Patent ID: 8226902

Claim:
An apparatus for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of synthesis units disposed in series where a carbon-nanotube-synthesizing process is performed; delivery units each disposed between the synthesis units and delivering the carbon nanotubes that are being synthesized from the synthesis unit disposed before to the synthesis unit disposed after; a catalyst reduction unit for removing an oxide layer surrounding a catalyst; a catalyst supply unit disposed between the catalyst reduction unit and the first synthesis unit and supplying the catalyst which the oxide layer is removed to the first reactor, wherein each of the synthesis units comprises: a first synthesis unit including a first reactor where a carbon-nanotube-synthesizing process is performed; and a second synthesis unit disposed after the first synthesis unit and including a second reactor where a carbon-nanotube-synthesizing process is performed; wherein each of the delivery units comprises: a storage tank connected to the synthesis unit disposed before and the synthesis unit disposed after, and storing the carbon nanotubes; a suction member for applying a negative pressure to the storage tank to transfer the carbon nanotubes that are being synthesized from the synthesis unit disposed before to the storage tank; and a carrier gas supply member for supplying a carrier gas to the storage tank to transfer the carbon nanotubes stored in the storage tank to the synthesis unit disposed after, wherein the catalyst supply unit comprises: a catalyst storage tank storing the catalyst which the oxide layer is removed; a first catalyst supply line connecting the catalyst reduction unit and the catalyst storage tank and supplying the catalyst which the oxide layer is removed to the catalyst storage tank; a second catalyst supply line connecting the catalyst storage tank and the first reactor and the catalyst stored in the catalyst storage tank to the first reactor; and a second carrier gas supply member for supplying a carrier gas to the catalyst storage tank to provide a predetermined amount of the catalyst stored in the catalyst storage tank to the first reactor.