2. Settling

2.1 Solid-liquid settling

Static solid-liquid settling is the result of the force of gravity (which draws the most diverse particles downwards), Archimedes' force (which tends to keep them in suspension) and diffusion forces (which tend to distribute them throughout the volume).

In practice, separation only takes place for particles whose density is at least twice that of the liquid.

A simple container is all that is needed, and the supernatant liquid is aspirated with a pipette, avoiding any agitation so as not to resuspend the particles