STTR Phase I: Particle Sorting via Aerodynamic Vectoring

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project presents a new, non-contact method for sorting particles by size. The primary objective of Phase I activities is to evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of a particle sorter based upon Aerodynamic Vectoring. This objective will be accomplished in an air jet facility through high-speed imaging and optical particle tracking, to determine the operational limits of such a device and achievable particle sorting accuracy. It is anticipated that an optimal arrangement of flow parameters can be determined so as to substantiate sorting accuracy across a wide range of particle sizes and flow rates, thus, validating feasibility of this device. A particle sorter based upon Aerodynamic Vectoring has the potential for considerable commercial value. Its range of applications, which include powder material processing, sample concentration, cell sorting, and air quality monitoring, is broad.