Precision gap particle separator

US6746503B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• William J. Benett · Livermore, US
• Robin R. Miles · Danville, US
• Leslie Malcolm Jones · Rio Vista, US
• Cheryl Stockton · Berkeley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2003
• Grant date: Jun 8, 2004
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S264/48
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A system for separating particles entrained in a fluid includes a base with a first channel and a second channel. A precision gap connects the first channel and the second channel. The precision gap is of a size that allows small particles to pass from the first channel into the second channel and prevents large particles from the first channel into the second channel. A cover is positioned over the base unit, the first channel, the precision gap, and the second channel. An port directs the fluid containing the entrained particles into the first channel. An output port directs the large particles out of the first channel. A port connected to the second channel directs the small particles out of the second channel.