Carbon nanotube collecting device and preparation system for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This invention discloses a carbon nanotube collecting device and preparation system for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube collector includes at least two carbon nanotube collectors connected in series. The two carbon nanotube collectors in series do not discharge material at the same time, that is, there is no gap in material collection, which further ensures the collection rate of carbon nanotube products and reduces product loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to a carbon nanotube collection device and preparation system for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes. Background Technology

[0002] Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used in high-performance materials fields such as field emission displays (FETs), lithium-ion batteries, and sensors due to their excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties, including high crystallinity and good conductivity. For example, CNTs are used in FETs to achieve high brightness and low power consumption because of their extremely low field emission threshold and high emission current density. The high conductivity and high specific surface area of ​​CNTs can improve the conductivity and energy density of lithium-ion batteries, especially as additives in composite electrode materials, significantly enhancing the cycle stability and rate performance of the battery. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SUVs) are flocculent and relatively lightweight. The prepared SUVs leave the reactor with the gas flow and enter the collector. Due to the high gas velocity during the reaction process and the difficulty and high value of preparing SUVs, even a small loss can cause significant damage.

[0003] Patent document CN118270771A discloses an online carbon nanotube fiber pulverization system and method, specifically a system that integrates collection and pulverization. For carbon nanotube collection, it employs atomized spraying of a graphene aqueous solution to form a water film in the collection device, through which the carbon nanotubes are collected. However, this method requires a heater in the collection device, and the heater temperature is set above 500℃, even reaching 1000℃, during the collection process. This increases energy consumption and generates a significant amount of wastewater, increasing the difficulty of subsequent treatment. In addition, existing technologies also employ multi-stage collection methods such as reel winding, which are costly and have low collection efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The applicant has developed a carbon nanotube collector, comprising a gate valve, a collection chamber above the gate valve, and a receiving chamber below the gate valve. The collection chamber also includes a collection tray that moves vertically to adhere to and retain single-walled carbon nanotubes. Compared to existing carbon nanotube collection devices, this collector has a simpler overall structure and lower collection cost. However, when the collection tray moves from the collection chamber to the receiving chamber to retain single-walled carbon nanotubes, the collector experiences a certain collection gap.

[0005] This invention addresses the technical problem of material collection gaps in the carbon nanotube collector developed by the applicant, which leads to product losses. The purpose is to provide a carbon nanotube collection device and preparation system for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes.

[0006] The carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes of this invention includes at least two carbon nanotube collectors connected in series.

[0007] Preferably, the carbon nanotube collecting device comprises:

[0008] A first carbon nanotube collector having a first feed inlet and a first air outlet;

[0009] A second carbon nanotube collector has a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet being connected in series with the first outlet. Preferably, the first carbon nanotube collector is a first carbon nanotube collector for collecting single-walled carbon nanotubes, and the second carbon nanotube collector is a second carbon nanotube collector for collecting single-walled carbon nanotubes.

[0010] Preferably,

[0011] The first carbon nanotube collector includes:

[0012] The first collection point is located above the first feed inlet and below the first air outlet;

[0013] The first unloading position is located below the first inlet;

[0014] The first collection tray, which collects and discharges materials, can be moved back and forth between the first collection position and the first discharge position.

[0015] The second carbon nanotube collector includes:

[0016] The second collection point is located above the second feed inlet and below the second air outlet;

[0017] The second unloading position is located below the second inlet;

[0018] The second collection tray can be moved back and forth between the second collection position and the second discharge position for receiving and discharging materials, and the second collection tray does not discharge materials at the same time as the first collection tray.

[0019] Preferably,

[0020] The first carbon nanotube collector includes:

[0021] A first gate valve is radially disposed in the middle section of the first carbon nanotube collector. The first gate valve divides the first carbon nanotube collector into a first collection chamber and a first receiving chamber that can be connected or separated. The first inlet, the first collection position and the first air outlet are all located in the first collection chamber, and the first discharge position is located in the first receiving chamber.

[0022] A first collecting disc for collecting carbon nanotubes is provided in the first collecting chamber. After the first gate valve is opened, the first collecting disc can extend and retract between the first collecting position in the first collecting chamber and the first unloading position in the first receiving chamber. The first collecting disc is provided with several first rod grooves.

[0023] A plurality of first unloading rods can be moved radially to the corresponding position of the first rod groove of the first collection tray which is already in the first unloading position, so as to block and unload the carbon nanotubes adhering to the surface of the first collection tray into the first receiving bin.

[0024] The second carbon nanotube collector includes:

[0025] A second gate valve is radially disposed in the middle section of the second carbon nanotube collector. The second gate valve divides the second carbon nanotube collector into a second collection chamber and a second receiving chamber that can be connected or separated. The second inlet, the second collection position and the second outlet are all located in the second collection chamber, and the second discharge position is located in the second receiving chamber.

[0026] A second collecting disc for collecting carbon nanotubes is provided in the second collecting chamber. After the second gate valve is opened, the second collecting disc can move back and forth between the second collecting position in the second collecting chamber and the second unloading position in the second receiving chamber. The second collecting disc is provided with several second rod grooves.

[0027] Several second unloading rods can be moved radially to the corresponding positions of the second rod slots of the second collection tray, which is already in the second unloading position, so as to block and unload the carbon nanotubes adhering to the surface of the second collection tray into the second receiving bin.

[0028] Preferably,

[0029] The width of the first unloading rod is equal to or less than the width of the first rod slot of the first collection tray, and / or the number of the first unloading rods is equal to or less than the number of the first rod slots;

[0030] The width of the second discharge bar is equal to or less than the width of the second bar slot of the second collection tray and / or the number of the second discharge bars is equal to or less than the number of the second bar slots.

[0031] Another objective of this invention is to provide a system for the continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes, the system further comprising:

[0032] The carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes;

[0033] A plasma furnace for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes has a material outlet, which is directly or indirectly connected to the first feed inlet of the first collector.

[0034] Preferably, the plasma furnace for preparing carbon nanotubes includes a plasma generator, the plasma generator comprising:

[0035] The anode has a hollow cavity inside;

[0036] A cathode assembly having a cathode rod coaxially inserted into the hollow cavity of the anode, such that a non-transfer arc discharge region is simultaneously formed between the cathode rod and the inner wall of the hollow cavity of the anode.

[0037] The air intake channel is connected to the lower port of the hollow cavity of the anode;

[0038] The catalyst inlet is connected to one side of the upper port of the hollow cavity of the anode, so that the hollow cavity of the anode forms a slow settling zone for catalyst powder.

[0039] Preferably,

[0040] The hollow cavity of the anode has a cylindrical reaction chamber section;

[0041] The cathode rod has a cylindrical reaction rod segment, which is coaxially inserted into the reaction cavity segment of the anode, such that the non-transfer arc discharge region formed between the reaction rod segment of the cathode rod and the inner wall of the reaction cavity segment of the anode is a non-transfer arc discharge annular cavity.

[0042] Preferably,

[0043] The hollow cavity of the anode has a non-reactive cavity section located above the reactive cavity section;

[0044] The cathode rod has a non-reactive section located above the reactive section. The non-reactive section of the cathode rod is located within the non-reactive cavity of the anode, such that a reaction-assisted annular cavity is formed between the upper section of the cathode rod and the upper section of the anode. The catalyst inlet is connected to one side of the upper port of the reaction-assisted annular cavity. The non-transfer arc discharge annular cavity and the reaction-assisted annular cavity together form the catalyst powder slow settling zone.

[0045] Preferably, the cathode assembly further includes:

[0046] A rotary drive mechanism is directly or indirectly connected to the cathode rod, driving the cathode rod to rotate within the hollow cavity of the anode;

[0047] The cathode water-cooling jacket has its lower end fixedly connected to the cathode rod. The rotary drive mechanism is driven to the upper section of the cathode water-cooling jacket. Preferably, the rotary drive mechanism and the upper section of the cathode water-cooling jacket are driven by a gear assembly. More preferably, the rotary drive mechanism has a drive gear on its shaft and a driven gear on the cathode water-cooling jacket. The drive gear and the driven gear are meshed together.

[0048] Preferably, the cathode water-cooled jacket comprises:

[0049] A water-cooled outer tube, the first end of which is fixedly connected to one end of the cathode rod, and the driving mechanism is connected to the water-cooled outer tube through a gear assembly, thereby driving the cathode rod to rotate;

[0050] A water-cooled inner tube is inserted inside the water-cooled outer tube such that a cold water circulation passage is formed between the inner cavity of the water-cooled inner tube and the inner cavity of the water-cooled outer tube.

[0051] A cathode mounting base is installed on one end face of the plasma generator, and the cathode water-cooling jacket passes through the cathode mounting base, so that the cathode rod is indirectly mounted on the cathode mounting base.

[0052] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0053] 1) This utility model provides a collection plate for adhering carbon nanotubes, especially single-walled carbon nanotubes, in the gas path between the feed inlet and the outlet of the collector. The carbon nanotubes adhere to the side of the collection plate facing the receiving bin and are intercepted by the collection plate. The exhaust gas generated during the preparation of carbon nanotubes and the unreacted raw material gas pass through the collection plate and continue to be discharged from the outlet of the collector.

[0054] 2) This utility model designs a collecting tray with several grooves and several unloading rods that can move to the corresponding positions of the grooves. By moving the collecting tray longitudinally, the unloading rods can extend into the grooves and further retain the carbon nanotube cakes accumulated on the surface of the collecting tray, thereby removing the carbon nanotube cakes from the collecting tray. The overall collector has a simple structure and low collection cost.

[0055] 3) This invention utilizes a hollow cooling coil-type first cooler installed around the outer periphery of the receiving hopper. Firstly, carbon source gas or carrier gas can be introduced into the hollow cooling coil, allowing it to preheat the carbon source gas or carrier gas while simultaneously cooling the collected carbon nanotubes. Secondly, an agitator is installed at the bottom of the receiving hopper, which disperses the unloaded cake-like carbon nanotubes and throws them onto the outer wall of the hopper, increasing the contact area and contact time between the carbon nanotubes and the first cooler, further enhancing the cooling effect. Thirdly, the first cooler also preheats the carbon source gas or carrier gas, reducing the reactor's heating energy consumption and increasing the temperature uniformity within the reactor, thus improving the quality of the prepared carbon nanotubes. This also improves energy efficiency and reduces production costs.

[0056] 4) This utility model also incorporates a sealing rod and / or a sealing ring. The sealing rod and sealing ring (due to temperatures potentially reaching 1000℃, the sealing ring is a high-temperature resistant ring, such as a graphite or ceramic sealing ring) are located on the groove of the collecting disc at the collecting position. The sealing ring is sandwiched between the collecting disc at the collecting position and the wall of the collecting chamber. The sealing rod improves the product collection rate at the collecting position and reduces product loss. The sealing ring ensures the collection of carbon nanotubes, further reducing product loss. Furthermore, the presence of the sealing ring allows for a smaller diameter collecting disc, preventing friction between the collecting disc and the inside of the carbon nanotube collector during axial movement along the collecting chamber, thus extending the service life of both the carbon nanotube collector and the collecting disc.

[0057] 5) This utility model also designs a carbon nanotube collection device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes. The device consists of two carbon nanotube collectors connected in series. The two carbon nanotube collectors do not unload at the same time, that is, there is no gap in collection, which further ensures the collection efficiency of carbon nanotube products and reduces product loss.

[0058] 6) This utility model also improves the cooling effect by designing a gas distributor with several vents in the receiving bin, which allows the carbon nanotubes unloaded in the receiving bin to be repeatedly cooled by airflow. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the carbon nanotube collector structure of this utility model;

[0060] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the sealed carbon nanotube collector structure of this utility model;

[0061] Figure 1C This is a schematic diagram of the cooling device for a carbon nanotube collector according to the present invention;

[0062] Figure 1D This is a schematic diagram of another cooling device for a carbon nanotube collector according to the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the gate valve of this utility model installed at the position of the carbon nanotube collector;

[0064] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the gate valve structure of the carbon nanotube collector of this utility model;

[0065] Figure 2C for Figure 2B Another perspective illustration;

[0066] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the collection disc of the carbon nanotube collector of this utility model;

[0067] Figure 4A for Figure 1B A schematic diagram of the sealing rod structure;

[0068] Figure 4B for Figure 1B A schematic diagram of the sealing rod and sealing ring structure;

[0069] Figure 5A for Figure 1C A schematic diagram of the gas distributor structure in the diagram;

[0070] Figure 5B for Figure 1D A schematic diagram of the gas distributor structure in the diagram;

[0071] Figure 6 for Figure 1D A schematic diagram of the insertion rod and axial drive mechanism of the cooling device for the carbon nanotube collector;

[0072] Figure 7 This invention relates to a carbon nanotube collection device for the continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes.

[0073] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the system for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes in a non-transfer arc fluidized bed according to this invention;

[0074] Figure 9A A schematic diagram of the cathode assembly for continuous fabrication of carbon nanotubes in a non-transfer arc fluidized bed according to this invention;

[0075] Figure 9B for Figure 9A A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the shaft end seal of the cathode assembly;

[0076] Figure 9C for Figure 9AA partially enlarged schematic diagram of the magnetohydrodynamic seal of the cathode assembly;

[0077] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the cathode mounting base of the cathode assembly of this utility model.

[0078] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the magnetohydrodynamic insulating base of the cathode assembly of this utility model.

[0079] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the magnetohydrodynamic cover of the cathode assembly of this utility model;

[0080] Figure 13A This is an isometric view of the sealing seat of the cathode assembly of this utility model;

[0081] Figure 13B for Figure 13A A sectional view;

[0082] Figure 14A This is a schematic diagram of the water-passing ring of the cathode assembly of this utility model;

[0083] Figure 14B for Figure 14A A cross-sectional view of the water circulation ring;

[0084] Figure 15A This is a schematic diagram of the small shaft positioning cover of the cathode assembly of this utility model;

[0085] Figure 15B for Figure 15A Top view of the small shaft positioning cover;

[0086] Figure 15C for Figure 15A A sectional view of the small shaft positioning cover;

[0087] Figure 16A This is a schematic diagram of the catalyst spiral feed silo with stirring according to the present invention;

[0088] Figure 16B This is a schematic diagram of another catalyst spiral feed silo structure without stirring according to this utility model;

[0089] Figure 16C for Figure 16A A cross-sectional view of the catalyst spiral feed hopper;

[0090] Figure 16D for Figure 16B A cross-sectional view of the catalyst spiral feed hopper;

[0091] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the gas distribution ring structure of this utility model.

[0092] Figure 18This is a schematic diagram of a prior art carbon nanotube preparation system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0093] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model.

[0094] It should be noted that in this application, the terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" are used for ease of explanation only, and their directions are based on the numbers or text in the accompanying drawings, with the upper part of the number being "up" and the lower part being "down," and so on. In the description of this utility model, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features, nor should they be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model.

[0095] like Figure 1A and Figure 2A As shown, the carbon nanotube collector 1 of this invention is mainly used to collect single-walled carbon nanotubes. Its interior is a hollow cavity, and a gate valve 11 is radially arranged in the middle section of the cavity. This gate valve 11 divides the carbon nanotube collector 1 into a collection chamber 12 and a receiving chamber 13, which can be connected or separated. The collection chamber 12 is located above the gate valve 11, while the receiving chamber 13 is located relatively below the gate valve 11. Continuing... Figure 2B and Figure 2CAs shown, a gate valve 11 has a gate valve drive component 111 on one side, which is driven to connect to the gate valve 11. The gate valve drive component 111 is driven to connect to the gate valve 11 via a connecting rod 112, so as to drive the gate valve 11 to move radially horizontally out of or into the carbon nanotube collector 1, that is, to connect or separate the collection chamber 12 and the receiving chamber 13. The gate valve drive component 111 is a gate drive cylinder, and the length of the connecting rod 112 exceeds the radial length of the gate valve 11, so that the gate drive cylinder can drive the gate valve 11 to completely leave the carbon nanotube collector 1, that is, to connect or separate the collection chamber 12 and the receiving chamber 13. The collection chamber 12 includes a collection tray 121 for collecting carbon nanotubes, an inlet 122, an outlet 123, and a collection drive mechanism 124. The inlet 122 is connected to one side of the collection chamber 12 and is directly or indirectly connected to the material outlet 26 of the plasma furnace for preparing carbon nanotubes. The outlet 123 is connected to the upper part of the other side of the collection chamber 12 so that exhaust gas can be discharged upward from the outlet 123. The collection chamber 12 has a collection position 1211 located between the inlet 122 and the outlet 123. In most cases, the collection tray 121 can stay at the collection position 1211 to collect carbon nanotube products. Specifically, the prepared carbon nanotube product enters the collection chamber 12 through the material outlet, via the inlet 122, and moves upward with the airflow, passing through the collection position 1211. This allows the generated carbon nanotube product to adhere to the lower surface of the collection tray 121 at the collection position 1211. The generated exhaust gas and unreacted raw material gas continue to flow through the collection tray 121 at the collection position 1211 and are discharged through the outlet 123. To better collect the carbon nanotube product, a metal mesh is provided on the outer surface of the collection tray 121 to prevent carbon nanotubes, especially single-walled carbon nanotubes, from passing through the mesh. The mesh size of the metal mesh can be selected according to the length of the generated carbon nanotubes; generally, the shorter the carbon nanotubes, the smaller the mesh size is required for better isolation. Furthermore, to unload the carbon nanotube product collected on the surface of the collection tray 121, in this example, the process continues as follows... Figure 3 As shown, the collecting tray 121 also has multiple grooves 1212, such as three or four, which divide the collecting tray 121 into corresponding sections. Simultaneously, the collecting tray 121 also has a discharge position 1213 within the receiving bin 13. The collecting tray 121 can remain at the discharge position 1213 to discharge the collected carbon nanotube products. That is, the collecting tray 121 can move longitudinally back and forth between the collection position 1211 and the discharge position 1213 for receiving and discharging materials. Continuing as... Figures 1A to 1DAs shown, the collection drive mechanism 124 is driven to the side of the collection tray 121 facing away from the receiving bin 13. The collection drive mechanism 124 includes a collection cylinder 1241 and a longitudinal push rod 1242. One end of the longitudinal push rod 1242 is driven to extend and retract vertically with the collection cylinder 1241, and the other end is fixedly connected to the collection tray 121 to drive the collection tray 121 to move back and forth longitudinally between the collection position 1211 and the unloading position 1213, and to collect materials at the collection position 1211 and unload materials at the unloading position 1213 respectively. Of course, one end of the longitudinal push rod 1242 can also be rotatably and vertically extended and retractable to the aforementioned collection cylinder 1241 via a bearing. This not only drives the collection disc 121 to move vertically up and down for material collection and unloading, but also drives the collection disc 121 to rotate. When the thickness of the carbon nanotube product collected on the surface of the collection disc 121 is uneven, the angle position of the collection disc 121 can be adjusted by rotating it from time to time. This allows the carbon nanotubes introduced from the feed port 122 to adhere to the surface of the collection disc 121 with the airflow, resulting in a more uniform thickness of the carbon nanotube cake. It also reduces the number of longitudinal movements of the collection disc 121, thereby extending the service life of the collector.

[0096] Continue as Figure 3As shown, four unloading rods 131 are provided on the wall of the receiving bin 13, which can pass radially and horizontally through the rod groove 1212. The unloading position 1213 is located at or below the unloading rods 131. When the collecting tray 121 moves towards the unloading position 1213, the unloading rods 131 move radially out of the collector to make room for the collecting tray 121 to move. When the collecting tray 121 reaches the unloading position 1213, the unloading rods 131 move radially into the collector. When the collecting tray 121 moves towards the collecting position, the unloading rods 131 pass through the rod groove 1212 and contact the carbon nanotube cake, preventing the carbon nanotube cake from moving towards the collecting position with the collecting tray 121. This allows the unloading rods 131 to intercept the carbon nanotubes collected on the surface of the collecting tray 121 at the unloading position 1213, thereby achieving the purpose of separating the collecting tray 121 and the carbon nanotube cake. That is, when the collecting tray 121 moves longitudinally to the unloading position 1213, the unloading drive mechanism 1311 installed on one side of the unloading rod 131 at the outer wall of the carbon nanotube collector 1 can drive the unloading rod 131 radially and horizontally to extend into the corresponding position of the rod groove 1212. In other words, the unloading rod 131 can move radially and horizontally to above the vertical projection of the rod groove 1212 of the collecting tray 121 or directly insert into the rod groove 1212 of the collecting tray 121, so that the unloading rod 131 can be directly inserted or pass through the rod groove 1212 as the collecting tray 121 moves longitudinally upward, so as to prevent the carbon nanotube cake formed on the lower surface of the collecting tray 121 from moving upward. In addition, during unloading, the longitudinal push rod 1242 drives the collecting disc 121 to continuously pull it back and move it upward from the unloading position 1213, further enabling the unloading rod 131 to retain the carbon nanotubes adhering to the lower surface of the collecting disc 121 within the collecting bin 13, thereby achieving the unloading of carbon nanotubes. The overall collector structure is simple and the collection cost is low. Of course, the width of the unloading rod 131 can be equal to or less than the width of the rod groove 1212, and the number of unloading rods 131 can also be equal to or less than the number of rod grooves 1212. Furthermore, the aforementioned unloading drive mechanism 1311 is an internally hollow unloading drive cylinder, which can drive the unloading rod 131 to move radially horizontally and extend and retract into the unloading drive cylinder. In addition, the carbon nanotube collector 1 can be a hollow cuboid or other hollow shape. In this example, the carbon nanotube collector 1 is a cylindrical hollow cavity, and the collection disk 121 is a disk-shaped structure adapted to the hollow cylindrical carbon nanotube collector 1. Furthermore, a receiving port 132 is provided on one side of the receiving hopper 13 below the unloading position 1213 to collect the unloaded carbon nanotube products.

[0097] like Figure 1B , Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, to improve the collection efficiency of carbon nanotube products, this example provides a sealed carbon nanotube collector mainly used for collecting single-walled carbon nanotubes. The collection chamber 12 of this sealed carbon nanotube collector further includes a first seal 125 and a second seal 126. The first seal 125 is closely abutted above the collection position 1211 and tightly seals the groove 1212 of the collection tray 121 located at the collection position 1211. This allows the collection tray 121 at the collection position 1212 to better collect the carbon nanotube products and prevents the carbon nanotube products moving with the airflow from escaping from the groove 1212 on the collection tray 121, thus reducing product loss. Of course, the first seal 125 can be a sealing baffle fixed at the collection position 1211 and tightly sealing the groove 1212, or it can be several sealing rods fixed at the collection position 1211 and correspondingly tightly sealing the groove 1212. When the first sealing element 125 consists of several sealing rods, the width of each sealing rod is greater than the width of the corresponding rod groove 1212 to ensure that the sealing rod can completely cover the corresponding rod groove 1212. The second sealing element 126 is circumferentially clamped and sealed between the collection tray 121 at the collection position 1211 and the inner wall of the collection chamber 12. The inner diameter of the second sealing element 126 is smaller than the outer diameter of the collection tray 121. On the one hand, this further ensures the collection efficiency of the collection tray 121 at the collection position 1211. On the other hand, the presence of the second sealing element 126 allows for a smaller outer diameter of the collection tray 121, further avoiding friction between the collection tray 121 and the interior of the carbon nanotube collector 1 during its reciprocating motion along the collector's axial direction, thus improving the service life of both the carbon nanotube collector 1 and the collection tray 121. Of course, continuing as... Figure 4B As shown, the second sealing element 126 is a sealing ring that circumferentially seals between the collecting tray 121 and the inner wall of the collecting chamber 12, and the sealing ring and the sealing rod with the sealing cover on the rod groove 1212 are integrally formed and connected. Furthermore, since the temperature in the carbon nanotube collector 1 may reach 1000℃, the sealing ring and the sealing rod are respectively a high-temperature resistant sealing ring and a high-temperature resistant sealing rod, such as a graphite sealing ring, a ceramic sealing ring, and a graphite sealing rod and a ceramic sealing rod.

[0098] In this example, to cool the carbon nanotubes within the receiving hopper 13, a first cooler is provided around the circumference of the receiving hopper 13. This first cooler is a hollow cooling coil sleeved around the periphery of the receiving hopper 13, and a stirrer is provided at the bottom of the receiving hopper 13 to disperse the unloaded carbon nanotubes. Firstly, carbon source gas or carrier gas can be introduced into the hollow cooling coil, allowing it to preheat the carbon source gas or carrier gas while cooling the collected carbon nanotubes. The stirrer at the bottom of the receiving hopper 13 disperses the unloaded cake-shaped carbon nanotubes and throws them onto the inner wall of the receiving hopper 13, increasing the contact area and contact time between the carbon nanotubes and the first cooler, further enhancing the cooling effect of the cooling coil. Secondly, the cooling coil-type first cooler also preheats the carbon source gas or carrier gas, reducing the heating energy consumption of the reactor, increasing the temperature uniformity inside the reactor, and improving the quality of the prepared carbon nanotubes. Simultaneously, it improves energy efficiency and reduces production costs.

[0099] like Figure 1C and Figure 1D As shown, in order to simultaneously improve the cooling effect of the carbon nanotube product and the entire carbon nanotube collector 1, this utility model also provides a cooling device for the carbon nanotube collector. The cooling device includes a carbon nanotube cooler for airflow cooling of the carbon nanotube product and a collector water-cooling jacket 14 for cooling the collection chamber of the carbon nanotube collector 1. The collector water-cooling jacket 14 is circumferentially fitted around the outer periphery of the collection chamber 12, preferably a double-layer jacketed cooler, having a water-cooling inlet 141 and a water-cooling outlet 142. The water-cooling inlet 141 is located on one side wall of the collection chamber 12 near the bottom, and the water-cooling outlet 142 is installed on the other side wall of the collection chamber 12 near the top. The carbon nanotube cooler is a gas distributor 15 installed in the receiving chamber 13 of the carbon nanotube collector 1 near the bottom. Continuing as... Figure 1C and Figure 1D As shown, the gas distributor 15 is also a disc-shaped device adapted to the shape of the receiving bin 13, with several vent holes 151 provided on its disc-shaped surface. In this example, a cooling inlet 152 and a cooling outlet 153 are respectively located below and above one side wall of the carbon nanotube collector 1. That is, the gas distributor 15 is installed between the cooling inlet 152 and the cooling outlet 153. The cooling airflow entering from the cooling inlet 152 can continue upward through the vent holes 151 of the gas distributor 15 and exit from the cooling outlet 153, thereby achieving cooling of the carbon nanotube product unloaded on the gas distributor 15. Figure 1C and Figure 5AAs shown, this is one type of cooling device for a carbon nanotube collector. The gas distributor 15 in this device is mounted horizontally near the bottom of the receiving hopper 13 via a support ring. The gas distributor 15 has several evenly distributed air vents 151, allowing cooling air introduced from the cooling inlet 152 to pass evenly through the air vents 151 and blow onto the unloaded carbon nanotube product, thus cooling it uniformly. Continuing... Figure 1D and Figure 5B As shown, this is another cooling device for a carbon nanotube collector according to the present invention. The gas distributor 15 of this cooling device is obliquely mounted at the bottom end of the receiving hopper 13 via support rings installed at varying heights. Furthermore, continuing as... Figure 1D and Figure 5B As shown, the inclined gas distributor 15 has several vents 151 only on its lower side near the bottom of the receiving hopper 13. This allows the introduced airflow to be more concentrated on the lower side, passing through the vents 151, thus increasing the turbulence effect on the carbon nanotubes unloaded on the gas distributor 15. Figure 1D As shown, the receiving bin 13 shows a path for the unloaded carbon nanotubes as they tumble with the airflow. On the other hand, because the gas distributor 15 is installed at an angle, the carbon nanotubes unloaded onto it slide to the lower end of the gas distributor 15 under gravity, continuing to be repeatedly cooled by the airflow, further enhancing the cooling effect. Furthermore, the lower end of the inclined gas distributor is also close to the receiving port 132 of the receiving bin 13, facilitating the collection of the cooled carbon nanotube product. Continuing as... Figure 5B and Figure 6As shown, in this example, since the number of vents 151 on the inclined gas distributor 15 is relatively small and concentrated on one side of the gas distributor 15, the introduced airflow is more concentrated and stronger. To further ensure that the carbon nanotube cakes reaching the surface of the collection tray 121 at the unloading position 1213 can be smoothly unloaded, the cooling device for the carbon nanotube collector also includes several insert rods 16 installed below the unloading rod 131 and insert rod drive members 161 installed on the bin wall on one side of the insert rods 16. The insert rod drive member 161 includes a telescopic drive mechanism 1611 and an axial drive mechanism 1612. The telescopic drive mechanism 1611 is drivenly connected to the insert rods 16, that is, the telescopic drive mechanism 1611 can drive the insert rods 16 to move radially horizontally, and can further drive the insert rods 16 to extend into the collected carbon nanotube cakes or retract and withdraw from the carbon nanotube cakes. Specifically, the telescopic drive mechanism 1611 is a hollow telescopic drive cylinder, and the insertion rod 16 can be telescopically inserted into the hollow telescopic drive cylinder. The axial drive mechanism 1612 is axially driven and connected to the telescopic drive mechanism 1611 along the carbon nanotube collector 1, so as to drive the telescopic drive mechanism 1611 to move along the axial direction of the carbon nanotube collector 1, so that the collected carbon nanotube cake can fall smoothly onto the gas distributor 15. The axial drive mechanism 1612 is also installed on the outside of the wall of the receiving bin 13, and the axial drive mechanism 1612 is also a hollow axial telescopic drive cylinder.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, in order to adapt to the production process of a plasma furnace for continuous carbon nanotube preparation, and also to further ensure the collection efficiency of carbon nanotube products and reduce product loss, this utility model also provides a carbon nanotube collection device for continuous carbon nanotube preparation. This carbon nanotube collector device consists of two carbon nanotube collectors 1 connected in series. The two series-connected carbon nanotube collectors 1 do not unload at the same time, thus ensuring no gap in collection. The two carbon nanotube collectors 1 are a first carbon nanotube collector 1a and a second carbon nanotube collector 1b. The two carbon nanotube collectors 1 have similar or identical structures. The first carbon nanotube collector 1a has a first inlet 122a and a first outlet 123a, while the second carbon nanotube collector 1b has a second inlet 122b and a second outlet 123b. The second inlet 122b is connected in series with the first outlet 123a of the first carbon nanotube collector 1a, thereby realizing the series connection of the two carbon nanotube collectors 1. The first feed port 122a of the first carbon nanotube collector 1a is directly or indirectly connected to the material outlet 26 of the plasma furnace 2 used for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes, so as to continuously receive the produced carbon nanotube products.

[0101] like Figure 8As shown, the system for preparing single-walled carbon nanotubes according to this invention, namely a non-transfer arc fluidized bed continuous carbon nanotube preparation system, includes a plasma furnace 2, a condenser 3, a carbon nanotube collecting device, and an exhaust system 4. The condenser 3 has a condenser inlet and a condenser outlet, and the collecting device has a collecting inlet and a collecting outlet, namely a first inlet 122a and a second outlet 123b. The condenser 3 is a conventional structure, as long as it can cool the carbon nanotubes. For example, the condenser 3 can be a water-cooled structure or a carbon nanotube powder material transfer and cooling device disclosed in CN220892639U. The collecting device consists of two carbon nanotube collectors 1 connected in series according to this invention. The exhaust system 4 also has an inlet and an outlet. Figure 8 As shown, the first feed inlet 122a of the collecting device is indirectly connected to the material outlet 26 of the plasma furnace 2 through the condenser 3. The condenser feed inlet of the condenser 3 is connected to the material outlet 26 of the non-transfer arc fluidized bed plasma furnace 2, and the condenser discharge outlet of the condenser 3 is connected to the first feed inlet 122 of the collecting device. At the same time, the first air outlet 123a of the first collector and the first air inlet 122b of the second collector are connected, and the second air outlet 123b of the second collector is connected to the air inlet of the induced draft system 4. That is, the carbon nanotubes generated in the non-transfer arc fluidized bed plasma furnace 2 are first discharged from the material outlet 26 along with the exhaust gas from the non-transfer arc fluidized bed plasma furnace 2, and then cooled by the condenser 3. The carbon nanotubes are collected by the collecting device, and the exhaust gas continues to be discharged outward through the exhaust port of the induced draft system 4 into the recovery system or discharged into the atmosphere after meeting the emission standards. Furthermore, the condenser 2 is a sealed container, and the condenser tube of the condenser 2 contains water or an aqueous solution containing surfactants, the purpose of which is to rapidly cool the carbon nanotubes that pass through.

[0102] In this example, continue as follows Figure 8 As shown, the plasma furnace 2 used for carbon nanotube fabrication comprises, from the inside out, a plasma generator, an insulation layer 23, and an outer shell 24. Specifically, the plasma generator is housed within the insulation layer 23, which in turn is housed within the outer shell 24. The insulation layer 23 is made of a high-temperature resistant material; in this example, it is formed by sintering and pre-fabricating zirconium corundum and alumina hollow spheres with added glass fiber filler. The outer shell 24 employs a double-layer water-cooled stainless steel coil structure to prevent overheating of the furnace exterior. Continuing... Figure 8 and Figure 9AAs shown, the plasma generator includes an anode 21 and a cathode assembly 22, wherein the cathode assembly 22 has a cathode rod 221. The anode 21 has a cylindrical, longitudinally oriented hollow cavity inside, and the cathode rod 221 is coaxially inserted into the cylindrical hollow cavity of the anode 21 and spaced a certain distance from the anode 21. The cathode rod 221 is made of high-temperature resistant graphite and is a solid cylindrical structure with a diameter of 60mm to 100mm and a length of 400mm to 1200mm. The anode 21 can be made of high-temperature resistant graphite, or it can be a high-temperature alloy material composed of a refractory metal and a catalytically active metal. The refractory metal can be selected from one or more of tungsten, molybdenum, and tantalum, and the catalytically active metal can be selected from one or more of iron, cobalt, and nickel, which can further improve the catalytic reaction efficiency. The inner diameter of the anode 21 is 65mm to 120mm, the length is 400mm to 1250mm, and the wall thickness on one side of the anode 21 is 80mm to 150mm, preferably 100mm to 120mm. The hollow cavity of the anode 21 is divided into a cylindrical non-reactive section and a reactive section, and the cathode rod 221, coaxially inserted into the hollow cavity, is also divided into a non-reactive rod section and a reactive rod section. In this example, continuing as... Figure 8 As shown, an annular reaction auxiliary cavity 211 is formed between the inner wall of the non-reaction section of the hollow cavity and the non-reaction section of the cathode rod 221 inserted within the non-reaction section. The upper end of one side of this annular reaction auxiliary cavity 211 is connected to the catalyst inlet 25, and the upper end of the other side is connected to the material outlet 26. That is, the catalyst first passes through the catalyst inlet 25 on one side of the reaction auxiliary cavity 211, then through the reaction auxiliary cavity 211, and finally enters the reaction section of the anode 21. The generated carbon nanotubes are discharged upwards through the material outlet 26 on the other side of the reaction auxiliary cavity 211, and finally condensed by the condenser 3 and collected by the carbon nanotube collecting device. In this invention, since the density of the catalyst is greater than that of the carbon nanotubes, the airflow speed can be controlled to make the catalyst move from top to bottom, causing the generated carbon nanotubes to move from bottom to top. The carbon nanotubes then leave the plasma furnace 2 through the material outlet 26 located at the top of the plasma furnace 2, are condensed by the condenser 3, and then enter the carbon nanotube collecting device through the first inlet 22a for collection.

[0103] Similarly, a non-transfer arc discharge region, namely a non-transfer arc discharge ring cavity 212, is formed between the inner wall of the reaction cavity section located below the non-reaction cavity section of the aforementioned hollow cavity and the reaction rod section of the cathode rod 221 coaxially inserted into the reaction cavity section. This non-transfer arc discharge ring cavity 212 is the core reaction region for forming a non-transfer arc to ionize and prepare carbon nanotubes. The catalyst enters the non-transfer arc discharge ring cavity 212 from top to bottom to participate in the catalytic ionization reaction. Furthermore, the radial spacing of the non-transfer arc discharge ring cavity is equidistant at different positions along its axial direction; that is, the distance between each segment of the reaction rod section of the cathode rod 221 and the inner wall of the reaction cavity section 212 of the anode 21 is equal from top to bottom, thereby generating a very stable non-transfer arc. In addition, continuing as... Figure 8 As shown, the reaction-assisted ring 211 formed above the non-transfer arc discharge ring 212, together with the non-transfer arc discharge ring 212, exhibits a cross-sectional shape that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. This means the radial spacing of the reaction-assisted ring 211 is greater than that of the non-transfer arc discharge ring 212. Because the reaction-assisted ring 211, located in the upper section of the hollow cavity of the anode 21, has a larger radial spacing, the airflow velocity is lower, making catalyst feeding more convenient. Simultaneously, the generated carbon nanotubes can be better separated from the catalyst in this region, resulting in higher purity carbon nanotubes. Conversely, the smaller radial spacing of the non-transfer arc discharge ring 212 is more conducive to plasma discharge generation, and the smaller spacing requires lower power supply specifications, resulting in lower energy consumption for the reaction process and lower costs for manufacturing the plasma furnace 2. The radial spacing of the non-transfer arc discharge ring cavity 112 is 2.5mm to 20mm, such as 3mm, 5mm, 15mm, 18mm, etc., preferably 8mm to 13mm, such as 10mm, 12mm, etc.; the axial length of the non-transfer arc discharge ring cavity 112 is 200mm to 1000mm, such as 300mm, 400mm, 800mm, 900mm, etc., preferably 500mm to 700mm.

[0104] In this example, continue as follows Figures 16A to 16D As shown, the catalyst is introduced into the hollow cavity of the anode 21 from top to bottom through the catalyst screw feed chamber 29, while the carrier gas, carbon source gas and hydrogen are introduced into the hollow cavity of the anode 21 from bottom to top. The rising gas can provide a certain buoyancy to the descending catalyst, which makes a catalyst powder slow settling zone formed in the hollow cavity of the anode 21, thereby prolonging the time for the catalyst to participate in the reaction.

[0105] To increase the reaction time of the catalyst, the catalyst in this invention can be a powdered catalyst, preferably a nano-sized catalyst. The catalyst powder settling zone is composed of the reaction-aiding annular cavity 211 and the non-transfer arc discharge annular cavity 212 within the hollow cavity described above. Furthermore, in this example, the catalyst in the catalyst powder settling zone is in a fluidized state; that is, the plasma furnace 2 provided by this invention is a fluidized bed. Compared to the fixed bed in the prior art, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the catalyst is loaded into a crucible to participate in the reaction. The catalyst in the fluidized bed can fully contact other reactants, such as carbon sources, and is heated more uniformly. Simultaneously, the solid catalyst does not use other supports, such as crucibles, which minimizes the quantity and types of impurities introduced into the reaction system and further effectively promotes the formation of high-quality carbon nanotubes from the carbon source, resulting in more consistent product quality. Therefore, further, in this example, the plasma generator includes an anode 21, an inlet channel 231, a catalyst inlet 25, and a cathode assembly 22. The plasma furnace includes a plasma generator, a catalyst spiral feed chamber 29, a material outlet 26, a carrier gas inlet 27, and a carbon source inlet 28. In addition, in this example, continuing as... Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, to facilitate better catalyst feeding, a stirring device is also provided at the upper end of the catalyst screw feed hopper 29. Alternatively, a stirring device can be directly installed... Figure 16C and Figure 16D The catalyst spiral feed bin shown.

[0106] In other examples, continue as follows Figures 9A-10 As shown, the cathode assembly 22, such as a spin cathode assembly, includes, in addition to the cathode rod 221, a cathode mounting base 222 for mounting and fixing the entire cathode assembly 22, a cathode water-cooling jacket 223 for cooling the cathode rod and preventing excessive heat conduction, a magnetohydrodynamic seal 224 for sealing the cathode mounting base 222 and mounting the cathode water-cooling jacket 223, a shaft end seal 225 for sealing the cathode water-cooling jacket 223, and a rotary drive mechanism 226 for driving the cathode rod 221 to rotate and discharge. The cathode mounting base 222 is a raised hollow flange structure, fixedly mounted on the upper end face of the outer shell 24. Its flange face has several through holes, threaded holes, and sealing grooves for mounting the cathode water-cooling jacket 223. The cathode water-cooling jacket 223 passes through the cathode mounting base 222, and its first end is threadedly connected to one end of the cathode rod 221, indirectly allowing the cathode rod 221 to also be mounted on the cathode mounting base 222.

[0107] In other examples, such as Figure 9B , Figure 13A , Figure 13BAs shown, the cathode water-cooling jacket 223 includes a water-cooling inner tube 2231, a water-cooling outer tube 2232, a water inlet nozzle 2233, a water outlet nozzle 2234, and a water ring 2235. The water-cooling inner tube 2231 is a hollow tubular structure made of 304 stainless steel with open ends and a wall thickness of 1.5mm to 2.5mm. The water-cooling outer tube 2232 is a hollow tubular structure with one open end and one closed end. The water-cooling inner tube 2231 passes through the hollow tubular structure of the water-cooling outer tube 2232. Both the water-cooled inner tube 2231 and the water-cooled outer tube 2232 include a first end and a second end. The first end of the water-cooled inner tube 2231 is an open end, while the first end of the water-cooled outer tube 2232 is a closed end. The end face of the closed end of the water-cooled outer tube 2232 is concave inward and machined with internal threads. One end face of the cathode rod 221, which is connected to the end face of the closed end of the water-cooled outer tube 2232, has a protruding surface and is machined with external threads. The internal and external threads of the two end faces ensure that the cathode rod 221 is tightly connected to the first end of the water-cooled outer tube 2232. In addition, there is a certain distance between the open end of the water-cooled inner tube 2231 and the closed end of the water-cooled outer tube 2232, so that a connected cold water circulation passage is formed between the inner cavity of the water-cooled inner tube 2231 and the inner cavity of the water-cooled outer tube 2232. Meanwhile, a water inlet nozzle 2233 is provided at the second end of the water-cooled inner tube 2231, which communicates with the inner cavity of the water-cooled inner tube 2231. A water outlet nozzle 2234 is provided at a position slightly lower than the height of the water inlet nozzle 2233, which communicates with the inner cavity of the water-cooled outer tube 2232. This allows cooling water to first enter the water-cooled inner tube 2231 through the water inlet nozzle 2233, then flow through the cold water circulation path to the water-cooled outer tube 2232, cooling the cathode rod 221 connected to the lower end of the water-cooled outer tube 2232 for heat dissipation. Finally, the water exits from the water outlet nozzle 2234 connected to the water-cooled outer tube 2232. This further prevents heat from being conducted to the outside, thus avoiding damage to other components or affecting their performance. Of course, to ensure even distribution of water within the flow channel and prevent the formation of empty water areas, thus improving the cooling effect, additional measures are taken.

[0108] like Figure 14A and Figure 14BAs shown, the sealing seat for sealing the cathode water-cooled jacket has a water passage gap outside the second end of the water-cooled inner tube 2231. A water-passing ring 2235 is fitted onto the second end of the water-cooled inner tube 2231 and secured in the water passage gap of the sealing seat. One end of the water-passing ring 2235 is connected to the water inlet nozzle 2233, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the water-cooled inner tube 2231. Specifically, the water-passing ring 2235 is a hollow cylinder with multiple annular holes on its circular circumferential surface. The water-cooled inner tube 2231 also has multiple pipe holes corresponding to the annular holes on its circumferential surface where the water-passing ring 2235 is fitted. The diameter of the pipe holes is 6mm to 10mm, and the number of holes is 4 to 8. That is, after the cooling water enters through the inlet nozzle 2233, it flows evenly into the water-cooled inner tube 2231 through the annular hole on the water ring 2235, and then flows out through the cold water circulation passage between the water-cooled outer tube 2232 and the water-cooled inner tube 2231, thus achieving a circulating cooling effect.

[0109] In other examples, such as Figure 9C , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a magnetic fluid seal 224 and a shaft end seal 225 are respectively sealed around the lower and middle sections of the water-cooled outer tube 2232 and the second end of the cathode water-cooled jacket 223, that is, at the upper section and top of the water-cooled inner tube 2231 and the water-cooled outer tube 2232. The magnetic fluid seal 224 includes a hollow magnetic fluid 2241, a hollow insulating seat 2242, a hollow magnetic fluid cover 2243, and several insulating pads 2244. The magnetic fluid 2241 and the insulating seat 2242 are coaxially sleeved on the outside of the water-cooled outer tube 2232. The magnetic fluid 2241 can directly adopt a commercially available standard dynamic sealing structure. The insulating seat 2242 is a hollow cylindrical structure with a boss, and its material is polytetrafluoroethylene or other insulating materials with good insulation properties. The insulating base 2242 serves two purposes: firstly, it acts as a seal, isolating external air from the plasma furnace 2; secondly, it provides insulation, preventing the current generated by the plasma generator from being conducted to the outside of the plasma furnace 2, thus preventing electric shock to personnel. The insulating base 2242 is also coaxially mounted within the cathode mounting base 222, meaning that the coaxially mounted insulating base 2242 simultaneously isolates the magnetofluid 2241 and the water-cooled outer tube 2232 from the cathode mounting base 222. Continuing... Figure 11As shown, the cylindrical insulating base 2242 with a boss has a thick section and a thin section. The thick section of the boss-type insulating base separates the first end of the magnetic fluid 2241 from the cathode mounting base 222, while the thin section of the boss-type insulating base separates the water-cooled outer tube 2232 of the cathode water-cooling jacket 223 from the cathode mounting base 222. This prevents short circuits between the two electrodes and also ensures precise positioning to guarantee that a uniformly spaced non-transfer arc discharge annular cavity 212 is formed between the placed cathode rod 221 and anode 21. Simultaneously, the cathode mounting base 222, the insulating base 2242, and the magnetic fluid 2241 are all coaxially mounted on the water-cooled outer tube 2232 using bolts. In addition, an insulating pad 2244 and a magnetic fluid cover 2243 are sequentially provided at the second end of the magnetic fluid 2241. The insulating pad 2244 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or other materials with insulating properties. The magnetic fluid cover 2243 is a hollow recessed boss structure made of 304 stainless steel, coaxially sleeved on the outside of the water-cooled outer tube 2232. One concave surface of its recessed boss structure is fastened to the second end of the magnetic fluid 2241 with bolts to protect the magnetic fluid 2241, while the other side has several countersunk holes made of 304 stainless steel that match the fixing bolts. Continuing on... Figure 9B , Figure 13A and Figure 13BAs shown, a shaft end seal 225 is provided at the second end of the cathode water-cooling jacket 223. This shaft end seal 225 includes a sealing seat 2251, at least one first shaft seal ring 2252, at least one second shaft seal ring 2253, at least one third shaft seal ring 2254, a first shaft seal pressure cover 2255, a second shaft seal pressure cover 2256, a hollow small shaft positioning cover 2257, and a solid fixed small shaft 2258. The sealing seat 2251 is a hollow frustum-shaped structure made of 304 stainless steel, fitted onto the second end of the cathode water-cooling jacket 223. The frustum-shaped surface of the sealing seat 2251 has several bolt holes and several threaded through holes for installing the drive mounting plate 2261 and the bearing pressure cover. The circumferential surface of the sealing seat 2251 also has cooling water inlet and outlet holes, which are welded together with the inlet nozzle 2233 and the outlet nozzle 2234, respectively. Furthermore, to fully ensure the sealing effect of the cathode water-cooling jacket 223 fitted onto the sealing seat 2251, the hollow interior of the sealing seat 2251 has an inwardly recessed first step, a second step, and a third step at the first end, and an inwardly recessed fourth step at the second end. The second end of the water-cooling outer tube 2232 is inserted into the cavity formed by the first step at the first end of the sealing seat 2251; the first shaft seal ring 2253 is tightly fitted around the second end of the water-cooling outer tube 2232 and presses against the second step at the first end of the sealing seat 2251 and the inner wall of the cavity formed by the second step to ensure the sealing of the second end of the water-cooling outer tube 2232. The first shaft seal cap 2255 is fitted around the second end of the water-cooling outer tube 2232 and is located in the cavity formed by the third step at the first end of the sealing seat 2251, covering one side of the first shaft seal ring 2252 to limit and press the first shaft seal ring 2252, so that the first shaft seal ring 2252 maintains an inward contraction pressure to achieve a seal. The second shaft seal ring 2253 and the third shaft seal ring 2254 are both tightly fitted around the second end of the water-cooled inner tube 2231, and are located at both ends of the water-passing ring 2235 of the cathode water-cooling jacket 223. That is, the water-passing ring 2235 is installed inside the sealing seat 2251 and is located between the second shaft seal ring 2253 and the third shaft seal ring 2254, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of cooling water when passing through the water-passing ring 2235. The second shaft seal ring 2253 is also pressed against the fourth step at the second end of the sealing seat 2251 and the inner wall of the cavity formed by the fourth step. To press and tighten the second shaft seal ring 2253 within the fourth step cavity of the sealing seat 2251, the first side of the second shaft seal cover 2256 covers the second shaft seal ring 2253. The second shaft seal cover 2256 is a hollow cylindrical boss structure made of 304 stainless steel, with several bolt holes on its outer edge. Its boss surface is used to press the second shaft seal ring 2253. Simultaneously, the bolt holes on the outer edge of the first side of the second shaft seal cover 2256 allow it to be directly fixed to the side of the second end of the sealing seat 2251 using bolts. The third shaft seal ring 2254 is installed below the water ring 2235 and presses against the sealing seat 2251.

[0110] In addition, in this example, such as Figures 15A-15C As shown, a hollow small shaft positioning cover 2257 and a solid fixed small shaft 2258 are also provided at the second end of the sealing seat 2251 and the water-cooled inner tube 2231. A threaded hole is provided at the second end of the sealing seat 2251. The small shaft positioning cover 2257 and the second shaft sealing cover 2256 are sequentially fixed to the side of the second end of the sealing seat 2251 through the threaded hole and bolts. The small shaft positioning cover 2257 is installed on the second side of the second shaft sealing cover 2256. The small shaft positioning cover 2257 is also a hollow cylindrical boss structure made of 304 stainless steel, and has several oblong holes on the cylindrical plane, numbering 3 to 6, with a diameter of 6 to 10 mm. A keyway mounting hole for positioning and installation is provided on the inner surface. The fixed small shaft 2258 is a solid cylindrical structure with a threaded hole at the central axis of one end face. The fixed small shaft 2258 is fixed inside the small shaft positioning cover 2257 by a bolt that can pass through the threaded hole and a pressure ring washer placed on the second end face of the small shaft positioning cover 2257. At the same time, the fixed small shaft 2258 has an outwardly protruding boss on the circumferential surface of the end near the water-cooled inner tube 2231. This boss is used to install coaxially with the small shaft positioning cover 2257. The outer surface of the small shaft positioning cover 2257 also has a keyway mounting hole, which coincides with the keyway mounting hole of the fixed small shaft. On the one hand, it is used to position the water-cooled inner tube 2231 installed at one end of the fixed small shaft 2258. On the other hand, by installing a key in the keyway mounting hole, the fixed small shaft 2258 can be effectively prevented from rotating. Meanwhile, a bevel is provided at the contact point between the first end of the fixed small shaft 2258 and the second end of the water-cooled inner tube 2231. The water-cooled inner tube 2231 is welded and fixed to the fixed small shaft 2258 through the bevel, thereby fixing the water-cooled inner tube 2231 and preventing it from rotating. Continuing... Figure 9B As shown, in this example, the first shaft seal ring 2252 consists of two spaced-apart first shaft seal rings arranged side by side, with a shaft seal gasket between them. Similarly, the second shaft seal ring 2253 and the third shaft seal ring 2254 can also be two spaced-apart second and third shaft seal rings arranged side by side, with corresponding shaft seal gaskets directly between them (not shown in the figure). Furthermore, the first, second, and third shaft seal rings are all standard seals, made of nitrile rubber or fluororubber. In addition, the first shaft seal cap 2255 and the second shaft seal cap 2256 can be hollow structures.

[0111] In this example, continuing as follows Figure 9AAs shown, the water-cooled outer tube 2232 of the cathode water-cooled jacket 223 is also driven by the rotary drive mechanism 226. The first end of the water-cooled outer tube 2232 is fixedly connected to one end of the cathode rod 221 by a thread. The rotary drive mechanism 226 is driven by the water-cooled outer tube 2232 through the gear assembly 227. That is, the rotary drive mechanism 226 indirectly drives the cathode rod 221 to rotate through the gear assembly 227 and the water-cooled outer tube 2232. The rotary drive mechanism 226 also includes a drive motor, a drive mounting base 2261, a driven gear positioning ring 2262, and a driven gear locking nut 2263. The gear assembly 227 includes a driving gear 2271 and a driven gear 2272. The drive mounting base 2261 is a flat plate structure with several bolt holes on one side for mounting the drive motor and several bolt holes on the other side for fixing the drive mounting base 2261 to the sealing seat 2251 to provide a working platform when the motor rotates. The driving gear 2271 is connected to the drive mechanism 226, i.e., the motor shaft of the drive motor of the drive mechanism. That is, the center hole of the main gear 2271 is coaxially mounted with the drive motor installed on the drive mounting base 2261 and connected by bolts. The speed of the drive motor is usually set to 1 to 20 r / min. The driven gear 2272 is a standard gear structure made of ordinary carbon steel and is mounted on the water-cooled outer tube 2232 by interference fit. The active gear disk 2231 and the driven gear disk 2232 are mounted on the same plane and are meshed together. The rotary drive mechanism 226 drives the water-cooled outer tube 2232, which in turn drives the cathode rod 221 to rotate. This allows the cathode rod 221 to discharge more uniformly within the hollow cavity of the anode 21, promoting uniform ablation of the graphite cathode rod 221 and improving the uniformity of plasma discharge and temperature. This effectively controls the morphology, size, and structure of the carbon nanotubes and further prevents localized ablation pits or insufficient ablation in the cathode rod 221. Meanwhile, as shown in the figure, the driven gear positioning ring 2262 and the driven gear locking nut 2263 are coaxially fixed to the water-cooled outer tube 2232 via an interference fit, located at the lower and upper ends of the driven gear disk 2272, respectively. The gear positioning ring 2262 is a hollow cylindrical structure made of 304 stainless steel with internal threads. It is coaxially fixed to the magnetic fluid cover 2243 of the magnetic fluid seal 224 via threads, along with the water-cooling outer tube 2232. The gear locking nut 2263 is a hollow frustum structure made of 304 stainless steel with internal threads on its inner surface. It is threadedly connected to the water-cooling outer tube 2232 onto the gear disk 2272 to secure the gear disk 2272 and prevent loosening during rotation.

[0112] Continue as Figure 9A and Figure 9BAs shown, the water-cooled outer tube 2232 is also driven to rotate by the rotary drive mechanism 226. To prevent the sealing seat 2251 and the water-cooled inner tube 2231 from rotating, a bearing 2264 of the rotary drive mechanism 226 is installed in the cavity formed by the third step at the first end of the sealing seat 2251. This allows the drive motor of the rotary drive mechanism to rotate the water-cooled outer tube 2232 while the sealing seat 2251 and the water-cooled inner tube 2231 remain stationary. Furthermore, to further improve the utilization of equipment space and make the equipment relatively compact for easier scaling and optimization in the process, the bearing 2264 is directly installed at the lower part of the first shaft seal cover 2255. In addition, a bearing cap is installed on one side of the bearing 2264. The bearing cap is a hollow frustum structure made of 304 stainless steel, with several bolt mounting holes on one side. These bolt mounting holes are used to coaxially connect the bearing 2264 to the sealing seat 2251 via bolts, for securing the bearing 2264, which is coaxially mounted on the water-cooled outer tube 2232 by an interference fit.

[0113] A brush assembly 228 is also installed on one side of the aforementioned magnetofluid 225. This brush assembly 228 is a standard copper brush used for current transmission. A cathode terminal is also provided on one side of the brush assembly 228, which is welded to the outer shell of the brush assembly 228. Several insulating pads 2244 are also provided between the brush assembly 228 and the sealing seat 2251 to separate the brush assembly 228 from the magnetofluid 225 and achieve electrical insulation between the two. The insulating pads 2244 are made of polytetrafluoroethylene or other materials with good insulating properties.

[0114] In addition, continue as Figure 8 As shown, the catalyst inlet 25 and the material outlet 26 are also located on both sides of the top of the plasma furnace 2. The catalyst inlet 25 is connected to one side of the reaction auxiliary annular cavity 211 of the non-transfer arc plasma generator, that is, to one side of the upper port of the hollow cavity of the anode 21. The material outlet 26 is connected to the other side of the reaction auxiliary annular cavity 211 of the plasma generator, which is relatively far away, that is, to the other side of the upper port of the hollow cavity of the anode 21. At the bottom of the non-transfer arc plasma furnace 2, a carrier gas inlet 27 and a carbon source inlet 28 are respectively provided. In this example, an air inlet channel 231 is also provided at the bottom of the insulation layer 23. This air inlet channel 231 is connected to the lower port of the hollow cavity of the anode 21. The carrier gas inlet 27 and the carbon source inlet 28 are both connected to the inlet of the air inlet channel 231. That is, the carrier gas, carbon source, and hydrogen can enter the hollow cavity of the anode 21 from bottom to top through the air inlet channel 231 via the carrier gas inlet 27 and the carbon source inlet 28, respectively. Furthermore, continuing as... Figure 9A and Figure 17As shown, a gas distribution ring 232 is also provided in the air intake channel 231. The gas distribution ring 232 can mix the carrier gas entering from the carrier gas inlet and the carbon source gas entering from the carbon source gas inlet evenly before sending them into the hollow cavity of the anode 21. The carrier gas is any one of nitrogen, argon, and helium, or a mixture of two or more in any proportion. Of course, in this example, continuing as... Figures 16A to 16D As shown, a catalyst spiral feed chamber 29 is also connected above the catalyst inlet 25. The catalyst spiral feed chamber 29 is existing technology. The catalyst spiral feed chamber 29 is located above the hollow cavity of the anode 21, and the bottom of the catalyst spiral feed chamber 29 is connected to the catalyst inlet 25. The bottom of the catalyst spiral feed chamber 29 is provided with a screw-type structure that can feed the catalyst spirally, so that the catalyst feeding is more uniform and continuous.

[0115] Of course, the first carbon nanotube collector 1a and the second carbon nanotube collector 1b described above can be as follows: Figures 1A to 1D The carbon nanotube collector 1 shown has a first gate valve and a second gate valve, a first collection chamber and a second collection chamber, a first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber, a first collection plate and a second collection plate, a first rod groove on the first collection plate and a second rod groove on the second collection plate, a first unloading rod and a second unloading rod, a first collection position and a second collection position, and a first unloading position and a second unloading position.

[0116] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for collecting carbon nanotubes, comprising the following steps:

[0117] In step S1, with the gate valve in the closed state, the carbon nanotubes passing through the collection chamber are collected by the collection plate located at the collection position in the collection chamber.

[0118] In step S20, the thickness detection sensor detects whether the thickness of the carbon nanotube cake adhering to the lower surface of the collection tray has reached the set thickness. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, continue to step S1.

[0119] Step S2: Open the gate valve to fully connect the collection bin and the receiving bin;

[0120] Step S3: Drive the collection tray to move to the unloading position of the receiving hopper;

[0121] Step S4: The unloading rod extends into the corresponding position of the rod groove of the collection tray;

[0122] Step S5: The collecting disc is driven back to the collecting bin in the reverse direction. During this process, the unloading rod blocks the carbon tube cake formed on the surface of the collecting disc and drops it to the bottom of the collecting bin.

[0123] Step S6: Close the gate valve to isolate the collection bin and the receiving bin.

[0124] Step S7 repeats steps S1 to S6 several times. During the cycle, any step between step S5 and step S3 also includes step S'. Specifically, step S' includes: driving the unloading rod to move radially out of the receiving bin.

[0125] When the carbon nanotube collection method uses the carbon nanotube collection device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes, that is, when a first carbon nanotube collector and a second carbon nanotube collector connected in series are used to collect carbon nanotubes, wherein when the first carbon nanotube collector is performing steps S2 to S6, the second carbon nanotube collector is performing step S1; and when the second carbon nanotube collector is performing steps S2 to S6, the first carbon nanotube collector is performing step S1.

[0126] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the present invention based on the above description. Therefore, certain details in the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention shall be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes, characterized in that, The carbon nanotube collecting device includes at least two carbon nanotube collectors connected in series.

2. The carbon nanotube collection device for continuously producing carbon nanotubes according to claim 1, wherein The carbon nanotube collecting device includes: A first carbon nanotube collector having a first feed inlet and a first air outlet; A second carbon nanotube collector has a second inlet and a second outlet, wherein the second inlet is connected in series with the first outlet.

3. The carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first carbon nanotube collector is a first carbon nanotube collector for collecting single-walled carbon nanotubes, and the second carbon nanotube collector is a second carbon nanotube collector for collecting single-walled carbon nanotubes.

4. The carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first carbon nanotube collector includes: The first collection point is located above the first feed inlet and below the first air outlet; The first unloading position is located below the first inlet; The first collection tray, which collects and discharges materials, can be moved back and forth between the first collection position and the first discharge position. The second carbon nanotube collector includes: The second collection point is located above the second feed inlet and below the second air outlet; The second unloading position is located below the second inlet; The second collection tray can be moved back and forth between the second collection position and the second discharge position for receiving and discharging materials, and the second collection tray does not discharge materials at the same time as the first collection tray.

5. The carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first carbon nanotube collector includes: A first gate valve is radially disposed in the middle section of the first carbon nanotube collector. The first gate valve divides the first carbon nanotube collector into a first collection chamber and a first receiving chamber that can be connected or separated. The first inlet, the first collection position and the first air outlet are all located in the first collection chamber, and the first discharge position is located in the first receiving chamber. A first collecting disc for collecting carbon nanotubes is provided in the first collecting chamber. After the first gate valve is opened, the first collecting disc can extend and retract between the first collecting position in the first collecting chamber and the first unloading position in the first receiving chamber. The first collecting disc is provided with several first rod grooves. A plurality of first unloading rods can be moved radially to the corresponding position of the first rod groove of the first collection tray which is already in the first unloading position, so as to block and unload the carbon nanotubes adhering to the surface of the first collection tray into the first receiving bin. The second carbon nanotube collector includes: A second gate valve is radially disposed in the middle section of the second carbon nanotube collector. The second gate valve divides the second carbon nanotube collector into a second collection chamber and a second receiving chamber that can be connected or separated. The second inlet, the second collection position and the second outlet are all located in the second collection chamber, and the second discharge position is located in the second receiving chamber. A second collecting disc for collecting carbon nanotubes is provided in the second collecting chamber. After the second gate valve is opened, the second collecting disc can extend and retract between the second collecting position in the second collecting chamber and the second unloading position in the second receiving chamber. The second collecting disc is provided with several second rod grooves. Several second unloading rods can be moved radially to the corresponding positions of the second rod slots of the second collection tray, which is already in the second unloading position, so as to block and unload the carbon nanotubes adhering to the surface of the second collection tray into the second receiving bin.

6. The carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The width of the first unloading rod is equal to or less than the width of the first rod slot of the first collection tray, and / or the number of the first unloading rods is equal to or less than the number of the first rod slots; The width of the second discharge bar is equal to or less than the width of the second bar slot of the second collection tray and / or the number of the second discharge bars is equal to or less than the number of the second bar slots.

7. A system for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes, characterized in that... The system also includes: The carbon nanotube collecting device for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A plasma furnace for continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes has a material outlet, which is directly or indirectly connected to the first feed inlet of the first carbon nanotube collector.

8. The system as described in claim 7, characterized in that... The plasma furnace for preparing carbon nanotubes includes a plasma generator, which comprises: The anode has a hollow cavity inside; A cathode assembly having a cathode rod coaxially inserted into the hollow cavity of the anode, such that a non-transfer arc discharge region is simultaneously formed between the cathode rod and the inner wall of the hollow cavity of the anode. The air intake channel is connected to the lower port of the hollow cavity of the anode; The catalyst inlet is connected to one side of the upper port of the hollow cavity of the anode, so that the hollow cavity of the anode forms a slow settling zone for catalyst powder.

9. The system as described in claim 8, characterized in that... The hollow cavity of the anode has a cylindrical reaction chamber section; The cathode rod has a cylindrical reaction rod segment, which is coaxially inserted into the reaction cavity segment of the anode, such that the non-transfer arc discharge region formed between the reaction rod segment of the cathode rod and the inner wall of the reaction cavity segment of the anode is a non-transfer arc discharge annular cavity.

10. The system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The hollow cavity of the anode has a non-reactive cavity section located above the reactive cavity section; The cathode rod has a non-reactive section located above the reactive section. The non-reactive section of the cathode rod is located within the non-reactive cavity of the anode, such that a reaction-assisted annular cavity is formed between the upper section of the cathode rod and the upper section of the anode. The catalyst inlet is connected to one side of the upper port of the reaction-assisted annular cavity. The non-transfer arc discharge annular cavity and the reaction-assisted annular cavity together form the catalyst powder slow settling zone.

11. The system as described in claim 8, characterized in that... The cathode assembly also includes: A rotary drive mechanism is directly or indirectly connected to the cathode rod, driving the cathode rod to rotate within the hollow cavity of the anode; The lower end of the cathode water-cooling jacket is fixedly connected to the cathode rod, and the rotary drive mechanism is drivenly connected to the upper section of the cathode water-cooling jacket.

12. The system as described in claim 11, characterized in that... The rotary drive mechanism is connected to the upper section of the cathode water-cooling jacket via a gear assembly.

13. The system as described in claim 12, characterized in that... The rotary drive mechanism has a drive gear disk on its shaft and a driven gear disk on its cathode water-cooling jacket. The drive gear disk and the driven gear disk are meshed together.

14. The system as described in claim 11, characterized in that... The cathode water-cooled jacket includes: A water-cooled outer tube, the first end of which is fixedly connected to one end of the cathode rod, and the driving mechanism is connected to the water-cooled outer tube through a gear assembly, thereby driving the cathode rod to rotate; A water-cooled inner tube is inserted inside the water-cooled outer tube such that a cold water circulation passage is formed between the inner cavity of the water-cooled inner tube and the inner cavity of the water-cooled outer tube. A cathode mounting base is installed on one end face of the plasma generator, and the cathode water-cooling jacket passes through the cathode mounting base, so that the cathode rod is indirectly mounted on the cathode mounting base.

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