Aerogel particle modification method and apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to a method and apparatus for modifying aerogel particles. The apparatus includes a modification tank and comprises the following steps: preheating the modification tank; loading the aerogel particles to be modified into a modification chamber and evacuating the modification chamber; introducing an atomized modifier into an airflow channel; forward stirring the modifier in the airflow channel, causing the modifier airflow to enter the modification chamber from one of the top and bottom points along a first direction, thereby modifying the aerogel particles; and reverse stirring the modifier in the airflow channel, causing the modifier airflow to enter the modification chamber from the other of the top or bottom points along a second direction, thereby modifying the aerogel particles. The first and second directions are opposite. This aerogel particle modification method can improve the uniformity of aerogel particle modification, thereby improving the production quality of aerogel particles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerogel particle production technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for modifying aerogel particles. Background Technology

[0002] Aerogel particles possess high specific surface area, high porosity, low density, and excellent thermal insulation properties, making them widely used in fields such as thermal insulation, adsorption, catalysis, and energy storage. However, unmodified aerogel particles suffer from problems such as strong hydrophilicity, hygroscopicity, low strength, poor dispersibility, and insufficient stability. Therefore, modification of aerogel particles is necessary.

[0003] There are two methods for modifying aerogel particles: pre-modification and post-modification. Pre-modification generally involves adding modifiers at the sol stage. This method not only results in uneven modification but also generates a large amount of waste liquid, posing environmental and safety risks, and it also takes a long time. Post-modification is divided into liquid-phase modification and gas-phase modification. Liquid-phase modification involves immersing the wet gel in a modifying solution. This method also generates a large amount of waste liquid, and its overall safety risks are far greater than those of gas-phase modification. Furthermore, to ensure uniform modification, the immersion time needs to be significantly extended, and multiple immersions may even be required. Gas-phase modification uses gaseous modifiers to modify the aerogel. This method results in more uniform modification of the aerogel particles, generates no waste liquid, and has higher safety.

[0004] However, there are few devices available for modifying aerogel particles in traditional technologies, and the problem of uneven modification still exists in traditional gas-phase modification technologies, resulting in poor production quality of aerogel particles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method and apparatus for modifying aerogel particles to address the above problems, which can improve the uniformity of aerogel particle modification and thus improve the production quality of aerogel particles.

[0006] On one hand, a method for modifying aerogel particles is provided, comprising an aerogel particle modification apparatus, the aerogel particle modification apparatus including a modification tank, the modification tank having a modification chamber and an airflow channel, the modification chamber being located inside the modification tank, the airflow channel being located in the side wall of the modification tank and surrounding the modification chamber, the bottom and top of the modification chamber being in communication with the airflow channel, and the aerogel particle modification method comprising the following steps:

[0007] The modification tank is preheated so that the temperature of the modification chamber reaches a first set temperature;

[0008] The aerogel particles to be modified are loaded into the modification chamber, and the modification chamber is evacuated to a set vacuum level.

[0009] Atomized modifier is introduced into the airflow channel;

[0010] The modifier in the airflow channel is stirred in the forward direction, causing the modifier airflow in the airflow channel to enter the modification chamber from one of the top and bottom of the modification chamber along a first direction, so as to modify the aerogel particles with the modifier. The modifier in the airflow channel is stirred in the reverse direction, causing the modifier airflow in the airflow channel to enter the modification chamber from the other of the top or bottom of the modification chamber along a second direction, so as to modify the aerogel particles with the modifier. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0011] In one embodiment, during the step of preheating the modified tank, the gas in the modified chamber is stirred in both the forward and reverse directions.

[0012] In one embodiment, during the step of preheating the modified tank, the duration of forward stirring of the gas in the modified chamber is t1, where 10 min ≤ t1 ≤ 30 min;

[0013] And / or, in the step of heating the modified tank, the gas in the modified chamber is stirred in the reverse direction for a duration of t2, where 10 min ≤ t2 ≤ 30 min.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method further includes the following steps: after the modifier and the aerogel particles have been modified, the modification chamber is subjected to at least two alternating vacuuming and purging operations until the emission concentration of byproducts generated by the modification reaction remaining in the modification chamber is lower than a set threshold.

[0015] In one embodiment, the specific steps of preheating the modified tank include: heating the modified tank with a heat-conducting medium and monitoring the temperature inside the modified tank and the temperature of the heat-conducting medium, so that the heat-conducting medium maintains the temperature inside the modified tank at the first set temperature, and stopping the aerogel particle modification device when the temperature of the heat-conducting medium reaches the second set temperature, wherein the second set temperature is greater than the first set temperature.

[0016] On the other hand, an aerogel particle modification apparatus is also provided, applied in the above-mentioned aerogel particle modification method, the aerogel particle modification apparatus comprising:

[0017] A modification tank, wherein a modification chamber is formed inside the modification tank, and an airflow channel is formed in the side wall of the modification tank, the airflow channel surrounds the modification chamber, and the bottom and top of the modification chamber are connected to the airflow channel;

[0018] A modifier supply unit includes a modifier supply component and an atomizing nozzle. The modifier supply component is at least partially disposed outside the modifier tank. The atomizing nozzle is disposed in the airflow channel and connected to the modifier supply component. The atomizing nozzle is used to spray atomized modifier into the airflow channel.

[0019] The fan motor includes a stirring fan blade and a drive motor. The stirring fan blade is disposed at the bottom of the modification chamber, and the drive motor can drive the stirring fan blade to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions.

[0020] A vacuum unit is provided, which is capable of evacuating the modified tank.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device further includes a basket disposed inside the modification tank, the basket having a receiving portion and at least two venting zones, the receiving portion being located inside the basket for receiving aerogel particles to be modified, and the venting zones being located at both the top and bottom of the basket.

[0022] In one embodiment, a heating unit is also included. The side wall of the modified tank is provided with a heating channel. The heating channel is located on the side of the airflow channel away from the modified chamber. The heating channel can be circulated with a heat-conducting medium. The heating unit includes a circulation pump and a heater, both disposed outside the modified tank. The circulation pump is connected to the heater, and the circulation pump and the heater are respectively connected to the heating channel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the system further includes a first temperature detector and a second temperature detector, the first temperature detector being used to detect the temperature inside the modified chamber, and the second temperature detector being used to detect the temperature of the heat-conducting medium.

[0024] In one embodiment, the system further includes an exhaust gas treatment unit, an exhaust valve, and a pressure relief valve. The exhaust valve and the pressure relief valve are both disposed on the modified tank. The exhaust gas treatment unit is disposed outside the modified tank and is connected to the modified tank through the exhaust valve.

[0025] In the above-mentioned aerogel particle modification method, after the modifier enters the airflow channel, the modifier in the airflow channel is stirred in both forward and reverse directions. This promotes the circulation of the modifier, accelerates the speed at which the modifier enters the modification chamber, and ensures that the modifier is evenly distributed in the modification tank. In this way, the aerogel particles in the modification tank can uniformly adsorb the modifier, making the modification of aerogel particles more efficient, shortening the modification time, achieving uniform modification, good consistency of modifier coating, and improving the stability of aerogel particles, thereby improving the production quality of modified aerogel particles. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerogel particle modification apparatus in some embodiments.

[0027] 1. Modification tank; 101. Tank body; 1011. Modification chamber; 1012. Heating channel; 1013. Connecting port; 1014. Airflow channel; 1015. Insulation layer; 102. Cover; 2. Suspended basket; 3. Fan motor; 301. Agitator fan; 302. Drive motor; 4. Heating unit; 401. Circulating pump; 402. Heater; 403. Connecting pipe; 404. Feeding component; 5. First temperature Detector; 6. Second temperature detector; 7. Pressure detector; 8. Safety valve; 9. Modifier supply unit; 901. Atomizing nozzle; 902. Modifier storage tank; 903. Material conveying pipeline; 904. Regulating valve; 905. Flow meter; 10. Vent pipe; 11. Vacuum pump set; 12. First pipe; 13. Waste gas treatment unit; 14. Second pipe; 15. Vacuum valve; 16. Exhaust valve; 17. Pressure relief valve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] See Figure 1 , Figure 1A cross-sectional view of an aerogel particle modification device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. This embodiment of the application provides an aerogel particle modification device. The aerogel particle modification device includes a modification tank 1, a modifier supply unit 9, a fan motor 3, and a vacuum unit. The modification tank 1 has a modification chamber inside, and an airflow channel 1014 is formed in the side wall of the modification tank 1, surrounding the modification chamber 1011. The bottom and top of the modification chamber 1011 are connected to the airflow channel 1014. The modifier supply unit 9 includes a modifier supply component and an atomizing nozzle 901. The modifier supply component is at least partially disposed outside the modification tank 1. The atomizing nozzle 901 is disposed in the airflow channel 1014 and connected to the modifier supply component. The atomizing nozzle 901 is used to spray atomized modifier into the modification chamber 1011, and the modifier supply component is used to supply modifier to the atomizing nozzle 901. The fan motor 3 includes a stirring fan 301 and a drive motor 302. The stirring fan 301 is disposed at the bottom of the modification chamber 1011 and faces the modification chamber 1011. The drive motor 302 can drive the stirring fan 301 to rotate forward and backward. The vacuum unit can evacuate the modification tank 1.

[0035] It is understandable that when the aerogel particle modification device modifies aerogel particles, it is necessary to heat the modification tank 1, so that the temperature of the modification chamber 1011 and the airflow channel 1014 increases. After the atomizing nozzle 901 introduces the atomized modifier into the airflow channel 1014, the liquid phase modifier is transformed into the gas phase modifier under the influence of the high temperature of the airflow channel 1014 and the modification chamber 1011.

[0036] A vacuum unit is installed in the aerogel particle modification device. Before the modifier is introduced into the modification tank 1, the vacuum unit can be used to evacuate the modification tank 1 to remove the air in the modification tank 1. Since the fan motor 3 includes a stirring fan 301 and a drive motor 302, the stirring fan 301 is located at the bottom of the modification chamber 1011, and the drive motor 302 can drive the stirring fan 301 to rotate forward and backward. After the modifier supply component inputs the atomized modifier gas into the airflow channel 1014, the drive motor 302 drives the stirring fan 301 to rotate forward and backward. This can accelerate the entry of the modifier into the modification chamber 1011 and make the modifier evenly distributed in the modification tank 1, which is beneficial to the modification of aerogel particles. This makes the modification of aerogel particles more efficient, shortens the modification time, achieves uniform modification, good consistency of modifier coating, and improves the stability of aerogel particles, thereby improving the production quality of modified aerogel particles. In addition, a stirring fan 301 is installed at the bottom of the modification chamber 1011. Before and after the modifier is introduced into the modification tank 1, the stirring fan 301 can be driven by the drive motor 302 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. The forward and reverse stirring of the fan motor 301 helps to promote the gas flow inside the modification tank 1, making the heat distribution inside the modification tank 1 more uniform. During the modification, the aerogel particles are heated more evenly, further improving the uniformity of the modification of the aerogel particles.

[0037] In one embodiment, a basket 2 is further included for placement inside the modification tank 1. The basket has a receiving portion and at least two venting zones. The receiving portion is located inside the basket 2 and is used to hold the aerogel particles to be modified. The top and bottom of the basket 2 both have venting zones. By setting the basket 2 inside the modification tank 1, the aerogel particles to be modified can be supported in the modification tank 1. The venting zones are breathable but not powder-permeable and have a high-temperature resistant structure. Venting zones are provided at the top and bottom of the basket 2, and the receiving portion is connected to the outside of the basket 2 through the venting zones. In this way, the modifier airflow in the airflow channel 1014 can sequentially enter the receiving portion of the basket 2 from the airflow channel 1014, the modification chamber 1011, and the venting zones to react with the aerogel particles and thus achieve the modification of the aerogel particles.

[0038] Optionally, the side wall of the suspended basket 2 is provided with a ventilated area, so that the receiving area can also be connected to the outside of the suspended basket through the ventilated area of ​​the side wall. In this way, the modifier airflow can also enter the interior of the suspended basket 2 through the ventilated area of ​​the side wall and come into contact with the aerogel particles.

[0039] In one embodiment, the aerogel particle modification device further includes a heating unit 4. A heating channel 1012 is also provided on the side wall of the modification tank 1. The heating channel 1012 is located on the side of the airflow channel 1014 away from the modification chamber 1011. The heating channel 1012 can be circulated with a heat-conducting medium. The heating unit 4 includes a circulation pump 401 and a heater 402, both disposed outside the modification tank 1. The circulation pump 401 is connected to the heater 402, and the circulation pump 401 and the heater 402 are connected to the heating channel 1012. The heater 402 is used to heat the heat-conducting medium, and the circulation pump 401 provides power to the heat-conducting medium. After being heated by the heater 402, the heat-conducting medium is transported to the heating channel 1012 by the circulation pump 401 and then flows back to the heater 402, realizing the circulation of the heat-conducting medium in the heating channel 1012-circulation pump 401-heater 402-heating channel 1012. As the heat transfer medium flows in the heating channel 1012, it heats the side wall of the modified tank 1, raising the temperature inside the modified chamber 1011 and thus heating the modified tank 1.

[0040] The heat transfer medium can be either gaseous or liquid. In practical applications, the heat transfer medium can be flexibly selected according to the needs.

[0041] In this example, the heat transfer medium is heat transfer oil, which has a high volumetric specific heat capacity and excellent heat storage capacity. When the heat transfer oil is output from the heater 402, the heat transfer oil cools down slowly in the airflow, with small temperature fluctuations. This is beneficial for controlling the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 through the heat transfer oil, thereby better protecting the skeleton of the aerogel particles.

[0042] In one embodiment, the modified tank 1 includes a tank body 101 and a cover 102 movably connected to the tank body 101. The tank body 101 has an internal receiving groove. The cover 102 can selectively cover the opening of the receiving groove and the opening of the airflow channel 1014. When the cover 102 covers the opening of the receiving groove, a modification chamber 1011 is formed between the cover 102 and the bottom of the receiving groove. The airflow channel 1014 is disposed on the tank body 101. The cover 102 on the tank body 101 facilitates the installation of the basket 2 and the loading of materials.

[0043] In this example, the top of the can body 101 is provided with a slot for a receiving groove and an opening for an airflow channel 1014, allowing the airflow channel 1014 and the receiving groove to communicate at the top of the can body 101. When a modifier is introduced into the airflow channel 1014, the modifier airflow can sequentially flow from the airflow channel 1014, the connecting port 1013, and the ventilated area at the bottom of the basket 2 into the basket 2 to contact the aerogel particles. Excess modifier can flow out from the ventilated area at the bottom of the basket 2 of the can body 101. Blocked by the cover 102, excess modifier will flow out from the opening of the airflow channel 1014 in the can body 101 and into the airflow channel 1014, flowing towards the connecting port 1013. This allows it to re-enter the basket 2 from the connecting port 1013 and undergo a modification reaction with the aerogel particles. Figure 1 The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow direction of the modifier.

[0044] The heating unit 4 also includes a connecting pipe 403 and a feeding component 404. The heater 402 is connected to the tank body 101 through the connecting pipe 403, so that the heater 402 can communicate with the heating channel 1012. The feeding component 404 is set on the connecting pipe 403, and the heat transfer medium can be fed into the connecting pipe 403 through the feeding component 404, which is convenient for operation.

[0045] In some embodiments, the aerogel particle modification device further includes a first temperature detector 5 and a second temperature detector 6. The first temperature detector 5 is used to detect the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011, and the second temperature detector 6 is used to detect the temperature of the heat-conducting medium. It is understood that the modifier has a maximum safe temperature, which is higher than the boiling point temperature of the modifier. If the actual temperature of the modifier exceeds its maximum safe temperature, the modifier will explode. If the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 remains above the boiling point temperature of the modifier for an extended period, a large amount of the modifier will vaporize and be lost, leading to an uncontrolled modification reaction. The temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 is detected by a first temperature detector 5. When the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 reaches a first set temperature, the temperature of the heat-conducting medium is reduced to lower the temperature of the modification chamber 1011, thereby preventing excessive temperature from affecting the modification reaction. The temperature of the heat-conducting medium is detected by a second temperature detector 6. When the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 6 reaches a second set temperature, which is the maximum safe temperature of the modifier (the second set temperature is greater than the first set temperature), the aerogel particle modification device is stopped to prevent the aerogel particle modification device from exploding due to excessive temperature of the modifier. The first set temperature is set to T1, the boiling point temperature of the modifier is set to T0, and the maximum safe temperature of the modifier is set to T2, where T2 > T1 > T0.

[0046] It should be noted that the maximum safe temperature of a modifier depends on its properties; therefore, the maximum safe temperature may vary for different modifiers.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first temperature detector 5 is disposed on the cover 102, and the second temperature detector 6 is disposed on the connecting pipe 403. Of course, in actual implementation, the specific positions of the first temperature detector 5 and the second temperature detector 6 can be flexibly adjusted as needed, and the positions of the first temperature detector 5 and the second temperature detector 6 are not limited here.

[0048] To facilitate pressure detection inside the modification tank 1, the aerogel particle modification device also includes a pressure detector 7, which is used to detect the pressure inside the modification chamber 1011. In this example, the pressure detector 7 is mounted on the cover 102; however, in other examples, the pressure detector 7 may also be mounted on other parts of the modification tank 1.

[0049] To prevent the modified tank 1 from exploding due to excessive internal pressure, the aerogel particle modification device also includes a safety valve 8, which can relieve pressure inside the modified tank 1. In this example, the safety valve 8 is installed on the cover 102; in actual implementation, the specific position of the safety valve 8 can be adjusted as needed.

[0050] To reduce heat loss from the modified tank 1, the modified tank 1 also includes an insulation layer 1015, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the tank body 101.

[0051] The modifier supply component includes a modifier storage tank 902, a conveying pipe 903, and a regulating valve 904. The modifier storage tank 902 is located outside the modifier tank 1 and is used to store the modifier. The modifier storage tank 902 is connected to the atomizing nozzle 901 through the conveying pipe 903, which is used to convey the modifier. The regulating valve 904 is located on the conveying pipe 903, and the amount of modifier input into the modifier tank 1 can be adjusted by operating the regulating valve 904.

[0052] To facilitate the detection of the modifier input, the modifier supply component also includes a flow meter 905, which is installed on the conveying pipe 903.

[0053] The vacuum unit includes a vacuum pump assembly 11, which is connected to the modification tank 1. In this example, the vacuum unit also includes the vacuum pump assembly 11, a first pipe 12, and a second pipe 14. A vacuum valve 15 is provided on the modification tank 1. The inlet of the vacuum pump assembly 11 is connected to the vacuum valve 15 on the modification tank 1 through the first pipe 12, and the exhaust of the vacuum pump assembly 11 is exhausted through the second pipe 14. Before introducing the modifier into the modification tank 1, the modification tank 1 is evacuated. Specifically, the vacuum valve 15 is opened and the vacuum pump assembly 11 is run. When the vacuum pump assembly 11 is running, the gas in the modification chamber 1011 and the airflow channel 1014 can be discharged, so that the inside of the modification tank 1 is kept in a vacuum state.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerogel particle modification device further includes a waste gas treatment unit 13, an exhaust valve 16, and a pressure relief valve 17. Both the exhaust valve 16 and the pressure relief valve 17 are mounted on the modification tank 1. The waste gas treatment unit 13 is located outside the modification tank 1 and is connected to the modification tank 1 via the exhaust valve 16. With the exhaust valve 16 and the pressure relief valve 17, after modification is complete, the vacuum unit 13, the pressure relief valve 17, and the exhaust valve 16 can be used in conjunction to remove residual material from the modification tank 1. Specifically, the vacuum valve 15 is opened, and the vacuum pump unit 11 is started to evacuate the modification tank 1. When the vacuum level in the modification tank 1 reaches the set vacuum level, the vacuum pump unit 11 is stopped, the vacuum valve 15 is closed, and the pressure relief valve 17 is opened to release the vacuum in the modification tank 1. The pressure in the modification tank 1 is released to atmospheric pressure through the pressure relief valve 17, allowing external air to enter the modification tank 1. The vacuum evacuation and vacuum release operations are then repeated at least twice until the concentration of by-products from the modification reaction remaining in the modification chamber 1011 is lower than the set threshold. In this example, the by-product from the modification reaction is the ammonia concentration. In actual implementation, the by-products from the modification reaction may be different. After the aerogel particles undergo a modification reaction inside the modification tank 1, the exhaust valve 16 is opened so that the waste gas inside the modification tank 1 is discharged into the waste gas treatment unit 13 through the exhaust valve 16. When the modification tank 1 is evacuated, the exhaust valve 16 is closed so that the gas in the modification tank 1 can be transported to the waste gas treatment unit through the vacuum pump group.

[0055] The waste gas generated during the modification process can be discharged into the waste gas treatment unit 13 through the ventilation pipe 10. After being treated by the waste gas treatment unit 13, the waste gas is then discharged into the outside air, achieving the purpose of environmental protection.

[0056] In actual implementation, the aerogel particle modification device also includes a main control unit, which is communicatively connected to the fan motor 3, vacuum pump group 11, heater 402, circulation pump 401, first temperature detector 5, second temperature detector 6, safety valve 8, vacuum valve 15, exhaust valve 16, and pressure detector 7. The main control unit adjusts the stirring time, speed, and direction of the forward and reverse stirrers.

[0057] In some embodiments, a method for modifying aerogel particles is also provided, using the aerogel particle modification apparatus provided in the above embodiments. The aerogel particle modification method includes the following steps:

[0058] S100: Preheating the modified tank 1 to bring the temperature of the modified chamber 1011 and the airflow channel 1014 to a first set temperature. In this embodiment, a heat-conducting medium is used to preheat the modified tank 1, and the temperature of the heat-conducting medium and the interior of the modified chamber 1011 is monitored. When the temperature inside the modified chamber 1011 reaches the first set temperature, the temperature of the heat-conducting medium is reduced. When the temperature of the heat-conducting medium reaches a second set temperature, the aerogel particle modification device is stopped. The second set temperature is higher than the first set temperature. In this example, the heat-conducting medium is heat-conducting oil. Specifically, with the cooperation of the circulating pump 401 and the heater 402, the heated heat-conducting medium is input into the heating channel 1012, and the heat-conducting medium circulates in the heating channel 1012-circulating pump 401-heater 402-heating channel 1012. During the flow of the heat-conducting medium in the heating channel 1012, heat is transferred to the modified tank 1, thereby increasing the temperature of the airflow channel 1014 and the interior of the modified chamber 1011, achieving the purpose of preheating the modified tank 1.

[0059] In the preheating step of the modification tank 1, the gas in the modification chamber 1011 is stirred both forward and backward. This operation drives the gas flow in the modification chamber 1011 and the airflow channel 1014, ensuring uniform heating of the modification tank 1 and improving the temperature consistency inside the modification chamber 1011, which is more conducive to the subsequent modification reaction between the modifier and the aerogel particles. The duration of forward stirring of the gas inside the modification chamber 1011 is t1, where 10 min ≤ t1 ≤ 30 min. The duration of reverse stirring of the gas inside the modification chamber 1011 is t2, where 10 min ≤ t2 ≤ 30 min. In this example, the durations of forward and reverse stirring of the gas inside the modification chamber 1011 are the same, i.e., t1 = t2. Of course, in other examples, the durations of forward and reverse stirring of the gas inside the modification chamber 1011 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. In this step, the main control unit can automatically control the fan motor 3 to switch the stirring mode and control the speed of the fan motor 3. The speed range of the fan motor 3 is 150~1000r / min.

[0060] The specific steps of preheating the modification tank 1 include: heating the modification tank 1 using a heat-conducting medium and monitoring the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 and the temperature of the heat-conducting medium to maintain the temperature inside the modification tank 1 at a first set temperature. When the temperature of the heat-conducting medium reaches a second set temperature, the aerogel particle modification device is stopped. The second set temperature is higher than the first set temperature. The first set temperature is set as T1, the boiling point temperature of the modifier is T0, and the maximum safe temperature of the modifier is T2, where T2 > T1 > T0. It can be understood that the modifier has a maximum safe temperature. For the same modifier, the maximum safe temperature is greater than the boiling point temperature. If the temperature of the modifier exceeds the maximum safe temperature, the modifier will explode. If the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 remains higher than the boiling point temperature of the modifier for an extended period, a large amount of the modifier will vaporize and be lost, leading to an uncontrolled modification reaction. The temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 is detected by a first temperature detector 5. When the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 5 exceeds a first set temperature, the temperature of the heat-conducting medium is reduced to lower the temperature of the modification chamber 1011, thereby preventing excessive temperature from affecting the modification reaction. The temperature of the heat-conducting medium is detected by a second temperature detector 6. When the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 6 exceeds a second set temperature, the aerogel particle modification device is stopped to prevent the aerogel particle modification device from exploding due to excessively high temperature of the modifier. By detecting the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 and the temperature of the heat-conducting medium, the temperature of the modification tank 1 can be prevented from becoming too high, reducing the risk of explosion and improving the safety of the aerogel particle modification device.

[0061] When preheating the modified tank 1, the cover 102 is not tightly closed to the tank body 101 to allow for expansion of the heat transfer medium.

[0062] S200: The aerogel particles to be modified are loaded into the modification chamber 1011, and the modification chamber 1011 is evacuated to a set vacuum level. The set vacuum level is -0.05 MPa to -0.1 MPa. Specifically, when the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 5 reaches the first set temperature, the main control unit issues an alarm and stops the fan motor 3, while simultaneously opening the vacuum valve 15 and starting the vacuum pump unit 11 to bring the vacuum level inside the modification tank 1 to the set vacuum level.

[0063] This step involves loading the aerogel particles to be modified into the modification chamber 1011. Specifically, it includes the following steps: loading the aerogel particles to be modified into the basket 2, and then placing the basket 2 and the aerogel particles together into the modification chamber 1011.

[0064] S300. Atomized modifier is introduced into airflow channel 1014. In this step, atomized modifier is introduced into airflow channel 1014 through atomizing nozzle 901. Since the modifier can 1 has been heated before the modifier is introduced, the atomized modifier will vaporize into a gaseous phase after entering airflow channel 1014 under the influence of high temperature.

[0065] In actual implementation, the modifier is introduced automatically by the main control unit and the flow meter 905 according to the preset flow rate, time and total amount, which improves the automation of the operation.

[0066] S400, the modifier in the forward-stirring airflow channel 1014 is introduced into the modification chamber 1011 from one of the top and bottom points along a first direction, so that the modifier modifies the aerogel particles; and the modifier in the reverse-stirring airflow channel 1014 is introduced into the modification chamber 1011 from another of the top or bottom points along a second direction, so that the modifier modifies the aerogel particles. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0067] In this step, the duration of forward stirring and reverse stirring are equal, and the stirring time can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs. Of course, in actual operation, the duration of forward stirring and reverse stirring of the modifier in the airflow channel 1014 may not be equal.

[0068] In this aerogel particle modification method, after the modifier enters the airflow channel 1014, the modifier in the airflow channel 1014 is stirred in both forward and reverse directions. This promotes the circulation of the modifier, accelerates the speed at which the modifier enters the modification chamber 1011, and ensures that the modifier is evenly distributed in the modification tank 1. In this way, the aerogel particles in the modification tank 1 can uniformly adsorb the modifier, making the modification of aerogel particles more efficient, shortening the modification time, achieving uniform modification, good consistency of modifier coating, and improving the stability of aerogel particles, thereby improving the production quality of modified aerogel particles.

[0069] In the specific steps of heating the modification tank 1, the temperature inside the modification chamber 1011 and the temperature of the heat transfer medium are monitored, which enables precise temperature control and results in small temperature fluctuations in the modification tank 1. This is more conducive to improving the safety of aerogel particle modification. Furthermore, the smaller temperature fluctuations in the modification tank 1 are beneficial to protecting the aerogel skeleton and improving the stability of the aerogel particles.

[0070] In some embodiments, the aerogel modification method further includes the following step: Step S500, after the modification of the modifier and aerogel particles is completed, the modification chamber 1011 is subjected to at least two alternating vacuuming and residual gas introduction operations until the emission concentration of by-products generated by the modification reaction remaining in the modification chamber 1011 is lower than a set threshold. It is understood that by-products are generated during the modification process of the modifier and aerogel particles. For example, when the modifier is hexamethyldisilazane, ammonia is generated during the modification process (i.e., when the modifier is hexamethyldisilazane, the by-product generated during the modification process is ammonia). Therefore, after the modification of the modifier and aerogel particles is completed, it is necessary to remove the ammonia in the modification tank 1. Specifically, an ammonia concentration detector is used to detect the ammonia content in the modification tank 1. When the detected ammonia concentration is less than 10 ppm, the removal of residual modified gas in the modification tank 1 is stopped. The residual gas can be air or an inert gas. In this example, the venting gas is air. Vacuuming the modification chamber 1011 removes residual byproducts. Introducing venting gas after vacuuming creates pulsed pressure alternation and airflow disturbance within the modification tank 1. This periodic surging airflow impacts and purges the inner wall and dead corners of the pipes in the modification tank 1, forcibly stripping away physically adsorbed residues, reducing residue, and improving product purity. Furthermore, the at least two alternating vacuuming and venting gas introduction operations effectively lower the temperature of the modification chamber 1011, facilitating subsequent unloading.

[0071] The aerogel modification method in some embodiments further includes the following step: Step S600, unloading the modified aerogel particles. In this step, unloading the modified aerogel particles includes: opening the cover 102, lifting out the basket 2, and unloading the aerogel particles from the basket 2. After unloading the modified aerogel particles, and waiting for the temperature of the modification chamber 1011 to drop to a third set temperature (in this example, the third set temperature is 50°C), the heater 402, the circulation pump 401, and the main power supply of the aerogel particle modification device are sequentially turned off, allowing the aerogel particle modification device to cool naturally. In actual implementation, the third set temperature can be flexibly adjusted as needed; no specific limitation is made here.

[0072] The technical solution and effects of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments:

[0073] Example 1: Hydrophobic modification of aerogel particles, the modification method is as follows:

[0074] Heating modification tank 1, with a first set temperature T1 of 110℃ and a second set temperature T2 of 150℃; loading hydrophilic aerogel particles (i.e., aerogel particles to be modified) into basket 2, and evacuating modification chamber 1011 to a set vacuum level of -0.095MPa; introducing hydrophobic modifier into airflow channel 1014; stirring the modifier in airflow channel 1014 in both forward and reverse directions for 60 minutes; alternating evacuation and gas purging operations on modification chamber 1011 three times; unloading modified aerogel particles, the modified aerogel particles having a hydrophobic angle of not less than 130° (i.e., hydrophobic angle ≥ 130°) and a water content of not more than 0.5% (i.e., water content ≤ 0.5%).

[0075] Example 2: Aerogel particle coupling reinforcement modification, the modification method is as follows:

[0076] Heating modification tank 1, with a first set temperature T1 of 120℃ and a second set temperature T2 of 160℃; loading hydrophilic aerogel particles (i.e., aerogel particles to be modified) into basket 2, and evacuating modification chamber 1011 to a set vacuum level of -0.098MPa; introducing silane coupling agent into airflow channel 1014; stirring the modifier in airflow channel 1014 in both forward and reverse directions for 90 minutes; alternating evacuation and introduction of residual gas into modification chamber 1011 four times; unloading the modified aerogel particles, with the particle breakage strength of the modified aerogel particles increased by no less than 40%.

[0077] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0078] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for modifying aerogel particles, characterized in that, An aerogel particle modification apparatus is provided, comprising a modification tank, the modification tank having a modification chamber and an airflow channel, the modification chamber being located inside the modification tank, the airflow channel being located in the side wall of the modification tank and surrounding the modification chamber, the bottom and top of the modification chamber communicating with the airflow channel, and the aerogel particle modification method comprising the following steps: The modification tank is preheated so that the temperature of the modification chamber reaches the first set temperature; The aerogel particles to be modified are loaded into the modification chamber, and the modification chamber is evacuated to a set vacuum level. Atomized modifier is introduced into the airflow channel; The modifier in the airflow channel is stirred in the forward direction, causing the modifier airflow in the airflow channel to enter the modification chamber from one of the top and bottom of the modification chamber along a first direction, so as to modify the aerogel particles with the modifier. The modifier in the airflow channel is stirred in the reverse direction, causing the modifier airflow in the airflow channel to enter the modification chamber from the other of the top or bottom of the modification chamber along a second direction, so as to modify the aerogel particles with the modifier. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

2. The method for modifying aerogel particles according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the step of preheating the modified tank, the gas in the modified chamber is stirred in both the forward and reverse directions.

3. The method for modifying aerogel particles according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the step of preheating the modified tank, the time for forward stirring of the gas in the modified chamber is t1, where 10 min ≤ t1 ≤ 30 min; And / or, during the step of heating the modified tank, the gas in the modified chamber is stirred in the reverse direction for a duration of t2, where 10 min ≤ t2 ≤ 30 min.

4. The method for modifying aerogel particles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method also includes the following steps: after the modifier and the aerogel particles have been modified, the modification chamber is subjected to at least two alternating vacuuming and gas purging operations until the emission concentration of byproducts generated by the modification reaction remaining in the modification chamber is lower than a set threshold.

5. The method for modifying aerogel particles according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The specific steps for preheating the modified tank include: heating the modified tank with a heat-conducting medium and monitoring the temperature inside the modified tank and the temperature of the heat-conducting medium, so that the heat-conducting medium maintains the temperature inside the modified tank at the first set temperature; when the temperature of the heat-conducting medium reaches the second set temperature, stopping the aerogel particle modification device, wherein the second set temperature is greater than the first set temperature.

6. An aerogel particle modification device, characterized in that, The aerogel particle modification apparatus, used in the aerogel particle modification method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprises: A modification tank, wherein a modification chamber is formed inside the modification tank, and an airflow channel is formed in the side wall of the modification tank, the airflow channel surrounds the modification chamber, and the bottom and top of the modification chamber are connected to the airflow channel; A modifier supply unit includes a modifier supply component and an atomizing nozzle. The modifier supply component is at least partially disposed outside the modifier tank. The atomizing nozzle is disposed in the airflow channel and connected to the modifier supply component. The atomizing nozzle is used to spray atomized modifier into the airflow channel. The fan motor includes a stirring fan blade and a drive motor. The stirring fan blade is disposed at the bottom of the modification chamber, and the drive motor can drive the stirring fan blade to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. A vacuum unit is provided, which is capable of evacuating the modified tank.

7. The aerogel particle modification apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a basket for placement inside the modification tank, the basket having a receiving portion and at least two venting zones, the receiving portion being located inside the basket for containing the aerogel particles to be modified, and the venting zones being located at both the top and bottom of the basket.

8. The aerogel particle modification apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a heating unit, and the side wall of the modified tank is provided with a heating channel. The heating channel is located on the side of the airflow channel away from the modified chamber. The heating channel can be circulated with a heat-conducting medium. The heating unit includes a circulation pump and a heater, both of which are disposed outside the modified tank. The circulation pump is connected to the heater, and the circulation pump and the heater are respectively connected to the heating channel.

9. The aerogel particle modification apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a first temperature detector and a second temperature detector, the first temperature detector being used to detect the temperature inside the modified chamber, and the second temperature detector being used to detect the temperature of the heat-conducting medium.

10. The aerogel particle modification apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, It also includes an exhaust gas treatment unit, an exhaust valve, and a pressure relief valve. The exhaust valve and the pressure relief valve are both installed on the modified tank. The exhaust gas treatment unit is located outside the modified tank and is connected to the modified tank through the exhaust valve.

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