Molecular separation device
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsJohn B. Stetson, Jr., Sarah Simon
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Abstract
A molecular separation device includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet through which flows an aqueous suspension and a porous separation membrane positioned in the chamber substantially orthogonally to the flow of the aqueous suspension. An electrical charging device connects to the separation membrane to apply a periodic electric charge so as to collect components blocked by the porous separation membrane. Related methods are also disclosed.
Claims15
A method for separating molecular components from an aqueous solution, comprising:
- positioning a porous separation membrane in a chamber;
- flowing said aqueous solution orthogonally to said separation membrane;
- applying an electrical charge to said separation membrane to migrate components of the aqueous solution blocked by said separation membrane to an outer periphery thereof;
- controlling the flow of said aqueous solution with a pump;
- and
- controlling application of said electrical charge with a charging device, wherein said electrical charge is applied periodically in a standing wave emanating from an inner diameter of said separation membrane to an outer diameter of said separation membrane to effect migration of said blocked components, thereby causing rectilinear motion of said blocked components toward said outer periphery of said membrane for sequestration.
A method for separating molecular components from an aqueous solution, comprising:
- positioning a porous separation membrane in a chamber;
- flowing said aqueous solution orthogonally to said separation membrane;
- applying an electrical charge to said separation membrane to migrate components of the aqueous solution blocked by said separation membrane to an outer periphery thereof;
- controlling the flow of said aqueous solution with a pump;
- controlling application of said electrical charge with a charging device, and
- collecting said migrated components in at least one collection well disposed on said outer periphery of said separation membrane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.