A device and method for dispersing and agglomerating micro-destructive particles

Abstract

This invention discloses a micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device and method, comprising: a gas shear field generating unit and a dispersion device. The gas shear field generating unit is located at the top of the dispersion device. Gas is introduced into the dispersion device through the gas shear field generating unit to form a slow-flow shear field. The dispersion device includes: a dispersion device shell, a spiral tube inside the dispersion device shell, and a micro-energy ultrasonic array on the inner wall side of the dispersion device shell. The gas shear field generating unit and the micro-energy ultrasonic array are controlled by a controller to obtain optimal operating parameters, solving the technical problems of easy contamination, secondary damage, and poor dispersion effect in the agglomeration and dispersion process of the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of space exploration material analysis technology, and particularly relates to a micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device and method. Background Technology

[0002] In powder engineering processes such as the preparation of simulated lunar soil, when particle size is reduced to the micrometer, submicrometer, or even nanometer level, the specific surface area and surface energy of the particles increase dramatically. This leads to particles easily binding together through van der Waals forces, electrostatic adsorption, and capillary forces in the presence of moisture, forming particle agglomerates. These agglomerates severely and adversely affect the powder's flowability, packing density, reactivity, sintering properties, and subsequent use. Therefore, effective dispersion of the powder is essential before use to restore its original particle size.

[0003] Existing aggregation and dispersion technologies have the following main drawbacks:

[0004] High-energy mechanical methods, such as ball milling, stirred milling, and air jet milling, offer high energy input and strong dispersion, but their operating principle involves intense physical collisions, shearing, and friction. While this may be suitable for high-hardness materials, it can cause irreversible damage to brittle particles with fragile crystals, unique morphologies, or sharp edges, leading to particle breakage, blunting of edges, lattice defects, or contamination of the grinding media.

[0005] High-energy ultrasonic methods, such as traditional high-power ultrasonic probes or ultrasonic cleaning tanks, rely on high-speed microjets and localized high pressure generated by ultrasonic cavitation. This energy is excessively intense and highly uneven, easily breaking up primary particles while simultaneously dispersing agglomerates, causing secondary damage. Furthermore, the energy is concentrated near the probe, resulting in poor processing uniformity.

[0006] Simple airflow methods, such as conventional fluidized beds. These methods rely solely on the kinetic energy of the airflow and are effective for loose physical agglomerations. However, for "hard agglomerations" formed by strong bonds such as van der Waals forces, the energy input is far from sufficient to effectively deagglomerate them.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a micro-destructive particle dispersion technology that is energy-controllable, gentle in action, and can efficiently break the agglomeration bonds, so as to achieve efficient deagglomeration without damaging the primary particles. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device and method, which solves the technical problems of easy pollution, secondary damage and poor dispersion effect in the agglomeration and dispersion process of the prior art.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0010] A micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device includes: a gas shear field generating unit and a dispersion device. The gas shear field generating unit is located at the top of the dispersion device. Gas is introduced into the dispersion device through the gas shear field generating unit to form a slow-flow shear field. The dispersion device includes: a dispersion device shell, a spiral tube inside the dispersion device shell, and a micro-energy ultrasonic array on the inner wall side of the dispersion device shell. The gas shear field generating unit and the micro-energy ultrasonic array are controlled by a controller.

[0011] A method for dispersing particle agglomeration using a micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0012] S1. Input the physical property parameters of the particles to be processed into the intelligent control module of the controller;

[0013] S2. Start the gas shear field generation unit to introduce dry inert gas into the dispersion device to form a slow-flow shear field;

[0014] S3. The intelligent control module calculates the optimal ultrasonic processing parameters of the micro-energy ultrasonic array and the optimal parameters of the gas shear field generation unit based on the particle property parameters input in step s1.

[0015] S4. Activate the micro-energy ultrasonic array according to the parameters in step s3 to emit microjoule-level, pulsed ultrasonic waves to the flowing particles to be processed.

[0016] S5. Microjoule-level, pulsed ultrasound energy-processes the particles to be treated under the action of a slow-flow shear field to form primary particles.

[0017] S6. Collect the dispersed high-fidelity particles below the dispersion device.

[0018] The present invention provides a method for dispersing and agglomerating micro-destructive particles, wherein the controller has a preset algorithm model or database for calculating and matching the optimal co-processing parameters based on the input physical property parameters.

[0019] The present invention provides a method for dispersing micro-damaged particle agglomeration, wherein the physical properties of the particles in step s3 include at least: average particle size, material hardness (or brittleness), and an estimated threshold for agglomeration bond energy.

[0020] The present invention provides a method for the dispersion of micro-damaged particles, wherein the optimal parameters of the gas shear field generating unit in step s3 include the target gas flow rate.

[0021] The present invention provides a method for dispersing micro-destructive particle agglomeration, wherein the target gas flow rate is... Determined by the following formula:

[0022] The goal is to minimize the fluidization rate of the particles. Nearby, a slow-flow shear field is formed, rather than a violent pneumatic conveying. The processor first determines the input... and ,in It is the average particle size (µm) and Particle density (g / cm³) 3 Estimate the minimum fluidization rate. A simplified Ergun equation or empirical formula can be used. For small particles (Reynolds number < 20), it can be simplified to:

[0023]

[0024] Where g is the acceleration due to gravity. For sphericity, To minimize the fluidized bed porosity, ρ g : The density of the gas being passed through; u g The viscosity of the gas; 150, an empirical constant;

[0025] The target flow rate set by the processor for:

[0026]

[0027] It is a safety factor The data is stored in a database to ensure that the particles are fluidized but not excessively turbulent.

[0028] Finally, the processor calculates the target gas flow rate. Where A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity:

[0029]

[0030] The present invention provides a method for dispersing micro-destructive particle agglomeration, wherein the optimal ultrasonic processing parameters of the micro-energy ultrasonic array in step s3 include: power, frequency, and pulse duty cycle.

[0031] The present invention provides a method for dispersing micro-damaged particle agglomeration, wherein the power ,frequency and pulse duty cycle Determine using the following formula:

[0032] The goal is to increase the energy applied by ultrasound. Within the "Operation Window":

[0033]

[0034] De-aggregation threshold :

[0035] Provided by user input or a database. This is the lower limit of energy that must be exceeded;

[0036] Damage threshold :

[0037] This is the energy required to break down the particles themselves; the processor determines this energy based on the input hardness. and particle size To estimate;

[0038] Its logical relationship can be modeled as ( (Empirical proportionality coefficient)

[0039]

[0040] Calculate the "Operation Window":

[0041] The processor defines a target energy. and a maximum allowed energy :

[0042]

[0043] ( For example, the depolymerization coefficient. )

[0044]

[0045] ( For safety factor, for example )

[0046] The processor must ensure the applied energy satisfy:

[0047]

[0048] Matching output parameters:

[0049] Energy applied It is power and time A function of (pulse on-time):

[0050]

[0051] frequency Selection: The memory stores the energy characteristics corresponding to different frequencies (such as 25kHz, 40kHz, 80kHz);

[0052] IF Higher THEN (Low frequency, high energy)

[0053] IF lower and Extremely low (extremely fragile) THEN (High frequency, gentle effect)

[0054] power and pulse Calculation:

[0055] The processor sets a pulse duty cycle. (For example ,Right now ), to prevent heat accumulation;

[0056] According to the selected (e.g., 0.5s), the processor calculates the target power. and maximum power :

[0057]

[0058] .

[0059] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It proposes a micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device and method. Through a gas shear field generation unit, dry inert gas is introduced into the dispersion chamber to form a slow-flow shear field. The particle agglomerates are fluidized in this flow field and subjected to mild fluid shear force, achieving initial physical loosening while suppressing electrostatic and capillary forces. By calculating the optimal ultrasonic processing parameters and airflow parameters, a micro-energy ultrasonic array emits microjoule-level, pulsed ultrasonic waves towards the flowing particles. Under the action of the slow-flow shear field, all particles can pass through the sound field uniformly and receive precise energy "point-firing". The energy is just enough to break the van der Waals bonds between particles, causing the agglomerates to deagglomerate into primary particles, thereby obtaining dispersed high-fidelity particles. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the gas shear field generation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the dispersing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispersion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0065] 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.

[0066] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device is characterized by comprising: a gas shear field generating unit 1 and a dispersion device 2. The gas shear field generating unit 1 is located on the upper part of the dispersion device 2. Gas is introduced into the dispersion device 2 through the gas shear field generating unit 1 to form a slow-flow shear field. The dispersion device 2 comprises: a dispersion device housing 21. The dispersion device housing 21 has a spiral tube 22 inside. The inner wall side of the dispersion device housing 21 has a micro-energy ultrasonic array 23. The gas shear field generating unit 1 and the micro-energy ultrasonic array 23 are controlled by a controller.

[0067] It should be noted that the dispersion device 2 has a particle inlet and a particle outlet, used to contain the particle agglomerates to be treated. The inner wall of the dispersion device 2 is a curved surface or a vortex-type structure to facilitate the formation of the flow field.

[0068] Gas shear field generating unit 1: Communicated with the cavity of the dispersion device 2, it is used to introduce gas into the cavity. This unit includes a dry inert gas source, such as nitrogen, and an inlet. The gas enters the cavity tangentially at a controlled flow rate, driving the particles to form a low-speed, stable swirling field, i.e., a "slow-flow shear field".

[0069] Micro-energy ultrasonic array 23: embedded or attached to the wall or bottom of the housing 21 of the dispersion device, the array consists of multiple low-frequency (preferably 20-100kHz) micro-power transducers, designed to provide a uniformly distributed rather than concentrated sound field.

[0070] It also includes an intelligent control module: the core of the application, electrically connected to the gas flow controller of the gas shear field generating unit 1 and the ultrasonic controller of the micro-energy ultrasonic array 23. The intelligent control module includes:

[0071] Human-computer interaction interface: used by users to input the physical property parameters of the particles to be processed, including at least the average particle size, material hardness (or brittleness), and the estimated threshold for agglomeration bond energy.

[0072] Processor and memory: It has a built-in preset algorithm model or database, which is used to calculate and match the optimal co-processing process parameters based on the input physical property parameters.

[0073] Output controller: Used to issue precise control commands to the gas shear field generating unit 1 and the dispersion device 2 based on the calculation results.

[0074] The intelligent control module is configured to regulate the output power, operating frequency, and pulse mode (such as the working / intermittent time ratio) of the ultrasonic array so that the emitted acoustic energy is precisely targeted and exceeds the aggregation and bonding bond energy threshold, but is significantly lower than the mechanical damage threshold of the particle body.

[0075] A particle agglomeration and dispersion method using a micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device includes the following steps:

[0076] S1. Input the physical property parameters of the particles to be processed into the intelligent control module of the controller;

[0077] S2. Start the gas shear field generation unit 1 and introduce dry inert gas into the dispersion device 2 to form a slow-flow shear field;

[0078] S3. The intelligent control module calculates the optimal ultrasonic processing parameters of the micro-energy ultrasonic array 23 and the optimal parameters of the gas shear field generation unit 1 based on the particle property parameters input in step s1.

[0079] S4. Activate the micro-energy ultrasonic array 23 according to the parameters in step s3 to emit microjoule-level, pulsed ultrasonic waves to the flowing particles to be processed.

[0080] S5. Microjoule-level, pulsed ultrasound energy-processes the particles to be treated under the action of a slow-flow shear field to form primary particles.

[0081] S6. Collect the dispersed high-fidelity particles below the dispersion device 2.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the controller has a preset algorithm model or database, which is used to calculate and match the optimal collaborative processing parameters based on the input physical property parameters.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the physical properties of the particles in step s3 include at least: average particle size, material hardness (or brittleness), and an estimated threshold for agglomeration bond energy.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the optimal parameters of the gas shear field generating unit 1 in step s3 include the target gas flow rate.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the target gas flow rate Determined by the following formula:

[0086] The goal is to minimize the fluidization rate of the particles. Nearby, a slow-flow shear field is formed, rather than a violent pneumatic conveying. The processor first determines the input... and ,in It is the average particle size (µm) and Particle density (g / cm³) 3 Estimate the minimum fluidization rate. A simplified Ergun equation or empirical formula can be used. For small particles (Reynolds number < 20), it can be simplified to:

[0087]

[0088] Where g is the acceleration due to gravity. For sphericity, To minimize the fluidized bed porosity, ρ g : The density of the gas being passed through; u g The viscosity of the gas; 150, an empirical constant;

[0089] The target flow rate set by the processor for:

[0090]

[0091] It is a safety factor The data is stored in a database to ensure that the particles are fluidized but not excessively turbulent.

[0092] Finally, the processor calculates the target gas flow rate. Where A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity:

[0093]

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the optimal ultrasonic processing parameters of the micro-energy ultrasonic array 23 in step s3 include: power, frequency, and pulse duty cycle.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the power ,frequency and pulse duty cycle Determine using the following formula:

[0096] The goal is to increase the energy applied by ultrasound. Within the "Operation Window":

[0097]

[0098] De-aggregation threshold :

[0099] This is the lower limit of energy that must be exceeded, provided by user input or a database.

[0100] Damage threshold :

[0101] This is the energy required to break down the particles themselves; the processor determines this energy based on the input hardness. and particle size To estimate;

[0102] Its logical relationship can be modeled as ( (Empirical proportionality coefficient)

[0103]

[0104] Calculate the "Operation Window":

[0105] The processor defines a target energy. and a maximum allowed energy :

[0106]

[0107] ( For example, the depolymerization coefficient. )

[0108]

[0109] ( For safety factor, for example )

[0110] The processor must ensure the applied energy satisfy:

[0111]

[0112] Matching output parameters:

[0113] Energy applied It is power and time A function of (pulse on-time):

[0114]

[0115] frequency Selection: The memory stores the energy characteristics corresponding to different frequencies (such as 25kHz, 40kHz, 80kHz);

[0116] IF Higher THEN (Low frequency, high energy)

[0117] IF lower and Extremely low (extremely fragile) THEN (High frequency, gentle effect)

[0118] power and pulse Calculation:

[0119] The processor sets a pulse duty cycle. (For example ,Right now ), to prevent heat accumulation;

[0120] According to the selected (e.g., 0.5s), the processor calculates the target power. and maximum power :

[0121]

[0122] .

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 micro-damage particle agglomeration and dispersion device, characterized in that, include: A gas shear field generating unit (1) and a dispersing device (2) are provided. The gas shear field generating unit (1) is located on the upper part of the dispersing device (2). Gas is introduced into the dispersing device (2) through the gas shear field generating unit (1) to form a slow-flow shear field. The dispersing device (2) includes a dispersing device housing (21), a spiral tube (22) inside the dispersing device housing (21), and a micro-energy ultrasonic array (23) on the inner wall side of the dispersing device housing (21). The gas shear field generating unit (1) and the micro-energy ultrasonic array (23) are controlled by a controller.

2. A particle agglomeration and dispersion method using the micro-destructive particle agglomeration and dispersion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Input the physical property parameters of the particles to be processed into the intelligent control module of the controller; S2. Start the gas shear field generation unit (1) to introduce dry inert gas into the dispersion device (2) to form a slow-flow shear field; S3. The intelligent control module calculates the optimal ultrasonic processing parameters of the micro-energy ultrasonic array (23) and the optimal parameters of the gas shear field generation unit (1) based on the particle property parameters input in step s1. S4. Activate the micro-energy ultrasonic array (23) according to the parameters in step s3 to emit microjoule-level, pulsed ultrasonic waves to the flowing particles to be processed. S5. Microjoule-level, pulsed ultrasound energy-processes the particles to be treated under the action of a slow-flow shear field to form primary particles. S6. Collect the dispersed high-fidelity particles below the dispersion device (2).

3. The method for dispersing micro-destructive particle agglomeration according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller has a preset algorithm model or database, which is used to calculate and match the optimal collaborative processing parameters based on the input physical property parameters.

4. The method for dispersing micro-destructive particle agglomeration according to claim 3, characterized in that, The physical properties of the particles in step s3 include at least the following: average particle size, material hardness, and estimated threshold for agglomeration bond energy.

5. The method for dispersing micro-destructive particle agglomeration according to claim 4, characterized in that, The optimal parameters of the gas shear field generation unit (1) in step s3 include the target gas flow rate.

6. The method for dispersing micro-destructive particle agglomeration according to claim 5, characterized in that, The target gas flow rate Determined by the following formula: The goal is to minimize the fluidization rate of the particles. Nearby, a slow-flow shear field is formed, rather than a violent pneumatic conveying. The processor first determines the input... and ,in It is the average particle size (µm) and Particle density (g / cm³) 3 Estimate the minimum fluidization rate. A simplified Ergun equation or empirical formula can be used. For small particles (Reynolds number < 20), it can be simplified to: Where g is the acceleration due to gravity. For sphericity, To minimize the fluidized bed porosity, ρ g : The density of the gas being passed through; u g The viscosity of the gas; 150, an empirical constant; The target flow rate set by the processor for: It is a safety factor The data is stored in a database to ensure that the particles are fluidized but not excessively turbulent. Finally, the processor calculates the target gas flow rate. Where A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity:

7. The method for dispersing micro-destructive particle agglomeration according to claim 4, characterized in that, The optimal ultrasonic processing parameters for the micro-energy ultrasonic array (23) in step s3 include: power, frequency and pulse duty cycle.

8. The method for dispersing and agglomerating micro-destructive particles according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power ,frequency and pulse duty cycle Determine using the following formula: The goal is to increase the energy applied by ultrasound. Within the "Operation Window": De-aggregation threshold : This is the lower limit of energy that must be exceeded, provided by user input or a database. Damage threshold : This is the energy required to break down the particles themselves; the processor determines this energy based on the input hardness. and particle size To estimate; Its logical relationship can be modeled as ( (Empirical proportionality coefficient) Calculate the "Operation Window": The processor defines a target energy. and a maximum allowed energy : ( For example, the depolymerization coefficient. ) ( For safety factor, for example ) The processor must ensure the applied energy satisfy: Matching output parameters: Energy applied It is power and time A function of (pulse on-time): frequency Selection: The memory stores the energy characteristics corresponding to different frequencies (such as 25kHz, 40kHz, 80kHz); IF Higher THEN (Low frequency, high energy) IF lower and Extremely low (extremely fragile) THEN (High frequency, gentle effect) power and pulse Calculation: The processor sets a pulse duty cycle. (For example ,Right now ), to prevent heat accumulation; According to the selected (e.g., 0.5s), the processor calculates the target power. and maximum power : 。

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