Solvent Separation Apparatus Using Alternating Electric Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solvent separation methods, such as those using electrostatic attraction, face issues with solvent contamination of electrodes, leading to reduced efficiency and the need for frequent maintenance, as the solvent comes into contact with the electrodes during the separation process.

Innovation Solution

A solvent separation apparatus with a tetragonal tubular casing and insulated first and second electrodes, where the solvent is collected in a space between the second electrodes by alternating electric fields, preventing contact with the electrodes and allowing for efficient discharge of the solvent-laden gas without contaminating the electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrostatic attraction is used to separate solvent from exhaust atmosphere, then solvent separation efficiency is improved, but electrode contamination occurs leading to reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolvent separation efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A charged plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the solvent-laden exhaust atmosphere and the electrode. The charged plate attracts and collects solvent molecules through electrostatic attraction, preventing direct contact between the solvent and the electrode. This mediator approach maintains effective solvent separation while protecting the electrode from contamination, thereby resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If solvent is collected by electrostatic attraction at electrode surface, then solvent concentration in exhaust gas is reduced, but maintenance frequency increases due to electrode contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolvent concentration in exhaust gasVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charged plate serves as a removable intermediary that collects solvent through electrostatic attraction. By positioning the charged plate between the exhaust atmosphere and the electrode, solvent is captured on the charged plate surface rather than contaminating the electrode. This allows the charged plate to be easily removed and cleaned or replaced, significantly reducing maintenance time and frequency while maintaining effective solvent concentration reduction in the exhaust gas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If continuous heat treatment is performed, then productivity is improved, but solvent concentration in apparatus atmosphere increases causing safety and operational issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous heat treatment capabilityVSAvoidsolvent concentration in apparatus atmosphere

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solvent separation apparatus operates continuously alongside the heat treatment process, maintaining constant solvent removal from the apparatus atmosphere. The charged plate continuously attracts and collects solvent molecules from the exhaust atmosphere, ensuring that solvent concentration remains controlled even during continuous heat treatment operations. This enables sustained high productivity while preventing harmful solvent accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution effectively separates solvents from exhaust atmospheres while minimizing contact with electrodes, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring continuous operation of heat treatment apparatuses by preventing solvent contamination and maintaining high separation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

charging a solvent included in the gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a voltage-applying apparatus that applies a voltage to at least one of the second electrodes and a voltage having the same polarity as the polarity of the solvent to the first electrodes and the other second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

the solvent is attracted toward the electrode due to electrostatic attraction when the solvent reaches an effective region of the electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10376831B2Solvent separation method and solvent separation apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

Provided is a solvent separation method and a solvent separation apparatus in which a vaporized solvent is collected at one internal side of a solvent separation unit by attracting the vaporized solvent based on electric field, while the vaporized solvent is prevented from coming into contact with electrodes, and the collected solvent is discharged from the solvent separation unit. Different electric fields are alternately applied to a pair of first electrodes and a pair of second electrodes present at predetermined locations inside a tetragonal tubular solvent separation unit to attract a vaporized solvent toward the second electrodes. Thus, the vaporized solvent is collected in a space between the second electrodes inside the solvent separation unit, and the collected solvent is discharged from the solvent separation unit, together with a portion of the exhaust atmosphere present around the collected solvent.