Macro-Scale Acoustophoretic Device With 3D Standing Wave
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustophoresis devices face limitations in scalability, fluid flow rates, heat generation, and the inability to continuously separate particles due to reliance on planar acoustic standing waves and inefficient fluid dynamics at the macro-scale.
Innovation Solution
The development of macro-scale acoustophoretic devices with improved fluid dynamics, featuring a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave generated by an ultrasonic transducer and reflector, which includes a dump diffuser for uniform flow and angled structures for enhanced separation efficiency, allowing for continuous operation and higher flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If planar acoustic standing waves are used for particle separation, then separation can be achieved, but continuous operation is not possible and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar (2D) acoustic standing waves to three-dimensional acoustic standing waves by introducing a third ultrasonic transducer oriented perpendicular to the plane of the first two transducers. This 3D configuration creates multiple acoustic nodes and anti-nodes in three dimensions, enabling continuous particle trapping and separation while reducing the total power required compared to maintaining a single planar wave for extended operation.
2Productivity
If conventional acoustophoresis devices are used, then particle separation can be achieved, but scalability is limited and flow rates are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic separation function into multiple independent ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in a modular configuration. Each transducer can be independently controlled and optimized for specific particle size ranges, allowing the system to be scaled by adding or removing transducer elements without redesigning the entire device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing a third dimension to the acoustic wave configuration through the additional ultrasonic transducer, the system creates a three-dimensional acoustic field that can handle higher flow rates while maintaining separation efficiency. This dimensional expansion allows for larger chamber volumes and improved scalability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If high intensity acoustic waves are used for separation, then particles can be trapped effectively, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional acoustic standing wave configuration distributes the acoustic energy more effectively throughout the separation chamber compared to planar waves. This spatial distribution reduces the concentration of energy (and associated heat) at any single location, allowing for effective particle trapping across the entire chamber volume while minimizing localized heat generation that would require cooling interventions.
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
These devices achieve high separation efficiencies of up to 90% for cell concentrations, enabling continuous particle separation and collection with reduced energy costs and improved scalability compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transducer coupled to the acoustic chamber, the at least one ultrasonic transducer including a piezoelectric material configured to be driven by a voltage signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber
Implementation Method 2
high intensity standing waves of sound can exert forces on particles in a fluid when there is a differential in both density and/or compressibility, otherwise known as the acoustic contrast factor
Implementation Method 3
the at least one ultrasonic transducer including a piezoelectric material configured to be driven by a voltage signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave
Implementation Method 4
a reflector across the acoustic chamber from the at least one ultrasonic transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for separating a host fluid from a second fluid or particulate are disclosed. The devices include an acoustic chamber, a fluid outlet at a top end of the acoustic chamber, a concentrate outlet at a bottom end of the acoustic chamber, and an inlet on a first side end of the acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer and reflector create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that traps and separates particulates (e.g. cells) from a host fluid. The host fluid is collected via the fluid outlet, and the particulates are collected via the concentrate outlet. The device is a large-scale device that is able to process liters/hour, and has a large interior volume.