An apparatus and method for processing fine powders

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of fine powder processing technology, and more particularly to a processing apparatus and method for fine powders. The apparatus includes one or more parallel-arranged conveying substrates, each substrate comprising a feeding zone and a layup zone. A discharge ultrasonic transducer is disposed at the bottom of the feeding zone, wherein the vibration frequency of the discharge ultrasonic transducer is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, and the amplitude of the conveying substrate is 1 μm to 25 μm. Powders smaller than 100 micrometers have poor flowability; traditional linear feeders have low vibration frequencies and large amplitudes, making it impossible to achieve near-single-layer laying and conveying. This invention provides a novel technical solution for processing such powders, achieving near-single-layer laying and conveying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fine powder processing technology, and in particular to a fine powder processing apparatus and method. Background Technology

[0002] Fine powders (particle size less than 100 μm) are widely used in additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, thermal spraying, injection molding, and lithium battery manufacturing. In powder quality control, detecting and removing foreign matter (such as ceramic inclusions and dissimilar metal particles) and characterizing the particle size and shape are crucial steps in ensuring the quality of the final product. However, due to their large specific surface area and significant interparticle van der Waals and electrostatic forces, fine powders have poor flowability and are prone to agglomeration, bridging, and adhesion, which hinders uniform powder spreading, transport, and corresponding inspection and analysis.

[0003] Traditional powder spreading and conveying methods mainly include mechanical scraper spreading, vibrating feeder conveying, and pneumatic conveying. Mechanical scraper spreading (such as scraper spreading in additive manufacturing) is difficult to achieve uniform single-layer spreading for fine powders with a wide particle size distribution, and the friction between the scraper and the substrate may introduce new impurities. Traditional vibrating feeders typically use low-frequency (tens of Hz) and large-amplitude (millimeter-level) vibration. While they can convey powder, the large amplitude and low frequency fail to disperse fine powders into a near-single-layer arrangement, potentially exacerbating powder stratification or splattering. Although pneumatic conveying can transport powder, airflow cannot convey powder in a single-layer or near-single-layer state.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a method that can efficiently lay fine powder in a single layer or near-single layer and achieve directional conveying, in order to cooperate with subsequent online detection, foreign matter removal and quality sorting processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above problems, this invention provides an apparatus and method for processing fine powders. The technical solution provided by this invention is as follows: This invention provides a device for processing fine powders, the device comprising one or more parallel-arranged conveying substrates, each conveying substrate including a feeding area and a layup area. A feeding ultrasonic transducer is provided at the bottom of the feeding area. The vibration frequency of the feeding ultrasonic transducer is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, and the amplitude of the conveying substrate is 1 μm to 25 μm.

[0006] Furthermore, one or more of the following are provided above the layup area: a detection device, a heating device, and a foreign matter removal device; wherein, The foreign object removal device is selected from one or more of the following: an air blowing device, a dust suction device, or a push rod.

[0007] Furthermore, the tilt angle of the transport substrate is 1° to 90°; The surface roughness of the transport substrate is Ra0.1~3.2μm.

[0008] Furthermore, a splitting baffle is provided between the feeding area and the layup area, and a splitting baffle and the conveying substrate form a split with a height of 1.5 to 10 times the maximum particle size of the powder being processed.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is disposed below the ply region; the vibration frequency of the auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, wherein, When multiple auxiliary ultrasonic transducers are installed below the layup area, the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is close to the feeding area and adjacent to the feeding ultrasonic transducer. The first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is set at a position where the amplitude of the feeding ultrasonic transducer attenuates by 25% to 75%. The second auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, adjacent to the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, is positioned at a point where the amplitude of the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer attenuates by 25% to 75%. And so on, The nth auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, which is adjacent to the (n-1)th auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, is positioned at a point where the amplitude attenuation of the (n-1)th auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is 25% to 75%.

[0010] The present invention also provides a method for conveying fine powder, employing the aforementioned fine powder spreading processing device, the method comprising, The fine powder is placed in the feeding area of ​​the conveyor substrate; The ultrasonic transducer is turned on to perform ultrasonic vibration, and the fine powder moves toward the layup area, where it is spread out. The detection device above the layered area detects the fine powder after it has been spread out.

[0011] Furthermore, the fine powder is a mixture or pure substance of fine powders of a single size or multiple particle sizes, and the maximum particle size of the fine powder is less than or equal to 100 μm; The fine powder is one or more of the following: alloy powder, metal powder, ceramic powder, or lithium manganese oxide powder for lithium batteries, prepared by argon atomization technology or plasma rotating electrode method.

[0012] Furthermore, the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic transducer for feeding is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, and the amplitude of the conveying substrate is 1 μm to 25 μm.

[0013] Furthermore, the method also includes: The fine powder moves through the slits and along the conveying substrate toward the layup area, where it is spread out.

[0014] Furthermore, the detection device above the layup area detects the spread fine powder, including detecting foreign matter in the fine powder; and / or, Real-time detection of particle size and morphology of fine powders.

[0015] Furthermore, when the detection device detects foreign matter in the fine powder, the foreign matter removal device removes the foreign matter.

[0016] Furthermore, the fine powder is spread in the layup area, including single-layer spreading or near-single-layer spreading, wherein the near-single-layer spreading is when the thickness of the spread fine powder is less than twice the particle size of the largest metal powder.

[0017] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. Solved the problem of spreading fine powder: For fine powders with a particle size of less than 100 μm, which have poor flowability and are prone to agglomeration, high-frequency ultrasonic vibration of 20 kHz to 120 kHz and small-amplitude ultrasonic vibration of 1 μm to 25 μm is used to effectively overcome the adhesion between particles and realize the fluidization, uniform spreading and directional transport of powder.

[0018] 2. Achieving single-layer or near-single-layer arrangement: The unique high-frequency, low-amplitude vibration mode ensures that the powder remains in a single-layer or near-single-layer state during transport, which is a prerequisite for subsequent online detection, foreign matter removal, particle size and shape analysis, and other processes. Traditional low-frequency, high-amplitude vibration cannot achieve this effect.

[0019] 3. Simple equipment and easy operation: The core structure consists only of a conveying substrate, an auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic controller. There is no need for complex mechanical transmission or airflow control system. The equipment has low cost and is easy to maintain.

[0020] 4. Low vibration and low noise: The ultrasonic vibration frequency of 20 kHz to 120 kHz is far beyond the range of human hearing, and the amplitude is extremely small, resulting in almost no noise during operation and a friendly working environment. In addition, the small amplitude of ultrasonic vibration results in minimal overall vibration of the equipment structure, making the equipment easier to operate stably.

[0021] 5. High throughput and can be expanded in parallel: The single-channel processing capacity meets the needs of laboratories and pilot-scale production, and the parallel connection of multiple channels can meet the needs of large-scale industrial production.

[0022] 6. No pollution, no introduction of impurities: Ultrasonic vibration is a non-contact drive, eliminating the need for mechanical parts such as scrapers to come into contact with the powder, thus avoiding the problem of introducing impurities through mechanical friction.

[0023] 7. Wide range of applicable materials: It is suitable for various fine powders such as high-temperature alloys, stainless steel, titanium alloys, and high-entropy alloys prepared by methods such as argon atomization and plasma rotating electrode, and has good versatility.

[0024] 8. Integrated online detection function: In the single-layer arrangement, the powder particles do not overlap each other, and low-density foreign objects will "float", providing ideal observation conditions for optical detection devices, enabling real-time detection and automatic removal of foreign objects, particle size, and particle shape.

[0025] 9. Vacuum degassing / drying function: Combining vacuum and heating environment, and utilizing the large area exposure of single-layer and near-single-layer powder, it can achieve efficient removal / drying of adsorbed gas / moisture on the powder surface, further improving powder quality. It is especially suitable for powders that are sensitive to gas / moisture content.

[0026] 10. Addressing an industry pain point: Powders smaller than 100 micrometers have poor flowability. Traditional linear feeders have low vibration frequencies and large amplitudes, making it impossible to achieve near-single-layer spreading and conveying. This invention provides a novel technical solution for processing this type of powder.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first type of fine powder processing apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the fine powder processing device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a third schematic diagram of the fine powder processing device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a fourth schematic diagram of the fine powder processing device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a fifth schematic diagram of the fine powder processing device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a sixth schematic diagram of the fine powder processing device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the fine powder delivery method provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 8 A single-layer powder image obtained by the detection device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the powder and foreign matter after they have floated to the surface, obtained by the detection device provided in this application embodiment.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Conveying substrate; 2. Fine powder; 3. Feeding ultrasonic transducer; 4. Feeding ultrasonic controller; 3'. Auxiliary ultrasonic transducer; 4'. Auxiliary ultrasonic controller; 5. Single-layer or near-single-layer powder spreading; 6. Detection device; 7. Foreign matter removal device; 8. Slit baffle; 9. Heating device; 10. Vacuum chamber; 11. Data processing and control system; 12. Powder collector; 13. Tracked conveyor; 14. Electromagnetic or electrostatic sorting device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention discloses a device for conveying fine powders, such as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the device includes one or more parallel-arranged conveying substrates 1, and the parallel arrangement of multiple conveying substrates 1 enables efficient powder processing.

[0032] The tilt angle of each transport substrate 1 is 1° to 90°; the surface roughness of each transport substrate 1 is Ra0.1 to 3.2 μm.

[0033] Each conveying substrate 1 includes a loading area and a layup area, wherein, At least one feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 is provided at the bottom of the feeding area. The vibration frequency of the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 is 20 kHz to 120 kHz. Each feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 is equipped with a feeding ultrasonic controller 4. The feeding ultrasonic controller 4 is connected to a data processing and control system 11. The data processing and control system 11 is used to adjust the amplitude of the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 by adjusting the output power of the feeding ultrasonic controller 4. During the laying process, the amplitude of the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 is adjusted so that the amplitude of the conveying substrate is 1 μm to 25 μm, so as to realize the laying of a single layer or near-single layer of fine powder.

[0034] When the vibration frequency of the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 is not within the range of 20 kHz to 120 kHz, and the amplitude of the conveying substrate is not within the range of 1 μm to 25 μm during the spreading process, it is difficult to achieve single-layer or near-single-layer spreading of fine powder during transmission. For example, when the vibration frequency of the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 is 50 Hz and the amplitude of the conveying substrate is 0.5 to 1.5 mm, the powder can flow downwards, but it advances in a relatively thick stack, making single-layer or near-single-layer spreading impossible, which is detrimental to detection and other powder processing. When an ultrasonic transducer with a vibration frequency above 120 kHz is used, due to excessive power, the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 cannot provide sufficient amplitude to the conveying substrate, and single-layer or near-single-layer spreading of fine powder is also impossible.

[0035] When the layup area is long, one or more auxiliary ultrasonic transducers 3' are installed below the layup area to ensure continuous powder flow and relay the powder from the feeding area to the endpoint. One or more auxiliary ultrasonic transducers are installed below the substrate layup area.

[0036] For example, the detection device 6 captures a picture of the spread of fine powder 2 in the layup area and transmits the picture to the data processing and control system 11. The data processing and control system 11 uses image segmentation and particle tracking machine learning algorithms to determine whether the powder is a single layer or near a single layer. If it is not a single layer or near a single layer, the data processing and control system 11 adjusts the output power parameters of the ultrasonic controller 4 to adjust the amplitude of the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 so that the amplitude of the conveying substrate is in the range of 1 μm to 25 μm, thereby making the powder reach a single layer or near a single layer.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, at least one auxiliary ultrasonic transducer 3' is also provided below the layup area. Each auxiliary ultrasonic transducer 3' is equipped with an auxiliary ultrasonic controller 4', which is connected to a data processing and control system 11. The data processing and control system 11 is used to adjust the amplitude of the auxiliary ultrasonic transducer 3' by adjusting the output power of the auxiliary ultrasonic controller 4'. During the laying process, the amplitude of the conveying substrate is adjusted to 1 μm to 25 μm by adjusting the amplitude of the auxiliary ultrasonic transducer 3'. The auxiliary ultrasonic transducer 3' is located below the unloading area where the amplitude of the unloading ultrasonic transducer 3 attenuates by 25% to 75%.

[0038] The vibration frequency of the auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is 20kHz to 120kHz.

[0039] For example, when multiple auxiliary ultrasonic transducers are provided below the layup area, the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is close to the unloading area and adjacent to the ultrasonic transducer; the nth auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is the farthest from the unloading area.

[0040] The first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is positioned at a point where the amplitude attenuation of the ultrasonic transducer is 25% to 75%. The second auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, adjacent to the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, is positioned at a point where the amplitude of the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer attenuates by 25% to 75%. And so on, The nth auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, which is adjacent to the (n-1)th auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, is positioned at a point where the amplitude attenuation of the (n-1)th auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is 25% to 75%.

[0041] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, a split baffle 8 is provided between the feeding area and the layup area. The split baffle 8 and the conveying substrate form a split with a height of 1.5 to 10 times the maximum particle size of the fine powder to be processed. The fine powder passes through the split under the action of ultrasonic vibration to achieve uniform layup.

[0042] The endpoint of the transport of the transport substrate 1 is the powder collector 12, or other powder handling device, or other powder transport device. For example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the end point of the conveying of the conveying plate 1 is the track conveyor 13, and the track conveyor 13 is provided with a detection device 6, a heating device 9 and a foreign object removal device 7.

[0043] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, a heating device 9 and a foreign matter removal device 7 are also provided above the layup area; the foreign matter removal device 7 is selected from one or more of a blowing device, a vacuuming device, or a push rod. Figure 6 As shown, the method is carried out in a vacuum chamber 10, supplemented by a heating device 9. The heating device 9 can be an overall environmental heating device or a local heating device that only heats a single layer of powder for a short time. The use of a heating device in a vacuum environment allows for simultaneous degassing / drying during powder transport. An electromagnetic or electrostatic separation device 14 is installed below the end of the transport substrate 1. After the fine powder, transported in a single or near-single layer, falls into the electrostatic or magnetic separation device, it is easier to separate non-metallic impurities.

[0044] The present invention also provides a method for conveying fine powder, using the aforementioned fine powder processing apparatus, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes, Step 1: Place the fine powder 2 in the feeding area of ​​the conveying substrate 1; the conveying substrate 1 is inclined at a certain angle to the horizontal plane. Under the action of ultrasonic vibration, the powder is fluidized and moves downward along the substrate, and is spread out in a single layer or near a single layer; the inclination angle of the conveying substrate 1 is 1° to 90°.

[0045] Step 2: Turn on the ultrasonic transducer 3 to perform ultrasonic vibration. The fine powder 2 moves through the slit and along the conveying substrate 1 to the layup area, where the fine powder 2 is spread out. In this process, a slit with a height of 1.5 to 10 times the maximum particle size of the fine powder being processed is set on the conveying substrate. The fine powder 2 passes through the slit under the action of ultrasonic vibration, which can further achieve uniform powder layering and thickness control.

[0046] The fine powder 2 is spread in the layup area, including single-layer spreading or near-single-layer spreading, wherein the near-single-layer is when the thickness of the spread fine powder is less than twice the particle size of the largest metal powder.

[0047] Step 3: The detection device 6 above the layup area detects and processes the spread-out fine powder 2.

[0048] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the fine powder 2 is a mixture or pure substance of fine powders of a single size or multiple particle sizes, and the particle size of the fine powder 2 is less than 100 μm; the fine powder 2 is one or more of alloy powder, metal powder, ceramic powder or lithium manganese oxide powder for lithium batteries prepared by argon atomization technology or plasma rotating electrode method.

[0049] Many fine powders with a particle size of less than 100 μm have poor sphericity and poor flowability due to electrostatic adsorption and other reasons, making it difficult to achieve uniform spreading using conventional methods.

[0050] For example, the maximum particle size of the powder in the fine powder 2 is 100 μm, and the minimum particle size is about 1 μm.

[0051] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, in step 1, multiple conveying substrates 1 of the present invention can be arranged in parallel to achieve efficient processing of large batches of powder and meet the needs of industrial production.

[0052] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the vibration frequency of the feeding ultrasonic transducer 3 is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, and the power is adjusted so that the amplitude of the conveying substrate 1 is 1 μm to 25 μm. The high frequency (20 kHz to 120 kHz) results in an extremely short vibration period, effectively overcoming the adhesion between powder particles; the small amplitude (1 μm to 10 μm) ensures that the powder particles only undergo micro-vibration, avoiding macro-splashing. Preferably, the amplitude is 1 μm to 5 μm, within which the powder fluidization and monolayer spreading effects are optimal.

[0053] The conveying substrate 1 is tilted at a certain angle (1° to 90°) to the horizontal plane. Under the action of ultrasonic vibration, the powder is fluidized due to the high-frequency vibration, and the friction and adhesion between particles are effectively weakened. Driven by gravity, the powder moves downward along the tilted substrate. Due to the high vibration frequency and small amplitude, the powder is gradually dispersed and spread out during the movement, forming a single layer or near-single layer arrangement, and continues to move downward along the substrate in this state. If necessary, one or more auxiliary ultrasonic transducers can be set in the middle of the conveying substrate to ensure continuous fluidization and stable flow of the powder during long-distance conveying.

[0054] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the detection device 6 above the layup area detects the spread fine powder, including detecting foreign matter in the fine powder; and / or, Real-time detection of particle size and morphology of fine powders.

[0055] When the detection device 6 detects foreign matter in the fine powder, the foreign matter removal device 7 removes the foreign matter.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, a detection device (such as an optical imaging device or microscope) is installed above the area where the powder is held in a single or near-single layer to detect foreign matter in the powder (including ceramic inclusions, foreign metal particles, oxides, etc.), and can simultaneously detect the particle size and shape of the powder in real time. When the detection device 6 detects foreign matter, the foreign matter removal device 7 (such as an air blowing device, a dust suction device, or a push rod) removes the foreign matter, thereby obtaining high-purity powder. When the powder is conveyed in a single or near-single layer, low-density foreign matter will "float" to the surface of the metal powder (such as...) due to gravity. Figure 9 As shown in the figure, this makes the test very easy.

[0057] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, vacuum heating degassing / drying involves placing the entire device in a vacuum chamber 10 and applying a certain level of heat. This utilizes the extremely large surface area of ​​the single-layer powder to effectively remove adsorbed gases / moisture from the powder surface, thereby improving powder quality. The heating device can be an overall environmental heating device or a localized heating device that only heats a single layer of powder for a short time, to reduce thermal impact and energy consumption.

[0058] A slit baffle 8 with a height of 1.5 to 10 times the maximum particle size of the powder being processed is set on the conveying substrate. The powder passes through the slit under the action of ultrasonic vibration, which can further realize the uniform layering and thickness control of the powder.

[0059] The method and apparatus of this invention can be widely applied in the field of quality control of fine powders, including but not limited to: foreign matter detection and removal of powders for additive manufacturing, online particle size analysis of powders for powder metallurgy, pretreatment of powders for injection molding, processing of powder materials for lithium batteries, and vacuum degassing of special alloy powders. The equipment has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and has adjustable throughput. It is suitable for powder characterization at the laboratory research and development level, and can also be expanded in parallel to meet the needs of large-scale industrial production. This invention provides a completely new technical approach for the processing of fine powders and has broad prospects for industrial application.

[0060] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0061] Example 1 This embodiment demonstrates the application of the method of the present invention in the detection of foreign objects in high-temperature alloy powder.

[0062] Material: -150 mesh (0~100μm wide distribution) high-temperature alloy powder (grade Inconel 718) prepared by argon atomization.

[0063] Device configuration: such as Figure 1 The conveyor substrate is made of stainless steel and measures 500 mm × 100 mm. A 40 kHz ultrasonic transducer, driven by an ultrasonic power supply, is installed directly below the loading area. The output power is adjusted to control the substrate amplitude within the range of 1 μm to 10 μm. The tilt angle of the substrate relative to the horizontal plane is set to 10°.

[0064] Detection and Removal: An industrial camera and optical imaging system are installed approximately 50 mm above the powder surface on the substrate. Image processing algorithms are used to detect foreign objects in the powder in real time. A self-blowing device is installed downstream of the detection area. When a foreign object is detected, the device is controlled to blow it away from the substrate.

[0065] Operating Procedure: Approximately 20 g of high-temperature alloy powder is evenly poured into the feeding area, and ultrasonic vibration is activated. Under ultrasonic excitation, the powder fluidizes and slowly moves downwards along a 10° inclined substrate, gradually spreading out to form a near-monolayer arrangement. The optical system acquires real-time images of the powder, identifies and marks the location of foreign objects. The control system records the detection results and triggers an air blowing device to remove the foreign objects.

[0066] Results: The entire transport process lasted approximately 10 minutes. The powder remained in a single or near-single-layer arrangement on the substrate, with no overlap between particles. The optical system could clearly distinguish each powder particle and any foreign matter (such as ceramic fragments, discolored particles, etc.) embedded within it. Statistical analysis showed that this embodiment achieved a foreign matter detection rate exceeding 95% for particles larger than 50 μm.

[0067] Example 2 This embodiment demonstrates an improved scheme with a splitting structure. Figure 3 (As shown).

[0068] Materials: Same as in Example 1, using -270 mesh (0~53μm wide distribution) high-temperature alloy powder.

[0069] Device configuration: Basically the same as in Example 1, except that a 100μm high slit is provided on the conveying substrate, through which the powder passes under ultrasonic vibration. The slit is located upstream of the detection area and is used for precise control of the powder layer thickness.

[0070] Operating procedure: Under ultrasonic excitation, the powder moves along a 10° inclined substrate to the slit. The slit only allows single-layer powder with a thickness of less than 100 μm to pass through. Overly thick powder agglomerates are blocked and continue to be dispersed by ultrasonic vibration, eventually passing through the slit in a single layer. The powder that has passed through the slit enters the detection area, where it is detected as a foreign object by an optical imaging system.

[0071] Implementation results: The introduction of splitting further improved the uniformity of powder layup, ensuring the consistency of powder thickness in the detection area, and the detection rate of foreign objects larger than 20 μm was close to 100%.

[0072] Example 3 This embodiment demonstrates the application of vacuum heating degassing function.

[0073] Materials: -270 mesh (0~53μm wide distribution) titanium alloy powder (Ti-6Al-4V) prepared by plasma rotating electrode (PREP) method.

[0074] Apparatus configuration: Place the entire apparatus in a vacuum chamber and evacuate to a vacuum level of 10. - Below 2 Pa. An infrared heating lamp is installed above the conveying substrate as a local heating device to heat only the single-layer powder area for a short time, and the heating temperature is controlled between 150℃ and 200℃.

[0075] Operating Procedure: The vacuum pump is turned on to achieve the target vacuum level. The infrared heating lamps are then activated to preheat the substrate to the set temperature. After loading the titanium alloy powder, ultrasonic vibration is initiated. The powder moves in a single layer on the tilted substrate and passes through the heating zone. Under the combined effects of heating and vacuum, the gas / moisture adsorbed on the powder surface is efficiently removed.

[0076] Results: The oxygen content of the treated titanium alloy powder is significantly reduced, making it suitable for aerospace-grade additive manufacturing powders with extremely high gas content requirements.

[0077] Example 4 This embodiment demonstrates a high-throughput processing scheme with multiple channels in parallel.

[0078] Material: -270 mesh (0~53μm wide distribution) stainless steel powder (316L).

[0079] Device configuration: Five transport substrates as described in Example 1 are arranged in parallel, each equipped with an ultrasonic power distribution system and a detection system.

[0080] Operating procedure: Each channel is independently fed and operated. Powder is simultaneously conveyed and foreign object is detected, and the output is 5 times that of a single channel.

[0081] Implementation results: The processing capacity reached approximately 100 g / batch, meeting the needs of small-batch industrial production. Capacity can be further expanded by increasing the number of parallel channels.

[0082] Example 5 Materials: Same as in Example 2, using -270 mesh stainless steel powder.

[0083] Device configuration: basically the same as in Example 2, except that there is no powder detection and processing equipment above the conveying substrate. Figure 5 (As shown). A track conveyor 13 is provided below the end of the conveying substrate. Fine powder, which has been basically conveyed in a single layer by ultrasonic conveying, falls onto the track conveyor. A powder detection and processing device is provided above the track conveyor, and non-metallic impurities are separated on the track conveyor.

[0084] Example 6 This embodiment demonstrates the effectiveness of combining the slit structure with other powder processing devices.

[0085] Materials: Same as in Example 2, using -270 mesh high-temperature alloy powder.

[0086] Device configuration: basically the same as in Example 2, except that there is no powder detection and processing equipment above the conveying substrate. Figure 6 (As shown). An electrostatic or magnetic separator 14 is installed below the end of the conveying substrate. After the fine powder, which has been conveyed in a single layer, falls into the electrostatic or magnetic separator, non-metallic impurities are separated.

[0087] Implementation results: Continuous production / inspection can be achieved, and production capacity can be further expanded by increasing the number of parallel channels.

[0088] Example 7 Material: High-temperature alloy powder with a wide distribution of 0~15μm.

[0089] Device configuration: basically the same as in Example 6 ( Figure 6(As shown), the difference is that the ultrasonic frequency is 120 kHz. An electrostatic or magnetic separator 14 is provided below the end of the conveying substrate. After the fine powder, which has basically achieved single-layer conveying, falls into the electrostatic or magnetic separator, non-metallic impurities are separated.

[0090] Implementation results: Continuous production / inspection can be achieved, and production capacity can be further expanded by increasing the number of parallel channels.

[0091] Example 8 Materials: Same as in Example 1, -150 mesh (0~100μm wide distribution) high-temperature alloy powder (Inconel 718) was prepared by argon atomization.

[0092] Device configuration: basically the same as in Example 1 ( Figure 1 (as shown), the difference is that the ultrasonic frequency is 20 kHz.

[0093] Implementation Results: The entire conveying process lasts approximately 15 minutes. The powder maintains a single or near-single-layer arrangement on the substrate, with no overlap between particles. The optical system can clearly distinguish each powder particle and any foreign matter (such as ceramic fragments, discolored particles, etc.) embedded within it. Statistical analysis shows that this embodiment achieves a foreign matter detection rate exceeding 95% for particles larger than 50 μm. Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for processing fine powders, characterized in that, The device includes one or more parallel-arranged conveyor plates, each conveyor plate including a feeding area and a layup area. A feeding ultrasonic transducer is provided at the bottom of the feeding area. The vibration frequency of the feeding ultrasonic transducer is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, and the amplitude of the conveying substrate is 1 μm to 25 μm.

2. The fine powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Above the layup area, one or more of the following are provided: a detection device, a heating device, and a foreign matter removal device; wherein, The foreign object removal device is selected from one or more of the following: an air blowing device, a dust suction device, or a push rod.

3. The fine powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tilt angle of the transport substrate is 1° to 90°; The surface roughness of the transport substrate is Ra0.1~3.2μm.

4. The fine powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A splitting baffle is provided between the feeding zone and the layup zone, and a splitting baffle and the conveying substrate form a split with a height of 1.5 to 10 times the maximum particle size of the powder being processed.

5. The apparatus for processing fine powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, Below the layup zone, at least one auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is also provided; the vibration frequency of the auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, wherein, When multiple auxiliary ultrasonic transducers are installed below the layup area, the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is close to the feeding area and adjacent to the feeding ultrasonic transducer. The first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is set at a position where the amplitude of the feeding ultrasonic transducer attenuates by 25% to 75%. The second auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, adjacent to the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, is positioned at a point where the amplitude of the first auxiliary ultrasonic transducer attenuates by 25% to 75%. And so on, The nth auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, which is adjacent to the (n-1)th auxiliary ultrasonic transducer, is positioned at a point where the amplitude attenuation of the (n-1)th auxiliary ultrasonic transducer is 25% to 75%.

6. A method for processing fine powder, characterized in that, The method of processing fine powder using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5 includes, The fine powder is placed in the feeding area of ​​the conveyor substrate; The ultrasonic transducer is turned on to perform ultrasonic vibration, and the fine powder moves toward the layup area, where it is spread out. The detection device above the layup area detects and processes the fine powder after it has been spread out.

7. The method for processing fine powder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fine powder is a mixture or pure substance of fine powders of a single size or multiple particle sizes, and the maximum particle size of the fine powder is less than or equal to 100 μm; The fine powder is one or more of the following: alloy powder, metal powder, ceramic powder, or lithium manganese oxide powder for lithium batteries, prepared by argon atomization technology or plasma rotating electrode method.

8. The method for processing fine powder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vibration frequency of the ultrasonic transducer for feeding is 20 kHz to 120 kHz, and the amplitude of the conveying substrate is 1 μm to 25 μm.

9. The method for processing fine powder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fine powder moves through the slits and along the conveying substrate toward the layup area, where it is spread out.

10. The method for processing fine powder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection device above the layup area detects the spread fine powder, including detecting foreign matter in the fine powder; and / or, Real-time detection of particle size and morphology of fine powders.

11. The method for processing fine powder according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the detection device detects foreign matter in the fine powder, the foreign matter removal device removes the foreign matter.

12. The method for processing fine powder according to any one of claims 6-11, characterized in that, The fine powder is spread in the layup area, including single-layer spreading or near-single-layer spreading, wherein the near-single-layer is when the thickness of the spread fine powder is less than twice the particle size of the largest metal powder.

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