US 6,746,503 B1 · Precision gap particle separator

Abstract

A system for separating particles entrained in a fluid includes a base with a first channel and a second channel. A precision gap connects the first channel and the second channel. The precision gap is of a size that allows small particles to pass from the first channel into the second channel and prevents large particles from the first channel into the second channel. A cover is positioned over the base unit, the first channel, the precision gap, and the second channel. An port directs the fluid containing the entrained particles into the first channel. An output port directs the large particles out of the first channel. A port connected to the second channel directs the small particles out of the second channel.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An apparatus for separating particles entrained in a fluid, some of said particles being of a small size, smaller than a predetermined size, and some of said particles being of a large size, larger than said predetermined size, comprising:

a base,
a first channel in said base,
a second channel in said base spaced from and substantially parallel to said first channel,
a precision gap connecting said first channel and said second channel, said precision gap being selected to allow said small size particles to pass from said first channel into said second channel and preventing said large size particles from passing from said first channel into said second channel,
a cover positioned over said base, said first channel, said precision gap, and said second channel,
an input port connected to said first channel,
an output port connected to said first channel, and
a port connected to said second channel.

5 more elements

A method of producing a particle separator for separating particles entrained in a fluid, some of said particles being of a small size, smaller than a predetermined size, and some of said particles being of a large size, larger than said predetermined size, comprising the steps of:

providing a base,
etching a first channel in said base,
etching a second channel in said base spaced from and substantially parallel to said first channel,
etching a precision gap in said base connecting said first channel and said second channel, said precision gap being etched of a size to allow said small size particles to pass from said first channel into said second channel and preventing said large size particles from passing from said first channel into said second channel,
positioning a cover over said base, said first channel, said precision gap, and said second channel,
providing an input port connected to said first channel for directing said fluid containing said entrained particles into said first channel,
providing an output port connected to said first channel for directing said large size particles out of said first channel, and
providing a port connected to said second channel for directing said small size particles out of said second channel.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Precision gap particle separator

Life of this patent

Precision gap particle separator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14