Improvement of filtration performance using self-tuning of flow resistance

In this paper, we present the filtration of a liquid sample from polystyrene microparticles analogous to the separation of a biological liquid from mixed particles such as whole blood. The proposed self-tuning of flow resistance can prevent the excessive clogging of microparticles in the microfilter by allowing the automatic change of the flow direction when the microfilter is clogged. Numerically, at about 80% of the clogging of microparticles in the pillar channel, the sample flow is regulated suddenly to the bypass channel. Experimentally, the clogging behavior at the five successive pillar channels and the self-tuning of flow are compared by measuring the clogging area and volume with time. Also, the microfilter array connected in a series can provide an increase in the sample volume proportionally without excessive pressure build-up. This implies the potential to reduce cell fracture in the filtration of biological cells.