Extraction of biologic particles by pumping effect in a π-shaped ultrasonic actuator

This paper presents a new method of extracting biologic particles from a mixture of particles. The method is based on the pumping effect in a pi-shaped ultrasonic actuator, which has a gap between its two vibrating metal plates. An adhesive tape is placed at a proper position in the gap. Due to the pumping effect which is induced by the sound field in the gap, the particles with smaller mass and radius in the mixture can be pumped up to reach the adhesive tape; while the ones with larger mass cannot. Therefore, the particles with smaller mass and radius can be extracted from the mixture. A theoretical model which can well explain the operation principle and experimental phenomena is developed. By the experimental results and the theoretical analyses based on the model, the validity of the method in extracting small particles from a mixture of solid particles in air is confirmed, and the effects of the actuator's vibration, adhesive tape height, contents of the mixture and viscosity of fluid on the extraction are clarified, Also, it is theoretically predicted that the method will work under the microgravity condition in air. (c) 2006 Elsevier BN. All rights reserved.