Cryogenic Film Separation Device Using Liquid Nitrogen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to non-destructively separate acidified and hardened cellulose acetate cine films, leading to damage and loss of image information, as direct separation causes breakage or detachment of the emulsion layer.
Innovation Solution
A separating device comprising a pressurizing device, a separating device, and a liquid nitrogen storage device, where liquid nitrogen is introduced into a film receiving chamber to create micro-pores between the film layers due to differing expansion coefficients, allowing non-destructive separation without damaging the film's pH, dimensional stability, or mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct artificial separation is performed during film repair, then the bonding between film layers can be broken, but the film roll breaks or the emulsion layer falls off
Solution Approach 1:
Liquid nitrogen is introduced as an intermediary substance between the bonded film layers. The liquid nitrogen penetrates the bonding interface and utilizes differential thermal expansion coefficients to create separation, acting as a mediator that enables layer separation without direct mechanical force that would damage the fragile film structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter by introducing liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperature. This temperature change exploits the differential thermal expansion coefficients between the base layer and emulsion layer, causing them to expand at different rates and create natural separation without mechanical stress
2Reliability
If liquid nitrogen is introduced to separate film layers using differential expansion, then non-destructive separation is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The separating device is divided into distinct functional modules: a liquid nitrogen storage device for holding and controlling nitrogen supply, a pressurizing device for delivering nitrogen at controlled pressure, and a film receiving chamber for containing the film during separation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid nitrogen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cooling agent to induce differential thermal expansion, as a pressurizing medium to force penetration between film layers, and as a separating agent that exploits the expansion difference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each operation
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 method effectively separates bonded cine films without damaging their mechanical properties, allowing for the preservation of image information and the prevention of further film deterioration, achieving a non-destructive separation process.
Implementation Method 1
the gas release valve is opened to start a gasification of the liquid nitrogen in the film receiving chamber
Implementation Method 2
due to a difference between expansion coefficients of a base layer and an emulsion layer of the film roll under a low temperature, micro-pores and gaps may be generated
Data Source
AI summary
A separating device and method for a bonded cine film, belonging to the field of image file protection and repair technologies. The separating device comprises a pressurizing device, a separating device and a liquid nitrogen storage device. The pressurizing device is connected to the liquid nitrogen storage device; the liquid nitrogen storage device is connected to the separating device for providing liquid nitrogen thereto; the separating device comprises a film receiving chamber for accommodating a film to be separated; the pressurizing device pressurizes the liquid nitrogen storage device allowing liquid nitrogen to enter the film receiving chamber. Due to a difference between expansion coefficients of a base layer and emulsion layer of the film under low temperature, micro-pores and gaps may be generated in the base layer and the emulsion layer of a bonded film roll; the liquid nitrogen penetrates into the micro-pores and gaps of the bonded film.