Back to results
US 5,704,556 AGranted
Process for rapid production of colloidal particles
OwnerJohn R. McLaughlininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a process for rapidly producing colloidal particles a feedstock of particles less than a micron in size is provided to a stirred media mill, along with ceramic beads less than 100 microns in size. The mill is filled to a volume in excess of 90%, and operated at tip speeds in excess of 20 meters/second with a residence time less than about two minutes; thereby producing particles having an average particle size less than about 0.1 micron from the feedstock.
Claims5
A process for rapidly producing colloidal particles, the process comprising
- (a) providing a feedstock slurry having an average particle size less than one micron to a stirred media mill, the slurry including from about 5 to 10 percent by weight dispersant;
- and a total solids of less than about 50 percent by weight in a low viscosity fluid;
- (b) providing ceramic beads less than 100 microns in diameter in the mill;
- (c) filling the mill to a volume in excess of 90%;
- (d) operating the mill at tip speeds at least 20 meters/sec;
- and
- (e) limiting the residence time to less than about two minutes;.
- thereby producing particles having an average particle size less than about 0.1 micron from the feedstock.
5 more elements
A process for rapidly producing colloidal particles, the process comprising
- (a) providing a feedstock slurry having an average particle size less than one micron to a stirred media mill, the slurry including from about 5 to 10 percent by weight dispersant;
- and a total solids of less than about 50 percent by weight in a low viscosity fluid;
- (b) providing yttrium toughened zirconium oxide ceramic beads less than 100 microns in diameter in the mill;
- (c) filling the mill to a volume in excess of 90%;
- (d) operating the mill at tip speeds at least 20 meters/sec;
- (e) limiting the residence time to less than about two minutes;
- and
- (f) providing less than about 100 kilowatt-hour of energy to drive the mill per ton of feedstock;
- thereby producing particles having an average particle size less than about 0.1 micron from the feedstock.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.