Device and Method for Chemo-Physical Modification of Particles of a Suspension

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This invention provides a device and method for breaking down (disintegrating) particles in a liquid suspension using both ultrasonic waves and plasma. The system has a channel through which the suspension flows, and both a pump for controlling flow speed and one or more ultrasonic sound sources that create a field in which particles are broken apart. A plasma source is positioned so that the generated plasma overlaps or precedes the ultrasonic treatment area, enabling chemical and mechanical modification of the particles. The system also precisely controls the movement and retention time of particles based on gravity or centrifugal force for targeted processing.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Preparation of uniform nanoparticle suspensions for industrial or laboratory use.
• Homogenization or downsizing of agricultural digestates, slurries, or waste materials.
• Selective particle disintegration in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology (e.g., cell lysis, drug delivery systems).
• Treatment of wastewater or contaminated liquids to destroy harmful particles or microorganisms.
• Processing of complex fluids to eliminate noxious substances or design specific fluid properties (such as viscosifiers or dispersants).
• Recovery or separation of valuable components in mining, chemical, or food industries.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables precise control over particle disintegration by combining ultrasonic and plasma treatments.
• Allows both chemical and mechanical modification for more efficient breakdown, especially of stubborn particles.
• Adjustable flow and inertial forces permit selective particle targeting and processing, increasing flexibility and efficiency.
• Capable of parallel or serial processing, supporting both high-throughput and targeted applications.
• Waste or undesirable particles can be separated and removed via specially designed settling and sluiceway features.
• Recirculation and retention control enable repeated or prolonged treatment for thorough disintegration or modification.
• Automation and instrumentation allow for real-time monitoring and optimization of process parameters.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for disintegrating particles (3) of a suspension with ultrasonic sound, the device (1) comprising:a channel (10) for a suspension, wherein the channel (10) comprises a particle-processing portion (12),at least one pump (20) configured and arranged to adjust a flow velocity of the suspension in the channel (10),at least one ultrasonic sound source (30), arranged such at the channel (10) that an ultrasonic field generated by the ultrasonic sound source (30) extends at least in the particle-processing portion (12) inside the channel (10),wherein the device (1) comprises an instrumentation and control system configured to regulate the flow velocity of the suspension such that particles (3) of the suspension are arrangeable in a predefined spatial particle distribution in the particle-processing portion (12) of the channel (10) by adjusting the flow velocity of the suspension with respect to an inertial force (40) acting on the suspension,wherein the inertial force (40) is gravity (42) or a centrifugal force (44), characterized in that the device (1) comprises a plasma source (80), wherein the plasma source (80) is arranged such that a plasma generated by the plasma source (80) extends into the particle-processing portion (12) or upstream of the particle-processing portion (12).