Apparatus for mixing liquids used in countercurrent multiphase liquid separation

US5578201A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Charles F. Collier · Wilmington, US
• Brian A. Deane · Wilmington, US
• William E. Feathers · Cochranville, US
• Robert King · Hockessin, US
• Alexander D. Kopatsis · Wilmington, US
• Thomas P. Ladisch · Alburtis, US
• Peter M. Mrozinski · Hockessin, US
• Norman P. Pih · Newark, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 26, 1995
• Grant date: Nov 26, 1996
• Expiry date: May 26, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2001/4061
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A reusable apparatus for multiphase, multistage countercurrent liquid separation is presented. The apparatus is particular useful in progressive multistage separation of target microorganisms from background organisms and materials with precise transfer, air exclusion, homogeneous mixing, isolation from the ambient atmosphere, in the absence of valves and at ow cost. The structure has at least one chamber in which a piston-like sliding bottom is sealingly moved or braked and includes internal structure for mixing, preferably a magnetic-stainless steel ball which can be reciprocated from the outside to mix the liquid contents. Motion of the bottom is limited by stops. A number of ways to actuate the apparatus are taught.