Density phase separation device

摘要

A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float, a ballast assembly longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows structure. The bellows structure includes a first end, a second end, and a deformable bellows therebetween. The float is attached to a portion of the first end of the bellows structure, and the ballast is attached to a portion of the second end of the bellows structure. The attached float and bellows structure includes a releaseable interference engagement therebetween. The float has a first density, and the ballast has a second density that is greater than the first density of the float.

主权项

1. A mechanical separator comprising:
a float; a ballast assembly longitudinally moveable with respect to the float; and a bellows structure comprising a first end, a second end, and a deformable bellows therebetween, wherein the float is attached to a portion of the first end of the bellows structure, and the ballast assembly is attached to a portion of the second end of the bellows structure, the attached float and bellows structure further comprising a releasable interference engagement therebetween for maintaining the float in fixed relation with respect to the bellows structure, wherein the bellows structure defines an interior and the float is releasably retained within a portion of the interior of the bellows structure, and wherein the releasable interference engagement comprises an interior engagement portion of the bellows structure that extends into the interior and engages an interior portion of the float.