Carbon nanotube recovery apparatus, carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus, and carbon nanotube recovery method

Abstract

A carbon nanotube recycling device is disclosed, which recycles carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generating device. The carbon nanotube recycling device comprises: a recycling chamber for recycling carbon nanotubes into a recycling cage; an infeed chamber for feeding an empty recycling cage into the recycling chamber; and an outfeed chamber for discharging the recycling cage containing recycled carbon nanotubes from the recycling chamber. The carbon nanotube recycling device has an inlet door separating the recycling chamber from the infeed chamber and an outlet door separating the recycling chamber from the outfeed chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a carbon nanotube recycling apparatus, a carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus having the carbon nanotube recycling apparatus, and a carbon nanotube recycling method. Background Technology

[0002] Carbon nanotubes possess excellent properties such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, making them a promising new material attracting attention in many fields. As a manufacturing apparatus for carbon nanotubes, Patent Document 1 discloses a manufacturing apparatus using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), in which carbon-containing raw materials (carbon sources) are thermally decomposed to generate carbon nanotubes.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a carbon nanotube recovery device installed in or near the recovery section of a reactor that generates carbon nanotubes using the CVD method. In the recovery device described in Patent Document 2, the carbon nanotubes are wound into a coil by rotating a winding member that winds them up, forming a coiled body. The coiled body is then taken out from a take-out port provided in the recovery section, and the carbon nanotubes are recovered.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-064918

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-190166 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the microfiber recycling apparatus described in Patent Document 2, a winding member is provided in or near the recycling section of a chemical thermal decomposition reactor. The winding member rotates to wind the microfiber into a coil, forming a microfiber winding, which is then recycled. Furthermore, the winding is removed from the outlet in the recycling section when it reaches a predetermined diameter. Therefore, each time a microfiber winding is manufactured, the microfiber generation apparatus needs to be stopped, and the reactor and recycling section cooled to room temperature to recycle the manufactured winding. Additionally, when microfiber generation resumes, the atmosphere temperature inside the reactor needs to be raised to a temperature suitable for microfiber generation.

[0010] That is, in the microfiber recycling device described in Patent Document 2, the reactor needs to be cooled and then heated up each time microfiber is recycled, and the time during which microfiber cannot be generated in the reactor is relatively long. Therefore, mass production of microfiber requires a long time.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a carbon nanotube recycling device, a carbon nanotube manufacturing device, and a carbon nanotube recycling method that can improve the working efficiency of mass production of carbon nanotubes.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] One technical solution of the present invention to solve the above problems is a carbon nanotube recycling device, which recycles carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generating device. The device is characterized by comprising: a recycling chamber for recycling carbon nanotubes into a recycling cage; an infeed chamber for feeding an empty recycling cage into the recycling chamber; and an outfeed chamber for discharging the recycling cage containing the recycled carbon nanotubes from the recycling chamber. The device also includes an inlet door separating the recycling chamber from the infeed chamber and an outlet door separating the recycling chamber from the outfeed chamber.

[0014] In this carbon nanotube recycling device, the discharge chamber may include a compression mechanism for compressing the carbon nanotubes recovered in the recycling cage. Alternatively, the device may include a recycling cage circulation mechanism that removes the carbon nanotubes from the cage discharged from the discharge chamber, leaving it empty, and feeds it into the receiving chamber. Alternatively, the device may include a conveying mechanism for transporting the recycling cage between the recycling chamber, the receiving chamber, the discharge chamber, and the circulation mechanism.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a carbon nanotube recycling device that recycles carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generating device. The device is characterized by comprising: a recycling chamber for recycling carbon nanotubes into a recycling cage; and an inlet / outlet chamber for feeding an empty recycling cage into the recycling chamber and discharging a recycling cage containing recycled carbon nanotubes out of the recycling chamber. The device also includes an inlet / outlet side door that separates the recycling chamber from the inlet / outlet chamber.

[0016] In this carbon nanotube recycling device, the feed-out chamber may include a compression mechanism for compressing the carbon nanotubes recycled in the recycling cage. Alternatively, the device may include a recycling cage circulation mechanism that returns an empty recycling cage (containing carbon nanotubes) to the feed-out chamber after it has been removed from the feed-out chamber. Alternatively, the device may include a conveying mechanism for transporting the recycling cage between the recycling chamber, the feed-out chamber, and the circulation mechanism.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a carbon nanotube generation apparatus and the aforementioned carbon nanotube recycling apparatus.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a carbon nanotube recycling method, which uses the aforementioned carbon nanotube recycling device to recycle carbon nanotubes. The method is characterized by repeatedly performing the action of recycling carbon nanotubes into a recycling cage in the recycling chamber and the action of compressing the carbon nanotubes recycled in the recycling cage in the delivery chamber.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a carbon nanotube recycling method, which uses the aforementioned carbon nanotube recycling device to recycle carbon nanotubes. The method is characterized by repeatedly performing the action of recycling carbon nanotubes into a recycling cage in the recycling chamber and the action of compressing the carbon nanotubes recycled in the recycling cage in the feeding and discharging chamber.

[0020] The effects of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention, a carbon nanotube recycling device, a carbon nanotube manufacturing device, and a carbon nanotube recycling method are provided that can improve the working efficiency of mass production of carbon nanotubes. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the schematic structure of the carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the coiled structure of carbon nanotubes.

[0025] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the winding component after it has moved to the pull-out position.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the schematic structure of the carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functional structure are omitted from repeated description by using the same reference numerals. Additionally, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in this specification are tubular carbon allotropes (typically, cylindrical structures with a graphite structure), including so-called monolayer CNTs, multilayer CNTs, or carbon nanotubes with angular tips.

[0029] (First Implementation)

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes: a generating device 2 that generates CNTs; a winding chamber 3 disposed below the CNT generating device 2 for winding the CNTs generated by the generating device 2; and a recovery device 4 that recovers the CNT winding body R wound by the winding chamber 3. Furthermore, in the figure, the "X direction" is the depth direction of the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 (the conveying direction of the recovery cage 40), the "Y direction" is the width direction of the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1, and the "Z direction" is the height direction of the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1. All directions X to Z are mutually perpendicular.

[0031] <Carbon Nanotube Generation Device>

[0032] The structure of the generating apparatus 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate CNTs. Therefore, apparatuses that use chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to generate CNTs by thermally decomposing carbon-containing feed gas, such as those in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, can be used as generating apparatus 2.

[0033] Figure 1 , Figure 2 The illustrated generating apparatus 2 has a reactor 21, a heater 22 located on the side of the reactor 21, and a raw material supply port 23 for supplying raw materials for generating CNTs to the reactor 21.

[0034] The shape of the reactor 21 is not limited, but it is preferably a straight tube (i.e., a shape in which the axis extends in a straight line). In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the reactor 21 can also be a polygon or a circular, elliptical, oval, or kidney-shaped shape with arcs.

[0035] The shape and heating method of the heater 22 are not particularly limited, as long as they can heat the reactor 21 to a temperature suitable for CNT generation. The heater 22 only needs to be able to heat the reactor 21 to, for example, 500°C to 2000°C, preferably 1000°C to 1600°C. As specific examples of the heater 22, there are tungsten heaters that can heat the reactor 21 to 500°C to 2000°C or silicon carbide heaters (SiC heaters) that can heat the reactor 21 to 600°C to 1600°C.

[0036] The carrier gas (e.g., hydrogen) is also supplied to the feedstock inlet 23 along with the feedstock gases such as carbon source, catalyst metal or catalyst metal compound.

[0037] <Carbon Nanotube Roll-up Chamber>

[0038] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, an opening 31 communicating with the lower end of the reactor 21 of the generating device 2 is provided on the top surface of the winding chamber 3. The CNTs generated in the reactor 21 are transported into the winding chamber 3 together with the carrier gas through the opening 31.

[0039] A winding mechanism 32 for winding CNTs is provided on the side of the winding chamber 3. The winding mechanism 32 has a rotating shaft 33, a winding member 34, and a drive unit 35.

[0040] The rotating shaft 33 is, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical component, and is arranged such that the direction of rotation is horizontal (X direction in this embodiment). The rotating shaft 33 is provided to pass through the side portion of the winding chamber 3, and a portion of the rotating shaft 33 protrudes into the winding chamber 3.

[0041] The take-up member 34 is a member extending along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 33, and may be composed of, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical roller. The base end of the take-up member 34 is mounted on the top end of the rotation shaft 33 (the end on the side of the take-up chamber 3). Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the position of the take-up member 34; it may be positioned so as to contact the CNT that passes through the opening 31.

[0042] The drive unit 35 is located outside the winding chamber 3. The drive unit 35 may be, for example, a motor. A rotating shaft 33, on which the winding member 34 is mounted, is connected to the drive unit 35. By rotating the rotating shaft 33 using the drive unit 35, the winding member 34 also rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 33. The rotational speed of the rotating shaft 33 is appropriately set according to the CNT production speed and the desired size of the CNT winding body R, for example, set to 0.01 rpm to 500 rpm.

[0043] Outside the winding chamber 3, a separation mechanism 36 is provided to separate the CNT winding body R formed on the winding member 34. The separation mechanism 36 is a mechanism that moves the rotating shaft 33, the winding member 34, and the drive unit 35 in a direction from the inside of the winding chamber 3 toward the outside. In other words, the separation mechanism 36 is a mechanism that moves the winding member 34 in a direction that pulls it out of the winding chamber 3, and the rotating shaft 33 and the winding member 34 can be moved from the top end side of the winding member 34 toward the base end side using this separation mechanism 36.

[0044] In this embodiment, as an example of the separating mechanism 36, a cylinder mechanism 37 is provided outside the winding chamber 3. The winding member 34 can be extended or retracted by the cylinder mechanism 37. Figure 3 The position of the roll-up CNT shown (roll-up position) and Figure 4 The CNT winding body R is shown to move between the position (pull-out position) where it is separated from the winding member 34. That is, the winding member 34 can move in a direction that approaches or moves away from the side portion of the winding chamber 3.

[0045] In the recycling device 4 equipped with the aforementioned separation mechanism 36, after a CNT winding body R is formed using the winding member 34 in the winding position, the winding member 34 is retracted to the pull-out position, thereby bringing the CNT winding body R into contact with the inner surface of the side portion of the winding chamber 3. Then, in this state, the winding member 34 is further retracted, thereby making the inner circumferential surface of the CNT winding body R no longer supported by the winding member 34. As a result, the CNT winding body R detaches from the winding member 34, and the CNT winding body R separates from the winding member 34. Afterward, the winding member 34 is advanced from the pull-out position to the winding position to begin winding CNTs for forming the next CNT winding body R.

[0046] Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a CNT winding structure in the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1. Without a winding structure, the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 can be configured, for example, by directly connecting the lower end of the generating device 2 to the recycling device 4, which will be described later.

[0047] <Carbon Nanotube Recycling Device>

[0048] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the recycling device 4 includes: a recycling chamber 41, which recycles carbon nanotubes in the form of a CNT winding R into a recycling cage 40; an infeed chamber 42, which feeds an empty recycling cage 40 into the recycling chamber 41; and an outfeed chamber 43, which discharges the recycling cage 40 containing the recycled CNT winding R (carbon nanotubes) from the recycling chamber 41.

[0049] The recovery cage 40 is a mesh cage with multiple openings that can store CNT windings R, and can be easily stored relative to the recovery chamber 41, the feeding chamber 42, and the feeding chamber 43. The material of the recovery cage 40 is not particularly limited as long as it has heat resistance to the heat of the CNT windings R falling into the recovery cage 40, and metal materials can be used for example.

[0050] An opening 45 communicating with the winding chamber 3 is provided on the top surface of the recovery chamber 41. The opening 45 has a shape that allows the CNT winding body R formed in the winding chamber 3 to pass through. As described above, since the winding chamber 3 communicates with the reactor 21 of the generating apparatus 2 via the opening 31, the opening 45 of the recovery chamber 41 communicating with the winding chamber 3 can also be described as an opening communicating with the generating apparatus 2.

[0051] An entrance door 46 separates the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 42. The entrance door 46 is retractable into the outer casing 47 via a lifting mechanism 48, such as a cylinder assembly located above the outer casing 47, and moves up and down within the casing 47. The lifting mechanism 48 extends as it operates... Figure 1 As shown by the solid line, when the entrance door 46 descends, the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 42 is isolated. On the other hand, during the shortening operation via the lifting mechanism 48... Figure 1 As shown by the single-dot dashed line, when the entrance door 46 rises, it becomes a state where the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 42 are connected.

[0052] Similarly, an exit door 50 is provided between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43, separating the two chambers. The exit door 50 is retractable into the outer casing 51 via a lifting mechanism 52, such as a cylinder device located above the outer casing 51, and moves up and down within the casing 51. The lifting mechanism 52 extends and retracts as needed. Figure 1 As shown by the solid line, when the side door 50 descends, the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43 is isolated. On the other hand, during the shortening operation of the lifting mechanism 52... Figure 1 As shown by the single-dot dashed line, when the side door 50 rises, it becomes a state where the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43 are connected.

[0053] Additionally, in the feed chamber 42, an entrance door 55 is provided on the side opposite to the recovery chamber 41, separating the outside from the feed chamber 42. The entrance door 55 is retractable into the outer casing 56 via a lifting mechanism 57, such as a cylinder device located above the outer casing 56, and moves up and down within the casing 56. The lifting mechanism 57 extends and retracts as needed. Figure 1As shown by the solid line, when the entrance door 55 descends, the atmosphere between the outside and the entrance chamber 42 is separated. On the other hand, this is achieved through the shortening operation of the lifting mechanism 57... Figure 1 As shown by the single-dot dashed line, when the entrance door 55 rises, it becomes a state where the outside and the delivery room 42 are connected.

[0054] Similarly, in the delivery chamber 43, an exit door 60 is provided on the side opposite to the recovery chamber 41, separating the outside from the delivery chamber 43. The exit door 60 is retractable into the outer casing 61 via a lifting mechanism 62, such as a cylinder device located above the outer casing 61, and moves up and down within the casing 61. The lifting mechanism 62 extends and retracts as needed. Figure 1 As shown by the solid line, when the exit door 60 descends, the atmosphere between the outside and the delivery chamber 43 is isolated. On the other hand, this is achieved through the shortening operation of the lifting mechanism 62... Figure 1 As shown by the single-dot dashed line, when the exit door 60 rises, it becomes a state where the outside is connected to the delivery chamber 43.

[0055] An exhaust port 65 is provided at the bottom of the recovery chamber 41 to discharge the atmosphere inside the recovery chamber 41. Gas supplied to the recovery chamber 41 from the reactor 21 and the winding chamber 3 is discharged through this exhaust port 65. Due to the use of the aforementioned mesh recovery cage 40, the gas discharged from the exhaust port 65 of the recovery chamber 41 can capture CNTs that have not been wound up by the winding member 34, enabling environmentally friendly operations with improved exhaust gas cleanliness.

[0056] A supply port 66 for a non-flammable gas or other replacement gas is provided at the upper part of the supply chamber 42. An exhaust port 67 for discharging the atmosphere inside the supply chamber 42 is provided at the bottom of the supply chamber 42. By supplying replacement gas into the supply chamber 42 through the supply port 66 and discharging it through the exhaust port 67, the atmosphere inside the supply chamber 42 can be maintained as inactive.

[0057] Similarly, a supply port 68 for a replacement gas such as a non-flammable gas is provided at the upper part of the delivery chamber 43. An exhaust port 69 for discharging the atmosphere inside the delivery chamber 43 is provided at the bottom of the delivery chamber 43. By supplying replacement gas into the delivery chamber 43 through the supply port 68 and discharging it through the exhaust port 69, the atmosphere inside the delivery chamber 43 can be maintained as inactive.

[0058] A compression mechanism 70 for compressing CNTs is provided in the delivery chamber 43. The compression mechanism 70 has a pressure plate 71 as a pressing member and a drive unit 72 connected to the pressure plate 71.

[0059] The pressure plate 71 is sized to be inserted into the recycling cage 40 and is raised and lowered by the drive unit 72. In other words, the pressure plate 71 can be inserted into the discharge chamber 43 as follows: Figure 1 The single-dotted line in the diagram shows the vertical movement between the position where the CNT winding R is compressed inside the recovery cage 40 (the descending position) and the position where it moves above the recovery cage 40 (the retreating position).

[0060] The recycling device 4 includes a recycling cage circulation mechanism 5, which feeds the empty recycling cage 40 (containing CNT windings R) from the discharge chamber 43 into the receiving chamber 42. The recycling cage circulation mechanism 5 includes: a discharge-side platform 75 located near the discharge chamber 43; a receiving-side platform 76 located near the receiving chamber 42; and a conveying path 77 that conveys the recycling cage 40 from the discharge-side platform 75 to the receiving-side platform 76. In the recycling cage circulation mechanism 5, the CNT windings R are removed from the recycling cage 40 at the discharge-side platform 75, and then the empty recycling cage 40 is transferred to the conveying path 77. Then, the recycling cage 40 is transferred to the receiving-side platform 76 via the conveying path 77.

[0061] The CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured as described above. Furthermore, the material of each component constituting the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 is not particularly limited as long as it does not impede the performance of the function described in this specification; for example, stainless steel or general structural rolled steel (SS material) may be used. Additionally, Teflon (registered trademark) coating may be applied to the components that may come into contact with the CNTs in each component constituting the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0062] (Methods for recycling carbon nanotubes)

[0063] Next, an example of a CNT recovery method using recovery device 4 will be described. Furthermore, actions that can be automatically performed, such as the supply and stop of each gas, the opening and closing of each door, and the conveying of the recovery cage 40, as described below, can be performed automatically via the control unit (not shown) or manually by the operator.

[0064] First, in the generating apparatus 2, a carrier gas (e.g., hydrogen) is supplied to the reactor 21 along with a carbon source, catalyst metal, or catalyst metal compound. Then, the mixture is heated by the heater 22 to generate CNTs. The generated CNTs, along with the carrier gas, are conveyed through the opening 31 into the winding chamber 3. Then, in the winding chamber 3, a CNT winding body R is formed using a winding member 34 in the winding position. Afterward, the winding member 34 is retracted, so that the inner circumferential surface of the CNT winding body R is not supported by the winding member 34. Thus, the CNT winding body R detaches from the winding member 34, and the CNT winding body R separates from the winding member 34. Then, the winding member 34 is advanced from the pull-out position to the winding position to begin winding CNTs for forming the next CNT winding body R.

[0065] Then, in the winding chamber 3, the CNT winding body R, which has detached from the winding member 34, falls into the recovery chamber 41 of the recovery device 4 located below the winding chamber 3, and is recovered by falling into the recovery cage 40 pre-installed in the recovery chamber 41. In this way, by repeatedly winding and separating CNTs in the upper winding chamber 3, the CNT winding body R is sequentially recovered in the recovery cage 40 provided in the recovery chamber 41. Furthermore, during the stage of recovering the CNT winding body R in the recovery cage 40 provided in the recovery chamber 41, the inlet door 46 provided between the recovery chamber 41 and the feed chamber 42 and the outlet door 50 provided between the recovery chamber 41 and the feed chamber 43 both descend, and the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 41 and the feed chamber 42 and the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 41 and the feed chamber 43 are both isolated.

[0066] Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed in the recovery of the CNT windings R within the recovery cage 40 located in the recovery chamber 41, or after a certain amount of CNT windings R have been recovered from the recovery cage 40 located in the recovery chamber 41, the outlet door 50 located between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43 rises, establishing communication between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43. Furthermore, before this communication between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43 is established, replacement gas is supplied to the delivery chamber 43 from the supply port 68 located at the top of the delivery chamber 43, and the atmosphere inside the delivery chamber 43 is discharged from the exhaust port 69 located at the bottom of the delivery chamber 43, maintaining a non-reactive atmosphere inside the delivery chamber 43.

[0067] Then, the recovery cage 40 containing the CNT winding R is sent out from the recovery chamber 41 and into the delivery chamber 43, which is maintained in an inactive atmosphere. Then, in the delivery chamber 43, the pressure plate 71 descends into the recovery cage 40 by the operation of the compression mechanism 70, compressing the CNT winding R.

[0068] In this way, after the CNT winding body R is compressed, the recovery cage 40 returns from the delivery chamber 43 to the recovery chamber 41. Then, the CNT winding body R that has fallen from the winding chamber 3 is further recovered from the recovery cage 40 that has returned to the recovery chamber 41.

[0069] In this way, by appropriately and repeatedly recovering the CNT winding body R in the recovery chamber 41 and compressing the CNT winding body R in the delivery chamber 43, the recovery of the CNT winding body R to the recovery cage 40 ends when the recovery cage 40 has recovered a predetermined amount of CNT winding body R.

[0070] Subsequently, in the delivery chamber 43, the outlet door 60, located on the side opposite to the recovery chamber 41, rises, opening the delivery chamber 43 to the outside. Furthermore, before this opening, the outlet door 50 located between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43 descends, isolating the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 43. Additionally, at this time, the heater 22 of the generating device 2 ( Figure 1 The reaction was not stopped, and the atmosphere temperature in the reactor 21 and the coiling chamber 3 was maintained at a temperature suitable for the formation of CNTs.

[0071] Then, the recycling cage 40, having finished recycling the CNT winding body R, is sent out from the delivery chamber 43 and into the delivery side table 75 of the recycling cage circulation mechanism 5. Then, at the delivery side table 75 of the recycling cage circulation mechanism 5, the CNT winding body R is taken out from the recycling cage 40, and the taken-out CNT winding body R is appropriately moved to the next process.

[0072] On the other hand, the empty recycling cage 40, which is taken out of the CNT winding body R from the delivery side mounting table 75 of the recycling cage circulation mechanism 5, is handed over to the conveying path 77, and then the recycling cage 40 is handed over to the delivery side mounting table 76 via the conveying path 77.

[0073] On the other hand, after the recycling cage 40, which has finished recycling the CNT winding body R, is transported from the recycling chamber 41 to the delivery chamber 43, the next recycling cage 40, which is empty, is sent from the delivery chamber 42 to the recycling chamber 41.

[0074] That is, when the recovery cage 40, after the recovery of the CNT winding body R has been completed, is transported from the recovery chamber 41 to the delivery chamber 43, the inlet door 46 provided between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 42 rises, creating a communication state between the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 42. Furthermore, before the recovery chamber 41 and the delivery chamber 42 are in this communication state, a displacement gas is supplied to the delivery chamber 42 from the supply port 66 located at the top of the delivery chamber 42, and the atmosphere inside the delivery chamber 42 is discharged from the exhaust port 67 located at the bottom of the delivery chamber 42, maintaining a non-reactive atmosphere inside the delivery chamber 42.

[0075] Then, the empty recovery cage 40 is fed from the feed chamber 42, which is maintained in an inactive atmosphere, into the recovery chamber 41. As the empty recovery cage 40 is fed into the recovery chamber 41, the inlet door 46 located between the recovery chamber 41 and the feed chamber 42 descends, isolating the atmosphere between the two chambers. Then, in the recovery chamber 41, the CNT winding body R, which has fallen from the winding chamber 3, is recovered into the recovery cage 40.

[0076] In addition, the next recycling cage 40 is further fed into the feeding chamber 42. That is, after the recycling cage 40 is sent from the feeding chamber 42 to the recycling chamber 41, the entrance door 46 provided between the recycling chamber 41 and the feeding chamber 42 is lowered, and the atmosphere between the recycling chamber 41 and the feeding chamber 42 is isolated. In the feeding chamber 42, the entrance door 55 provided on the side opposite to the recycling chamber 41 is raised, and the feeding chamber 42 is connected to the outside.

[0077] Furthermore, before the outside and the feed chamber 42 are in a state of communication, a replacement gas is supplied to the feed chamber 42 from the supply port 66 located at the top of the feed chamber 42, and the atmosphere inside the feed chamber 42 is discharged from the exhaust port 67 located at the bottom of the feed chamber 42, so that the atmosphere inside the feed chamber 42 is kept as an inactive atmosphere.

[0078] Then, the next empty recycling cage 40 is fed from the feed-side platform 76 of the recycling cage circulation mechanism 5 into the feed chamber 42.

[0079] By continuously repeating the above processes, the generation of CNTs in the generating device 2, the winding and separation of CNTs in the winding chamber 3, and the recycling of the CNT winding body R in the recycling chamber 41 can be carried out continuously.

[0080] In the CNT recycling method of this embodiment described above, the heating process and other steps previously required for CNT generation after the CNT recycling operation can be omitted. As a result, the time from the completion of the CNT recycling operation to the resumption of CNT generation can be shortened, and the time before mass production of CNTs can be reduced.

[0081] (Second Implementation)

[0082] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment includes: a generating device 2 that generates CNTs; a winding chamber 3 disposed below the CNT generating device 2 for winding the CNTs generated by the generating device 2; and a recovery device 6 that recovers the CNT winding body R wound by the winding chamber 3. Furthermore, the structures of the generating device 2 and the winding chamber 3 are the same as those of the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, therefore, descriptions of the generating device 2 and the winding chamber 3 are omitted.

[0083] <Carbon Nanotube Recycling Device>

[0084] The recycling apparatus 6 of the second embodiment includes: a recycling chamber 80, which recycles carbon nanotubes in the form of a CNT winding R into a recycling cage 40; and a feed-in / feed-out chamber 81, which feeds an empty recycling cage 40 into the recycling chamber 80 and feeds out the recycling cage 40 containing the recycled CNT winding R (carbon nanotubes) from the recycling chamber 80.

[0085] An opening 82 communicating with the winding chamber 3 is provided on the top surface of the recovery chamber 80. The opening 82 has a shape that allows the CNT winding body R formed in the winding chamber 3 to pass through.

[0086] An access door 85, separating the recovery chamber 80 and the feed / exit chamber 81, is provided. The access door 85 is retractable and elevates within the outer casing 86 via a lifting mechanism 87, such as a cylinder device located above the outer casing 86. The lifting mechanism 87 extends and retracts within the outer casing 86. Figure 5 As shown by the solid line, when the access door 85 descends, the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 80 and the delivery / exit chamber 81 is isolated. On the other hand, this is achieved through the shortening operation of the lifting mechanism 87... Figure 5 As shown by the single-dot dashed line, when the access door 85 rises, it becomes a state where the recovery chamber 80 and the delivery / exit chamber 81 are connected.

[0087] Additionally, an entrance / exit door 90 is provided on the side opposite to the recovery chamber 80 in the inlet / outlet chamber 81, separating the outside from the inlet / outlet chamber 81. The entrance / exit door 90 is retractable into the outer casing 91 via a lifting mechanism 92, such as a cylinder device located above the outer casing 91, and moves up and down within the casing 91. The lifting mechanism 92 extends during operation... Figure 5 As shown by the solid line, when the entrance door 90 descends, it creates a state where the atmosphere between the outside and the inlet / outlet chamber 81 is isolated. On the other hand, this is achieved through the shortening operation of the lifting mechanism 92... Figure 5 As shown by the single-dot dashed line, when the entrance door 90 rises, it becomes a state where the outside is connected to the inlet / outlet chamber 81.

[0088] An exhaust port 95 is provided at the bottom of the recovery chamber 80 to discharge the atmosphere inside the recovery chamber 80. Gas supplied to the recovery chamber 80 from the reactor 21 and the winding chamber 3 is discharged through this exhaust port 95. Due to the use of the aforementioned mesh recovery cage 40, the gas discharged from the exhaust port 95 of the recovery chamber 80 can capture CNTs that have not been wound up by the winding member 34, enabling environmentally friendly operation with improved exhaust gas cleanliness.

[0089] A supply port 96 for a non-flammable gas or other replacement gas is provided at the upper part of the inlet / outlet chamber 81. An exhaust port 97 for discharging the atmosphere inside the inlet / outlet chamber 81 is provided at the bottom of the inlet / outlet chamber 81. By supplying replacement gas into the inlet / outlet chamber 81 through the supply port 96 and discharging it through the exhaust port 97, the atmosphere inside the inlet / outlet chamber 81 can be maintained as inactive.

[0090] A compression mechanism 100 for compressing CNTs is provided in the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81. The compression mechanism 100 has a pressure plate 101 as a pressing member and a drive unit 102 connected to the pressure plate 101.

[0091] The pressure plate 101 is sized to be inserted into the recycling cage 40 and is raised and lowered by the drive unit 102. In other words, the pressure plate 101 can be inserted into the feeding and discharging chamber 81 as follows: Figure 5 The single-dotted line in the diagram shows the vertical movement between the position where the CNT winding R is compressed inside the recovery cage 40 (the descending position) and the position where it moves above the recovery cage 40 (the retreating position).

[0092] The recycling device 6 is equipped with a recycling cage circulation mechanism 7, which feeds the empty recycling cage 40, which has been taken out of the recycling cage 40 containing the CNT winding body R from the feeding and discharging chamber 81, back into the feeding and discharging chamber 81.

[0093] The CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured as described above. Furthermore, the material of each component constituting the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1 is not particularly limited as long as it does not impede the performance of the function described in this specification; for example, stainless steel or general structural rolled steel (SS material) may be used. Additionally, Teflon (registered trademark) coating may be applied to the components that may come into contact with the CNTs in each component constituting the CNT manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0094] (Methods for recycling carbon nanotubes)

[0095] Next, an example of a CNT recovery method using recovery device 4 will be described. Furthermore, actions that can be automatically performed, such as the supply and stop of each gas, the opening and closing of each door, and the conveying of the recovery cage 40, as described below, can be performed automatically via the control unit (not shown) or manually by the operator.

[0096] First, in the generating apparatus 2, a carrier gas (e.g., hydrogen) is supplied to the reactor 21 along with a carbon source, catalyst metal, or catalyst metal compound. Then, the mixture is heated by the heater 22 to generate CNTs. The generated CNTs, along with the carrier gas, are conveyed through the opening 31 into the winding chamber 3. Then, in the winding chamber 3, a CNT winding body R is formed using a winding member 34 in the winding position. Afterward, the winding member 34 is retracted, so that the inner circumferential surface of the CNT winding body R is not supported by the winding member 34. Thus, the CNT winding body R detaches from the winding member 34, and the CNT winding body R separates from the winding member 34. Then, the winding member 34 is advanced from the pull-out position to the winding position to begin winding CNTs for forming the next CNT winding body R.

[0097] Then, in the winding chamber 3, the CNT winding body R, which has detached from the winding member 34, falls into the recovery chamber 80 of the recovery device 6 located below the winding chamber 3, and is recovered by falling into the recovery cage 40 pre-installed in the recovery chamber 80. In this way, by repeatedly winding and separating CNTs in the upper winding chamber 3, the CNT winding body R is sequentially recovered in the recovery cage 40 provided in the recovery chamber 80. Furthermore, during the stage of recovering the CNT winding body R in the recovery cage 40 provided in the recovery chamber 80, the access door 85 provided between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81 is lowered, thus isolating the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81.

[0098] Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed in the recovery of the CNT windings R within the recovery cage 40 of the recovery chamber 80, or after a certain amount of CNT windings R have been recovered from the recovery cage 40 of the recovery chamber 80, the access door 85 between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81 rises, establishing communication between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81. Furthermore, before this communication occurs between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81, a displacement gas is supplied to the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81 from the supply port 96 located at the top of the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81, and the atmosphere inside the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81 is discharged from the exhaust port 97 located at the bottom of the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81, maintaining a non-reactive atmosphere inside the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81.

[0099] Then, the recovery cage 40 containing the CNT winding R is sent out from the recovery chamber 80 and into the feed-in / out chamber 81, which is maintained in an inactive atmosphere. Then, in the feed-in / out chamber 81, the pressure plate 101 descends into the recovery cage 40 by the operation of the compression mechanism 100, compressing the CNT winding R.

[0100] In this way, after the CNT winding body R is compressed, the recovery cage 40 returns from the feed-in / output chamber 81 to the recovery chamber 80. Then, the CNT winding body R that has fallen from the winding chamber 3 is further recovered from the recovery cage 40 that has returned to the recovery chamber 80.

[0101] In this way, by appropriately and repeatedly recovering the CNT winding R in the recovery chamber 80 and compressing the CNT winding R in the delivery chamber 81, the recovery of the CNT winding R in the recovery chamber 40 ends when the recovery chamber 40 has recovered a predetermined amount of CNT winding R.

[0102] Then, in the feed-out chamber 81, the inlet / outlet door 90, located on the side opposite to the recovery chamber 80, rises, opening the feed-out chamber 81 to the outside. Furthermore, before this opening, the inlet / outlet side door 85, located between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-out chamber 81, lowers, isolating the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-out chamber 81. Meanwhile, the heater 22 of the generating apparatus 2 remains running, and the atmosphere temperature in the reactor 21 and the winding chamber 3 is maintained at a temperature suitable for CNT generation.

[0103] Then, the recycling cage 40, having finished recycling the CNT winding R, is discharged from the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81 and fed into the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7. Then, in the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7, the CNT winding R is removed from the recycling cage 40, and the removed CNT winding R is appropriately moved to the next process.

[0104] On the other hand, the empty recycling cage 40, after the CNT winding R is removed from the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7, returns from the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7 to the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81. In this case, another empty recycling cage 40 is prepared in advance in the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7, so that while the recycling cage 40, after the CNT winding R has been recycled, is sent out from the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81 and sent into the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7, the empty recycling cage 40 returns from the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7 to the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81.

[0105] In this way, after the empty recycling cage 40 returns from the recycling cage circulation mechanism 7 to the feed-out chamber 81, the inlet / outlet door 90, located on the side opposite to the recycling chamber 80, descends, isolating the feed-out chamber 81 from the outside. Then, a replacement gas is supplied to the feed-out chamber 81 from the supply port 96 located at the top of the feed-out chamber 81, and the atmosphere inside the feed-out chamber 81 is discharged from the exhaust port 97 located at the bottom of the feed-out chamber 81, maintaining the atmosphere inside the feed-out chamber 81 as an inactive atmosphere.

[0106] Then, the empty recovery cage 40 is fed from the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81, which is maintained in an inactive atmosphere, into the recovery chamber 80. As the empty recovery cage 40 is fed into the recovery chamber 80, the inlet / outlet side door 85, located between the recovery chamber 41 and the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81, lowers, isolating the atmosphere between the recovery chamber 80 and the feed-in / feed-out chamber 81. Then, in the recovery chamber 80, the CNT winding body R, which has fallen from the winding chamber 3, is recovered into the recovery cage 40.

[0107] By continuously repeating the above processes, the generation of CNTs in the generating device 2, the winding and separation of CNTs in the winding chamber 3, and the recycling of the CNT winding body R in the recycling chamber 80 can be carried out continuously.

[0108] Here, the effectiveness of the CNT recycling method described in the above embodiments will be explained. For example, the CNT manufacturing conditions are as follows: the CNT generation rate is 25 g / hour, and the volume of the recycling container is 0.5 m³. 3 Without using the CNT recycling method described in the above embodiments, it took 15 hours to fill the recycling container after the start of CNT manufacturing. The operation for removing the recycling container filled with CNTs and its time are as follows: First, the furnace cooling of the heating chamber takes about 10 hours. Gas replacement of the recycling chamber can be carried out simultaneously during the furnace cooling process. Next, the operation of removing the CNT windings from the recycling chamber takes about 2 hours, and the replacement of the reaction tube and cleaning of the recycling chamber take about 2 hours. From then on, heating the heating chamber for the next CNT manufacturing takes about 10 hours, gas introduction and stabilization of the furnace atmosphere take about 1 hour, and preparation of raw materials for the next reaction is completed. That is, it takes about 25 hours from the end of one CNT generation reaction to the start of the next CNT generation reaction. By using the CNT recycling mechanism described in the above embodiments, the aforementioned approximately 25-hour equipment downtime is eliminated.

[0109] Furthermore, although there are differences based on generation conditions, equipment scale, etc., the CNT compression mechanism described in the above embodiments can increase the packing density of the CNT winding by 1.4 to 5 times (winding: approximately 0.5 kg / m³). 3 → Compressible element: Approximately 0.7 kg / m³ 3 ~2.5kg / m 3 The amount of recycling in each recycling cage also increases accordingly.

[0110] In the CNT recycling method of this embodiment described above, the heating process and other steps previously required for CNT generation after the CNT recycling operation can be omitted. As a result, the time from the completion of the CNT recycling operation to the resumption of CNT generation can be shortened, and the productivity of CNT mass production can be improved.

[0111] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, and such modifications or alterations are naturally also considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0112] Furthermore, while compression mechanisms 70 and 100 are not strictly necessary, their use increases the capacity of the CNT winding R within the recycling cage 40, allowing for continuous CNT production. Consequently, the amount of CNTs recycled per recycling cycle increases, and the frequency of CNT recycling processes decreases, thus ensuring a longer CNT manufacturing time.

[0113] In particular, because CNTs are lightweight, they will not be flattened by their own weight. In addition, due to the nature of CNTs, the CNT winding R is difficult to roll on the surface of other CNT windings R, and CNTs stored in the recycling cage 40 tend to take up a lot of space. Therefore, it is useful to provide a compression mechanism 70.

[0114] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative or exemplary and not limiting. That is, the technology of this invention can achieve other effects, either in addition to or in lieu of the above-described effects, that are self-evident to those skilled in the art, based on the description in this specification. The above describes an example of recycling carbon nanotubes as a CNT winding R, but the present invention is also applicable to the recycling of carbon nanotubes in other forms.

[0115] Industrial availability

[0116] This invention can be applied to carbon nanotube recycling and manufacturing equipment.

[0117] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0118] R. CNT winding body (carbon nanotube winding body); 1. CNT manufacturing device (carbon nanotube manufacturing device); 2. CNT generation device (carbon nanotube generation device); 3. Winding chamber; 4. 6. CNT recycling device (carbon nanotube recycling device); 5. 7. Recycling cage circulation mechanism; 21. Reactor; 22. Heater; 23. Raw material supply port; 31. Opening; 32. Winding mechanism; 33. Rotating shaft; 34. Winding component; 35. Drive unit; 36. Separation mechanism; 37. Cylinder mechanism; 40. Recycling cage; 41. Recycling chamber; 42. Feeding chamber; 43. Feeding chamber; 45. Opening; 46. Inlet door; 47. Outer shell; 48. Lifting mechanism; 50. Outlet door; 51. Outer shell; 5 2. Lifting mechanism; 55. Entrance door; 56. Housing; 57. Lifting mechanism; 60. Exit door; 61. Housing; 62. Lifting mechanism; 65. Exhaust port; 66. Supply port; 67. Exhaust port; 68. Supply port; 69. Exhaust port; 70. Compression mechanism; 71. Pressure plate; 72. Drive unit; 75. Outgoing side loading platform; 76. Incoming side loading platform; 77. Conveyor path; 80. Recovery chamber; 81. Incoming and outgoing chambers; 82. Opening; 85. Entrance / exit door; 86. Housing; 87. Lifting mechanism; 90. Entrance / exit door; 91. Housing; 92. Lifting mechanism; 95. Exhaust port; 96. Supply port; 97. Exhaust port; 100. Compression mechanism; 101. Pressure plate; 102. Drive unit.

Claims

1. A carbon nanotube recycling device for recycling carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generating device, wherein, This carbon nanotube recycling device has the following features: The recycling chamber collects carbon nanotubes into the recycling cage. The empty recycling cage is fed into the recycling chamber; and The discharge chamber carries out a recovery cage containing recovered carbon nanotubes from the recovery chamber. The carbon nanotube recycling device has an inlet door that separates the recycling chamber from the delivery chamber and an outlet door that separates the recycling chamber from the delivery chamber.

2. The carbon nanotube recycling device according to claim 1, wherein, The discharge chamber is equipped with a compression mechanism for compressing the carbon nanotubes recovered in the recycling cage.

3. The carbon nanotube recycling device according to claim 1, wherein, The carbon nanotube recycling device has a recycling cage circulation mechanism, which takes out carbon nanotubes from the recycling cage that has been sent out of the delivery chamber and is now empty, and sends the empty recycling cage back into the delivery chamber.

4. The carbon nanotube recycling device according to claim 3, wherein, The carbon nanotube recycling device has a conveying mechanism for transporting the recycling cage between the recycling chamber, the feeding chamber, the feeding chamber, and the circulation mechanism.

5. A carbon nanotube recycling device for recycling carbon nanotubes generated by a carbon nanotube generating device, wherein, This carbon nanotube recycling device has the following features: The recycling chamber, which recovers carbon nanotubes into the recycling cage; and The system feeds an empty recycling cage into the recycling chamber and outputs a recycling cage containing recovered carbon nanotubes out of the recycling chamber. The carbon nanotube recycling device has an access door that separates the recycling chamber from the inlet / outlet chamber.

6. The carbon nanotube recycling device according to claim 5, wherein, The feed-in / feed-out chamber is equipped with a compression mechanism for compressing the carbon nanotubes recovered in the recycling cage.

7. The carbon nanotube recycling device according to claim 5, wherein, The carbon nanotube recycling device has a recycling cage circulation mechanism, which sends the empty recycling cage, which has been removed from the recycling cage containing carbon nanotubes and sent out of the inlet and outlet chamber, back into the inlet and outlet chamber.

8. The carbon nanotube recycling device according to claim 7, wherein, The carbon nanotube recycling device has a conveying mechanism for transporting the recycling cage between the recycling chamber, the infeed and outfeed chambers, and the circulation mechanism.

9. A carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus, wherein, This carbon nanotube manufacturing device has the following features: A generating device that generates carbon nanotubes; as well as The carbon nanotube recycling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for recycling carbon nanotubes, comprising using the carbon nanotube recycling apparatus of claim 2 to recycle carbon nanotubes, wherein, The action of recovering carbon nanotubes into the recovery cage in the recovery chamber and compressing the recovered carbon nanotubes in the recovery cage in the delivery chamber are repeatedly performed.

11. A method for recycling carbon nanotubes, comprising using the carbon nanotube recycling apparatus of claim 6 to recycle carbon nanotubes, wherein, The action of recovering carbon nanotubes into the recovery cage in the recovery chamber and the action of compressing the carbon nanotubes recovered in the recovery cage in the feeding and discharging chamber are repeatedly performed.

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