Metal Sublimation Purification Apparatus Vacuum Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sublimation purification apparatuses using quartz face limitations in mass-production, yield reduction, and increased production time due to design processing limitations and poor durability, which hinder high-purity purification efficiency and continuous process automation.

Innovation Solution

A sublimation purification apparatus featuring a vacuum chamber with a metal tube housing and boats, where heating zones control the phase changes of the purification target material, and a sealing gasket ensures efficient separation and collection of impurities, utilizing titanium or tantalum for enhanced durability and process continuity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quartz is used as the material for the inner part of the sublimation purification apparatus, then vacuum atmosphere and airtightness are maintained, but mass-production is limited and process continuity is difficult due to design processing limitations and poor durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum atmosphere maintenanceVSAvoidmass-production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from quartz to metal (such as stainless steel), fundamentally altering the physical and chemical properties of the apparatus inner components. This enables mass-production through standardized metal fabrication processes while maintaining vacuum integrity through proper metal sealing designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction where metal components (providing structural integrity and durability) are combined with sealing elements (such as gaskets or coatings) to achieve both vacuum tightness and mass-producibility. This composite approach leverages the strengths of different materials to resolve the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If quartz is used as the material for the inner part of the sublimation purification apparatus, then vacuum atmosphere is maintained, but yield is reduced and manpower increases due to design processing limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum atmosphere maintenanceVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from quartz to metal, enabling standardized manufacturing processes such as welding, machining, and assembly that are far more efficient than quartz fabrication. This dramatically improves ease of manufacture while maintaining vacuum integrity through engineered sealing solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical joining methods required for quartz (such as specialized bonding or sealing) with standard metal fabrication techniques including welding, threading, and flanged connections, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manpower requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If quartz is used as the material for the inner part of the sublimation purification apparatus, then vacuum atmosphere is maintained, but production time increases due to design processing limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum atmosphere maintenanceVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from quartz to metal, enabling faster fabrication, assembly, and maintenance cycles. Metal components can be manufactured more quickly and replaced if needed, reducing overall production time while maintaining vacuum atmosphere through reliable sealing designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary assembly and pre-fabrication of metal components off-site or in advance, allowing for quicker installation and reduced production downtime. Standardized metal parts can be prepared beforehand, unlike quartz components which require more time-consuming fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If quartz is used as the material for the inner part of the sublimation purification apparatus, then vacuum atmosphere is maintained, but durability is poor and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum atmosphere maintenanceVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from quartz to metal, fundamentally improving mechanical strength, impact resistance, and overall durability. Metal components can withstand higher stresses and are less prone to fracture, eliminating safety risks associated with quartz degradation while maintaining vacuum integrity through engineered sealing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction where metal provides structural strength and durability, while specialized sealing materials (such as gaskets, coatings, or surface treatments) maintain vacuum tightness. This composite approach leverages the strengths of different materials to simultaneously achieve durability and vacuum atmosphere maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution enables continuous automation, improves high-purity purification efficiency, and reduces production time by replacing quartz with metal components, enhancing yield and durability while minimizing safety risks associated with quartz degradation.

Implementation Method 1

heating zones control the phase changes of the purification target material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a recrystallization method by sublimation is typically used. In the case of the recrystallization method by sublimation, since the organic material is sublimated and recrystallized under vacuum, the impurities are not mixed in the organic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Implementation Method 3

the first quartz tube 10 is used for a vacuum atmosphere or airtightness from the atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3734683B1Sublimation purification apparatus and sublimation purification method
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3734683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3734683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3734683B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sublimation purification apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a vacuum chamber; a tube housing positioned in the vacuum chamber; a boat in close contact with the tube housing; and heating units positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the boat and an outer surface of the tube housing, respectively, wherein a sublimation purification target material is contained in the boat, and at least one of the boat and the tube housing is formed of a metal.