The principle of size separation is based on separating a mixture of particles into different portions according to their size.
Size separation is a unit operation that accomplishes this by utilizing screening surfaces. These surfaces, often in the form of screens or sieves, have openings of a specific size. When a mixture of particles is subjected to this process, particles that are smaller than the openings can pass through, while those that are larger are retained on the screen.
This fundamental principle allows for the classification of particles based on their dimensions, effectively dividing the original mixture into two or more groups, each containing particles within a defined size range. Size separation is commonly referred to by other names, including sieving, sifting, and screening.
