Responsive gels and methods of use thereof
US8158002B1 · kind B1 · utility
9Cited by
20References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2325/0282
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides variable pore size filters. The variable pore size filters of the present invention comprise a fabric matrix, having a set pore size, wherein the fabric matrix is coated with a gel that expands and shrinks in response to a trigger. When the gel is expanded, the pore size of the filter is small and filtering is accomplished. When the gel is shrunken, the pore size of the filter is large and cleaning of the filter by a backwash or forward flush of fluid is accomplished.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.