Angled Acoustic Standing Wave Particle Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustophoresis devices face limitations in separating particles or cells at high flow rates and low concentrations, leading to decreased separation efficiency, and are costly and prone to clogging, particularly in industries such as food and beverage processing and water treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flow chamber with an ultrasonic transducer and reflector to create an angled acoustic standing wave oriented at an acute angle relative to the flow direction, deflecting particles without trapping them, allowing for higher flow rates and efficient separation of cells or particles by size, density, and acoustic contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional acoustophoresis devices are used to separate particles or cells, then separation can be achieved, but separation efficiency decreases at high flow rates and low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by orienting the acoustic standing wave at an acute angle (20-70 degrees) relative to the flow direction, rather than perpendicular or parallel. This angular configuration creates a three-dimensional acoustic radiation force field that effectively deflects particles from the main flow stream, enabling high flow rates while maintaining separation efficiency. The angled wave configuration allows particles to be separated in a direction component that does not directly oppose the flow, thus avoiding the efficiency loss that occurs in conventional perpendicular configurations at high flow rates.
2Reliability
If filter cartridges and filter membranes are used to filter particles from liquids, then filtration can be achieved, but devices become expensive and clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (filter cartridges and membranes) with an acoustic field-based separation system. Instead of using physical filters that can clog and become expensive, the invention uses acoustic radiation forces generated by ultrasonic transducers to deflect particles from the flow. This substitution eliminates the mechanical filtering components that are prone to clogging, reduces operational costs, and maintains reliable separation capability through non-contact acoustic forces.
3Reliability
If macro-scale acoustic separators are used, then particle separation can be achieved, but flow rates are too low to be feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the acoustic wave orientation angle (20-70 degrees) and acoustic power density to achieve effective particle deflection at high flow rates. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains separation capability while enabling flow rates suitable for industrial applications. The angled configuration allows the acoustic forces to act component-wise against the flow, reducing the total acoustic power required compared to perpendicular configurations, thus enabling higher flow rates with feasible energy input.
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 approach enables efficient separation and fractionation of particles or cells at flow rates up to 700 mL/min, reducing clogging and operational costs, and is applicable in various industries including food and beverage and water treatment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transducer located on a wall of the flow chamber, the transducer including a piezoelectric material driven by a voltage signal to create an angled acoustic standing wave in the flow chamber oriented at an acute angle relative to the direction of mean flow through the flow chamber
Implementation Method 2
By applying the acoustic standing wave to the host fluid at an angle thereto, desired deflection of the particles can be achieved
Implementation Method 3
the transducer including a piezoelectric material driven by a voltage signal to create an angled acoustic standing wave
Implementation Method 4
a reflector located on a wall on an opposite side of the flow chamber from the at least one ultrasonic transducer, and the reflector is designed and positioned to create a standing wave along the acute angle direction
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for separating materials from a host fluid are disclosed. The devices include a flow chamber, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector. The ultrasonic transducer and reflector create an angled acoustic standing wave oriented at an angle relative to the direction of mean flow through the flow chamber. The angled acoustic standing wave results in an acoustic radiation force having an axial force component that deflects the materials, so that the materials and the host fluid can thus be separated. The angled acoustic standing wave can be oriented at an angle of about 20° to about 70° relative to the direction of mean flow through the flow chamber to deflect, collect, differentiate, or fractionate the materials from the fluid flowing through the device at flow rates of about 400 mL/min up to about 700 mL/min.