Abstract:
This invention describes gas-solid, liquid-solid and gas-solid-liquid processes in microchannels devices including such processes as heterogeneous catalysis, particle formation, particle attrition, particle separation and adsorption or desorption of selected species. Various processes can be enhanced by the unique properties of microchannels such as the predominance of laminar flow, high rates of shear, high rates of heat transfer and high rates of mass transfer. Also encompassed by this invention are methods for the introduction to and removal from microchannels of particle containing fluid streams.
Abstract:
A fluid-contactor includes a rotatable platform arranged to rotate about a predetermined axis. The platform has a channel extending generally in a spiral about the axis. The channel has at least a first aperture for the output of a first fluid, and at least a second aperture distant from the axis for the output of a second, more dense, fluid. The platform is arranged to rotate at an angular velocity sufficient to move second fluid within the channel towards the second aperture.
Abstract:
A micro-component (1) useful as a heat exchanger, vaporizer, or chemical reaction chamber comprising a separator (7) forming on opposite sides thereof adjacent and longitudinally extending micro-channels (A1, A2 An; B1, B2 n) for laminar fluid flow, the separator (7) being a middle element in a sealed enclosure (3, 5, 6, 9) having inlet (61) and outlet (62) opening transverse to the channels allowing the flow of fluid through the channels.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung beinhaltet eine Vorrichtung, die zur Gas- bzw. Flüssigkeitsabscheidung aus microfluidischen Durchflusssystemen verwendet wird. Die Gas- bzw. Flüssigkeitsabscheidung erfolgt unabhängig von der räumlichen Lage der Vorrichtung. Weiterhin liegt der Erfindung ein microfluidisches Durchflusssystem zugrunde, in dem eine erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung einen blasenfreien Fluidtransport ermöglicht.
Abstract:
A micro-component (1) useful as a heat exchanger, vaporizer, or chemical reaction chamber comprising a separator (7) forming on opposite sides thereof adjacent and longitudinally extending micro-channels (A1, A2, A3 ... AN) for laminar fluid flow, the separator (7) being a middle element in a sealed enclosure (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9) having inlet (61) and outlet (62) openings transverse to the channels (A1, A2, A3 ... AN) allowing the flow of fluid through the channels (A1, A2, A3 ... AN).
Abstract:
The present invention is a fundamental method and apparatus of a microcomponent assembly that overcomes the inherent limitations of state of the art chemical separations. The fundamental element enabling miniaturization is the porous contactor (200) contained within a microcomponent assembly for mass transfer of a working compound from a first medium to a second medium. The porous contactor (200) has a thickness, and a plurality of pores extending through the thickness. The pores are of a geometry cooperating with a boundary tension of one or the other or both of the media thereby preventing migration of one, other or both through the microporous contactor while permitting passage of the working compound. In the microcomponent assembly, the porous contactor (200) is placed between a first laminate (208) such that a first space or first microplenum is formed between the microporous contactor (200) and the first laminate (208). Additionally, a cover sheet (206) provides a second space or second plenum between the porous contactor and the cover sheet.
Abstract:
The present invention is generally directed to methods, apparatus and systems for use in performing in situ dilution or concentration of a particular subject material in a microfluidic device or system. These methods and apparatus may generally be integrated with other microfluidic operations and/or systems, to perform a number of different manipulations, wherein dilution or concentration, carried out within the context of the microfluidic device or system, is just one part.
Abstract:
This invention provides a microfabricated extraction system and methods for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing desired and undesired particles. The sample stream is placed in laminar flow contact with an extraction stream under conditions in which inertial effects are negligible. The contact between the two streams is maintained for a sufficient period of time to allow differential transport of the desired particles from the sample stream into the extraction stream. In a preferred embodiment the differential transport mechanism is diffusion. The extraction system of this invention coupled to a microfabricated diffusion-based mixing device and/or sensing means allows picoliter quantities of fluid to be processed or analyzed on devices no larger than silicon wafers.
Abstract:
The description relates to a process for separating mixtures of microscopically small dielectric particles in suspension and a device for implementing the process. Prior art separation processes separate particle mixtures according to the differing mobilities of their components. This requires extensive measures to suppress convection in the suspension. In the process of the invention, the particle mixture is forced onto tracks by dielectrophoretic forces or by the flow of the suspension medium. An additional force which, for specific particle types, offsets the force driving the particles onto tracks, separates particles of these types out of the mixture. The device for implementing the process is suitable for system integration. It can be integrated on surfaces of silicon wafers economically and in large numbers. The device is suitable for isolating small particles like biological cells, cell organella, bio-molecules and organic dielectric particles.