Chamber for separating a particle mixture according to the countercurrent centrifugation method

摘要

In counterstream centrifugation technology, in addition to the centrifugal force, forces of a centripetally directed flow of liquid act on a mixture of particles. An equilibrium of forces is established as a function of the size and density of the particles. By changing the force ratios, particles of different sizes and density can be isolated from the liquid flowing off in centripetal fashion. The geometric profile of the separating area, the so-called separating chamber, is decisive for the selectivity of separation. By virtue of eddy effects of the liquid flow and by virtue of non-uniform distribution of flow, the separation selectivity is unfavourably influenced in previously known separating chambers. In the described separating chamber, a uniform flow behaviour and a uniform distribution of the particles in the separating chamber are achieved by means of a central inlet opening which is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and by means of a constantly increasing cross-section of the chamber. As a result, the precise, non-damaging separation of large amounts of a mixture of living cells is made possible.