METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEPARATING COMPONENTS OF A SUSPENSION USING A SECONDARY LIQUID

摘要

Methods and systems for separating component materials of a suspension are disclosed. In one aspect, a suspension suspected of containing a target material and a secondary fluid are added to a tube. The secondary fluid has a greater density than the suspension, is immiscible in the suspension fluid and is inert with respect to the suspension materials. A float is added to the tube, and the tube, float, suspension and secondary fluid are centrifuged together, with the secondary fluid to occupy the bottom of the tube. The float has a density less than the density of the secondary fluid which enables the float to be suspended within the axially layered materials of the suspension. As a result, the float expands the axial length of the layer containing the target material between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of the tube.