Tooling and method for infiltrating a slurry into a textile preform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for infiltrating a slurry into a textile preform, such as Injection Under Membrane (IUM) and Slurry Transfer Molding (STM), fail to ensure uniform colonization of solid particles within the preform without increasing the slurry quantity or duration of filtration, leading to potential blockages and incomplete impregnation.
Innovation Solution
A tooling system with a mold and counter-mold configuration that includes a filtration element, an output vent for liquid phase elimination, and a circulation system with input and output ports to circulate the slurry under pressure, preventing particle agglomeration and allowing recirculation of removed slurry to optimize matrix growth within the preform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filtration element is used to filter the liquid phase from the slurry, then the liquid phase is removed, but the solid particles may agglomerate and obstruct the slurry input opening while the preform is not fully colonized
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful liquid phase is extracted and removed from the slurry through the filtration element, while the beneficial solid particles are retained and circulated. This separation allows the solid particles to be reused without the harmful liquid causing agglomeration and blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid phase is discarded through the output vent, while the solid particles are recovered and recirculated back into the impregnation chamber. This recovery process maintains a consistent concentration of solid particles without increasing total slurry quantity, preventing both blockage and ensuring complete preform colonization.
2Reliability
If more slurry is injected to ensure complete preform colonization, then the preform is fully impregnated, but the quantity of slurry and filtration duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid particles are recovered from the filtered slurry and recirculated back into the impregnation chamber. This allows the same solid particles to be used multiple times, reducing the total quantity of slurry needed while ensuring complete preform colonization through repeated circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system maintains continuous movement of solid particles through the preform, ensuring complete impregnation. The continuous recirculation allows thorough colonization without requiring large quantities of slurry, as the same particles repeatedly penetrate the preform structure.
3Productivity
If the slurry is circulated under high pressure, then the solid particles penetrate the preform effectively, but the particles may deposit and agglomerate between the preform and counter-mold
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid phase is continuously removed through the filtration element, preventing particle agglomeration that would occur under high pressure. The separation of liquid and solid phases allows effective penetration without the harmful effect of particle deposition between the preform and counter-mold.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system maintains pressure within an optimized range (1-20 bar) that is sufficient for penetration but not excessive enough to cause particle deposition. The filtration and recirculation process allows pressure application without the harmful side effects of particle agglomeration.
4Reliability
If a drainage material is deposited above the preform to distribute slurry, then particle blockage is reduced, but the quantity of slurry and filtration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding drainage material that would require more slurry, the system recirculates the existing solid particles through filtration and reuse. This reduces the total slurry quantity needed while maintaining effective distribution through the circulation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous circulation of solid particles ensures uniform distribution throughout the preform without requiring additional drainage materials. The repeated passage of particles through the preform achieves thorough impregnation with reduced slurry quantity.
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
Ensures complete colonization of the preform by the slurry particles without increasing the slurry quantity, preventing agglomeration and ensuring efficient filtration, thus achieving uniform matrix growth and reducing the overall slurry usage.
Implementation Method 1
circulating the slurry in the impregnation chamber from the input port to the output port at a circulation pressure greater than the elimination pressure
Implementation Method 2
a filtration element for filtering a liquid phase of the slurry
Implementation Method 3
an output vent present on the mold and configured to eliminate a filtrate from the filtration element at an elimination pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A tooling for infiltrating a slurry into a textile preform includes a mold which includes an impregnation chamber including, on one of its face, an element for filtering a liquid phase of the slurry intended to receive a first face of a textile preform, the impregnation chamber being closed by a counter-mold located facing the filtration element; and an output vent present on the mold and configured to eliminate a filtrate of the filtration element at an elimination pressure, wherein the tooling also includes a circulation system for a slurry including an input port and an output port, the circulation system being configured to circulate the slurry in the impregnation chamber from the input port to the output port at a circulation pressure greater than the elimination pressure.