Method and apparatus for efficient micropumping
US8348626B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/206
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Efficient micro-pumping of gas/liquids is provided. In one embodiment a pipeline of insulative material can be asymmetrically coated with electrodes. The asymmetric coating can affect the flow passage to create straight and swirl pumping effects. The electrodes can include electrode pairs arranged at intervals along the pipeline, each electrode pair being capable of inducing an electrohydrodynamic body force. The electrode pairs can be formed at the same surface, such as along the inner perimeter of the pipeline, and can be powered by steady, pulsed direct, or alternating current. Alternatively, the electrode pairs can be separated by the insulative material of the pipeline, and can be powered with direct or alternating current operating at radio frequency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.