Abstract: A method of forming solid beads, the method comprising: Providing a first liquid comprising a solute and a solvent Forming liquid droplets of the first liquid Contacting the liquid droplets with a second liquid so as to cause the solvent to exit the droplets, thus forming solid beads, the solute comprising a polymer, the concentration of polymer in the first liquid being at least 7% w/v., the solubility of the solvent in the second liquid being at least 5 g of solvent per 100 ml of second liquid.

Abstract: A device is provided for separating beads from a carrier fluid, the device comprising: a bead-receiving means for receiving beads dispersed in a carrier fluid, a fluid removal means operable to remove fluid from the bead-receiving means in a first fluid removal zone by the application of reduced pressure, and a bead collection means operable to remove beads from the bead-receiving means in a bead collection zone by the application of reduced pressure, the bead-receiving means being movable so that beads are movable from the first fluid removal zone to the bead collection zone.

Abstract: A method of forming solid beads, the method comprising: Providing a first liquid comprising a solute and a solvent Forming liquid droplets of the first liquid Contacting the liquid droplets with a second liquid so as to cause the solvent to exit the droplets, thus forming solid beads, the solute comprising a polymer, the concentration of polymer in the first liquid being at least 7% w/v., the solubility of the solvent in the second liquid being at least 5 g of solvent per 100 ml of second liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for making solid beads is provided, the apparatus comprising at least one liquid droplet generator operable to generate droplets comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent, and at least one flow channel for carrying a second liquid, at least one liquid droplet generator and at least one flow channel being spaced relative to one another so that, in use, liquid droplets pass through a gas into a second liquid provided in said flow channel, the solvent being soluble in the second liquid so as to cause the solvent to exit the droplets, thus forming solid beads. A method of preparing solid beads is also provided.