The consolidation behavior of suspensions was experimentally analyzed by means of a multisample analytical photocentrifuge. Experiments were conducted covering a broad range of volume concentrations and centrifugal accelerations. The obtained material functions allow to simulate batch sedimentation, filtration and consolidation. For only hydrodynamically interacting particles the separation velocity decreases with the volume concentration. The so-called hindered settling rate may be fitted to a power law. Interacting particle systems above the gelpoint have to be described by the compressive yield stress. The compressive properties of stable and flocculated dispersions can be easily determined by multisample analytical centrifugation for rapid classification and tailoring of dispersion properties. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.