Method and apparatus for acoustically driven media filtration
US6221258A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D24/4853
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for acoustically enhanced particle separation uses a chamber through which flows a fluid containing particles to be separated. A porous medium is disposed within the chamber. A transducer mounted on one wall of the chamber is powered to impose on the porous medium an acoustic field that is resonant to the chamber when filled with the fluid. Under the influence of the resonant acoustic field, the porous medium is able to trap particles substantially smaller than the average pore size of the medium. When the acoustic field is deactivated, the flowing fluid flushes the trapped particles from the porous medium and regenerates the medium. A collection circuit for harvesting the particles flushed from the porous medium is disclosed. Aluminum mesh, polyester foam, and unconsolidated glass beads are disclosed as porous media.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.