Utsållning

Utsållning is a term used to describe the process of separating solids from liquids by removing the solids from a mixture, either by letting the heavier particles settle to the bottom or by passing the liquid through a filter. The result is a clarified liquid and a residual solid fraction. The concept covers several techniques, including gravity settling (allowing sediments to form and then decanting), filtration through cloth, paper, or a sieve, and, in more technical contexts, centrifugation or filtration under pressure.

In practice, utsållning is used to remove unwanted solids, improve texture or appearance, and obtain a clearer liquid. In cooking and food preparation, it is commonly applied to strain stocks, broths, sauces, and juices to achieve a smooth consistency, as well as to separate components in dairy products. In beverage production, it can be employed to clarify wines and fruit juices. In chemistry and industry, utsållning is central to handling suspensions, wastewater treatment, and certain mineral or ore processing operations.

The method can be performed at ambient temperature or with gentle heating, depending on the sensitivity of the materials involved. The choice of technique and duration depends on particle size, desired clarity, and the properties of the liquid. Terms closely related to utsållning include sila (to sieve), filtrering (filtration), and dekantering (decanting), each referring to different ways of achieving the separation.

See also: filtration, decanting, settling.