CPC Definition - Subclass B03C

Last Updated Version: 2024.08
MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS (separating isotopes B01D 59/00; combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means B03B, B07B)
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Magnetic separation
  • Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
  • Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect
  • Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect
  • Separation by high-voltage electrical fields
Relationships with other classification places

B01D is the general subclass for separation. This subclass, B03C, covers magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, as well as separation by high-voltage electric fields.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Separating isotopes

B01D 59/00

Separating solid materials using liquids or using pneumatic tables or jigs

B03B

Separating solids from solids by sieving, screening, sifting or by using gas currents; Separating by other dry methods applicable to bulk material, e.g. loose articles fit to be handled like bulk material

B07B

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Filters making use of electricity or magnetism

B01D 35/06

Separating sheets from piles

B65H 3/00

Magnets or magnet coils per se

H01F

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

high-voltage

voltage of 1000V (RMS) or more for alternating current and 1500V or more for direct current

Magnetic separation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Separation of particles out of a fluid or a stream of particles using magnetic effects.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separation, e.g. filters in general

B01D

Processes for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia or centrifugal forces

B01D 45/00

Combinations of cyclones with filters, for separating particles from gases or vapours

B01D 50/00

Processes for separation of gases or vapours or for recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases by centrifugal force

B01D 53/24

Flotation; Differential sedimentation

B03D

Devices for separating or removing fatty or oily substances or similar floating material from water, waste water or sewage

C02F 1/40

Device in sewers for separating liquid or solid substances from sewage

E03F 5/14

Chemical analysis of biological material

G01N 33/50

Measuring, investigating or testing electric or magnetic properties of materials

G01R

Materials for magnets or magnetic bodies

H01F 1/00

Special rules of classification

The following indexing codes are used:

  • Magnetic separation of gases from gases, e.g. oxygen from air, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/16.
  • Magnetic separation of particles suspended in a liquid is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/18.
  • Magnetic separation of bulk or dry particles in mixtures is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/20.
  • Magnetic separation characterised by magnetic field, special shape or generation is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/22.
  • Magnetic separation characterised by parts being designed to be removable for cleaning purposes is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/28.
  • Magnetic separation used in or with vehicles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/30.
{High gradient magnetic separation (acting directly on the substance being separated B03C 1/025; acting on the medium containing the substance being separated B03C 1/32)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separation methods that use high gradient magnetic fields.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Magnetic separation device that uses a high gradient magnetic field acting directly on the substance being separated

B03C 1/025

High gradient magnetic separation acting on the medium

B03C 1/32

Pretreatment specially adapted for magnetic separation
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials therefor; Selection of materials for their magnetic properties

H01F 1/00

Magnetic liquids

H01F 1/44

by addition of magnetic adjuvants
Definition statement

This place covers:

Pretreatment specially adapted for magnetic separation by addition of magnetic adjuvants that do not cause an advanced chemical reaction with the particles to be separated.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Pretreatment specially adapted for magnetic separation by chemical treatment imparting magnetic properties to the material to be separated

B03C 1/015

High gradient magnetic separators
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separation devices that use high gradient magnetic fields, wherein matrix elements, e.g. of steel wool, are disposed within the magnetic fields.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Magnetic separation methods that use high gradient magnetic fields

B03C 1/002

with circulating matrix or matrix elements
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Matrix elements

B03C 1/034

{superconductive}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Superconductive coils for open gradient separators

B03C 1/0355

characterised by the matrix elements
Definition statement

This place covers:

Component parts or auxiliary operations of high gradient magnetic separators characterised by the matrix elements, e.g. details about the construction of the magnetic matrix elements.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

High gradient separators having circulating matrix or matrix elements

B03C 1/029

Open gradient magnetic separators, i.e. separators in which the gap is unobstructed, characterised by the configuration of the gap
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separators characterised by the configuration of an unobstructed or open gap employed within the magnetic field, such that the gap lacks a matrix element.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

High gradient magnetic separators

B03C 1/025

using superconductive coils
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Details about the construction of the superconductive coil

B03C 1/0337

with cylindrical material carriers (B03C 1/247 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separation in which either (a) the material to be separated or (b) the separated material is moved with cylindrical means, e.g. drums or discs.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Magnetic separation with material carried by travelling fields obtained by a rotating magnetic drum

B03C 1/247

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cylindrical magnetic plugs and dipsticks

B03C 1/28

with magnets moving during operation; with movable pole pieces
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separation with cylindrical material carriers in which either (a) the magnets are moving during operation or (b) the magnets include movable pole pieces during operation.

in the form of belts, e.g. cross-belt type
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separation with magnets moving during operation and with material carriers in the form of belts, e.g. of cross-belt type, multiple belt carriers characterised by their mutual disposition or combinations of magnetic separating belts with material carrying belts.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1. Cross belt magnetic separator

media7.jpeg

This example shows a cross belt magnetic separator having a main conveyor belt (6) and cross belts (21).

2. Multiple belt carriers

media8.png

This example shows multiple belt carriers characterised by their mutual disposition in which magnetic bars (6) are moved by endless conveyor chains (5) and a set of conveyor chains (13) having drive scrapers (14) at an oblique angle with respect to the magnetic bars (6).

3. Combination of magnetic separating belts with material carrying belts

media9.png

This example shows a combination of magnetic separating belts with material carrying belts in which a material carrying belt (8) is working in conjunction with another belt (1) that is magnetized by a magnetic roll (20).

obtained by a rotating magnetic drum
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices whereby the material to be separated or the separated material is moved with cylindrical means

B03C 1/10

with free falling material (B03C 1/035 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Open gradient magnetic separators, i.e. separators in which the gap is unobstructed, characterised by the configuration of the gap

B03C 1/035

Magnetic plugs and dipsticks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices or methods for separating particles contained in a liquid by using magnetic plugs or dipsticks.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Lubricating systems characterised by the provision therein of lubricant venting or purifying means, e.g. of filters

F01M 1/10

Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system

F02M 37/22

Special rules of classification

The following indexing codes are used:

  • Magnetic separation for particles suspended in a liquid is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/18.
  • Magnetic separation for use in medical or biological applications is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/26.
Combinations with other devices, not otherwise provided for
Special rules of classification

This place is used when the magnetic separation is part of a bigger process. However, documents disclosing the mere presence of a magnetic separation without details of the magnetic separator or of the magnetic separation process should not be classified in this place.

acting on the medium containing the substance being separated, e.g. magneto-gravimetric-, magnetohydrostatic-, or magnetohydrodynamic separation
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Sink-float separation using heavy liquids or suspensions

B03B 5/30

Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods or devices using an electrostatic effect for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours, e.g. devices that use electrostatic effects for filtering air.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Exhaust or silencing apparatus for machines or engines having means for removing solid constituents of exhaust, using electric or electrostatic separators

F01N 3/01

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Domestic cleaning implements actuated by electrostatic attraction; Devices for cleaning same

A47L 13/40

Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases (e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols) by electrostatic effects or by high-voltage electric fields

B01D 53/323

Cleaning by electrostatic means

B08B 6/00

Electric elements specially adapted for carrying off electrostatic charges from vehicles

B60R 16/06

Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods

C02F 1/46

Electrostatic machines

H02N

Carrying-off electrostatic charges in general

H05F

Special rules of classification

When the electrostatic effect is not used for separating, it should not be classified here.

The following indexing codes are used:

  • Electrostatic separation including cleaning of the device by burning trapped particles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/12.
  • Electrostatic separation for gas that is moved electro-kinetically is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/14.
  • Electrostatic separation including measuring or calculating of parameters, e.g. efficiency, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/24.
  • Electrostatic separation for use in medical or biological applications is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/26.
  • Electrostatic separation for use in or with vehicles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/30.
  • Electrostatic separation including checking the quality of the result or the well-functioning of the device is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/32.
Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following abbreviations are often used:

ESP

electrostatic precipitator

DEP

di-electrophoresis

nDEP or pDEP

negative di-electrophoresis or positive di-electrophoresis

Prefiltering; Flow controlling
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical filtering or flow control before the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

Mechanical filtering combined with the ESP filter

B03C 3/155

Controlling flow of gases or vapour in the ESP filter

B03C 3/36

Addition of water; Heat exchange, e.g. by condensation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Adding water for the purpose of changing the characteristics of the gas mixture to be treated.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Wet-type ESP

B03C 3/16

Liquid electrodes

B03C 3/53

Cleaning the electrodes by washing

B03C 3/74

Combinations of electrostatic separation with other processes, not otherwise provided for
Special rules of classification

This place is used when the electrostatic separation is part of a bigger, specified process, e.g. part of a medical apparatus. However, documents should not be classified in this place when no (sufficient) details of the electrostatic separation are disclosed.

Post-treatment of gases
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical filtering or flow control after the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

Mechanical filtering combined with the ESP filter

B03C 3/155

Plant or installations having external electricity supply
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

characterised by presence of stationary tube electrodes
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices wherein stationary tube electrodes are used, such as in a bundle of stationary tube electrodes.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Constructional details of tubular collecting electrodes

B03C 3/49

characterised by presence of stationary flat electrodes arranged with their flat surfaces at right angles to the gas stream
Definition statement

This place covers:

Dry type plants or installations having external electricity supply for separating of dispersed particles from gases or vapour by electrostatic effect, characterised by the presence of stationary flat electrodes arranged with their flat surfaces at right angles to the gas stream, e.g. where the gas stream is forced to change direction to flow between flat electrodes or where the gas stream passes through porous electrodes.

characterised by separation of ionising and collecting stations
Special rules of classification

The mere mentioning of separation between the ionizing and collecting stations does not justify classification in this place. The separation between the ionizing and collecting stations should be clearly illustrated or described.

characterised by the additional use of mechanical effects, e.g. gravity (B03C 3/32 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Transportable units, e.g. for cleaning room air

B03C 3/32

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separating particles from gases by gravity

B01D 45/02

Centrifugal forces
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separating particles from gases by centrifuges

B01D 45/12

Centrifuges in general

B04B

Selective separation of solid materials carried by, or dispersed in, gas currents using centrifugal force

B07B 7/08

Filtration
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical filtering combined with the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Mechanical filtering before the actual ESP filter

B03C 3/011

Mechanical filtering after the actual ESP filter

B03C 3/019

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

wet type
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices where the added liquid (e.g. water) is not completely absorbed by the treated gas.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Adding water for the purpose of changing the characteristics of the gas mixture to be treated

B03C 3/014

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

Cleaning the electrodes, e.g. by washing

B03C 3/74

Transportable units, e.g. for cleaning room air
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Room air-conditioners having an electrostatic separating stage

F24F

Controlling flow of gases or vapour
Definition statement

This place covers:

Flow control in the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Flow control before the ESP filter

B03C 3/011

Flow control after the ESP filter

B03C 3/019

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

Mechanical dry-type filtering, e.g. combined with the ESP filter

B03C 3/155

{located before the filter}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The flow control is located at the entrance of the ESP

{located after the filter}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The flow control is located at the exit of the ESP

Particle charging or ionising stations, e.g. using electric discharge, radioactive radiation or flames
Definition statement

This place covers:

Particle charging or ionising stations in which particles are electrostatically charged for the purpose of separating them, e.g. using electric discharge, radioactive radiation or flames.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air by ionisation

A61L 9/22

Air-conditioning systems applying an electrostatic field

F24F 8/192

Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases

H01T 23/00

Ionising gases

H05H

Electrode constructions
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode-carrying means

B03C 3/86

Ionising-electrodes
Special rules of classification

Indexing symbols B03C 2201/04B03C 2201/10 are used to describe the type of ionising electrode.

The following indexing codes are used:

  • Ionising electrode wires are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/04.
  • Ionising electrode needles are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/06.
  • Ionising electrode rods are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/08.
  • Ionising electrodes including two or more serrated ends or sides are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/10.
{specially adapted for heat exchange with the gas stream (B03C 3/53 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

flat, e.g. plates, discs, gratings
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

ESP having stationary flat electrodes arranged with their flat surfaces parallel to the gas stream

B03C 3/08

ESP having stationary flat electrodes arranged with their flat surfaces at right angles to the gas stream

B03C 3/09

tubular
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices wherein stationary tube electrodes are used, such as in a bundle of stationary tube electrodes

B03C 3/06

Collecting electrodes specially adapted for heat exchange with the gas stream

B03C 3/455

Catch- space electrodes, e.g. slotted-box form
Definition statement

This place covers:

Constructional details of a collecting-electrode where the collecting-electrode is a catch-space electrode used in separating dispersed particles from gases or vapor by electrostatic effect.

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Wet-type ESP

B03C 3/16

Cleaning the electrodes, e.g. by washing

B03C 3/74

Control systems therefor {(electricity supply or control systems for cleaning the electrodes B03C 3/746, B03C 3/763)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details about the electrical power supply of the ESP, except the emergency control aspects.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Electricity supply or control systems for cleaning the electrodes

B03C 3/746, B03C 3/763

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Emergency control systems

B03C 3/72

Power supply for an electrostatic spraying apparatus

B05B 5/0531, B05B 5/10

insulating in electric separators (B03C 3/53 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Use of special materials other than liquids for collecting electrodes

B03C 3/60

Protective coatings of housings

B03C 3/84

Electrode-carrying means

B03C 3/86

Emergency control systems
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Emergency protective circuit arrangements in general

H02H

Cleaning the electrodes
Special rules of classification

This subgroup covers the cleaning of the electrodes, and also includes all details about cleaning the interior of the ESP.

The following indexing codes are used:

  • Cleaning the device by burning of trapped particles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/12.
  • Parts designed to be removable for cleaning purposes is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/28.
  • Measuring or calculating of parameters, e.g. efficiency, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/24.
  • Checking the quality of the result or the well-functioning of the device is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/32.
{Electricity supply or control systems therefor}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Control systems for applications of electricity supply techniques, e.g. electricity supply or control systems of the ESP

B03C 3/68

{Electricity supply or control systems therefor}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Control systems for applications of electricity supply techniques, e.g. electricity supply or control systems of the ESP

B03C 3/68

by washing
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices or methods using a liquid where the purpose of the liquid is to clean the electrodes.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Wet-type ESP

B03C 3/16

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

Housings
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode-carrying means

B03C 3/86

Protective coatings
Definition statement

This place covers:

Coatings or special layers of the housing, not of the electrodes.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Electrode-carrying means (B03C 3/40 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details about the (mechanical) fixation of the electrodes (including the electrical isolators).

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Use of special materials other than liquids for collecting electrodes

B03C 3/60

Protective coatings of housings

B03C 3/84

Cleaning-out collected particles
Definition statement

This place covers:

Cleaning out collected particles that have already been removed from the electrodes or walls.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning of the electrodes

B03C 3/74

{by travelling or oscillating electric fields, e.g. electric field curtains}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrostatic non-mechanical conveyors

B65G 54/02

Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect (combined with centrifuges B04B 5/10)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Centrifuges combined with other apparatus, e.g. electrostatic separators

B04B 5/10

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Settling tanks making use of electricity or magnetism, e.g. for flocculation or agglomeration of electric particles

B01D 21/0009

Separation by electrophoresis, other than separation of solids, not fully covered by a single other group or subclass

B01D 57/02

Microreactors

B01J 19/0093

Apparatus for the treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic waves

C12M 1/42

Treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic waves

C12N 13/00

Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms, for methods of sampling, or inoculating or spreading a sample, and for methods of physically isolating intact microorganisms

C12Q 1/24

Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electro-chemical or magnetic means using electrophoresis

G01N 27/447

Analysis of biomaterial by electrical means

G01N 33/48707

Special rules of classification

The following indexing codes are used:

  • Electrostatic separation, including measuring or calculating of parameters, e.g. efficiency, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/24.
  • Electrostatic separation for use in medical or biological applications is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/26.
  • Electrostatic separation, including checking of the quality of the result or the well-functioning of the device, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/32.
Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

electrostatic field or electrostatic effect

caused by electric charges that are either stationary or move very slowly (no induced magnetic forces)

electrodynamic field or electrodynamic effect

caused by electric charges that are moving with high frequency, e.g. for creation of electromagnetic radiation from aerial or antenna

separating

includes separation of particles from liquids as is conventionally understood, as well as the immobilisation, caging, translation or rotational motion of particles

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following abbreviations are often used:

ESP

electrostatic precipitator

DEP

di-electrophoresis

nDEP or pDEP

negative di-electrophoresis or positive di-electrophoresis

{Dielectrophoresis, i.e. dielectric particles migrating towards the region of highest field strength}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect by using di-electrophoresis, or the motion of polarizable particles under the influence of an applied non-uniform electric field, with the force arising from the interaction of the field and the dipole moment induced in the particle.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separator devices using di-electrophoresis in non-uniform electrostatic fields for separating dispersed particles from liquids

B03C 5/022

Separation by high-voltage electrical fields, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, such as separation of fluids from fluids by high-voltage electrical fields

B03C 11/00

Separation by electrophoresis, not fully covered by a single other group or subclass

B01D 57/02

Separators
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dielectrophoresis, i.e. dielectric particles migrating towards the region of highest field strength for separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect

B03C 5/005

{using open-gradient differential dielectric separation, i.e. using electrodes of special shapes for non-uniform field creation, e.g. Fluid Integrated Circuit [FIC]}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices for separating particles from fluids with electrodes arranged, such that an open-gradient electrostatic field is created.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1. Electrode arrangement having an open-gradient electrostatic field

media10.png

This example shows an electrode arrangement comprising interdigitated electrodes (11) and (12) that create an open-gradient electrostatic field.

2. Fluid filter having a dielectrophoretically active electrode element

media11.png

This example shows a fluid filter that includes a dielectrophoretically active electrode element comprising a coiled substrate (200) upon which a pair of electrode arrays (201) are disposed.

{using travelling electric fields, i.e. travelling wave dielectrophoresis [TWD]}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1. Electrode arrangement having a time-varying electric field for movement of a biological cell

media12.png

This example shows an electrode arrangement to which a time-varying electric field is applied for movement of a biological cell when polarised by the electric field.

2. Response of particles exposed to a travelling wave

media13.png

This example shows the response of particles exposed to a travelling wave field with a phase shift in between neighbouring electrodes.

Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect
Definition statement

This place covers:

Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect, e.g. separating particles.

Relationships with other classification places

Documents involving a carrier liquid are typically excluded from this place (B03C 7/00) for separating particles from a carrier liquid that belong in B03C 5/00.

Electrostatic separation not provided for in any single one of the other main groups of this subclass
Definition statement

This place covers:

Electrostatic separation not provided for in any single one of the other main groups of this subclass, e.g. other types of electrostatic separation, except for electrostatically separating liquids from liquids by high-voltage electrical fields.

References
References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Magnetic separation

B03C 1/00

Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect

B03C 3/00

Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect

B03C 5/00

Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect

B03C 7/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electro-statically separating liquids from liquids by high-voltage electrical fields, not provided for in other groups of this subclass

B03C 11/00

Separation by high-voltage electrical fields, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Definition statement

This place covers:

This group is used for electrostatically separating liquids from liquids by high-voltage electrical fields, not provided for in other groups of this subclass.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separation of liquids with coalescers

B01D 17/045

Separation of liquids from each other by electricity

B01D 17/06

Filters i.e. particle separators or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours including coalescing means for the separation of liquid

B01D 46/003

Refining of hydrocarbons oils by electric or magnetic mean

C10G 32/02

Special rules of classification

The following indexing code is used:

Electrostatically separating liquids from liquids, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/02.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

high-voltage

voltage of 1000V (RMS) or more for alternating current and 1500V or more for direct current