Tracer-Encapsulated Pellet Manufacturing via Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing tracer-encapsulated solid pellets for magnetic-confinement fusion are not suitable for mass production and struggle with controlling the uniformity of the tracer material encapsulation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of liquid droplets by discharging an organic liquid containing a first organic polymer with tracer atoms and a second organic polymer into a stabilizing liquid, followed by phase separation and removal of the organic solvent, allowing for the easy encapsulation of a predetermined amount of tracer material and continuous production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hole-making and filling method is used, then tracer material can be encapsulated in the pellet, but mass production is not suitable and uniformity of tracer material amount is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from mechanical hole-making and filling to a chemical solution-based method where tracer material is dissolved in a solvent mixed with polymer solution. By controlling parameters such as solvent type, concentration, and drying conditions, both mass production and uniform tracer distribution are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical process of drilling holes and manually filling tracer material is replaced with a chemical diffusion process. The tracer material dissolves in the solvent and uniformly distributes throughout the polymer matrix during the drying process, eliminating the need for mechanical operations and enabling automated mass production.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional hole-making and filling method is used, then tracer material encapsulation can be achieved, but the manufacturing process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate operations (hole-making, tracer filling, sealing) into a single integrated process. The tracer-containing solvent is mixed with polymer solution, poured into molds, and dried in one continuous operation, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracer material is pre-dissolved in the solvent before mixing with the polymer solution. This preliminary preparation ensures uniform distribution of tracer material throughout the pellet during the single-step casting process, eliminating the need for subsequent filling operations.
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 method enables mass production of tracer-encapsulated solid pellets with precise control over the tracer material amount and uniformity, suitable for magnetic-confinement fusion applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first organic polymer and the second organic polymer dissolved in the organic liquid cause phase-separation; and such a constitution is made that the first organic polymer containing tracer atoms makes a sphere, and the second organic polymer covers the circumference of the sphere
Implementation Method 2
an organic solvent removal step of removing the organic solvent from the liquid droplets
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tracer-encapsulated solid pellet for magnetic-confinement fusion, the method comprising a liquid droplet formation step of discharging an organic liquid containing an organic solvent into a stabilizing liquid to thereby form liquid droplets 12, and an organic solvent removal step of removing the organic solvent from the liquid droplets 12A. The organic liquid to be used is a liquid having a first organic polymer containing tracer atoms and a second organic polymer being an organic polymer different from the first organic polymer dissolved in the organic solvent, wherein the first organic polymer and the second organic polymer can be mutually phase-separated.