Phase separation in centrifugal fields with emphasis on the rotational particle separator

The separation of heavy or light phases and particulate matter from fluids by centrifugation is considered. Emphasis is laid on the newly developed and patented technique of the rotational particle separator. This technique is used in areas ranging from the treatment of fluids in industrial processes to the filtering of air to protect men to respiratory allergic reactions. Principles of centrifugation, fluid forces on objects and kinematics of phases and particles in laminar flow are treated to obtain analytical expressions for parameters of separation performance. Conditions for stability of laminar flow in rotating configurations are specified; secondary flows induced by Coriolis forces and their effect on separation performance are quantified. Results of measurements are compared with theoretical predictions. Designs which have materialized in the various areas of application are discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved..