Nanocarbon Separation Device Partitioning Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating single-walled carbon nanotubes by diameter and type are inefficient and time-consuming, especially when scaling up, due to convection disturbances in larger separation tanks.
Innovation Solution
A nanocarbon separation device with a partition member dividing the tank into regions, using a direct current voltage to separate metallic and semiconducting nanocarbons, inhibiting horizontal flow and improving separation efficiency and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the diameter of the separation tank is increased to separate a large amount of single-walled carbon nanotubes at a time, then the quantity of substance processed increases, but convection disturbance occurs and separation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation tank is divided into multiple sub-tanks by partition members, allowing the large volume to be segmented into smaller functional units. This segmentation prevents convection disturbances while maintaining the ability to process large quantities of single-walled carbon nanotubes across multiple parallel compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition members are introduced as intermediary structures between the electrodes and the nanotube dispersion. These partitions create controlled flow paths that prevent direct convection while still allowing the electric field to act on the nanocarbons, thereby reducing separation time in large-volume tanks.
2Quantity of substance
If the diameter of the separation tank is increased to separate a large amount of single-walled carbon nanotubes at a time, then the quantity of substance processed increases, but convection disturbance occurs and separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the large separation tank into multiple smaller sub-tanks using partition members, the system maintains high separation efficiency in each compartment while collectively processing large quantities of nanocarbons. The segmentation prevents convection-induced efficiency loss that would occur in a single large tank.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition members serve as intermediary structures that guide fluid flow and prevent convection disturbances. These partitions enable the system to maintain high productivity by ensuring efficient separation in each sub-tank while scaling up the overall processing capacity.
3Volume of stationary object
If the diameter of the separation tank is increased, then the volume increases, but disturbance due to convection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The large volume separation tank is segmented into multiple smaller sub-tanks using partition members. This segmentation maintains dispersion liquid stability in each compartment by preventing convection disturbances, while the overall system retains the required large volume capacity for processing substantial amounts of nanocarbons.
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 device effectively separates metallic and semiconducting nanocarbons quickly and efficiently, even in larger tanks, by preventing convection disturbances and enhancing separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
disturbance occurs due to convection of the dispersion liquid including the single-walled carbon nanotube and the like in the separation tank
Implementation Method 2
separating the nanocarbon micelle groups into two or more nanocarbon micelle groups by applying a direct current voltage in a serial direction to the introduced, arranged and laminated dispersion liquid and holding solution
Data Source
AI summary
A nanocarbon separation device includes a separation tank which is configured to accommodate a dispersion liquid including a nanocarbon, a first electrode that is provided at an upper part in the separation tank, a second electrode that is provided at a lower part in the separation tank, and a partition member that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode in the separation tank, and the partition member partitions the separation tank into a plurality of regions.