Abstract: Disclosed herein are phase separator devices, and related methods of fabrication and use. The disclosure provides improved phase separator devices for phase separation of input feeds, and systems/methods for utilizing and fabricating the devices. The disclosure provides phase separator devices utilizing inertial separation and porous media extraction for the phase separation of two-phase input feeds (e.g., to separate an input feed of a two-phase mixture to a first phase output (e.g., to a liquid output flow) and to a second phase output (e.g., to a gas output flow)). The device can separate a mixed fluid flow of both liquid and gases. The liquid and gas can include liquid and vapor phases of the same chemical/constituent (e.g., ammonia), or may include liquid and gases of two different constituents (e.g., liquid water and air). The phase separator devices can be utilized at standard gravity to micro-gravity to zero gravity environments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are phase separator devices, and related methods of fabrication and use. The disclosure provides improved phase separator devices for phase separation of input feeds, and systems/methods for utilizing and fabricating the devices. The disclosure provides phase separator devices utilizing inertial separation and porous media extraction for the phase separation of two-phase input feeds (e.g., to separate an input feed of a two-phase mixture to a first phase output (e.g., to a liquid output flow) and to a second phase output (e.g., to a gas output flow)). The device can separate a mixed fluid flow of both liquid and gases. The liquid and gas can include liquid and vapor phases of the same chemical/constituent (e.g., ammonia), or may include liquid and gases of two different constituents (e.g., liquid water and air). The phase separator devices can be utilized at standard gravity to micro-gravity to zero gravity environments.

Abstract: A static mixer device comprising a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an opening extending between the proximal and distal ends. In certain embodiments, a plurality of metal frits is positioned within the opening of the housing, each of the metal frits extending across a cross-sectional dimension of the opening and having interconnected porosity. In other embodiments, one or more mixer elements fabricated using laser additive manufacturing technology and having novel configurations are positioned within the opening of the housing. In yet other embodiments, the housing comprises multiple openings having different diameters from each other, with each opening either extending through the housing with a constant diameter or with one or more of the openings having a varying diameter.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for splitting fluid flows with porous medium, such as a porous medium with metal particles, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to a flow splitting assembly that creates a differential flow at a calibrated flow split. In one or more embodiments, for example, an apparatus for flow spitting may include a manifold comprising first, second and third manifold openings in fluid communication. In one or more such embodiments, introduction of a flow to the first manifold opening via an inlet filter may cause a differential flow at a calibrated flow split between a first restrictor coupled to the second opening of the manifold and a second restrictor coupled to the third opening of the manifold. In various embodiments, each restrictor may include one or more porous medium composed of metal particles.

Abstract: Filters that include non-horizontal filter cavities, such as cavities that are vertically, diagonally, or otherwise non-horizontally with respect to a filter block.

Abstract: A static mixer device comprising a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an opening extending between the proximal and distal ends. In certain embodiments, a plurality of metal frits is positioned within the opening of the housing, each of the metal frits extending across a cross-sectional dimension of the opening and having interconnected porosity. In other embodiments, one or more mixer elements fabricated using laser additive manufacturing technology and having novel configurations are positioned within the opening of the housing. In yet other embodiments, the housing comprises multiple openings having different diameters from each other, with each opening either extending through the housing with a constant diameter or with one or more of the openings having a varying diameter.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes laser additive manufacturing technologies (“LAMT”) for the creation of porous media that can be used in filtration devices, flow control devices, drug delivery devices and similar devices that are used for, or in conjunction with, the controlled flow of fluids (e.g., gases and liquids) therethrough.

Abstract: Sintered fiber filters are provided that can afford high particle capture efficiency and/or low pressure drop during operation, and are useful in applications such as semiconductor processing. The shape of at least a portion of the individual fibers (e.g., metal fibers) used to make the filter have a three-dimensional aspect, which allows for a low packing density and high porosity filtration media. Certain filters have a cylindrical or tube-like shape with tapered ends of higher density. Methods of making such filters, for example, using axial pressing, are also described.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a substrate with pores of a first mean pore size and a coating on at least one surface of that substrate. This coating has pores of a second mean pore size where the first mean pore size is equal to or greater than said second mean pore size. When the pore size of the coating is effective to capture particulate greater than 0.2 micron, the composite may be formed into a filter effective to remove microbes from a fluid medium. One method to form the porous coating on the substrate includes: (1) forming a suspension of sinterable particles in a carrier fluid and containing the suspension in a reservoir; (2) maintaining the suspension by agitation; (3) transferring the suspension to an ultrasonic spray nozzle; (4) applying a first coating of the suspension to the substrate; and (5) sintering the sinterable particles to the substrate.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a substrate with pores of a first mean pore size and a coating on at least one surface of that substrate. This coating has pores of a second mean pore size where the first mean pore size is equal to or greater than said second mean pore size. When the pore size of the coating is effective to capture particulate greater than 0.2 micron, the composite may be formed into a filter effective to remove microbes from a fluid medium. One method to form the porous coating on the substrate includes the steps of: (a) forming a suspension of sinterable particles in a carrier fluid and containing the suspension in a reservoir; (b) maintaining the suspension by agitation in the reservoir; (c) immersing the substrate in the reservoir; (c) applying a first coating of the suspension to the substrate; (d) removing the substrate with the applied first coating from the reservoir; and (e) sintering the sinterable particles to the substrate thereby forming a coated substrate.

Abstract: Sintered fiber filters are provided that can afford high particle capture efficiency and/or low pressure drop during operation, and are useful in applications such as semiconductor processing. The shape of at least a portion of the individual fibers (e.g., metal fibers) used to make the filter have a three-dimensional aspect, which allows for a low packing density and high porosity filtration media. Certain filters have a cylindrical or tube-like shape with tapered ends of higher density. Methods of making such filters, for example, using axial pressing, are also described.

Abstract: Sintered fiber filters are provided that can afford high particle capture efficiency and/or low pressure drop during operation, and are useful in applications such as semiconductor processing. The shape of at least a portion of the individual fibers (e.g., metal fibers) used to make the filter have a three-dimensional aspect, which allows for a low packing density and high porosity filtration media. Certain filters have a cylindrical or tube-like shape with tapered ends of higher density. Methods of making such filters, for example, using axial pressing, are also described.

Abstract: Sintered fiber filters are provided that can afford high particle capture efficiency and/or low pressure drop during operation, and are useful in applications such as semiconductor processing. The shape of at least a portion of the individual fibers (e.g., metal fibers) used to make the filter have a three-dimensional aspect, which allows for a low packing density and high porosity filtration media. Certain filters have a cylindrical or tube-like shape with tapered ends of higher density. Methods of making such filters, for example, using axial pressing, are also described.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a substrate with pores of a first mean pore size and a coating on at least one surface of that substrate. This coating has pores of a second mean pore size where the first mean pore size is equal to or greater than said second mean pore size. When the pore size of the coating is effective to capture particulate greater than 0.2 micron, the composite may be formed into a filter effective to remove microbes from a fluid medium. One method to form the porous coating on the substrate includes: (1) forming a suspension of sinterable particles in a carrier fluid and containing the suspension in a reservoir; (2) maintaining the suspension by agitation; (3) transferring the suspension to an ultrasonic spray nozzle; (4) applying a first coating of the suspension to the substrate; and (5) sintering the sinterable particles to the substrate.

Abstract: Sintered fiber filters are provided that can afford high particle capture efficiency and/or low pressure drop during operation, and are useful in applications such as semiconductor processing. The shape of at least a portion of the individual fibers (e.g., metal fibers) used to make the filter have a three-dimensional aspect, which allows for a low packing density and high porosity filtration media. Certain filters have a cylindrical or tube-like shape with tapered ends of higher density. Methods of making such filters, for example, using axial pressing, are also described.

Abstract: Sintered fiber filters are provided that can afford high particle capture efficiency and/or low pressure drop during operation, and are useful in applications such as semiconductor processing. The shape of at least a portion of the individual fibers (e.g., metal fibers) used to make the filter have a three-dimensional aspect, which allows for a low packing density and high porosity filtration media. Certain filters have a cylindrical or tube-like shape with tapered ends of higher density. Methods of making such filters, for example, using axial pressing, are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for easily replacing fluid disbursement devices used in a sanitary bioreactor are presented. The system includes a fluid disbursement device, a tube adapter, a wand adapter. The fluid disbursement device is fixed to the tube adapter. The tube adapter and wand adapter are essentially complementary and are releasably connected. The combined fluid disbursement device and tube adapter unit is easily replaceable during the cleaning and sterilization of the bioreactor. An O-ring, located in an O-ring grove, provides an impermeable boundary between the wand adapter and the tube adapter.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous coating with nanosize pores on a substrate includes the steps of (a) forming a suspension of sinterable particles in a carrier fluid; (b) maintaining the suspension by agitating the carrier fluid; (c) applying a first coating of the suspension to the substrate; and (d) sintering the sinterable particles to the substrate. A thin layer of this nanoporous coating is deposited onto a substrate having micropores. The substrate provides strength and structural support while the properties of the nano powder layer controls flow and filtration aspects of the device. This composite has sufficient strength for handling and use in industrial processes. Since the nano powder layer is thin, the pressure drop across the layer is substantially less than conventional thicker nano powder structures.

Abstract: A composite porous media for either gas or liquid flow is strong and efficient, and can readily be formed in or into a wide range of different shapes and configurations. In particular, the porous media is a composite of a metal, aerogel or ceramic foam (i.e., a reticulated inter-cellular structure in which the interior cells are interconnected to provide a multiplicity of pores passing through the volume of the structure, the walls of the cells themselves being substantially continuous and non-porous, and the volume of the cells relative to that of the material forming the cell walls being such that the overall density of the intercellular structure is less than about 30 percent theoretical density) the through pores of which are impregnated with a sintered powder or aerogel. The thickness, density, porosity and porous characteristics of the final composite porous media can be varied to conform with what is demanded by the intended use.

Abstract: A composite porous media for either gas or liquid flow is strong and efficient, and can readily be formed in or into a wide range of different shapes and configurations. In particular, the porous media is a composite of a metal, aerogel or ceramic foam (i.e., a reticulated inter-cellular structure in which the interior cells are interconnected to provide a multiplicity of pores passing through the volume of the structure, the walls of the cells themselves being substantially continuous and non-porous, and the volume of the cells relative to that of the material forming the cell walls being such that the overall density of the intercellular structure is less than about 30 percent theoretical density) the through pores of which are impregnated with a sintered powder or aerogel. The thickness, density, porosity and porous characteristics of the final composite porous media can be varied to conform with what is demanded by the intended use.