Ultrasonic Transducer Acoustophoretic Particle Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation technologies for multi-component liquid streams are inefficient, generate waste, and require high energy, making them unsustainable and costly, especially for separating particles of varying sizes, including micron and sub-micron particles.
Innovation Solution
The development of large volume flow rate acoustophoretic phase separators using ultrasonic standing waves, which create a three-dimensional acoustic radiation force to trap and separate particles, eliminating the need for consumables and reducing energy costs by employing ceramic crystal transducers driven by oscillating voltage signals to produce higher order modes of vibration.
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 (such as filters, centrifuges, or membrane systems) with an acoustic field-based separation mechanism. Ultrasonic standing waves create acoustic radiation forces that manipulate particles and droplets in the liquid stream, enabling separation without mechanical contact or consumable materials, thereby eliminating waste and reducing energy consumption while maintaining high separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in acoustic field parameters (frequency, intensity, and standing wave patterns) to optimize separation performance. By adjusting the ultrasonic frequency and acoustic pressure distribution, the system can selectively separate particles of different sizes and densities, achieving high separation efficiency with low energy input compared to conventional methods
2Loss of substance
If conventional separation technologies are used, then separation can be achieved, but consumables are required and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic separation system is self-sustaining and does not require external consumables such as filters, membranes, or chemical agents. The ultrasonic standing waves continuously operate without depleting any materials, and the separation process naturally concentrates separated components in collection pockets without generating waste streams, achieving both zero waste and high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical filtration or chemical separation methods with acoustic field manipulation, the system eliminates the need for consumable materials that would otherwise be required for separation, thereby preventing waste generation while maintaining effective separation performance
3Productivity
If ultrasonic transducers operate in higher order modes of vibration, then separation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in specific patterns within the flow chamber, with each transducer contributing to creating distinct standing wave patterns. This segmentation of the acoustic field generation into multiple independent transducer elements allows for complex separation capabilities while maintaining manageable system architecture and control
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducers are designed to operate in multiple vibration modes (higher order modes) that can be selectively activated, allowing a single transducer system to perform multiple separation functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate systems for different separation tasks, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high separation efficiency
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 high separation efficiency for particles as small as one micron, making it suitable for applications in energy generation, biofuels, and water treatment, while reducing operational and capital expenses.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic transducer embedded in a wall of the flow chamber or located outside the flow chamber wall is driven by an oscillating, periodic, or pulsed voltage signal of ultrasonic frequencies which drives the transducer in a higher order mode of vibration
Implementation Method 2
high intensity standing waves of sound can exert forces on particles. A standing wave has a pressure profile which appears to stand still in time. The pressure profile in a standing wave varies from areas of high pressure (nodes) to areas of low pressure (anti-nodes)
Implementation Method 3
The transducer includes a ceramic crystal
Data Source
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.