Abstract: A method of fabricating a component (1) comprises the steps of providing precursor material in a working medium, creating acoustic forces and positioning the precursor material in the working medium under the effect of the acoustic forces, so that a material distribution is formed, which has a shape of the component to be fabricated, and subjecting at least one of the material distribution and the working medium to a fixation, so that the precursor material of the material distribution or the working medium surrounding the material distribution is bound, wherein the step of creating the acoustic forces includes generating an acoustic interference pattern (5), and the material distribution (4) is formed by moving the precursor material (2) towards energy extrema of the acoustic interference pattern (5). Furthermore, an apparatus (100) for fabricating a component (1) is described.

Abstract: Energy-efficient separation of particulates from fluids is based on determining particulate mass removal as a function of applied energy. Energy-efficient ultrasonic field powers and exposure durations are applied to a particulate containing fluid, and particles removed. In some cases, ultrasonic exposures are selected that provide the maximum particulate removal per applied energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing an acoustophoretic operation, comprising the steps of: a. providing an acoustophoretic chip comprising a polymer substrate in which a microfluidic flow channel is positioned, b. providing at least one ultrasound transducer in acoustic contact with one surface of the substrate, c. actuating the at least one ultrasound transducer at a frequency f that corresponds to an acoustic resonance peak of the substrate including the microfluidic flow channel filled with a liquid suspension, and d. providing the liquid suspension in the flow channel to perform the acoustophoretic operation on the liquid suspension. The invention further relates to an acoustophoretic device, a method of producing an acoustophoretic device, and a microfluidic system comprising the acoustophoretic device.

Abstract: A device for determining the partial pressure or the concentration of a steam in a volume, includes a sensor body that can be oscillated. The temperature of the sensor body can be controlled to a temperature below the condensation temperature of the steam, and the oscillation frequency of the sensor body is influenced by a mass accumulation of the condensed steam on a surface of the sensor body. Means are provided for generating a gas flow from the sensor surface in the direction of the volume through a steam transport channel that adjoins a window to the volume. In order to increase the maximum service life of the sensor body, the means for generating a gas flow has a slit nozzle designed as an annular channel.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for separating beads and cells from a host fluid. The method includes flowing a mixture containing the host fluid, the beads, and the cells through an acoustophoretic device having an ultrasonic transducer including a piezoelectric material driven by a drive signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave. A drive signal is sent to drive the at least one ultrasonic transducer to create the multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave. A recirculating fluid stream having a tangential flow path is located substantially tangential to the standing wave and separated therefrom by an interface region. A portion of the cells pass through the standing wave, and the beads are held back from the standing wave in the recirculating fluid stream at the interface region. Also disclosed is an acoustophoretic device having a coolant inlet adapted to permit the ingress of a cooling fluid into the device for cooling the transducer.

Abstract: Devices for separating a host fluid from a second fluid or particulate are disclosed. The devices include an acoustic chamber, a fluid outlet at a top end of the acoustic chamber, a concentrate outlet at a bottom end of the acoustic chamber, and an inlet on a first side end of the acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer and reflector create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that traps and separates particulates (e.g. cells) from a host fluid. The host fluid is collected via the fluid outlet, and the particulates are collected via the concentrate outlet. The device is a large-scale device that is able to process liters/hour, and has a large interior volume.

Abstract: A series of multi-dimensional acoustic standing waves is set up inside a growth volume of a bioreactor. The acoustic standing waves are used to hold a cell culture in place as a nutrient fluid stream flows through the cell culture. The nutrient fluid stream dislodges some cells from the cell culture, which can then be recovered for cell therapy applications. The cell culture continues to expand and reproduce, permitting continuous recovery of cells from the bioreactor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inspecting, detecting, isolating, monitoring, characterizing, or separating pathogens in blood containing blood cells are disclosed. The devices include a flow chamber having a solvent inlet, at least one host-fluid inlet, a particulate outlet, at least one residual outlet, and a reflector. The methods include trapping the pathogens in the acoustic standing wave, introducing a solvent into the flow chamber, and removing the pathogens from the device. Devices and methods for inspecting, detecting, isolating, monitoring, characterizing, or separating specialized circulating cells in blood containing blood cells are also disclosed. The devices include a flow chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and a microscope objective and a cover glass. The methods include driving the transducer to create an acoustic standing wave in the flow chamber and microbubbles in the blood.

Abstract: Separation devices for separating a component from a multicomponent mixture are provided. The separation devices can include a body that defines a separation channel with a cross-sectional geometry that is not circular, rectangular, or square. The separation devices can be positioned relative to a base having an acoustic wave generator. A standing bulk acoustic wave generated by the acoustic wave generator can separate one or more components from the multicomponent mixture. Methods are provided for separating one or more components from a multicomponent mixture using the separation devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a graphene platelet fabrication method, which comprises Step (A): providing a highly-graphitized graphene having a graphitization degree of 0.8-1.0; and Step (B): providing a shear force acting on the highly-graphitized graphene to separate the highly-graphitized graphene into graphene platelets, wherein the graphene platelets have a length of 10-500 ?m and a width of 10-500 ?m and have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The present invention also discloses a graphene platelet fabricated according to the abovementioned method.

Abstract: Acoustic perfusion devices for separating biological cells from other material in a fluid medium are disclosed. The devices include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collection port that are connected to an acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer creates an acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that permits a continuous flow of fluid to be recovered through the collection port while keeping the biological cells within the acoustic chamber to be returned to the bioreactor from which the fluid medium is being drawn.

Abstract: A perfusion bioreactor includes at least one ultrasonic transducer that can acoustically generate a multi-dimensional standing wave. The standing wave can be used to retain cells in the bioreactor, and can also be utilized to dewater or further harvest product from the waste materials produced in a bioreactor.

Abstract: Devices for separating a host fluid from a second fluid or particulate are disclosed. The devices include an acoustic chamber, a fluid outlet at a top end of the acoustic chamber, a concentrate outlet at a bottom end of the acoustic chamber, and an inlet on a first side end of the acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer and reflector create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that traps and separates particulates (e.g. cells) from a host fluid. The host fluid is collected via the fluid outlet, and the particulates are collected via the concentrate outlet. The device is a large-scale device that is able to process liters/hour, and has a large interior volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a acoustic concentration of particles in a fluid flow that includes a substantially acoustically transparent membrane and a vibration generator that define a fluid flow path therebetween. The fluid flow path is in fluid communication with a fluid source and a fluid outlet and the vibration generator is disposed adjacent the fluid flow path and is capable of producing an acoustic field in the fluid flow path. The acoustic field produces at least one pressure minima in the fluid flow path at a predetermined location within the fluid flow path and forces predetermined particles in the fluid flow path to the at least one pressure minima.

Abstract: A method of forming a multilayer aggregate of objects in a channel including a liquid, the method including: a) providing objects at first and second superposed regions of the channel, b) obtaining first and second aggregates of objects, optionally by applying transverse acoustic waves, preferably stationary waves, within each region to objects, and c) bringing the first and second aggregates into contact to form the multilayer aggregate of objects by submitting the first and second aggregates to: gravity in absence of acoustic waves, or to acoustic waves, optionally stationary waves, inducing displacement of the first and second aggregates toward each other.

Abstract: The fluid purification disclosed herein provides the advantages of high-voltage purification without electrocution risks. In illustrative purifiers, a contaminated fluid, such as contaminated water, is aerated and passed through a cavity that contains highly porous piezoelectric material and an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer emits ultrasonic energy that causes the piezoelectric material to discharge a high-voltage field, which produces strong oxidizing agents that kill organisms and oxidize organic pollutants. Since the ultrasonic actuator operates at relatively low voltages (e.g., 20-110 V) and can be electrically isolated from the fluid, illustrative purification is safe, environmentally friendly, and scalable from small to large size applications.

Abstract: A flow chamber is provided through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate. The flow chamber comprises at least one multi-phase water inlet through which multi-phase water enters the flow chamber, a water outlet through which water exits the flow chamber, a solids outlet through which particles having a density at or above a pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber, and a low density outlet through which particles having a density below the pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber. Also provided are one or more ultrasonic transducers and one or more reflectors corresponding to each transducer to acoustically filter the fluid and cause particles/fluid to be selectively diverted to one of the outlets. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: An acoustic standing wave is utilized to separate components from a multi-component fluid, such as oil from an oil-water mixture, in a fluid flow scheme with an acoustophoresis device. For example, the flow scheme and device allows for trapping of the oil as the oil coalesces, agglomerates, and becomes more buoyant than the water.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for washing a selected component and removing the selected component from a wash material. The selected component may include red blood cells that are washed to remove a rejuvenating solution. The red blood cells may then be removed with various systems, such as a standing acoustic wave system from the wash solution. Pumps and flow restrictors that provide steady flow from pumps that generate pulsed flow are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems are provided with varying flow chamber configurations which acoustically agglomerate microorganisms such as algae for separation from a host fluid such as water. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: An acoustic manipulation process and acoustic manipulation device are disclosed. The acoustic manipulation process includes providing a device having a pathway positioned to receive a flow of a particle-containing fluid, transporting the particle-containing fluid into the pathway, and applying standing surface acoustic waves to the particle-containing fluid while the particle-containing fluid is flowing through the pathway. The applying of the standing surface acoustic waves to the particle-containing fluid includes nodes and anti-nodes of the standing surface acoustic waves extending through the particle-containing fluid. The acoustic manipulation device includes a pathway positioned to receive a flow of a particle-containing fluid, and a mechanism for generating and applying standing surface acoustic waves to the particle-containing fluid while the particle-containing fluid is flowing through the pathway.

Abstract: Expedient and sensitive detection of a detection target substance is enabled in target substance detection that detects the detection target substance at a sensor portion provided within a flow channel. A detection target substance detecting method for a detecting detection target substance which may be contained in a liquid sample emits ultrasonic waves that propagate in a direction transverse to a flow channel when the liquid sample flows within a ultrasonic wave emission region at which ultrasonic waves can be emitted, to concentrate the detection target substance at a wall surface of the flow channel toward the side of the sensor portion and to detect the detection target substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus to continuously monitor and control acoustic energy and vacuum pressure to maintain a net unidirectional flow of multi-phase heterogeneous fluids through a porous filter or membrane. The heterogenous fluid may come form a variety of sources including biological sources such as, blood, bone marrow aspirate (BMA), adipose tissue (lipoaspirate), urine, saliva, etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating material with focused acoustic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation are described. Sample material may be provided to a single batch vessel or may flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of a processing chamber within which the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to focused acoustics in a flow through environment may enhance the effects of the radiation on the sample material. Further, in flow-through or single batch arrangements, sample material may be retained exterior to or within a processing chamber by one or more retaining members (e.g., filter, valve, etc.) until a characteristic of the sample material reaches one or more particular criteria (e.g., physical, chemical, biological). Once the criteria of the sample material is attained (e.g., via further treatment), the material is then permitted to flow past the retaining member(s) and through the inlet or outlet of the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for desalination of salt water based on an engineered acoustic field that causes constructive and destructive interference at pre-computed spatial positions. The engineered acoustic field can cause high-pressure and low-pressure regions where desalination membranes are located. The induced pressure from the acoustic field can force pure water through the membranes leaving ionic and dissolved molecular species behind.

Abstract: A sedimentation device for separating a material mix, preferably plastic flakes, including a sedimentation basin configured to receive the material mix and a liquid, for example water; an inlet configured to introduce the material mix and/or the liquid into the sedimentation basin; an outlet configured to remove sediment from the sedimentation basin; at least one stilling plate within the sedimentation basin configured as an ultrasonic oscillating element. The invention moreover relates to a method for removing sediment from a sedimentation device.

Abstract: Active pharmaceutical ingredients can be separated from their excipients by dissolving a pharmaceutical product (e.g. tablet, pill) into a solvent, then running the solution through an acoustophoretic device. Standing waves are used to separate the excipient from the active ingredient dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: A method for separating, or removing, particulate material, e.g., blood cells, from a sample of fluid, e.g., whole blood of a patient, in which the particulate material is suspended. In the case of separating blood cells from blood plasma or blood serum, the resulting samples of blood plasma or blood serum can be used for in vitro diagnostic applications. In normal practice, a whole blood sample of a patient are provided and then introduced into an apparatus that contains a flow channel. An acoustic field, which contains acoustic standing waves from external ultrasonic transducers, is located within the flow channel. Laminar flow is maintained in the flow channel. Blood cells and platelets are separated from blood plasma or blood serum at the end of the flow channel and collected. The method described herein allows fluid components to differentially migrate to areas of preferred acoustic interaction.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for cleaning a filter surface using a plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system. The method involves utilizing plasma discharges to induce short electric pulses of nanoseconds duration at high voltages. These electrical pulses generate strong Shockwaves that disintegrate and dislodge particulate matter located on the surface of the filter.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the separation of a solid fraction from a fluid sample particularly a therapeutic cellular fraction from a biological sample such as a bone marrow sample by a porous filter which separates a filtration unit into an upper pre-filtration chamber into which a fluid sample requiring cell separation is introduced and a lower post-filtration chamber into which a fluid capable of transmitting an acoustic standing wave is introduced. An acoustic element is coupled to a substrate which is located within and at the bottom of the lower chamber and which resonates in response to the acoustic generating element and generates a standing wave through the two fluid phases and the filter to agitate the sample. Simultaneously, a cyclic process of vacuum draw, causes movement of the sample downwards through the filter. Vacuum pressure, fluid flow rate and frequency of vibration are controlled from a remote unit housing appropriate pumps and valves.

Abstract: A device is operable to separate tissue particles. The device comprises a reservoir and an ultrasonic transducer. The reservoir is configured to receive tissue particles in a fluid. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to emit ultrasonic energy toward tissue particles in the reservoir. Control circuitry is configured to drive the ultrasonic transducer at parameters selected to provide movement of tissue particles in the first reservoir based on the size of the tissue particles. The ultrasonic transducer may thus drive the tissue particles toward respective outlets or at particular times based on their particle size. An electrically driven screen may be used to separate tissue particles from liquid. An ultrasonic mincing device may be used to mince tissue particles whose size exceeds a predetermined size range.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes one or more acoustic microfilters through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate to selectively filter particles from the fluid. Also included are one or more phononic crystal units coupled to the acoustic microfilter(s) to further selectively filter particles from the fluid. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A method of filtering a fluid, including flowing a fluid from a first side of a filter member to a second side of the filter member, the fluid containing dissolved impurities. In addition, the method includes inducing fluid cavitation within the fluid to precipitate out at least a portion of the dissolved impurities. Further, the method includes controlling a pressure differential across the filter member. Still further, the method includes, maintaining or further inducing the fluid cavitation within the fluid in response to controlling the pressure differential. Related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of recovering polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from municipal waste sludge includes: (a) measuring a solid content in the municipal waste sludge in terms of a volatile suspended solid in the municipal waste sludge; (b) removing supernatant from the municipal waste sludge; (c) freezing the municipal waste sludge; (d) conducting a pretreatment of the municipal waste sludge that has been frozen; (e) adding a surfactant into the pretreated sludge to obtain a slurry; (f) adding a controlled amount of sodium hypochlorite solution to the municipal waste sludge obtained in step (e), a ratio of a volume of the sodium hypochlorite solution to the solid content of the municipal waste sludge ranging from 0.67 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml and being defined as a liquid-solid ratio; and (g) separating PHAs from non-PHAs substances in the municipal waste sludge obtained in the step (f).

Abstract: A method of recovering polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from municipal waste sludge includes: (a) removing coarse particles in the municipal waste sludge and measuring a solid content in the municipal waste sludge in terms of a volatile suspended solid in the municipal waste sludge; (b) removing a supernatant from the municipal waste sludge; (c) freezing the municipal waste sludge; (d) adding a controlled amount of sodium hypochlorite solution to the municipal waste sludge that has been frozen, a ratio of the solid content of the municipal waste sludge to a volume of the sodium hypochlorite solution added in step (d) ranging from 0.67 mg/ml to 4 mg/ml and being defined as a liquid-solid ratio; and (e) separating PHAs from non-PHAs substances in the municipal waste sludge obtained in the step (d).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide for two-stage microfluidic devices using surface acoustic waves, methods of use thereof, methods of making, methods of focusing and separating particles, and the like.

Abstract: A system having improved trapping force for acoustophoresis is described where the trapping force is improved by manipulation of the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. The transducer includes a ceramic crystal. The crystal may be directly exposed to fluid flow. The crystal may be air backed, resulting in a higher Q factor.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the separation of particles or fluids from water is disclosed. A settling tank or skim tank is provided with an open submersible acoustophoretic separator. In a skim tank, the separator captures and holds oil droplets or particles, permitting them to coalesce until they are large enough and have sufficient buoyant force to float to the top of the tank. In a settling or sediment tank, separator captures and holds particles until they are large enough that the force of gravity causes them to settle out of the water. The acoustophoretic device thus speeds up separation of the particles or droplets from the water.

Abstract: A gravity sedimentation process for the treatment of a slurry in a thickener to separate a solid from a liquid, the thickener having, at steady-state, a hindered settling zone and a compression zone, the process including the application of an effective amount of ultrasonic energy to the slurry in a transition zone within the hindered settling zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the separation of materials from heterogeneous fluids and provides a means of effecting stimulant-sensitive flocculation and consolidation of solid suspensions within a liquid medium. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of controlling the state of a suspension of solid particles in a liquid, including applying to the suspension a stimulus adapted to control inter-particle forces between the solid particles. The stimulus is reversibly operable to control attraction and/or repulsion. Means of consolidating a sediment bed and of separating the resultant liquids-rich and solids-rich phases are also within the ambit of the invention.

Abstract: An acoustic separator comprises: two parallel chamber walls defining a separation chamber therebetween, each chamber wall defining one side of the chamber; inlet means through which fluid can flow into the chamber; and outlet means through which fluid can flow out of the chamber. One of the chamber walls includes a transducer arranged to transmit pressure waves across the chamber towards the other of the chamber walls which in turn is arranged to reflect the pressure waves to set up a standing wave in the chamber. The outlet means defines an opening in one of the sides of the chamber.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method and an apparatus for recovering indium, the method and apparatus ensuring that it is unnecessary to recover indium in the form of indium hydroxide, indium can be recovered easily by a filter or the like without handling inferiors and also, the recovery rate of indium is greatly improved. The method includes immersing a precipitation-inducing metal which includes zinc and is made into the form of a solid such that any part coming into view three-dimensionally has a longitudinal length of 2.5 to 10 mm in an etching waste solution containing at least indium and ferric chloride and allowed to stand, thereby allowing indium contained in the etching waste solution to precipitate on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal based on a difference in ionization tendency between zinc and indium, and detaching the indium precipitated on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal to recover it.

Abstract: A highly efficient uranium leaching method using ultrasound is disclosed. The uranium leaching method includes preparing black slate powder containing uranium by pulverizing black slate containing uranium, placing the black slate powder and water in a reaction bath, and performing uranium leaching by adding and mixing sulfuric acid and an oxidant with the black slate powder and water to prepare a mixture in the reaction bath while applying ultrasound to the reaction bath. In this method, uranium leaching efficiency can be maximized by adding sulfuric acid to the uranium ore while applying ultrasound thereto.

Abstract: A particle sorting cell (10) comprises a cavity (12), an inlet (16) of a fluid flow (14) into the cavity, a first outlet (18) of a first part (22) of the fluid flow out from the cavity and a second outlet (20) of a second part (24) of the fluid flow out from the cavity. The second outlet is displaced from the first outlet in a first direction (Y) transverse to the flow direction (X). An acoustic generator (40) is arranged to apply an acoustic standing wave. The standing wave is transverse to the flow direction as well as to the first direction. A controller (42) is arranged to control a selective operation of the acoustic generator in dependence of an input data signal (44) associated with a particle (32) comprised in the fluid flow. The particle (32) can selectively be separated into the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: A component separation device includes a substrate having a flow path formed therein and arranged to store a fluid containing a liquid component and a solid component, and an actuator causing the fluid stored in the flow path to vibrate. The actuator includes a first electrode provided on the substrate apart from the flow path, and a first piezoelectric member provided on the first electrode, and a second electrode provided on the first piezoelectric member. This separation device prevents the actuator from being contaminated by the fluid, and separates the components efficiently.

Abstract: Methods and systems for heavy metal separation and recovery from heavy metal-containing sludge or wastes. The method utilizes ultrasonic treatment assisted acid leaching process to separate and recover different heavy metals from multi metals-containing sludge. The technique can be cost effectively implemented for heavy metal separation and purification processes in the real world at industrial scales.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separating solids containing oily/water of the type normally encountered in SAGD and hydraulic fracturing operations. The solids containing oily/water is subjected to ultrasound separation techniques and mechanical separation operations. The mechanical separation operation may, preferably, comprise centrifugal separation such as that in which the treated solids containing oily/water is separated into a solids fraction, an oil fraction, and a water fraction.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device comprising (1) an array of electromagnetic elements comprising coils, metal cores, and metal core heads, and (2) a controller that is adapted to control a current for one or more coils individually, to vary the current for said one or more coils individually, to reverse the current for one or more coils individually, and to generate a specific magnetic flux distribution and gradient across two or more coils; wherein the metal core head is at one end of the coil and the metal core head has a geometry to create a desired magnetic flux, intensity and gradient, in a region of interest between two adjacent coils; further wherein the device is functionally coupled to a fluidic device to concentrate and transport magnetic particles in a fluid without fluidic movement of the fluid.

Abstract: A vibrator has a large strength of a standing wave even with a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation. A device according to the present invention includes a substrate having a channel groove provided in an upper surface of the substrate, a seal provided above the substrate so as to cover an upper opening of the channel groove, a projection provided on an outer side wall opposite to the channel groove, and a vibrator causing the projection to warp and vibrate in a depth direction of the channel groove. The warping vibration of the projection is amplified due to effect of leverage, and generates a large stress on the outer wall of the channel groove having the projection provided thereon. Consequently, the strength of a standing wave in the channel groove increases even for a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation.