U.S. patent application number 15/267951 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-05 for radiofrequency particle separator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Elwha LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Elwha LLC. Invention is credited to Michael H. Baym, Terry Briggs, Clark J. Gilbert, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Conor L. Myhrvold, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Tony S. Pan, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood,, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood.
Application Number | 20170001201 15/267951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50474439 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170001201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baym; Michael H. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2017 |
RADIOFREQUENCY PARTICLE SEPARATOR
Abstract
A method of separating a mineral bearing particle from a fluid
includes providing a housing along a surface of the fluid, moving
the housing along the surface of the fluid with a driver, and
applying a radio-frequency electromagnetic field to the fluid with
a generator. Applying the radio-frequency electromagnetic field
includes increasing a temperature of the mineral bearing particle
contained within the fluid to a boiling point of the fluid whereby
the mineral bearing particle transfers heat into the fluid.
Inventors: |
Baym; Michael H.;
(Cambridge, MA) ; Briggs; Terry; (Lone Tree,
CO) ; Gilbert; Clark J.; (Denver, CO) ;
Hillis; W. Daniel; (Cambridge, MA) ; Hyde; Roderick
A.; (Redmond, WA) ; Ishikawa; Muriel Y.;
(Livermore, CA) ; Kare; Jordin T.; (San Jose,
CA) ; Myhrvold; Conor L.; (Bellevue, WA) ;
Myhrvold; Nathan P.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Pan; Tony
S.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Tegreene; Clarence T.;
(Mercer Island, WA) ; Whitmer; Charles; (North
Bend, WA) ; Wood,, JR.; Lowell L.; (Bellevue, WA)
; Wood; Victoria Y.H.; (Livermore, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elwha LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Elwha LLC
Bellevue
WA
|
Family ID: |
50474439 |
Appl. No.: |
15/267951 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13651102 |
Oct 12, 2012 |
9480991 |
|
|
15267951 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B03B 1/02 20130101; B01D
21/009 20130101; B01D 21/0009 20130101; B03B 1/04 20130101; B01D
21/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B03B 1/02 20060101
B03B001/02; B01D 21/34 20060101 B01D021/34; B01D 21/00 20060101
B01D021/00 |
Claims
1. A method of separating a mineral bearing particle from a fluid,
comprising: providing a housing along a surface of the fluid;
moving the housing along the surface of the fluid with a driver;
and applying a radio-frequency electromagnetic field to the fluid
with a generator, wherein applying the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field includes increasing a temperature of the
mineral bearing particle contained within the fluid to a boiling
point of the fluid whereby the mineral bearing particle transfers
heat into the fluid.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising floating the housing
along the surface of the fluid.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field includes increasing the temperature of the
mineral bearing particle within a region defined by an outer
surface of the mineral bearing particle and extending inward to a
specified skin depth.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising boiling the fluid to
form a plurality of vapor bubbles within the fluid at a formation
rate.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising moving the mineral
bearing particle through the fluid with the plurality of vapor
bubbles.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field includes increasing the temperature of the
mineral bearing particle homogeneously.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field includes a specified wave form.
8. The method of claim 1, the fluid defining a first fluid, further
comprising varying a condition of a second fluid with a regulator,
the second fluid disposed adjacent the first fluid.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein varying the condition of the
second fluid includes at least partially surrounding the first
fluid with a case of the regulator.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein varying the condition of the
second fluid includes varying a pressure of the second fluid within
the case with a pressure controller.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressure controller
includes a piston pump.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting a heating
characteristic associated with the mineral bearing particle by
varying a parameter of the radio-frequency electromagnetic field
with a controller.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising varying the
parameter of the radio-frequency electromagnetic field based on a
specified target unit size for the mineral bearing particle.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the heating characteristic is a
specified skin depth.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the heating characteristic is a
specified thermal gradient.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising varying the
parameter of the radio-frequency electromagnetic field based on a
specified target unit density for the mineral bearing particle.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the heating characteristic is a
specified skin depth.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the heating characteristic is a
specified thermal gradient.
19. A method for separating a mineral bearing particle from a
fluid, comprising: providing a housing; containing the fluid within
the housing, the fluid containing the mineral bearing particle;
applying a radio-frequency electromagnetic field to the mineral
bearing particle using a generator; and increasing a temperature of
a portion of the mineral bearing particle with the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field, wherein the mineral bearing particle
transfers heat into the fluid to produce a heated fluid, the heated
fluid imposing motion-inducing forces on the mineral bearing
particle.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising differentially
sorting the mineral bearing particle by at least one of size and
density, wherein differentially sorting the mineral bearing
particle by at least one of size and density includes varying a
field intensity of the radio-frequency electromagnetic field.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising resistively heating
the mineral bearing particle with the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field to generate a specified temperature
gradient.
22. The method of claim 19, further comprising heating the mineral
bearing particle by magnetic hysteresis with the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field to generate a specified temperature
gradient.
23. The method of claim 19, further comprising dielectrically
heating the mineral bearing particle with the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field to generate a specified temperature
gradient.
24. The method of claim 19, further comprising boiling the fluid to
form a plurality of vapor bubbles within the fluid at a formation
rate.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising moving the mineral
bearing particle through the fluid with the plurality of vapor
bubbles.
26. A method for separating a mineral bearing particle from a
fluid, comprising: providing a housing; containing the fluid within
the housing, the fluid containing the mineral bearing particle;
applying a non-uniform radio-frequency field to the mineral bearing
particle using a generator; and moving the mineral bearing particle
within the fluid with a propulsion force induced by the non-uniform
radio-frequency field.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising moving the mineral
bearing particle at least one of laterally, vertically, and
rotationally within the fluid.
28. The method of claim 26, further comprising differentially
sorting the mineral bearing particle by size, wherein
differentially sorting the mineral bearing particle by size
includes varying a field intensity of the non-uniform
radio-frequency field.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein moving the mineral bearing
particle includes inducing a plurality of currents within the
mineral bearing particle to generate a force produced by
interaction of the plurality of currents with a magnetic component
of the non-uniform radio-frequency field.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein moving the mineral bearing
particle includes generating a gradient in the force applied to the
mineral bearing particle.
31. The method of claim 29, wherein applying the non-uniform
radio-frequency field includes applying a specified wave form.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the specified wave form
comprises a continuous wave having a specified frequency and a
specified intensity.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the specified wave form
comprises a pulsed electromagnetic field, wherein the pulsed
electromagnetic field includes a gradient and a field strength.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the specified wave form
comprises a continuous electromagnetic field, wherein the
continuous electromagnetic field includes a gradient and a field
strength.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein applying the specified wave
form includes differentially manipulating the mineral bearing
particle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/651,102, titled "Radiofrequency Particle
Separator," and filed Oct. 12, 2012, the entire disclosure of which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any and all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mining operations remove aggregate ore from an in-ground
deposit and process the loose aggregate ore to remove metals, coal,
and other minerals. Ore removed from the ground includes particles
of the target material but may also include various other,
secondary materials. Such secondary materials may include rock,
soil, and other minerals. In order to produce a pure sample of the
target material, the secondary material must be removed from the
target material sample.
[0003] Traditional methods for removing secondary material from a
target material involve a chemical process and one or more
finishing steps. The finishing steps often fail to fully remove the
secondary material from the target material. By way of example,
finishing steps may include the size or weight dependent processes
of frothing, filtering, and panning. Frothing uses chemicals and
large bubbles to chemically separate target material. Filtering
machines rely on a fluid containing the target material and
secondary material and pass the fluid through one or more filters.
The filters are generally fibrous and vary in precision from course
to fine. After the fluid is passed through, particles of the same
size are trapped within the filter regardless of whether the
particles are target material or secondary material. Given the need
for a pure target material final product, trapped filter material
may be thereafter panned. While panning separates target material
from secondary material, panning is very time consuming. Despite
these deficiencies, frothing, filtering and panning remain the
primary methods used for removing target material from a fluid
containing target material and secondary materials.
SUMMARY
[0004] One method relates to a method of separating a mineral
bearing particle from a fluid. The method includes providing a
housing along a surface of the fluid, moving the housing along the
surface of the fluid with a driver, and applying a radio-frequency
electromagnetic field to the fluid with a generator. Applying the
radio-frequency electromagnetic field includes increasing a
temperature of the mineral bearing particle contained within the
fluid to a boiling point of the fluid whereby the mineral bearing
particle transfers heat into the fluid.
[0005] Another embodiment relates to a method for separating a
mineral bearing particle from a fluid. The method includes
providing a housing, containing the fluid within the housing, the
fluid containing the mineral bearing particle, applying a
radio-frequency electromagnetic field to the mineral bearing
particle using a generator, and increasing the temperature of a
portion of the mineral bearing particle with the radio-frequency
electromagnetic field. The mineral bearing particle transfers heat
into the fluid, and the heated fluid imposes motion-inducing forces
on the mineral bearing particle.
[0006] Still another embodiment relates to a method for separating
a mineral bearing particle from a fluid. The method includes
providing a housing, containing the fluid within the housing, the
fluid containing the mineral bearing particle, applying a
non-uniform radio-frequency field to the mineral bearing particle
using a generator, and moving the mineral bearing particle within
the fluid with a propulsion force induced by the non-uniform
radio-frequency field.
[0007] The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments
relate to other features an combinations of features as may be
generally recited in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like
elements, in which.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a generator and fluid in a RF
particle separator.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a generator operating upon a
fluid in a RF particle separator.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a generator operating upon a
fluid within a chute.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a target and secondary
particle affected by a field.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a target and secondary
particle affected by a field.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a target particle affected by
a field and heated to a specified skin depth.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a target particle affected by
a field and heated to a specified temperature gradient.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a target particle affected by
a field and including an induced force component.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an RF particle separator
having a characteristic altering system.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an RF particle separator
having a characteristic altering system.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an RF particle separator
having a dispenser system.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a mobile RF particle
separator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the
exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the
application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth
in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be
understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description
only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0022] RF separators are intended to provide an efficient
replacement to traditional separation equipment. Such RF separators
receive a fluid containing particles largely separated from rock
through polymerization and raise the temperature of target material
to raise the particles within a fluid. Such target particles may
also be raised magnetically. Various conditions are controlled to
ensure that secondary material is not raised within the fluid. The
RF separators produce a final product of target material containing
little, if any, secondary material.
[0023] Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, a
particle extractor is shown as radiofrequency (RF) particle
separator 10. RF particle separator 10 extracts materials without
relying on filtering or chemicals traditionally associated with
frothing. RF particle separator 10 may further eliminate the need
for subsequent panning. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, RF particle
separator includes a reservoir, shown as basin 20. Basin 20
provides a support structure for various components of RF particle
separator 10. Basin 20 is generally concave shaped, but basin 20
may have a variety of different shapes. According to an exemplary
embodiment, basin 20 may be one meter wide, one meter deep, and ten
meters long. According to an exemplary embodiment, basin 20 is
manufactured by removing a portion of ground material. In this
form, basin 20 may include a liner material to facilitate retaining
fluids within basin 20 and have dimensions of one hundred meters
wide, three meters deep, and one hundred meters long. According to
an alternative embodiment, basin 20 is formed from metal,
composite, or wood. According to another alternative embodiment,
basin 20 is formed from still other suitable materials.
[0024] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-2, RF particle separator 10 may include a carrier fluid, shown as
fluid 30. Fluid 30 facilitates the extraction process of RF
particle separator 10. Fluid 30 may include a non-homogeneous
mixture of different constituents, a homogeneous mixture of
different constituents, or may include only a single fluid
constituent. According to an exemplary embodiment, fluid 30 may
comprise a dielectric fluid (e.g., pure water, water that includes
secondary materials, glycerine, furfural, ethylene glycol, alcohol,
solutions of such fluids, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 1-2, fluid 30 is
located within basin 20. Fluid 30 may partially or entirely fill
basin 20 as the demands of RF particle separator 10 require.
According to an exemplary embodiment, fluid 30 is a liquid.
According to an exemplary embodiment, fluid 30 is liquid water.
According to an alternative embodiment, fluid 30 is an alcohol,
acetone, or another liquid selected to facilitate the extraction
process of RF particle separator 10.
[0025] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-2, RF particle separator 10 includes a material of interest,
shown as target particles 50. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, target
particles 50 may be located within fluid 30. Target particles 50
may be any material to be separated from fluid 30. Target particles
50 may include valuable minerals. Such valuable minerals may
constitute the entire target particle 50, or target particle 50 may
include a valuable mineral and a less valuable material (e.g.,
gangue). According to an exemplary embodiment, target particles 50
may comprise valuable metals such as gold, silver, or platinum,
among other valuable metals. According to an alternative
embodiment, target particles 50 may comprise less valuable metals
such as iron, copper, and aluminum, among other less valuable
metals. Target particles 50 include a specified size. The size of
target particles 50 may vary based on the nature of previous
processing steps. According to an exemplary embodiment, the size of
target particles 50 is between approximately 0.1 micrometers to 1.0
millimeters. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, target particles 50 may be
suspended within fluid 30. According to various alternative
embodiments, target particles 50 may be located along the bottom of
fluid 30 within basin 20, along a side of fluid 30 within basin 20,
or randomly oriented within fluid 30.
[0026] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, RF
particle separator 10 may include target particles 50 and
extraneous materials, shown as secondary particles 60. Such
secondary particles 60 may not rise within fluid 30 to the same
extent as target particles 50 once affected by field 42. As shown
in FIGS. 1-2, secondary particles 60 may be located within fluid
30. According to an exemplary embodiment, secondary particles 60
include any material within fluid 30 other than target particles 50
(e.g. carbon compounds, less valuable materials, etc.). The
composition of such secondary particles 60 may include aggregate,
processing chemicals, and materials having a value less than the
target particles 50. The size and shape of secondary particles vary
widely. According to an exemplary embodiment, the size of secondary
particles 60 is between approximately 0.1 micrometers to 1.0
millimeters. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, secondary particles 60 may be
suspended within fluid 30. According to various alternative
embodiments, secondary particles 60 may be located along the bottom
of fluid 30 within basin 20, along a side of fluid 30 within basin
20, or randomly oriented within fluid 30.
[0027] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2,
the material properties of target particles 50 and secondary
particles 60 vary depending on the nature of their composition.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the density of target
particles 50 is greater than the density of fluid 30. Such target
particles 50 may nonetheless remain suspended within fluid 30 due
to various flow currents within fluid 30, among other reasons. Flow
currents within fluid 30 may occur due to a physical or thermal
movement of fluid 30 within basin 20. According to an alternative
embodiment, the density of target particles 50 is approximately
equal to the density of fluid 30. According to still another
alternative embodiment, the density of target particles 50 is less
than the density of fluid 30. Such target particles 50 may
nonetheless remain suspended within fluid 30 or sink within fluid
30 due to various flow currents within fluid 30 or the presence of
secondary particles 60. By way of example, secondary particles 60
having a greater density than that of target particles 50 may be
attached to target particles 50 and force them to suspend or sink
within fluid 30. The density of secondary particles 60 may
similarly be less than, equal to, or greater than the density of
fluid 30.
[0028] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-2, RF particle separator 10 includes a wave creation device,
shown as generator 40. Generator 40 is configured to subject fluid
30 to a pattern of waves, shown as field 42 having specified
characteristics. According to an exemplary embodiment, generator 40
is a wave form generator capable of exposing fluid 30 to
electromagnetic waves having identified properties. Such identified
properties may include frequency, intensity, uniformity, direction,
polarization, mode shape, and pulse length, among other known
properties of electromagnetic waves. The wave form may include a
plurality of electromagnetic waves having different properties. The
plurality of electromagnetic waves may overlap in space, in time,
or both in space and in time. Identifying certain properties of
field 42 provides greater control of the extraction process of RF
particle separator 10.
[0029] According to various alternative embodiments, generator 40
subjects fluid 30 to a continuous or pulsed field. The
electromagnetic field within the separator may be a standing wave
or a non-propagating evanescent field. Such fields may have a modal
character dominated either by an electric field component (varying
at an RF frequency) or an electromagnetic field component (varying
at an RF frequency). According to an alternative embodiment,
generator 40 produces a continuous electric field component.
According to still another alternative embodiment, generator 40
subjects fluid 30 to an electromagnetic field component. Such
electromagnetic field may be a continuous electromagnetic field.
According to an alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic field
is a pulsed electromagnetic field. Varying the type of field 42
generated by generator 40 allows for greater control of the
extraction process undertaken by RF particle separator 10. By way
of example, field 42 may be selected as having a predominately
magnetic field characteristic in order to extract target particles
having naturally occurring or introduced magnetic
characteristics.
[0030] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
generator 40 may direct field 42 toward fluid 30. The distance,
relative orientation, and presence of intervening objects between
generator 40 and fluid 30 impact the intensity of the field that
affects fluid 30. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-2, generator 40 is located on a side of basin 20. It should
be understood that generator 40 may be located in any position with
respect to fluid 30, including within fluid 30. According to the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, field 42 passes through basin
20 and into fluid 30. According to another alternative embodiment,
generator 40 is positioned to allow field 42 to flow directly into
fluid 30.
[0031] Referring next to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
3, RF particle separator 10 may interact with fluid 30. Fluid 30
facilitates the extraction process of RF particle separator 10
shown in FIG. 3. Fluid 30 may include various properties as
discussed above. According to an exemplary embodiment, RF particle
separator 10 includes target particles 50. Target particles 50 may
comprise valuable or less valuable materials as discussed above. As
discussed above, target particles 50 may be located within fluid 30
in various configurations. According to an alternative embodiment,
RF particle separator 10 further includes secondary particles 60.
Secondary particles 60 may be any material of various sizes within
fluid 30, as discussed above, and secondary particles 60 may be
located within fluid 30 in various configurations.
[0032] According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, RF
particle separator 10 further includes a transport structure, shown
as chute 70. Chute 70 provides a support structure for various
components of RF particle separator 10. According to an exemplary
embodiment, chute 70 is generally concave shaped, but it should be
understood that chute 70 may have a variety of different shapes.
According to an exemplary embodiment, chute 70 is manufactured by
removing a portion of ground material. In this form, chute 70 may
include a liner material to facilitate retaining fluids within
chute 70 and prevent fluid 30 from seeping into the ground.
According to an alternative embodiment, chute 70 is formed from a
metal, composite, or wood. According to another alternative
embodiment, chute 70 is formed from still other suitable
materials.
[0033] According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
chute 70 at least partially contains fluid 30. Such containment may
include chute 70 entirely surrounding fluid 30. Fluid 30 may
experience a pressurized state, depressurized state, or both
depending on the operating conditions of RF particle separator 10.
According to an exemplary embodiment, fluid 30 flows within chute
70 at a specified flow rate. The flow rate of fluid 30 may be
specified according to maximize the extraction process of RF
particle separator 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, fluid
30 flows within chute 70 due to gravity. Such flow may occur where
a first end of chute 70 is located at a greater elevation than a
second end of chute 70. According to an alternative embodiment,
fluid 30 flows within 70 due to a mechanical input. Such mechanical
input may include a pump that moves fluid 30 within chute 70 at a
specified flow rate. According to still another alternative
embodiment, fluid 30 does not flow within chute 70.
[0034] According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
chute 70 may interact with additional processing equipment. Such
processing equipment may include milling machines, rock crushers,
fluid supplies, and fluid runoff chutes. According to an exemplary
embodiment, chute 70 interacts with a fluid supply that provides
unprocessed fluid 30 containing target particles 50 into chute 70
for extraction by RF particle separator 10. According to an
alternative embodiment, chute 70 is separated from other processing
equipment.
[0035] Referring again to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
3, RF particle separator 10 further includes a generator 40.
Generator 40 subjects fluid 30 to a field as discussed above. The
number and orientation of generators 40 may be selected based on an
operating condition of RF particle separator 10 or fluid 30.
According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, RF
particle separator 10 includes a plurality of generators 40 spaced
at a specified interval along chute 70 (e.g., every 1 meter, every
10 meters, etc.). The position of generators 40 may be selected in
order to facilitate subjecting fluid 30 to a field. According to an
exemplary embodiment, generators 40 may be disposed along a side of
chute 70. According to various alternative embodiments, generators
40 may be located above, below, within, or on top of fluid 30.
[0036] Referring still to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
3, with the generators 40 engaged, fluid 30 is subjected to a field
thereby forming a target zone, shown as subjected portion 44.
Subjected portion 44 is a portion of chute 70 where fluid 30 is
subjected to a field from generators 40. According to an exemplary
embodiment, subjected portion 44 extends entirely across chute 70
perpendicular to the flow of fluid 30 such that it entirely covers
the cross-section of chute 70. As shown in FIG. 3, subjected
portion 44 is at least partially defined by a length a along chute
70. According to various alternative embodiments, subjected portion
44 extends radially, spherically, or according to another defined
shape with respect to generators 40.
[0037] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
RF particle separator 10 may further include an accumulator, shown
as recovery system 72. Recovery system 72 collects target particles
50 after they are separated from fluid 30. According to an
exemplary embodiment, recovery system 72 may be at least partially
coupled to chute 70. According to an alternative embodiment,
recovery system 72 may be located proximate to an external
structure, shown as ground surface 22, the top surface of fluid 30,
or within fluid 30. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 3, recovery system 72 may include a strainer, shown as skimmer
74. Skimmer 74 may be located proximate to the top surface of fluid
30. Skimmer 74 collects target particles 50 located along the top
surface of fluid 30. This collection occurs through contact between
target particles 50 and skimmer 74. Target particles 50 move to the
edge of chute 70. As shown in FIG. 3, recovery system 72 further
includes a collection point, shown as catch 76. Target particles 50
collected by skimmer 74 may be moved to catch 76 for removal.
[0038] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
target particles 50 within fluid 30 may be subjected to
electromagnetic field 42 created by generator 40. According to an
exemplary embodiment, field 42 has a predominantly electric field
character. Such electric fields include continuous fields and
pulsed electric fields. Field 42 interacts with target particle 50
and increases the temperature of target particle 50. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the temperature is increased uniformly
throughout the volume of target particle 50. The heating depends on
the conductivity of target particles 50 multiplied by the electric
field strength squared, which may be a magnetically induced field
and vary according to the rate of magnetic flux density change
squared (i.e., a higher frequency is better at inducing an electric
field strength value). According to an exemplary embodiment, the
target particle 50 may comprise a dielectric mineral that is lossy
(i.e. that has a high dielectric loss tangent). Dielectric heating
within such minerals may be due to rotation of polar molecules and
may vary according to the product of frequency and electric field
strength squared. According to an alternative embodiment, target
particle 50 may comprise a magnetic material (e.g., a
ferromagnetic) that exhibits hysteresis. Magnetic heating within
such minerals may be due to variation in magnetic domains and may
vary according to the product of frequency and electromagnetic
field strength squared.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, target particle 50 transfers heat
into fluid 30 until at least a portion of fluid 30 is vaporized.
Vaporizing fluid 30 forms a vapor pocket, shown as bubble 52 that
is coupled to target particle 50 by an interface, shown as contact
surface 54. Contact surface 54 couples bubble 52 to particle 50
through surface tension. This coupling may depend on the
wettability of the particle by the liquid fluid. By way of example,
vapor bubbles may couple more strongly to particles having a low
liquid wettability. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4-5, the density of bubble 52 is lower than the density of
fluid 30. This difference in density between bubble 52 and fluid 30
causes bubble 52 to lift target particle 50 within fluid 30. As
shown in FIGS. 4-5, the temperature of secondary particle 60 is not
increased sufficiently to vaporize fluid 30. This disparity in
temperatures and corresponding variation in attached bubbles 52
separates target particles 50 from fluid 30 and most secondary
particles 60.
[0040] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
4-5, bubble 52 forms along contact surface 54 of target particle
50. The location of bubble 52 on target particle 50 may be governed
by a number of factors, including the shape, size, and material
properties of target particle 50, among other factors. According to
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, bubble 52 forms along an
upper portion of target particle 50. In this configuration, bubble
52 pulls target particle 50 upwards to the surface of fluid 30. The
lifting force provided by bubble 52 is transferred to target
particle 50 through contact surface 54 and causes target particle
50 to rise. According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
5, bubble 52 is located along a lower portion of target particle
50. In this configuration, bubble 52 pushes target particle 50
upwards to the surface of fluid 30, and the upper portion of target
particle 50 may contact another bubble 52 such that it does not
further vaporize fluid 30.
[0041] Referring next to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
6, field 42 increases the temperature of target particle 50
non-uniformly. Field 42 may interact with target particle 50 and
first increase the temperature of an outer portion, shown as outer
surface 56. As further interaction occurs, an affected zone, shown
as subjected portion 57 of target particle 50 extends from outer
surface 56 inward to an inner boundary, shown as inner temperature
line 58. Subjected portion 57 may include the portion of target
particle 50 having an increased temperature. Within subjected
portion 57, the temperature varies from a higher temperature at
outer surface 56 to a lower temperature at inner temperature line
58. The remaining portion of target particle 50 remains an initial
temperature. The distance between outer surface 56 and inner
temperature line 58 is an affected distance, shown as skin depth
.sub.R in FIG. 6.
[0042] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
non-uniformly increasing the temperature of target particle
efficiently facilitates the separation process of the RF particle
separator. According to an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of
target particles 50 is approximately 0.001 meters. With particles
of this size, increasing the temperature of subjected portion 57 of
target particle 50 may provide greater efficiency in part because
of the energy savings caused by increasing the temperature of only
part of target particle 50. Efficiency is further promoted because
the temperature of subjected portion 57 may be increased more
quickly than a uniform increase of the entire target particle 50.
This faster increase in temperature may reduce the requisite
operation time for the field generator and allows the RF particle
separator to remove more target particles in an equal duration of
time.
[0043] According to various exemplary embodiments, field 42
includes electromagnetic waves having a frequency and amplitude.
Varying the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by
generator 40 varies skin depth .beta.. According to an exemplary
embodiment, skin depth .beta. is inversely proportional to the
square root of the frequency of the electromagnetic waves. By way
of example, a higher frequency tends to decrease the skin depth
.sub.R whereas a lower frequency tends to increase the skin depth
.beta.. According to an exemplary embodiment, skin depth .beta. is
approximately ten percent of the diameter of the target particles
50. According to an alternative embodiment, the skin depth is
increased until subjected portion 57 extends throughout target
particle. In both instances, the efficiency of RF particle
separator 10 is increased relative to embodiments where the skin
depth is substantially larger than the size of the particle (or its
mineral portion). The skin depth impacts the size of particles
moved by RF particle separator 10. The frequency of field 42 may
then be varied in order to remove different sized particles with
each applied frequency. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
frequency of the field is increased or decreased according to a
specified pattern thereby allowing for the extraction of certain
sized particles.
[0044] Referring next to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
7, target particles 50 may be extracted from fluid 30 without
vaporizing fluid 30. As shown in FIG. 7, field 42 increases the
temperature of target particle 50 according to a specified pattern,
shown as thermal gradient 112. According to an exemplary
embodiment, field 42 includes electromagnetic waves having a
frequency, amplitude, and other characteristics.
[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, the frequency of the
electromagnetic waves within field 42 varies. Such variance may
occur in a single linear dimension (e.g., vertically, laterally,
along a depth, etc.), a single curvilinear dimension, two
dimensions formed by two of the foregoing linear or curvilinear
dimensions, spherically, or according to some other one, two, or
three dimensional geometry. According to an alternative embodiment,
the amplitude of the electromagnetic waves within the field varies.
According various other alternative embodiments, still other
characteristics of the field vary.
[0046] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
target particles 50 within fluid 30 interact with field 42.
Variance among the electromagnetic waves within field 42 provides a
non-uniform temperature increase within target particles 50.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the
frequency or amplitude of electromagnetic waves of field 42 varies
across the particles, and heating due to electromagnetic waves
acting on the bottom 110 of target particle 50 may be greater than
the heating due to electromagnetic waves acting on the top 111 of
target particle 50. This variance in heating results in thermal
gradient 112 within target particle 50. As discussed above, thermal
gradient 112 is related to the variance in characteristics of field
42. The material properties of target particles 50 (e.g., density,
thermal conductivity, presence of trace materials, etc.) may impact
the degree that thermal gradient 112 corresponds to the variance
within the electromagnetic waves of field 42.
[0047] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
field 42 interacts with target particle 50 to increase the
temperature of target particle 50. The temperature is increased to
a first specified level, shown as first temperature 114 at a
location proximate to the bottom of target particle 50 and a second
specified level, shown as second temperature 116 at a location
proximate to the top of target particle 50. According to an
exemplary embodiment, first temperature 114 is higher than second
temperature 116. While the entire target particle 50 transfers heat
to fluid 30, portions of target particle 50 having a proportionally
higher temperature transfer proportionally more heat to the
surrounding fluid 30. According to an alternative embodiment, field
42 creates thermal gradient 112 having lateral characteristics such
that target particle 50 moves laterally within fluid 30.
[0048] Referring still to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG.
7, the additional heat transfer proximate to certain portions of
target particle 50 causes a greater increase in the temperature of
fluid 30 along to the bottom of target particle 50 than the fluid
30 along to the top of target particle 50. The warmer fluid 30
proximate to the bottom of target particle 50 expands and rises
toward the surface of fluid 30. This rising fluid 30 causes a
thermal influx, shown as propulsion currents 118. Propulsion
currents 118 interact with the surface of target particles 50 to
provide a lifting force. According to an alternative embodiment,
field 42 causes different thermal gradients 112 within target
particles 50. These varying thermal gradients 112 cause unique heat
transfer between target particles 50 and fluid 30 and provide for
different movement of target particles 50.
[0049] Referring next to still another alternative embodiment shown
in FIG. 8, target particles 50 may be moved through magnetic
interaction. According to an exemplary embodiment, target particles
50 may comprise a conductive material capable of carrying an
electric current. Field 42 created by generator 40 may interact
with target particles 50 along a specified direction, shown as
field vector 120. Field vector 120 may cause eddy currents to form
and circulate within target particles 50 perpendicular to field
vector 120. These eddy currents may travel throughout or only
within a certain volume of target particles 50. Flow of electrons
along the electrical circuit may induce a voltage and
electromagnetic field within target particles 50. This
electromagnetic field may combine with field 42 having a specified
gradient and interact with the current to produce a J.times.B
force, shown as force vector 122 having a magnitude and a
direction. The magnitude of force vector 122 moves target particles
50 along the direction of force vector 122. Such movement of target
particles 50 through fluid 30 caused by force vector 122 is less
dependent on the characteristics of fluid 30 than alternative
methods such as vaporizing fluid 30.
[0050] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8,
several factors impact the magnitude of force vector 122. By way of
example, the magnitude of waves within field 42 and the conductance
of target particles 50, among other factors, impact the magnitude
of force vector 122. According to an exemplary embodiment, target
particles 50 may be highly conductive materials (gold, silver,
copper, etc.). Highly conductive materials allow field 42 to induce
stronger eddy currents within target particles 50 and may increase
the magnitude of force vector 122. A stronger induction of eddy
currents within target particles 50 may further facilitate the
separation operation of RF particle separator 10 because secondary
particles 60 may be a material not suitable to carrying eddy
currents or may be a material less suitable to carrying eddy
currents than target particles 50. By way of example, aggregate
material may be not well suited to carrying eddy currents.
Aggregates failing to carry sufficient eddy currents will not move
substantially in the direction of force vector 122. Target
particles 50 may be better at carrying eddy currents than secondary
particles 60 and may move in the direction of force vector 122
while the secondary particles 60 may not.
[0051] According to an alternative embodiment, the target particles
may have a conductance lower than highly conductive materials but
greater than the secondary particles (e.g., titanium, platinum,
etc.). As discussed above, the strength of the field may also
impact the magnitude of a force vector. The strength of the field
may be controlled in order to induce eddy currents within the
target particles that create a sufficient magnitude of a force
vector. According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of a
force vector may be sufficient where it is capable of moving the
target particles along a specified path.
[0052] According to an alternative embodiment, the strength of the
field may be further increased in order to create a force vector
having a magnitude capable of moving the target particles faster or
slower, as conditions may require. By way of example, a larger
force may be necessary where the fluid is flowing rapidly or where
the target particles must be extracted from the fluid quickly.
Under these circumstances, the requisite force vector may have a
magnitude much greater than the weight force of the target
particle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the strength of the
field is controlled to induce a force vector capable of moving the
target particles without substantially moving the secondary
particles.
[0053] According to an alternative embodiment, the target particles
may have magnetic properties apart from those paramagnetically
induced by a field. Such magnetic properties may have been
introduced to target particles or naturally occurring within the
target particles. The magnetic properties may be induced by the
field but be nonlinear and dependent upon the amplitude or
frequency of the field. Ferrous materials may be particularly
susceptible to such properties. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the target particles may be iron having naturally
occurring magnetic properties. According to an alternative
embodiment, target particles may be iron having introduced magnetic
properties. The introduction of magnetic properties may occur
through various known techniques including introducing the target
particles to a magnetic material or an electromagnet. Naturally
occurring or introduced magnetic properties of the target particles
further interact with the applied electromagnetic field and create
a larger force than similar target particles exposed to a similar
electromagnetic field.
[0054] According to an alternative embodiment, the target particles
may be charged. Charged target particles interact with an
electromagnetic field and experience a Lorentz force acting to move
the particle. Electromagnetic fields include an electric field
portion, E and an electromagnetic field portion, B. For a particle
having a given electric charge, q, the force acting to move the
particle is the charge q multiplied by the applied electric field
and the cross product of the velocity of the particle and the
applied electromagnetic field. The cross product causes the Lorentz
force to act perpendicular to both the velocity with applied
electromagnetic field. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
target particles may be naturally charged. According to an
alternative embodiment, the target particles may be charged prior
to entering the field. Such charging may occur or according to
various known methods, including electrostatically charging the
target particles or creating ions by exposing the target particles
to a chemical compound.
[0055] Referring next to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
9-10, RF particle separator 10 may further include a fluid
characteristic regulator, shown as conditioner system 80.
Conditioner system 80 may decrease the air pressure above fluid 30
in order to facilitate the size or formation rate of bubbles 52
within fluid 30. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 9-10, conditioner system 80 may further include a cover,
shown as housing 82. Housing 82 may include an inside portion and
an outside portion and partially or entirely surround fluid 30
thereby sealing fluid 30 from external atmospheric pressure
conditions.
[0056] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9,
housing 82 may be disc shaped and coupled to a surface of basin 20.
Such coupling may be accomplished according to any known technique
including welding, a bolted connection, using an adhesive, or other
known coupling techniques. According to the alternative embodiment
shown in FIG. 10, housing 82 is partially coupled to ground surface
22. Such coupling may occur by burying a portion of housing 82
within ground surface 22, by using seal connection, or by various
alternative known methods.
[0057] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10,
conditioner system 80 may further include a volume, shown as zone
84. Zone 84 is formed between the surface of fluid 30 and the
inside portion of housing 82. According to an exemplary embodiment,
zone 84 may be filled with a fluid and substantially sealed from
external atmospheric conditions. Such a fluid may include air,
argon gas, or another known fluid capable of facilitating to the
formation of bubbles 52 within fluid 30. Sealing zone 84 may
provide at least the benefit of allowing for the regulation of
certain fluid conditions within zone 84. Such certain fluid
conditions may include temperature, pressure, among other known
conditions of the fluid within zone 84.
[0058] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10,
zone 84 is in fluid communication with fluid 30. As shown in FIGS.
9-10, the fluid pressure within zone 84 acts on fluid 30 and
inhibits the formation of bubbles 52. Further, the heat energy of
the fluid within zone 84 may be absorbed by fluid 30 or the fluid
within zone 84 may absorb heat energy from fluid 30. According to
various alternative embodiments, additional characteristics of the
fluid within zone 84 impact characteristics of fluid 30.
[0059] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9,
conditioner system 80 includes a pressure regulating device, shown
as pump 86. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9,
pump 86 may be coupled to housing 82. According to an alternative
embodiment, pump 86 may be coupled to basin 20. Varying the
coupling location of pump 86 may vary a pressure profile across
zone 84 whereby the pressure above one portion of fluid 30 may be
greater or lower than the pressure above a different portion of
fluid 30. According to an exemplary embodiment, conditioner system
80 further includes one or more diffusers that allow pump 86 to
more uniformly increase or decrease the pressure within zone
84.
[0060] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, pump
86 is configured to decrease the pressure of the fluid within zone
84 relative to the atmospheric conditions outside housing 82.
Reducing the pressure of the fluid within zone 84 provides at least
the benefit of changing the force acting upon fluid 30 by the fluid
within zone 84. As discussed above, this force acting upon fluid 30
resists the formation of bubbles 52. Reducing the force acting on
fluid 30 allows bubbles 52 to form within fluid 30 more easily.
According to an alternative embodiment, pump 86 is configured to
increase the pressure of the fluid within zone 84 relative to the
atmospheric pressure outside housing 82. Such an increase in
pressure may be necessary in order to allow RF particle separator
10 to selectively remove target particles 50 from fluid 30 or
prevent excessive vaporization of fluid 30.
[0061] Referring further to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
9, the temperature of fluid 30 may be sufficiently high to vaporize
fluid 30 under the surrounding atmospheric conditions. This effect
may especially occur in areas of greater elevation where the
atmospheric pressure is lower than at sea-level. Under such
conditions, fluid 30 may begin to vaporize uncontrollably and cause
RF particle separator 10 to extract both target particles 50 and
secondary particles 60 from fluid 30. This plural extraction is not
preferred in that a mixture may require further processing in order
to separate target particles 50 from the extracted mixture of
target particles 50 and secondary particles 60. According to an
alternative embodiment, pump 86 may be configured to increase the
pressure within zone 84 thereby preventing this uncontrolled
vaporization condition.
[0062] According to various alternative embodiments, other
conditions of the fluid within a zone surrounding the carrier fluid
may be regulated. According to an exemplary embodiment, a
conditioner system may include a temperature regulating device,
such as a heater or air conditioner. A heater or air conditioner in
fluid communication with the fluid surrounding the carrier fluid
may be necessary in order to facilitate the extraction of target
particles from the carrier fluid. By way of example, the
temperature of the fluid surrounding the carrier fluid may be
regulated in order to prevent the fluid containing target and
secondary particles from changing state.
[0063] According to an alternative embodiment, the conditioner
system may include an air conditioner that reduces the temperature
of fluid surrounding the carrier fluid. As discussed above, the
temperature of the carrier fluid under certain atmospheric
conditions (e.g., low pressure, etc.) may lead to uncontrolled
vaporization and cause the RF particle separator to extract both
target and secondary particles. Uncontrolled vaporization may be
avoided by increasing the pressure of the fluid acting on the
carrier fluid. Such uncontrolled boiling may further be avoided by
reducing the temperature of the fluid surrounding the carrier fluid
thereby causing heat transfer from the carrier fluid into the
surrounding fluid. An air conditioner or heat pump that reduces the
temperature of a surrounding fluid may reduce the temperature of
the carrier fluid until the uncontrolled vaporization condition
(i.e. the maximum temperature of the carrier fluid before
vaporization occurs at a given pressure) is no longer present.
[0064] According to an alternative embodiment, the conditioner
system may include a heating element that increases the temperature
of fluid surrounding the carrier fluid. An increased temperature of
the surrounding fluid may increase the temperature of the carrier
fluid through heat transfer from the surrounding fluid to the
carrier fluid. Such an increase may be necessary in order to
prevent the carrier fluid from freezing due to cold atmospheric
conditions, for example. Preventing the carrier fluid from freezing
provides at least the benefit of allowing bubbles to extract target
particles from the carrier fluid. Should a portion of the carrier
fluid freeze, bubbles will not lift target particles to the surface
of the carrier fluid for separation. Separation may not be possible
for at least the reason that a separator may not have physical
access to the target particles due to physical separation by a
frozen layer of carrier fluid. Separation may further not be
possible due to frozen carrier fluid interfering with the operation
of the separator in another way (i.e. preventing the movement of
various components).
[0065] While the preceding discussion of the conditioner system
included references to various components of RF particle separator
10 according to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10, it
should be understood that the conditioner system may be configured
to interact with various alternative embodiments of the RF particle
separator. Such alternative embodiments may include the RF particle
separator shown in FIG. 3, among others. Still further orientations
and configurations of the conditioner system may be possible and
understood by an ordinary person in the relevant art.
[0066] Referring next to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
RF particle separator 10 may further include a fluid regulation
system, shown as governor 90. Governor 90 may adjust a condition of
fluid 30. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
governor 90 may be coupled to an upper portion of basin 20 above
fluid 30. According to various alternative embodiments, governor 90
may be coupled with another portion of basin 20 above fluid 30,
coupled with basin 20 partially within fluid 30, or coupled with
basin 20 entirely submerged within fluid 30. Such coupling may
occur through a variety of known techniques (adhesive, bolted
connection, snap fitting, etc.). According to still other
alternative embodiments, governor 90 may be coupled to another
portion of RF particle separator 10 or may float within or upon
fluid 30.
[0067] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
governor 90 may further include a substance capable of varying a
property of fluid 30, shown as substance 100. Substance 100 may be
a fluid or a solid capable of being dispensed in various ways.
According to an exemplary embodiment, substance 100 is a liquid
(e.g., acetone, etc.). Such liquid substance 100 may be sprayed,
dropped, or otherwise infused into fluid 30. According to an
alternative embodiment, substance 100 is a solid material. Such
solid substance 100 may be introduced into fluid 30 as a singular
amount of substance 100 or may be introduced into fluid 30 as
multiple particles of substance 100. According to still another
alternative embodiment, substance 100 is a gas. Gaseous substance
100 may dissolve within fluid 30 or may remain dissociated from
fluid 30 to regulate a condition of fluid 30. Substances 100 may
dissolve or mix within fluid 30 at a specified release rate. The
release rate of substance 100 may be specified based on various
conditions of fluid 30 including flow rate, temperature, and
pressure, among other conditions of fluid 30 or the surrounding
environment.
[0068] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
substance 100 regulates the vapor pressure of fluid 30. Adjusting
the vapor pressure of fluid 30 provides at least the benefit of
facilitating or inhibiting the formation of bubbles 52 within fluid
30. Fluid 30 includes an initial vapor pressure before substance
100 is added. By way of example, the vapor pressure of pure water
at twenty-five degrees C. is 0.03 atmospheres. This initial vapor
pressure of may be increased or decreased as the conditions of
fluid 30 demand. By way of example, the vapor pressure of fluid 30
may be increased to facilitate the formation of bubbles 52 or may
be decreased to inhibit the formation of bubbles 52.
[0069] According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
substance 100 regulates the surface tension of liquid fluid 30. The
surface tension of fluid 30 is ability of the liquid fluid 30 to
resist an external force caused by cohesion of similar molecules.
Fluid 30 includes an initial surface tension before substance 100
is added. By way of example, the surface tension of pure water at
twenty-five degrees C. is 71.97 dynes per cubic centimeter. This
surface tension may be increased or decreased depending on the
operating conditions of RF particle separator 10. By way of
example, liquid fluid 30 may be water and substance 100 may be
ethanol. The surface tension of a combination of water and forty
percent ethanol by weight at twenty-five degrees C. is 29.63 dynes
per cubic centimeter. According to an exemplary embodiment,
substance 100 may increase the surface tension of fluid 30 to
reduce the size and formation rate of bubbles 52 within fluid 30.
According to an alternative embodiment, substance 100 may decrease
the surface tension of fluid 30 to increase the size and formation
rate of bubbles 52 within fluid 30.
[0070] According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
the substance regulates the latent heat of fusion or the latent
heat of vaporization of the carrier fluid. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the substance may include a saline solution
or crystalline salt. The carrier fluid having a saline solution or
crystalline salt added may freeze at a lower temperature than an
untreated carrier fluid and not experience the freezing issues
discussed above. According to an alternative embodiment, the
substance may cause the carrier fluid to vaporize at a different
temperature than an untreated carrier fluid and prevent the
uncontrolled vaporization issues discussed above.
[0071] Referring still to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
11, governor 90 may further include a distributor, shown as
dispenser 95. As shown in FIG. 11, dispenser 95 may be configured
to facilitate the transmission of substance 100 into fluid 30.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, dispenser
95 is coupled to basin 20 above a level of fluid 30. According to
various alternative embodiments, dispenser 95 may be coupled to
another component of RF particle separator 10 and may be disposed
within fluid 30.
[0072] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the
physical structure of dispenser 95 may be related to a
characteristic of substance 100. As shown in FIG. 11, dispenser 95
may be an auger system capable of facilitating the transmission of
a solid bead shaped substance 100 into fluid 30. Dispenser 95 may
include a hopper configured to store substance 100 and a screw
device that interacts with substance 100 and facilitate the
transmission of substance 100 into fluid 30. Dispenser 95 may
further include a mixer that facilitates creating a solution of
substance 100 and fluid 30. While a specific configuration is
disclosed, it should be understood that dispenser 95 may further
include various additional components configured to manipulate
substance 100 either prior to or after substance 100 is introduced
into fluid 30.
[0073] According to an alternative embodiment, the dispenser may be
a nozzle system capable of facilitating the transmission of a fluid
substance into the carrier fluid. The dispenser may include a tank
configured to store the fluid substance and a nozzle that regulates
the flow of the fluid substance. The dispenser may further include
a mixer that facilitates creating a solution of the fluid substance
and carrier fluid. While a specific configuration is disclosed, it
should be understood that the dispenser may further include various
additional components configured to manipulate the substance either
prior to or after the substance is introduced into the carrier
fluid.
[0074] Referring still to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
11, governor 90 may further include a substance manager, shown as
controller 97. As shown in FIG. 11, controller 97 is configured to
activate dispenser 95 in order to direct substance 100 into fluid
30. Controller 97 may include one or more processing circuits and
memory devices configured to activate dispenser 95 in a specified
manner. Such specified manner may include a continuous operation
mode, a timer operation mode, or an as-needed operation mode.
[0075] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
controller 97 further includes a sensor configured to monitor a
condition of fluid 30. Controller 97 may then activate dispenser 95
in response to a received signal from the sensor in order to change
a condition of fluid 30. By way of example, controller 97 may
monitor the surface tension of fluid 30 either directly or
indirectly and adjust the activation of dispenser 95 in order to
change a condition of fluid 30. According to various alternative
embodiments, controller 97 may adjust the activation of dispenser
95 in response to another received condition (e.g., the temperature
or pressure, among other conditions, of the fluid within zone 84,
the temperature and pressure, among other conditions, of the
ambient environment, etc.).
[0076] According to an alternative embodiment, controller 97 may
activate dispenser 95 in a timer mode according to a predetermined
schedule. Timer mode operation may be appropriate where the
conditions of fluid 30 vary predictably over time or do not
substantially vary with time. Such timer mode operation provides at
least the benefit of limiting the number of additional sensors or
components needed to regularly activate dispenser 95. A
predetermined schedule may be programmed by a user into controller
97 or may be calculated by controller 97. By way of example, a user
may input a time duration of one minute into controller 97 thereby
causing controller 97 to activate dispenser 95 once every
minute.
[0077] According to still another alternative embodiment,
controller 97 may activate dispenser 95 continuously. Such
continuous operation may be necessary where the conditions of fluid
30 require a constant release of the regulating substance. By way
of example, a constant release of the regulating substance may be
necessary where the ambient temperature surrounding the carrier
fluid is very low. As discussed above, these conditions may cause
the carrier fluid to freeze and prevent effective separation of the
target particles from the carrier fluid.
[0078] Referring next to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
12, RF particle separator 130 may be a mobile unit configured to
extract target particles from fluid 30. As shown in FIG. 12, RF
particle separator 130 includes a collector, shown as accumulator
132 and a support, shown as structure 134. According to an
exemplary embodiment, structure 134 is generally flat and may float
upon a portion of fluid 30 to facilitate the extraction operation
of RF particle separator 130.
[0079] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, RF
particle separator 130 further includes generator 40. As discussed
above, generator 40 is configured to subject fluid 30 to a field
having specified characteristics. Such interaction causes target
particles to rise as discussed above. According to an exemplary
embodiment, generator 40 is a wave form generator capable of
subjecting fluid 30 to an electromagnetic wave having identified
properties (e.g., frequency, intensity, uniformity, direction,
etc.). Identifying certain properties of the electromagnetic field
provides greater control of the extraction process of RF particle
separator 130.
[0080] Referring still to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
12, RF particle separator 130 may include a collector, shown as
accumulator 132. Accumulator 132 is configured to gather target
particles 50 raised within fluid 30 by generator 40 and deposit
them into a catch (not shown). According to an exemplary
embodiment, accumulator 132 may include a skimmer that contacts
fluid 30 and extracts target particles 50 from fluid 30. Such a
skimmer may include a fixed blade design that moves within fluid 30
and contacts target particles 50. By way of example, an angled
fixed blade design may cause target particles 50 to move along the
blade and into the catch. According to an alternative embodiment,
accumulator 132 may include a driven skimmer device that moves
within fluid 30 independent of any movement of structure 134 within
fluid 30. According to still another alternative embodiment,
accumulator 132 includes a suction device capable of extracting
target particles raised by generator 40 from fluid 30.
[0081] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, RF
particle separator 130 is configured to move with respect to fluid
30. Such movement may include drifting or driven motion within
basin 20 along the surface of fluid 30. As RF particle separator
130 moves with respect to fluid 30, generator 40 subjects fluid 30
to a field that extracts target particles 50. The movement between
RF particle separator 130 and fluid 30 may allow RF particle
separator 130 having an extraction profile to extract target
particles 50 from fluid 30 located within basin 20 having a size
larger than the extraction profile of RF particle separator
130.
[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment, the carrier fluid
flows within a basin along a specified path and RF particle
separator 130 moves within a current generated by the carrier
fluid. According to an alternative embodiment, RF particle
separator 130 further includes a driving device configured to move
RF particle separator 130 within the carrier fluid. Such movement
may occur along the surface of the carrier fluid or may occur
within the carrier fluid. RF particle separator 130 may further
include a controller configured to regulate the movement of RF
particle separator 130 within the carrier fluid. Such regulated
movement may include a specified path or a random pattern having
specified operation parameters.
[0083] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the systems and methods as shown in
the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a
few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in
detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,
variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally
formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should
be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the enclosure may
be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide
sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of
colors, textures, and combinations. Additionally, in the subject
description, the word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an
example, instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design
described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed
as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.
Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts
in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions.
The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied
or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any
means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in
the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred
and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the
present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.
[0084] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and
program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing
various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may
be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special
purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated
for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments
within the scope of the present disclosure include program products
comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having
machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other
machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable
media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical
disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store
desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions
or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose
or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When
information is transferred or provided over a network or another
communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine
properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus,
any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0085] Although the figures may show a specific order of method
steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted.
Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with
partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and
hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations
are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software
implementations could be accomplished with standard programming
techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the
various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and
decision steps.
* * * * *