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The Centrifuge Conundrum: Choosing the Right Machine for Your Industrial Needs

Updated: Aug 14, 2023

An industrial centrifuge is a machine that uses centrifugal force to separate solids from liquids. It is a versatile machine that can be used in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and environmental.


What is an industrial centrifuge?


An industrial centrifuge works by spinning a container of liquid at a high speed. The centrifugal force causes the solids in the liquid to move to the outside of the container, while the liquid remains in the center. The solids can then be removed from the container, and the liquid can be reused.


Difference between sedimentation and filtration centrifuges

There are two main types of industrial centrifuges: sedimentation centrifuges and filtration centrifuges.

  • Sedimentation centrifuges use centrifugal force to separate solids from liquids. The solids settle to the bottom of the container, while the liquid remains in the center.

  • Filtration centrifuges use centrifugal force to pass a liquid through a filter. The solids are trapped by the filter, while the liquid passes through and is collected.

Types of sedimentation and filtration centrifuges

There are a variety of different types of sedimentation and filtration centrifuges, each with its own specific uses.


Sedimentation centrifuges

  • Decanter centrifuges are the most common type of sedimentation centrifuge. They are used to separate solids from liquids in a wide variety of industries.

  • Disk-stack centrifuges are used to separate solids from liquids with high viscosity.

  • Solid-bowl basket centrifuges are used to separate solids from liquids with low viscosity.

  • Tubular bowl centrifuges are used to separate solids from liquids in a continuous process.

Filtration centrifuges

  • Perforated basket centrifuges are used to filter liquids with low viscosity. Also being a batch type centrifuge, they are most suitable when there is space concern, low volume and cost.

  • Pusher centrifuges are used to filter liquids with high viscosity, and highly crystalline products, Industrial salts.

  • Peeler centrifuges are used to filter liquids in a automatic batch type process, usually high in volume and throughput.

  • Inverting Filter Centrifuges are used when the solids need to be washed free of mother liquor. After the slurry is added, and the solids are separated by centrifugal force, the filter cloth is mechanically inverted and removed from the solids. They are often used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where product is sensitive in nature, hazardous, explosive or poisonous.

Industrial centrifuge selection guidelines

When selecting an industrial centrifuge, there are a number of factors that need to be considered, including:

  • The type of material that needs to be separated

  • The viscosity of the liquid

  • The volume of liquid that needs to be processed

  • The desired purity of the solids

  • The cost of the centrifuge

It is important to work with a qualified centrifuge manufacturer to select the right centrifuge for your specific needs.


Here are some additional guidelines for selecting an industrial centrifuge:

  • Consider the volume of liquid that needs to be processed. If you need to process a large volume of liquid, you will need a centrifuge with a larger capacity.

  • Consider the viscosity of the liquid. If the liquid is very viscous, you will need a centrifuge with a high-speed motor.

  • Consider the desired purity of the solids. If you need to obtain very pure solids, you will need a centrifuge with a filter basket.

  • Consider the cost of the centrifuge. Industrial centrifuges can range in price from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. It is important to select a centrifuge that fits your budget.

By following these guidelines, you can select the right industrial centrifuge for your specific needs.

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