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Flotation and Liquid Separation Techniques

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A Manual of Practical Laboratory and Field Techniques in Palaeobiology

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Abstract

Liquid separation procedures can generally be assigned to one of two groups. (i) Gravity separation techniques: use a gravity difference between particles within a residue. The procedure’s success is considerably improved by using a liquid with a specific gravity (S.G.) value between the two main mineralogical components to be separated. These techniques are most successful with sand grade or fine sand grade material. (ii) Centrifuge liquid separation techniques: undertaken with the aid of a rotary machine creating a centrifugal force to separate particles. Centrifugation can be further enhanced by using density liquids. The technique is suitable for material <50µm in diameter (coarse silt to clay grade material), and is detailed in section 17 CENTRIFUGE TECHNIQUES USED IN MICROPALAEONTOLOGY.

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  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Holt, Norfolk, UK

    Owen R. Green

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© 2001 Owen R. Green

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Green, O.R. (2001). Flotation and Liquid Separation Techniques. In: A Manual of Practical Laboratory and Field Techniques in Palaeobiology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0581-3_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0581-3_19

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-4013-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-0581-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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