Laser Ablation Nanofluid Production With Flowing Liquid Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanofluid production methods face challenges such as abrasive wear, sedimentation, and pressure drops due to millimeter and micron-sized particles, while nanoparticle-based fluids offer enhanced heat transfer but require complex multi-step processes, and there is a need for a more efficient one-step mass production method.
Innovation Solution
A novel laser ablation process in an open atmosphere that moves the target and laser beam relative to each other, with a flowing liquid on the target surface, allowing for the production of nanofluids with enhanced thermal conductivity using metallic, oxide, carbide, and nitride targets in various liquids, ensuring uniform dispersion and minimal agglomeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter and micron-sized particles are used in liquid suspensions, then cooling applications can be investigated, but abrasive action occurs which erodes system components and causes pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter of particle size from millimeter/micron scale to nanoscale (1-100 nm). This parameter transformation eliminates abrasive wear while maintaining cooling capability, as nanoparticles have sufficiently low momentum to avoid eroding system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical particle generation methods with laser ablation technology. The laser beam ablates the target material directly into nanoscale particles in situ, eliminating the need for mechanical grinding or milling processes that generate harmful wear.
2Productivity
If millimeter and micron-sized particles are used in liquid suspensions, then cooling applications can be investigated, but particles obstruct small flow channels and settle under gravity resulting in undesired pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the particle size parameter to nanoscale (1-100 nm), which is sufficiently small to pass through small flow channels without obstruction and to remain suspended in the fluid due to Brownian motion overcoming gravitational settling.
3Manufacturing precision
If direct evaporation technique or submerged arc nanoparticle synthesis technique is used, then nanofluids can be produced, but complex multi-step processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the nanoparticle generation process with the nanofluid formation process into a single step. Laser ablation of the target material directly into the liquid medium simultaneously creates nanoparticles and disperses them in the fluid, eliminating separate synthesis and mixing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid medium serves dual functions: as the ablation environment for nanoparticle generation and as the dispersing medium for forming the nanofluid. The process is self-sufficient, requiring no additional reagents or post-processing steps.
4Manufacturing precision
If laser ablation in liquid flow is used, then inorganic nanoparticles can be produced, but the process requires vacuum conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the nanofluid production process from the vacuum environment and transfers it to open atmosphere conditions. This eliminates the need for complex vacuum systems while maintaining nanoparticle generation quality through direct laser ablation of targets in liquid medium.
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 achieves one-step mass production of nanofluids with improved thermal conductivity, avoiding agglomeration and sedimentation, suitable for industrial-scale production without vacuum requirements, and compatible with diverse laser sources.
Implementation Method 1
laser ablating a target on a surface of which a liquid is flowing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of producing a nanofluid (30) which includes laser ablating a target (14) on a surface of which a liquid is flowing. The method includes the step of moving the target (14) and a laser beam (A1) relative to each other. The method further includes the step of moving the target (14) relative to the laser beam (A1) such that the laser beam (A1) scans across the surface of the target in the X or Z direction when the laser beam (A1) is oriented in the Y direction and the target (14) faces the laser beam (A1). Corresponding apparatus is also defined, and a nanofluid manufactured according to the method.