A method of electric field flow fractionation wherein the polarity of the electric field is periodically reversed

Patent Application · Thu Mar 15 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:5890488

Stevens, F J

Field flow fractionation, a method obtaining high resolution separations of organic and inorganic colloids and soluble molecules, has been known in the art for approximately twenty years. The term field flow fractionation uses the word field in a generic sense. The field may comprise an electric field, a temperature gradient, a pH gradient, gravitational sedimentation or sedimentation through the application of a centrifugal force. The field is made to act upon a flowing solution or colloidal suspension and causes segregation or fractionation of the solute molecules or colloid particles. A novel method of electric field flow fractionation for separating solute molecules from a carrier solution is disclosed. The method of the invention utilizes an electric field that is periodically reversed in polarity, in a time-dependent, wave-like manner. The parameters of the waveform, including amplitude, frequency and wave shape may be varied to optimize separation of solute species. The waveform may further include discontinuities to enhance separation. 11 figs.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): PATENTS-US-A7494074
• Application Number: ON: DE91011642; PPN: 7-494074(87)
• OSTI ID: 5890488
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COLLOIDS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
FLOW RATE
FRACTIONATION
LAMINAR FLOW
OPTIMIZATION
ORIENTATION
TIME DEPENDENCE
WAVE FORMS
DISPERSIONS
FLUID FLOW
320303* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Equipment & Processes