ABSTRACT
The separation of suspended solids from a carrier fluid is a requirement in many engineering operations. The most appropriate method for achieving this depends upon the specific properties of the system, the most important being the size and density of the solid particles and the solids concentration (the "solids loading") of the feed stream. For example, for relatively dilute systems("' 10% or less) of relatively large particles("' 100 JLm or more) of fairly dense solids, a gravity settling tank may be appropriate, whereas for more dilute systems of smaller and/or lighter particles, a centrifuge may be more appropriate. For very fine particles, or where a very high separation efficiency is required, a "barrier" system such as a filter or membrane may be needed. For highly concentrated systems, a gravity thickener may be adequate or, for more stringent requirements, a filter may be needed.
