Compact microchannel system
AssigneeSandia National Laboratories
InventorStewart Griffiths
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Abstract
The present invention provides compact geometries for the layout of microchannel columns through the use of turns and straight channel segments. These compact geometries permit the use of long separation or reaction columns on a small microchannel substrate or, equivalently, permit columns of a fixed length to occupy a smaller substrate area. The new geometries are based in part on mathematical analyses that provide the minimum turn radius for which column performance in not degraded. In particular, we find that straight channel segments of sufficient length reduce the required minimum turn radius, enabling compact channel layout when turns and straight segments are combined. The compact geometries are obtained by using turns and straight segments in overlapped or nested arrangements to form pleated or coiled columns.
Claims21
A fluid separation device comprising:
- a body structure having at least one separation column fabricated therein, said at least one separation column for transporting a fluid therein, and wherein said at least one separation column comprises a fluid channel having first and second ends and an overall length, said fluid channel coiled upon itself in a plurality of connected loop segments to provide a channel coil, each of said loop segments concentrically nested such that none of said loop segments cross wherein each of said plurality of loop segments further comprise straight portions connected end-to-end by curved portions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.