Filtration

Filtration is another method that can be used to speed up the separation of a suspension. A filter is a lot like a net or a sieve. It allows smaller particles to pass through, while retaining larger particles. The difference is that the holes in a filter are much smaller than those of a net or sieve.

The material caught in the filter is called the residue, while the material that passes through has now been filtered and is called the filtrate.

Filters are commonly used. Swimming pools and home aquariums have filters to keep the water clear and clean. Your vacuum cleaner contains filters. You will find several filters in a car also. A car contains a fuel filter, oil filter and air filter, as well as a pollen filter on the air conditioning intake. All of these filters keep things clean, however, this means the filter gets dirty and needs to be regularly replaced.