coarse, medium and fine particles in a pure force field, and are then classified and collected.

7. The method of using the lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step s1, airflow is introduced into the low-pressure airflow guide cavity (11) to achieve non-contact flotation removal of light impurities.

8. The method of using the lunar soil particle pretreatment and sorting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible screen (12) is a low-frequency vibrating screen.

Images