Liquid CO2 Tool Cooling With Dry Ice Obstruction Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 regulation systems for machining processes are either inadequate for machining difficult-to-cut materials or require specific ad-hoc designs that cannot be adapted to various machining processes and machine tools, and they often suffer from dry ice formation issues that lead to obstruction in injection systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable CO2 regulation system that can inject CO2 in liquid state and micro-particles of cutting fluid simultaneously or separately, preventing dry ice formation through pressurization above the triple point of CO2, and featuring electronic control for flexible operation in milling, lathing, and drilling processes, allowing for cryogenic cooling and lubrication with continuous and controlled fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If CO2 is used in liquid state for cryogenic cooling, then cooling capacity is improved, but dry ice formation obstructs the injection system
Solution Approach 1:
The system pressurizes conduits with gaseous CO2 before introducing liquid CO2 to prevent dry ice formation. This preliminary pressurization action ensures the injection system is ready to handle liquid CO2 without obstruction, resolving the contradiction between cooling capacity and system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Gaseous CO2 acts as an intermediary substance that pressurizes the conduit system and prevents liquid CO2 from solidifying. This intermediary gas layer protects the injection system from dry ice formation while allowing liquid CO2 to flow for effective cooling
2Reliability
If Type-II regulation systems are used for machining super-alloys, then both cooling and lubrication are provided, but the systems require specific ad-hoc designs for each machining process
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation system is designed with universal components and standardized interfaces that can be adapted to different machining processes (milling, lathing, drilling) without requiring complete redesign. The system provides both cooling and lubrication functions through a unified platform that can be configured for various applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the regulation functions into modular components that can be independently configured and adapted. This segmentation allows the same base system to be customized for different machining processes while maintaining core cooling and lubrication capabilities
3Temperature
If CO2 is introduced in liquid state through a small diameter conduit, then cooling efficiency is improved, but dry ice particles obstruct the central channel
Solution Approach 1:
Gaseous CO2 introduced through the outer channel acts as an intermediary that prevents dry ice particle accumulation in the central channel. This intermediary gas flow keeps the cooling pathway clear while maintaining high cooling efficiency through the liquid CO2 in the central channel
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is segmented into two coaxial channels: an inner channel for liquid CO2 delivery and an outer channel for gaseous CO2 flow. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each channel's function while preventing obstruction issues
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
Enables efficient cooling and lubrication in machining processes, preventing dry ice obstruction, and allowing for adaptable use across different machining operations without prior installation, with the system being fully portable and capable of using cryogenic cooling both inside and outside the tool, reducing CO2 consumption and extending machine tool life.
Implementation Method 1
means for preventing formation of dry ice in said first, second and third conduits; wherein said means for preventing formation of dry ice comprises means for pressurising said first, second and third conduits above the triple point of CO2
Implementation Method 2
a first exit (output) configured to supply CO2 in liquid state from a second conduit of the device; a third conduit placed between the first and second conduits
Implementation Method 3
The gases that are normally injected in the cutting area are liquid nitrogen (LN2) and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2)... it consists in assisting machining with liquids and/or gases at very low temperatures with the aim of reducing the cutting temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cooling and lubricating a tool during a chip removal machining process, which includes: a first subsystem for cryogenic cooling that includes: a first entry configured to introduce CO2 in liquid state in a first conduit of the device; a first exit configured to supply CO2 in liquid state from a second conduit of the device; a third conduit located between the first and second conduit; and means for preventing the formation of dry ice in the first, second and third conduits; and a second subsystem for lubrication that includes means for supplying micro-particles of a cutting oil in liquid state; wherein the first subsystem and second subsystem are independent from each other, and wherein the first subsystem and second subsystem are configured to act either simultaneously or either one alone. Method of operation of the device.