Method and apparatus for low-cost electrokinetic pump manufacturing

Abstract

An electroosmotic pump used in a closed loop cooling system. The pump includes a fluid chamber, a pumping element, an inlet electrode, an outlet electrode, and means for providing electrical voltage to the inlet electrode and the outlet electrode to produce an electrical field therebetween. The pumping element is configured to pump fluid therethrough, and the pumping element is positioned to segment the fluid chamber into an inlet chamber including a fluid inlet port and an outlet chamber including a fluid outlet port. The size of the inlet chamber is proportional to a predetermined residence time of the inlet chamber. The inlet electrode is positioned within the inlet chamber and a predetermined distance from a first surface of the pumping element. The outlet electrode is positioned within the outlet chamber and a predetermined distance from a second surface of the pumping element.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An electroosmotic pump comprising: 
 a. a fluid chamber;    b. a pumping element for pumping fluid therethrough, the pumping element positioned to segment the fluid chamber into an inlet chamber including a fluid inlet port and an outlet chamber including a fluid outlet port;    c. an inlet electrode positioned within the inlet chamber and a predetermined distance from a first surface of the pumping element;    d. an outlet electrode positioned within the outlet chamber; and    e. means for providing electrical voltage to the inlet electrode and the outlet electrode to produce an electrical field therebetween, wherein the means for providing is coupled to the inlet electrode and the outlet electrode.    
     
     
         2 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the predetermined distance that the inlet electrode is positioned from the first surface is in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.  
     
     
         3 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the outlet electrode is positioned a predetermined distance from a second surface of the pumping element.  
     
     
         4 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 3  wherein the predetermined distance that the outlet electrode is positioned from the second surface is in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.  
     
     
         5 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the outlet electrode is positioned on a second surface of the pumping element.  
     
     
         6 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein a residence time of the inlet chamber is in a range of about {fraction (1/20)} of a minute to about 1 minute.  
     
     
         7 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 6  wherein a volume of the inlet chamber is equal to an area of the pumping element multiplied by a width of between about 0.4 cm and about 3.0 cm.  
     
     
         8 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the electroosmotic pump is manufactured using one or more materials comprising metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 8  wherein the one or more materials are coupled by one or more sealing materials.  
     
     
         10 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 8  wherein the one or more sealing materials comprise solder, sealing glass, low modulus adhesives, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 10  wherein low modulus adhesives seal the pumping element to a housing of the electroosmotic pump.  
     
     
         12 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the electroosmotic pump is manufactured using one or more pump materials such that each pump material is compatible with the fluid, or such that the one or more pump materials that are not compatible with the fluid are overcoated with a compatible material.  
     
     
         13 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 12  wherein the fluid comprises a buffered water solution.  
     
     
         14 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 13  wherein the one or more pump materials comprise insulating materials that are compatible with buffered water solutions.  
     
     
         15 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 14  wherein the pump material is selected from a group consisting of silicon nitride, titania, alumina, silica, borosilicate, vycor, and plastic.  
     
     
         16 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the pumping element exhibits a negative zeta potential in the presence of the fluid and the inlet electrode is an anode electrode and the outlet electrode is a cathode electrode.  
     
     
         17 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 16  wherein a material of the anode electrode is selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum clad niobium, platinum plated titanium, platinum clad tantalum, graphite, glassy carbon, mixed metal oxide coating on titanium, silver-impregnated ink, and dimensionally-stable anode material.  
     
     
         18 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 17  wherein the mixed metal oxide coating on titanium includes an iridium and tantalum oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         19 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 17  wherein the dimensionally-stable anode material includes one from the group consisting of conducting iridium oxide coating on titanium and ruthenium oxide coating on titanium  
     
     
         20 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 16  wherein a material of the cathode electrode is selected from a group consisting of platinum, copper, platinum plated titanium, stainless steel, graphite, gold, plated silver, silver-impregnated ink, and glassy carbon.  
     
     
         21 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the pumping element exhibits a positive zeta potential in the presence of the fluid and the inlet electrode is a cathode electrode and the outlet electrode is an anode electrode.  
     
     
         22 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 21  wherein a material of the anode electrode is selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum clad niobium, platinum plated titanium, platinum clad tantalum, graphite, glassy carbon, mixed metal oxide coating on titanium, silver-impregnated ink, and dimensionally-stable anode material.  
     
     
         23 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 22  wherein the mixed metal oxide coating on titanium includes an iridium and tantalum oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         24 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 22  wherein the dimensionally-stable anode material includes one from the group consisting of conducting iridium oxide coating on titanium and ruthenium oxide coating on titanium  
     
     
         25 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 21  wherein a material of the cathode electrode is selected from a group consisting of platinum, copper, platinum plated titanium, stainless steel, graphite, gold, plated silver, silver-impregnated ink, and glassy carbon.  
     
     
         26 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  further comprising one or more inlet chambers, one or more pumping elements, and one or more outlet chambers, wherein each inlet chamber includes one or more fluid inlet ports.  
     
     
         27 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  further comprising a recombination chamber coupled to the inlet chamber to recombine an inlet chamber gas and an outlet chamber gas.  
     
     
         28 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 1  wherein the inlet port to the inlet chamber is configured and positioned such that fluid entering the inlet chamber becomes well mixed.  
     
     
         29 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 28  wherein the fluid is well mixed by providing the fluid from the inlet port into the inlet chamber at a high average velocity.  
     
     
         30 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 29  wherein the high average velocity of the fluid entering the inlet chamber at the inlet port is greater than about 25 centimeters per second.  
     
     
         31 . An electroosmotic pump comprising: 
 a. a fluid chamber;    b. a pumping element for pumping fluid therethrough, the pumping element positioned to segment the fluid chamber into an inlet chamber including a fluid inlet port and an outlet chamber including a fluid outlet port, wherein a size of the inlet chamber is proportional to a predetermined residence time of the inlet chamber;    c. an inlet electrode positioned within the inlet chamber;    d. an outlet electrode positioned within the outlet chamber; and    e. means for providing electrical voltage to the inlet electrode and the outlet electrode to produce an electrical field therebetween, wherein the means for providing is coupled to the inlet electrode and the outlet electrode.    
     
     
         32 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the residence time of the inlet chamber is in a range of about {fraction (1/20)} of a minute to about 1 minute.  
     
     
         33 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 32  wherein a volume of the inlet chamber is equal to an area of the pumping element multiplied by a width of between about 0.4 cm and about 3.0 cm.  
     
     
         34 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the inlet electrode is positioned a predetermined distance from a first surface of the pumping element.  
     
     
         35 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 34  wherein the predetermined distance that the inlet electrode is positioned from the first surface is in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.  
     
     
         36 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the outlet electrode is positioned a predetermined distance from a second surface of the pumping element.  
     
     
         37 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 36  wherein the predetermined distance that the outlet electrode is positioned from the second surface is in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.  
     
     
         38 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the outlet electrode is positioned on a second surface of the pumping element.  
     
     
         39 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  consisting of one or more materials that are non-reactive to oxygen.  
     
     
         40 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the electroosmotic pump is manufactured using one or more materials comprising metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         41 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 40  wherein the one or more materials are coupled by one or more sealing materials.  
     
     
         42 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 41  wherein the one or more sealing materials comprise solder, sealing glass, low modulus adhesives, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         43 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 42  wherein low modulus adhesives seal the pumping element to a housing of the electroosmotic pump.  
     
     
         44 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the electroosmotic pump is manufactured using one or more pump materials such that each pump material is compatible with the fluid, or such that the one or more pump materials that are not compatible with the fluid are overcoated with a compatible material.  
     
     
         45 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 44  wherein the fluid comprises a buffered water solution.  
     
     
         46 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 45  wherein the one or more pump materials comprise insulating materials that are compatible with buffered water solutions.  
     
     
         47 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 46  wherein the pump material is selected from a group consisting of silicon nitride, titania, alumina, silica, borosilicate, vycor, and plastic.  
     
     
         48 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the pumping element exhibits a negative zeta potential in the presence of the fluid and the inlet electrode is an anode electrode and the outlet electrode is a cathode electrode.  
     
     
         49 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 48  wherein a material of the anode electrode is selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum clad niobium, platinum plated titanium, platinum clad tantalum, graphite, glassy carbon, mixed metal oxide coating on titanium, silver-impregnated ink, and dimensionally-stable anode material.  
     
     
         50 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 49  wherein the mixed metal oxide coating on titanium includes an iridium and tantalum oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         51 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 49  wherein the dimensionally-stable anode material includes one from the group consisting of conducting iridium oxide coating on titanium and ruthenium oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         52 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 48  wherein a material of the cathode electrode is selected from a group consisting of platinum, copper, platinum plated titanium, stainless steel, graphite, gold, plated silver, silver-impregnated ink, and glassy carbon.  
     
     
         53 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the pumping element exhibits a positive zeta potential in the presence of the fluid and the inlet electrode is a cathode electrode and the outlet electrode is an anode electrode.  
     
     
         54 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 53  wherein a material of the anode electrode is selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum clad niobium, platinum plated titanium, platinum clad tantalum, graphite, glassy carbon, mixed metal oxide coating on titanium, silver-impregnated ink, and dimensionally-stable anode material.  
     
     
         55 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 54  wherein the mixed metal oxide coating on titanium includes an iridium and tantalum oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         56 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 54  wherein the dimensionally-stable anode material includes one from the group consisting of conducting iridium oxide coating on titanium and ruthenium oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         57 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 53  wherein a material of the cathode electrode is selected from a group consisting of platinum, copper, platinum plated titanium, stainless steel, graphite, gold, plated silver, silver-impregnated ink, and glassy carbon.  
     
     
         58 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  further comprising one or more inlet chambers, one or more pumping elements, and one or more outlet chambers, wherein each inlet chamber includes one or more fluid inlet ports.  
     
     
         59 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  further comprising a recombination chamber coupled to the inlet chamber to recombine an inlet chamber gas and an outlet chamber gas.  
     
     
         60 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 31  wherein the inlet port to the inlet chamber is configured and positioned such that fluid entering the inlet chamber becomes well mixed.  
     
     
         61 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 60  wherein the fluid is well mixed by providing the fluid from the inlet port into the inlet chamber at a high average velocity.  
     
     
         62 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 61  wherein the high average velocity of the fluid entering the inlet chamber at the inlet port is greater than about 25 centimeters per second.  
     
     
         63 . An electroosmotic pump comprising: 
 a. a fluid chamber;    b. a pumping element for pumping fluid therethrough, the pumping element positioned to segment the fluid chamber into an inlet chamber including a fluid inlet port and an outlet chamber including a fluid outlet port;    c. a gas permeable element to allow passage of a gas from the outlet chamber to the inlet chamber while preventing the passage of the fluid therethrough;    d. an inlet electrode positioned within the inlet chamber and a predetermined distance from a first surface of the pumping element;    e. an outlet electrode positioned within the outlet chamber; and    f. means for providing electrical voltage to the inlet electrode and the outlet electrode to produce an electrical field therebetween, wherein the means for providing is coupled to the inlet electrode and the outlet electrode.    
     
     
         64 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the gas permeable element allows the passage of an outlet chamber gas from the outlet chamber to the inlet chamber.  
     
     
         65 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 64  wherein the outlet chamber gas is predominately hydrogen.  
     
     
         66 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 64  wherein the outlet chamber gas is predominately oxygen.  
     
     
         67 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the predetermined distance that the inlet electrode is positioned from the first surface is in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.  
     
     
         68 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the outlet electrode is positioned a predetermined distance from a second surface of the pumping element.  
     
     
         69 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 68  wherein the predetermined distance that the outlet electrode is positioned from the second surface is in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.  
     
     
         70 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the outlet electrode is positioned on a second surface of the pumping element.  
     
     
         71 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein a residence time of the inlet chamber is in a range of about {fraction (1/20)} of a minute to about 1 minute.  
     
     
         72 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein a volume of the inlet chamber is equal to an area of the pumping element multiplied by a width of between about 0.4 cm and about 3.0 cm.  
     
     
         73 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the electroosmotic pump is manufactured using one or more materials comprising metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         74 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 73  wherein the one or more materials are coupled by one or more sealing materials.  
     
     
         75 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 74  wherein the one or more sealing materials comprise solder, sealing glass, low modulus adhesives, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         76 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 75  wherein low modulus adhesives seal the pumping element to a housing of the electroosmotic pump.  
     
     
         77 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the electroosmotic pump is manufactured using one or more pump materials such that each pump material is compatible with the fluid, or such that the one or more pump materials that are not compatible with the fluid are overcoated with a compatible material.  
     
     
         78 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 77  wherein the fluid comprises a buffered water solution.  
     
     
         79 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 78  wherein the one or more pump materials comprise insulating materials that are compatible with buffered water solutions.  
     
     
         80 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 79  wherein the pump material is selected from a group consisting of silicon nitride, titania, alumina, silica, borosilicate, vycor, and plastic.  
     
     
         81 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the pumping element exhibits a negative zeta potential in the presence of the fluid and the inlet electrode is an anode electrode and the outlet electrode is a cathode electrode.  
     
     
         82 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 81  wherein a material of the anode electrode is selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum clad niobium, platinum plated titanium, platinum clad tantalum, graphite, glassy carbon, mixed metal oxide coating on titanium, silver-impregnated ink, and dimensionally-stable anode material.  
     
     
         83 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 82  wherein the mixed metal oxide coating on titanium includes an iridium and tantalum oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         84 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 82  wherein the dimensionally-stable anode material includes one from the group consisting of conducting iridium oxide coating on titanium and ruthenium oxide coating on titanium  
     
     
         85 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 81  wherein a material of the cathode electrode is selected from a group consisting of platinum, copper, platinum plated titanium, stainless steel, graphite, gold, plated silver, silver-impregnated ink, and glassy carbon.  
     
     
         86 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the pumping element exhibits a positive zeta potential in the presence of the fluid and the inlet electrode is a cathode electrode and the outlet electrode is an anode electrode.  
     
     
         87 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 86  wherein a material of the anode electrode is selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum clad niobium, platinum plated titanium, platinum clad tantalum, graphite, glassy carbon, mixed metal oxide coating on titanium, silver-impregnated ink, and dimensionally-stable anode material.  
     
     
         88 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 87  wherein the mixed metal oxide coating on titanium includes an iridium and tantalum oxide coating on titanium.  
     
     
         89 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 87  wherein the dimensionally-stable anode material includes one from the group consisting of conducting iridium oxide coating on titanium and ruthenium oxide coating on titanium  
     
     
         90 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 86  wherein a material of the cathode electrode is selected from a group consisting of platinum, copper, platinum plated titanium, stainless steel, graphite, gold, plated silver, silver-impregnated ink, and glassy carbon.  
     
     
         91 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  further comprising one or more inlet chambers, one or more pumping elements, and one or more outlet chambers, wherein each inlet chamber includes one or more fluid inlet ports.  
     
     
         92 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  further comprising a recombination chamber coupled to the inlet chamber to recombine an inlet chamber gas and an outlet chamber gas.  
     
     
         93 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 63  wherein the inlet port to the inlet chamber is configured and positioned such that fluid entering the inlet chamber becomes well mixed.  
     
     
         94 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 93  wherein the fluid is well mixed by providing the fluid from the inlet port into the inlet chamber at a high average velocity.  
     
     
         95 . The electroosmotic pump according to  claim 94  wherein the high average velocity of the fluid entering the inlet chamber at the inlet port is greater than about 25 centimeters per second.  
     
     
         96 . A pump assembly comprising: 
 a. a structure adapted to house a pumping element;    b. a plurality of fluid lines coupled to the structure; and    c. a ductile material configured between the structure and each fluid line, wherein the ductile material has a thermal expansion characteristic substantially similar with a structure material.    
     
     
         97 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein the structure further comprises a first electrical port configured to provide a first electrical contact to a first side of the pumping element.  
     
     
         98 . The pump assembly according to  claim 97  further comprising the ductile material positioned between the first electrical contact and the first electrical port.  
     
     
         99 . The pump assembly according to  claim 97  further comprising: 
 a. an adhesive material for coupling the first electrical contact to the first side; and  
 b. a passivation layer applied to the adhesive material, wherein the passivation layer protects the adhesive material from migration.  
 
     
     
         100 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein a substantial portion of the pumping element includes non-parallel apertures.  
     
     
         101 . The pump assembly according to  claim 100  further comprises an epoxy material applied to a perimeter surface of the pumping element, wherein the epoxy has an expansion characteristic matching a pumping element material.  
     
     
         102 . The pump assembly according to  claim 97  wherein the structure further comprises a second electrical port configured to provide a second electrical contact to the second side.  
     
     
         103 . The pump assembly according to  claim 102  further comprising the ductile material positioned between the second electrical contact and the second electrical port.  
     
     
         104 . The pump assembly according to  claim 102  wherein the first electrical port and the second electrical port are configured on a same outer surface plane of the structure.  
     
     
         105 . The pump assembly according to  claim 102  wherein the first electrical port and the second electrical port are configured on a different outer surface plane of the structure.  
     
     
         106 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein the pumping element further comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is associated with a fluid inlet area in the structure and the second side is associated with a fluid outlet area in the structure, the plurality of fluid lines for circulating fluid from the fluid inlet area to the fluid outlet area.  
     
     
         107 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein the structure further comprises a first outer surface and a second outer surface, wherein a first fluid line and a second fluid line of the plurality of fluid lines are coupled to the structure on the first outer surface.  
     
     
         108 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein the structure further comprises a first outer surface and a second outer surface, wherein a first fluid lie of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the first outer surface and a second fluid line of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the second outer surface.  
     
     
         109 . The pump assembly according to  claim 106  wherein the structure further comprises: 
 a. a base having a receptacle for holding the pumping element wherein a first fluid line is in communication with the fluid inlet area and a second fluid line is in communication with the fluid outlet area; and  
 b. a lid coupled to the base and configured to provide a sealed engagement thereto.  
 
     
     
         110 . The pump assembly according to  claim 109  wherein the base further comprises a cavity for recombining excess hydrogen and oxygen gases into water.  
     
     
         111 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein the ductile material is Tungsten.  
     
     
         112 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein the pumping element is made of borosilicate glass.  
     
     
         113 . The pump assembly according to  claim 96  wherein the fluid lines are made of Copper.  
     
     
         114 . The pump assembly according to  claim 102  wherein the first and second electrical contacts are made of Copper.  
     
     
         115 . The pump assembly according to  claim 102  wherein the first and second electrical contacts are made of Tungsten.  
     
     
         116 . A closed loop system for cooling a circuit comprising: 
 a. at least one heat exchanger in contact with the circuit having a plurality of heat exchange fluid ports coupled to one or more fluid lines for cooling the circuit; and    b. at least one pump assembly coupled to the heat exchanger comprising: 
 i. a structure adapted to house a pumping element, the structure having a plurality of pump fluid ports coupled to the fluid lines; and  
 ii. a ductile material configured between the pump fluid ports and each corresponding fluid line, wherein the ductile material has a thermal expansion characteristic substantially similar with a structure material.  
   
     
     
         117 . The closed loop system according to  claim 116  further comprising at least one heat rejecter having a plurality of heat rejecter fluid ports coupled to the fluid lines.  
     
     
         118 . The closed loop system according to  claim 117  wherein the ductile material is configured between the plurality of fluid lines and the heat rejecter fluid ports, the ductile material for sealing the heat rejecter.  
     
     
         119 . The closed loop system according to  claim 116  wherein the ductile material is configured between the plurality of fluid lines and the heat exchanger fluid ports, the ductile material for sealing the heat exchanger.