Magnet-Controlled Plasma Cleaning for Large Industrial Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma cleaning methods for large industrial vessels require high power sources, are expensive, and inefficient due to random ion paths, making them impractical for full coverage cleaning of large or irregularly shaped surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a magnet to attract and control the movement of plasma within a container, allowing for focused cleaning by moving the magnet over the exterior surface, reducing power requirements and enabling efficient cleaning of large or complex surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If high voltage power sources are used to create diffuse plasma glow discharge for cleaning large vessel surfaces, then plasma cleaning coverage is improved, but power requirements and equipment cost increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cleaning process into localized segments by using multiple small plasma sources (electrodes) distributed across the vessel surface rather than one large diffuse plasma source. Each electrode creates a small plasma region that can be independently controlled, allowing the entire surface to be cleaned by activating multiple segments simultaneously or sequentially, thereby reducing the power required from any single source.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control of plasma generation by selectively activating and deactivating individual electrodes based on the cleaning progress and surface area being treated. This dynamic approach allows the system to concentrate plasma generation only where needed at any given moment, rather than maintaining diffuse plasma across the entire surface continuously, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If diffuse plasma glow discharge is used for cleaning, then plasma is created across the surface, but the random ion paths result in incomplete coverage and require excessive time for full surface cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating plasma generation at specific localized points (electrodes) rather than distributing it diffusely across the entire surface. Each electrode creates a high-density plasma region with focused ion bombardment on the underlying surface area, ensuring complete and thorough cleaning of local zones. By systematically activating electrodes across different surface regions, the system achieves comprehensive coverage with controlled, non-random ion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the random mechanical diffusion process of ions in diffuse plasma with a controlled, directed process where electrons are accelerated from specific electrode positions toward targeted surface areas. This substitution of random thermal motion with directed electron-driven ion generation creates predictable, controllable ion paths that systematically cover the entire surface without relying on random diffusion, thereby reducing cleaning time while ensuring complete coverage.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If high voltage power sources are used to sustain plasma glow discharge, then plasma generation is maintained, but equipment wear increases and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the high voltage power generation into multiple low-power electrode sources, each operating at reduced voltage and current levels. This segmentation distributes the operational stress across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single high-power source, reducing wear on individual elements and extending the overall system lifespan. The modular electrode structure also improves safety by limiting the potential hazard scope to localized regions rather than involving the entire vessel volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from high voltage/diffuse plasma to lower voltage/localized plasma at each electrode. By operating at reduced voltage levels (e.g., hundreds of volts rather than kilovolts) and lower current densities, the system maintains sufficient plasma generation for effective cleaning while significantly reducing the thermal and electrical stress on power supply components, thereby extending equipment durability and reducing safety risks associated with high voltage operation.
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 and controlled plasma cleaning of large industrial vessels using lower power sources, ensuring thorough coverage and accessibility to previously hard-to-reach areas, extending the lifespan of equipment and reducing cleaning time.
Implementation Method 1
applying a magnet to an exterior surface of the container causing the plasma within the container to be attracted to the magnet
Implementation Method 2
The plasma is created by using high voltages to ionize a low pressure gas. The plasma formed by passage of the electric current through a low-pressure gas is referred to as glow discharge.
Implementation Method 3
The plasma is created by using high voltages to ionize a low pressure gas
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for plasma cleaning a container includes generating plasma flowing within the container, applying a magnet to an exterior surface of the container causing the plasma within the container to be attracted to the magnet, and moving the magnet in a motion over the exterior surface to control movement of the plasma within the container and to clean one or more areas of the container with the plasma according to the motion. An example system for plasma cleaning a container includes a power source, a gas inlet on the container for dispersing a gas within the container, and based on current flowing, the gas converts to plasma. The system also includes a robotic manipulator having an end effector coupled to a magnet to move the magnet in a motion over an exterior surface of the container causing the plasma within the container to be attracted to the magnet.