Modular Gas Isolation Valve for Carbon Nanotube Fiber Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas reaction vessels used for producing carbon nanotube fibers face challenges in isolating high-temperature carrier gases from the outside atmosphere, and prior technologies like labyrinth valves are unsuitable for ensuring a straight line path for fiber extraction and complete gas isolation.
Innovation Solution
A modular, stackable gas isolation valve with a straight line chamber, composed of evacuating and flushing gas sections with nozzles, provides a gas-tight seal and unencumbered access for fiber extraction, using a series of discrete units that progressively remove reactive gases, and can introduce gradients of kinetic, thermal, and electric energies to enhance gas separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If labyrinth valves are used for gas isolation, then gas isolation is provided, but fiber extraction path is blocked and complete gas isolation cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The gas isolation valve is divided into multiple discrete stackable units, each providing a section of the isolation function. This segmentation allows the fiber extraction path to remain open while gas isolation is achieved through the stacked configuration of multiple units working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve introduces an intermediary gas barrier system between the reactive gases in the reaction vessel and the atmospheric oxygen. This intermediary system uses controlled gas flow through the stackable units to prevent direct contact between reactive gases and atmosphere while maintaining an open extraction path.
2Reliability
If gas isolation valve is designed to provide complete gas isolation, then reactive gases are isolated from atmosphere, but fiber extraction path may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve consists of multiple stackable units that can be configured to provide the required level of gas isolation while maintaining an open central channel for fiber extraction. Each unit contributes to the isolation function without blocking the extraction path.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design moves the gas isolation function to a different spatial dimension by using vertical stacking of units with gas flow paths that do not intersect the horizontal fiber extraction channel, thus maintaining extraction openness while achieving complete gas isolation.
3Reliability
If stackable modular units are used for gas isolation, then complete removal of reactive gases is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed as multiple identical or similar stackable units that can be assembled in series. While this increases the number of components, each unit is relatively simple in design, and they can be manufactured using standardized processes, which offsets the complexity increase through modularization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each stackable unit is designed to perform multiple functions: providing gas isolation, facilitating reactive gas removal, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing overall device complexity despite the modular stacked configuration.
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
The solution ensures complete removal of reactive gases from the atmosphere, allowing continuous and uninterrupted harvesting of carbon nanotube fibers with zero traces detected at the extraction aperture, ensuring efficient and effective product extraction.
Implementation Method 1
section one is an evacuating chamber provided with a set of nozzles
Implementation Method 2
section two provides a flushing gas introduced through its own set of nozzles
Implementation Method 3
A gas tight seal is provided between each of the two sections and between each of the stackable units
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a gas isolation valve which separates reactive materials, principally gases, contained in a high temperature reactor from the surrounding atmosphere. The valve is of modular construction with each module having a gas providing section and a gas removal section. Any number of modules can be provided in series. A central chamber, open at each end gives unimpeded access to the high temperature reactor. It is through the central chamber that the product of the reactor is removed and harvested. In the case of Has invention the product is carbon nanotubes.