Electrostatic Centrifugal Fiber Sorting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively and simply separate fibrous particles from non-fibrous particles in aerosols, particularly in dusty environments, leading to inaccurate fiber counting due to masking by other particles, and existing devices are limited in their ability to distinguish between different types of fibers and non-fibrous particles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the charging of particles by unipolar ion diffusion and the application of a uniform electrical field between conductive surfaces, combined with centrifugal force, to separate fibers from non-fibrous particles, utilizing a device with conductive surfaces of revolution and a rotating output tube to recover fibers while ejecting non-fibrous particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional filter collection followed by microscopy is used, then fiber concentration can be measured, but the measurement precision deteriorates in dusty environments due to masking by non-fibrous particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle population into fibrous and non-fibrous particles through sequential classification stages. A first classifier separates particles based on electrical mobility, and a second classifier further separates fibers from non-fibrous particles, achieving pure fiber counting without interference from dust particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electric fields as an intermediary mechanism to separate fibers from non-fibrous particles. By applying electrical fields in conjunction with airflow, the system creates distinct trajectories for charged fibrous and non-fibrous particles, enabling selective collection of fibers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical mobility classification is used to separate particles, then separation capability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple classifiers and field application systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges classification and collection functions into a single integrated device. The electrical mobility classifier and particle collector are combined in one apparatus, eliminating the need for separate classification and collection systems while maintaining separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional device that can classify particles by electrical mobility, separate fibers from non-fibrous particles, and collect selected particles all within a single system. The device performs multiple functions sequentially without requiring separate apparatus 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
This approach enhances the selectivity of fiber sorting, reduces the impact of non-fibrous particles on fiber counting, and effectively separates fibers of varying lengths and diameters, including asbestos fibers, in real-time, even in dusty environments.
Implementation Method 1
charging of the particles in suspension in the aerosol, by unipolar ion diffusion
Implementation Method 2
application of a uniform electrical field between two electrically conductive surfaces of revolution
Implementation Method 3
rotation at a given velocity of the surfaces of revolution and of the output tube
Implementation Method 4
separate the fibers from the non-fibrous particles initially present in the aerosol and ejected by the centrifugal force out of the output tube
Data Source
AI summary
The invention consists of a continuous sorting method and device which highlights the trajectory differences to which fibers of different form factors and particles charged under the joint influence of electrical forces and a centrifugal force could be subjected. Thus, according to the sorting method, the conditions exploit this difference in order to recover/collect the fibers separated from the non-fibrous particles present in the same initial aerosol or to sort fibers exhibiting different form factors.