Acoustophoretic Phase Separator for Particle Trapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation technologies for multi-component liquid streams are inefficient in eliminating waste and reducing energy consumption, particularly in large-scale applications, and struggle with separating small particles and droplets effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of large volume flow rate acoustophoretic phase separator technology using ultrasonic standing waves, which creates a three-dimensional acoustic radiation force to trap and separate particles and droplets, eliminating the need for consumables and reducing energy costs, while operating at high flow rates and varying particle sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional separation technologies are used for multi-component liquid streams, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation systems (centrifuges, filters, membranes) with an acoustophoretic system that uses ultrasonic standing waves to generate acoustic radiation forces. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts and high energy consumption associated with traditional separation technologies while achieving effective particle and droplet separation through acoustic field manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in acoustic field parameters (frequency, amplitude, standing wave patterns) to control the separation process. By adjusting the ultrasonic frequency and power, the acoustic radiation force can be optimized to separate particles of different sizes and densities, enabling efficient separation with low energy consumption and no waste generation
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional separation technologies are used, then separation can be performed, but small particles and droplets cannot be separated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultrasonic vibration at high frequencies to generate acoustic radiation forces that act on particles and droplets. The standing wave pattern created by the ultrasonic transducer produces nodes and anti-nodes that selectively trap and separate particles based on their size, density, and compressibility, enabling precise separation of small particles that conventional methods cannot effectively separate
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer operates in periodic cycles, creating standing waves that oscillate at ultrasonic frequencies. This periodic action generates time-averaged acoustic radiation forces that continuously push particles toward specific regions (nodes or anti-nodes) of the acoustic field, enabling effective separation of small particles and droplets through repeated cyclic forcing
3Object-generated harmful factors
If acoustophoretic separation is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced and no waste is generated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustophoretic separation device serves multiple functions: it separates particles and droplets of various sizes, operates with different fluid compositions, and can be configured for different separation modes (node-based or anti-node-based trapping). This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate separation systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity and waste generation across different application scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic field automatically adjusts particle separation based on their inherent properties (density, compressibility, size) without requiring external control mechanisms for each particle type. The standing wave pattern self-organizes to create trapping regions that naturally sort particles, eliminating the need for complex control systems and reducing device complexity while achieving waste-free separation
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
This technology achieves efficient particle separation with low energy consumption, no waste generation, and effective trapping of particles as small as one micron, enhancing separation efficiencies in applications like biofuel production and water treatment, while reducing operational and capital expenses.
Implementation Method 1
driven by an oscillating, periodic, or pulsed voltage signal of ultrasonic frequencies which drives the transducer in a higher order mode of vibration to create standing waves in the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
creates a three-dimensional acoustic radiation force to trap and separate particles and droplets
Implementation Method 3
The transducer includes a ceramic crystal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
A system having improved trapping force for acoustophoresis is described where the trapping force is improved by manipulation of the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. The transducer includes a ceramic crystal. The crystal may be directly exposed to fluid flow. The crystal may be air backed, resulting in a higher Q factor.