Fine Particle Dispersion Stabilization via pH Control and Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing fine particle dispersion solutions struggle to maintain high dispersion properties over time due to impurities, leading to particle aggregation and precipitation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of filtration membrane equipment to reduce impurity levels and control pH, allowing for the stabilization of fine particle dispersion properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If filtration membrane equipment is used to remove impurities, then purity of the dispersion solution is improved, but dispersion stability deteriorates due to particle aggregation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurity of dispersion solutionVSAvoiddispersion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the pH parameter of the dispersion solution to control the electrostatic repulsion between particles. By adjusting pH to specific ranges, the surface charge of particles is optimized to prevent aggregation while allowing effective filtration. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling both high purity and stable dispersion simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If centrifugal separation or suction filtration is used to remove impurities, then purity is improved, but particle aggregation increases causing precipitation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepurityVSAvoidparticle aggregation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary anti-action by adjusting pH before filtration to prevent aggregation. The pH adjustment creates electrostatic repulsion between particles in advance, counteracting the aggregation tendency that would otherwise occur during concentration and filtration processes. This preliminary measure ensures particles remain dispersed throughout the purification sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Manufacturing precision

If membrane filtration with cross-flow method is used, then ionic impurities are removed, but dispersion property control becomes difficult due to aggregate formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval of ionic impuritiesVSAvoiddispersion property control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements feedback control by continuously monitoring pH during the filtration process. pH measurements provide real-time information about the dispersion state, allowing operators to adjust conditions to maintain optimal dispersion properties. This feedback mechanism makes the process controllable despite the complexity of aggregate formation dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 controls the dispersion properties of fine particles by reducing impurities and adjusting pH, leading to a stable dispersion solution with improved long-term stability.

Implementation Method 1

a method involving the use of filtration membrane equipment to reduce impurity levels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

controlling pH of the fine particle dispersion solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH control:

Data Source

PatentEP3412629B1Method for modifying a liquid dispersion of fine particles
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 M TECH CO LTD
  • EP3412629B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(C)
  • EP3412629B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(C)
  • EP3412629B1 patent drawingFigure 2D

AI summary

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method for modifying a fine particle dispersion liquid with which dispersibility and dispersion stability can be improved. By performing filtration to remove impurities in a dispersion liquid using a dispersion liquid modifying device provided with a removal unit that uses a filtration membrane, the quantity of impurities is reduced from a first region (1) until said quantity reaches a second pH-dependent region (2). In the second pH-dependent region (2), the dispersibility of the fine particles in the dispersion liquid is in a range in which the dispersibility depends more on a change in dispersion liquid pH than on a change in the quantity of impurities in the dispersion liquid. With the quantity of impurities reduced to the second pH-dependent region (2), the dispersibility of the fine particles is controlled by adjusting the pH of the fine particle dispersion liquid.