MODULAR SUPERCRITICAL FLUID MATERIALS PROCESSING SYSTEM

摘要

A modular system for processing an exfoliated aggregate material or a polymer composite material comprising the exfoliated aggregate, utilizing supercritical fluid processing is described. The modular system may provide exfoliated aggregate particulates, polymer composite materials or master batch polymer composite materials.

主权项

1. A modular materials processing system comprising:
a first pressure module comprising at least one supercritical fluid processing vessel having a mechanical mixing device capable of fluidizing an aggregate material and a supercritical fluid and forming a mixture of the supercritical fluid and the aggregate material wherein a portion of the supercritical fluid is dispersed into gallery spaces of the aggregate material; an intermediate pressure release valve configured to release the mixture of the supercritical fluid and the aggregate material from the supercritical fluid processing vessel at sonic velocity and produce a depressurized supercritical fluid and a dispersed, exfoliated aggregate material; and a second module comprising at least one collection vessel configured to collect the depressurized supercritical fluid and the dispersed, exfoliated aggregate material, the collection vessel being in fluid communication with the supercritical fluid processing vessel through the intermediate pressure release valve.