Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separation of elements from a fluid using affinity-bearing particles suspended in the fluid and using ultrasonic standing waves and micro-fluidics. The method includes the steps of: mixing said fluid mixture with particles (10) having affinity to at least one element (9) to be separated; allowing the element (9) to be separated to bind to said affinity-bearing particles (10); subjecting the fluid to an ultrasonic wave field resulting in forces on the affinity-bearing particles (10) but substantially no forces on elements not bound to affinity-bearing particles; and allowing said forces to move said affinity-bearing particles (10) to a portion of the fluid thus obtaining a locally higher concentration of affinity-bearing particles. The method may be performed in a process with continuous flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for separating particles from fluids using ultrasound, laminar flow, and stationary wave effects comprising a micro-technology channel system with an integrated branching point or branching fork, and a single ultrasound source. One of the characteristics of the invention is that the single ultrasound source, which generates the standing waves, excites the complete structure including the channel system. No special reflectors or the like are needed. Extremely thin dividers can separate the flow, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the device. The device could be manufactured in silicon and the ultrasound energy could preferably be delivered by a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for separating particles from fluids using ultrasound, laminar flow, and stationary wave effects comprisinga micro-technology channel system with an integrated branching point or branching fork, and a single ultrasound source. One of the characteristics of the invention is that the single ultrasound source, which generates the standing waves, excites the complete structure including the channel system. No special reflectors or the like are needed. Extremely thin dividers can separate the flow, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the device. The device could be manufactured in silicon and the ultrasound energy could preferably be delivered by a piezoelectric element.