Ion Cyclotron Resonance Separation With Magnetic Field Gradient
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a more efficient process to separate atomic ions by mass and/or charge, particularly for rare earth ions.
Innovation Solution
An ion cyclotron resonance separator apparatus that applies a magnetic field gradient and a fixed radio frequency across a longitudinal axis to spatially separate ions at mass-to-charge ratio resonance locations, using a combination of magnetic and electric fields to spiral ions outward into distinct collection zones based on their mass-to-charge ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ion separation methods are used, then separation of ions by mass and charge is achieved, but the process efficiency is insufficient and the separation chamber size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The separation chamber is divided into multiple distinct zones along the longitudinal axis, each with specific magnetic field characteristics. Ions are separated as they pass through these segmented zones, with different mass-to-charge ratios being deflected at different points, improving separation efficiency while maintaining a compact overall chamber design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional separation to three-dimensional separation by utilizing the longitudinal axis in addition to radial and axial dimensions. Magnetic field generating coils are positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis to create spatially varying field strengths, enabling more efficient separation in a smaller volume
2Measurement precision
If a magnetic field gradient is applied along the longitudinal axis with multiple coils, then ion separation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each magnetic field generating coil is designed to serve multiple functions: creating the magnetic field gradient for separation, defining zone boundaries, and enabling selective activation for different separation scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving high separation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of the magnetic field generating coils, where specific coils can be activated or deactivated based on the separation requirements. This dynamic configuration allows precise control over the magnetic field gradient profile, enabling high-resolution separation without requiring all coils to be permanently active, thus reducing operational complexity
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
Effectively separates ions by mass and charge, enabling efficient collection of rare earth elements from ores, improving separation efficiency and reducing the size of the separation chamber.
Implementation Method 1
applying a magnetic field gradient along a length of the longitudinal axis; spatially separating the ions at mass-to-charge ratio resonance locations
Implementation Method 2
passing a single fixed radio frequency radially across the longitudinal axis; spatially separating the ions at mass-to-charge ratio resonance locations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method for separating ions, comprising the steps of: providing an ion cyclotron resonance separator with a longitudinal axis; applying a magnetic field gradient along a length of the longitudinal axis; passing a single fixed radio frequency radially across the longitudinal axis; and spatially separating the ions at mass-to-charge ratio resonance locations along a length of the longitudinal axis, where the magnetic field gradient is within a range of 0 to 0.65 Tesla, where the single fixed radio frequency is maintained in a range of 40 kHz to 20 MHZ, and where the step of spatially separating further comprises the step of spiraling radially outward at a first resonance location a first set of ions, of the ions, the first set of ions comprising a first range of mass-to-charge ratios, the first resonance location comprising a first mass-to-charge ratio resonant with the applied radio frequency.