Classical separation methods

Classical separative methods cover large-scale techniques capable of producing the tonnages demanded by the various metallurgical, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or agricultural industries. The techniques briefly described are :

• sieving ;

• filtration ;

• haste;

• distillation.

The more sophisticated industrial techniques of electrodialysis, membrane ultrafiltration, or direct and reverse osmosis, used on a large scale especially in seawater desalination, are treated as advanced separation methods. A final section mentions only the many industrial techniques currently in use, which are variations, combinations or adaptations of other techniques.