Particle sedimentation apparatus and method for performing particle sedimentation

US7371330B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg · DE

Inventors

• Jens Ducree · Ashbourne, IE
• Roland Zengerle · Waldkirch, DE
• Stefan Haeberle · St. Georgen, DE
• Thilo Brenner · Wilnsdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2007
• Grant date: May 13, 2008
• Expiry date: Mar 23, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/25375
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A particle sedimentation apparatus includes a rotation body rotatable about a rotation axis and a separation chamber formed in the rotation body, to cause sedimentation of particle suspension in the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. The particles accumulate in a radially outward region of the separation chamber. A flow-rate-determining inflow channel having azimuthal path length with an inflow channel inlet and an inflow channel outlet is formed in the rotation body, the inflow channel inlet being arranged radially further inwardly than the inflow channel outlet, the inflow channel outlet being fluidically connected to the separation chamber and formed to introduce particle suspension into the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. Furthermore, an outflow channel is formed in the rotation body with an outflow channel inlet and an outflow channel outlet, to at least partially drain supernatant liquid formed by sedimentation from the separation chamber.