Microparticle Production via Fluid Pressure Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing fine particles in the size range of nanometers face challenges in reproducibility and energy efficiency, and lack the ability to control particle diameter effectively from micrometers to nanometers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fluid processing apparatus with rotating processing surfaces that form a thin film fluid, allowing for the introduction of multiple fluids to mix and separate fine particles, controlling particle diameter through temperature adjustments and fluid pressure balance, enabling precise separation and mixing in a minute flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to produce fine particles, then production can be achieved, but reproducibility and energy efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the thin film fluid system by adjusting the relative rotation speeds of the processing surfaces and controlling the fluid supply pressure. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization of particle separation and mixing processes, improving reproducibility while reducing energy consumption compared to static conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key process parameters including fluid temperature, pressure, and flow rate to control particle diameter and separation efficiency. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves better reproducibility and energy efficiency in fine particle production.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical means are used to control the distance between processing surfaces, then structural simplicity is maintained, but heat generation and misalignment prevent realization of minute distances (10 μm or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical distance control mechanisms with a fluid pressure balance system. The thin film fluid pressure counteracts the mechanical forces, enabling precise control of the gap between processing surfaces at 10 μm or less without the heat generation and misalignment issues inherent in mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film fluid acts as an intermediary between the processing surfaces, using fluid pressure to maintain the precise gap distance. This fluid mediator eliminates direct mechanical contact and the associated problems of heat generation and alignment errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single fluid path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to mix multiple fluids and control particle diameter is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the processing surfaces with multiple introduction paths that can handle different fluids simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows mixing of multiple fluids while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 method allows for the controlled production of fine particles with precise diameter control without altering separation conditions, achieving low-cost and low-energy nanoparticle production with improved reproducibility and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
realizing to make the distance between the processing surfaces a minute space by a pressure balance between the supply pressure of the fluid and the pressure applied between the rotating processing surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a heat generated by rotation, a deformation or a misalignment of an axis caused by it
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of fluids are used as the fluid to be processed, of the fluids to be processed, at least any one of the fluids passes through between the processing surfaces while forming the thin film fluid
Implementation Method 4
separation of nanoparticles became possible by instantaneous chemical reaction, physicochemical reaction, or the like in the minute flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
The invention addresses the problem of providing a novel method for controlling the particle size of deposited fine particles in a fine particle production method that introduces a fluid to be processed between at least two processing surfaces, which are disposed facing each other, are advancible and retractable, and at least one rotates relative to the other, to deposit fine particles in the thin fluid film which forms between said processing surfaces. A fluid to be processed is introduced between processing surfaces (1, 2) that are disposed facing each other, are advancible and retractable, and at least one rotates relative to the other to deposit fine particles in the thin fluid film that forms between the processing surfaces (1, 2). The particle size of said fine particles is controlled by controlling the temperature of the fluid to be processed that contains the deposited fine particles. Said temperature control can be accomplished by providing a temperature adjusting apparatus (33) and a jacket (34) in the flow channel or receptacle for the fluid to be processed after outflow and controlling the temperature of the fluid to be processed that contains the deposited fine particles.