Multistage mixer-settler centrifuge

Claim 1

A planetary centrifuge comprising a separation column comprising a plurality of essentially cylindrical receptacles connected in series between a supply means and a collection means by a plurality of flow tubes; at least one of said flow tube being for transferring a mobile phase from said supply means to the first receptacle in said series; at least another one of said flow tubes being for transferring a mobile phase from the last receptacle of said series to said collection means; the remainder of said flow tubes being for transferring a mobile phase from one receptacle in said series to the succeeding receptacle in said series; mixing means with each said receptacle comprising an elastic elongated rod having a free end within said receptacle and a fixed end, outside said receptacle, said rod extending axially within said receptacle for at least a majority of the depth of said receptacle, said free end of said rod being adapted to oscillate when its respective receptacle is subjected to an oscillating force field; the flow tubes and rods extending through one end of said receptacles; and the separation column being mounted about a column holder so that the cylindrical axes of said receptacles are radially oriented with respect to a central axis said column holder about which said column holder is rotatable, said column holder being fixed within a frame so as to be revolvable about a planetary axis spaced way form said central axis.