Crystal Slurry Discharge With Multi-Directional High-Velocity Jets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for handling crystal grains, such as in the production and purification of chemical compounds like (meth)acrylic acid, do not achieve uniform handling and washing, leading to non-uniform product quality.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a vessel with a liquid feed unit containing multiple ejection holes that ejects liquid at high velocity in different horizontal directions to break up the crystal bed uniformly, using a hydraulic wash column with specific requirements for the number and arrangement of ejection holes based on expansion angles and velocities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional liquid feed methods are used in wash columns, then the structure is simple, but the crystal bed is not broken up uniformly and washing efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of crystal grain handlingVSAvoidcomplexity of liquid feed unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid feed unit is segmented into multiple ejection holes (M or more) arranged to cover a wide expansion angle. Each ejection hole directs liquid in a specific direction, collectively achieving uniform coverage of the crystal bed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while improving uniformity of crystal grain handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the crystal bed receive liquid ejection from optimally positioned holes to achieve locally appropriate washing intensity. The ejection holes are arranged and oriented to provide targeted liquid delivery to specific areas, ensuring uniform breaking up of the crystal bed while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If liquid is ejected at low velocity, then energy consumption is low, but the crystal bed is not effectively broken up and washing efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of crystal grain handlingVSAvoidenergy consumption of liquid ejection
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid ejection velocity is set to 2 m/s or higher, which is an excessive velocity compared to conventional methods. This high velocity provides sufficient dynamic pressure to effectively break up the crystal bed and achieve uniform crystal grain handling. The energy consumption is justified by the significant improvement in washing efficiency and product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If the number of ejection holes is small, then the device complexity is low, but the liquid coverage is insufficient and crystal grains cannot be handled uniformly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of crystal grain handlingVSAvoidnumber of ejection holes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid feed unit incorporates M or more ejection holes, where M is determined by dividing 360 by the expansion angle of the liquid jet. This segmentation ensures that the entire crystal bed is covered by liquid ejection from multiple directions. The systematic arrangement of holes achieves uniform crystal grain handling without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection holes are designed with universal functionality to eject liquid in multiple directions simultaneously. Each hole serves multiple purposes: delivering liquid to specific regions, contributing to overall coverage, and participating in the collective effort to uniformly break up the crystal bed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method allows for substantially uniform handling of crystal grains, achieving high-quality products by ensuring uniform washing and breaking up the crystal bed effectively.

Implementation Method 1

breaking up a crystal bed by the dynamic pressure of the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDynamic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

ejecting liquid at high velocity through multiple ejection holes in different horizontal directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid ejection: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP4635590A1Method for discharging crystal grain-containing slurry from container
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO LTD
  • EP4635590A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4635590A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4635590A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a method for appropriately handling crystal grains. The present invention relates to, for example, a method including: feeding a crystal grain melt-containing liquid into a vessel; and discharging a crystal grain-containing slurry from the vessel, the vessel including therein at least one liquid feed unit including liquid ejection holes for ejecting the melt-containing liquid into the vessel, the liquid feed unit including: a liquid ejection part including the liquid ejection holes in a number of M or more, M being calculated according to a specified requirement; and a liquid feed area for feeding the liquid from outside the vessel into the liquid ejection part, the liquid being ejected from the liquid ejection part into the vessel through the liquid ejection holes in a plurality of different substantially horizontal directions at a liquid ejection velocity of 2 m/s or higher.