Abstract: A microfluidic device for size-based particle separation and methods for its use, where the microfluidic device comprises: (a) an inlet reservoir, where the inlet reservoir is configured for communication with an inlet electrode, (b) an insulator constriction coupled to the inlet reservoir via a microchannel, where the insulator constriction comprises an insulating material, and (c) a plurality of outlet channels each defining a first end and a second end, where the first end of each of the plurality of outlet channels is coupled to the insulator constriction, where the second end of each of the plurality of outlet channels is coupled to one of a plurality of outlet reservoirs, and where the plurality of outlet reservoirs are configured for communication with one or more outlet electrodes.

Abstract: A microparticle sorting device that automatically and accurately adjusts the positions of a fluid stream and a collection container is provided. The microparticle sorting device including a pair of deflecting plates that face each other with a passage area of a fluid stream therebetween, a camera that captures the image of the fluid stream, and a fluid stream detection light source that emits light parallel to a direction in which the deflecting plates face each other and that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the fluid stream and the light is provided. In the microparticle sorting device, the collection container that receives the fluid stream is mounted so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the fluid stream and the light.

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: The present invention provides an electrostatic separation method and an electrostatic separation device each of which, even in a case where the concentration of unburned components of coal ash produced by a boiler of a coal-fired power plant is as high as 15% to 30%, can stably separate the ash without generating spark, reuse the high unburned component ash as fuel, and reuse the low unburned component ash as, for example, an auxiliary material of concrete. The electrostatic separation device may include a substantially flat plate lower side electrode and an upper side electrode including a high dielectric resin element. A separation zone is formed in a region of electrostatic force between the lower side electrode and the upper side electrode, with one of the electrodes having positive polarity and the other having negative polarity. Unburned carbon ash in the coal ash supplied to the separation zone is separated.

Abstract: A process control system, more particularly, a process control system for controlling electrostatic separation for the separation of particulate materials is provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for electrostatically separating polyvalent granular insulating materials that have good properties, are energy efficient, and easily adapt to ambient atmospheric conditions and to physiochemical properties of the granules to be separated.

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: The present invention provides an electrostatic separation method and an electrostatic separation device each of which, even in a case where the concentration of unburned components of coal ash produced by a boiler of a coal-fired power plant is as high as 15% to 30%, can stably separate the ash (into high unburned component ash and low unburned component ash) without generating spark, reuse the high unburned component ash as fuel, and reuse the low unburned component ash as, for example, an auxiliary material of concrete.

Abstract: A lifting electrode for a high-tension electrostatic separator. The high tension electrostatic separator having a rotating drum that is connected to ground and an ionizing electrode that generates a corona discharge of charged ions. The lifting electrode comprising a composite of a non-conductive polymer impregnated with conductive particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides deflection plates for use in a flow-type particle sorter that are resistant to wetting. The deflection plates include a gas-porous, conductive plate. A gas, such as air, is passed through the plate from the outer face (away from the particle flow) towards the inner face (towards the particle flow). The flow of gas prevents condensation on the inner face of the defection plate.

Abstract: A separator and related separation methods are for intended use in separating particles having a selected charge from a particle mixture entrained in or carried by a fluid flow. The separator comprises a tubular, elongated body for receiving the fluid flow. At least one and preferably a pair of electrodes may be provided to create an electric field in at least a portion of the body through which the fluid flow passes, and at least one partition defines first and second channels for receiving the flow downstream of the portion of the body including the electric field. In one embodiment, the electrode is oriented such that a direction of gravity acting on particles having a selected charge passing through the electric field directs the selectively charged particles towards the first or second electrode. A system may incorporate the separator, along with a diffuser.

Abstract: The separation of platelets from whole blood or any of its components Through electricity-based and/or mixed-phase effects.

Abstract: A method is described that comprises sorting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within a fluidic flow for a targeted subset of the CNTs. The sorting comprises attracting at least a portion of the CNTs within the fluidic flow in a direction of increasing intensity of an electric field component of a substantially stationary beam of light. The electric field component has a frequency that is less than one or more resonant frequencies of the CNTs within the portion.

Abstract: An electrostatic separation apparatus for conductive particles and insulating particles with reduced separation time and improved separating capability, comprises a substantially flat-plate shaped bottom electrode (26) provided on lower side, a substantially flat-plate shaped mesh electrode (22) provided above the bottom electrode (26) as spaced a predetermined distance apart from the bottom electrode (26) and having a number of openings (24) to allow particles to pass therethrough, a direct current power supply connected to at least one of the mesh electrode (22) and the bottom electrode (24), and a voltage is applied across the bottom electrode (22) and the mesh electrode (24), thereby forming a separation zone (10) between the electrodes.

Abstract: A separator for intended use in separating particles having a selected charge from a particle mixture entrained in or carried by a fluid flow is disclosed. The separator comprises a tubular, elongated body for receiving the fluid flow. At least one and preferably a pair of electrodes may be provided to create an electric field in at least a portion of the body through which the fluid flow passes, and at least one partition defines first and second channels for receiving the flow downstream of the portion of the body including the electric field. In one embodiment, the electrode is oriented such that a direction of an electrical field force acting on particles having a selected charge passing through the electric field is not perpendicular to a direction of gravity. A system incorporating the separator is disclosed, along with a diffuser and related methods.

Abstract: A D.C. voltage altering device includes at least one spark induction power conditioner including a first electrode connectable to a high voltage D.C. power source and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and forming a discharging gap therebetween. The second electrode is connectable to a predetermined section of a physical separator and at least one of the electrodes is selectively positionable for altering spatial distance between same. The power conditioner induces a predetermined large amplitude, high frequency current ripple to the second electrode for creating a fluctuating voltage and fluctuating electrostatic field and maintaining continuous current flow through the gap without reversal of polarity. The spark induction power conditioner further includes a dielectric base for housing the electrodes and a plurality of fastening members threadably positionable through the base and engageable with the electrodes so that the discharging gap between the electrodes can be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrostatic separation of a mixture of particles that exhibit difference in electrical conductivity, comprising: a conductive surface to which conducting particles lose their charge; feeding means for feeding the mixture of particles onto the conductive surface; an ionising electrode for ionising individual particles in the mixture of particles; and a first static electrode having the same polarity as the ionising electrode and which serves to generate a static electric field, the first static electrode being located sufficiently close to the ionising electrode that the static electric field acts continuously on the particles as they are ionised; wherein conducting particles are separated from non-conducting particles on the basis of their different retained charge after a period of contact with the conductive surface.

Abstract: A method of collecting gold by flowing water over a gold collecting medium located in a sluice to induce a positive surface charge on the gold collecting medium. Feeding gold laden material into the sluice with the flowing water to induce a negative surface charge on gold particles of the gold laden material and create a slurry. Setting the flow rate of the slurry into the sluice such that the gold particles are attracted to the gold collecting medium. Finally, collecting the gold particles attracted to the gold collecting medium from the gold collecting medium. A gold separation device having a sluice having an input end and an output end; a water input directed into the input end of the sluice; and a gold collecting medium in the sluice. The gold collecting medium being of a material which incurs a positive surface charge when immersed in water.

Abstract: A corona and static electrode assembly is attachable to a frame of an existing electrostatic separator and includes a pair of oppositely spaced end panels and an elongate corona support member disposed inwardly of and supported by the respective end panels. The corona support member is preferably formed from a single piece of rigid material and has a substantially L-shape for directing an electrostatic field intensity towards the outer surface of a rotating drum. A pair of spaced spacers are connected to and laterally extend from the corona support member and an elongate conductive wire extends between the pair of spacers. The wire is preferably supported between the spacers and threaded bolts passing therethrough, respectively, can adjust its tension. A plurality of elongate static electrodes are spaced from the wire and are connected between the pair of end panels.

Abstract: A microchip comprises a flow pass in which a solution containing particles can flow, and a deflection mechanism for deflecting a portion of the particles as the particles flow through the flow pass.

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 composite sorting apparatus for separating conductive materials from non-conductive materials comprising a drum electrode, needle-shaped electrodes, and a plate-shaped electrode, wherein the plurality of needle-shaped electrodes are arranged so that the interval X in cm (in) between discharge sections of adjacent needle-shaped electrodes with respect to the distance L1 in cm (in) from the tips of discharge sections to the drum electrode meets 0<X/L1≦3.

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 feed tray (22) for guiding tribo electrified plastic pieces (2) to a drum electrode (6) is provided with a vibrator (23), thereby making it possible to vibrate the plastic pieces (2) to form a thin uniform layer, and to reliably apply appropriate image force and centrifugal force to the plastic pieces (2) fed to the drum electrode (6); thus, the plastic pieces (2) can be separated according to kind with high precision.

Abstract: Fabrication of a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium includes depositing such particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure onto a substrate with the transparent medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing electrically-conductive contaminants entrained in airstream. The airstream is preferably redirected to separate the electrically-conductive contaminants from the airstream. The separated electrically-conductive contaminants may then be oxidized.

Abstract: The present invention is to fabricate a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium by efficiently fabricating high-purity ultra-fine particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure and depositing the ultra-fine particles onto a substrate in conjunction with the transparent medium. For these purposes, an apparatus for fabricating a quantum dot functional structure is provided.

Abstract: A corona and static electrode assembly is attachable to a frame of an existing electrostatic separator and includes a pair of oppositely spaced end panels and an elongate corona support member disposed inwardly of and supported by the respective end panels. The corona support member is preferably formed from a single piece of rigid material and has a substantially L-shape for directing an electrostatic field intensity towards the outer surface of a rotating drum. A pair of spaced spacers are connected to and laterally extend from the corona support member and an elongate conductive wire extends between the pair of spacers. The wire is preferably supported between the spacers and threaded bolts passing therethrough, respectively, can adjust its tension. A plurality of elongate static electrodes are spaced from the wire and are connected between the pair of end panels.

Abstract: A separation column for use in a separation process such as chromatography, electrochromatography and electrophoresis is described. The separation column includes multiple collocated monolith support structures and interconnected channels defined by the support structures. The monolith support structures and interconnected channels are created on a substrate using an isotropic etching. The separation column also includes a cover plate disposed on the etched surface of the substrate, creating an enclosed separation column.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles. The apparatus includes a magnet mechanism for separating the particles with a magnetic force. The apparatus includes an electric mechanism for separating particles with an electrical force disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. The apparatus includes a mechanism for providing the particles to the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. The providing mechanism is engaged with the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. A method for sorting particles. The method includes the steps of providing the particles to a magnet mechanism and electric mechanism disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. Then there is the step of separating the particles with the magnetic force from the magnet mechanism and the electric force from the electric mechanism.

Abstract: The application discloses a belt formed of first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet including, respectively, first and second pluralities of tabs spaced apart so as to define first and second pluralities of openings along corresponding first and second edges of the first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet, wherein the first plurality of tabs are joined to the second plurality of tabs so as to join the first edge to the second edge. Also disclosed is a method for forming a belt of a thermoplastic material, including forming angles on a first edge of a first portion of thermoplastic sheet and on a second edge of a second portion of thermoplastic sheet, forming first and second pluralities of openings, respectively, in the first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet, placing together the first and second edges such that they overlap, and joining the first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet together.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles. The apparatus includes a magnet mechanism for separating the particles with a magnetic force. The apparatus includes an electric mechanism for separating particles with an electrical force disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. The apparatus includes a mechanism for providing the particles to the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. The providing mechanism is engaged with the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. A method for sorting particles. The method includes the steps of providing the particles to a magnet mechanism and electric mechanism disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. Then there is the step of separating the particles with the magnetic force from the magnet mechanism and the electric force from the electric mechanism.

Abstract: An electrostatic cleaning structure of a hard disk driver is formed by a plurality of concentric conductive regions to which biasing pulse trains are supplied. Each biased conductive region generates an electric field attracting any dielectric particle. The pulse trains supplied to immediately adjacent conductive regions are phase-shifted by a predetermined time and in a direction linked to a desired direction of removal for the electrostatic particles. Voltage pulses sent to each conductive region are delayed with respect to voltage pulses sent to an immediately preceding conductive region in the direction of desired removal, and are advanced with respect the voltage pulses sent to an immediately successive conductive region.

Abstract: In a composite sorting apparatus comprising a drum electrode (4), needle-shaped electrodes (5), and a plate-shaped electrode (9) to separate a mixture (A) of a copper wire (A2) and plastic pieces (A1) into the copper wire (A2) and the plastic pieces (A1), the plurality of needle-shaped electrodes (5) are arranged so that the interval X(cm) between discharge sections (5a) of the adjacent needle-shaped electrodes (5) with respect to the distance L1(cm) from the tips of the discharge sections (5a) to the drum electrode (4) meets 0<X/L1≦3. Further, the discharge sections (5a) are each formed so that an area formed on the drum electrode (4) and to which corona ions are applied has a diameter three times as large as the distance L1(cm). Furthermore, a voltage (V1) applied between the needle-shaped electrodes (5) and the drum electrode (4) is set to meet 0.5 (kV/cm)≦V1/L1≦10 (kV/cm).

Abstract: In the fine-particle classification apparatus of the present invention, a carrier gas velocity in a take-in section to introduce the aerosol to the fine-particle classification apparatus from the aerosol generation apparatus is increased so as to decrease the static pressure in the take-in section. It is thereby possible to decrease the static pressure in the take-in section than the total pressure in the aerosol generation apparatus. As a result, it is possible to introduce the aerosol inside the fine-particle classification apparatus with a total pressure equal to or higher than that in the aerosol generation apparatus from a fine particle generating area, i.e. aerosol generation apparatus with a pressure equal to or lower than that in the fine-particle classification apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the separation efficiency in a triboelectric separator by adding media against which the components of the mixture will charge. As a result, random charging between the components of the mixture is reduced and controlled, and predictable charging is achieved.

Abstract: A method and system for in-situ cleaning of a reticle. Ionized gas is directed onto the reticle by a delivery device. The ionized gas neutralizes electro-static attraction between the reticle and particulate contaminants on the reticle and thereby dislodges them from the reticle. The ionized gas and particulate contaminants are then removed from the reticle by a vacuuming pump and transported from the system by a contaminant collector. As a result of the in-situ cleaning method and system, the overall risk of chip defects due to reticle particulate contaminants is reduced, and chip and wafer yield is improved.

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 relates to a particle separator and methods for separating the particles of a mixture. The apparatus of the invention employs two field elements to create a field in the space between the field elements. The surface contact of the particles of the mixture, inputted into the space between the field elements, triboelectrically charges the particles. Under the influence of the field, the charged particles substantially aggregate on one of two counter-rotating agitators, disposed operably in the space between the field elements, according to their respective polarities. The rotation of the agitators brings the charged particles into a substantially field-free space in the vicinity of the output ports. Some of the charged particles leave the agitators under the influence of external forces to enter one of the output ports based on their charge polarities.

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 method of separating particulate materials of different properties has been developed. It consists of feeding a mixture of dry, powdered materials to one end of the surface of a planar electrode, which is vibrating to move the particles forward. At least one type of the particulate materials acquires a charge via conduction or triboelectrification. Those particles that acquire charges of the same sign as that of the planar electrode are lifted and collected at the V-shaped counter electrodes installed above. The new separation method is particularly useful for removing unburned carbons from fly ash and any other conducting materials from nonconducting ones.

Abstract: Particles are separated according to their dielectrophoretic characteristics and electrorotation characteristics by the use of a travelling wave separation in which they flow from a departure point at an inlet (18) towards at least two destinations at outlets (16, 20) and are deflected toward one or other outlet according to their characteristics by a travelling wave field set up on an array of electrodes, each electrode running generally in the direction of flow.

Abstract: A device for capturing negatively or positively charged fine particles dispersed in a liquid includes a rotor having an outer surface charged in a polarity opposite to the particles and arranged to be rotated. By rotating the rotor while being maintained in contact with the liquid, the particles are captured on the outer surface thereof. Control of the rotational speed of the rotor makes it possible to selectively separate particles with desired particle sizes.

Abstract: A frictional charging device (30) for charging crushed chips (1) of a plurality of kinds of plastics by stirring them. A stirring vessel (31) has a friction assisting material (52) put therein, the particles of the friction assisting material (52) being so formed that they are larger than the plastic chips (1). A delivery port (34) formed in one end of the stirring vessel (31) is provided with a plurality of delivery area wires (47) arranged at predetermined intervals and parallel to each other. The spacing between adjacent delivery area wires (47) is set larger than the plastic chips (1) and smaller than the particles of the friction assisting material (52).

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of triboelectric separation of organic polymers and salts, specially organic polymers containing sulfur, such as polyarylene sulfides and a halogenide or a carboxylate of alkaline metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium or substituted ammonium wherein: a) the mixture to be separated is electrically charged; b) the charged particles are moved by an electric field, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the field, and c) the particles varyingly deviated in the electric field are separated and captured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles provides comingled particles including a first group of particles having a weight and a triboelectric propensity and a second group of particles each having a weight less than the particles in the first group and having a triboelectric propensity greater than that of the particles in the first group. An electric charge is produced to separate the second group of particles from the first group of particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for subjecting a free falling stream of particles to an electrostatic field, between two rows of oppositely charged electrostatic rotating electrodes to effect a separation between particles of different electrostatic properties; the electrodes and cleaning brushes being suspended vertically and driven from their upper ends and having free lower ends. The electrode bearings are gently flushed with air from inside the electrodes and brushes to minimize the accumulation of dust thereon. The feed stream is baffled to minimize any lateral movement of the feed particles. The electrodes are fitted with commutator mechanisms to permit efficient and unchanging electrical charging of the electrodes without a separate connection from the power source to each electrode, i.e., the charging is from one to the next adjacent electrode.