Hydrodynamic separator maintenance

Abstract

Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a system having a hydrodynamic separator element defining an element inlet and an element outlet. The element outlet has a first element outlet and a second element outlet. The hydrodynamic separator element has a plurality of curved microfluidic channels in fluid communication. Each of the plurality of microfluidic channels is arranged to operate in parallel. Each microfluidic channel defines a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second element outlet. A flow characteristic sensor is in sensory communication with the separator element. A controller is in data communication with the flow characteristic sensor, where the controller is configured to provide a first alert upon a flow characteristic falling outside a first threshold.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 830,195, filed June 1, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 195,839, filed June 2, 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to hydrodynamic separators. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to validating the effectiveness of hydrodynamic separators. [Background technology]

[0003] Hydrodynamic separators are used in a variety of industries for the collection and / or separation of dispersed particles in fluid streams, such as, for example, hydrocarbon liquids, beverages, aqueous solutions, etc. Particles suspended in the fluid may cause problems in system processes (e.g., in fuel or hydraulic systems), may not be generally desirable to the consumer (e.g., pulp in orange juice or impurities in beer and wine), or may be subject to different processing steps than the fluid (e.g., in wastewater treatment).

[0004] A hydrodynamic separator typically includes many relatively small separator channels operated in parallel. Each separator channel has an inlet and at least two outlets. A fluid stream passes through each of the inlets and through the separator channels. The configuration of the separator channels is such that the fluid stream is physically separated into at least a first stream having a relatively high particle concentration and a second stream having a relatively low particle concentration. The outlets are configured such that a first outlet branch accepts the first stream and a second outlet branch accepts the second stream.

[0005] The principles of microfluidics dictate the effectiveness of a hydrodynamic separator: flow rate, pressure drop, fluid properties, and channel dimensions are all factors that must be kept in relative balance for proper operation of the hydrodynamic separator. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a system having a hydrodynamic separation element defining an element inlet and an element outlet. The element outlet has a first element outlet junction and a second element outlet junction. The hydrodynamic separation element has a plurality of curved microfluidic channels in fluid communication. The plurality of microfluidic channels are arranged to operate in parallel. Each microfluidic channel defines a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet junction upstream of the first element outlet junction and a second channel outlet junction upstream of the second element outlet junction. A pressure sensor is in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and the element outlet. A controller is in data communication with the pressure sensor, where the controller is configured to provide a first alert upon the pressure difference exceeding a first threshold.

[0007] In some such embodiments, the system includes a pump in fluid communication with the element inlet and the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the pump is configured to pump fluid into the element inlet at a constant flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to calculate the number of blocked microfluidic channels and communicate the number of blocked channels to a user. Additionally or alternatively, a flow meter is in fluid communication with the element inlet. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and a low particle concentration branch of the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and a high particle concentration branch of the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the system includes a pressure-driven flow control device in fluid communication with the element inlet. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to provide a first alert as soon as the pressure difference exceeds a first threshold.

[0008] Some embodiments relate to a method in which a fluid is flowed through an element inlet and an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separation element at a constant flow rate. The separation element has a plurality of microfluidic channels arranged in parallel. A pressure difference between the element inlet and the element outlet is measured. As soon as the pressure difference exceeds a first threshold, a first alert is provided.

[0009] In some such embodiments, the number of blocked microfluidic channels is calculated and communicated at a user interface. Additionally or alternatively, the flow rate of the flowing fluid is measured using a flow meter. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid is caused to flow through the element inlet and the element outlet by pumping the fluid using a pump. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure-driven flow control device causes the fluid to flow through the element inlet and the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, measuring the pressure difference includes measuring the pressure at the element inlet and measuring the pressure at a low particle concentration branch of the element outlet.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, measuring the pressure difference includes measuring a pressure at an element inlet and measuring a pressure at a high particle concentration port at an element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, a second alert is provided as soon as the pressure difference exceeds a second threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a third alert is provided as soon as the pressure difference exceeds a third threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the first alert provides notification of a predicted remaining operating time before recommended maintenance. Additionally or alternatively, a channel blockage rate is calculated over a period of operation of the hydrodynamic separation element, and a predicted remaining operating time is calculated based on the channel blockage rate.

[0011] Some embodiments relate to a system having a hydrodynamic separator element defining an element inlet and an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet. A plurality of curved microfluidic channels are arranged to operate in parallel, where each microfluidic channel defines a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet and a channel outlet. The channel outlets have a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second element outlet. A flow characteristic sensor is in sensing communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, where the flow characteristic sensor is configured to sense a flow characteristic. A controller is in data communication with the flow characteristic sensor. The controller is configured to provide a first output whenever the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0012] In some such embodiments, the flow generator is in fluid communication with the element inlet and the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the flow generator is configured to generate a fluid flow through the element inlet at a constant flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to calculate the number of blocked microfluidic channels and communicate the number of blocked channels to a user. Additionally or alternatively, a flow meter is in fluid communication with the element inlet. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor has a pressure sensor in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet, where the flow characteristic is a pressure difference between the element inlet and the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and a low particle concentration branch of the element outlet, where the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the second element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and a high particle concentration branch of the element outlet, where the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the first element outlet.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor includes a flow meter, and the flow characteristic is a flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor includes a particle sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor includes at least one sensor from the group consisting of: an optical sensor and an electrical characteristic sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic is at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: turbidity, particle count, particle concentration, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the pressure-driven flow control device is in fluid communication with the element inlet. Additionally or alternatively, the first output includes a first alert providing a user command to engage a valve to block the second element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to provide a second alert as soon as the flow characteristic exceeds a second threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the valve is in selectively obstructive communication with the second element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is in operative communication with the valve, and the first output causes engagement of the valve to block the second element outlet.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the first outlet flow path is upstream of the first element outlet, where each first channel outlet extends to the first outlet flow path, and the system further includes a barrier disposed in the first outlet flow path, where the barrier is configured to selectively block a plurality of first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and is configured to cause the flow generator to pulse the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element upon the flow characteristic being outside of a first threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and is configured to cause the flow generator to cause a temporary reverse flow direction upon the flow characteristic being outside of a first threshold.

[0016] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a method, in which a fluid is flowed at a constant flow rate through an element inlet and an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separator element, where the separator element has a plurality of microfluidic channels arranged in parallel, a flow characteristic is measured between the element inlet and the element outlet, and a first alert is provided as soon as the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0017] In some such embodiments, the number of blocked microfluidic channels is calculated, and the number of blocked channels is communicated at a user interface. Additionally or alternatively, measuring the flow characteristics includes measuring a pressure at an element inlet and measuring a pressure at an element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, flowing the fluid through the element inlet and the element outlet includes pumping the fluid with a pump. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure-driven flow controller flows the fluid through the element inlet and the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, measuring the flow characteristics includes measuring a pressure at an element inlet and measuring a pressure at a low particle concentration branch of the element outlet.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, measuring the flow characteristics includes measuring a pressure at the element inlet and measuring a pressure at a high particle concentration branch at the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, a second alert is provided as soon as the pressure difference exceeds a second threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a third alert is provided as soon as the pressure difference exceeds a third threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the first alert provides notification of a predicted remaining operating time before recommended maintenance. Additionally or alternatively, a channel blockage rate is calculated throughout the operating period of the hydrodynamic separator element, and a predicted remaining operating time is calculated based on the channel blockage rate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system includes a hydrodynamic separator element defining an element inlet and an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet. A plurality of curved microfluidic channels are arranged to operate in parallel. Each microfluidic channel defines a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second element outlet. An obstacle is in selectively blocking communication with one or more of the microfluidic channels.

[0020] In some such embodiments, the first outlet flow path is upstream of the first element outlet, and each first channel outlet extends to the first outlet flow path. The obstacle comprises a barrier disposed in the first outlet flow path, where the barrier is configured to selectively block at least a portion of the plurality of first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier is configured to selectively block a portion of the plurality of first channel outlets while leaving at least one first channel outlet unblocked. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier is configured to selectively block all of the plurality of first channel outlets simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier is a mechanical component slidably disposed in the first outlet flow path, and a length of the barrier is longer than a distance between two consecutive channel outlets along the first outlet flow path, whereby the barrier is configured to block at least two consecutive first channel outlets.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the length of the barrier is greater than the distance spanning at least 10 consecutive first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier has a plurality of valves each in selectively blocking communication with a corresponding microfluidic channel. Additionally or alternatively, a flow characteristic sensor is in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet, where the flow characteristic sensor is configured to sense a flow characteristic that is outside of a first threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor is a pressure sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor is a flow meter. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor includes a particle sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor includes at least one sensor from the group consisting of: an optical sensor and an electrical characteristic sensor.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic is at least one characteristic of the group consisting of: turbidity, particle count, particle concentration, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties. Additionally or alternatively, a controller is in data communication with the flow characteristic sensor, where the controller is configured to provide a first output as soon as the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the first output is an alert. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to provide a second alert as soon as the flow characteristic exceeds a second threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to engage the obstruction. Additionally or alternatively, the obstruction has a valve in selectively blocking communication with the second element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the obstruction has a valve in selectively blocking communication with the first element outlet.

[0023] Some embodiments relate to a system having a hydrodynamic separator element defining an element inlet and an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet. A second outlet flow path is upstream of the second element outlet. A plurality of curved microfluidic channels are arranged to operate in parallel, where each microfluidic channel defines a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second outlet flow path. A first flow generator is in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, where the first flow generator is configured to generate a fluid flow from the element inlet to the element outlet at a first flow rate. A maintenance system is in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic separator element, where the maintenance system is configured to modify the fluid flow through the separator element. A controller is in operative communication with the maintenance system, where the controller is configured to selectively engage and disengage the maintenance system.

[0024] In some such embodiments, the maintenance system includes a valve in selectively blocking communication with the second element outlet, where the controller is in operative communication with the valve. Additionally or alternatively, the maintenance system includes a first flow generator, and the controller is configured to modify a flow rate of the fluid by the first flow generator. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to reverse the fluid flow by the first flow generator. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to pulse the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element by the first flow generator. Additionally or alternatively, the maintenance system includes a second flow generator in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, and where the controller is in operative communication with the first flow generator and the second flow generator, and the controller is configured to switch between operation of the first flow generator and operation of the second flow generator.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to engage the maintenance system periodically in a prescribed manner. Additionally or alternatively, the periodically is at least once every 48 hours. Additionally or alternatively, a flow characteristic sensor is in sensing communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, where the flow characteristic sensor is in data communication with the controller and configured to sense a flow characteristic. A flow controller is configured to receive the flow characteristic and engage the maintenance system when the flow characteristic is outside a threshold value.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor comprises a pressure sensor in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet, where the flow characteristic is a pressure differential between the element inlet and the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure differential between the element inlet and a low particle concentration branch of the element outlet, where the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the second element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure differential between the element inlet and a high particle concentration branch of the element outlet, where the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the first element outlet.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor comprises a flow meter, and the flow characteristic is a flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor comprises a particle sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic sensor comprises at least one sensor from the group consisting of: an optical sensor and an electrical characteristic sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the flow characteristic is at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: turbidity, particle count, particle concentration, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure-driven flow control device is in fluid communication with the element inlet. Additionally or alternatively, a maintenance system is in fluid communication with each of the microfluidic channels in turn, and the controller is configured to selectively switch the maintenance system between each of the microfluidic channels.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the first outlet flow path is upstream of the first element outlet, where each first channel outlet extends to the first outlet flow path, and the maintenance system has a barrier disposed in the first outlet flow path, where the barrier is configured to selectively block a plurality of first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and is configured to cause the flow generator to pulse the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element as soon as the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and is configured to cause the flow generator to cause a temporary reverse flow direction as soon as the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0029] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a method, in which a fluid flow is generated at a constant flow rate for a first period of time from an element inlet to an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separator element, where the separator element has a plurality of microfluidic channels arranged in parallel, and a maintenance operation is performed by a controller for a second period of time, the maintenance operation including modifying the fluid flow through the separator element, the first period of time being longer than the second period of time.

[0030] In some such embodiments, modifying the fluid flow includes engaging a valve in selectively blocking communication with the element outlet. Additionally or alternatively, modifying the fluid flow includes modifying a flow rate of the fluid through the separator element. Additionally or alternatively, modifying the fluid flow rate includes reversing a flow direction of the fluid from the element outlet to the element inlet. Additionally or alternatively, modifying the fluid flow includes pulsing the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid is a first fluid, and modifying the fluid flow includes stopping the flow of the first fluid and flowing a second fluid through the plurality of microfluidic channels. Additionally or alternatively, modifying the fluid flow occurs periodically as specified.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, periodically, routinely, at least once every 48 hours. Additionally or alternatively, flow characteristics are sensed by a flow characteristic sensor in sensing communication with the hydrodynamic separator element. The flow characteristics are transmitted to a controller. Modifying the fluid flow through the separator element is performed if the flow characteristics are outside of a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, modifying the fluid flow alternates between microfluidic channels.

[0032] 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 will be appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and claims in light of the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary microfluidic channel consistent with an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary hydrodynamic separator system consistent with an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary hydrodynamic separator system consistent with an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an exemplary method consistent with certain embodiments. [Diagram 5] 1 is an exemplary method consistent with certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The present technology may be more fully understood and appreciated in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The drawings are provided primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale. Additionally, various structures / components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wires, cables, etc.), and the like, may be diagrammatically shown or removed from some or all of the drawings to better explain aspects of the illustrated embodiments, or the inclusion of such structures / components is not necessary for an understanding of the various exemplary embodiments described herein. However, the absence of showing / description of such structures / components in a particular drawing shall not be deemed to be in any way limiting the scope of the various embodiments.

[0036] In the following detailed description, reference is made to several specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken as limiting.

[0037] The present disclosure provides techniques for concentrating particles in a fluid and separating the particles from the fluid or from particles of other sizes in various fluid systems. In general, the fluid system may include a particle separator element, such as a hydrodynamic separator element, that concentrates particles within a certain size range. The particle separator element may include an inlet and an outlet with at least two flow branches. Particles in the certain size range may be concentrated into one of the two flow branches. In some embodiments, particles above a threshold size range are concentrated into one of the two flow branches. Any remaining particles may flow through the at least two flow branches. In some embodiments, the particle separator element may be used to supplement a fluid filter (such as being used as a pre-filter positioned upstream of the fluid filter) or to replace a fluid filter.

[0038] Particle separator elements, which may include hydrodynamic separator elements, may be used as a replacement or supplement to filters. In particular, particle separator elements may be used to collect particles above a critical size in a portion of the fluid stream. This portion of the fluid stream may be removed from the system, thus removing most particles above a threshold size. In some cases, this may replace some or all of the functions of a filter. In some embodiments, a filter may be used downstream of the particle separator element to remove particles below a threshold size. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the particles concentrated by the particle separator element are filtered. This may be done at a lower intrusion rate than in a system without a particle separator element, leading to anticipated advantages including, for example, lower filter pressure drop over the life of the filter (which may lower the associated energy consumption), longer filter life, and / or the ability to use smaller filter elements in such a system without a relative increase in pressure drop and / or filter life.

[0039] Particle separator elements, which may include hydrodynamic separator elements, may also be used to sort particles of different sizes. In some applications, a threshold size may be determined. The particle separator elements may be designed to collect particles above the threshold size into a collected fluid portion of the fluid stream. The collected portion of the fluid stream may be removed from the system. This technique may be used to collect particles for particle counting. This technique may also be used to separate different types of particles or to collect some material for collection.

[0040] As used herein, the term "microfluidic channel" refers to a channel having at least one dimension, e.g., a channel width, less than 1 millimeter (1000 micrometers). In some embodiments, the channel has at least one dimension, e.g., a channel width, greater than 1 micron. The microfluidic channel may have a channel width less than 1000 micrometers, a channel height (or depth) less than 1000 micrometers, or both. In some embodiments, for higher flow applications, at least one dimension of the microfluidic channel may be greater than 1 millimeter. In some embodiments, at least one dimension of the microfluidic channel is 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 millimeters or more, or 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 millimeter or less. In one particular example, the width of each microfluidic channel is about 0.5 mm. In general, the channels may have any suitable length that provides a suitable pressure drop balanced with a suitable particle concentration.

[0041] A microfluidic channel may be described by its cross-sectional area, i.e., width x height. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​a microfluidic channel may be less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 square millimeters.

[0042] Microfluidic channels may also be described by their hydraulic diameter. For a microfluidic channel with a rectangular cross section, for example, the hydraulic equivalent diameter is:

number

[0043] Particle separator elements, which may include hydrodynamic separator elements, may be used for selective particulate waste removal. In some cases, only particles larger than a certain size may be targeted for removal from the system. Uses for selective particulate waste removal may include, but are not limited to, fat removal or aggregation in milk (fats are generally 0.1-15 micrometer aggregates), pulp removal or aggregation in orange juice, contaminant removal in semiconductor processing fluids, cell and / or cell debris separation (e.g., in biopharmaceutical production), and ink aggregate removal in industrial ink processing. In one example related to wafer polishing slurries, the particle separator elements may be designed to remove particles above a threshold size, which may be aggregates or impurities, but allow particles below the threshold size to pass through. In some implementations, the hydrodynamic separator elements may be used as cell retention devices or may be components of cell retention devices for bioreactors.

[0044] As used herein, the term "hydrodynamic separator" refers to a curved fluid channel including at least an inlet that accepts a fluid flow and an outlet that includes at least two branches that split the fluid flow. The fluid channel may be a microfluidic channel. The inlet may accept a fluid that may include particles of various sizes. At a certain flow rate, the hydrodynamic separator is configured to concentrate any particles above a threshold size into one of the branches. Any remaining particles may not be concentrated in the fluid flow. The remaining particles may be divided among all the branches based on, for example, a volume fraction or an outlet flow rate ratio associated with each branch. The hydrodynamic separator may be designed based on at least one or more of the following parameters: Dean number, Reynolds number, flow equivalent diameter, radius of curvature, target flow rate, target pressure drop, critical particle size, fluid viscosity, operating temperature (which may affect fluid viscosity), ratio of outlet flow rates, or any combination thereof. Hydrodynamic separators may also be described as Dean Flow Separators.

[0045] In general, hydrodynamic separators include curved microfluidic channels designed to concentrate particles above a threshold size at the curved inner wall. The cross-sectional area of ​​the microfluidic channel limits the maximum particle size that can enter the microfluidic channel. The device defines a geometry (e.g., width, height, radius of curvature, and channel length) designed to concentrate particles in a known fluid at a particular flow rate or range of flow rates. Thus, particles concentrated near the inner wall can be removed from the system by removing the portion of the fluid close to the inner wall. In other embodiments, depending on the geometry and operating conditions of the device, particles and waste streams can be alternatively concentrated near the outer wall. The design of the device can depend on the flow rate, fluid properties (e.g., viscosity and density), and threshold particle size of the application. The hydrodynamic separator can act as a filter or pre-filter within the system.

[0046] Curved microfluidic channels can be used to concentrate particles of a predefined size under suitable flow conditions. In a curved channel or pipe under laminar flow conditions, the inertia of the fluid creates a pressure gradient across the channel. To mitigate the pressure gradient, two spiral flows known as Dean Flows (sometimes called secondary flows) can form. The Dean Flows can exhibit drag on any particles in the fluid. In larger channels, the particles can be swept along the channel in a swirling motion. As the channel becomes smaller, such as in a microfluidic channel, the Dean Flows can be balanced with two additional forces, causing the particles to become trapped and concentrated on the inner wall of the curved channel. These forces can be described as shear-induced lift forces, which cause lift forces toward the wall, and wall-induced lift forces, which push the particles away from the wall due to the rebound of the fluid flow as the particles approach the wall. The particles can be concentrated in a particular streamline shape within the curved channel. Concentrating particles in this manner can be called Hydrodynamic Separation or Dean Flow Separation.

[0047] Over the life of the hydrodynamic separator, some of the fluid channels may become blocked, which may lead to an increase in flow rate through the remaining channels, an increase in the pressure drop across the channels, or both an increase in flow rate through the remaining channels and an increase in the pressure drop across the channels.

[0048] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary microfluidic channel component 100 that implements some of the techniques disclosed herein. The component 100 is generally configured to concentrate particles suspended in a fluid stream. The microfluidic channel component 100 has a microfluidic channel 120 having an inlet 122 and an outlet 124. The microfluidic channel 120 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular or oval. In some embodiments, the microfluidic channel 120 has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or hexagonal.

[0049] Fluid is configured to flow through inlet 122 along microfluidic channel 120 to outlet 124. First channel outlet 125 and second channel outlet 127 may extend to other systems or other system components, for example, through first outlet flow path 114 and second outlet flow path 116, respectively, defined by microfluidic channel component 100. In some embodiments, fluid flowing through first channel outlet 125 (referred to as the "high particle concentration outlet") is configured to have a higher concentration of particles within a particular size range compared to fluid flowing through second channel outlet 127 (referred to herein as the "low particle concentration outlet").

[0050] A microfluidic channel component 100 consistent with the technology disclosed herein is generally comprised of a substrate 110. The substrate 110 defines a microfluidic channel 120 therein. The substrate may be comprised of a variety of different materials and combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the substrate may be a polymer. In some embodiments, the substrate is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In some embodiments, the substrate is polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the substrate is acrylic. In some embodiments, the substrate may include glass. In some embodiments, the substrate may include a non-reactive metal. The microfluidic channel 120 may be formed in the substrate 110 by molding operations, photolithography, and three-dimensional printing, as examples. In some examples, the microfluidic channel 120 is formed in the substrate 110 by injection molding or embossing of plastic. Other techniques may also be used to form the microfluidic channel 120.

[0051] The microfluidic channel 120 is generally configured to accommodate a liquid flow. The microfluidic channel 120 defines an inlet 122 and an outlet 124. The microfluidic channel 120 has a channel length L from the inlet 122 to the outlet 124. D The microfluidic channel 120 is generally curved and has an inner radius R about a central axis x. C Prescribe。 As such, the microfluidic channel 120 extends circumferentially about a central axis x to define a channel arc measure. In the present example, the microfluidic channel 120 extends approximately 340° about the central axis x.

[0052] The microfluidic channel 120 is configured to receive a liquid having a Reynolds number (Re) within the microfluidic channel. Fluid flow within a curvilinear channel is described by two dimensionless numbers, the Reynolds number and the Dean number. The Reynolds number represents the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces, and is:

number

number

[0053] The fluid dynamics system 10 is generally configured to concentrate particles within the microfluidic channel 120. As used herein, the term "particles" refers to a discrete amount of material dispersed in a fluid. Non-limiting examples of materials from which particles may be formed include dirt, metals, air bubbles, fat, and water droplets. In one particular example, water droplets may be dispersed in a hydrocarbon fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, to form an emulsion. In another example, air bubbles may be dispersed in a hydrostatic fluid. In yet other examples, particles may be pulp in orange juice, fat in milk, and impurities in beer and wine.

[0054] In various implementations, the microfluidic channel component 100 is configured to concentrate particles having diameters greater than 8% of the flow equivalent diameter of the microfluidic channel 120. Particles having diameters greater than 8% of the channel flow equivalent diameter are generally concentrated toward the inner wall when the Dean number ranges from 5 to 25. The hydrodynamic separator is generally configured to concentrate particles having diameters less than or equal to 50% of the channel height. In various examples, for purposes of calculations provided herein, the particles have a sphericity greater than 0.5. For non-spherical particles, for purposes of calculations provided herein, the particle size is considered to be the spherical equivalent diameter. In various embodiments, the hydrodynamic separator consistent with the technology disclosed herein is configured to concentrate particles having a density up to 5 times the density of the liquid in the microfluidic channel 120.

[0055] Particle concentration occurs in two distinct phases. The first phase is the particle migration phase, in which suspended particles migrate across the microfluidic channel 120 to the top and bottom edges of the microfluidic channel 120. Referring again to FIG. 1, the particle migration phase generally begins at the microfluidic channel inlet 122 and continues for a particle migration distance L of the microfluidic channel 120. o1 to define a particle movement region 126 of the microfluidic channel 120. In this region, no additional concentration is observed on the inner wall 121 of the microfluidic channel 120. The second region is a linear concentration region 128, where the amount of concentration on the inner wall 121 increases linearly along the channel length. Concentration continues until a maximum particle concentration is reached, after which no additional concentration is observed. The linear concentration region 128 extends beyond a linear concentration distance L, which is the length required to achieve maximum particle concentration. f The linear concentration region 128 generally extends from the particle movement region 126 toward the channel exit 124.

[0056] In some implementations, there may be a length of the microfluidic channel 120 after the linear concentration region 128, referred to as the overall concentration region. The length of the overall concentration region extends from the linear concentration region 128 to the outlet 124. In various implementations, it may be desirable to limit or eliminate the overall concentration region to reduce the energy requirements of the system by reducing the pressure drop across the microfluidic channel 120 while still achieving maximum particle concentration.

[0057] 2 is an exemplary hydrodynamic separator system 10 consistent with embodiments. System 10 includes a hydrodynamic separator element 130 defining an element inlet 132 and an element outlet 134. Element outlet 134 has two branches: a first element outlet 136 and a second element outlet 138. In some embodiments, during normal operation of hydrodynamic separator system 10, first element outlet 136 is configured to receive fluids having relatively low agglomeration of particles of a particular size, and second element outlet 138 is configured to receive fluids having relatively high agglomeration of particles of a particular size. In some other embodiments, the reverse is true, where during normal operation of hydrodynamic separator system 10, second element outlet 138 is configured to receive fluids having relatively low agglomeration of particles of a particular size, and first element outlet 136 is configured to receive fluids having relatively high agglomeration of particles of a particular size.

[0058] The hydrodynamic separator element 130 generally comprises a plurality of microfluidic channel components 100, such as those described above with reference to FIG. 1. The microfluidic channel components 100 may be, for example, in a stacked configuration. Each microfluidic channel component 100 comprises a curved microfluidic channel 120 (see FIG. 1), and the plurality of curved microfluidic channels 120 are in fluid communication. The microfluidic channels 120 are configured to operate in parallel during normal operation of the hydrodynamic separator element 130. In various embodiments, the microfluidic channel component 100 comprises at least 10 microfluidic channels. In various embodiments, the microfluidic channel component 100 comprises at least 50 microfluidic channels or at least 100 microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the microfluidic channel component comprises 200 or more microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the microfluidic channel component comprises 800 or more, 900 or more, or even 1000 or more microfluidic channels.

[0059] The channel inlets 122 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 are in fluid communication. All of the channel inlets 122 (FIG. 1) are downstream of the element inlet 132 (FIG. 3). An inlet conduit 140 is fluidly coupled to the element inlet 132 of the hydrodynamic separator element 130. The inlet conduit 140 is coupled to the element 130 around the element inlet 132. The inlet conduit 140 is in fluid communication with each of the channel inlets 122. In this particular example, the substrates 110 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 cumulatively define an inlet flow path 112 (partially shown in FIG. 1) that extends from the element inlet 132 to the channel inlet 122 of each microfluidic channel component 100.

[0060] The first channel outlets 124 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 are in fluid communication. All of the first channel outlets 124 are in fluid communication with, and in particular are upstream of, the first element outlet 136. In this particular example, the substrates 110 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 cumulatively define a first outlet flow path 114 (shown in FIG. 1 ) that extends from each of the first channel outlets 125 to the first element outlet 136 of each microfluidic channel component 100. The second channel outlets 127 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 are in fluid communication. All of the second channel outlets 127 are in fluid communication with, and are upstream of, the second element outlet 138. It is noted that in some embodiments, there may be a third channel outlet, a fourth channel outlet, etc. In this particular example, each substrate 110 of the microfluidic channel component 100 cumulatively defines a second outlet flow path 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ) that extends from a branch of each second channel outlet 127 to a second element outlet 138. A first outlet conduit 142 is coupled to the first element outlet 136, and a second outlet conduit 144 is coupled to the second element outlet 138.

[0061] When the hydrodynamic separator element 130 is operated for an extended period of time, the channels 120 may become partially or completely clogged with particles. Assuming a relatively constant flow rate through the entire element 130, as multiple channels 120 are blocked, the average flow rate through the remaining channels increases, which directly increases the Dean number. If the average flow rate through the open channels increases to a Dean number above 25, the performance of the element 130 to collect particles in a fluid stream decreases. In some implementations, the performance of the element 130 to collect particles in a fluid stream may begin to decrease at Dean numbers of 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. Referring to the equation for the Dean number provided above, the maximum increase in average flow rate through the open channels while remaining within an operable Dean number range to achieve particle concentration is four times the original average flow rate (with the clean element). This maximum increase coincides with the original Dean number of the system (5), which is at the lower end of the operating range, and the "dirty" system has a Dean number (25), which is at the upper end of the operating range.

[0062] The following table shows the number of original microfluidic channels, n0, and the number of clogged microfluidic channels, n p is an equation that represents the observed flow rate (X) through each of the channels as a function of the original flow rate X0 (through each of the "clean" element channels) based on

number

[0063] In general, the increase in flow rate through a channel and the pressure difference across the channel are substantially linearly related. As such, the observed pressure difference P at an observed flow rate X is calculated as the ratio of the original pressure difference P0 of the clean element, the number of original microfluidic channels n0, and the number of observed clogged microfluidic channels n p can be expressed in terms of:

number

[0064] To calculate the number of blocked channels, the formula can be rearranged as follows:

number

[0065] In various embodiments, the system 10 includes a flow characteristic sensor 150 in sensing communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels. The flow characteristic sensor 150 is generally configured to sense a flow characteristic. When outside a certain threshold, the flow characteristic may indicate a threshold number of blocked channels. For example, the flow characteristic may be one or more characteristics including flow rate, pressure drop, turbidity, particle count, particle concentration, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties. The flow characteristic may be a relative or absolute measurement. The flow characteristic may be measured at an individual microfluidic channel component 100 or for the entire hydrodynamic separator element 10. For example, the flow characteristic may be measured at one or more of the first channel outlet 125, the second channel outlet 127, and the channel inlet 122 of the microfluidic channel 120 of each microfluidic channel component 100. As another example, the flow characteristic may be measured at one or more of the first element outlet 136, the second element outlet 138, and the element inlet 132.

[0066] Various types of flow characteristic sensors may be used in conjunction with the hydrodynamic separator element 10 disclosed herein. The flow characteristic sensor may include, by way of example, one or more of an electrical characteristic sensor, an optical sensor, a flow meter, and a pressure sensor, although other types of flow characteristic sensors are certainly contemplated. In some embodiments, the flow characteristic sensor is a particle sensor. In some embodiments, the flow characteristic sensor is a turbidity sensor. In some embodiments, the flow characteristic sensor is a pair of optical emitters and receivers on opposite sides of an optically transparent portion of the flow channel. The flow characteristic sensor may include, by way of other examples, a Coulter Counter (manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Indianapolis, Indiana), a pH sensor, a dielectric sensor, a resistive sensor, and an impedance sensor.

[0067] In this example, the flow characteristic sensor 150 includes a pressure sensor 150 in sensing communication with the element inlet 132 and the element outlet 134. The pressure sensor 150 is configured to sense a differential pressure between the element inlet 132 and the element outlet 134. In particular, the pressure sensor 150 may have a first sensor 152 configured to measure the fluid pressure on the element inlet 132 side of the element 130, and the pressure sensor 150 may have a second sensor 154 configured to measure the fluid pressure on the outlet side of the element 130. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 150 detects when the pressure differential (or change in differential pressure) exceeds a threshold P T It is a pressure switch that triggers when the pressure exceeds

[0068] In the example of FIG. 2, the second sensor 154 of the pressure sensor 150 is positioned along the second outlet conduit 144 adjacent to the second element outlet 138. In an alternative configuration, the second sensor 154 of the pressure sensor 150 is positioned along the first outlet conduit 142 adjacent to the first element outlet 136. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure difference between the element inlet and the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet. In some other embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure difference between the element inlet and the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet. Such a configuration advantageously allows for monitoring of the microfluidic channel exposed to the highest concentration of particles. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure difference between the element inlet and the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet, and the pressure difference between the element inlet and the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 150 may be omitted and an alternative flow characteristic sensor may be in sensing communication with the separator element 130, or the flow characteristic sensor may be omitted from the system.

[0069] The system generally has a controller 156 in data communication with a flow characteristic sensor 150, in this case a pressure sensor 150. The controller 156 is generally configured to provide a first output whenever the flow characteristic (in this case the pressure differential) falls outside a first threshold. In some embodiments, the first output is generated whenever the pressure differential falls outside a first threshold (P T In some embodiments, the first output includes an instruction from the controller to a maintenance subsystem to engage in a maintenance action. In some embodiments, the first output includes an instruction to an operator to engage in a maintenance action.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first threshold P T may be associated with or may represent an impending maintenance action, such as the need for cleaning of the channels of the hydrodynamic separator element 130. Cleaning of the channels of the hydrodynamic separator element 130 may be accomplished, in one example, by flushing each of the channels with a relatively high pressure fluid. In some implementations, the channels may be flushed with fluid in a reverse direction compared to normal operation of the microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the first pressure threshold P T may result in an output by the controller 156 informing a user that the hydrodynamic separator is no longer operational. In some embodiments, the first pressure threshold P T correlates to a particular number of clogged microfluidic channels 120. In some embodiments, the first pressure threshold P T is the threshold change in differential pressure relative to the initial pressure difference measurement P0 。

[0071] In some embodiments, at least one of the pressure sensor 150 and the controller 156 is configured to adjust the differential pressure measurement to compensate for pressure losses due to system configuration rather than blockages in the microfluidic channel 120. For example, pressure losses may be due to changes in flow area, changes in direction (such as sharp bends in a conduit or microfluidic channel), etc. In some other embodiments, the pressure sensor 150 or the controller 156 is configured to track changes in the pressure differential over time, thereby essentially compensating for pressure drops inherent to the system.

[0072] The system generally includes a flow generator 158 configured to generate a flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130. The flow generator 158 provides fluid communication between the fluid source 20 and the hydrodynamic separator element 130. The flow generator 158 is in fluid communication with the element inlet 132 and the element outlets 136, 138. In particular, the flow generator 158 is configured to pump fluid from the fluid source 20 through the inlet conduit 140 to the inlet 122 of the element 130. The fluid is configured to flow through each microfluidic channel 120 of the microfluidic channel component 100 to the outlet 124. In the present example, the flow generator 158 is coupled to the inlet conduit 140, but in some other embodiments, the flow generator 158 is directly coupled to the separator element 130.

[0073] In some embodiments, the flow generator 158 is a pump. In some embodiments, the flow generator 158 is a pressure-driven flow control device in fluid communication with the element inlet 132. The flow generator 158 may be configured to control the flow of fluid through the system 10 by pressure or flow rate. In various embodiments, the flow generator 158 is configured to flow fluid through the element inlet 132 at a constant flow rate. The system 10 may have a flow meter 160 in fluid communication with the element inlet 132, such as in the inlet conduit 140 (for example), to monitor the real-time flow rate. In some embodiments, the pressure is set to achieve a particular flow rate.

[0074] In some embodiments, the system may include a first flow characteristic sensor 150 and a second flow characteristic sensor 162. Each flow characteristic sensor 150, 162 may be consistent with the flow characteristic sensors described above. In some examples, the second flow characteristic sensor 162 may be a particle sensor in monitoring communication with the first element outlet 136 or the second element outlet 138. The particle sensor 162 may generally be in communication with a low particle concentration branch of the element outlet. Such a configuration allows the particle sensor 162 to provide signal data representative of the fluid and / or a signal corresponding to any particles in the fluid. The particle sensor 162 may be in data communication with the controller 156.

[0075] In some embodiments, upon detecting a threshold amount of particles within a particular size range in the fluid, the controller 156 may be configured to provide an output, e.g., an alert, indicating a decrease in the effectiveness of the hydrodynamic separator element 130. In some embodiments, upon detecting a threshold amount of particles within a size range in the fluid and detecting a pressure differential that exceeds a first pressure threshold, the controller 156 is configured to provide an output, e.g., an alert. The alert may be provided to a user interface 166. The user interface 166 may be a display, a speaker, an indicator light, or the like.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second flow characteristic sensor 162 may be omitted. In some other embodiments, the second flow characteristic sensor 162 may be a different type of sensor, examples of which are detailed above.

[0077] In some embodiments, the system 10 incorporates a maintenance system in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic separator element 130. The maintenance system is generally configured to remove particles that are lodged in the system 10, such as particles that partially or completely clog the channel 120. The maintenance system is generally configured to modify the fluid flow through the separator element 130 to remove such particles. In some embodiments, the maintenance system has a manual operation component, whereby a user performs the maintenance task. In such an example, the controller 156 may be configured to output an alert to the user to engage the maintenance system.

[0078] In some other embodiments, the controller 156 is in operative communication with the maintenance system. The controller 156 may be configured to automatically selectively engage and disengage the maintenance system upon detecting that the flow characteristics received from the flow characteristic sensor are outside of a threshold. In other examples, the controller 156 may be configured to automatically selectively engage and disengage the maintenance system periodically as defined. Such a configuration may advantageously limit particle buildup within the system 10 (which may otherwise have blocked or partially blocked flow channels), which advantageously enhances system performance. Such a configuration may advantageously limit the period of time during which system performance is degraded due to particle buildup within the separator element 130.

[0079] For example, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the maintenance system after a first period during which the fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 is at a constant flow rate. The first period may be, by way of example, 48 hours or less or 24 hours or less. The controller 156 may be configured to keep the maintenance system engaged for a second period. During the second period, the fluid flow through the separator element 130 is modified. During the second period, particles that may have settled within the separator element 130 may be dislodged as a result of the modification of the fluid flow. In some embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to disengage the maintenance system after the second period. Engaging and disengaging the maintenance system over the second period may advantageously produce a "pulse" in the fluid flow through the element 130, i.e., there is a relatively short burst in the fluid flow capacity through the element 130.

[0080] After the maintenance system is disengaged, the fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 may return to a constant flow rate for another first period of time. The controller 156 may alternately and repeatedly engage the maintenance system after a first period of time and disengage the maintenance system after a second period of time. In various embodiments, the controller 156 is configured to engage and disengage the maintenance system relatively quickly to create a "pulse" in the fluid flow. Such a pulse may advantageously improve the dislodging within the hydrodynamic separator element 130 of particles that may have settled within the element 130. The second period of time may be less than the first period of time. In some embodiments, the second period of time may be less than 10 seconds, less than 5 seconds, or less than 3 seconds.

[0081] In the example of FIG. 2, the system 10 includes an obstacle 146 in selectively blocking communication with one or more of the microfluidic channels 120 (FIG. 1). The obstacle 146 is generally configured to selectively block a portion of the fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 such that the fluid flow is increased along an unblocked flow path through the element 130. The increased fluid flow may advantageously remove particles that have settled within the system 10. As such, the obstacle 146 is considered a component of the maintenance system. It is noted that the obstacle 146 does not necessarily have to form a complete 100% blockage of the corresponding channel. Rather, the obstacle 146 may be a partial blockage, such as selectively blocking at least 50%, 75%, or 80% across the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the channel or channels of interest. In some embodiments, the obstacle may be configured to block 80%-100% of the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the channel or channels of interest.

[0082] The obstruction 146 may be a valve in selectively blocking communication with the element outlet. In the present example, the obstruction 146 is in selectively blocking communication with the second element outlet 138. In such an embodiment, the output of the controller 156 is configured to cause engagement of the valve 146 to block the second element outlet. In various examples, the obstruction 146 is in selectively blocking communication with the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet 134.

[0083] The controller 156 may be configured to engage and disengage the obstruction 146 as generally described above with respect to the maintenance system. The controller 156 may be configured to engage the obstruction 146 with a first output in response to the flow characteristic of the flow characteristic sensor being outside a threshold. In such an embodiment, the engagement of the obstruction is in response to sensing the settling of particles along one or more microfluidic channels. In some other embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the obstruction 146 periodically as defined. In such an embodiment, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the obstruction 146 with a first output in response to a particular period of time passing. In such an example, the controller 156 may be configured to keep the obstruction disengaged for a first period of time during which the fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 is at a constant flow rate. Once the first period of time has passed, the controller 156 may be configured to provide a first output to cause the obstruction 146 to be engaged, thereby modifying the fluid flow through the separator element. The controller 156 may maintain the obstruction 146 in the engaged position for a second period of time. In some embodiments, the obstruction 146 may be omitted from the system 10.

[0084] In some embodiments, the flow generator 158 may be a component of a maintenance system. In such embodiments, the controller 156 may be in operative communication with the flow generator 158. The controller 156 may be configured to engage the flow generator 158 to modify the fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 as a maintenance operation. In some embodiments, the controller 156 is configured to engage the flow generator 158 to pulse the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element 130. During the pulse, the flow generator 158 may increase the flow rate of the fluid through the separator element 130. Similar to the above description, pulsing the fluid may dislodge particles from the separator element 130.

[0085] In some other embodiments, the controller 156 is configured to cause the flow generator 158 to temporarily reverse the flow direction of the fluid through the system 10, causing the fluid to flow from the element outlet 134 toward the element inlet 132. The reversal of the fluid flow direction through the separator element 130 may be referred to as a "backflush," during which the maintenance system is considered to be "engaged" by the controller. In various embodiments, once the fluid flow through the separator element 130 returns to a constant fluid flow rate from inlet to outlet, the maintenance system is considered to be "disengaged" by the controller.

[0086] In some embodiments where the controller 156 is configured to engage the flow generator 158 to reverse fluid flow through the separator element 130, fluid exiting the element inlet 132 may return to the fluid source 20 through the inlet conduit. In some other examples, such as the one shown, the waste reservoir 22 may be in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 140, and fluid exiting the element inlet 132 may bypass the fluid source 20 and instead be directed to the waste reservoir 22. While various configurations may be implemented to accomplish such functionality, in the present example, a first one-way valve 21 is fluidly coupled to the inlet conduit 140 between the fluid source 20 and the element inlet 132. The first one-way valve encourages fluid flow from the fluid source 20 to the element inlet 132 and prevents fluid flow from the element inlet 132 to the fluid source 20. A second one-way valve 23 is fluidly coupled to the inlet conduit 140 between the waste reservoir 22 and the element inlet 132. The second one-way valve 23 facilitates fluid flow from the element inlet 132 to the waste reservoir 22 and prevents fluid flow from the waste reservoir 22 to the element inlet 132 .

[0087] Alternative configurations are possible. In one such configuration, a three-way control valve may selectively fluidly couple each of the fluid source 20 and the waste reservoir 22 to the element inlet 132 along the inlet conduit 140. In such an embodiment, the controller 156 may be in operative communication with the three-way valve. The controller 156 may fluidly couple the fluid source 20 to the element inlet 132 and prevent a fluid connection between the waste reservoir 22 and the element inlet 132 when the flow generator 158 is operating in a default state. The controller 156 may fluidly couple the waste reservoir 22 to the element inlet 132 and prevent a fluid connection between the fluid source 20 and the element inlet 132 when the flow generator 158 is operating in a reverse state, i.e., when the maintenance system is engaged.

[0088] The controller 156 may be configured to engage and disengage the flow generator 158 as generally described above with respect to the maintenance system. In some embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the flow generator 158 as soon as the flow characteristics are outside a first threshold. The controller 156 may be configured to engage the flow generator 158 with a first output responsive to the flow characteristics of the flow characteristic sensors (150, 162) being outside a threshold. In some other embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the flow generator 158 periodically as defined. In such embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the flow generator 158 with a first output responsive to the passage of a particular period of time. In such an example, the controller 156 may be configured to keep the flow generator 158 disengaged for a first period during which the fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 is at a constant flow rate. Upon expiration of the first time period, the controller 156 may be configured to provide a first output to cause engagement of the flow generator 158, thereby modifying the fluid flow through the separator element 130. The controller 156 may maintain the flow generator 158 in the engaged position for a second time period. The first and second time periods may be consistent with the description above.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the flow generator 158 does not operate in reverse, but rather, a reverse flow generator, i.e., a second flow generator 164, is in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels. In such an example, the controller 156 is in operative communication with the first flow generator 158 and the second flow generator 164. The second flow generator 164 is a component of a maintenance system. In such an example, the controller 156 is configured to switch between operation of the first flow generator 158 (at constant flow rate and normal operating conditions) and operation of the second flow generator 164 to perform maintenance operations. The second flow generator 164 is configured to generate a fluid flow through the separator element 130 in a reverse direction to the first flow generator 158. In the present example, the second flow generator 164 is disposed along the inlet conduit 140, but in other examples, the second flow generator 164 may be disposed along one or both of the outlet conduits 142, 144. In some embodiments, the second flow generator 164 is omitted from the system 10 .

[0090] In embodiments incorporating a second flow generator 164, the controller 156 may be configured to engage and disengage the second flow generator 164, as described above with respect to the maintenance system generally. In such embodiments, the controller 156 is configured to disengage the first flow generator 158 when the second flow generator 164 is engaged, and to engage the first flow generator 164 when the second flow generator 164 is disengaged. In embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the second flow generator 164 as soon as the flow characteristics fall outside a first threshold.

[0091] The controller 156 may be configured to engage the second flow generator 164 with a first output responsive to the flow characteristics of the flow characteristic sensors (150, 162) being outside a threshold. In such embodiments, engaging the second flow generator 164 is responsive to a degradation in performance of the element 130, which may be due to particles lodging within the element 130. In some other embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the second flow generator 164 and correspondingly disengage the first flow generator 158 on a regular, periodic basis. In such embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the second flow generator 164 and disengage the first flow generator 158 with a first output responsive to a particular period of time having passed. In such an example, the controller 156 may be configured to keep the second flow generator 164 disengaged and the first flow generator 158 engaged during a first period during which fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 via the first flow generator 164 is at a constant flow rate.

[0092] Upon expiration of the first period of time, the controller 156 may be configured to provide a first output that results in the engagement of the second flow generator 164 and the disengagement of the first flow generator 158, thereby modifying the fluid flow through the separator element 130. In particular, the fluid flow through the separator element 130 is reversed. The controller 156 may maintain the second flow generator 164 in an engaged state and the first flow generator 158 in a disengaged state for a second period of time. After the second period of time, the controller 156 may engage the first flow generator and disengage the second flow generator 164 for the first period of time. The first period of time and the second period of time may be consistent with the description above. In various embodiments, the second flow generator 164 may be omitted.

[0093] In some embodiments, the maintenance system may include a CIP (clean-in-place) reservoir 24 configured to hold cleaning fluid for maintenance operations. The cleaning fluid may be a fluid that replaces the system fluid of the fluid source 20. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid is an acidic fluid. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid is a basic fluid. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid is an enzymatic fluid. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid replaces the system fluid simply because the cleaning fluid is free of suspended particles. The CIP reservoir 24 is in selective fluid communication with the element inlet 132 to modify the fluid flow through the separator element 130 by replacing or adding to the flow of source fluid through the separator element 130. In various embodiments incorporating the CIP reservoir 24, the controller 156 may be configured to selectively switch between the CIP reservoir 24 and the fluid source 20, which are in fluid communication with the element inlet 132. In some other embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to selectively place the CIP reservoir 24 in fluid communication with the element inlet 132 in conjunction with the fluid source 20 in fluid communication with the element inlet 132.

[0094] In some examples, the controller 156 is in operative communication with one or more valves 25 to selectively fluidly couple the CIP reservoir 24 to the separator element 130. Such one or more valves 25 are therefore components of the maintenance system. The valves 25 may be three-way control valves configured to switch between fluid communication between the fluid source 20 and the separator element 130 and between the CIP reservoir 24 and the separator element 130. In some such examples, the controller 156 is configured to switch between (1) fluid communication between the fluid source 20 and the separator element 130 and (2) fluid communication between the CIP reservoir 24 and the separator element 130. In various embodiments, the flow generator 158 is configured to generate a fluid flow from the fluid source 20 to the separator element 130 and also to generate a fluid flow from the CIP reservoir 24 to the separator element 130, depending on engagement of the valves. In some other embodiments, one flow generator 158 is configured to fluidly couple the fluid source 20 to the separator element 130, and another flow generator (not shown) is configured to fluidly couple the CIP reservoir 24 to the separator element 130. In such embodiments, the controller 156 may be operably coupled to each of the one flow generator 158 and the other flow generator.

[0095] Returning to the example shown in Figure 2, as described above with respect to the maintenance system generally, the controller 156 may be configured to engage and disengage the control valve 25. In such an embodiment, during a maintenance procedure, the controller 156 is configured to engage the control valve 25 to place the CIP reservoir 24 in fluid communication with the separator element 130 and to remove the fluid reservoir 20 from fluid communication with the separator element 130. Outside of a maintenance procedure, the controller 156 is configured to disengage the control valve 25 to remove the CIP reservoir 24 from fluid communication with the separator element 130 and to place the fluid reservoir 20 in fluid communication with the separator element 130 for normal operation.

[0096] In some embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the control valve 25 as soon as the flow characteristics from the flow characteristic sensors 150, 162 fall outside a threshold, which may indicate particles are lodged within the separator element 130. In some other embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the control valve 25 periodically as defined. In such embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the control valve 25 with a first output responsive to a particular period of time having passed. In such an example, the controller 156 may be configured to disengage the control valve 25 for a first period of time during which the fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 via the flow generator 164 and the fluid source 20 is at a constant flow rate.

[0097] Upon expiration of the first period of time, the controller 156 may be configured to provide a first output that causes the control valve 25 to be engaged, thereby modifying the fluid flow through the separator element 130. In particular, the fluid flow through the separator element 130 is sourced from the CIP reservoir 24 instead of the fluid source 20. The controller 156 may maintain the control valve 25 engaged for a second period of time for maintenance operations. After the second period of time, the controller 156 may disengage the control valve 25 for the first period of time such that the fluid source 20 is again in fluid communication with the separator element 130 for normal operation of the separator element 130. The first period of time and the second period of time may be consistent with the description above.

[0098] In some embodiments, the system 10 may have a waste fluid tank 26 in selective fluid communication with the separator element outlet 134. A tank valve 27 may be disposed in selective fluid communication with the outlet conduits 142, 144. The waste fluid tank 26 and the tank valve 27 may be configured to receive fluid from the CIP reservoir 24 for use during maintenance operations. The controller 156 may be in operative communication with the tank valve 27 such that when the control valve 25 is engaged, the tank valve 27 is also engaged to place the separator element 130 in fluid communication with the tank valve 27. In some embodiments, there may be a delay between the controller engaging the control valve 25 and the controller engaging the tank valve 27. Additionally, in some embodiments, there may be a delay between the controller 156 disengaging the control valve 25 and disengaging the tank valve 27 to accommodate a delay between the entry and exit of cleaning fluid from the separator element 130. In particular, after control valve 25 is disengaged, source fluid begins to flow into separator element 130, and cleaning fluid already present in separator element 130 from a maintenance operation continues to move toward element outlet 134 for a period of time after control valve 25 is disengaged. In some embodiments, cleaning tank 24, control valve 25, and waste fluid tank 26 can be omitted and alternative maintenance system components can be used.

[0099] 2 illustrates various components that may be included in a separator system maintenance system, many of which may be used interchangeably or alternatively or in combination. Although not currently visible, the system illustrated in FIG. 2 may incorporate one or more barriers in fluid communication with the plurality of channel inlets 122, the plurality of first channel outlets 125, the plurality of second channel outlets 127, or a combination of the plurality of channel inlets 122, the plurality of first channel outlets 125, and the plurality of second channel outlets 127. Such exemplary barriers are illustrated in FIG. 3 and described in more detail below.

[0100] One or more of the components, such as the controllers, indicators, sensors, detectors, or systems described herein, may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data into or out of the component. The processor may include one or more computing devices having memory, processing, and communication hardware. The processor may include circuitry used to couple various components of the controller together or with other components operatively coupled to the controller. The functions of the processor may be implemented by hardware and / or as computer instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0101] A processor may include any one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. In some examples, a processor may include multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and / or one or more FPGAs, and other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functionality of a processor herein may be provided as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof.

[0102] In one or more embodiments, the functions of the processor may be implemented using one or more computer programs using a computing device, which may include one or more processors and / or memory. The program code and / or logic described herein may be applied to input data / information to perform the functions described herein and generate desired output data / information. The output data / information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and / or methods as described herein or applied in a known manner. In view of the above, it will be readily apparent that the functions of the controller as described herein may be implemented in any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0103] 3 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional view of a hydrodynamic separator system 11 consistent with embodiments described above. The hydrodynamic separator element 130 generally comprises a plurality of microfluidic channel components 100, such as those described above with reference to FIG. 1. The microfluidic channel components 100 are in a stacked configuration. Each microfluidic channel component 100 comprises a curved microfluidic channel 120 (see FIG. 1), and the plurality of curved microfluidic channels 120 are in fluid communication. The microfluidic channels 120 are configured to operate in parallel during normal operation of the hydrodynamic separator element 130.

[0104] In the current example, the separator element 130 is shown with sections removed to reveal the inlet channel 112, the first outlet channel 114, and the second outlet channel 116. The channel inlets 122 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 are in fluid communication. All of the channel inlets 122 (FIG. 1) are downstream of the element inlet 132 (FIG. 3). An inlet conduit 140 is fluidly coupled to the element inlet 132 of the hydrodynamic separator element 130. The inlet conduit 140 is coupled to the element 130 around the element inlet 132. The inlet conduit 140 is in fluid communication with each of the channel inlets 122. In this particular example, the substrates 110 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 cumulatively define an inlet channel 112 that extends from the element inlet 132 to the channel inlet 122 of each microfluidic channel component 100.

[0105] The substrates 110 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 cumulatively define a first outlet flow path 114 extending from each first channel outlet 125 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 to a first element outlet 136. The second channel outlets 127 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 are in fluid communication. All of the second channel outlets 127 are in fluid communication with and are upstream of the second element outlet 138. In this particular example, the substrates 110 of each of the microfluidic channel components 100 cumulatively define a second outlet flow path 116 extending from a branch of each second channel outlet 127 to the second element outlet 138. A first outlet conduit 142 is coupled to the first element outlet 136, and a second outlet conduit 144 is coupled to the second element outlet 138.

[0106] In the present example, the separator system 11 has a maintenance system including an obstacle that is a barrier 129 disposed in fluid communication with the second outlet flow path 116. The barrier 129 is configured to selectively block a portion of the plurality of second channel outlets 127 along the second outlet flow path 116, but leave at least one second channel outlet 127 unblocked. In various embodiments, the barrier 129 is a mechanical component disposed within the second outlet flow path 116. In the present example, the barrier 129 is a plurality of valves 129 each in selectively blocking communication with a corresponding microfluidic channel. In such an example, each of the plurality of microfluidic channels may have a corresponding valve 129 in selectively blocking communication with the channel. The controller 156 may be in operative communication with each of the valves 129 and may be configured to selectively engage each of the plurality of valves 129.

[0107] The controller 156 is configured to selectively switch the maintenance system between individual microfluidic channels such that the maintenance system is alternately in fluid communication with individual microfluidic channels. More specifically, in some embodiments, the controller 156 is configured to selectively engage and disengage groups of the plurality of valves 129 in a staggered or alternating manner such that fluid flow is increased in fluid channels that remain open (where corresponding valves 129 are disengaged) to help remove particles that may have settled within such channels. In this regard, fluid flow is configured to occur in an alternating manner among the microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, such engagement and disengagement of valves 129 is randomized by the controller 156. In some other embodiments, the controller 156 is configured to selectively engage and disengage groups of valves in a repetitive process.

[0108] The controller 156 may be configured to automatically selectively engage and disengage the valves 129 of the maintenance system upon detecting that the flow characteristics received from the flow characteristic sensors 150, 162 are outside of the thresholds. In such an embodiment, upon detecting that the flow characteristics are outside of the thresholds, the controller 156 may selectively engage a first group of the plurality of valves 129 and maintain a second group of the plurality of valves 129 in a disengaged state for a first maintenance operation duration to effect a first modification to the fluid flow through the separator element 130. After the first duration, the controller 156 may selectively engage a second group of the plurality of valves 129 and disengage the first group of the plurality of valves 129 for a second maintenance operation duration to effect a second modification to the fluid flow through the separator element 130. The controller may disengage each of the plurality of valves 129 once the maintenance operation is completed, at which point the system 10 may proceed with normal operation until the controller 156 again detects that the flow characteristics are outside of the thresholds.

[0109] In other examples, the controller 156 may be configured to automatically selectively engage and disengage the plurality of valves 129 of the maintenance system on a regular, periodic basis. For example, the controller 156 may be configured to engage the plurality of valves 129 of the maintenance system after a first period during which fluid flow through the hydrodynamic separator element 130 is at a constant rate and no maintenance activity is being performed. The controller 156 may be configured to engage the maintenance system for a second period during which maintenance activity is being performed.

[0110] During a first stage of the second period (i.e., the maintenance operation), the fluid flow through the separator element 130 is modified by the controller 156, which engages the first group of the plurality of valves 129 while leaving the second group of the plurality of valves 129 disengaged. During a second stage of the second period, the fluid flow through the separator element 130 is modified by the controller 156, which disengages the first group of the plurality of valves 129 while engaging the second group of the plurality of valves 129. In such an embodiment, the controller 156 may be configured to disengage the maintenance system after the second period. In some other embodiments, the maintenance system is always engaged and cycles through each of the microfluidic channels in conjunction with normal operation of the remaining microfluidic channels. In some other embodiments, the maintenance operation is completed in a single stage, in which all of the plurality of valves 129 are engaged and then disengaged simultaneously, thereby selectively blocking and clearing all of the second channel outlets 127 simultaneously. In such an implementation, all of the fluid flowing through the separator element 130 is directed through the multiple first channel outlets 125 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the maintenance system may additionally or alternatively incorporate barriers along the inlet flow path 112 and / or the first outlet flow path 114. Some such barriers may otherwise be consistent with the description above. For example, instead of being configured to selectively block the plurality of second channel outlets 127, the plurality of valves 129 may be configured to selectively block a portion of the plurality of first channel outlets 125 along the first outlet flow path 114 while leaving at least one first channel outlet 125 unblocked. In other examples, the plurality of valves 129 may be configured to selectively block and clear all of the plurality of first channel outlets 125 along the first outlet flow path 114 simultaneously.

[0112] In other examples, one or more of the inlet flow path 112, the first outlet flow path 114, and the second outlet flow path 116 may incorporate other types of barriers that are components of the maintenance system. In the current example, the barrier 135 may be a mechanical component disposed within or at least in fluid communication with a flow path, such as the first outlet flow path 114. The barrier 135 is configured to selectively block at least a portion of the plurality of first channel outlets 125 along the first outlet flow path 114. In some embodiments, the barrier 135 is configured to leave at least one first channel outlet 125 unblocked when a portion of the plurality of first channel outlets 125 is blocked. In some examples, the barrier 135 is slidably disposed within the first outlet flow path 114. Here, the barrier 135 has a length that exceeds the distance between two consecutive channel outlets 125 along the first outlet flow path 114, such that the barrier 135 is configured to block at least two consecutive channel outlets 125. In some embodiments, the length of the barrier 135 exceeds the distance spanning at least 10 consecutive channel outlets along the first outlet flow path 114. As such, the barrier 135 is configured to block at least 10 consecutive channel outlets along the first outlet flow path 114.

[0113] The barrier 135 may be, by way of example, a solid body or a tube. In some embodiments, the barrier 135 may be movable outside the separator element 130 outside of a maintenance operation. In some embodiments where the barrier 135 is a tube, the barrier 135 is movable from the separator element 130 to a corresponding conduit (here, the first outlet conduit 142) to clear each of the corresponding channel branch outlets (here, the first channel outlets 125). In some embodiments, the barrier 135 may be movable outside the separator element and the corresponding conduit.

[0114] The controller 156 may be in operative communication with the barrier 135 and may be configured to linearly move the barrier 135 across the corresponding flow paths 114 to selectively block a group of flow channels at the first outlets 125. In some embodiments, the controller 156 may be configured to linearly move the barrier 135 outside of a maintenance operation (e.g., during normal operation) to be removed from the flow channel outlets 125. In some embodiments, during a maintenance operation, the controller is configured to linearly move the barrier 135 to block each of the microfluidic channels in succession until a maintenance operation is performed on each of the microfluidic channels. In such operation, in a first phase, a first portion of the microfluidic channels is blocked for a period of time and a second portion of the microfluidic channels is left unblocked such that fluid flow through the unblocked channels is increased for that period of time. In a second phase, the controller 156 moves the barrier 135 such that a first portion of the microfluidic channels is unblocked and a second portion of the microfluidic channels is blocked for a period of time such that fluid flow through the unblocked channels is increased for that period of time. Additional maintenance phases are possible in which the barrier 135 is further moved to block additional groups of the plurality of microfluidic channels.

[0115] As described above for the plurality of valves 129 and the maintenance system generally, the controller 156 may be configured to automatically selectively engage and disengage the barrier 135 of the maintenance system upon detecting that the flow characteristics received from the flow characteristic sensors 150, 162 are outside of the thresholds. In such an embodiment, upon detecting that the flow characteristics are outside of the thresholds, the controller 156 may selectively engage the barrier and move the barrier linearly to undergo the maintenance operation described in the paragraph above. The controller may disengage each of the plurality of valves 129 once the maintenance operation is completed, at which point the system 10 may proceed with normal operation until the controller 156 again detects that the flow characteristics are outside of the thresholds. In other examples, the controller 156 may be configured to automatically selectively engage and disengage the plurality of valves 129 of the barrier 135 of the maintenance system on a regular, periodic basis.

[0116] It is noted that in some embodiments, the barrier 135 may instead be configured to be slidably disposed in the second outlet flow passage 116 instead of or in addition to the first outlet flow passage 114. In such instances, the barrier 135 disposed in the second outlet flow passage 116 may be configured to engage and selectively block at least a portion of the second channel outlets 125. In some such embodiments, the barrier 135 is configured to leave at least one second channel outlet 125 unblocked while other second channel outlets 125 are blocked. In still other embodiments, the barrier 135 is configured to simultaneously block all of the second channel outlets 125.

[0117] The system of Figure 3 may have additional or alternative maintenance system components such as those shown and described with reference to Figure 2. Moreover, although not shown in Figure 2, such a system may incorporate maintenance system components described above with reference to Figure 3.

[0118] FIG. 4 is a flow chart consistent with some exemplary methods. A fluid flow is generated 210 through a separator element at a flow rate. The separator element typically has multiple microfluidic channels arranged in parallel. The fluid flow may be generated consistent with the above description with reference to FIG. 2. For example, a pump may generate the fluid flow through the element inlet and the element outlet, or, as another example, a pressure-driven flow controller drives the fluid through the element inlet and the element outlet. Typically, the fluid flow is generated through a hydrodynamic separator element at a constant flow rate. The fluid flow is generated through multiple parallel microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the fluid through the separator element is measured by a flow meter. Such data may be used to maintain a constant flow rate through the separator element.

[0119] A flow characteristic is measured 220. The flow characteristic may be consistent with the exemplary flow characteristics described above. In some embodiments, the flow characteristic is a differential pressure. The differential pressure is generally measured 220 between the element inlet and the element outlet, as described in detail above. In some embodiments, the differential pressure is measured at a low particle concentration branch of the element outlet. In some embodiments, the differential pressure is measured at a high particle concentration branch of the element outlet. The pressure difference may be an indication of the number of microfluidic channels that are blocked. However, other types of flow characteristics may also be measured.

[0120] If the signal is above the first threshold and below the second threshold 230, a first alert is provided 232. The second threshold may be above the first threshold. The first alert may indicate that the hydrodynamic separator element is trending toward a state where it may no longer be effective for particle separation. For example, the first alert may indicate that the hydrodynamic separator element has a first particular projected operating window during which it may still be effective for particle separation. In some examples, the first alert may indicate that the hydrodynamic separator element is trending toward a state where it may no longer be effective for particle separation. In some examples, the first alert indicates that the hydrodynamic separator element is trending toward a state where it may no longer be effective for particle separation. In some embodiments, if the signal is below the first threshold 230, the process may end.

[0121] However, in some embodiments consistent with the one shown, if the signal is equal to or greater than the second threshold 230, a determination is made as to whether the signal is above the second threshold and below a third threshold 240. The third threshold may be above the second threshold. If the signal is above the second threshold and below the third threshold 240, a second alert is provided 242. The second alert may indicate that the hydrodynamic separator element has a second specific predicted operating time frame during which it may still be effective. The second specific predicted operating time frame may be shorter than the first specific predicted operating time frame described in the paragraph above. In some other embodiments, the second alert may indicate that the hydrodynamic separator element no longer effectively separates particles. In some embodiments, if the signal is equal to or less than the second threshold 240, the process may end.

[0122] However, in the present example, if the signal is equal to or greater than the third threshold 240, a determination is made 250 as to whether the signal exceeds the third threshold. If the signal exceeds the third threshold 250, a third alert is provided 252. The third alert may indicate, for example, that the hydrodynamic separator element is no longer effectively separating particles. If the signal is equal to or less than the third threshold 250, the process ends 260 until the differential pressure is measured again 220. The process may repeat at selected intervals.

[0123] In various embodiments, one or more of the alerts are communicated by the controller to a user interface, where exemplary user interfaces are described above. Each alert may be communicated to the user in a different user interface or the same user interface. In some embodiments, the alerts may provide the user with specific information, such as the amount of time before a maintenance action should be performed. In some embodiments, the alerts may provide the user with general information, such as whether a maintenance action should be performed.

[0124] In some embodiments, the number of microfluidic channels that are blocked is calculated by the controller. Such calculation may be consistent with the description above with reference to Figure 2. In some such embodiments, the number of blocked channels may be communicated by the controller to a user using an alert, such as the alert described above.

[0125] In some embodiments, the controller calculates the rate at which the channels become blocked ("channel blockage rate") based on the period the hydrodynamic separator has been operating and the number of channels that became blocked during that period of operation. In some such embodiments, the controller may further calculate a predicted remaining operating time before recommended maintenance based on the calculated channel blockage rate, such as when the number of blocked channels reaches a threshold number of blocked channels. The threshold number of blocked channels may be the number of blocked channels at which the hydrodynamic separator is predicted to become less effective at separating particles, e.g., a Dean number of 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. In some embodiments, notification of the number of blocked channels is communicated at a user interface.

[0126] Alternatively (or in addition), the controller may be configured to calculate a change in pressure differential over an operating period to predict remaining operating time before recommended maintenance, such as when the pressure differential reaches a pressure differential threshold at which the Dean number is predicted to be 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. Alternatively (or in addition), the controller may be configured to calculate a change in average flow velocity over an operating period to predict remaining operating time before recommended maintenance, such as when the average flow velocity reaches an average flow velocity threshold at which the Dean number is predicted to be 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25.

[0127] In embodiments, one or more alerts, such as those described above, may include notification of a predicted remaining operating time and a recommendation for maintenance action before the remaining operating time expires. The notification may be provided, for example, in a user interface.

[0128] 5 is a flow chart illustrating yet another method consistent with some embodiments. A fluid flow is generated 310 through a separator element at a flow rate, and a maintenance operation is performed 350. The fluid flow is generated 310 from an element inlet to an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separator element at a constant flow rate for a first period of time. The fluid flow may be generated 310 using a flow generator as described in detail above. The separator element may have multiple microfluidic channels arranged in parallel, as described in detail above.

[0129] Performing the maintenance operation 350 generally involves modifying the fluid flow through the separator element. In various embodiments, the controller may modify the fluid flow. The fluid flow may be modified for a second period of time. In some embodiments, the first period of time is longer than the second period of time. Various approaches to modifying the fluid flow may be used. For example, a valve in selectively blocking communication with the element outlet may be engaged to block at least a portion of the element outlet. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the fluid through the separator element is modified. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the fluid is modified by reversing the flow direction of the fluid from the element outlet to the element inlet. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the fluid is modified by pulsing the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element. In some embodiments, modifying the fluid flow includes stopping the flow of the original microfluidic channel fluid (first fluid) and flowing a second fluid through the multiple microfluidic channels. The second fluid may be, for example, a cleaning fluid. Various approaches for performing the maintenance operation have been described in detail above.

[0130] In some embodiments, performing 350 a maintenance operation occurs periodically, where the system is operated 310 for a first period of time, and after the first period of time has passed, the maintenance operation is performed 350. More specifically, in some embodiments, modifying the fluid flow occurs periodically. In some embodiments, the periodically is at least once every 48 hours. In some embodiments, the periodically is at least once every 24 hours.

[0131] Alternatively, or in addition, a maintenance operation is performed 350 upon sensing 330 by a flow characteristic sensor that the flow characteristic is outside of a threshold. The flow characteristic may be sensed by a flow characteristic sensor, as described in detail above. The flow characteristic sensor is typically in sensing communication with the multiple microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, a controller receives the flow characteristics and engages a maintenance system to perform 350 a maintenance operation when the flow characteristic is outside of a threshold. The controller engages a maintenance system to modify the fluid flow through the separator element. In some embodiments, the fluid flow is modified alternately among the multiple microfluidic channels in multiple stages as described above with reference to FIG. 3. In some other embodiments, the fluid flow is modified among the multiple microfluidic channels in a single stage. After performing 350 the maintenance operation, fluid flow through the separator element is resumed 310 at a constant flow rate.

[0132] Exemplary embodiments Embodiment 1. A hydrodynamic separation element defining an element inlet and an element outlet having a first element outlet junction and a second element outlet junction, the hydrodynamic separation element comprising a plurality of curved microfluidic channels in fluid communication, the plurality of microfluidic channels arranged to operate in parallel, wherein each microfluidic channel defines a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet junction upstream of the first element outlet junction and a second channel outlet junction upstream of the second element outlet junction; a pressure sensor in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet, the pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure differential between the element inlet and the element outlet; and a controller in data communication with the pressure sensor, the controller being configured to provide a first alert upon the pressure differential exceeding a first threshold; Including, the system.

[0133] Embodiment 2. The system of any one of embodiments 1 and 3-9, wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the element inlet and the element outlet.

[0134] Embodiment 3. The system of any one of embodiments 1 or 2 and embodiments 4-9, wherein the pump is configured to pump fluid through the element inlet at a constant rate.

[0135]

[0023] Embodiment 4. The system of any one of embodiments 1-3 and embodiments 5-9, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the number of microfluidic channels that are blocked and communicate the number of blocked channels to a user.

[0136] Embodiment 5. The system of any one of embodiments 1-4 and embodiments 6-9, further comprising a flow meter in fluid communication with the element inlet.

[0137]

[0023] Embodiment 6. The system of any one of embodiments 1-5 and embodiments 7-9, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet.

[0138] Embodiment 7. The system of any one of embodiments 1-6 and embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and the high particle concentration port of the element outlet.

[0139] Embodiment 8. The system of any one of embodiments 1-7 and embodiment 9, further comprising a pressure-driven flow control device in fluid communication with the element inlet.

[0140]

[0023] Embodiment 9. The system of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the controller is configured to provide a first alert as soon as the pressure differential exceeds a first threshold.

[0141] Embodiment 10. Flowing a fluid through an element inlet and an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separation element at a constant flow rate, wherein the separation element comprises a plurality of microfluidic channels arranged in parallel; Measuring the pressure difference between the element inlet and the element outlet; and Providing a first alert as soon as the pressure differential exceeds a first threshold. A method comprising:

[0142]

[0031] Embodiment 11. The method of any one of embodiments 10 and embodiments 12-20, further comprising calculating the number of microfluidic channels that are blocked and communicating the number of blocked channels via a user interface.

[0143] Embodiment 12. The method of any one of embodiments 10 or 11 and embodiments 13-20, further comprising measuring a flow rate of the flowing fluid with a flow meter.

[0144] Embodiment 13. The method of any one of embodiments 10-12 and embodiments 14-20, wherein flowing the fluid through the element inlet and the element outlet comprises pumping the fluid using a pump.

[0145] Embodiment 14. The method of any one of embodiments 10-13 and embodiments 15-20, wherein a pressure-driven flow control device flows the fluid through the element inlet and the element outlet.

[0146] Embodiment 15. The method of any one of embodiments 10-14 and embodiments 16-20, wherein measuring the pressure difference comprises measuring a pressure at an inlet of the element and measuring a pressure at a low particle concentration port of an outlet of the element.

[0147] Embodiment 16. The method of any one of embodiments 10-15 and embodiments 17-20, wherein measuring the pressure difference comprises measuring a pressure at an inlet of the element and measuring a pressure at a high particle concentration port of an outlet of the element.

[0148]

[0023] Embodiment 17. The method of any one of embodiments 10-16 and embodiments 18-20, further comprising providing a second alert upon the pressure differential exceeding a second threshold.

[0149]

[0031] Embodiment 18. The method of any one of embodiments 10-17 and embodiments 19 or 20, further comprising providing a third alert upon the pressure differential exceeding a third threshold.

[0150]

[0021] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 10-18 and embodiment 20, wherein the first alert provides notification of a predicted remaining operating time before recommended maintenance.

[0151]

[0023] Embodiment 20. The method of any one of embodiments 10-19, further comprising calculating a channel blockage rate during an operation period of the hydrodynamic separation element, and calculating a predicted remaining operation time based on the channel blockage rate.

[0152] Embodiment 21. A hydrodynamic separator element comprising: an element inlet and an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet; and A plurality of curved microfluidic channels arranged to operate in parallel, each microfluidic channel comprising: a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet; and A channel outlet: a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet; and A second channel outlet upstream of the second element outlet. A channel outlet having A plurality of curved microfluidic channels defining a hydrodynamic separator element defining; a flow characteristic sensor in sensing communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, the flow characteristic sensor configured to sense a flow characteristic; and a controller in data communication with the flow characteristic sensor, the controller being configured to provide a first output whenever the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold; Including, the system.

[0153] Embodiment 22. The system of any one of embodiments 21 and embodiments 23-40, wherein the flow generator is in fluid communication with the element inlet and the element outlet.

[0154] Embodiment 23. The system of any one of embodiments 21 or 22 and embodiments 24-40, wherein the flow generator is configured to generate a fluid flow through the element inlet at a constant flow rate.

[0155]

[0046] Embodiment 24. The system of any one of embodiments 21-23 and embodiments 25-40, wherein the controller is configured to calculate the number of microfluidic channels that are blocked and communicate the number of blocked channels to a user.

[0156] Embodiment 25. The system of any one of embodiments 21-24 and embodiments 26-40, further comprising a flow meter in fluid communication with the element inlet.

[0157] Embodiment 26. The system of any one of embodiments 21-25 and embodiments 27-40, wherein the flow characteristic sensor includes a pressure sensor in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet, and the flow characteristic is a pressure difference between the element inlet and the element outlet.

[0158] Embodiment 27. The system of any one of embodiments 21-26 and embodiments 28-40, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet, and the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the second element outlet.

[0159] Embodiment 28. The system of any one of embodiments 21-27 and embodiments 29-40, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet, and the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the first element outlet.

[0160] Embodiment 29. The system of any one of embodiments 21-28 and embodiments 30-40, wherein the flow characteristic sensor comprises a flow meter, and the flow characteristic is a flow rate.

[0161] Embodiment 30. The system of any one of embodiments 21-29 and embodiments 31-40, wherein the flow characteristics sensor comprises a particle sensor.

[0162] Embodiment 31. The system of any one of embodiments 21-30 and embodiments 32-40, wherein the flow characteristic sensor comprises at least one sensor from the group consisting of: an optical sensor and an electrical characteristic sensor.

[0163] Embodiment 32. The system of any one of embodiments 21 to 31 and embodiments 33 to 40, wherein the flow characteristic is at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: turbidity, particle count, particle aggregation, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties.

[0164] Embodiment 33. The system of any one of embodiments 21-32 and embodiments 34-40, further comprising a pressure-driven flow control device in fluid communication with the element inlet.

[0165]

[0036] Embodiment 34. The system of any one of embodiments 21-33 and embodiments 35-40, wherein the first output includes a first alert providing a user instruction to engage a valve to block the second element outlet.

[0166]

[0036] Embodiment 35. The system of any one of embodiments 21-34 and embodiments 36-40, wherein the controller is configured to provide a second alert upon the flow characteristic exceeding a second threshold.

[0167] Embodiment 36. The system of any one of embodiments 21-35 and embodiments 37-40, further comprising a valve in selectively blocking communication with the second element outlet.

[0168] Embodiment 37. The system of any one of embodiments 21-36 and embodiments 38-40, wherein the controller is in operative communication with the valve, and the first output causes the valve to engage to block the second element outlet.

[0169] Embodiment 38. The system of any one of embodiments 21-37 and embodiments 39 or 40, further comprising a first outlet flow path upstream of the first element outlet, wherein each first channel outlet extends to the first outlet flow path, and the system further comprises a barrier disposed in the first outlet flow path, wherein the barrier is configured to selectively block a plurality of first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path.

[0170] Embodiment 39. The system of any one of embodiments 21 to 38 and embodiment 40, wherein the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and the controller is configured to cause the flow generator to pulse the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element whenever the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0171] Embodiment 40. The system of any one of embodiments 21-39, wherein the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and the controller is configured to cause the flow generator to temporarily reverse the flow direction once the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0172] Embodiment 41. Flowing a fluid through an element inlet and an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separator element at a constant flow rate, wherein the separator element comprises a plurality of microfluidic channels arranged in parallel; Measuring flow characteristics between the element inlet and the element outlet; and Providing a first alert as soon as the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold. A method comprising:

[0173]

[0046] Embodiment 42. The method of any one of embodiments 41 and embodiments 43-51, further comprising calculating the number of microfluidic channels that are blocked and communicating the number of blocked channels via a user interface.

[0174] Embodiment 43. The method of any one of embodiments 41 or 42 and embodiments 44 to 51, wherein measuring the flow characteristics comprises measuring a pressure at an element inlet and measuring a pressure at an element outlet.

[0175] Embodiment 44. The method of any one of embodiments 41-43 and embodiments 45-51, wherein flowing the fluid through the element inlet and the element outlet comprises pumping the fluid using a pump.

[0176] Embodiment 45. The method of any one of embodiments 41-44 and embodiments 46-51, wherein a pressure-driven flow control device flows the fluid through the element inlet and the element outlet.

[0177] Embodiment 46. The method of any one of embodiments 41-45 and embodiments 47-51, wherein measuring the flow characteristics comprises measuring a pressure at an inlet of the element and measuring a pressure at a low particle concentration port at an outlet of the element.

[0178] Embodiment 47. The method of any one of embodiments 41-46 and embodiments 48-51, wherein measuring the flow characteristics comprises measuring a pressure at an inlet of the element and measuring a pressure at a high particle concentration port at an outlet of the element.

[0179]

[0036] Embodiment 48. The method of any one of embodiments 41-47 and embodiments 49-51, further comprising providing a second alert upon the pressure differential exceeding a second threshold.

[0180]

[0046] Embodiment 49. The method of any one of embodiments 41-48 and embodiment 50 or 51, further comprising providing a third alert upon the pressure differential exceeding a third threshold.

[0181]

[0023] Embodiment 50. The method of any one of embodiments 41-49 and embodiment 51, wherein the first alert provides notification of a predicted remaining operating time before recommended maintenance.

[0182] Embodiment 51. The method of any one of embodiments 41-50, further comprising calculating a channel blockage rate during an operation period of the hydrodynamic separator element, and calculating a predicted remaining operation time based on the channel blockage rate.

[0183] Embodiment 52. A hydrodynamic separator element comprising: an element inlet and an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet; and A plurality of curved microfluidic channels arranged to operate in parallel, each microfluidic channel comprising: a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet; and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second element outlet; a plurality of curved microfluidic channels defining a An obstacle in selectively blocking communication with one or more of the microfluidic channels A hydrodynamic separator element defining Including, the system.

[0184] Embodiment 53. The system of any one of embodiments 52 and 54-70, further comprising a first outlet flow path upstream of the first element outlet, wherein each first channel outlet extends to the first outlet flow path, and wherein the obstruction comprises a barrier disposed within the first outlet flow path, wherein the barrier is configured to selectively block at least a portion of the plurality of first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path.

[0185] Embodiment 54. The system of any one of embodiments 52 or 53 and embodiments 55-70, wherein the barrier is configured to selectively block a portion of the plurality of first channel outlets while leaving at least one first channel outlet unblocked.

[0186]

[0046] Embodiment 55. The system of any one of embodiments 52-54 and embodiments 56-70, wherein the barrier is configured to selectively block all of the plurality of first channel outlets simultaneously.

[0187] Embodiment 56. The system of any one of embodiments 52-55 and embodiments 57-70, wherein the barrier is a mechanical component slidably disposed in the first outlet flow path, and a length of the barrier is longer than a distance between two consecutive channel outlets along the first outlet flow path, whereby the barrier is configured to block at least two consecutive first channel outlets.

[0188] Embodiment 57. The system of any one of embodiments 52-56 and embodiments 58-70, wherein the length of the barrier is greater than a distance spanning at least 10 consecutive first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path.

[0189] Embodiment 58. The system of any one of embodiments 52-57 and embodiments 59-70, wherein the barrier comprises a plurality of valves each in selectively blocking communication with a corresponding microfluidic channel.

[0190]

[0046] Embodiment 59. The system of any one of embodiments 52-58 and embodiments 60-70, further comprising a flow characteristic sensor in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet, the flow characteristic sensor configured to sense a flow characteristic that is outside the first threshold.

[0191] Embodiment 60. The system of any one of embodiments 52-59 and embodiments 61-70, wherein the flow characteristic sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0192] Embodiment 61. The system of any one of embodiments 52-60 and embodiments 62-70, wherein the flow characteristic sensor is a flow meter.

[0193] Embodiment 62. The system of any one of embodiments 52-61 and embodiments 63-70, wherein the flow characteristics sensor comprises a particle sensor.

[0194] Embodiment 63. The system of any one of embodiments 52 to 62 and embodiments 64 to 70, wherein the flow characteristic sensor comprises at least one sensor from the group consisting of: an optical sensor and an electrical characteristic sensor.

[0195] Embodiment 64. The system of any one of embodiments 52-63 and embodiments 65-70, wherein the flow characteristic is at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: turbidity, particle count, particle aggregation, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties.

[0196]

[0046] Embodiment 65. The system of any one of embodiments 52-64 and embodiments 66-70, further comprising a controller in data communication with the flow characteristic sensor, the controller configured to provide a first output whenever the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0197]

[0023] Embodiment 66. The system of any one of embodiments 52-65 and embodiments 67-70, wherein the first output is an alert.

[0198]

[0036] Embodiment 67. The system of any one of embodiments 52-66 and embodiments 68-70, wherein the controller is configured to provide a second alert upon the flow characteristic exceeding a second threshold.

[0199]

[0046] Embodiment 68. The system of any one of embodiments 52 to 67 and embodiments 69 or 70, wherein the controller is configured to engage the obstacle.

[0200] Embodiment 69. The system of any one of embodiments 52-68 and embodiment 70, wherein the obstruction comprises a valve in selectively blocking communication with the second element outlet.

[0201] Embodiment 70. The system of any one of embodiments 52-69, wherein the obstruction comprises a valve in selectively blocking communication with the first element outlet.

[0202] Embodiment 71. A hydrodynamic separator element comprising: Element entrance, an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet; a second outlet flow path upstream of the second element outlet; and A plurality of curved microfluidic channels arranged to operate in parallel, each microfluidic channel comprising: a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet, and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second outlet flow path; A plurality of curved microfluidic channels defining a hydrodynamic separator element defining; a first flow generator in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, the first flow generator configured to generate a fluid flow from the element inlet to the element outlet at a first flow rate; a maintenance system in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic separator element, the maintenance system configured to modify a fluid flow through the separator element; and A controller in operative communication with the maintenance system, the controller configured to selectively engage and disengage the maintenance system. Including, the system.

[0203]

[0046] Embodiment 72. The system of any one of embodiments 71 and 73-91, wherein the maintenance system includes a valve in selectively blocking communication with the second element outlet, and the controller is in operative communication with the valve.

[0204] Embodiment 73. The system of any one of embodiments 71 or 72 and embodiments 74 to 91, wherein the maintenance system includes a first flow generator, and the controller is configured to modify a flow rate of the fluid by the first flow generator.

[0205]

[0046] Embodiment 74. The system of any one of embodiments 71-73 and embodiments 75-91, wherein the controller is configured to reverse the fluid flow by the first flow generator.

[0206] Embodiment 75. The system of any one of embodiments 71-74 and embodiments 76-91, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first flow generator to pulse the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element.

[0207] Embodiment 76. The system according to any one of embodiments 71-75 and embodiments 77-91, wherein the maintenance system includes a second flow generator in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, and the controller is in operative communication with the first flow generator and the second flow generator, and the controller is configured to switch between operation of the first flow generator and operation of the second flow generator.

[0208]

[0046] Embodiment 77. The system of any one of embodiments 71-76 and embodiments 78-91, wherein the controller is configured to engage the maintenance system periodically as required.

[0209] Embodiment 78. The system of any one of embodiments 71-77 and embodiments 79-91, wherein the routinely periodic is at least once every 48 hours.

[0210]

[0046] Embodiment 79. The system of any one of embodiments 71-78 and embodiments 80-91, further comprising a flow characteristic sensor in sensing communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, the flow characteristic sensor in data communication with the controller and configured to sense the flow characteristic, and the flow controller configured to receive the flow characteristic and engage the maintenance system when the flow characteristic is outside a threshold.

[0211] Embodiment 80. The system of any one of embodiments 71-79 and embodiments 81-91, wherein the flow characteristic sensor includes a pressure sensor in sensing communication with the element inlet and the element outlet, and the flow characteristic is a pressure difference between the element inlet and the element outlet.

[0212] Embodiment 81. The system of any one of embodiments 71-80 and embodiments 82-91, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet, and the low particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the second element outlet.

[0213]

[0046] Embodiment 82. The system of any one of embodiments 71-81 and embodiments 83-91, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure difference between the element inlet and the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet, and the high particle concentration branch of the element outlet is the first element outlet.

[0214] Embodiment 83. The system of any one of embodiments 71-82 and embodiments 84-91, wherein the flow characteristic sensor comprises a flow meter, and the flow characteristic is a flow rate.

[0215] Embodiment 84. The system of any one of embodiments 71-83 and embodiments 85-91, wherein the flow characteristics sensor comprises a particle sensor.

[0216] Embodiment 85. The system according to any one of embodiments 71 to 84 and embodiments 86 to 91, wherein the flow characteristic sensor comprises at least one sensor from the group consisting of: an optical sensor and an electrical characteristic sensor.

[0217] Embodiment 86. The system of any one of embodiments 71-85 and embodiments 87-91, wherein the flow characteristic is at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: turbidity, particle count, particle aggregation, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties.

[0218] Embodiment 87. The system of any one of embodiments 71-86 and embodiments 88-91, further comprising a pressure-driven flow control device in fluid communication with the element inlet.

[0219]

[0046] Embodiment 88. The system of any one of embodiments 71-87 and embodiments 89-91, wherein the maintenance systems are in fluid communication with the individual microfluidic channels in turn, and the controller is configured to selectively switch the maintenance systems between the individual microfluidic channels.

[0220] Embodiment 89. The system of any one of embodiments 71-88 and embodiment 90 or 91, further comprising a first outlet flow path upstream of the first element outlet, each first channel outlet extending to the first outlet flow path, and the maintenance system comprising a barrier disposed in the first outlet flow path, the barrier configured to selectively block a plurality of first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path.

[0221] Embodiment 90. The system of any one of embodiments 71 to 89 and embodiment 91, wherein the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and the controller is configured to cause the flow generator to pulse the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element whenever the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0222] Embodiment 91. The system of any one of embodiments 71-90, wherein the controller is in operative communication with the flow generator, and the controller is configured to cause the flow generator to temporarily reverse the flow direction once the flow characteristic falls outside a first threshold.

[0223]

[0081] Embodiment 92. Generating a fluid flow from an element inlet to an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separator element at a constant flow rate for a first period of time, wherein the separator element includes a plurality of microfluidic channels arranged in parallel; and performing, by the controller, a maintenance operation including modifying fluid flow through the separator element during a second period of time, wherein the first period of time is greater than the second period of time. A method comprising:

[0224]

[0046] Embodiment 93. The method of any one of embodiments 92 and 94-101, wherein modifying the fluid flow comprises engaging a valve in selectively blocking communication with the element outlet.

[0225] Embodiment 94. The method of any one of embodiments 92 or 93 and embodiments 95-101, wherein modifying the fluid flow comprises modifying a flow rate of the fluid through the separator element.

[0226]

[0046] Embodiment 95. The method of any one of embodiments 92-94 and embodiments 96-101, wherein modifying the flow rate of the fluid comprises reversing a flow direction of the fluid from the element outlet to the element inlet.

[0227] Embodiment 96. The method of any one of embodiments 92-95 and embodiments 97-101, wherein modifying the fluid flow comprises pulsing the fluid through the hydrodynamic separator element.

[0228] Embodiment 97. The method of any one of embodiments 92-96 and embodiments 98-101, wherein the fluid is a first fluid and modifying the fluid flow comprises stopping the flow of the first fluid and flowing a second fluid through the plurality of microfluidic channels.

[0229] Embodiment 98. The method of any one of embodiments 92 to 97 and embodiments 99 to 101, wherein modifying the fluid flow occurs periodically as required.

[0230] Embodiment 99. The method of any one of embodiments 92 to 98 and embodiments 100 or 101, wherein the routinely periodic is at least once every 48 hours.

[0231] Embodiment 100. Additionally: sensing the flow characteristics with a flow characteristic sensor in sensing communication with the hydrodynamic separator element; and sending the flow characteristic to a controller, wherein modifying the fluid flow through the separator element is performed if the flow characteristic is outside a threshold value. The method according to any one of embodiments 92 to 99 and embodiment 101, comprising:

[0232] Embodiment 101. The method of any one of embodiments 92-100, wherein modifying the fluid flow alternates between microfluidic channels.

[0233] It should also be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the phrase "configured" describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration. The word "configured" may be used interchangeably with similar words, such as "deployed," "built," "manufactured," etc.

[0234] All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this technology pertains.All publications and patent applications are incorporated by reference into this specification to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.In the event of any inconsistency between the disclosure of this application and the disclosure of one or more of any documents incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of this application shall control.

[0235] This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is illustrative and not limiting, and that the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments as described herein.

Claims

1. 1. A hydrodynamic separator element comprising: Element entrance, an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet; a second outlet flow path upstream of the second element outlet; and A plurality of curved microfluidic channels arranged to operate in parallel, each microfluidic channel comprising: a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet; and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second outlet flow path; A plurality of curved microfluidic channels defining a hydrodynamic separator element defining a first flow generator in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, the first flow generator configured to generate a fluid flow from the element inlet to the element outlet at a first flow rate; a maintenance system in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic separator element, the maintenance system being configured to modify the fluid flow through the separator element; and a controller in operative communication with the maintenance system, the controller being configured to selectively engage and disengage the maintenance system; Including, the system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the maintenance system includes a valve in selectively blocking communication with the second element outlet, the controller being in operative communication with the valve.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintenance system includes the first flow generator, and the controller is configured to modify a flow rate of the fluid by the first flow generator.

4. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintenance system includes a second flow generator in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, and the controller is in operative communication with the first flow generator and the second flow generator, and the controller is configured to switch between operation of the first flow generator and operation of the second flow generator.

5. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a flow characteristic sensor in sensing and communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels, the flow characteristic sensor in data communication with the controller and configured to sense flow characteristics, and the controller configured to receive the flow characteristics and engage the maintenance system when the flow characteristics are outside a threshold.

6. A system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow characteristic sensor includes a pressure sensor sensing and communicating with the element inlet and the element outlet, and the flow characteristic is the pressure difference between the element inlet and the element outlet.

7. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow characteristic is at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: turbidity, particle count, particle aggregation, pH, resistance, conductance, capacitance, and dielectric properties.

8. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first outlet flow path upstream of the first element outlet, wherein each first channel outlet extends to the first outlet flow path, and the maintenance system comprises a barrier disposed within the first outlet flow path, wherein the barrier is configured to selectively block a plurality of first channel outlets along the first outlet flow path.

9. A method for producing a fluid flow from an element inlet to an element outlet of a hydrodynamic separator element at a constant flow rate for a first time period, wherein the separator element includes a plurality of microfluidic channels arranged in parallel; and performing a maintenance operation by a controller, the maintenance operation including modifying the fluid flow through the separator element during a second period of time, wherein the first period of time is greater than the second period of time. A method comprising:

10. A hydrodynamic separator element comprising: an element inlet and an element outlet having a first element outlet and a second element outlet; and A plurality of curved microfluidic channels arranged to operate in parallel, each microfluidic channel comprising: a channel inlet downstream of the element inlet; and a channel outlet having a first channel outlet upstream of the first element outlet and a second channel outlet upstream of the second element outlet; a plurality of curved microfluidic channels defining a an obstacle in selectively blocking communication with one or more of said microfluidic channels; A hydrodynamic separator element defining Including, the system.

Images