Novel Fractionation Methods: Separation in A Viscoplastic Fluid

Abstract

In this work we propose a novel separation technique based upon the control of the threshold for motion of different classes of particles in yield stress fluids. The principle is demonstrated by observing the motion of particles under the influence of a centrifugal force in a weak gel. Here we develop calibration curves of the force required to initiate motion in a gel under numerous configurations of the particles. Demonstration separations of bidisperse suspensions are reported. Here we achieve complete separation of dilute suspensions based upon length, diameter, or density.