Amplified electrokinetic fluid pumping switching and desalting
US8834696B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/70
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof for desalting a solution. The methods, inter-alia, make use of a device comprising microchannels, which are linked to conduits, whereby induction of an electric field in the conduit results in the formation of a space charge layer within the microchannel. The space charge layer provides an energy barrier for salt ions and generates an ion depletion zone proximal to the linkage region between the microchannel and the conduit. The method thus enables the removal of salt ions from the region proximal to the conduit and their accumulation in a region distant from the conduit, within the microchannel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.