A Centrifuge is a piece of equipment that puts an object in rotation around a fixed axis (spins it in a circle), applying a potentially strong force perpendicular to the axis of spin (outward). The centrifuge works using the sedimentation principle, where the centripetal acceleration causes denser substances and particles to move outward in the radial direction. At the same time, objects that are less dense are displaced and move to the center.
Filtering centrifuges have perforated bowls and do not require a density difference between the solids and the liquid. They are also known as perforated bowl or basket centrifuges. Filtering centrifuges can be used to clarify a liquid or for cake formation. Cakes can be washed and dewatered by draining, often producing a drier cake than from a conventional filter.
They can be enclosed and can be inerted to be used with flammable liquids. They are not available in such large sizes as conventional filter and are less compact than some type of filter.
Centrifuges are less suited to handling abrasive and fragile solids.
A centrifuge is a device, which employs a high rotational speed to separate components of different densities. This becomes relevant in the majority of industrial jobs where solids, liquids and gases are merged into a single mixture and the separation of these different phases is necessary.
Type of centrifuge: