Electrostatic Precipitator Using Molten Carrier for Particle Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic precipitators face challenges in effectively and gently introducing sub-millimeter sized particles into a carrier material, particularly when the carrier material is solid at room temperature, as the particles often agglomerate on the precipitation electrode, reducing bioavailability and specific surface area.
Innovation Solution
The development of a melt electrostatic precipitator that uses a casing with an inlet and outlet for gas flow, featuring a discharge electrode and a collecting electrode to apply an electric field, and a receiving volume adjacent to the collecting electrode filled with a molten carrier material, allowing for the gentle and effective embedding of sub-millimeter sized particles into the carrier material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an electrostatic precipitator is used to separate sub-millimeter sized particles from gas stream, then separation efficiency is improved, but particle agglomeration occurs on the precipitation electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the collecting electrode from solid to liquid (molten) state. This parameter change prevents particle agglomeration by allowing particles to be absorbed into the liquid carrier material instead of accumulating on a solid surface, thereby maintaining particle distribution stability while preserving separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by maintaining the carrier material in a molten state during the precipitation process. The liquid phase allows for continuous absorption of precipitated particles, preventing agglomeration. After precipitation, the molten carrier material with embedded particles is cooled and solidified, completing the phase transition cycle and delivering particles in a stable, non-agglomerated state.
2Productivity
If particles are collected on a solid electrode, then collection is effective, but specific surface area decreases due to agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state parameter of the collecting medium from solid to liquid. This allows particles to be dispersed within the liquid carrier material rather than forming agglomerates on a solid surface, thereby maintaining high specific surface area while ensuring effective collection through the liquid's absorbing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid carrier material as an intermediary between the precipitated particles and the collecting electrode. This intermediary medium absorbs the particles and prevents direct contact with a solid surface, thereby preventing agglomeration and preserving specific surface area while maintaining collection effectiveness.
3Reliability
If particles are collected on a solid electrode, then precipitation works, but wettability deteriorates due to agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the collecting medium to liquid, which inherently provides better wettability compared to solid surfaces with agglomerates. The liquid carrier material can uniformly wet and disperse particles, preventing the formation of hydrophobic agglomerate surfaces that would deteriorate wettability, while maintaining reliable precipitation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the liquid phase of the carrier material during precipitation to ensure optimal wettability. The molten state allows for uniform distribution and wetting of particles. After precipitation, controlled cooling and solidification preserve the wetting properties achieved during the liquid phase, thereby maintaining both precipitation reliability and wettability.
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 solution enables the formation of a solid dispersion with sub-millimeter sized particles finely distributed in the carrier material, improving bioavailability and preventing agglomeration, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional precipitators.
Implementation Method 1
the electrostatic precipitator is adapted for applying an electric field between the discharge electrode and the collecting electrode
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic precipitator for introducing sub-millimeter sized particles into a carrier material
Implementation Method 3
located in the receiving volume is a molten carrier material... forming a solid dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic precipitator for introducing sub-millimeter sized particles into a carrier material. The carrier material has a melting point which lies above 0° C., preferably above room temperature. The electrostatic precipitator comprises a casing having an inlet for inserting a gas flow into the casing and having an outlet for guiding a gas flow out of the casing. A channel for passing the gas flow from the inlet to the outlet is provided. A discharge electrode is provided on a first side of the channel. A collecting electrode is provided at a second side of at least a part of the channel. The electrostatic precipitator applies an electric field between the discharge electrode and the collecting electrode. A receiving volume is provided with a molten material as carrier material.