Micro-channel chemical concentrator
US7220388B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25875
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and method for increasing the concentration of a chemical substance in a fluid comprise a micro-fluidic elongated channel formed in a substrate, with the channel being in fluid-flow communication with an ambient region along its elongated dimension. In general, the fluid includes first and second chemical substances having different vapor pressures. The apparatus includes an evaporation controller for increasing the evaporation rate of the fluid from the channel into the ambient region, thereby increasing the concentration of the higher vapor pressure (HVP) substance in the portion of the fluid remaining in the channel and increasing the concentration of the lower vapor pressure (LVP) substance in the portion of the fluid evaporated into the ambient region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.