Ultrasonic Flow Chamber for High-Volume Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating solids, microorganisms, and oils from water are costly and time-consuming, especially when dealing with high volumes, and lack efficiency in selective particle removal.
Innovation Solution
A flow chamber with ultrasonic transducers generating standing acoustic waves at specific frequencies optimizes the separation of particles based on density and size, using a multi-phase water inlet, water outlet, solids outlet, and low-density outlet to efficiently trap and concentrate particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional separation methods are used to remove solids, microorganisms, and oils from water, then separation can be achieved, but the process is costly and time-consuming especially for high volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to generate acoustic standing waves in the flow chamber. These standing waves create acoustic radiation forces that rapidly trap and concentrate particles at specific locations, enabling fast separation of solids, microorganisms, and oils from water without the slow processes of conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution of particles by utilizing acoustic radiation forces generated through ultrasonic vibration. By adjusting ultrasonic frequency and amplitude, particles are manipulated to concentrate at pressure nodes or antinodes, achieving rapid separation based on particle properties rather than slow gravitational settling or filtration
2Productivity
If conventional separation methods are used, then particle removal can be achieved, but accurate removal is costly especially when high volumes of water are being treated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems (such as filters, centrifuges, or flotation devices) with an acoustic field-based separation approach. Ultrasonic transducers generate standing waves that create acoustic radiation forces to separate particles, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical components while maintaining high processing volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the particles and the separation process. The ultrasonic standing waves act as a mediator that exerts acoustic radiation forces on particles, enabling separation based on particle properties without direct mechanical contact or complex equipment
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional separation methods are used, then particles can be removed from water, but the process lacks efficiency in selective particle removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates regions of different acoustic pressure (nodes and antinodes) within the flow chamber where particles are selectively trapped based on their local acoustic properties. By positioning collection outlets at specific locations corresponding to pressure nodes or antinodes, the system achieves selective separation of different particle types with high precision and 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
The solution enables efficient trapping, concentrating, and separation of various suspended particles and droplets from water, achieving high concentration ratios and scalable processing of high volumes with low power consumption and no pressure drop.
Implementation Method 1
each transducer forms a standing acoustic wave at a different ultrasonic frequency
Implementation Method 2
The one or more acoustic standing waves can exert acoustic radiation force on the particulate for which the ultrasonic frequency is optimized for
Implementation Method 3
a solids outlet through which particles having a density at or above a pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber, and a low density outlet through which particles having a density below the pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A flow chamber is provided through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate. The flow chamber comprises at least one multi-phase water inlet through which multi-phase water enters the flow chamber, a water outlet through which water exits the flow chamber, a solids outlet through which particles having a density at or above a pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber, and a low density outlet through which particles having a density below the pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber. Also provided are one or more ultrasonic transducers and one or more reflectors corresponding to each transducer to acoustically filter the fluid and cause particles/fluid to be selectively diverted to one of the outlets. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.