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Separator Collection

In the corner of the Soper kitchen, nestled in Malheur County, Oregon in 1939, a humble separator stood as a symbol of progress and efficiency

Background imageSeparator Collection: Sectional view of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator

Sectional view of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator
3732608 Sectional view of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator; (add.info.: Sectional view of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageSeparator Collection: Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator

Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator
3732610 Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator)

Background imageSeparator Collection: A twin centrifugal cream separators with milk warmer mounted above them

A twin centrifugal cream separators with milk warmer mounted above them
3732609 A twin centrifugal cream separators with milk warmer mounted above them; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a twin centrifugal cream separators with milk warmer mounted above them)

Background imageSeparator Collection: Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator

Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator
3732612 Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator)

Background imageSeparator Collection: Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator

Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator
3732613 Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Gustaf de Laval's centrifugal cream separator)

Background imageSeparator Collection: The Alexandra centrifugal cream separator

The Alexandra centrifugal cream separator
3732611 The Alexandra centrifugal cream separator; (add.info.: Engraving of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageSeparator Collection: Corner of Soper kitchen, Malheur County, Oregon, 1939. Creator: Dorothea Lange

Corner of Soper kitchen, Malheur County, Oregon, 1939. Creator: Dorothea Lange
Corner of Soper kitchen. They brought separator from Montana. Has been in use fourteen years. Malheur County, Oregon. [Separator - centrifugal device used for separating milk into cream

Background imageSeparator Collection: Our Milk, Butter and Cheese Supply (engraving)

Our Milk, Butter and Cheese Supply (engraving)
2799827 Our Milk, Butter and Cheese Supply (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Our Milk, Butter and Cheese Supply)

Background imageSeparator Collection: The Dairy (colour litho)

The Dairy (colour litho)
3653387 The Dairy (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Dairy. Illustration for The Farm by F M B and A H Blaikie, described by Foster Meadow (Jack)

Background imageSeparator Collection: Sectional view of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator

Sectional view of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator. Dated 19th Century

Background imageSeparator Collection: Engraving depicting Gustaf de Lavals centrifugal cream separator

Engraving depicting Gustaf de Lavals centrifugal cream separator. Gustaf de Laval (1845-1913) a Swedish engineer and inventor. Dated 19th Century

Background imageSeparator Collection: Indian Village Life - Separating Butter and Crushing Spices

Indian Village Life - Separating Butter and Crushing Spices. This is from the North West Frontier Province, then Northern India on the border with Afghanistan - now part of Pakistan

Background imageSeparator Collection: Small-scale up-to-date dairy showing hand-operated Danish centrifugal cream separator

Small-scale up-to-date dairy showing hand-operated Danish centrifugal cream separator, left. The woman is shaping the butter into rounds with wooden Scotch hands

Background imageSeparator Collection: Dental file, circa 1860 C017 / 8365

Dental file, circa 1860 C017 / 8365
Dental file dating from around 1860, England. This instrument is made from steel with an ivory handle. Dental files were used in early dentistry to create separations between the teeth

Background imageSeparator Collection: Gas Separators - Middle East

Gas Separators - Middle Eastern Oil Field Date: circa 1925



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In the corner of the Soper kitchen, nestled in Malheur County, Oregon in 1939, a humble separator stood as a symbol of progress and efficiency. Captured by the lens of Dorothea Lange, this unassuming device played an essential role in transforming milk into our beloved dairy products. Engraved images depicting our milk, butter, and cheese supply showcased the intricate process that took place within The Dairy. A colourful lithograph revealed a sectional view of the Alexandra centrifugal cream separator - a marvel of engineering that separated cream from milk with precision. Gustaf de Lavals' centrifugal cream separator was immortalized in another engraving. This revolutionary invention revolutionized dairy production worldwide, ensuring higher quality products for consumers everywhere. Even Indian village life embraced separation techniques; separating butter and crushing spices became integral tasks performed using traditional methods. These ancient practices merged seamlessly with modern advancements to meet growing demands. A small-scale Danish hand-operated centrifugal cream separator exemplified how even modest dairies could benefit from this technology. As farmers turned its crank handle diligently, they witnessed their efforts rewarded with perfectly separated cream. Beyond the realm of dairy production, separators found their place in unexpected domains. Dental files dating back to circa 1860 served as early examples where these tools were used for precise separations during dental procedures. Filter paper captured under scanning electron microscopy revealed intricate patterns formed during filtration processes - proof that they are not limited to physical objects but extend into scientific realms as well. In far-off lands like the Middle East, gas separators played crucial roles in oil extraction operations. These towering structures ensured efficient separation between valuable resources and unwanted impurities - safeguarding precious reserves beneath vast deserts. From kitchens to laboratories and industrial sites alike, separators have become indispensable companions throughout history. Their ability to divide substances efficiently has propelled progress across various fields while enriching our lives with delicious dairy delights or preserving vital resources.