Infrared Heater Refining Organic Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for refining organic compounds lack versatility and efficiency, particularly in selectively producing high-purity compounds, as they do not consider infrared absorption wavelengths specific to the materials being processed.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of an infrared heater with a metal pattern, dielectric layer, and metal substrate to emit infrared radiation at specific wavelengths, allowing for the selective refinement of organic compounds by altering their thermal motion and affinity for stationary phases, thereby simplifying the separation process across various techniques like distillation, recrystallization, and chromatography.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods (distillation, recrystallization, chromatography) are used for refining organic compounds, then the separation process is well-established, but the methods lack versatility and require complex procedures to achieve high purity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurity of refined compoundVSAvoidcomplexity of separation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal separation methods (distillation, recrystallization, chromatography) with infrared light irradiation. The infrared heater emits light at specific wavelengths that selectively interact with functional groups in the organic compound, inducing separation through molecular vibration and resonance rather than bulk heating or mechanical separation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of irradiation wavelength to match the infrared absorption characteristics of specific functional groups in the target compound. By tuning the infrared heater to emit at wavelengths corresponding to the vibrational frequencies of characteristic functional groups, selective excitation and separation of the target compound from impurities is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used, then separation can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and lacks efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurity of refined compoundVSAvoidrefining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming conventional separation procedures with rapid infrared light irradiation. The selective absorption of infrared energy by functional groups causes rapid molecular excitation and separation, significantly reducing the refining time compared to traditional methods that require multiple steps and extended processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared heater operates by emitting periodic infrared radiation at wavelengths matching the natural vibrational frequencies of the target compound's functional groups. This resonant periodic action efficiently transfers energy to the molecules, accelerating the separation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used, then separation is possible, but versatility across different organic compounds is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to different organic compoundsVSAvoidpurity of refined compound
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves versatility by changing the irradiation wavelength parameter to match the infrared absorption spectrum of different functional groups. Since different organic compounds contain different functional groups with characteristic infrared absorption wavelengths, the infrared heater can be tuned to selectively refine various compounds by adjusting the emission wavelength to match their specific functional group vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared heater serves as a universal refinement tool that can process different organic compounds containing various functional groups. By adjusting the emission wavelength to match the absorption characteristics of different functional groups (C=O, O-H, N-H, C-H, etc.), the same device can selectively refine diverse organic compounds, providing multi-functionality and broad applicability.

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 approach enables the refinement of organic compounds with higher purity and versatility by selectively vaporizing or crystallizing target compounds at lower temperatures than their normal boiling points, enhancing separation accuracy and efficiency compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared heater that emits, from a structural member thereof, the light at the infrared absorption wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the at least two types of organic compounds are irradiated with the light at the infrared absorption wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

an infrared heater that emits, from a structural member thereof, the light at the infrared absorption wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3501636B1Method for refining organic compound
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP3501636B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2(d)
  • EP3501636B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3501636B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for refining a specific organic compound which is a target compound from at least two types of organic compounds. One example of the refinement method of the present invention is a method including separating the target compound from an organic compound other than the target compound while the at least two types of organic compounds are irradiated with light at an infrared absorption wavelength of a specific functional group that is not contained in the target compound but is contained in the organic compound other than the target compound.