Size-specific separation of particles from suspensions by ultrasonic atomization under controlled conditions for cavitation

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H03445
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Properties in chemical engineering process/Transfer operation/Unit operation
• Research Institution: Kagoshima University
• Principal Investigator: NII Susumu 鹿児島大学, 理工学域工学系, 教授 (90262865)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 水田 敬 鹿児島大学, 理工学域工学系, 助教 (10336323) ; 五島 崇 鹿児島大学, 理工学域工学系, 助教 (90709560)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 異相分離 / サブミクロン粒子 / 超音波 / 霧化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Ultrasonically assisted size-selective separation of nanoparticles was developed. Silica particles of around 100 nm were selectively transferred in the ultrasonically prepared mist from the suspension containing various sizes of nanoparticles. The separation is strongly affected by ultrasonic cavitation in the sample suspension. By choosing appropriate conditions, the selectivity and enrichment factors changes dramatically. Furthermore, a novel method to visualize ultrasonic cavitation under the ultrasonic atomization was developed. The method helps us to know the local strength of the cavitation in the ultrasonic atomization.

Free Research Field

化学工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

液体への超音波で生成する霧を、液中から特定粒子を選択的に運ぶキャリアーとして用いる新発想に基づく分離現象の機構を解明することで、より精密かつ効率的な分離現象の制御が可能となり、学術的意義は高い。また社会的には、現在の工業的な課題であるサブミクロン粒子の混合物におけるサイズ選択分離に対して、簡単な操作で分離できる新たな解決法を提案するという大きい意義がある。