Flow diode and method for controlling fluid flow origin of the invention
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorRodger W Dyson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flow diode configured to permit fluid flow in a first direction while preventing fluid flow in a second direction opposite the first direction is disclosed. The flow diode prevents fluid flow without use of mechanical closures or moving parts. The flow diode utilizes a bypass flowline whereby all fluid flow in the second direction moves into the bypass flowline having a plurality of tortuous portions providing high fluidic resistance. The portions decrease in diameter such that debris in the fluid is trapped. As fluid only travels in one direction through the portions, the debris remains trapped in the portions.
Claims19
An apparatus comprising:
- a flow diode comprising:
- a main flowline configured to transport fluid in a first direction from a first end of the flow diode to a second end of the flow diode;
- a bypass flowline having a plurality of portions in fluid communication with the main flowline, each of the plurality of portions having an entry and an exit in fluid communication with the main flowline, the exit located at a linear distance from the entry, the exit and the entry positioned between the first end and the second end of the flow diode, wherein a diameter of each of the portions is greater at the entry than at the exit, and further wherein a majority of the fluid transported in the first direction passes through the main flowline and a majority of the fluid transported in a second direction opposite the first direction passes into the bypass flowline.
An apparatus comprising:
- a microfluidic main flowline to transport fluid in a first direction and shaped to minimize pressure change along the microfluidic flowline;
- (and)
- a first portion of a microfluidic bypass flowline having an entry and an exit in fluid communication with the main flowline, the entry and the exit separated by a longitudinal distance along the main flowline, wherein the first portion of the microfluidic bypass flowline is shaped to only transport fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein a majority of the fluid flow in the second direction passing through the exit of the first portion passes into an entry of a second portion of the microfluidic bypass flowline;
- and
- wherein the microfluidic bypass flowline has a greater diameter at the entry than at the exit.
A method comprising:
- transporting fluid through a main flowline in a first direction from a first end of a flow diode to a second end of a flow diode;
- moving the fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction;
- preventing the fluid from passing out of the flow diode by providing a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the main flowline, the bypass flowline having a plurality of portions each having an entry and an exit in fluid communication with the main flowline, the exit located at a linear distance from the entry, wherein a diameter of at least one of the plurality of portions is greater at the entry than at the exit;
- and
- trapping debris in the bypass flowline, wherein a first portion of the plurality of portions of the bypass flowline comprises at least two flow channels sized to trap the debris, each of the flow channels having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the entry of the first portion, the flow channels are positioned between the entry and the exit of the first portion, and further wherein at least a portion of the fluid passing through the first portion passes through the at least two flow channels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.