Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that enhances the efficiency of space utilization by simplifying the structure as well as supports a precise movement by improving the structure of the balance weight transport apparatus in the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that compensates the unbalance of the centrifugal force by transferring the balance weight equipped in the rotor rotational arm. According to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge of the present invention, the structure is simplified as well as the precise and exact transfer of the balance weight is possible by connecting the balance weight with the axis of the motor directly and adopting the length sensor. Furthermore, the efficiency of space utilization is enhanced because the axis of rotation of the balance weight transfer motor is in radial direction of the rotational arm.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and having an inlet line, and an outlet line. Apparatus tests flow conditions using a red light-green light sensor to detect non-recoverable hemolysis during priming by identifying a high R/G ratio, preferably a ratio of greater than or equal to fifty (50), prior to the beginning of the first return of blood components to a donor followed by identifying a R/G ratio at least as great as one and one tenth (1.1) together with a green signal less than a predetermined value, preferably less than or equal to one thousand (1000) reflectance units. If these conditions are detected, an alarm is given and the apheresis procedure is discontinued.

Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: A powder spraycoating facility's powder recovery unit comprising a cyclone separator to separate coating powder from an air-powder mixed flow. The cyclone separator comprises a cyclone section separating powder from the powder-air mixed flow and a supply bin in the form of a downward-projecting extension of the cyclone section, said unit further comprising a powder passage in said cyclone from the cyclone section into the supply bin, said passage being devoid of powder blocking elements while being powder-tight relative to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.

Abstract: A method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising centrifuging at least two separation bags containing two discrete volumes of a composite liquid respectively, so as to separate therein the first and second components; transferring at least one fraction of a first separated component from the separation bags into satellite bags connected thereto respectively; detecting a characteristic of a component at determined location in each separation bag; and stopping transferring the at least one fraction of the first component from each separation bag into the first satellite bag connected thereto, upon detection of the characteristic of a component at the determined location.

Abstract: A method of controlling a centrifuge of the type having a rotating perforated basket on whose inner peripheral wall a liquids/solids slurry is caused to collect in use, with separated liquid being collected via the basket perforations. The method comprising taking depth measurement of the material in the rotating basket continuous or at repeated intervals, over a basket cycle from commencement of slurry feed to discharge of solids, using at least one laser unit adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket of solids. The depth measurements can be made using at least one laser unit (30) adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed solids discharge centrifugal separator exhibits low-shear filling, acceleration, and separation of feed material. The separator can be particularly useful for separation and recovery of sensitive solids such as chemical or biological substances. The separator accommodates disposable sample contacting elements to eliminate the need for clean-in-place and sterilize-in-place operations. Some embodiments of the separator feature dual solids discharge pistons, which fully optimize recovery of valuable solids.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood and blood components having a blood processing vessel mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge. A sensor in the outflow race of a return peristaltic pump detects air bubbles in the fluid within a return loop. The sensor may be a sonic sensor, a sonic pulse echo sensor, or capacitive plates. A pre-determined minimum bubble size or sizes or a cumulative volume may be selected, and the device operator may be warned only of the existence of bubbles that exceed a certain size or of a cumulative volume of bubbles, or the blood donation procedure may be stopped if a bubble exceeds a certain critical size or if a pre-determined volume of bubbles over a certain period or volume of fluid is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for controlling the processing of blood into blood components, particularly components for stroboscopic LED light sources for centrifuges. A digital control circuit controls a high amperage linear voltage regulator. The voltage regulator charges a capacitor bank, which in turn powers LED light sources. The digital control circuit comprises an N-channel switched mode FET. The switched mode FET receives a pulsed digital signal from the microprocessor controlling the blood processing apparatus. A by-pass resistor in parallel with the FET allows most of the current to flow past the FET, thus minimizes heating of the FET. The performance of the FET, therefore, remains stable despite extended use of the apparatus.

Abstract: Centrifugal separator devices, systems and to related methods are described. More particularly, fluid transfer connections for a centrifugal separator system having support assemblies with a movable member coupled to a connection tube and coupled to a fixed member, such that the movable member is constrained to movement along a fixed path relative to the fixed member are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems including such fluid transfer connections are described. Additionally, methods of installing, removing and/or replacing centrifugal separators from centrifugal separator systems are described.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) for accommodating blood bags (35) to be inserted into a centrifuge is used for the separation of blood components. Said cartridge (1) is provided with a partition wall (3) which separates a blood bag section (5) positioned radially inside from a product section (7) positioned radially outside, wherein a fixture (29) for a filter (31) is provided in the product section (7), a product transport path (36) which leads from the blood bag section (5) via the fixture (29) for the filter (31) to the product section (7). The product transport path (36) coming from the blood bag section (5) leads into the fixture (29) for the filter (31) radially from the outside and from below.

Abstract: A spinning force system and methods of operation are provided for measuring a characteristic of a sample. The system includes a detection module having a light source for illuminating the sample and an objective being aligned to the light source to define a light path for producing an image of the sample. A rotor is mechanically coupled to the detection module and configured to rotate the light path for applying a force to the sample. The force may include a centrifugal force and other forms of force (such as a viscous drag force) resulted from the rotation. In some examples, the force is applied in a direction that is not parallel to a surface of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centrifugally separating particles by both weight and size include a rotating drum rotating about a second rotating axis disposed perpendicularly to a first rotating axis, and includes an inlet, at least one rotating plate and an outlet. The inlet injects a test material. The rotating plate extends radially outward toward an inner surface of the rotating drum from the second rotating axis and has one or more configurations of protruded and recessed portions formed on a surface thereof. The rotating plate receives the test material on a surface thereof. The outlet discharges separated test material.

Abstract: Method for supervising a centrifugal separator with a separating chamber, a radially inner outlet connected to the separating chamber and to an outlet conduit, with a flow detector disposed in the outlet conduit and adapted to detecting a flow in the outlet conduit, and an intermittently openable radially outer outlet connected to the separating chamber. In order reliably and easily to supervise the intermittent discharge of the centrifugal separator, the pressure is measured by a sensor disposed in a portion of the centrifugal separator which is pressure-transmittingly connected to a central portion of the interior of the rotor. If the supervision unit does not detect a pressure drop pulse from the sensor within a predetermined period of time from when an intermittent discharge is initiated, an alarm signal is emitted.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotational mechanism, a housing, a rotating feed pipe and a basket. The housing includes at least one side and defines an interior volume. The basket is positioned in the interior volume of the housing and is operatively coupled to the rotational mechanism such that rotation of the rotational mechanism is imparted to the basket. The rotating feed pipe extends into the basket through a pipe support positioned over the basket. The rotating feed pipe includes a nozzle operable to direct a flow of liquids, solids or combinations thereof onto a sidewall of the basket. The rotating feed pipe is operable to rotate from a first position towards a second position thereby increasing the distance between the nozzle and the sidewall and varying an angular orientation of the nozzle with respect to a normal to the sidewall.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprises a centrifuge, with a rotor having a rotation axis comprising at least two separation cells, each for containing a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid; and first balancing elements for balancing the rotor when the respective weights of the at least two separation bags in the at least two separation cells are different.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a provision for measuring a physical parameter corresponding to the position of a phase interface inside the centrifuge. The centrifuge is controlled responsive to the inferred position of the phase interface.

Abstract: A separator with an at least inwardly singly or doubly conical separator drum (1) which is mounted rotatably at only one of its axial ends and which has a vertical axis of rotation and which, furthermore, has the following: only at its lower end or at its upper end, a rotary spindle for driving the separator drum, which rotary spindle is mounted oscillatingly about an articulation point (G), an inflow pipe (4) for a product to be processed, at least two liquid outlets for a lighter phase (LP) and a heavier phase (HP), the liquid outlet for the lighter phase (LP) being provided with a stripping disk, preferably solid discharge ports in the region of its largest inner circumference, and a separation plate stack arranged in the separator drum, the further liquid outlet (12) being followed outside the drum by a settable throttle device (13) which preferably has an annular disk (19) and is designed for displacing the liquid radius R(HP), up to which the heavy phase extends in the drum, by a variation in the outflo

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a bodily fluid, in particular blood platelet concentrate, into fractions under centrifugal force. The device comprises a flexible container system which comprises at least a first container for the fluid to be separated and a second container for a separated fraction, wherein the containers are mutually connected using a connecting conduit for a fluid, wherein a widened portion is arranged in the connecting conduit between the first and second container, wherein during use a detectable separating layer is created in the widened portion. The invention also relates to a flexible container system intended for the device, a method for separating blood platelet concentrate into fractions under centrifugal force, and a blood platelet concentrate with low leukocyte content.

Abstract: High-throughput centrifugation of batches of samples is achieved by dividing a single centrifugation run of a batch of samples into two or more staggered, discrete spins with fewer samples and in which the availability of centrifuge slots for loading or unloading of samples and the subsequent delivery of experimental results can be enhanced. The methodology is particularly useful in situations where multiple samples need to be processed rapidly, for example, as part of a STAT blood typing program in urgent care facilities prior to blood transfusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a degassing centrifugal apparatus (10), such as a degassing centrifugal pump (10) for use in a pulp- or papermaking process. The degassing centrifugal apparatus (10) according to the present invention comprises a rotatable hollow rotor (20) connected to a stationary fluid inlet (14) at one end portion and a stationary liquid outlet (18) at the opposite end portion, and having a gas exhaust (36) for removing gas from the centre thereof. The apparatus further comprises at said inlet end portion means (24) for rotating said fluid and directing it to the inner wall of said rotor (20). The apparatus further comprises a rotatable sensor (42) arranged to measure the layer thickness of a liquid (40) rotating in said apparatus.

Abstract: A method for determining ends of runs in a vacuum concentrator includes operating the vacuum concentrator at a pressure set point, periodically inducing a pressure increase in the vacuum concentrator, and determining an end-of-run state from a pressure vs. time relationship. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure increase is induced by opening the vacuum concentrator to atmosphere, and the end-of-run state is determined by measuring the time required for the vacuum concentrator to return to the pressure set-point. In another embodiment of the invention, the pressure increase is induced by isolating the vacuum concentrator for a defined period of time, and the end-of-run state is determined by measuring the pressure increase over that period of time. The end-of-run state may be determined by comparing the measured value to a threshold value or by comparing a measured rate of change to a threshold rate of change.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood separation apparatus having an optical camera control system with a focused, stationary light source. A diffusion plate mounted on a rotor, rather than on or near the light source, allows an intense light beam to be transmitted from the light source to the rotor and then diffused at the rotor across an observation region. Different characteristics of a diffusion surface allow different lighting regions within the observation region. The diffusion plate has upper and lower plates with a diffusion surface sealed between the plates. This prevents degradation or contamination of the diffusion surface by abrasion, dirt, blood components or other materials that might incidentally contact the diffusion surface.

Abstract: A centrifuge including: a rotor rotating with a sample contained therein; a rotating shaft rotatably engaged with the rotor; a motor rotating the rotor and the rotating shaft; a belt transmitting rotational force of the motor to the rotating shaft; a rotor speed detecting unit detecting a rotation speed of the rotor; a motor speed detecting unit detecting a rotation speed of the motor; and a control unit controlling the motor, wherein the control unit calculates a signal for controlling the rotation speed of the rotor on the basis of a signal from the rotor speed detecting unit and controls the motor on the basis of a signal from the motor speed detecting unit and the calculated signal.

Abstract: A system for controlling a centrifuge processing drilling fluid, the system, in certain aspects, including a container of the material, a sensor in the container for producing signals indicative of a fluid density parameter, a centrifuge for removing solids from the material, drive apparatuses for driving a rotatable bowl and a rotatable conveyor of the centrifuge, pump apparatus for pumping material, drive apparatus for the pump apparatus, and a control system for receiving the signals and controlling the centrifuge in response to the density parameter of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A system for controlling viscosity of drilling fluid, the system, in certain aspects, including a container of the material, a viscosity sensor in the container for producing viscosity signals, a centrifuge for removing solids from the material, drive apparatuses for driving a rotatable bowl and a rotatable conveyor of the centrifuge, pump apparatus for pumping material, drive apparatus for the pump apparatus, and a control system for controlling the centrifuge and the pump apparatus in response to viscosity signals so that selected solids from material processed by the centrifuge are removed to control viscosity of drilling fluid material in the container; and in certain aspects, a similar system for controlling density of a drilling fluid material.

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: The invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus with a built-in sample tube reader and methods for rapidly obtaining measurements of creamatocrit, fat content and/or energy (caloric) content from low-volume fresh and frozen milk specimens.

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifugal separator and a method of separating a product to a heavy phase and light phase. A centrifuge rotor encloses a closed separation space, which has a radially outer part for the heavy phase, a radially inner part for the light phase and a central gas-filled space. The radially outer part is separated from the radially inner part by a interface layer level. An inlet extends into the separation space for feeding the product. A first outlet extend from the radially outer part for discharge of the heavy phase. A second outlet extends from the radially inner part for discharge of the light phase. A control equipment permits control of the interface layer level to a desired radial position. A sensor senses a parameter related to the gas pressure in the central space. The control equipment controls the counter pressure in the first outlet in response to the sensed parameter for controlling the interface layer level to the desired radial position.

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifugal separator comprising a stationary casing defining an inner space, a spindle and a rotating member, which is attached to the spindle and arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation with a rotary speed. The rotating member comprises a number of separating discs which are provided in the inner space. A drive member drives the spindle and the rotating member with said rotary speed. A sensor device senses the rotation of the rotating member in relation to the casing. The sensor device comprises at least one transmitter element which is provided in the inner space on the rotating member and a receiver element which is provided at the casing and arranged to sense the transmitter element. The receiver element is provided on the casing outside the inner space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a centrifuge energy management system prevents the energy level of a rotor from exceeding a predetermined containment limit for the centrifuge by monitoring the energy level and either terminating a run operation of the centrifuge if it surpasses the containment limit or reducing the rotational speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge comprising: a rotor having an axis of rotation and being controllably spun around the axis, a mechanism for processing whole blood within the rotor while spinning, a computer controlling blood processing operations, the computer being mounted to the rotor and spinning therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the analysis of liquid samples, comprising a rotational-symmetric rotor (1) which is insertable into a sample container (11), wherein an annular gap (32) is provided between the sample container (11) and the rotor (1), and the rotor (1) has at least one flow channel (7) for transporting liquids and/or gases into and/or from the interior of the sample container (11), wherein on the rotor (1) and, optionally, on the sample container (11), means for centred mounting of the rotor (1) are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components. In one aspect, the invention relates to optical methods, devices and device components for measuring two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both from a separation chamber of a density centrifuge. In embodiment, two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both measured by the methods of the present invention comprise images of a separation chamber or component thereof, such as an optical cell of a separation chamber. In another aspect, the present invention relates to multifunctional monitoring and control systems for blood processing, particularly blood processing via density centrifugation.

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifugal separator and a method of separating a product to a heavy phase and light phase. A centrifuge rotor encloses a closed separation space, which has a radially outer part for the heavy phase, a radially inner part for the light phase and a central gas-filled space. The radially outer part is separated from the radially inner part by a interface layer level. An inlet extends into the separation space for feeding the product. A first outlet extend from the radially outer part for discharge of the heavy phase. A second outlet extends from the radially inner part for discharge of the light phase. A control equipment permits control of the interface layer level to a desired radial position. A sensor senses a parameter related to the gas pressure in the central space. The control equipment controls the counter pressure in the first outlet in response to the sensed parameter for controlling the interface layer level to the desired radial position.

Abstract: A centrifugal fraction collection system including a rotating carrier for holding at least one sample collection container and inducing a centrifugal force, a guide disposed on the rotating carrier, and a flexible eluant tube disposed over the rotating carrier and through the guide for receiving a flow of eluant having volatile and non-volatile components and directing the flow of eluant into at least one sample collection container wherein the centrifugal force separates the non-volatile and volatile components based on their respective densities and collects the non-volatile components in at least one sample collection container.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotator part, a controller part, and a first control panel. The rotator part has a rotor for separating components in a liquid sample, and a drive shaft for driving the rotor to rotate. The controller part controls operations of the rotator part. The first control panel is provided with a first operating part for setting operating conditions of the rotator part including the desired rotating speed of the rotor and the desired operation period of time of the rotor, and a first display unit for displaying the operating conditions and status of the rotator part. A second control panel having the same functions as the first control panel is provided in a location separate from the controller part. Hence, a user can check the operating status of the centrifugal separator and set and modify operating conditions for the centrifugal separator not only by using the first control panel but also by using the second control panel.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inlet to convey a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a rotating chamber such that an interface forms between at least portions of such components at a first location. At least one outlet removes at least one of the first and second components. A controller is adapted to introduce the first fluid and is operable to move the interface from the first location to a second location and 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 controller is operable to determine a flow rate of the first or second component based, at least in part, on the time interval between when the interface moves from and returns to the second location. At least one sensing assembly is adapted to sense the location of the interface.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing an article under a prevailing force of up to a number of times the gravitational force G, the apparatus including a driving device for imparting vibration to the article, the driving device including an element for connection to the article, the element being operable in a direction which is subject to at least a component of the prevailing force, wherein there is provided a balancing member mounted so as to be subject to at least the component of the prevailing force, the balancing member being connected to the element so as to apply to it a force in opposition to the prevailing force component thereon.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator of the type in which driving power of a motor is transmitted to a rotor via a power transmission mechanism, such as a belt, a motor-rotation signal frequency fm and a rotor-rotation signal frequency fr are computed, on the basis of which a frequency ratio A (fr/fm) is computed. When the frequency ratio A exceeds the upper limit of a first predetermined range, a warning message is displayed to prompt the user to perform maintenance. When the frequency ratio A exceeds the upper limit of a second predetermined range, an alarm message is displayed and the motor is stopped.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a system and method for treating cardiac tissue are described. In one embodiment, bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient. The cells are then processed to isolate mononuclear cells, which can then be delivered back near the cardiac tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating dirt particles from a fluid includes a separator cylinder, which rotates in a separator housing and into which the fluid to be cleaned is introduced. A detection device for indicating the operating state of the separator cylinder is provided, which includes a radially extending guide tube in which a detection element is accommodated in such a way that the detection element can be outwardly displaced within the guide tube under the influence of centrifugal force when the separator cylinder rotates and can move between a normal position and a contamination-indicating position.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity, or. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position.

Abstract: The invention provides a control device for the separate collection of blood components in output from a blood centrifugation cell. The control device comprises: a support which comprises a recess for containing a duct; a visible-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; an infrared-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; and a processor to detect signals acquired by the two receivers, to calculate a ratio between the values of the signals, and to send signals to the means suitable to selectively send the fluid conveyed by the duct into separate collection bags, the means being able to change the bag in which the fluid is collected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lift type weight measuring centrifuge which is able to measure the weight of a measurement object after spatially isolating the measurement object. The centrifuge includes an upper sensing plate to move upwards, and a weight sensing mechanism provided under the upper sensing plate to sense a weight of the measurement object seated on the upper sensing plate. The centrifuge further includes a lift mechanism to move both the upper sensing plate and the weight sensing mechanism vertically, and a control device to control the operation of the lift mechanism and to measure the weight of the measurement object using a weight sensing signal output from the weight sensing mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which means molecules in suspension may be characterized in terms of the size and mass distributions present. As a sample solution is separated by centrifugal means, it is illuminated at a particular radial distance from the axis of rotation by a fine, preferably monochromatic, light beam. Despite the high resolution of such devices, a key problem associated with most separators based upon use of centrifugal forces is the difficulty in deriving the absolute size and/or molar mass of the separating molecules. By integrating means to detect light scattered, over a range of scattering angles, from samples undergoing centrifugal separation, molecular sizes in the sub-micrometer range may be derived, even in the presence of diffusion. Adding a second light beam at a displaced rotational angle, preferably of an ultraviolet wavelength, that intersects the sample at the same radial region as the first beam permits determination of the molecular concentration at that region.

Abstract: Microstructure for fluids provided in a rotatable disc (D) having a U-shaped volume-defining structure (7) connected at its base to an inlet arm of a U-shaped chamber (10).