DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONVEYING AND SEPARATING A SUSPENSION CONTAINING BIOLOGICAL CELLS OR MICROORGANISMS

摘要

Described is a device for conveying and separating a suspension containing biological cells or microorganisms, the device having a rotating separator unit (1) surrounded by a reaction chamber (38). The separator unit (1) comprises a flow passage (4) in the shape of an annular gap an inlet port (6), an internally located outlet port (7) for the cell-free liquid (12), and an outer passage (8) and discharge port (9) for the suspension (11). The distance R4 between the wall of the suspension-outlet port and the axis of symmetry is greater than the distance R1 between the wall of the inlet port and this axis, and the distance R3 between the outer wall of the suspension-discharge port (8) and the axis of symmetry is greater than the distance R2 between the internal outlet port and this axis. Thus not only is the suspension conveyed through the flow passage but the cells are also separated out efficiently without damage. The device is particularly suitable for continuous operation with delicate mammal cells.