Patent ID: 8408399
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: B01L,B03B,B07C,F15C,F16K,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of sorting small particles, the method comprising: providing a plurality of substantially parallel closed ducts each having an inlet and a fork at which the respective duct separates into two branch ducts; conducting a stream of liquid into each duct inlet with a stream of particles suspended therein, the particle stream normally flowing through a respective first one of the branch ducts; surrounding the stream of liquid in each of the plurality of ducts with a particle free enveloping current of liquid to produce substantially laminar flow; providing a measurement station along each respective closed duct upstream of the fork for sensing a predetermined property of particles in the stream and for producing a signal when the property is sensed; providing an actuator associated with each of the closed ducts for applying a pressure to the liquid; and providing means for buffering pressure variations in the liquid in each of the plurality of ducts, the pressure buffering means co-operating with the respective actuator to result in a momentary deflection of a specific particle having the predetermined property in the liquid streaming through the respective duct substantially perpendicular to the normal direction of flow from the point where the pressure is applied towards the point where the pressure is buffered, causing the specific particle having the predetermined property to flow into the respective second branch duct without eliminating the laminar flow.