Drop forming methods and apparatus
US6398989B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01J2/20
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A drop former includes a rotary screen forming an internal chamber into which a flowable chemical is introduced, the chamber being kept at atmospheric pressure. The screen has a thickness in the range of 0.05 to 0.4 mm. As the screen moves, the flowable chemical is caused to impinge against a pressure member disposed within the chamber to create a hydrodynamic force which forces the chemical through openings of the screen, thereby forming drops which are transferred onto a transfer surface. The drops harden into particles on the transfer surface and are subsequently removed therefrom and collected. The screen may be formed of a photochemically etched, or laser-drilled, metallic sheet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.