It has been operated in 3 orthogonal orientations. Commercial and laboratory operation has demonstrated robust separation on diverse fine materials including dielectric and conductive particles. Terrestrial hydrated minerals have been separated as well, demonstrating a beneficiation method if the hydrogen is present as hydrated minerals. Separation on the STI separator is independent of particle size. It does not exhibit the particle size limitations common with other types of separators.
Separation is achieved at cryogenic temperatures.
Both products are at feed temperature. The concentrated ice product remains at feed temperature and so can be stored for further processing. The volume of material thermally processed is minimized, reducing ambient contamination. The projected mass savings for a plant processing lunar regolith using an STI separator to concentrate the ice prior to retorting or even melting are enormous. The energy savings from not heating bulk lunar regolith greatly reduce the power needed for operations.