Splitter imperfections in annular split-flow thin separation channels: effect on nonspecific crossover.

The separation performance of split-flow thin (SPLITT) separation channels generally falls short of ideal behavior. There are many possible contributing factors to the loss of separation resolution, and these are discussed in the text. The possibility that small imperfections in the splitters play a significant role is examined in this study. Computational fluid dynamics is used to determine the flow pattern within an annular SPLITT channel having small imperfections in the inlet splitter. These results are used to calculate the nonspecific crossover of particles from the inner annular inlet to the outer annular outlet under various flow rate regimes. Nonspecific crossover, obtained through convective transport alone, and not the result of field-induced transport, is often used as a check of channel behavior. The results of a typical experimental determination of nonspecific crossover are included for comparison. It is concluded that geometrical imperfections can indeed play a significant role in the loss of resolution observed for these systems.