Micro-fluidic separating device for liquid mixtures

A microfluidic separation device configured to separate a mixture of at least two liquids, each having different boiling points, the device comprising:

• a sump;
• a head above the sump;
• a separation channel positioned between the head and sump, the head and sump in fluid communication via the separation channel;
• a heating element in communication with the sump;
• a cooling element in communication with the head;
• an inlet in communication with the separation channel;
• an outlet in communication with the separation channel,
• wherein the head is in communication with the separation channel via a return channel.

A method of using a microfluidic separation device configured to separate a mixture of at least two liquids, each having different boiling points, the device comprising:

• a sump;
• a head disposed above the sump;
• a separation channel, the head and sump in fluid communication via the separation channel;
• an inlet in communication with the separation channel;
• and
• an outlet in communication with the separation channel,
• the method comprising:
• introducing into the inlet, a mixture of at least two liquids each having different boiling points;
• passing the mixture through the separation channel;
• heating the mixture;
• collecting a substance of a more volatile liquid of the mixture in the head;
• collecting a substance of a less volatile liquid of the mixture in the sump;
• and
• passing at least a portion of the substance of the more volatile liquid or the less volatile liquid through the outlet.

A method of using a microfluidic separation device configured to separate a mixture of at least two liquids, the device comprising:

• a sump;
• a head disposed above the sump;
• a separation channel, the head and sump in fluid communication via the separation channel;
• an inlet in communication with the separation channel;
• and
• an outlet in communication with the separation channel,
• the method comprising:
• continuously introducing into the inlet, a mixture of at least two liquids;
• continuously passing the mixture through the separation channel;
• continuously heating the mixture;
• continuously collecting a more volatile liquid of the mixture in the head;
• continuously collecting a less volatile liquid of the mixture in the sump;
• and
• continuously passing at least a portion of the substance of the more volatile liquid or the less volatile liquid through the outlet.

A microfluidic separation device for continuously separating components of a solution, the device comprising:

• a separation chamber;
• an inlet in communication with the separation chamber;
• an outlet in communication with the separation chamber;
• and
• a heating or cooling element in operative communication with the separation chamber.

A method for continuous solvent exchange and separation of a solution comprising different components, using a microfluidic separation device comprising:

• a separation chamber;
• an inlet in communication with the separation chamber;
• a plurality of outlets, each in communication with the separation chamber;
• and
• a heating and/or cooling element in operative communication with the separation chamber,
• the method comprising:
• continuosly introducing the solution into the separation chamber through the inlet;
• continuously heating and/or cooling the solution in the separation chamber with the heating and/or cooling element to continuosly separate components from the solution;
• continuously passing at least one of the separated components from one outlet;
• and
• continuously passing another one of the separated components from one outlet.