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Published on: November 13, 2014
Quantification of a novel h-shaped ultrasonic resonator for separation of biomaterials under terrestrial gravity and
Hannes Böhm1, Lewis G Briarty, Kenneth C Lowe
1Plant Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
A novel, h-shaped ultrasonic resonator was used to separate biological particulates. The effectiveness of the resonator was demonstrated using suspensions of the cyanobacterium, Spirulina platensis. The key advantages of this approach were improved acoustic field homogeneity, flow characteristics, and overall separation efficiency (sigma = 1 - ratio of concentration in cleared phase to input), monitored using a turbidity sensor. The novel separation concept was also effective under microgravity conditions; gravitational forces influenced overall efficiency. Separation of Spirulina at cleared flow rates of 14 to 58 L/day, as assessed by remote video recording, was evaluated under both microgravity (
