Continuous crystallization equipment for high-purity gallium production

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of high-purity gallium production technology, specifically a continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production. It includes a boat-shaped crucible with a crystallization tank and a crystal storage tank at its top. A crystallization retrieval mechanism is installed on the boat-shaped crucible, comprising a movable frame and a rotating belt. The movable frame includes a pair of parallel support plates, and several rows of retrieval rods are fixed to the outer surface of the rotating belt. This continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production, through its flip-up crystallization retrieval mechanism, allows the retrieval rods fixed to the outer surface of the rotating belt to promptly transfer the crystallized gallium crystals from the crystallization tank to the crystal storage tank, enabling continuous retrieval of the crystallized gallium crystals. This avoids the formation of large crystal clumps due to prolonged residence in liquid gallium, facilitating subsequent gallium quality testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of high-purity gallium production technology, specifically to a continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production. Background Technology

[0002] Crystallization is a crucial step in the production of high-purity gallium. After liquid gallium crystallizes, small pieces of the crystal need to be taken for quality testing to ensure that the purity and other indicators of gallium meet the requirements. This is of paramount importance for quality control in the production of high-purity gallium.

[0003] Utility model patent CN210420256U discloses a boat-shaped crucible for the synthesis of gallium arsenide polycrystalline crystals. This crucible includes a crucible body with a baffle plate inside its cavity. The baffle plate divides the cavity into a larger main cavity and a smaller gallium-rich cavity. The top of the baffle plate is flush with the opening of the crucible body, and a gap connecting the main cavity and the gallium-rich cavity is formed between the bottom of the baffle plate and the bottom of the crucible body. In application, gallium arsenide gradually cools and crystallizes from the end of the main cavity furthest from the gallium-rich cavity, moving from far to near and from top to bottom. This process propels the flowing gallium, causing it to enter the gallium-rich cavity through the gap. After crystallization, the baffle plate directly separates the gallium-rich segment from the gallium arsenide, allowing the gallium-rich segment to be directly broken from the gallium arsenide crystal during removal, avoiding secondary cutting and thus reducing processing losses, improving efficiency, and lowering labor costs. Simultaneously, the gallium-rich segment remains uncontaminated and can be reused, reducing waste.

[0004] This boat-shaped crucible for gallium arsenide polycrystalline synthesis is used in gallium crystal production. It is necessary to sample the extracted liquid gallium and then use the crucible for crystallization to test the quality of gallium. If the sampled gallium crystals are not retrieved from the liquid gallium in time, large crystals will form, which are not conducive to testing. In view of this, we propose a continuous crystallization device for high-purity gallium production. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production includes a boat-shaped crucible. The top of the boat-shaped crucible has a crystallization tank for holding liquid gallium. A crystal storage tank, connected to the front end of the crystallization tank, is located at the front end of the top surface of the boat-shaped crucible. A rotatable crystal retrieval mechanism is provided on the boat-shaped crucible. The crystal retrieval mechanism includes a movable frame hinged to the boat-shaped crucible and a rotating belt disposed within the movable frame. The movable frame includes a pair of parallel frame plates. An active rotating column is rotatably connected between the rear ends of the two frame plates. A micro-motor is coaxially connected to the active rotating column. A driven rotating column is rotatably connected between the front ends of the two frame plates. The rotating belt is sleeved between the active rotating column and the driven rotating column. Several rows of retrieval rods for manipulating gallium crystals are fixed on the outer surface of the rotating belt.

[0008] Preferably, the bottom of the crystal storage tank is provided with several protruding anti-slip ridges, which are used to prevent the accumulated gallium crystals from sliding back into the crystal storage tank.

[0009] In this design, the anti-slip ridges effectively prevent gallium crystals from slipping off, ensuring their stability when stacked in the crystal storage tank.

[0010] Preferably, a fixing seat is installed on both the left and right end surfaces at the rear side of the boat-shaped crucible, the micro motor is fixed on the outside of the fixing seat on the left side, and the active rotating column is provided with a convex shaft at both ends, the convex shaft passing through the frame plate and the fixing seat in sequence and being rotatably connected to the fixing seat.

[0011] In this setup, the mounting base provides stable support for the micro motor and the active rotating column, ensuring that the active rotating column can rotate smoothly.

[0012] Preferably, the boat-shaped crucible has protrusions at both ends of the front side of the top, and the frame plate has a protrusion at the front end. The positions of the protrusions and the protrusions correspond to each other. When the crystallization scooping mechanism is moved so that the protrusion abuts against the protrusion, the crystallization scooping mechanism is in a horizontal state.

[0013] In this configuration, the convex seat and convex rod work together to keep the crystallization retrieval mechanism in a horizontal position, ensuring the stability of the retrieval operation.

[0014] Preferably, a support is provided at both ends of the rear side of the top of the boat-shaped crucible. The front end of the support is a sloping surface that is lower in the front and higher in the back. When the crystallization scooping mechanism is moved and rotated toward the support, the frame plate can abut against the sloping surface of the support.

[0015] In this configuration, the inclined surface of the support provides reliable support for the crystallization retrieval mechanism, facilitating the operation of the crystallization tank with the top open.

[0016] Preferably, the movable frame is provided with a lever, and the first and last ends of the lever are respectively fixed at the top positions of the front ends of the two frame plates;

[0017] In this setting, the lever allows the operator to easily move the movable frame, thereby controlling the flipping of the crystallization scooping mechanism.

[0018] Preferably, the rotating belt is a strip structure made of rubber material, and a plurality of inserts are provided at equal intervals on the outer surface of the rotating belt along its direction of movement, and the scooping rod is embedded in the inserts;

[0019] In this setup, the rubber rotating belt works in conjunction with the mounting base to stably mount the retrieval rod, providing a foundation for retrieving gallium crystals.

[0020] Preferably, the scooping rods are arranged at uniform intervals in the mounting base. When the rotating belt circulates between the active rotating column and the driven rotating column, the rotating belt drives the scooping rods to transfer the gallium crystal crystallized in the crystallization tank to the crystallization storage tank.

[0021] In this setup, the scooping rods are evenly arranged and rotate with the rotating belt, which can continuously transfer gallium crystals from the crystallization tank to the crystallization storage tank, avoiding the formation of large crystal clumps.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] This continuous crystallization device for high-purity gallium production features a reversible crystallization retrieval mechanism. A retrieval rod fixed to the outer surface of the rotating belt can promptly transfer the crystallized gallium crystals from the crystallization tank to the crystallization storage tank under the drive of the rotating belt. This enables continuous retrieval of the crystallized gallium crystals, preventing them from remaining in liquid gallium for extended periods and forming large crystal clumps, thus facilitating subsequent gallium quality testing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the crystallization retrieval mechanism against the support seat in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the boat-shaped crucible in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the crystallization retrieval mechanism in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the movable frame in this utility model;

[0029] The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0030] 100. Boat-shaped crucible; 110. Crystallization tank; 120. Crystallization storage tank; 121. Anti-slip ridge; 130. Fixing base; 140. Protruding seat; 150. Support seat;

[0031] 200. Crystallization scooping mechanism; 210. Movable frame; 211. Frame plate; 2111. Protruding rod; 2112. Lever; 212. Active rotating column; 2121. Micro motor; 213. Driven rotating column; 220. Rotating belt; 221. Embedded seat; 222. Scooping rod. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0033] Please see Figures 1-5 A continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production includes a boat-shaped crucible 100. The top of the boat-shaped crucible 100 has a crystallization tank 110 for placing liquid gallium. At the front end of the top surface of the boat-shaped crucible 100, a crystal storage tank 120 is provided, which is connected to the front end of the crystallization tank 110. Several protruding anti-slip ridges 121 are provided at the bottom of the crystal storage tank 120. The anti-slip ridges 121 are used to prevent the accumulated gallium crystals from sliding back into the crystallization tank 110, thereby increasing the stability of the gallium crystals when they are accumulated in the crystal storage tank 120.

[0034] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this utility model, a flip-up crystal retrieval mechanism 200 is provided on the boat-shaped crucible 100. The crystal retrieval mechanism 200 includes a movable frame 210 hinged to the boat-shaped crucible 100 and a rotating belt 220 disposed in the movable frame 210. The flip-up design of the crystal retrieval mechanism 200 facilitates the operation of the crystallization tank 110 and the retrieval of gallium crystals.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, specifically, the movable frame 210 includes a pair of parallel frame plates 211. An active rotating column 212 is rotatably connected between the rear ends of the two frame plates 211. A micro motor 2121 is coaxially connected to the active rotating column 212. Fixed seats 130 are installed on both the left and right ends of the boat-shaped crucible 100. The micro motor 2121 is fixed to the outside of the fixed seat 130 on the left side. Both ends of the active rotating column 212 are provided with convex shafts. The convex shafts pass through the frame plates 211 and the fixed seats 130 in sequence and are rotatably connected to the fixed seats 130, providing stable installation support for the active rotating column 212 and the micro motor 2121, ensuring that the active rotating column 212 can rotate normally within the fixed seat 130. At the same time, the fixed seat 130 can serve as the hinge rotation point of the crystallization scooping mechanism 200, allowing the crystallization scooping mechanism 200 to rotate around the axis of the active rotating column 212.

[0036] like Figures 3-5 As shown, further, a driven rotating column 213 is rotatably connected between the front ends of the two frame plates 211, and a rotating belt 220 is sleeved between the active rotating column 212 and the driven rotating column 213. Several rows of scooping rods 222 for moving gallium crystals are fixed on the outer surface of the rotating belt 220. The rotating belt 220 is a strip structure made of rubber material. Several inserts 221 are provided at equal intervals along the direction of movement on the outer surface of the rotating belt 220, and the scooping rods 222 are embedded in the inserts 221. The scooping rods 222 are evenly spaced in the mounting base 221. When the rotating belt 220 circulates between the active rotating column 212 and the driven rotating column 213, the rotating belt 220 drives the scooping rods 222 to transfer the gallium crystals crystallized in the crystallization tank 110 to the crystallization storage tank 120. When the micro motor 2121 is started, the micro motor 2121 drives the active rotating column 212 to rotate. Under the action of friction, the active rotating column 212 drives the rotating belt 220 to circulate between the active rotating column 212 and the driven rotating column 213. Through the coordinated action of the active rotating column 212, the driven rotating column 213, the rotating belt 220, the mounting base 221 and the scooping rods 222, the continuous scooping and transportation of gallium crystals is achieved, avoiding the formation of large crystals by the gallium crystals remaining in the crystallization tank 110 for a long time.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in addition, the movable frame 210 is provided with a lever 2112. The first and last ends of the lever 2112 are fixed at the top position of the front end of the two frame plates 211 respectively. The lever 2112 makes it convenient for the operator to move the movable frame 210 and to control the flipping of the crystallization scooping mechanism 200.

[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, it is worth noting that protrusions 140 are provided at both ends of the front side of the top of the boat-shaped crucible 100, and a protruding rod 2111 is provided at the front end of the support plate 211. The positions of the protrusions 140 and the protruding rod 2111 correspond to each other. When the crystal retrieval mechanism 200 is moved so that the protruding rod 2111 abuts against the protrusion 140, the crystal retrieval mechanism 200 is in a horizontal state, which allows the crystal retrieval mechanism 200 to perform gallium crystal retrieval normally in a horizontal state, ensuring the stability of the gallium crystal retrieval process.

[0039] like Figures 1-3 As shown, it is worth noting that there are support seats 150 at both ends of the rear side of the top of the boat-shaped crucible 100. The front end of the support seat 150 is a sloping surface that is lower in the front and higher in the back. The sloping surface design of the support seat 150 provides reliable support and positioning for the crystallization scooping mechanism 200. When the crystallization scooping mechanism 200 is moved and rotated toward the support seat 150, the frame plate 211 can abut against the sloping surface of the support seat 150. At this time, the top of the crystallization tank 110 is open, which facilitates the cleaning of the crystallization tank 110 or the addition of liquid gallium.

[0040] It is worth noting that the micro motor 2121 involved in this utility model is a conventional technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] In this embodiment of the continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production, liquid gallium is first placed in the crystallization tank 110 and allowed to crystallize. Then, the micro motor 2121 is started to drive the active rotating column 212 to rotate. At this time, the active rotating column 212 drives the driven rotating column 213 to rotate via the rotating belt 220. The scooping rod 222 on the outside of the rotating belt 220 rotates cyclically. When the scooping rod 222 enters the crystallization tank 110 under the movement of the rotating belt 220, it picks up the gallium crystals crystallized in the crystallization tank 110. The body is propelled into the crystal storage tank 120 by multiple scooping rods 222 in the same row; then, due to the anti-slip ridges 121 on the bottom of the crystal storage tank 120, the gallium crystal accumulates in the crystal storage tank 120 and will not slip back into the crystal tank 110; finally, when it is necessary to clean the crystal tank 110 or add liquid gallium, the crystal scooping mechanism 200 is rotated toward the backrest 150 by moving the lever 2112, so that the frame plate 211 abuts against the inclined surface of the backrest 150. At this time, the top of the crystal tank 110 is open, and the corresponding operation can be performed.

[0042] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production, comprising a boat-shaped crucible (100), characterized in that: The top of the boat-shaped crucible (100) is provided with a crystallization tank (110) for placing liquid gallium. A crystal storage tank (120) communicating with the front end of the crystallization tank (110) is provided at the front end of the top surface of the boat-shaped crucible (100). A flip-up crystal retrieval mechanism (200) is provided on the boat-shaped crucible (100). The crystal retrieval mechanism (200) includes a movable frame (210) hinged to the boat-shaped crucible (100) and a rotating belt (220) disposed within the movable frame (210). It includes a pair of parallel frame plates (211), with an active rotating column (212) rotatably connected between the rear ends of the two frame plates (211), a micro motor (2121) coaxially connected to the active rotating column (212), and a driven rotating column (213) rotatably connected between the front ends of the two frame plates (211). A rotating belt (220) is sleeved between the active rotating column (212) and the driven rotating column (213), and several rows of levers (222) for manipulating gallium crystals are fixed on the outer surface of the rotating belt (220).

2. The continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the crystal storage tank (120) is provided with several protruding anti-slip ridges (121), which are used to prevent the accumulated gallium crystals from sliding back into the crystal storage tank (110).

3. The continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boat-shaped crucible (100) has a fixed seat (130) installed on both the left and right ends of the rear side. The micro motor (2121) is fixed on the outside of the fixed seat (130) on the left side. The active rotating column (212) has a convex shaft at both ends. The convex shaft passes through the frame plate (211) and the fixed seat (130) in sequence and is rotatably connected to the fixed seat (130).

4. The continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boat-shaped crucible (100) has protrusions (140) at both ends of the front side of the top. The front end of the frame plate (211) has a protrusion (2111). The positions of the protrusions (140) and the protrusions (2111) correspond to each other. When the crystallization scooping mechanism (200) is moved so that the protrusions (2111) abut against the protrusions (140), the crystallization scooping mechanism (200) is in a horizontal state.

5. The continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boat-shaped crucible (100) has a support (150) at both ends of the rear side of the top. The front end of the support (150) is a sloping surface that is lower in the front and higher in the back. When the crystallization scooping mechanism (200) is moved and rotated toward the support (150), the frame plate (211) can abut against the sloping surface of the support (150).

6. The continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable frame (210) is provided with a lever (2112), and the first and last ends of the lever (2112) are respectively fixed at the top position of the front end of the two frame plates (211).

7. The continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating belt (220) is a strip structure made of rubber material. Several inserts (221) are provided at equal intervals on the outer surface of the rotating belt (220) along its direction of movement. The scooping rod (222) is embedded in the inserts (221).

8. The continuous crystallization apparatus for high-purity gallium production according to claim 7, characterized in that: The scooping rods (222) are arranged at equal intervals in the mounting base (221). When the rotating belt (220) rotates cyclically between the active rotating column (212) and the driven rotating column (213), the rotating belt (220) drives the scooping rods (222) to transfer the gallium crystal crystals crystallized in the crystallization tank (110) to the crystallization storage tank (120).

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