Customized Filtration System for the Collection and Removal of Microplastics

NU 2019-203

INVENTORS

• Kyoo-Chul Park*
• Allison O'Donnell
• Christian Machado
• Youhua Jiang

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A cylindrical filtration system employing flexible, liquid-precoated wires to capture and remove emulsified microplastics and other solid particles from carrier liquids.

BACKGROUND

Effective separation of small solid particles, such as microplastics, from water is critical for environmental conservation and industrial applications. Conventional mesh filters suffer from clogging and high maintenance costs, necessitating innovative methods that utilize selective adhesion and passive particle aggregation to improve filtration efficiency.

ABSTRACT

This invention discloses a particle removal system that incorporates a cylindrical housing lined with multiple layers of flexible wires. Pre-coated with a tailored liquid film, these wires selectively adhere to liquid-coated solid particles as a carrier liquid flows through the system. The design leverages the bending of the wires under fluidic force, which transports and aggregates the captured particles toward the free ends where the particles are detached and collected. The system functions passively without additional energy inputs, offering a streamlined solution for continuous filtration of emulsions, microplastics, and other suspended particles.

APPLICATIONS

• Continuous Water Treatment: Enhances purification in municipal and industrial settings.
• Microplastics Collection: Efficiently captures small plastic particles from water.
• Filter Emulsions: Separates emulsified contaminants from carrier liquids, including oils.

ADVANTAGES

• Minimizes clogging: The flexible wire design aggregates particles for easy release.
• Passive operation: Requires no external energy or chemicals for filtration.
• Versatile adhesion: Compatible with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings.
• Low maintenance: Reduced filter replacement cycles lower operational costs.

IP STATUS

US Patent Pending