Researchers from the University of Helsinki, the Public University of Navarre, and the University of Michigan have developed a prototype of an acoustic pipeline. This system uses 256 miniature ultrasonic transducers arranged in a cylindrical structure to create a sound field that traps and guides matter through the air without physical walls.
The device operates at a frequency of approximately 40 kHz. It consumes about 50 watts of power and measures 8 centimeters in length. By adjusting the timing and sequence of the transducers, the system can bend or redirect the flow of liquids, gases, powders, and plasma without moving any physical components.
The technology aims to enable non-contact transport of corrosive, sticky, or sensitive materials that might otherwise damage or clog traditional piping. Unlike previous acoustic systems that could only manipulate individual particles, this prototype is capable of handling continuous streams of matter.
Scaling the technology remains a challenge due to the high hardware cost of using 256 speakers for a short 8-centimeter segment. Researchers suggest that connecting multiple modules could extend the pipeline length, though they note that the ultrasonic intensity at the center is extremely high.
