Hydrodynamic separator with optimal microchannel length

Abstract

A hydrodynamic separator is configured to separate a liquid having dispersed particles. The separator has a substrate and a liquid channel defined therein. The liquid channel is configured to receive a liquid having a Reynolds number (Re). The liquid channel is curved to define an inner radius (RC). The liquid channel has a liquid channel length (LD) along the curve and a rectangular cross-section along the length of the curve. The rectangular cross-section has a height, a width (w), and a hydraulic diameter (DH). In embodiments, the liquid channel length (LD) is greater than or equal to a linear focusing length (Lf), and L f = 1 ⁢ 5 ⁢ 6 . 2 ⁢ R c Re ⁢ ( w D H ) 2 + 2 ⁢ 4 . 3 . In embodiments the liquid channel has a focusing angle (α) about the central axis, wherein the focusing angle α = 265 , 682 ⁢ aw 2 π ⁢ ReD H 3 + 4 ⁢ 5 . 1 , a is the particle diameter, and the liquid channel extends circumferentially about the central axis to an arc measure greater than or equal to α.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.