Abstract: Processing systems and methods comprise a separation device that, in use, performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from blood or a suspension containing red blood cells. The systems and methods include an outlet line coupled to the separation device to remove red blood cells from the separation device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A sensor associated with the outlet line senses hematocrit of red blood cells removed from the separation device and generates a sensed hematocrit output. A controller is coupled to the separation device to control removal of red blood cells from the separation device based, at least in part, upon the sensed hematocrit output.

Abstract: A self-regulated water separator provides centrifugal separation of fuel cell product water from oxidant gas. The system uses the flow energy of the fuel cell's two-phase water and oxidant flow stream and a regulated ejector or other reactant circulation pump providing the two-phase fluid flow. The system further uses a means of controlling the water outlet flow rate away from the water separator that uses both the ejector's or reactant pump's supply pressure and a compressibility sensor to provide overall control of separated water flow either back to the separator or away from the separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a physical water treatment (PWT) method and apparatus to treat liquid coolants. Electrodes (22, 24) are provided in a coolant stream (21), and an alternating voltage is applied across the electrodes (22, 24) to produce an electric field through the coolant. The alternating voltage creates an oscillating electric field in the coolant that promotes the collision of dissolved mineral ions. The ions collide to form seed particles that precipitate out of solution. Bulk precipitation of seed particles decreases the availability of ions in solution which can crystallize on heat transfer surfaces. The seed particles adhere to additional ions that separate out of solution and form larger particles that may be removed from the coolant stream (21) using a variety of treatment measures. In addition to precipitating mineral ions, the electric field may be applied to destroy bacteria, algae and microorganisms that accumulate in the coolant stream (21).

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a coagulation-flocculation-decantation device for water treatment to degrease water inside the device itself so as to eliminate therefrom more than 20% of hexane-extractable matter without resorting to separate degreasing means by flotation. The invention also concerns a plant comprising a coagulation-flocculation-decantation device by ballasted flocs having a coagulation zone (1), means supplying (4) a granular material denser than water (4), a flocculation (6), a decantation zone (8) and means for recycling (15) granular material including at least a hydrocyclone (17). The characterised in that it does nut comprise degreasing means provided upstream of the coagulation-flocculation-decantation device, the grease being removed from the water inside the coagulation-flocculation-decantation device itself without means for injecting air or an equivalent gas.

Abstract: A separator and method according to which substances having relatively high densities are separated from a pressurized flow stream.

Abstract: A gradient solution sending apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of solution sending flow channels, a mixer, a gradient controller in which a solution sending flow rate is set, and a control device which controls a solution sending flow rate of a mobile phase of each solution sending flow channel based on the solution sending flow rate set in the gradient controller. Each solution sending flow channel includes a solution sending pump and a split mechanism. The solution sending pump sends the solution of each mobile phase. The split mechanism delivers a part of the mobile phase passing through the solution sending pump, and the split mechanism discharges the rest of the mobile phase from the solution sending flow channel. A mixer is arranged on downstream sides of the solution sending flow channels, and the mixer mixes the mobile phases sent from the solution sending flow channels and delivers the mixed mobile phase to the analysis flow channel.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating dirty water or other liquids containing particles of varying size includes a magnetic treatment unit and a centrifugal separator through which the liquid flows as a stream in sequence. The magnetic treatment unit causes very small sized particles to agglomerate, nucleate or otherwise to be amassed into larger particles which are then more easily separated by the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A method of treating fluid body waste material includes, separating the material into factions, in which the solids content of one faction is increased substantially relative to the originating waste material, while a second faction has an increased liquid content. Material is pumped from a storage facility, passing through a first screen. Retained solid material is removed from the screen while partially cleansed liquid passes to a holding tank. The partially cleansed liquid is then passed through one or more cyclone separators. The output containing larger particles is passed to a second, finer screen with further removal of solids. A further output from the cyclone separator, of substantially clean liquid is fed partly back into the holding tank and partly back into the storage facility. Agitation of the waste material in the storage facility can be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into a device adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the device to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

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 process for the continuous treatment of sugar cane filter cane mud separates and extracts components including fiber which can be used as an animal feed or a source of energy generation, lignin, beta-carotene, oil containing a high content of phytosterol, refined wax which is a resource of policosanol and which can also be used for many other established purposes, and resin which can be used an additive in asphalt mixtures and tire manufacturing or can be recycled back into the sugar milling process. The process is self contained, requiring the input only of fresh water and chemical additives to adjust pH and coloration.

Abstract: A stormwater treatment device for removing floatables, solids and suspended particles and the like from stormwater run off, whereby a removable assembly is provided for installation into a manhole basin, the assembly including a pass-through member which receives stormwater from an incoming drainage system, and diverts low flows to at least one or more vortex separators, while allowing for high flows to bypass the separators and flow through the assembly untreated to exit the basin without diversion.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus and method for filtering a stream. The apparatus comprises a rotor that contains an inlet for the stream and an array of cavities operatively arranged to receive the stream from the impeller. The rotor member further includes membranes, operatively positioned within the array of cavities, for separating the impurities from the stream, and a permeate outlet for delivering a permeate from the rotor. A drive member is included for rotating the rotor so that the stream is exposed to a centrifugal force. In one preferred embodiment, the rotor contains a baffle plate to distribute the stream about the inner portion and an impeller vane adapted to receive the stream.

Abstract: A centrifugal debris trap includes a cylindrical chamber bound by an inner surface of a continuous wall radially disposed about a center axis at a first inner diameter, and having a first wall end and a second wall end; and a plurality of grooves between the first and second wall ends, extending radially outward from the inner surface into a portion of the continuous wall, and each having a groove outer diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter. The cylindrical chamber is sealed at the first wall end by a back plate attached about a circumference of the first wall ends, and is open at the second wall end through a ring attached thereto about a circumference of the second wall end. The ring has a ring opening radially disposed about the center axis, and a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter.

Abstract: A method for centrifugally separating whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent rotates about a rotational axis a separation zone having radially spaced apart walls with a high-G side and a low-G side located closer to the rotational axis than the high-G side. Whole blood enters the rotating separation zone in an entry region to begin separation. Separation is halted by a terminal wall that is circumferentially spaced from the entry region. The whole blood separates into red blood cells toward the high-G side and plasma constituent toward the low-G side. The method directs red blood cells separated in the separation zone in a circumferential flow direction toward the terminal wall. The method directs separated red blood cells from the rotating separation zone through a second path that extends, at least in part, radially beyond the high-G wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: an inlet opening for the mixture; an outlet for the mixture located downstream; rotating means arranged in the tube for setting the mixture into rotating movement; one or more outlet openings arranged downstream relative to the rotating means for allowing a part of the mixture to flow laterally out of the tube; a return conduit arranged in axial direction through the rotating means for reintroducing into the tube the flow which has exited via the outlet openings; and divergence means arranged close to the outlet opening of the return conduit for allowing the reintroduced flow to diverge laterally.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for taking up particles, in particular particles of oil, algae or dirt, from a water surface (2). A hull structure (1) is moved over the water surface (2). In this case, a flow (6) of water laden with particles is produced in the region of a bottom surface (7) of the hull structure (1). The flow (6) is broken away or interrupted along a vortexing edge (13) in the region of the bottom hull-structure surface (7), with the result that a vortex flow (14) is produced for at least some of the particle-laden water. The vortex flow (14) passes into a vortex flow space (15). With the aid of localizing means, the vortex flow (14) is localized in a separation section (23) of the vortex flow space (15), with the result that particles of the particle-laden water which are picked up by the vortex flow (14) can be separated from the separation section (23).

Abstract: Many areas in the world already suffer shortages of water, and others will suffer from it in the coming years. Therefore more efficient water sweetening is essential for our survival on this planet. The most commonly used water sweetening methods are: Reversed osmosis, distillation, electrodyalisis, and partial freezing. However, these methods suffer from low efficiency and high energy consumption, thus making them significantly more expensive than naturally obtained water. The present invention describes a system & method for efficient and low energy sweetening of water, based on borderline fast fluctuation between liquid to gaseous state and back, by using centrifugal forces to make water droplets fly at a high speed, so that they evaporate for a split second, the salt is separated, and they condense again. The present invention tries to make the process energy-efficient by enabling the use of lower speeds and smaller droplet sizes and solving various problems involved with that.

Abstract: Methods for clarification of cell samples using centrifugation in combination with depth filtration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the washing step in a blood centrifugation cell in which washing solution is introduced into the blood centrifugation cell and the cell contains compacted red cells and supernatant at the beginning of the washing step. The apparatus can comprise various sensors and a computer. The sensors sense and transmit to the computer three inputs. The first input is indicative of the total volume of blood that enters the cell during the filling step and the total amount of washing solution that enters the cell during the washing step. The second input is indicative of the hematocrit value of the blood introduced during the filling step. The third input is indicative of the geometric characteristics of the cell. Based on the inputs, the computer executes an algorithm that produces a first output that is the concentration of the supernatant in the supernatant-washing solution mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method and system for enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic centrifugal separators (cyclones) in the removal of fine size particles from a liquid carrying medium. More particularly, it is concerned with improvements in the removal efficiency of any number of cyclonic devices that rely on the use of centrifugal force to separate fine size particles of differing density from the liquid carrying medium by addition of polymeric additives, both before, and, as necessary, inside the cyclone body.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in separating, at least in part, a mixture, including at least one chamber and at least one microwave generation device configured for communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber is disclosed. The rotor assembly may comprise an electric generator for generating electricity for operating the microwave generation device. At least one microwave generation device may be positioned within a tubular interior shaft extending within the rotor assembly. At least a portion of the tubular interior shaft may be substantially transparent to microwave energy. Microwave energy may be emitted in an outward radial direction or toward an anticipated boundary surface defined between a mixture and a separated constituent thereof. A method including flowing a mixture through at least one chamber and communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber while rotating same is disclosed. Methods of operating a centrifugal separator and design thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A separation method and apparatus are disclosed having particular application for effecting removal of sand from a production wellstream, enhancing the quality of recovered oil, gas and water output streams (12, 13, 14) and reducing erosion caused by entrained sand. The wellstream is passed initially through a cyclone separator (4?) which separates substantially all the water and sand as underflow and substantially all the oil and gas as overflow. A gravity separator (11) separates the overflow from the cyclone separator (4?) into oil, gas and water, and a further cyclone separator (17) separates the underflow from the first cyclone separator (4?) into water and sand.

Abstract: An improved pool skimmer apparatus and method that enhances the effectiveness of a swimming pool skimmer assembly. In particular, my inventive method and apparatus makes pool skimmers more effective at capturing floating debris and directing it to the pool filter system where it is removed from the pool water. According to my invention, a skimmer basket assembly includes an open top, cylindrical sidewalls, and a mesh bottom. Disposed along the sidewalls are a plurality of “fins” or “blades”, positioned such that water entering the basket assembly develops a circular flow, causing floating debris to be drawn down into the filtering system. In this manner, particularly difficult to remove floating debris, such as pollen, are drawn down to be filtered rather than remain floating on a top portion of skimmer and/or pool water.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from a wastewater stream includes a chamber having a wastewater inlet and wastewater outlet which promotes a generally horizontal wastewater flow. A grating is provided in the chamber between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet having a screen size for preventing the passage of particulates having greater than the select effective diameter from the wastewater inlet into the wastewater outlet. The grating is vertically inclined relative to the direction of the wastewater flow. A baffle within the chamber is configured to cooperate with the grating to generate a vortex in the wastewater having a velocity component parallel to the face of the grating which urges particles trapped by the grating along the grating toward a surface of the wastewater to suspend particles in the wastewater as the wastewater flows between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet.

Abstract: A deep gradient-density filter device capable of effectively filtering a fluid containing a distribution of particles in the range of approximately 25 microns to approximately 0.2 micron at a fluid velocity of at least approximately 100 cm/hr and an initial hydraulic permeability of greater than approximately 10 cm/hr/psi. The deep gradient-density filter device includes several layers of filtration material, each having specific predetermined particle retention properties. In one product embodiment, the deep gradient-density filter device uses “loose” fibrillated cellulose fiber material as a primary filter element. In a method aspect, the deep gradient-density filter device is used for either the secondary clarification of industrial-scale volumes of cultured or fermented protein-containing biopharmaceutical fluids or the primary clarification of pilot-scale volumes.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A method for separating a multi-phase mixture (50) into a liquid phase (54) and a dry phase (52) with a specified dry matter concentration. A decanting centrifuge (100) with an annular immersion disk (14) and a weir arranged at an end face of a centrifuge drum (20) are used. After start-up of the centrifuge drum (20), the multi-phase mixture (50) is introduced into the centrifuge drum (20). The dry phase (52) and the liquid phase (54) are drawn off. The liquid level in the centrifuge drum (20), is controlled by the weir and compared to a tolerance range until the specified dry matter concentration is reached. The weir is positioned so reaction to concentration changes in the multi-phase mixture (50) is possible in both directions. The speed of the centrifuge drum (20) is lowered incrementally and the weir position adjusted, so the dry phase concentration remains constant.

Abstract: The claimed invention refers to a centrifuge intended for processing blood and blood components and with its function based on the effective utilisation of ring type blood processing bags with associated secondary bags and other accessories. The most outstanding feature of the centrifuge, in accordance with the claimed invention, is that its rotor, at the same intended height of the ring bag (22) inner periphery, shows at least three supports (9–11) arranged along this periphery and intended to locate the ring bag's inner strengthened periphery edge on guide holes at the same time as the centrifuge and its rotor is equipped with a joint rotating inner lid (6) which includes a clamp function (7) that clamps ring bag (22) securely along and between supports (9–11).

Abstract: A microfluidic device provides separation of particles in a liquid sample, particularly, separation of a sample of whole blood into its components for further analysis. Separation into red blood cells and plasma occurs within a few seconds after the blood sample has been transferred into a separation chamber with the application of centrifugal force of less than about five times gravity. With the application of greater force measurement of hematocrit is possible.

Abstract: A separation method comprises introducing a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a centrifugal field and allowing an interface to form between at least portions of such components at a first location. The method also comprises moving the interface from the first location to a second location and further comprises introducing the first fluid and removing one of the first and second components at known controlled flow rates so as to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The flow rate of the first or second component may be determined based, at least in part, on the time interval between the interface moving from and returning to the second location. The flow rate may also be based on the weight of the one component removed during the time interval.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for treating fluids, a pump delivers a fluid flow from a fluid source to a manifold. The manifold divides the fluid flow into first and second fluid flows, which are delivered from the manifold to a housing. The housing includes therein a first vortex nozzle positioned in opposed relationship to a second vortex nozzle. The first fluid flow enters the first vortex nozzle to create a first rotating fluid flow, and the second fluid flow enters the second vortex nozzle to create a second rotating fluid flow. The first and second vortex nozzles impinge the first and second rotating fluid flows in a collision chamber, thereby treating the fluid.

Abstract: A water boiler system for producing steam or hot water includes an apparatus for removing dissolved minerals from the boiler water without the use of water softeners or other chemical treatment agents. An electromagnetic flux producing device first treats water of the boiler system with alternating electromagnetic flux to cause nucleation of dissolved minerals in the bulk boiler water, rather than on boiler surfaces, with nucleated particles then accumulating into particulates which settle by gravity to a low area of the boiler. Water is continuously drained from the low area of the boiler and fed by a pump to a mechanical separator which continuously separates solids from the drain water and continuously passes cleansed water at a high temperature back to the boiler.

Abstract: The filter removes volatile, particulate and water-based contaminants from a fluid, such as lubricating oil, of a different density than the contaminants. The device has a cone shaped, jet-propelled, helical-spiral wiper rotor creating centrifugal forces that separate the volatile and heavier particulate matter. Ports in a base assembly facilitate removal of the separated contaminants. A settling tank with vertical grid filter minimizes turbulence for further separation of heavier particulate matter. A volatile tank with vertical grid filter and flow restrictor minimizes turbulence to allow volatiles to rise from the fluid. A filter tank filters out remaining particulate matter from the fluid. A combination of flow restrictors and baffles minimize cross-contamination, thereby maximizing purity of oil returned to the engine. The collection tanks are easily cleaned and reused. The compact design minimizes oil volume necessary for purification.

Abstract: A grit removal device, as may be used in a water or wastewater treatment plant, has a vortex grit collector and a mechanical conveyor for removing the grit from the collector. The grit collector includes a tank having an influent channel and an effluent channel, and a stirrer or other mechanism for inducing vortex flow within the tank. The tank has a sump located beneath it, wherein grit settles. A mechanical conveyor, such as a rotating screw, removes and dewaters grit from the sump to an exterior location. The conveyor is preferably offset from the horizontal. The invention also includes a method of grit removal employing the device.

Abstract: A separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. The chamber communicates with an inlet and a first outlet. A tubular member is disposed within the chamber and communicates external thereof. A plurality of fins are disposed within the chamber. Each of the fins extends from toward the tubular member to toward the peripheral wall. A first tube projects from the tubular member to toward the peripheral wall. The first tube has a second outlet in communication with the chamber. The first outlet is disposed closer to the rotational axis than the second outlet such that during use a fluid boundary line first outlet and the second outlet.

Abstract: A method for removing particles from a high pressure flow stream entails flowing the high pressure flow stream into an inlet of a high pressure trap and flowing the flow stream from the inlet into a tube in the high pressure trap. The tube is adapted to accelerate the flow stream. The flow stream leaves the tube and de-accelerates as the stream flows into a chamber. The method continues by contacting the flow stream with a plate wound helically around an outside surface of the tube. The plate creates a cyclonic effect with the flow stream to remove particles from the flow stream. The particles are collected in a reservoir. The remaining particles are removed by flowing the flow stream towards a side outlet over the plate. The methods end by collecting the remaining particles in a reservoir forming collected particles and dumping the collected particles from the reservoir.

Abstract: A static device and method of making is disclosed for mixing matter flowing therethrough. The invention comprises a tube having a polygonic cross section defining a plurality of corners. The tube is spirally twisted with the plurality of corners forming a plurality of helixes for causing the matter flowing through the tube to rotate in accordance with the plurality of helixes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the static device provides a static mixing device. In a second embodiment of the invention, the static device includes a plurality of apertures defined in the helix for providing a static separating device.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system is disclosed for centrifugally separating a composite fluid into components thereof. This centrifugal separation system includes at least a centrifugal rotor which has a composite fluid containment area, a fluid flow channel/tubing and at least one separated component collection area defined therein. A composite fluid to be separated is delivered to the fluid containment area where under centrifugal forces the composite fluid is separated into components and then from which a component travels through an outlet channel to a respective separated component fluids flowing therethrough. A centrally disposed pump is also provided to move the separated component(s) to the collection area(s). Optical sensing of the interface of the separated fluid components may be used with a clamp to stop flow. A disposable bag and tubing system is also disclosed for use with reusable rotor devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a class of fiber or strand suspension compositions that may be processed further into viscoelastic pastes or porous solids. The preferred compositions of the invention comprise biologically derived or biologically compatible materials, such as collagen, that can be injected or implanted for tissue augmentation or repair. This invention is also directed to methods of making these compositions and to apparatus that can be used to make the compositions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating oily wastewater, such as bilge water or ballast water, generated on a ship. The process uses a combination of a centrifugal separation step and a membrane separation step, such as an ultrafiltration step. The membrane separation step uses a dense, non-porous filtration membrane. The process is able to remove both emulsified oil and dissolved oil from the wastewater to low levels.

Abstract: A system for separating fluids from a hydrocarbon well production fluid mixture at a subsea location has a centrifugal separator (16) for separating the mixture into gas and liquid. A hydrocyclone separator (32) then separates the liquid into oil and water and an oil-in-water sensor (38) detects the amount of oil in water leaving the separator. If the sensor (38) detects that the water contains more than the prescribed amount of oil, the water is recirculated through the hydrocarbon separator (32) for removal of further oil form water. The hydrocyclone separator (32) has a level interface sensor (66) and if this sensor detects that the oil/water interface is not within prescribed limits for optimum separation of the oil and water, the amount of oil removed from the separator is adjusted until the oil/water interface is within the prescribed limits.

Abstract: Processing systems and methods comprise a separation device that, in use, performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from blood or a suspension containing red blood cells. The systems and methods include an outlet line coupled to the separation device to remove red blood cells from the separation device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A sensor associated with the outlet line senses hematocrit of red blood cells removed from the separation device and generates a sensed hematocrit output. A controller is coupled to the separation device to control removal of red blood cells from the separation device based, at least in part, upon the sensed hematocrit output.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of separating compounds with a small molar mass from compounds having a molar mass less than 1.9 times that of the compounds with a small molar mass using nanofiltration. The compounds with a small molar mass have a typical molar mass less than 250 g/mol. In one embodiment of the invention, pentose sugars are separated from hexose sugars. The invention can be applied to the recovery of xylose from spent liquors and to the recovery of betaine from sugar beet pulp extracts, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the washing step in a blood centrifugation cell in which washing solution is introduced into the blood centrifugation cell and the cell contains compacted red cells and supernatant at the beginning of the washing step. The apparatus can comprise various sensors and a computer. The sensors sense and transmit to the computer three inputs. The first input is indicative of the total volume of blood that enters the cell during the filling step and the total amount of washing solution that enters the cell during the washing step. The second input is indicative of the hematocrit value of the blood introduced during the filling step. The third input is indicative of the geometric characteristics of the cell. Based on the inputs, the computer executes an algorithm that produces a first output that is the concentration of the supernatant in the supernatant-washing solution mixture.

Abstract: A process includes coating a cylinder having an inner wall and a cylinder axis with a gel coating on the inner wall. Then a specimen mixture including solvent is made to flow through the cylinder while the cylinder is being continuously rotated. The specimen mixture is initially directed to flow along the cylinder axis and such that specimen particles from the specimen mixture are accelerated off the cylinder axis toward the inner wall, so as to form a film of specimen particles embedded into the gel coating.

Abstract: A vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising a vacuum container, a vacuum producing device to create a vacuum within said container, a conduit to vacuum solid particles and liquids into the vacuum container and a dispensing device to dispense the liquid or solid particles from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. Vacuum container contents are stored within the container while simultaneously dispensing the solid particles and or liquids. The vacuum container method may also have a separating device disposed within it to separate solids and liquids by category. The vacuum container method is a continuous operation vacuum container, which can simultaneously fill, store and dispense solid particles and liquids with the added ability to simultaneously separate the solids and or liquids before they are dispensed from the vacuum container. This is accomplished without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container.