Supercritical Fluid Reactor for Solid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack economically viable and technically manageable methods for recycling and purifying chemically separable mixtures of particulate solids, particularly semiconductor materials combined with metals, where separation processes are difficult and often require high energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reactor with grids to form a fluidized bed, allowing process fluids to interact with particulate solids, combined with features like seals, filters, and ultrasound to enhance separation and purification, enabling controlled reactions and efficient treatment without transferring solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional separation processes are used for chemically separable mixtures of particulate solids, then separation can be achieved, but energy expenditure is high and the process is not economically viable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the process fluid to supercritical conditions (temperature and pressure above critical point), which fundamentally alters its properties. This enables the fluid to penetrate particle aggregates effectively and achieve separation at lower energy consumption compared to conventional high-temperature or high-pressure methods alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the process fluid between supercritical and gaseous states. In supercritical state, the fluid penetrates and separates metals from carrier materials; upon expansion back to gaseous state, the metal particles are deposited. This cyclic phase transition enables continuous separation operation with reduced energy input
2Reliability
If high energy expenditure is applied to separate metals from carrier materials, then separation can be achieved, but the process becomes economically unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by transitioning the process fluid to supercritical state, which enhances its ability to separate metals from carrier materials at lower energy levels. The supercritical fluid's unique properties (high density, low viscosity) enable effective penetration and separation without requiring excessive energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal separation methods with a chemical-physical process using supercritical fluid. Instead of relying on high energy mechanical forces or prolonged thermal treatment, the system uses the solvent properties of supercritical fluid to selectively dissolve and separate metal particles, reducing overall energy consumption
3Device complexity
If process fluid is forced through reactor without fluidized bed, then equipment complexity is reduced, but mass transfer between particulate solids and process fluid is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior by creating a fluidized bed where particles are suspended and moved by the upward flow of supercritical fluid. This dynamic state increases the contact between process fluid and particulate solids, enhancing mass transfer. The system maintains this dynamic state during the separation process to ensure thorough treatment
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 facilitates effective separation of metals from carrier materials with reduced energy consumption, improves purity, and ensures controlled reactions by using coolant and ultrasound, allowing for efficient recycling and purification of particulate solids.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the action of the process fluid on the particulate solids, metals, for example, are at least partially separated from the carrier material and dissolve, at least temporarily
Implementation Method 2
allowing for efficient recycling and purification of particulate solids
Implementation Method 3
with features like seals, filters, and ultrasound to enhance separation and purification
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for the treatment of particulate solid materials (12), wherein the device (10) comprises at least one reactor (26) into which the particulate solid materials (12) can be introduced, at least one closeable or closed receiving space (22) into which the reactor (26) can be introduced, a supply line (44) for supplying a process fluid into the receiving space (22), and at least one conveyor unit (42) for conveying the process fluid and a reaction mixture made of the process fluid and the particulate solid materials (12) through the receiving space (22). The invention also relates to a rinsing device (78) for rinsing and a drying device (84) for drying particulate solid materials of this type. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment, rinsing and/or drying of solid materials of this type.