Acoustic Particle Separation System for Fluid Fractionation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fluid fractionation, such as filtration and centrifugation, are inefficient, costly, and can damage cells due to mechanical forces, and existing acoustophoretic systems do not achieve 100% separation of whole blood components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two containers and transfer devices with acoustic wave generators that selectively guide particles to outlets based on acoustic wave wavelength and geometry, maintaining constant fluid volumes to achieve efficient fractionation, enrichment, or depletion of fluid components without mechanical forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If filtration or centrifugation is used to separate whole blood components, then separation efficiency is improved, but cell damage increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical separation methods (filtration, centrifugation) with acoustophoresis, using acoustic radiation pressure to separate blood components. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed rotation and mechanical filtration, thereby preventing cell damage while maintaining separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for separation from mechanical force to acoustic field parameters (frequency, pressure nodes). By adjusting acoustic frequency and chamber geometry, the system achieves effective separation without the harmful mechanical stresses of traditional methods
2Speed
If centrifugation is used to separate whole blood components, then separation speed is improved, but equipment complexity and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical centrifugation equipment with a simpler acoustophoresis system using acoustic wave generators and resonant chambers. The separation occurs through acoustic field manipulation rather than mechanical rotation, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining rapid separation
3Productivity
If multiple blood bags in series are used for acoustophoretic separation, then separation capability is improved, but system complexity increases and 100% separation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the separation process into parallel independent channels, each with its own acoustic chamber optimized for specific particle sizes. This segmentation allows simultaneous separation of different blood components (platelets, red cells, white cells) in a single pass, achieving 100% separation without requiring multiple sequential stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential series processing to parallel processing by creating multiple acoustic pressure node positions within single chambers. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous separation of multiple particle populations, achieving complete separation while reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient, cost-effective, and non-damaging separation of fluid components by maintaining constant fluid volumes and using acoustic forces, achieving high purity levels without the need for mechanical forces or extensive equipment cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic field is generated within said channel. This enables the creation of acoustic pressure nodes in the channel. The whole blood components migrate to the sound pressure nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for changing a concentration of at least one group of particles in a fluid, which includes a first container and a second container; a first transfer device and a second transfer device, and an element for keeping the volume of fluid in the first and second containers constant. The first container is fluidly connected to an inlet of the first transfer device, and the second container is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second transfer device. The first and second transfer devices include a chamber associated with at least one acoustic wave generator for generating acoustic waves within the chamber; at least two outlets including a first outlet for fluid enriched with the particles and a second outlet for fluid depleted of the particles; the first outlet being fluidly connected to the first container and the second outlet being fluidly connected to the second container.