Laser Pyrolysis System for Nanopowder Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing nanometric or sub-micrometric powders via laser pyrolysis face limitations in achieving high production rates and maintaining consistent powder characteristics due to energy absorption and power density issues, making large-scale production challenging and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that distribute the laser beam energy perpendicular to the reagent flow axis in an elongated section, allowing for adjustable power density and efficient energy absorption across multiple interaction zones, enabling continuous production of over 500 grams per hour of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders with consistent characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the section of the injectors is extended along the major axis of the laser beam to increase production rate, then the productivity increases, but the power density decreases and energy absorption becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent rotates the injector section from a longitudinal orientation (along the laser beam axis) to a transverse orientation (perpendicular to the laser beam axis). This dimensional change allows the injector section to be extended in the transverse direction without increasing the path length through the laser beam, thereby maintaining high power density while achieving extended production capacity through multiple injectors arranged side-by-side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple injectors (at least two) arranged perpendicular to the laser beam axis, each creating its own interaction zone. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple reagent streams simultaneously, increasing overall productivity while each individual injector maintains adequate power density in its dedicated interaction zone.
2Power
If the incident laser power is increased to maintain power density in extended injector sections, then the power density is maintained, but energy absorption decreases and powder characteristics become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the injector section transverse to the laser beam axis rather than longitudinally, the system extends the interaction zone in the transverse direction without increasing the path length through which laser energy must be absorbed. This maintains high power density throughout the extended interaction zone while preventing energy depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
Each injector creates a localized interaction zone with its own optimal power density conditions. By arranging injectors perpendicular to the beam axis, each zone maintains independent quality characteristics without being affected by energy absorption in other zones, ensuring consistent powder characteristics across the entire production output.
3Productivity
If multiple injectors are placed perpendicular to the laser beam axis to increase production rate, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the production function across multiple independent injectors arranged perpendicular to the laser beam. Each injector operates as a relatively simple, independent unit with its own interaction zone, allowing the system to scale productivity by adding units without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple injectors perform the same function (delivering reagents to the laser beam) in parallel. This universal arrangement allows the system to achieve high productivity through a repetitive, modular configuration rather than a complex integrated system, making the increased productivity easier to manage and maintain.
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 significantly increases production rates, ensures high energy efficiency, and maintains consistent powder characteristics, allowing for the production of large quantities of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders with improved chemical yields and size distribution, while minimizing energy loss and handling risks.
Implementation Method 1
system and process for producing nanoscale or submicronscale powders as a continuous stream through the action of laser pyrolysis
Implementation Method 2
the laser is followed by an optical device making it possible to distribute the energy of the beam along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the flow of reagents in an elongated section
Implementation Method 3
The flow of reagents absorbs the energy of the laser beam, which leads to the decomposition of the reagent molecules
Implementation Method 4
leads to the decomposition of the reagent molecules and then the formation of particles
Implementation Method 5
formation of particles by homogeneous germination and growth in a flame
Implementation Method 6
Particle growth is blocked by quenching effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for producing nanoscale or submicronscale powders as continuous stream through the action of laser pyrolysis by interaction between a beam (11) emitted by a laser (10) and a stream of reactants (13) emitted by at least one injector (14), in which system the laser is followed by an optical device (12) for distributing the energy of the beam along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the stream of reactants, in an elongate section of adjustable dimensions within at least one interaction region (20, 20') where this beam interacts with a stream of reactants emitted by at least two injectors (22, 23, 24 ; 22', 23', 24) that are placed perpendicular to the axis (OX) of the beam (11). The invention also relates to a process for producing such powders.