resuspensioner

A resuspensioner is a device or process used to reintroduce settled or deposited particles into a fluid medium. This is often necessary in applications where sedimentation can lead to issues such as clogging, reduced efficiency, or uneven distribution. The specific design and mechanism of a resuspensioner vary greatly depending on the application and the nature of the particles being resuspended.

In industrial settings, resuspensioners might be employed in pipelines carrying slurries or suspensions of solids in liquids. Over time, heavier particles can settle at the bottom of the pipe, creating blockages and reducing flow rate. A resuspensioner in this context could involve mechanical agitators, high-pressure fluid jets, or sonic vibrations to stir up the settled material and restore a uniform suspension.

In environmental applications, resuspensioners can be used to reintroduce sediments in waterways that have settled due to stagnant conditions or pollution. This might be done to remobilize nutrients or to alter the local aquatic environment. Tools for this purpose could include dredges or specialized barges equipped with systems to churn up the seabed.

In laboratory settings, resuspension might be required for samples that have undergone centrifugation or settling. Simple techniques like vortex mixing or sonication can serve as resuspensioners for small volumes. The primary goal of any resuspensioner is to overcome the forces of gravity and adhesion that hold particles in a settled state, returning them to a state of suspension within the fluid.