Method and device for separating immiscible liquids to effectively isolate at least one of the liquids
US10118173B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/6806
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Method that includes providing a phase-separation device having a porous membrane with a filter surface. The filter surface has a non-planar contour that forms a receiving cavity. The method also includes providing a liquid mixture into the receiving cavity of the porous membrane. The liquid mixture includes a polar liquid and a non-polar liquid that are immiscible with respect to each other. The filter surface along the receiving cavity has a surface energy that impedes flow of the polar liquid through the filter surface and permit flow of the non-polar liquid into the porous membrane. The method also includes permitting the non-polar liquid to flow into the porous membrane. The polar liquid forms a droplet within the receiving cavity as the non-polar liquid flows into the porous membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.