Patent ID: 6432630
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: B01D,B01J,B01L,B03C,G01N

Abstract:
A micro flow system for separating particles, comprising a member havinga flow channel defined therein for guiding a flow of a fluid containing the particles through the flow channel, the flow channel having an inlet end and an outlet end, the particles remaining in the flow channel for a time, and the particles flowing in a path through the channel at a fluid flow rate, the path of flow having a width and a position, first inlet means positioned at the inlet end of the flow channel for entering the fluid into the flow channel, second inlet means for entering a first guiding buffer for controlling cross-section and flow path through the flow channel of the flow of the fluid containing particles, the first guiding buffer having a flow rate, first outlet means positioned at the outlet of the flow channel for discharging the fluid from the flow channel, the flow of the fluid containing the particles being controlled in such a way that one particle at a time passes a cross-section of the flow channel, the member being positioned in a field that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow channel so that particles residing in the flow channel and being susceptible to the field across the flow channel are deflected into the first guiding buffer toward the field.