Method and device for separation of colloidal suspensions
OwnerJoseph B. Culkininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Particulates are separated from colloidal suspensions by filtration where the filter is oscillated relative to the suspension in order to inhibit plugging of the filter. Plugging is substantially eliminated and filtration rates greatly enhanced by oscillating the membrane at a sufficiently high frequency and with a sufficiently large displacement so that the Reynold's number of the relative flow is greater than about 1.
Claims34
A method for separating particulates from a colloidal suspension in which plugging of a filter membrane is inhibited said method comprising:
- inhibiting plugging of a membrane from a sample blood suspension, by passing the suspension through the filter membrane, the filter membrane selected to substantially block passage of the particulates;
- and
- simultaneously inducing a relative oscillation between the filter membrane and the suspension with a frequency and displacement selected to provide a Reynold's number of at least about 1.
A method for separating plasma from blood samples with a filter membrane, comprising:
- inhibiting plugging of the filter membrane, by
- introducing a blood sample into a receptacle having the filter membrane in contact with said blood sample;
- providing a differential pressure across the membrane to cause the plasma to flow therethrough;
- simultaneously reciprocating the receptacle in a direction substantially normal to the direction of blood plasma flow through the filter membrane with a frequency and displacement sufficient to disperse a concentration polarization layer at the membrane surface;
- and
- collecting the blood plasma as it flows through the filter membrane.
A system for separating particulates from a colloidal blood suspension in which plugging of a membrane filter by the particulated is inhibited, said system comprising:
- the filter membrane selected to block passage of the particulates in the suspension;
- means for passing the colloidal blood suspension through the membrane filter;
- means for collecting permeate after it has passed through the filter membrane;
- and
- means for inhibiting plugging of the membrane by the colloidal blood suspension, including
- means for inducing relative oscillation between the filter membrane and the suspension with a frequency and displacement sufficient to provide a Reynold's number of at least about 1.
An apparatus comprising:
- means for separating particles from a colloidal blood suspension, including:
- an assembly including a filter membrane having an upstream side and a downstream side, a receiver attached to the downstream side to collect fluid passing through the filter membrane, and means for connecting a differential pressure across the membrane to induce fluid flow thereacross;
- and
- means for detachably mounting the assembly on an oscillator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.