Solid-liquid separation by particle-flow-instability

A robust separation strategy using novel particle-flow-instability physics is successfully developed for a difficult-to-separate suspension in which there is some combination of a small density difference between solid and liquid, high viscosity, and small-sized particles. The method we propose here requires no dilution for medium, high or extremely high viscosity slurries and can produce effective solid-liquid separation with low capital and operational inputs. The results have relevance for many biotechnological and/or chemical processes. We anticipate that further optimizations could lead to a more effective separation process with even lower energy input.