Micro‑Jet Enhanced Nanopowder Processing (Fluidized Bed Systems & Methods Including Micro‑Jet Flow, Tech ID: 06‑057)
Technology Overview: An earlier issued family member describing the same micro‑jet‑assisted fluidization approach: a standard upflow gas plus a downward micro‑jet near the distributor to deagglomerate nano‑scale powders and maintain uniform fluidization across the column. This patent anchors the family’s core claims and design variants for nozzle placement and gas‑flow configurations.
Industry Pain Point: Nanopowders often fail to fluidize uniformly, hindering consistent mixing/coating operations.
NJIT Solution: Use a secondary, oppositely directed jet to generate shear/turbulence that breaks clusters and promotes circulation, improving processability and quality.
Key Features & Advantages
- Demonstrated full‑bed fluidization with nanoagglomerates.
- Design variants for jet geometry/placement captured in claims.
- Forms the priority backbone for subsequent divisional/granted claims.
Development Stage: TRL 4–5 – Prior issued embodiment within the IP family.
Target Markets
- Nanomaterials producers (carbon black, SiO₂, catalysts)
- Powder processing equipment OEMs
- Pharma and specialty chemicals handling fine/cohesive powders
Commercial & IP Details
- Patent Status: Issued (US8118243B2)
- Patent Link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8118243B2/en?oq=US8118243B2
Inventors: Robert Pfeffer; Jose A. Quevedo; Juergen Flesch