Abstract: A method for designing one part of an electrostatic separating device of a mixture of different material granules, the method including providing a sorting performance value to be met by the device when at least one predefined mixture is introduced into the device to be sorted, optimizing a value of at least one parameter of the set of parameters relating to the device part by using an optimization technique, the optimization technique including the use of a sorting performance model of the device, and the optimization technique occurring under the constraint that the sorting performed by the device has the given sorting performance value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for the electrostatic separation of granular mixtures of millimetric or sub-millimetric size, which are composed of non-conductive particles, non-conductive and conductive particles and conductive particles, simultaneously using the electric field E, aerodynamic force and gravity. Said forces are exerted on the particles which are previously charged in an intense electric field E generated by a DC voltage applied to two coaxial cylinders, that constitute electrodes. A mechanical cleaning system detaches the particles from the surface of the electrodes, and facilitates the recovery thereof in a collection system, under the action of cyclone vacuums, in such a way that the cleaning of the electrodes and the collection of the separated particles is continuously performed.

Abstract: An electrostatic separation device (is for a mixture of granules of different materials. The device includes a separation chamber having an inlet and delimiting an inner volume and a collection device for granules placed in the inner volume, opposite the inlet. At least two pairs of electrodes are successively placed in the elevation direction in the inner volume, between the inlet and the collection device. Each pair includes an anode and a cathode, placed on either side of a central axis extending in the elevation direction. At least one generating system is suitable for applying a difference in electric potential between the anode and the cathode of each pair.

Abstract: Provided is microparticle extraction technology capable of stably extracting only a target microparticle at high speed from a sheath flow flowing through a flow path. A particle extraction apparatus includes: a first extraction unit for extracting, from a whole sample containing a target particle, an extraction sample containing the target particle without performing abort processing; and a second extraction unit for subjecting the extraction sample to abort processing and extracting only the target particle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particle sorting apparatus, a particle sorting method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program that enable sorting object particles to be sorted with high precision, even when the sorting object particles are large. In the particle sorting apparatus, a charging unit that applies charges to at least a part of liquid droplets ejected from an orifice to generate a fluid stream and a charging control unit that adjusts a charge application end time in the charging unit according to sizes of particles included in the liquid droplets are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a particle sorting device capable of simply detecting bubbles, foreign substances, or the like in droplets, a method for analyzing particles, a program, and a particle sorting system. The particle sorting device includes a judgment unit, and the judgment unit judges whether or not captured image information including captured droplet image information about a brightness of an image of particle-containing droplets captured after discharge from an orifice has changed with respect to previously-set reference image information including reference droplet image information about a brightness of an image of droplets captured after discharge from the orifice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell analyzer comprising: a measuring device that includes a collecting section configured to collect target cells in a specimen with a filter, and is configured to measure the target cells collected by the collecting section; and a data processing device configured to analyze the target cells based on measurement data obtained by the measuring device, wherein the cell analyzer is operable in a first mode of measuring a clinical specimen collected from a subject and a second mode of measuring a quality control specimen containing particles having size capturable by the filter; and the data processing device is programmed to acquire an amount of particles collected by the collecting section based on measurement data of the quality control specimen obtained in the second mode, and output an alarm when the amount of particles meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A microparticle sorting apparatus includes a detection unit which detects microparticles flowing through a flow path; an imaging device which images a droplet containing the microparticles which is discharged from an orifice provided on an edge portion of the flow path; a charge unit which applies a charge to the droplets; and a control unit which determines a delay time as from a time that the microparticles are detected by the detection unit to the time at which a number of bright spots in a standard region, which is set beforehand, of image information imaged by the imaging device reaches the maximum, making it possible for the charge unit to apply a charge to the microparticles once the delay time has lapsed after the microparticles are detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A technique relates sorting biopolymers. The biopolymers are introduced into a nanopillar array, and the biopolymers include a first population and a second population. The nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to have a gap separating one from another. The biopolymers are sorted through the nanopillar array by transporting the first population of the biopolymers less than a predetermined bumping size according to a fluid flow direction and by transporting the second population of the biopolymers at least the predetermined bumping size according to a bumped direction different from the fluid flow direction. The nanopillar array is configured to employ the gap with a gap size less than 300 nanometers in order to sort the biopolymers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particle sorting apparatus, a particle sorting method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program that enable sorting object particles to be sorted with high precision, even when the sorting object particles are large. In the particle sorting apparatus, a charging unit that applies charges to at least a part of liquid droplets ejected from an orifice to generate a fluid stream and a charging control unit that adjusts a charge application end time in the charging unit according to sizes of particles included in the liquid droplets are provided.

Abstract: Provided are a microparticle sorting device, and a method and a program for sorting microparticles capable of stabilizing sorting performance over a prolonged period of time. The microparticle sorting device includes an imaging element and a controller. The imaging element obtains an image of fluid and fluid droplets at a position where the fluid discharged from an orifice which generates a fluid stream is converted into the fluid droplets. The controller controls driving voltage of an oscillation element which gives oscillation to the orifice and/or controls a position of the imaging element based on a state of the fluid in the image and/or a state of a satellite fluid droplet. The satellite fluid droplet does not include microparticles and exists between the position, where the fluid is converted into the fluid droplets, and a fluid droplet, among fluid droplets including the microparticles, which is closest to the position where the fluid is converted into the fluid droplets.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters.

Abstract: A method for sorting out fine particles from a particle mixture arranged on a surface of a support element wherein the particle mixture comprises particles of different sizes, in particular fine particles with a diameter of up to 1 mm, where the fine particles are at least partially sorted out from the particle mixture by means of an electrostatically charged separating element.

Abstract: A method for separating a granular synthetic material from a loose mass of various synthetic materials includes: conveying the granular mass along a trajectory having a rubbing surface subjecting the mass falling from the rubbing surface to an electrical field; and collecting at least one of the masses separated by the electrical field. The mass advances in a single layer on the rubbing surface, while maintaining the single layer contact with the rubbing surface, the rubbing surface being subjected to repeated acceleration in opposite directions in the plane of the rubbing surface, or tangential thereto to move the mass on the surface in order to improve the electrostatic charge. The rubbing surface is made of or clad with a material having intermediate triboelectric properties with respect to those of the granular mass, and is clad with a same material as that which it is intended to separate from the mass.

Abstract: A method of separating metallic semiconducting carbon nanotubes includes providing a source of a mixture of semiconducting and metallic carbon nanotubes in a carrier liquid with one of the semiconducting and metallic carbon nanotubes being functionalized to carry a charge. The mixture is pressurized to cause a liquid jet of the mixture to be emitted through a nozzle. A drop formation mechanism modulates the liquid jet to form from the jet first and second drops traveling along a path. An electric field modulating device, positioned relative to the jet, produces first and second electric fields. A deflection device applies the first electric field as the first drop is formed to concentrate the functionalized carbon nanotubes in the first drop and applies the second electric field as the second drop is formed. The deflection device causes the first or second drop to begin traveling along another path.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, a method for producing granules from a powder, characterized in that compaction force is applied to the powder to produce a compacted mass comprising a mixture of fine particles and granules and separating and removing fine particles and/or small granules from the other granules by entraining the fine particles and/or small granules in a gas stream. Also provided are apparatus for use in the process and tablets formed by compression of the resultant granules.

Abstract: A method for separating a granular synthetic material from a loose mass of various synthetic materials includes: conveying the granular mass along a trajectory having a rubbing surface subjecting the mass falling from the rubbing surface to an electrical field; and collecting at least one of the masses separated by the electrical field. The mass advances in a single layer on the rubbing surface, while maintaining the single layer contact with the rubbing surface, the rubbing surface being subjected to repeated acceleration in opposite directions in the plane of the rubbing surface, or tangential thereto to move the mass on the surface in order to improve the electrostatic charge. The rubbing surface is made of or clad with a material having intermediate triboelectric properties with respect to those of the granular mass, and is clad with a same material as that which it is intended to separate from the mass.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a charger for use in a system for separating particles from a fluid flow is disclosed. In one embodiment, the charger comprises a body including an inlet for receiving the particles, a chamber in which the particles are received, and an outlet for discharging the particles. A rotor having a generally non-permeable surface is positioned in the chamber and rotated for contacting and charging the particles. In another aspect of the invention, grid electrodes with elongated fingers are proposed for use in a novel separation system. Related methods of charging and separating particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A separation system includes an air separator that, in one embodiment, primarily receives Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) containing a mixture of relatively light MSW recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and/or metal containers and relatively heavy MSW such as textiles, food waste, yard debris, etc. The air separator blows the relatively light MSW recyclable materials up though a chamber and onto a first conveyor while the other relatively heavy MSW material drops down a chute onto a second conveyor. A separation screen receives the relatively light MSW recyclable materials from the air separator and separates the relatively flat fiber and plastic film materials from the other paper, plastic and metal containers. In another separation stage, an electrostatic emitter is positioned adjacent to a conveyor for applying an electrostatic charge to faciliate separation of the MSW recyclable materials.

Abstract: In an electrostatic separator or a magnetic separator, prior to electrically charging or magnetization of particles in order to carry out separation of mixed powder of particles having different properties from each other, classification is performed by a classifier so that the content of fine powder having a spherical equivalent diameter of 10 ?m or smaller is 15 mass % or less. After the classification, prior to electrostatic separation or magnetic separation, an operation of dispersing the mixed powder of particles may be carried out.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microparticle sorting apparatus, including: a discharge direction confirming section configured to confirm a discharge direction of a discharged liquid discharged from a discharge outlet of a flow path; opposite electrodes disposed downstream with respect to the discharge outlet; an opposite electrode position controlling section configured to control positions of the opposite electrodes in accordance with the discharge direction confirmed by the discharge direction confirming section; a droplet generating section configured to generate a droplet from the discharge outlet; and a charging section configured to electrically charge the droplet with electric charges.

Abstract: An electrostatic separation system for separating fine metal and plastics is disclosed. An electrostatic separation system according to the present invention comprises a negative electrostatic induction plate and positive metal net made of special materials, which have appropriate dimensions and an appropriate space between them to improve separation efficiency, and a separating plate which is appropriately positioned to improve separation efficiency. The electrostatic separation system has processing capacity more than 5 times in comparison to conventional electrostatic selection systems and is able to separate fine particles of 0.1 mm in size. In addition, the electrostatic separation system has wide application in recycling other useful recourses as well as separating the mixture of fine particle metal and non-metal materials.

Abstract: A flow cytometer subsystems monitors a particle sensing zone within a fluid transport chamber for the presence of a particle (e.g., blood cell) traveling therethrough, and produces an output pulse, whose width is representative of the trajectory and thereby the length of time that the particle is within the particle sensing zone as it travels through the fluid transport chamber. This output pulse is then processed in accordance with geometry parameters of successive time delay zones of the particle fluid transport chamber through which the particle passes, in order to derive a composite time delay between the sensing of the particle to the time at which a fluid droplet containing the particle will break off from the carrier fluid. The composite time delay is employed to accurately establish the time at which the particle is controllably charged as the particle breaks off from the carrier fluid.

Abstract: The electrostatic separation of ground crude potassium salts containing kieserite is accomplished by mixing the ground crude potassium salt with a conditioning agent containing a combination of an aromatic carboxylic acid or its derivatives, an ammonium salt of an aromatic carboxylic acid, as well as an unbranched fatty alcohol having a chain length of C10 to C15, and subsequently triboelectrically charging the mixture at a relative humidity of 1-10%. The mixture is then separated into a crude kieserite fraction and a crude potassium fraction by means of an electrostatic separation method. This method increases kieserite yield and the selectivity of a subsequent treatment by means of flotation.

Abstract: An optical illumination and monitoring subsystem controls the operation of a flow cytometer having a carrier fluid that flows along a channel coupled to a droplet generator, which controls a point at which droplets break off from the carrier fluid, and a droplet sorter that is operative to cause selected droplets to be sorted along one or more droplet travel paths. The subsystem is operative to illuminate a respective droplet monitoring location along each of one or more droplet travel paths with a respective beam of light, such as that sourced from a common laser. In response to backscatter reflection from a droplet passing through the respective beam of light at a respective droplet monitoring location, the amplitude of the beam of light is increased. Then the droplet is monitored for the presence of a particle therein exhibiting detectable fluorescence as a result of the increase in the amplitude of the respective beam of light.

Abstract: The electrostatic classifier and separator is supported by a housing and includes a corona classifier section for classifying particulate materials according to size. Corona element supplies mobile ions for bombarding particulate materials dropping down a passageway from a reservoir. A splitter and screen may be included in the passageway to direct particulate materials into respective fractions. First separator section receives fine to middle size fractions and second separator section receives middle to coarse size fractions. A support frame having adjustable slots supports a plurality of static electrodes. Corona element for emitting a corona charge is spaced generally in a first quadrant of first separator section. A rotatable brush and an alternating current wiper may be included for removing fine to middle size nonconductive fractions from first separator section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for separating mineral particles according to their dielectric and/or electrophysical properties. In one practical example, rutile particles can be separated from zircon particles. In the method, the mineral particles which are to be separated are passed through a sharply non-homogenous electrical field. Particles with different dielectric and/or electrophysical properties are subjected to different forces which separate them spatially. The spatially separated particles are collected in discrete fractions.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system is disclosed for oscillating the exterior of a flow cytometer nozzle. Oscillating the exterior of a flow cytometer nozzle at selected oscillations or a sweeping range of oscillations disintegrates particles and gas entrapped within the flow cytometer nozzle. Adherents absorbed to the exterior of the flow cytometer nozzle may also be removed. An energy source (1) serves to generate a selected oscillation or range of oscillations. The energy source (1) is connected to a flexible transfer element (2) which conducts the electrical signals to an oscillation system (3). The oscillation system (3) turns the electrical energy from the energy source (1) into mechanical oscillations and is connected to a portable device (4) which disintegrates particles, dislocates gas within the flow cytometer nozzle and cleans the exterior of the flow cytometer aperture.

Abstract: A process for early detection of reactor fouling occurring during a gas phase polymerization of olefin(s) using a fluidized bed reactor having a fluidization grid fitted with detection devices.

Abstract: A particle separator for the separation of particulate mixture having species that exhibit difference in electrical conductivity. The separator has a conductive surface including a separation zone, has feeder means for feeding the species to the separation zone, and has an electrode arrangement for inducing charge in conducting species and lifting them from the conductive surface once charged. Also, the separator has cleaning means and drive means.

Abstract: A process for separating organic and inorganic particles from a dry mixture by sizing the particles into isolated fractions, contacting the sized particles to a charged substrate and subjecting the charged particles to an electric field to separate the particles.

Abstract: A flow cytometer (20) capable of utilizing an imaging system including a sensor (88) to determine various properties of the flow cytometer (20). Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time (154). Other characteristics that can be determined include at least the width of the stream, pressure of the stream, effect of charged droplets on other droplets (44), trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point (150), and others. An automatic warning system (180) can be used to alert an operator of an anomaly during setup or during normal operation. Furthermore, a mechanical interrupter can be used to shield a sort result from contamination by an incorrectly functioning stream. The cytometer (20) also allows for the disablement of the sort, particularly the charging and deflection systems. In addition, a more accurate system for detecting the speed of the stream can be used.

Abstract: A size preferential electrostatic agglomerator is provided for agglomerating small particles with larger “carrier” particles. The agglomerator includes an inlet for receiving a gas flow, a separator for separating the gas flow into flow streams based on the size of the particles therein, an ionization region for imparting an opposite electrical charge to each of the flow streams, an agglomeration region receiving the flow streams to facilitate the agglomeration of the oppositely charged particles, and an outlet for exhausting the gas flow containing agglomerated particles to facilitate collection, processing or other activity on the agglomerated particles. The present invention provides an efficient system for gathering large amounts of small particles in a gas flow.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for separating mineral particles according to their dielectric and/or electrophysical properties. In one practical example, rutile particles can be separated from zircon particles. In the method, the mineral particles which are to be separated are passed through a sharply non-homogenous electrical field. Particles with different dielectric and/or electrophysical properties are subjected to different forces which separate them spatially. The spatially separated particles are collected in discrete fractions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for separating mineral particles according to their dielectric and/or electrophysical properties. In one practical example, rutile particles can be separated from zircon particles. In the method, the mineral particles which are to be separated are passed through a sharply non-homogenous electrical field. Particles with different dielectric and/or electrophysical properties are subjected to different forces which separate them spatially. The spatially separated particles are collected in discrete fractions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying the drop delay in a flow cytometer, which is indicative of the time that elapses from a moment at which a particle of interest is detected at an interrogation point in the flow of cytometer to the moment at which a sorting condition, such as a charging potential, is applied in response to the detection to a droplet forming at a droplet forming location in the flow cytometer. The apparatus and method analyzes the content of the droplets formed by the flow cytometer, and based on the analysis, provides an indication as to whether the drop delay time at which the flow cytometer is operating is correct. Specifically, the charging potential should be applied to the droplet containing the detected particle of interest. The content of the droplets can be analyzed at the droplet formation point, or at a location downstream of the droplet formation point, to detect the presence or absence of a particle of interest that was detected at the interrogation point in the flow cytometer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process as well as an apparatus for separating broken goods, consisting of broken nibs or beans and their shells and especially the separation of broken cacao beans (nibs) from the cacao shells in an electrostatic manner. In this connection the broken goods are electrostatically charged in fractionated configuration within a charging area between two differently charged electrodes and thereafter the beans and shells are differently deflected on downfalling within a homogeneous electrical field generated by two other electrodes defining the downfall section. The broken beans and shells then separated by means of a mechanical separator into two different product streams, consisting essentially of a stream of broken nibs and a stream of shells, which product streams are then removed.

Abstract: A flow cytometer capable of utilizing an imaging system to determine various properties of the flow cytometer. Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time. Other characteristics that can be determined include at least the width of the stream, pressure of the stream, effect of charged droplets on other droplets, trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point, and others. An automatic warning system can be used to alert an operator of an anomaly during setup or during normal operation. Furthermore, a mechanical interrupter can be used to shield a sort result from contamination by an incorrectly functioning stream. The cytometer also allows for the disablement of the sort, particularly the charging and deflection systems. In addition, a more accurate system for detecting the speed of the stream can be used. The imaging system can allow for the removal of background noise and the monitoring of a change in a stream characteristic.

Abstract: A method and device for the electrostatic separation of chaff from grain. An nonconductive continuous belt moves a mixture of grain and chaff past an ionizing electrode, which imparts an electrical charge to the grain particles and the particles of chaff within the mixture.

Abstract: An electrostatic deceleration system is provided for use with a flow cytometer to decelerate the movement of electrically charged droplets formed by the flow cytometer in order to minimize damage to the cells contained in the droplets when the droplets are collected in corresponding collection vessels. The deceleration system includes a plurality of deceleration devices which are each used to decelerate droplets charged to a particular magnitude and polarity. Each deceleration device includes a steering plate arrangement and a deceleration ring arrangement. The steering plate arrangement directs the droplets having a particular magnitude and polarity of charge into the corresponding deceleration ring arrangement. The deceleration ring arrangement includes a plurality of deceleration rings to which are applied electrical potentials of a polarity the same as the polarity of the charged droplet.

Abstract: An improved method for separating electrically conductive components of an ore or mineral sand from electrically non-conductive components of the ore or mineral sand is disclosed which includes processing the ore, adding a polymer, such as an anionic polymer, to the processed ore, drying the polymer and ore, and then feeding the ore and polymer through an electrostatic separator. The addition of the anionic polymer to the processed ore increases the efficiency of the electrostatic separation process.