Patent ID: 6805783
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: B01L,F04B,G01N

Abstract:
A method for manipulating a solution along a fluid pathway, said solution having first ions and second ions, said first ions having a first charge polarity and said second ions having a charge polarity opposite said first ions, said method comprising the steps of:providing a ferroelectric member having a surface; placing said surface of said ferroelectric member in contact with said solution; establishing a first electric field to polarize said ferroelectric member in a spontaneous poled state, and create a charge on said surface of said ferroelectric member to draw said first ions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fluid pathway, towards said surface of said ferroelectric member; and establishing a second electric field within said solution substantially parallel to the fluid pathway to create a force on said second ions in the direction of said second electric field and cause said solution to flow in the direction of said second electric field.