A steric field-flow fractionation system including a flow channel adapted for use with a carrier stream of fluid having particles suspended therein and a force field disposed across the flow channel to cause migration of the particles to a restraining wall, thereby forming layers of particles at the restraining wall. The strength of the force field is adjusted sufficiently high to maintain the particles of a given class at the restraining wall such that particle distance from the wall is a function of steric hindrance. Particle displacement by flow along the channel is thereby determined by particle size, permitting fractionation of the particles based on differential migration of the various sizes of particle classes.
展开▼
