Hydrodynamic separator with tapering microfluidic channels

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein relates to a hydrodynamic separator. The hydrodynamic separator may be configured to separate a liquid having dispersed particles of diameter. The hydrodynamic separator has a base plate and a liquid channel at least partially defined by the base plate. The liquid channel is configured to receive a liquid within the channel. The liquid channel has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet includes a first outlet branch and a second outlet branch. The liquid passage has an inner wall defining an inner radius about the central axis and an outer wall defining an outer radius about the central axis. The liquid channel has a liquid channel length from the inlet to the outlet along the inner wall. The liquid channel has a channel width between the inner wall and the outer wall, where the channel has a tapered tapered region where the channel width increases toward the outlet.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 347,915, filed on June 1, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to hydrodynamic separators and more particularly to hydrodynamic separators having a tapered microfluidic channel. Background Art

[0004] Hydrodynamic separators are used in a variety of industries to concentrate and / or separate particles in fluid streams, such as hydrocarbon liquids, beverages, aqueous solutions, etc. Particles suspended in the fluid may cause problems in system processing (such as in fuel or hydraulic systems, for example), may be generally undesirable to consumers (e.g., pulp in orange juice, or impurities in beer or wine), or may be subject to different processing steps than the fluid (such as in sewage treatment). It is desirable to design a hydrodynamic separator that achieves adequate particle separation with minimal pressure drop, thereby improving efficiency in terms of both particle separation and energy consumption and time. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a fluid dynamic separator, which is configured to separate liquids with dispersed particles of diameter (a). The fluid dynamic separator has a substrate. The fluid dynamic separator has a liquid channel defined by the substrate. The liquid channel is configured to receive the liquid in the channel. The liquid channel has an inlet and an outlet. The liquid channel has an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall defines an inner radius around a central axis, and the outer wall defines an outer radius around the central axis. The liquid channel has a liquid channel length from the inlet along the inner wall to the outlet. The liquid channel has a rectangular cross-section along the liquid channel length. The rectangular cross-section has a channel width between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the channel has a tapered gradient (tapered) region, at which the channel width increases toward the outlet at a constant ratio between 0.00mm and 0.01mm per millimeter of liquid channel length.

[0006] In some such embodiments, the tapered gradient region extends from the inlet to the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the inner radius is constant from the inlet to the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the outer radius is tapered outwardly between the inlet and the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has: a first region, the first region has a first channel width and a first liquid channel length; a second region, the second region has a second channel width and a second liquid channel length; and a tapered gradient region, the tapered gradient region has a tapered gradient region length extending from the first region to the second region. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the first region is greater than the length of the second region. Additionally or alternatively, the separator is configured to have a Dean number (De) between 5 and 25 in the first region and the second region. Additionally or alternatively, the particle diameter (a) is greater than 8% of the hydraulic diameter (DH) in at least the first region. Additionally or alternatively, the separator is configured to separate particles with a density up to three times the density of the liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet has a first outlet and a second outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel is one of the same plurality of liquid channels.

[0007] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a fluid dynamic separator. The fluid dynamic separator can be configured to separate a liquid having dispersed particles of diameter (a). The fluid dynamic separator has a substrate and a liquid channel at least partially defined by the substrate. The liquid channel is configured to receive a liquid in the channel. The liquid channel has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet includes a first outlet branch and a second outlet branch. The liquid channel has an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall defines an inner radius around a central axis, and the outer wall defines an outer radius around the central axis. The liquid channel has a liquid channel length from the inlet to the outlet along the inner wall. The liquid channel has a channel width between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the channel has a tapered gradient region, and in the tapered gradient region, the channel width increases toward the outlet.

[0008] In some such embodiments, the tapered transition region extends from the inlet to the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the inner radius is constant from the inlet to the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the outer radius tapers outwardly between the inlet and the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has: a first region, the first region having a first channel width and a first liquid channel length; a second region, the second region having a second channel width and a second liquid channel length; and a tapered transition region, the tapered transition region having a tapered transition region length extending from the first region to the second region. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the first region is greater than the length of the second region. Additionally or alternatively, the separator is configured to have a Dean number (De) between 5 and 25 in the first region and the second region. Additionally or alternatively, the particle diameter (a) is greater than the hydraulic diameter (D at least in the first region). H ) of 8%.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the separator is configured to separate particles having a density up to three times that of the liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the inner radius is greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 100 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel is one of a plurality of identical liquid channels defined by the substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has a width ranging from 400 μm to 1000 μm. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has a height ranging from 100 μm to 500 μm. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has a polygonal cross-section along the length of the liquid channel. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has a rectangular cross-section along the length of the liquid channel.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, along the liquid channel, the channel width of the liquid channel does not vary by more than 10 mm per millimeter of liquid channel length. Additionally or alternatively, the channel width increases at a constant rate in the tapered gradient region. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has a first region and a tapered gradient region, the first region having a first channel width, the tapered gradient region having a channel width that increases from the first region to the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel has a plurality of tapered gradient regions, each tapered gradient region having a channel width that increases toward the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid channel is a microfluidic channel.

[0011] The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary aspects and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example fluid dynamic separator system consistent with an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the liquid channel.

[0014] Figure 3 A diagram showing the accumulation of particles along the length of a liquid channel.

[0015] Figure 4 is an illustration of typical radial flow profiles for different Dean numbers consistent with a liquid channel.

[0016] Figure 5 is a comparison of experimental results and the relevant technical equations that define radial flow velocity.

[0017] Figure 6 is a graphic representation of the experimental results and the new equation defining the radial flow velocity.

[0018] Figure 7is a graphical representation of the experimental results and the first equation defining the particle aggregation length.

[0019] Figure 8 is a graphical representation of the experimental results and a second equation defining the particle aggregation length, where the second equation takes the particle size into account.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a graphical representation of the experimental results and the third equation of the measured value of the arc defining the liquid channel.

[0021] Fig.10 is a schematic illustration of an example hydrodynamic separator having a spiral liquid passage.

[0022] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Front view of an example hydrodynamic separator.

[0023] Fig.12 is another example system consistent with an embodiment.

[0024] Fig.13 is yet another example system consistent with an embodiment.

[0025] The present technology may be more fully understood and appreciated by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] These figures are drawn primarily for clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In addition, various structures / components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wires, cables, etc.), etc., may be shown in diagrammatic form or removed from some or all views to better illustrate various aspects of the depicted embodiments, or removed from some or all views where the inclusion of such structures / components is not necessary for understanding the various exemplary embodiments described herein. However, the lack of illustration / description of such structures / components in a particular figure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the various embodiments in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A fluid dynamic separator consistent with the present disclosure is a microfluidic device that can gather particles in a fluid stream only by relying on the force generated by the internal fluid flow. Particles can be separated from a part of a fluid stream and / or from particles of other sizes in the fluid stream. A fluid dynamic separator generally defines a fluid channel with an inlet and an outlet, and the outlet has at least two flow branches. Particles within a specific size range can be gathered or concentrated into a flow branch in two flow branches. For example, particles that exceed a threshold size range are gathered into a flow branch in two flow branches. The concentrated portion of the fluid stream can be removed from the system or retained for further processing. Any remaining particles can flow through at least two flow branches.

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a schematic illustration of an example system 10 consistent with some implementation forms of the technical content disclosed herein. System 10 is a fluid dynamic separator system, and the fluid dynamic separator system is configured to aggregate particles suspended in a fluid flow. System 10 has a fluid dynamic separator 100, and the fluid dynamic separator 100 has a liquid channel 120, and the liquid channel 120 has an inlet 122 and an outlet 124. A fluid pump 30 establishes fluid communication between a fluid source 20 and the fluid dynamic separator 100. In particular, the fluid pump 30 is configured to pump a fluid from a fluid source 20 through an inlet flow channel 40 to the inlet 122 of the fluid dynamic separator 100. The fluid is configured to flow through the liquid channel 120 of the fluid dynamic separator 100 to reach the outlet 124. The outlet 124 has a first outlet branch 50 and a second outlet branch 52, and the first outlet branch 50 and the second outlet branch 52 can lead from the liquid channel 120 to other systems or other system components. In some embodiments, the fluid flowing through the first outlet branch 50 is configured to have a higher concentration of particles within a particular size range than the fluid flowing through the second outlet branch 52 .

[0029] A fluid dynamic separator consistent with the technical content disclosed herein is generally composed of a substrate 110. The substrate 110 defines a liquid channel 120 at least partially therein. The substrate 110 can be composed of a variety of different materials and combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the substrate can be a polymer. In some examples, the substrate includes acrylic acid. In some examples, the substrate includes polycarbonate. In some examples, the substrate includes polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In some embodiments, the substrate can include glass. In some embodiments, the substrate can include a non-reactive metal. In some embodiments, the substrate can include one or more adhesive layers such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the substrate can be two or more materials, so that the wall of the channel can be two or more materials.

[0030] The liquid channel 120 is generally configured to accommodate a liquid flow. The liquid channel 120 defines an inlet 122 and an outlet 124. The liquid channel 120 defines a channel length L from the inlet 122 to the outlet 124. D The liquid passage 120 is generally curved to define an inner radius R about the central axis x. C Therefore, the liquid channel 120 extends circumferentially around the central axis x to define a measurement of the channel arc. In the current example, the liquid channel 120 extends about 180° around the central axis x. In the current example, the inner radius R C is approximately constant over the length of the channel, but in some other examples the inner radius R CIn some implementations, the inner radius R C Greater than or equal to 5 mm, 10 mm or 15 mm. In some implementations, the inner radius R C Less than or equal to 100mm, 60mm, 50mm or 30mm.

[0031] In various embodiments, the liquid channel 120 of the fluid dynamic separator is a microfluidic channel, wherein the term "microfluidic channel" refers to a channel having at least one dimension less than 1 mm (1000 microns). Microfluidic channel can have a channel width less than 1000 microns, a channel height (or depth) less than 1000 microns, or a channel width less than 1000 microns and a channel height (or depth) less than 1000 microns. In some embodiments, for the application of higher flow, at least one dimension of microfluidic channel can be greater than 1 mm. In some embodiments, at least one dimension of microfluidic channel is greater than or equal to 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm, or is less than or equal to 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm or 2 mm. In general, channel can have any suitable length, to provide a suitable pressure drop balanced with suitable particle aggregation.

[0032] Microfluidic channels can be described by cross-sectional area. As used herein, the cross-section of a liquid channel 120 is generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the channel 120. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​a microfluidic channel can be less than 10 square millimeters, 9 square millimeters, 8 square millimeters, 7 square millimeters, 6 square millimeters, 5 square millimeters, 4 square millimeters, 3 square millimeters, or 2 square millimeters (mm 2 ).

[0033] The liquid channel 120 can generally have any shape of cross-section along the length of the channel, and the cross-section is a closed loop around the liquid channel 120. In some embodiments, the liquid channel 120 has a curved cross-section, such as a circular or oval cross-section. In some embodiments, the liquid channel 120 has a polygonal cross-section. In some embodiments, the liquid channel 120 has an irregular cross-section. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the liquid channel 120 has a rectangular cross section along the length of the channel. The term "rectangular" as used herein encompasses a square. The channel 120 has a rectangular cross section along the length of the channel. Figure 2 The visible height (h) and Figure 1 and Figure 2 For liquid channels with curved and / or irregular cross-sections, the width and height are typically the maximum width and maximum height on the cross-section.

[0034] Microfluidic channels can also be described in terms of hydraulic diameter. Channel 120 also has a hydraulic diameter (D H ). The following equation is used to calculate the hydraulic diameter of a microfluidic channel:

[0035]

[0036] Where "cross-sectional perimeter" is the length of the circumference around the cross section. The following equation is used to calculate the hydraulic diameter of a microfluidic channel, particularly one with a rectangular cross section:

[0037]

[0038] In some embodiments, the hydraulic diameter of the microfluidic channel may be less than 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm. In at least one embodiment, the hydraulic diameter of the microfluidic channel may be less than 1 mm.

[0039] Liquid channel 120 can be formed in substrate 110 by molding operation, laser cutting, micromachining, photolithography and 3D printing as examples. In some examples, liquid channel 120 is formed in substrate 110 by injection molding or embossing of plastic. Other methods can also be used to form liquid channel 120. In various embodiments, hydro separator 100 is defined with a plurality of identical liquid channels 120, which are configured to operate in parallel. In various embodiments, hydro separator 100 has at least 10 liquid channels. In various embodiments, hydro separator 100 has at least 50 liquid channels or at least 100 liquid channels.

[0040] In some embodiments where the fluid dynamic separator 100 has a plurality of identical liquid channels, a liquid channel 120 can be defined in a single substrate layer. In some other embodiments, a single substrate layer can be defined with a plurality of liquid channels 120. The liquid channel in the substrate layer can be configured to operate in parallel. In various embodiments, a plurality of substrate layers can be layered in a stacked configuration so that one or more liquid channels 120 defined by each substrate layer are also in a stacked configuration. The layers of the stacked substrates and the liquid channel 120 form the fluid dynamic separator 100. The fluid dynamic separator 100 can define an inlet flow channel 40 upstream of each inlet in the inlet (e.g., inlet 122) of a microfluidic channel, and the inlet flow channel 40 is directly fluidically connected to each inlet in the inlet (e.g., inlet 122) of the microfluidic channel. The inlet flow channel 40 generally has a hydraulic diameter larger than the hydraulic diameter of each liquid channel in the liquid channel 120. The fluid dynamic separator 100 can define a first outlet branch 50 and a second outlet branch 52, both of which are located downstream of the outlet 124 and are in direct fluid communication with the outlet 124. Each of the first outlet branch 50 and the second outlet branch 52 generally has a hydraulic diameter that is larger than the hydraulic diameter of each of the liquid channels. This configuration can advantageously balance the flow through the channels.

[0041] The liquid channel 120 is configured to receive a liquid having a Reynolds number (Re) within the liquid channel. Fluid flow within a curved channel is described by two dimensionless numbers, the Reynolds number and the Dean number. The Reynolds number describes the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces and is defined as:

[0042]

[0043] Wherein ρ is the fluid density, U is the average fluid velocity, and μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid. In a fluid dynamic separator, the Reynolds number is usually small (<1000), which means that the flow profile is laminar. In various embodiments, the system is configured to have a Dean number (De) between 5 and 25. In various embodiments, the system is configured to have a Dean number between 5 and 20. The Dean number describes the fluid behavior in a curved pipe and takes into account the inertial force, centripetal force and viscous force acting on the fluid. The Dean number is defined as:

[0044]

[0045] The fluid power system 10 is generally configured to gather particles in the liquid channel 120. As used herein, the term "particle" refers to a discrete amount of material dispersed in a fluid. Non-limiting examples of materials that can form particles include dirt, metal, cells, bubbles, fat, water droplets. In a specific example, water droplets can be dispersed in a hydrocarbon fluid such as gasoline or diesel to form an emulsion. In another example, bubbles can be dispersed in a hydraulic fluid. In another example, cells can be dispersed in an aqueous fluid. In yet other examples, particles can be pulp in orange juice, fat in milk, and impurities in beer or wine.

[0046] In various embodiments, the fluid dynamic separator 100 is configured to gather particles having a diameter greater than 8% of the hydraulic diameter of the liquid channel 120. When the Dean number is in the range of 5 to 25, particles having a diameter greater than 8% of the hydraulic diameter of the channel are generally gathered toward the inner wall. The fluid dynamic separator is generally configured to gather particles having a diameter less than or equal to 50% of the channel height. In various examples, for the convenience of the calculations provided herein, the particles have a sphericity greater than 0.5. For non-spherical particles, for the convenience of the calculations provided herein, the particle diameter is considered to be a volume-equivalent spherical diameter. In various embodiments, a fluid dynamic separator consistent with the technical content disclosed herein is configured to gather particles having a density three times the density of the liquid in the liquid channel 120.

[0047] Particle aggregation occurs in two distinct stages. The first stage is the particle migration stage, in which suspended particles migrate from throughout the liquid channel 120 to the top and bottom edges of the liquid channel 120. The particle migration stage typically begins at the inlet 122 of the liquid channel and extends the particle migration length L of the liquid channel 120. o , to define a particle migration region 126 of the liquid channel 120. In this region, no additional aggregation on the inner wall 121 of the liquid channel 120 is observed. The second region is a linear aggregation region 128, where the amount of aggregation on the inner wall 121 increases linearly along the channel length. Aggregation continues until a maximum particle aggregation is reached. No additional aggregation is observed after the maximum particle aggregation is reached. The linear aggregation region 128 has a linear aggregation length L f , linear aggregation length L f The linear aggregation region 128 generally extends from the particle migration region 126 toward the channel outlet 124 .

[0048] The length of the liquid channel 120 after the linear focusing region 128 is referred to as the complete focusing region 130. The complete focusing region 130 has a length L extending from the linear focusing region 128 to the outlet 124. ffIn various implementations, it may be desirable to limit or eliminate the complete accumulation region 130 to reduce the energy requirements of the system by reducing the pressure drop across the liquid channel 120 while still achieving maximum particle accumulation.

[0049] Figure 3 1 is a diagram depicting representative aggregation behavior, showing three stages of particle aggregation along the length of a curved liquid channel. The particle migration region 126 occupies approximately the first 16 mm of the length of the channel, followed by a linear aggregation region 128. In this example, the linear aggregation region 128 achieves maximum particle aggregation at approximately 114 mm along the length of the liquid channel. Once the maximum value of particle aggregation is reached, the particle aggregation can remain approximately constant. This area of ​​the device is considered to be the above-mentioned complete aggregation region 130. In this example, the maximum aggregation percentage shown in the complete aggregation region is about 90% (i.e., 90% of the particles are aggregated).

[0050] Mathematically speaking, in a curved channel (such as Figure 1 The length of the linear aggregation region required to achieve maximum particle aggregation in the channel (as depicted in FIG. 1 ) is a linear function of the radial component of the velocity of the particles through the channel. According to existing literature (e.g., see Di Carlo, D., Irimia, D., Tompkins, RG, Toner, M. in Continuous Inertial Focusing, Ordering, and Separation of Particles in Microchannels, Vol. 104, No. 4, 18892-7, 2007, Sciences of the USA), the magnitude of the radial component of the Dean Flow profile or the linear aggregation rate U D as follows:

[0051]

[0052] This relationship was tested on a rectangular channel using computational fluid dynamics in STAR-CCM+ software from Siemens PLM Software, Plano, Texas. To measure the radial flow component, a function probe was inserted in the center of the virtual fluid domain and aligned with the channel depth (Z direction) at discrete radial locations in the main fluid flow direction. Figure 4Shows a series of examples of typical radial flow curves, where the radial velocity is a function of the depth through the center of the channel. The flow curves shown are a combination of the geometry of a single device and fluids spanning different Dean numbers but having a constant channel height h (150 μm), width w (500 μm), and inner radius R C (20 mm). In this coordinate system, a positive flow velocity indicates that the fluid is moving towards the outer wall of the device, while a negative flow velocity indicates that the fluid is moving towards the inner wall of the device. The maximum radial flow component is observed at the center of the channel depth. This corresponds to the maximum velocity of the fluid moving towards the outer wall due to fluid inertia. There are two minimum radial flow components, which are observed symmetrically above and below the center of the channel depth. These flow components are recirculation flows towards the inner wall and are ultimately responsible for passively moving the particles to the final aggregation location.

[0053] Based on the equation in the literature for the magnitude of the radial component of the Dean flow curve, the minimum radial flow velocities at four different Dean numbers (De = 5, 10, 15, 20) for different liquid channel widths are plotted, as Figure 5 shown. It can be seen that the equation does not define a linear relationship between different liquid channel widths, so the radial velocity cannot be accurately predicted. During further testing and analysis, it was found that the linear aggregation rate U D has the following relationship:

[0054]

[0055] Plotting this equation against the minimum radial velocity, the results are reflected in Figure 6 . It can be seen from the figure that the data for devices with different liquid channel widths collapse into a linear curve. When changing the geometry of the device (width, height, and R C ) and the fluid properties (viscosity and density) within the range of Dean numbers relevant to the hydrodynamic separator (5 < De < 25), this relationship still holds. Specifically, it was found that the minimum radial velocity is as follows:

[0056]

[0057] where μ is in cP, w is in microns, ρ is in g / cm 3 , and U D is in m / s.

[0058] Based on the minimum radial velocity, an equation can be derived to determine the length of the linear aggregation region to obtain maximum particle aggregation. The velocity across the width of the liquid channel is almost constant, so the time required for the particles to cross the width of the liquid channel and reach the inner wall is:

[0059]

[0060] Therefore, the length of the linear aggregation region is:

[0061]

[0062] Where U is the average velocity of the fluid. Substituting

[0063]

[0064] get:

[0065]

[0066] And more specifically,

[0067]

[0068] The linear focusing region is generally shorter at higher Dean numbers, and since the operating range of a hydrodynamic separator consistent with the teachings disclosed herein is between Dean numbers of 5 and 25, the linear focusing length L f Usually the minimum is:

[0069]

[0070] The particle aggregation rate (i.e., the slope of the linear aggregation region) is used to calculate the length required to aggregate another 80% of the particles. Aggregation of another 80% of the particles will bring the aggregation efficiency to over 90% because 10% to 20% of the particles are already in the aggregation position at the inlet of the device. f equation to plot the observed aggregation length in relation to the experimental results, which is reflected in Figure 7 The error bars correspond to the standard error based on the uncertainty of the slope of the linear aggregation region. The fit shows a clear trend that is mainly affected by the changes in the width and radius of curvature of the device. A closer look at the data shows that the aggregation length L f depends on the particle size. Specifically, smaller particles aggregate faster than larger particles. In practice, particles of different sizes will experience different lift forces and therefore pass through the width of the device at different heights. It is found that taking the linear aggregation length L f And multiplying this by the particle limit (a / Dh) gives:

[0071]

[0072] And, more specifically,

[0073]

[0074] The above results are plotted against the observed experimental aggregation lengths, such as Figure 8The data were linearly fitted, R 2 The value is greater than 0.95.

[0075] In addition to the linear aggregation region length L f In addition to being described in terms of the linear focusing region, the focusing angle (α) can also be described in terms of the focusing angle (α), which is the arc measurement (degrees) of the linear focusing region 128 about the central axis x:

[0076]

[0077] Or, more specifically,

[0078]

[0079] The convergence angle is plotted against the experimental data. Fig. 9 As shown, various liquid channels consistent with the technology disclosed herein require focusing angles greater than 360 degrees, indicating that complete focusing cannot be achieved using a "simple" hydrodynamic separator, where a "simple" hydrodynamic separator is a separator in which the liquid channels rotate less than a full circle around the central axis x.

[0080] A series of experiments were conducted to measure the actual particle migration length L0 and particle aggregation length L0 of various fluid dynamic systems consistent with the technology disclosed herein. f . Using standard methods, hydrodynamic separators of different device heights and widths were fabricated with PDMS and glass slides. Solutions of fluorescently labeled particles were introduced into the hydrodynamic separator channels at known flow rates within a Dean number range of 5 to 25. Images were taken at various locations along the hydrodynamic separator using a CMOS camera. Image processing was used to identify the relationship between particle concentration and channel position and length. The particle aggregation length L was also calculated according to the equation provided above f The results are reflected in Table 1 below.

[0081]

[0082] Table 1

[0083] In the whole experimental results, the particle aggregation length Lf is greater than the particle migration length L0. The particle migration length L0 ranges from the total liquid channel length L D 0% to the total liquid channel length L D In addition, the range of particle migration length L0 is the particle migration length L f 0% to particle migration length L f Thus, in some embodiments, a liquid channel consistent with the technology disclosed herein will have a particle migration length L approximately equal to f The length of the liquid channel LD In various embodiments, a liquid channel consistent with the technology disclosed herein will have a particle migration length L greater than f The length of the liquid channel L D Based on the data collected, it appears that in many embodiments, the liquid channel length L D Specific particle migration length L f The largest percentage is less than 40%. Liquid channel length L D Specific particle migration length L f The maximum percentage may be less than 30% or equal to 30%. The liquid channel length L D Specific particle migration length L f The large percentage may be less than 20% or equal to 20%. In some embodiments, the liquid channel length L D Specific particle migration length L f The maximum percentage may be between 3% and 20%.

[0084] Fig.10 and Fig.11 A schematic diagram of another example hydrodynamic separator 200 is shown, consistent with some embodiments. Fig.10 It is a schematic stereogram. Fig.11 is a schematic front view of the inlet side of the fluid dynamic separator, wherein the liquid channel 220 is represented by a dashed line. The fluid dynamic separator 200 is generally consistent with the above description unless there is a contradiction. The fluid dynamic separator 200 is configured to gather particles dispersed in a liquid flow. The fluid dynamic separator 200 is formed by a substrate 210. The substrate 210 defines a liquid channel 220 having an inlet 222 and an outlet 224. The liquid is configured to flow from the inlet 222 through the liquid channel 220 of the fluid dynamic separator 200 to the outlet 224. Although not currently shown, it is noted that the first outlet branch and the second outlet branch can extend outward from the outlet 224, similar to the above reference. Figure 1 Discussed.

[0085] The liquid channel 220 defines a channel length L from the inlet 222 to the outlet 224. D。 The liquid channel 220 is generally curved to define an inner radius R about the central axis x. C。 Therefore, the liquid channel 220 extends circumferentially around the central axis x to define a measurement of the channel arc. In the current example, the liquid channel 220 extends about 810° around the central axis x. In the current example, the inner radius R C is substantially constant along the length of the channel. In the present example, the liquid channel 220 forms a spiral portion around the central axis x. The spiral arrangement of the liquid channel 220 accommodates both the constant inner radius R C, and also accommodates multiple rotations around the central axis x. However, in some embodiments, the inner radius is not constant.

[0086] In some embodiments, the liquid channel 220 can have a rectangular cross-section along the length of the channel. Fig.11 The rectangular cross section can be seen at the inlet 222 in FIG. The cross section of the liquid channel 220 is generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the channel 220. The channel 220 has a Figure 2 The visible height (h) and Fig.11 The width (w) visible in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 220. The channel 220 also has a disclosed hydraulic diameter (D H ).

[0087] Similar to the example discussed above, particle aggregation can occur in two different stages. D , avoiding the complete aggregation area so that the entire length of the liquid channel is the particle migration length L0 and the particle aggregation length L f . Liquid channel length L D The optimization of the and / or arc measurements is generally consistent with the discussion above.

[0088] In various embodiments, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Fig.10 and Fig.11 In an embodiment consistent with the example, the dimensions of the liquid channel, such as height h, width w and inner radius R C is approximately constant over the length of the liquid channel, meaning that these dimensions do not vary by more than 5% of the dimension-weighted average along the length of the liquid channel. The equations provided herein are generally used to optimize the length of a liquid channel where the liquid channel has an approximately constant inner radius R C In some embodiments, the channel width w is not approximately constant over the channel length. In such embodiments, a weighted average of the channel width w over the channel length can be used in the equations provided herein to optimize the liquid channel length. In various examples, the optimized channel length can be based on a weighted average of the channel dimensions within the aggregation region.

[0089] In some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, the fluid dynamic separation system has a liquid channel width that is tapered over at least a portion of the length of the liquid channel. The term "tapered" used herein means a relatively gradual expansion / contraction, excluding a sudden transition such as a stepped transition between the first width w1 and the second width w2. As an example, the tapered gradient can be linear, parabolic or exponential. In addition, other tapered gradient shapes are also possible, including a combination of tapered gradient shapes along the length of the tapered gradient region. It has been found that the tapered gradient liquid channel can advantageously reduce the aggregation length of the channel, which can advantageously reduce the channel length required to achieve the desired separation efficiency. From a practical point of view, the smaller the width of the liquid channel, the shorter the path for the particles to gather toward the inner wall, which makes the system have a smaller size. On the other hand, the larger the width of the liquid channel, the smaller the pressure drop along the channel, which reduces the energy required to pump the liquid through the channel. In addition, the width of the liquid channel at the outlet is relatively large, which can be beneficial to separate the portion of the fluid flow with aggregated particles from the other portions of the fluid flow. Tapering the fluid passages can advantageously balance these and other factors while achieving a desired separation efficiency.

[0090] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of another example fluid dynamic separator system consistent with some embodiments. The system has a fluid source 20, a pump 30, an inlet flow channel 40, and outlet flow branches 50, 52, as described above with reference to Figure 1 The system has a fluid dynamic separator 300, which is generally consistent with the above description unless there are inconsistencies. The fluid dynamic separator 300 is configured to gather particles dispersed in a liquid flow. The fluid dynamic separator 300 is composed of a substrate 310. The substrate 310 defines a liquid channel 320 having an inlet 322 and an outlet 324. The liquid is configured to flow from the inlet 322 through the liquid channel 320 of the fluid dynamic separator 300 to the outlet 324.

[0091] The liquid channel 320 defines a channel length L from the inlet 322 to the outlet 324. D The liquid passage 320 is generally curved to define an inner radius R about the central axis x. C Thus, the liquid channel 320 extends circumferentially around the central axis x to define a channel arc measurement. In the current example, the liquid channel 320 extends about 180° around the central axis x. In the current example, the inner radius R C The inner radius may be substantially constant over the length of the channel, but in some other embodiments, the inner radius is not constant.

[0092] The liquid channel 320 may have a rectangular cross-section along the length of the channel, which is not currently visible, but the liquid channel 320 may have cross-sections forming other shapes, which have been described above. The liquid channel 320 has a height (h) which is not currently visible, and Fig.12 320. In this particular example, the liquid channel 320 does not have a constant width. The channel width is tapered between the inlet and the outlet. Specifically, the first region 326 of the liquid channel 320 defines the first width w1, the second region 328 of the liquid channel 320 defines the second width w2, and a tapered gradient region 327 extends between the first width w1 and the second width w2 to provide a smooth transition from the first width w1 to the second width w2. In the current example, the width of the liquid channel gradually changes from a smaller width to a larger width. More specifically, the liquid channel width increases along at least a portion of the length of the liquid channel 320.

[0093] The relatively large channel width at the outlet 324 can advantageously improve the separation of the aggregated particles from the remaining fluid flow based solely on physical limitations associated with the relative distance between the aggregated particles (generally located toward the inner wall 321) and the fluid lacking the aggregated particles (toward the outer wall 323). The smaller the channel width, the closer the first outlet flow branch 50 and the second outlet flow branch 52 are to each other, and thus the greater the likelihood that a portion of the aggregated particles will exit and enter the second outlet flow branch 52 instead of the first outlet flow branch 50. In addition, because the channel width is relatively wide, the aggregated particles can advantageously be accumulated in a relatively small proportion of the total channel width, thereby further reducing the chance of particles inadvertently exiting through the second outlet branch 52.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first region 326 and the second region 328 may have approximately equal lengths, but in the current embodiment, the first region 326 is shorter than the second region 328. In some embodiments, the length of the first region 326 is greater than the second region 328. In some embodiments, the tapered region 327 is longer than one or both of the first region 326 or the second region 328. In the current example, only the radius of the outer wall 323 of the liquid channel 320 tapers between the first region 326 and the second region 328. In some other embodiments, the radius of the outer wall 323 and the radius of the inner wall 321 taper between the first region 326 and the second region 328. In still other embodiments, only the radius of the inner wall 321 tapers between the first region 326 and the second region 328.

[0095] Although a single tapered region is provided along the length of the liquid channel 320 in the present example, it should be understood that the liquid channel 320 may have multiple tapered regions 327 along the length of the channel.

[0096] In some implementations, the optimal channel length can be approximated by using a weighted average of the widths along the length of the liquid channel 320 in such calculations. Fig.12 In some implementations of the same protocol, to achieve maximum aggregation, the following conditions hold:

[0097]

[0098] Among them, L w1 and L w2 L are the actual lengths of the first region 326 (having the first width w1) and the second region 328 (having the second width w2) of the channel, respectively. f( w 1) and L f( w 2) The length of the conical gradient region 327 is relative to L w1 and L w2 When the linear aggregation length (L f ) will have the following values:

[0099] L f =αL f(w1) +(1-α)L f(w2)

[0100] in, and corresponds to the percentage of aggregation occurring within the first region 326, and wherein, and corresponds to the percentage of additional aggregation occurring within the second region 328. By "relatively small" is meant that the tapered transition region 327 is less than 30%, 20%, or even less than 10% of the combined length of the first region 326 and the second region 328.

[0101] In some other implementations, to calculate the total length of the focused region, the first portion of the tapered gradient region may be considered as part of the length of the first region 326, and the second portion of the tapered gradient region may be considered as part of the length of the second region 328. For example, half of the length of the tapered gradient region 327 may be considered as part of the length of the first region 326, and the other half of the length of the tapered gradient region 327 may be considered as part of the length of the second region 328. Other approaches may also be used.

[0102] Fig.13is a schematic illustration of another example fluid dynamic separator system consistent with some embodiments. The system has a fluid source 20, a pump 30, an inlet flow channel 40, and outlet flow branches 50, 52, as described above with reference to Figure 1 The system has a fluid dynamic separator 400, which is generally consistent with the above description, except for the parts that are inconsistent with the current discussion. The fluid dynamic separator 400 is configured to gather particles dispersed in a liquid flow. The fluid dynamic separator 400 is composed of a substrate 410. The substrate 410 defines a liquid channel 420 having an inlet 422 and an outlet 424. The liquid is configured to flow from the inlet 422 through the liquid channel 420 of the fluid dynamic separator 400 to the outlet 424.

[0103] The liquid channel 420 is defined by a channel length L from the inlet 422 to the outlet 424. D The liquid passage 420 is generally curved to define an inner radius R about the central axis x. C The liquid channel 420 extends circumferentially around the central axis x to define a channel arc measurement. In the current example, the liquid channel 420 extends about 180° around the central axis x. In the current example, the inner radius R C The inner radius may be substantially constant over the length of the channel, but in some other embodiments, the inner radius is not constant.

[0104] Liquid channel 420 may have a cross-section that is rectangular or an alternate shape over the length of the channel, the cross-section not currently visible but may be similar to Figure 2 The cross-section shown in FIG. 4 or other shapes described elsewhere herein. The liquid channel 420 has a height (h) (see Figure 2 ), and a first channel width w1 and a second channel width w2. In this particular example, the liquid channel 420 does not have a constant width. The channel width tapers between the inlet 422 and the outlet 424. Unlike the above examples, in the current example, the channel width tapers from the inlet 422 to the outlet 424. However, in some other examples, a portion of the length of the channel 420 may have a constant width, while another portion of the length of the channel 420 may have a tapered width.

[0105] In the present example, only the radius of the outer wall 423 of the liquid channel 420 tapers between the inlet 422 and the outlet 424. In some other embodiments, the radius of the outer wall 423 and the radius of the inner wall 421 taper between the inlet 422 and the outlet 424, respectively. In still other embodiments, only the radius of the inner wall 421 tapers between the inlet 422 and the outlet 424.

[0106] In the present example, the width of the liquid channel tapers from a smaller width to a larger width. More specifically, the width of the liquid channel increases along at least a portion of the length of the liquid channel 420 .

[0107] It should be noted that in some implementations, a channel that tapers from a larger width to a smaller width from the inlet to the outlet may be undesirable. For example, a relatively small channel outlet 424 may present practical challenges in separating the portion of the fluid having aggregated particles from the rest of the fluid via the first outlet branch 50 and the second outlet branch 52.

[0108] Example

[0109] Example A (25 μm particles in water)

[0110] The hydrodynamic separator is designed to aggregate 25 μm particles in water. Key parameters are shown in Table 2. The flow rate for particle aggregation is about 1.3 mL / min to 6.5 mL / min (Dean number = 5.1 to 25.3). The calculation method for the linear aggregation region length for these flow rates is shown in Table 3. The system pressure drop is an estimated pressure drop based on the straight channel calculation results and does not include the effects of minor losses or secondary flows.

[0111] Fluid density (g / mL) 0.998 Channel height (μm) 150 Channel width (μm) 500 Hydraulic size (μm) 231 Viscosity(cP) 1 Curvature radius (mm) 20 Particle Limitation 0.11

[0112] Table 2

[0113]

[0114] Table 3

[0115] Example B (10 μm particles in fuel with different radii of curvature)

[0116] The hydrodynamic separator is designed to aggregate particles of 10 μm in the fluid. The key parameters are shown in Table 4. Under the condition of constant Dean number (De=10), the linear aggregation area length and estimated pressure drop for different hydrodynamic separator radii can be calculated. The data are shown in Table 5. The system pressure drop is an estimated pressure drop based on the calculation results of the straight channel, and does not include the influence of small losses or secondary flows. At a larger radius of curvature, the flow rate through the channel will increase, but the disadvantage is that the pressure drop will increase.

[0117] Fluid density (g / mL) 0.85 Channel height (μm) 1 00 Channel width (μm) 150 Hydraulic size (μm) 120 Viscosity(cP) 3 Particle Limitation 0.08

[0118] Table 4

[0119]

[0120] Table 5

[0121] Example C (8 μm to 12 μm particles in wine)

[0122] The hydrodynamic separator is designed to focus particles from 8 μm to 12 μm in wine. This represents the process of removing yeast from beer or wine during the clarification process. Key parameters are shown in Table 6. The linear focusing zone length is calculated for different flow rates as shown in Table 7. This calculation uses the largest particle diameter (12 μm). The system pressure drop is an estimated pressure drop based on straight channel calculation results and does not include the effects of minor losses or secondary flows.

[0123] Fluid density (g / mL) 1.05 Channel height (μm) 75 Channel width (μm) 150 Hydraulic size (μm) 100 Fluid viscosity (cP) 1.8 Radius of curvature (mm) 20 Particle limit (8μm) 0.08 Particle limit (12μm) 0.12

[0124] Table 6

[0125]

[0126] Table 7

[0127] Example D (device with two widths)

[0128] The hydrodynamic separator is configured to aggregate particles of 8 μm to 12 μm in wine. In some implementations, such a separator can be used to remove yeast from beer or wine during purification. The hydrodynamic separator has two regions of different widths w1 and w2 and a relatively small transition region of length 1 mm or less. The flow rate is 3.48 mL / min. The key parameters are in Table 8. The separator is configured to achieve an aggregation of α% in the first region and an aggregation of (1-α)% in the second region, so that the particles are completely aggregated at the end of the second region. The length L of each region w1 and L w2 and the total aggregation length L f The calculation results are shown in Table 9.

[0129] Fluid density (g / mL) 1.05 Fluid flow rate (mL / min) 3.48 Channel height (μm) 75 Channel width area 1 (μm) 100 Channel width area 2 (μm) 150 Hydraulic size area 1 (μm) 86 Hydraulic size area 2 (μm) 100 Fluid viscosity (cP) 1.8 Curvature radius (mm) 20 Particle confinement zone 1 (8 μm) 0.09 Particle confinement zone 1 (12 μm) 0.14 Particle confinement zone 2 (8 μm) 0.08 Particle confinement zone 2 (12 μm) 0.12

[0130] Table 8

[0131]

[0132] Table 9

[0133] While it is generally observed that the overall aggregation length can be reduced by increasing the aggregation percentage in the narrower channels (region 1), this will come at the expense of increased pressure drop due to the smaller channel dimensions. The optimal design will depend on the application requirements.

[0134] Example E (channel with tapered width)

[0135] Two microfluidic channels were compared to determine the effect of the width of the tapered gradient of the microfluidic channel on the aggregation length using theoretical calculations determined herein. The baseline microfluidic channel had a constant width of 628.4 μm from the channel inlet to the channel outlet, while the comparative microfluidic channel had a channel width of 500 μm at the inlet and a channel width of 628.4 μm at the outlet. The channel width of the comparative microfluidic channel had a tapered gradient that varied from the channel inlet to the channel outlet at a constant ratio k (mm / mm), which was 0.001 mm for each millimeter of channel length change in channel width. In the tapered gradient design, the inner wall maintains a constant radius of curvature, while the outer wall tapers outward.

[0136] Both the reference microfluidic channel and the comparative microfluidic channel had a constant channel height of 150 μm and an inner wall with a constant inner radius of curvature of 25 mm. In addition, the flow rate of the liquid through each of the channels was equal.

[0137] The lateral migration of particles due to particle aggregation is considered to be proportional to the radial component x of the Dean flow at the position along the length of the liquid channel:

[0138]

[0139] Where w(x) is the channel width at position x along the length of the liquid channel, U(x) is the average velocity of the fluid through the channel at position x, and L f (x) is the length of the linear focusing region required based on the device and fluid properties at position x, assuming that the channel width w(x) is constant. Experimental results of particle motion in a straight channel found that the linear focusing region length is:

[0140]

[0141] where Re(x) is the Reynolds number at position x, D H (x) is the hydraulic diameter at position x, assuming that the width w at position x is constant.

[0142] In a tapered channel, where the inner wall has a constant radius and the outer wall tapers outward, the fluid flowing through the channel expands outward to fill the channel. Therefore, any particles within the channel migrate outward (i.e., away from the inner wall and toward the outer wall), which can be approximated by the following equation:

[0143]

[0144] Among them U M(x) is the outward particle migration, p(x) is the distance from the particle to the inner channel wall, U(x) is the average velocity of the fluid, k is the rate of outward taper per unit length, and w(x) is the channel width at position x. The outward lateral migration of particles due to channel expansion counteracts particle aggregation. Therefore, in an outward tapered channel, the lateral migration of particles, U DM (x) is approximately calculated by the following equation:

[0145] U DM (x) = U D (x)-U M (x)

[0146] or

[0147]

[0148] The following numerical integral was developed to approximate the time required for a particle to migrate laterally from the outer wall of a channel to the inner wall (aggregation time):

[0149]

[0150] Where w0 is the initial width of the channel. The conical channel has a collection length L f,锥形渐变 is the channel length required for particles to migrate laterally from the outer wall of the channel to the inner wall, and its formula is as follows:

[0151]

[0152] The following table reports the two example designs above that show the reduction in required convergence length after adding the tapered taper. It should be noted that the final width and linear fluid velocity are the same in both designs - so the flow rates are equal, making the designs comparable.

[0153]

[0154] Table 10

[0155] It should be noted that if the outward particle migration U due to channel expansion M (x) is greater than the inward particle migration U due to particle aggregation D (x), then the particles in the fluid may never aggregate, because some particles will end up being pulled outwards instead of inwards. Therefore, it may be necessary to limit the expansion rate k of the channel width, which in turn will limit the outward particle migration U M (x) relative to the inward particle migration due to particle aggregation U D (x).

[0156] Table 11 below shows the effect of the taper gradient k on the aggregation length Lf. The fluid in this example is water. The channel height is constant at 150 μm between the inlet and outlet, and the initial channel width w0 is 500 μm. The inner wall of the channel has a constant inner radius of curvature of 25 mm. The initial fluid velocity of water through the channel is 1 m / s.

[0157] k(mm / mm) <![CDATA[L f (mm)]]> 0.000 103.8 0.001 128.5 0.002 175.6 0.003 316.4 0.004 infinity

[0158] Table 11

[0159] It should be noted that as k increases, the aggregation length L f Various data sets were examined according to the operating conditions of the microfluidic channel to approximate the aggregation length L at different taper rates. f , and it appears that k is typically less than 0.01 mm / mm. In some embodiments, k is less than 0.007 mm / mm. In some embodiments, k is less than or equal to 0.005 mm / mm or even less than or equal to 0.004 mm / mm. If a tapered transition is used in a microfluidic channel, the tapered gradient is typically greater than 0 mm / mm.

[0160] The above data for the channel of tapered gradual change is related to the channel with the tapered gradual change portion from the channel entrance to the channel outlet. In some implementations, for example, when the channel is tapered from the midpoint of the channel along the channel (between the channel entrance and the channel outlet) towards the outlet, the tapered gradual change rate k can be greater than 0.004mm / mm, 0.005mm / mm, 0.007mm / mm, 0.01mm / mm or even 0.016mm / mm. In the implementation form where the tapered gradual change portion begins at the end of the channel, it is estimated that the tapered gradual change rate can be relatively increased, because many particles may have been concentrated toward the inner wall, and therefore may not significantly migrate outwards due to the channel filled with fluid expansion.

[0161] Example F

[0162] Table 12 below shows the results of comparing a channel of constant dimensions (150 μm in height, 500 μm in width, 25 mm radius of curvature) to a channel of the same height and with a tapered transition to a radius of curvature where the width increases from 500 μm to 1000 μm (1 mm) in the last quarter of the channel length, i.e., the radius of curvature is doubled there. The channel has a fairly consistent total fluid volume flow split (13 / 87 vs. 15 / 85), but a significant increase in particle retention in the inner channel is observed due to the tapered transition (59% to 79%).

[0163] % Inner channel flow % Inner channel particles Constant Width 13％ 59％ The width of the tapered gradient 15％ 79％

[0164] Table 12

[0165] Exemplary Aspects

[0166] Aspect 1. A fluid dynamic separator configured to separate a liquid having dispersed particles of diameter (a), the fluid dynamic separator comprising:

[0167] substrate; and

[0168] a liquid channel defined by the substrate, the liquid channel being configured to receive a liquid within the channel, the liquid channel having an inlet and an outlet, wherein:

[0169] The liquid channel has an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall defines an inner radius around a central axis, and the outer wall defines an outer radius around the central axis,

[0170] The liquid channel has a liquid channel length from the inlet along the inner wall to the outlet,

[0171] The liquid channel has a rectangular cross-section along the length of the liquid channel, and

[0172] The rectangular cross section has a channel width between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the channel has a tapered transition region where the channel width increases towards the outlet at a constant rate between 0.00 mm and 0.01 mm per mm of liquid channel length.

[0173] Aspect 2. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 and 3 to 11, wherein the tapered gradual transition region extends from the inlet to the outlet.

[0174] Aspect 3. The hydrodynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 2 and 4 to 11, wherein the inner radius is constant from the inlet to the outlet.

[0175] Aspect 4. The hydrodynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 and 5 to 11, wherein the outer radius tapers outwardly between the inlet and the outlet.

[0176] Aspect 5. A fluid dynamic separator according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4 and 6 to 11, wherein the liquid channel has: a first region, the first region having a first channel width and a first liquid channel length; a second region, the second region having a second channel width and a second liquid channel length; and a tapered gradient region, the tapered gradient region having a tapered gradient region length extending from the first region to the second region.

[0177] Aspect 6. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 5 and 7 to 11, wherein the length of the first region is greater than the length of the second region.

[0178] Aspect 7. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 and 8 to 11, wherein the separator is configured to have a Dean number (De) between 5 and 25 in the first region and the second region.

[0179] Aspect 8. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 and 9 to 11, wherein the particle diameter (a) is greater than the hydraulic diameter (D H ) 。

[0180] Aspect 9. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 8 and 10 to 11, wherein the separator is configured to separate particles having a density up to three times that of the liquid.

[0181] Aspect 10. The hydrodynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 9 and 11, wherein the outlet comprises a first outlet and a second outlet.

[0182] Aspect 11. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the liquid channel is one liquid channel of the same plurality of liquid channels.

[0183] Aspect 12. A fluid dynamic separator, the fluid dynamic separator separating a liquid having dispersed particles of diameter (a), the fluid dynamic separator comprising:

[0184] substrate; and

[0185] a liquid channel at least partially defined by the substrate, the liquid channel being configured to receive a liquid within the channel, the liquid channel having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet comprising a first outlet branch and a second outlet branch, wherein:

[0186] The liquid channel has an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall defines an inner radius around a central axis, and the outer wall defines an outer radius around the central axis,

[0187] The liquid channel has a liquid channel length from the inlet along the inner wall to the outlet,

[0188] The liquid channel has a channel width between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the channel has a tapered transition area in which the channel width increases toward the outlet.

[0189] Aspect 13. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 and 14 to 31, wherein the tapered transition region extends from the inlet to the outlet.

[0190] Aspect 14. The hydrodynamic separator of any one of aspects 12 to 13 and 15 to 31, wherein the inner radius is constant from the inlet to the outlet.

[0191] Aspect 15. The hydrodynamic separator of any one of aspects 12 to 14 and 16 to 31, wherein the outer radius tapers outwardly between the inlet and the outlet.

[0192] Aspect 16. A fluid dynamic separator according to any one of Aspects 12 to 15 and 17 to 31, wherein the liquid channel has: a first region, the first region having a first channel width and a first liquid channel length; a second region, the second region having a second channel width and a second liquid channel length; and a tapered gradient region, the tapered gradient region having a tapered gradient region length extending from the first region to the second region.

[0193] Aspect 17. The hydrodynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 16 and 18 to 31, wherein the length of the first region is greater than the length of the second region.

[0194] Aspect 18. The fluid dynamic separator of any one of aspects 12 to 17 and 19 to 31, wherein the separator is configured to have a Dean number (De) between 5 and 25 in the first region and the second region.

[0195] Aspect 19. The hydrodynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 18 and 20 to 31, wherein the particle diameter (a) is greater than the hydraulic diameter (D H ) of 8%.

[0196] Aspect 20. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 19 and 21 to 31, wherein the separator is configured to separate particles having a density up to three times that of the liquid.

[0197] Aspect 21. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 20 and 22 to 31, wherein the inner radius is greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 100 mm.

[0198] Aspect 22. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 21 and 23 to 31, wherein the liquid channel is one of a same plurality of liquid channels defined by the substrate.

[0199] Aspect 23. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 22 and 24 to 31, wherein the liquid channel has a width ranging from 400 μm to 1000 μm.

[0200] Aspect 24. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 23 and 25 to 31, wherein the liquid channel has a height ranging from 100 μm to 500 μm.

[0201] Aspect 25. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 24 and 26 to 31, wherein the liquid channel has a polygonal cross-section along the length of the liquid channel.

[0202] Aspect 26. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 25 and 27 to 31, wherein the liquid channel has a rectangular cross-section along the length of the liquid channel.

[0203] Aspect 27. A fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 26 and 28 to 31, wherein, along the liquid channel, the channel width of the liquid channel does not vary by more than 10 mm per millimeter of liquid channel length.

[0204] Aspect 28. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 27 and 29 to 31, wherein the channel width increases at a constant rate in the tapered transition region.

[0205] Aspect 29. A fluid dynamic separator according to any one of Aspects 12 to 28 and 30 to 31, wherein the liquid channel has a first region and a tapered gradient region, the first region having a first channel width, and the tapered gradient region having a channel width that increases from the first region to the outlet.

[0206] Aspect 30. The fluid dynamic separator according to any one of aspects 12 to 29 and 31, wherein the liquid channel has a plurality of tapered transition regions, each tapered transition region having a channel width that increases toward the outlet.

[0207] Aspect 31. A fluid dynamic separator according to any one of Aspects 12 to 30, wherein the liquid channel is a microfluidic channel.

[0208] It should also be noted that in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase "configured" describes a system, device or other structure that is constructed to perform a specific task or adopt a specific configuration. The term "configured" can be used interchangeably with similar terms such as "arranged", "built", "manufactured", etc.

[0209] All publications and patent applications in this specification sheet indicate the common technical level of the field to which the technology belongs. All publications and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as each individual publication or patent application is specifically and individually indicated by reference. If there is any inconsistency between the disclosure of the present application and the disclosure of any document incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of the present application shall prevail.

[0210] This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the subject matter.It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and that the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A fluid dynamic separator configured to separate a liquid comprising dispersed particles having a diameter (a), the fluid dynamic separator comprising: substrate; as well as a liquid channel at least partially defined by the substrate, the liquid channel being configured to receive a liquid within the channel, the liquid channel having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet comprising a first outlet branch and a second outlet branch, wherein: The liquid channel has an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall defines an inner radius around a central axis, and the outer wall defines an outer radius around the central axis, The liquid channel has a liquid channel length from the inlet along the inner wall to the outlet, The liquid channel has a channel width between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the channel has a tapered transition area where the channel width increases toward the outlet.

2. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 20, wherein: The tapered transition region extends from the inlet to the outlet.

3. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 20, wherein: The inner radius is constant from the inlet to the outlet.

4. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 20, wherein: The outer radius tapers outwardly between the inlet and the outlet.

5. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 6 to 20, wherein: The liquid channel has: a first region having a first channel width and a first liquid channel length; a second region having a second channel width and a second liquid channel length; and a tapered transition region having a tapered transition region length extending from the first region to the second region.

6. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 20, wherein: Compared to the second region, the first region has a greater length.

7. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 8 to 20, wherein: The separator is configured to have a Dean number (De) between 5 and 25 in the first region and the second region.

8. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9 to 20, wherein: The particle diameter (a) is greater than the hydraulic diameter (D H ) of 8%.

9. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 10 to 20, wherein: The separator is configured to separate particles having a density up to three times the density of the liquid.

10. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 11 to 20, wherein: The inner radius is greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 100 mm.

11. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, 12 to 20, wherein: The liquid channel is one of a plurality of identical liquid channels defined by the substrate.

12. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 13 to 20, wherein: The liquid channel has a width ranging from 400 μm to 1000 μm.

13. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, 14 to 20, wherein: The liquid channel has a height ranging from 100 μm to 500 μm.

14. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 15 to 20, wherein: The liquid channel has a polygonal cross-section along the length of the liquid channel.

15. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, 16 to 20, wherein: The liquid channel has a rectangular cross-section along the length of the liquid channel.

16. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, 17 to 20, wherein: Along the liquid channel, the channel width of the liquid channel does not vary by more than 10 mm per millimeter of liquid channel length.

17. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 16, 18 to 20, wherein: The channel width increases at a constant rate in the tapered region.

18. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, 19 to 20, wherein: The liquid channel has a first region and a tapered gradual change region, the first region has a first channel width, and the tapered gradual change region has a channel width that gradually increases from the first region to the outlet.

19. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and 20, wherein: The liquid channel has a plurality of tapered gradual change areas, each of which has a channel width that gradually increases toward the outlet.

20. A hydrodynamic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein: The liquid channel is a microfluidic channel.

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