Abrasive Grain Surface Treatment for Electrostatic Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive grain manufacturing processes face challenges with uneven distribution and dust formation during electrostatic scattering, which are influenced by humidity and result in product deterioration and health risks, while current solutions either require complex treatments or are not effective in reducing dust.

Innovation Solution

Surface treatment of solid particles with a polyol solution, specifically using short-chain polyols like glycol and propanediol, improves scattering behavior and binds dust, reducing health risks and ensuring homogeneous distribution without compromising integration into synthetic resin matrices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water is deposited on the surface of the abrasive grain to improve surface conductivity, then the scattering ability in the electrostatic field is improved, but the flowability of the abrasive grain is impaired and too much moisture accumulates on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattering abilityVSAvoidflowability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the moisture content on the abrasive grain surface to an optimal range (0.1-5% by weight) rather than allowing excessive moisture accumulation. This controlled parameter adjustment enables sufficient surface conductivity for electrostatic scattering while maintaining adequate flowability for homogeneous distribution on the conveyor belt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as silane coupling agents or other surface treatment agents) that mediates between the abrasive grain surface and moisture. These intermediaries facilitate controlled moisture retention for conductivity while preventing excessive accumulation that would harm flowability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the voltage or distance between electrodes is increased to improve scattering density, then the distribution uniformity is improved, but the process becomes more complex and energy-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electrostatic field parameters (voltage and electrode distance) to achieve effective scattering without excessive energy consumption. By combining this with surface moisture control, the system achieves uniform distribution at moderate field strengths, avoiding the need for overly complex high-voltage configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If abrasive grains are transported and stored in paper bags under different climatic conditions, then the storage flexibility is improved, but the abrasive grains cannot adapt to the climate quickly enough for optimal scattering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidclimate adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the abrasive grain surface with moisture-retaining substances before storage and transport. This preliminary surface modification enables the grains to quickly adapt to different climatic conditions during storage while maintaining optimal scattering properties, eliminating the need for extended acclimation periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If dust extraction systems are positioned close to the hopper opening to reduce dust, then the health protection is improved, but the filling process is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust formationVSAvoidfilling process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of converting harm into benefit by using the dust generated during abrasive grain handling as a indicator of surface condition. By controlling surface moisture and using intermediaries, the system minimizes dust generation at the source rather than relying on extraction systems, thereby eliminating the conflict between dust control and filling ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The treatment enhances scattering ability and reduces dust formation by at least 80%, ensuring homogeneous distribution and improved integration, while maintaining low treatment complexity and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a permanent moisture film is to be formed on the surface of the abrasive grain, which ensures sufficient surface conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

In the electrostatic field, the abrasive grains, which are lying loosely on the conveyor belt, are now excited and accelerated in the direction of the counter electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic acceleration: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2328991B1Coated solid particles
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 CENT FOR ABRASIVES & REFRACTORIES RES & DEV C A R R D GMBH
  • EP2328991B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for treating the surfaces of solid particles to improve the processability of the solid particles in the electrostatic field and to reduce the dust formation which occurs during the processing of the solid particles.