Bead centrifuge tube inserts--a semi-quantitative theory.

A semi-quantitative theory is proposed for the sedimentation of particles in centrifuge tubes filled with polymer beads acting as sedimentation aids. The theory concerns the attainment of approximate sedimentation-diffusion equilibrium in minimum time of centrifugation. It is shown empirically that the time to reach this state is approximately proportional to the diameter of the polymer beads as predicted by the theory.