Abstract: A two phase liquid media coalescer comprises a chamber such as a pipe (1) which may be fitted into a process system by way of pressure sealable fittings (23, 24). Contained within the chamber is a coalescer media (5) manufactured from fibers of polypropylene or other material. One end of the fibers may be secured to a media retaining plate (4). The fibers extend through the chamber in the direction of flow and are free at their other end. A two phase liquid enters the pipe and contacts the surface area of the fibers while passing through, thereby forming droplets of the minority phase of the liquid on the fibers.

Abstract: A separating mechanism for inserting in a receptacle chamber of a container receptacle having a longitudinal axis comprises two adjacently disposed components and a sealing device which is directed towards an internal wall of the container receptacle. The components have two ends spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and a flow passage extends therebetween. The components can be applied against the internal wall by at least one pressing element and, in an initial position, the flow passage is established between the adjacently disposed components spaced apart from one another by the pressing element.

Abstract: A skimmer device and a method for skimming a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: An aeration vessel for use in a aerobic wastewater treatment system, the aeration vessel comprised of a bottom section having a bottom wall and an inverted frustoconical side wall, a top section having a frustoconical side wall and a partition having an inverted frustoconical side wall, the top and bottom sections being provided with mating flanges which can be sealingly engaged, the partition being disposed in the aeration vessel formed by the first and second section.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous process of raw mixed sugar juice clarification by means of the settlement of insoluble particles and juice precipitate in a cylindrical clarifier tank that permits non-turbulent vertical subsidation and short retention time of the sugar juice in a relatively large, non-turbulent settling sector of the contents of the cylindrical clarifier tank which is maintained by the continuous rotary advancement of the raw mixed sugar juice entry and clear sugar juice and precipitate extraction station arm that rotates within and around the center of the annular shaped cylindrical clarifier tank. The rotating arm has three internal radial compartments which provide for the introduction of raw mixed sugar juice and the extraction of clear sugar juice and precipitate, in and out of the annular clarifier tank in the immediate vicinity of the respective leading and trailing faces of the rotating arm, through adjustable slots on the leading and trailing faces of the arm.

Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a usable form is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for separating liquid products and catalyst particles from a slurry used in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor system. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are characterized by a separation system that uses a sedimentation chamber, which contains at least one inclined channel that enhances the settling of particles within the slurry. The enhanced settling separates the slurry into a catalyst-rich bottom stream and a catalyst-lean overhead stream. The catalyst-rich bottom product stream is preferably recycled to the reactor, while the catalyst-lean overhead stream can be further processed by a secondary separation system to produce valuable synthetic fuels. The inclined channel may be provided by a structure selected from the group consisting of tube, pipe, conduit, sheets, trays, walls, plates, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A multi-phase process for removing phosphorus from wastewater in a triple ditch or triple basin system where wastewater influent is sequentially directed to each of the three basins or ditches, sometimes referred to as first and second outer basins and an intermediate basin. During each phase of the process, the mixed liquor in at least one of the basins is subject to settling. In one or more phases of the process, the mixed liquor, in certain basins, is subjected to anaerobic and aerobic treatment. Anaerobic treatment results in the growth or proliferation of phosphorus storing microorganisms. These phosphorus-storing microorganisms take up phosphorus when the mixed liquor is subjected to aerobic conditions. One of the basins, the intermediate basin, can be designed to have a volume greater than either of the first or second outer basins. Further, the triple basin or triple ditch system is designed to transfer mixed liquor suspended solids or biomass from one basin to another.

Abstract: A processing apparatus and an operating method of the processing apparatus, in which a water insoluble oil homogeneous to a water insoluble oil (processing oil) used for a mist-lubrication in a processing site on a work is used as a lubricating oil for a lubrication section of a processing machine, an aqueous solution is used as a cleaning liquid for cleaning the work after having been processed, and then a used processing oil and a used cleaning liquid are recovered and separated and further the separated processing oil and cleaning liquid are circulated into respective supply means, so that the used processing oil may be recovered and reused even if the lubricating oil is mixed into the processing oil since both are homogeneous oil and further the used cleaning liquid and the used processing oil can be surely separated from each other and reused, which allows to reduce an amount of waste as well as to reduce the cost.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a laundry waste sump, a primary 50 micron static screen filter, a 9,000 gallon equalization tank, at least one secondary media/carbon filter, a sludge holding tank with a pump to return excess water to the equalization tank, a backwash pump, an air blower, and a clear well tank water source for backwash. An exemplary embodiment of the invention also includes a surge tank between the primary and secondary filters and a surge tank between the secondary filter and the clear well tank.

Abstract: A system and method for separating immiscible fluids are provided. The system (10) includes a hollow vessel (50) which receives a mixture (20) of a first fluid (40) and a second fluid (60), which are immiscible with respect to one another. The density of the first fluid (40) is less than the density of the second fluid (60). The mixture (20) is pumped into the hollow vessel (50) by a pump (110) where it is received by a primary tube (80). The primary tube (80) is immersed in a separation medium (70). The separation medium has a density greater than the density of the first fluid (40) and less than the density of the second fluid (60). The second fluid (60) settles out of the separation medium (70) and the first fluid (40) rises above the separation medium (70). The first fluid (40) and the second fluid (60) can then be drained separately from the hollow vessel (50).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing sediment from a liquid are provided. Pulses of pressurized air are directed into a conduit having an inlet disposed within a first liquid-containing vessel adjacent to (or within) the sediment to cause a slurry of liquid and sediment to flow through the conduit into a second vessel elevated above the first vessel. The slurry of liquid and sediment is allowed to drain from the second vessel into a third vessel that is positioned at an elevation lower than the second vessel. Liquid is drained from the third vessel (to another vessel or elsewhere) as sediment accumulates within the third vessel. The third vessel may be removed when accumulation of sediment therewithin reaches a predetermined amount. The accumulated sediment within the third vessel is removed and the third vessel is returned to service, or another empty vessel may be substituted therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from a suspension includes a hollow cylindrical column having a central axis therethrough. The column has an interior with a cross-section, perpendicular to said axis, that is constant along said axis, and that extends from a first end to a second end of the column; one central tube axially disposed in said column and extending from said one end toward said opposite end, said central tube having an outer wall of constant diameter, said cylindrical column and said central tube defining an annular zone between them, extending axially from said first end of the column to at least near said second end of the column; at least one filter in said outer wall of the said central tube, forming the only direct communication between the said annular zone and the interior of the tube and at least one filter in the outer wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid clarifier useful for removing solids suspended in a wastewater stream. Settled biological solids are taken from the clarifier and combined in a mixing chamber with a wastewater stream. The combined liquid is provided to a settling region of the clarifier, and suspended solids settle in a biological solids collection region, from which the solids are taken. Clarified liquid can be withdrawn or permitted to overflow from an outlet region in the settling region of the clarifier. The clarifier can enhance the degree of solids removal from wastewater streams having relatively low total suspended solids values, such as outlet streams from fixed film-type digesters. The clarifier is suitable for use in combination with other components of wastewater treatment systems, and can be included as a module in many kinds of wastewater treatment systems.

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment process involving in-line removal of settled solids through a submerged solids collection manifold, the invention provides devices (and methods?) for resuspending concentrated solids using hydraulic pressure waves to improve removal through the collection manifold. The pressure waves are preferably created by cycling on/off signals to the solids collection pump at a user selected frequency. In some applications resuspension is provided by air scouring. The inventions result in improved solids removal and longer run times for the treatment processes with reduced need for mechanical agitators or scrapers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of material separation, in which a material, which comprises at least a first material component and a second material component, is introduced, together with a washing fluid, into a container with at least one sedimentation chamber and is subjected to a gravitational field, under influence of the gravitational field in the sedimentation chamber, the first material component is enriched in a sedimentation zone, which is bounded by a base, and the material with the enriched first material component is evacuated from the sedimentation zone via an opening in the base, the material with the enriched first material component being evacuated as a sediment film through the opening in the base, washing fluid flowing transversely onto the sediment film and the washing fluid flowing through the sediment film and, in the process, an at least partial displacement of the remaining second material component taking place from the sediment film.

Abstract: Method and system for removing accumulated sediment at the bottom of a waste pond or lagoon of a wastewater treatment plant for a petroleum refinery. The system comprises a primary oil separation stage for separating hydrocarbons from the wastewater stream by gravity, a secondary oil removal stage and a biological treatment stage downstream of the secondary oil removal stage. A portion of the sediment from the bottom of the waste pond or lagoon is passed to the secondary oil removal stage and/or the biological treatment stage for processing with the refinery wastewater being treated in these stages.

Abstract: Rainwater collection apparatus having a tank with a catchment cone above it. Between an outlet at the bottom of the cone and an inlet at the top of the tank is a sediment trap which has an annular chamber. An inlet pipe with openings near its upper end extends into the chamber, so that when the chamber overflows in use, the container is filled. Drain valves permit flushing of the sediment trap. The apparatus may form part of a system includes storage, purification and bottling equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating liquid products and catalyst fines from a slurry used in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. A settling system continuously or intermittently removes catalyst fines from the slurry and is coupled with catalyst-liquid separation system that separates liquid products from the slurry. The preferred separation system produces a sub-particle rich stream and a catalyst-lean stream that are removed from the system. The systems of the present invention act to reduce the concentration of catalyst fines in the reactor, thereby increasing the effectiveness of a catalyst-liquid separation system.

Abstract: Desludging device for a portion of the total volume of a liquid that contains suspended solids and/or can form sludge, arranged in a tank for the total volume of the liquid in such a way that at least a part of said desludging device including its floor is immersed in the total volume, wherein said desludging device has an inlet opening located above said floor through which a portion of the liquid can enter the desludging device, as well as a discharge device beginning above said floor, in the form of an exit pipe, a channel, an overflow weir or at least an opening in the wall, through which the liquid can be removed from the desludging device, and wherein said floor of the desludging device has at least one outlet opening through which sludge that has settled in said desludging device can be returned to the total volume of the liquid or passed to another settling device for concentrating the sludge. Preferably the settled sludge is recycled to the total volume through a Venturi-type nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for separating separating polymeric from one or more by-products of preparation of the polymer and a first liquid phase, wherein the solid in a first liquid phase is brought into contact with a second liquid phase and the solid is transferred into the second liquid phase. The solid is washed in countercurrent and at least partial displacement washing takes place during the washing of the solid.

Abstract: The invention concerns plasma separation on a microliter scale. The method/system according to the invention is able to provide plasma in the range of several microliters within a very short time as it is required, for example, in modern analyses by carrier-bound test elements. Plasma separation and plasma release is carried out in two separate consecutive steps of the method using the device according to the invention such that hemolysis during plasma separation can be avoided despite an accelerated procedure. The device comprises a disposable unit in which the device is characterized by an economical and simple method of production.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising a deformable bellows, a ballast mounted to the lower end of the bellows, and a float is engageable with an upper end of the bellows. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the ballast to move toward the bottom of the tube and causes an elongation and narrowing of the bellows. The separator then moves down the tube and stabilizes in a position between the separated phases of the fluid sample. Termination of the centrifugal load enables the bellows to return to its original condition in sealing engagement with the walls of the tube.

Abstract: A means, apparatus, and system for reducing the net fluid volume deficiency in a patient during a medical treatment process. The invention seeks to modify a batch-type process to achieve the efficiency of a continuous process by precisely measuring the net change in fluid volume within a patient and dispensing the appropriate amount of biological fluids to a patient via IV lines or by recycling blood components into the patient while biological fluids are being withdrawn. The apparatus includes subcomponent lines, valving means, pumping means, load cells, storage chambers, a centrifuge, and centrifuge bowls. The system may have numerous feedback components to accurately measure and control the flow rates and amount of fluid dispensed to a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water contaminated with metal sulfates and sulfuric acid such as acid mine drainage (AMD) which in part recycles high pH effluent from later steps in the process back to the earlier steps of the process. The recycled high pH effluent added with magnesium hydroxide to the entering AMD generates precipitates separable from the stream to leave sulfate ladened water. A tangential filtering process is used to separate the sulfate ladened water into one stream of pure water and a second stream containing sulfate. One portion of the second stream is treated with ammonia to yield a cake of ammonia sulfate and aqueous ammonia. Ca(OH)2 is added to another portion of the second stream to produce calcium sulfate cake and the high pH effluent that is recycled back to the first step in the cycle.

Abstract: A process for the separation and extraction of liquid from a multi-component fluid within a conduit in which said liquid tends to settle, said process comprising introduction of a coil tubing into a predetermined settlement region within said conduit, said tubing having an inlet at said settlement region and being operatively connected to aspirating means, whereby the said liquid is separated within the settlement region and aspirated into the tubing and thereby extracted.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a separator unit for multiphase separation of fluids of different densities, wherein either a pressure in the separator unit or a level of one or more of the liquids in the separator unit is adjusted in relation to a reference value. The reference value and the relevant pressure in the separator unit (1), or the level of the relevant liquid converted to a pressure, are supplied to either side of a pressure sensitive mechanical device (23; 28) which moves with deviations of the pressure from the reference value, and the movement is transferred directly to a mechanical control unit (22; 33) which is coupled to a control device (20; 38) on a fluid outlet (25; 37) from the separator unit (1), and which utilizes the difference between the pressure in the separator unit and the pressure downstream of the control device for moving this in the desired direction for correcting for the deviation.

Abstract: Immiscible liquids are separated into heavier and lighter phases by centrifugal and centripetal forces, respectively, produced by disposing the immiscible liquid onto spinning components, and separately collecting the heavier and lighter phases.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for rejuvenating a wastewater treatment system of the type including a septic tank, an aerobic treatment unit or the like connected by a pipe to a plugged downstream soil absorption system includes a wastewater treatment unit which is interposed between the septic unit/aerobic treatment unit and the downstream soil absorption system. The wastewater treatment unit includes a single piece or a multiple piece solids settling and retention basin within which is suspendingly supported a wastewater treatment mechanism essentially of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,120. The wastewater treatment mechanism includes filters for filtering and settling solids from wastewater and flow equalization ports for effecting flow equalization thereby eliminating flow surges to the downstream plugged soil absorption system.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for rejuvenating a wastewater treatment system of the type including a septic tank, an aerobic treatment unit or the like connected by a pipe to a plugged downstream soil absorption system includes a wastewater treatment unit which is interposed between the septic unit/aerobic treatment unit and the downstream soil absorption system. The wastewater treatment unit includes a single piece or a multiple piece solids settling and retention basin within which is suspendingly supported a wastewater treatment mechanism essentially of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,120. The wastewater treatment mechanism includes filters for filtering and settling solids from wastewater and flow equalization ports for effecting flow equalization thereby eliminating flow surges to the downstream plugged soil absorption system.

Abstract: A wash bucket screen has a slanting platform supported on a frustum skirt. The platform has a plurality of holes interspersed between raised ridges on the platform running radially generally toward its perimeter as an aid in releasing water from a cloth squeezed against the platform. To effectively prevent backsplash from the bucket bottom back through the screen, the holes taper from a diameter sized to readily collect water on the platform top to a smaller hole diameter on the platform bottom. The skirt includes a flange on its distal end that engages the bucket wall. To accommodate a frustum bucket with changing wall diameter, the skirt flexes resiliently with the flange engaging the bucket wall and the skirt flexing inward as the screen is inserted in a bucket with decreasing diameter. To allow movement of the skirt, a plurality of slits extend vertically, opening at the skirt distal end, providing an effective splash shield between the skirt and the bucket wall.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing portions of gradients relate to a float with an upper concave surface for collecting the gradient portion.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic separator to separate floatable material from a liquid includes a separating vessel having a cylindrical outer wall; an inlet means for introducing the liquid into the vessel in a manner to promote a low energy rotational flow of liquid in the vessel; a base at one end; a top wall at the end opposite the base, the top wall including an axial outlet opening for receiving a flow containing floatable material separated from the liquid flow to the vessel; a flow modifying member provided within the vessel to define with the top wall an annular opening which is spaced from the outer wall; an annular dip plate spaced from the outer wall of the vessel, the dip plate comprising an upper edge spaced from the top wall to define a gap for the flow of liquid containing floatable matter; and an outlet separate from the axial outlet opening in the top wall, comprising a conduit for removing a primary liquid flow from the vessel, which conduit communicates with the interior of the vessel at a substantially ax

Abstract: A desanding vessel is inserted in a high velocity fluid stream containing entrained particulates. The vessel comprises an upper freeboard portion having a large cross-sectional wherein the fluid stream velocity drops and particulates fall from suspension. Preferably the fluid stream is introduced offset upwardly from an axis of a horizontally oriented cylindrical vessel, released particulates falling to accumulate in a lower belly portion. The freeboard portion is maintained using a depending flow barrier adjacent the vessel's outlet which sets the depth of accumulation in the belly portion. A cleanout enables periodic removal of accumulations.

Abstract: A drainage tank for granular material/liquid mixture includes a low part and a high part provided with a lid. A device for separating the liquid and the granular material is arranged in the low part. A device for evacuating excess liquid is arranged in the high part and includes a number of overflow sleeves passing through the lid. The overflow sleeves have, above the lid, an overflow edge that is adjustable in height.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for demulsifying oil in water by dilution and impact, and for separation of the oil and suspended solids by dissolved gas floatation, are described. A produced water treating system is also described. The produced water treating system may include a dissolved gas floatation clarifier system, an oil demulsification system, and a separation system. A demulsification subsystem is also described. The apparatus may include a liquid-liquid fluid mixer and a gas generator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of diluting a solid particle-containing slurry in conjunction with a sedimentation process. A slurry is introduced into the launder portion of a feedwell and flowed vertically downward through an eductor nozzle having its exit location placed below the liquid level of a volume of clarified liquor. The eductor nozzle is positioned adjacent a diluent inlet such that discharge of the slurry through the eductor nozzle creates a low pressure zone, drawing clarified liquor through the diluent inlet for mixing and dilution of the slurry. A flocculating reagent may additionally be introduced into the diluted slurry for producing a floc and expediting settling of the solid particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved, fully automated system for on-site growth and conditioning of microorganisms for use in water body restoration. The system includes a reservoir for the microorganisms and the nutrients, a bioreactor system, a water conditioning system, and an electrical control device.

Abstract: A method for distilling water includes the steps of entering brine to be distilled into a sub-atmospheric boiler having a brine section with a brine output and a water vapor output; concentrating brine in the brine section to a concentration of at least 250 grams of salt or contaminants per liter; stirring the brine in the brine section; and exiting the brine through the brine output. A distiller with a subatmospheric boiler having a stirring device is also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for treating runoff water in which there is a separator and a filter for cleaning the water. A reservoir is provided to hold large quantities of water during prolonged rainstorms. The output of the reservoir is fed to the filter. The rate of flow from the reservoir to the filter is controlled and limited to flow rates at which the filter can efficiently clean the water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system that separates first particles from second particles, or white blood cells from red blood cells, by sedimentation in a fluid chamber with debulking of one of the first or second particles or red blood cells through the inlet of the fluid chamber. The method and system further includes fractionation of the remaining particles or white blood cells into selected subsets. In one embodiment of the instant invention a blood product containing white blood cells is loaded in a separation chamber, a diluting or sedimenting agent is added to encourage rouleaux formation of any red blood cells, the cells are sedimented and the red blood cells are removed.

Abstract: A grease/water pumping and separating system is provided with a pump mechanism that utilizes a motivating fluid to pump a grease/water mixture. The mixture is sucked into and discharged out of a pumping cavity. A movable biasing boundary, such as a piston, separates the motivating fluid from the grease/water mixture. The pump mechanism pumps the grease/water mixture to a separator unit which separates the grease and water components and directs the grease to a retaining tank and the gray water component of the grease/water mixture to an appropriate outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material, a device for carrying out said method and the use of said method in the production of dried ligneous plant material. The method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material comprises the following: a pressurization step in which a sealed enclosure containing the plant material is pressurized, whereby the pressure thereof is greater than that of the atmosphere; a stage in which saturating water vapor is created or injected; a stage in which the plant material is heated to the core by means of electromagnetic waves; a step in which the liquid exudates from said plant material are gravitationally recovered.

Abstract: A process and apparatus therefore in which a sludge treatment stage 24 is controlled in response to the density or solids content of the sludge includes flowing sludge along a flow line 1 towards the treatment stage, taking a sample from the flow line 1, degassing the sample to produce a degassed sample, measuring the density or solids content of the degassed sample, and utilizing the measured degassed density or solids content of the degassed sample for controlling the treatment stage 24.

Abstract: A flow conditioning apparatus, a separation system which includes the flow conditioning apparatus and cooperating downstream separation equipment, and a method of using the system are described. The system separates liquid components of differing densities from a fluid mixture. The flow conditioning apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and a swirl chamber extending along a swirl axis. The inlet and outlet cooperate with the swirl chamber to create a swirling of a fluid mixture passing through the swirl chamber to ideally induce coalescence of liquid droplets. The inlet and the outlet typically direct fluid to flow in a circumferential direction relative to the swirl axis to create a helical flow. The flow of the fluid mixture through the apparatus encounters a minimum of fluid shear and associated droplet dispersion.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating components of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container, a liner in the container, a closure for the container and a composite element. The composite element is a seal plug with a density between the densities of the components of the fluid sample is releasably engaged with the container closure and with the liner. A needle cannula is used to deposit a fluid sample in the liner and the entire device is placed in a centrifuge. The centrifugal load causes the seal plug to separate from the closure and causes the liner to expand outwardly against the container. The seal plug migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the densities of the components of the fluid sample. The liner will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of centrifugal load such that the liner sealingly engages the seal plug and separates the components of the fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention involves the addition of a black water filter to the outlet of the quench chamber of the gasification reactor. The normal flow of water out of the gasification reactor is through the side of the quench chamber, but in the present invention it leaves out the bottom of the quench chamber into the black water filter. In the black water filter, slag in the black water is allowed to settle out. Soot water exits the top of the black water filter and flows to downstream purification/processing units.

Abstract: A separator disk (4) for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supenatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating floating and non-floating particulates from drain water wherein said apparatus includes a first chamber for collecting non-floating particulates, a second chamber for collecting floating particulates, and a third chamber through which treated drain water can be discharged from the apparatus. An inlet pipe for introducing drain water into the first chamber is provided tangential to the first chamber to provide a vortex flow of drain water into said first chamber. An outlet pipe providing flow of drain water from the first chamber to the second chamber has an inlet at the vortex of drain water flow in the first chamber and an outlet that is spaced a predetermined distance from the floor of the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents. The constituents include a container, a liner in the container and a composite element in the liner for separating the fractions of a fluid sample. The separator comprises a specific density at a target density range as defined by separable fluid components densities. A fluid sample is delivered to the liner and then the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the liner to deform and the composite element migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The liner will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the liner sealingly engages the composite element and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.