Nanoparticle Concentration via Concurrent Generation and Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fabricating nanoparticles are time-consuming and require a large processing space, especially when scaled up, due to the sequential generation and filtration of nanoparticle suspensions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that concurrently generate and filter nanoparticles, using a holding vessel and filtration module to separate nanoparticles from a permeate, allowing for adjustable drainage rates and repeated filtration cycles to achieve desired concentrations, with the option to return retentate to the vessel and drain permeate, enabling efficient concentration and processing of nanoparticles in a reduced footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sequential methods are used for nanoparticle generation and filtration, then nanoparticles can be isolated, but processing time increases and system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines nanoparticle generation and filtration operations into a single integrated system. The nanoparticle synthesis reactor is directly coupled with a filtration module, allowing nanoparticles to be generated and immediately filtered in a continuous process, eliminating the need for separate sequential steps and reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates continuously with nanoparticles being generated and filtered in an uninterrupted flow. The filtration module processes the nanoparticle suspension continuously as it is generated, maintaining steady-state operation and eliminating idle time between generation and filtration steps
2Productivity
If conventional methods are scaled up for large-scale production, then nanoparticle output increases, but system footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the nanoparticle generation and filtration functions into a single compact system, the patent reduces the total space required. The combined design eliminates the need for separate large-scale generation equipment and dedicated filtration areas, achieving high nanoparticle yield with a reduced system footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs vertical stacking and multi-level integration of processing components, transitioning from a horizontal spread-out layout to a vertical compact arrangement. This dimensional reorganization allows large-scale production capacity within a reduced planar footprint
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 approach significantly reduces processing time and system size by allowing for high-yield nanoparticle concentration, achieving up to 10 grams to 100 kilograms of nanoparticles in a vessel volume of less than 10 liters, with adjustable flow rates and efficient removal of impurities through diafiltration.
Implementation Method 1
The extracted nanoparticle-containing fluid is passed through a filtration module to separate a nanoparticle-containing retentate from a permeate
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for filtering a fluid containing nanoparticles. The systems and methods generally include introducing a stream of the nanoparticle-containing fluid into a holding vessel, and extracting at least a part of a nanoparticle-containing fluid accumulated in the holding vessel. The extracted nanoparticle-containing fluid is passed through a filtration module to separate a nanoparticle-containing retentate from a permeate, and the retentate is returned to the vessel. The filtration cycle can be repeated until a desired concentration of the nanoparticles is achieved in the holding vessel. In many embodiments, the generation of the nanoparticle-containing fluid and its filtration are performed concurrently.