Patent ID: 8991614
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: B01D,B01L,G01N

Abstract:
1. An ultrasonic microfluidic method for separating small particles from large particles contained in a sample fluid, comprising the steps of: providing a sample channel for channeling the sample fluid containing the small particles and the large particles; routing a recovery fluid channel to flow recovery fluid substantially parallel and adjacent said sample fluid, wherein said recovery fluid contacts the sample fluid thereby creating a separation channel; locating an acoustic extension structure proximate said separation channel, wherein said step of locating an acoustic extension unit proximate said sample channel and said recovery fluid channel comprises locating a bypass fluid channel containing bypass fluid substantially parallel and adjacent said recovery fluid channel and locating an acoustically transparent wall between said bypass channel and said recovery fluid channel wherein said step of locating an acoustic extension unit proximate said sample channel and said recovery fluid channel comprises locating a gel unit proximate said sample channel and said recovery channel positioning said at least one acoustic node off center in said acoustic area concentrating the large particles in said recovery fluid channel; and using an acoustic transducer for producing an ultrasound standing wave that generates a pressure field having at least one node of minimum pressure amplitude, said pressure field encompassing said separation channel, and said acoustic extension structure; wherein said acoustic transducer positions at least one acoustic node off center in said separation channel concentrating the large particles in said recovery fluid stream.