Working Principle of a Tubular Centrifuge
The core of a tubular centrifuge is a high-speed rotating, elongated drum. During operation, material enters the drum through the feed inlet. At high speeds of up to 15,000 rpm or even 20,000 rpm, the centrifugal force can reach tens of thousands of times the acceleration of gravity (g). Due to the differences in density among the components in the material, denser solid particles or liquid droplets quickly settle toward the inner walls of the drum, while less dense liquids or droplets remain in the inner layer, achieving separation.
1. Solid-Liquid Separation
When a suspension enters the drum, the strong centrifugal force deposits the solid particles on the drum walls, and the clarified liquid is discharged through the overflow.
2. Liquid-Liquid Separation (Emulsion Separation)
For two immiscible liquids (such as oil and water) or three-phase mixtures that may contain trace amounts of solids, the denser liquid is thrown toward the drum walls, while the less dense liquid remains in the inner layer and is discharged through different outlets.
3. Features
High separation precision, capable of separating particles as small as 0.5μm or smaller;
Excellent separation performance for emulsions, achieving oil-water separation purities exceeding 99%;
Suitable for handling materials with low concentrations, fine particles, or droplets.
Tubular Centrifuge Structure
1. Drum
Made of high-strength stainless steel or duplex steel, it is corrosion-resistant and fatigue-resistant, and precisely dynamically balanced to ensure stability even at high speeds.
2. Drive System
Mostly employs a motor + belt or direct drive configuration, with high-precision bearings to reduce vibration and energy loss.
3. Frame and Protective Cover
The compact structure takes up little space, and is equipped with a safety cover to ensure safe operation.
4. Liquid Discharge System
Depending on process requirements, the centrifuge can be designed with single-phase, two-phase, or three-phase discharge modes to suit different separation tasks.
5. Control System
Optional PLC intelligent control is available, enabling speed adjustment, time setting, automatic shutdown alarm, and other functions.
Core Advantages of Tubular Centrifuges
Ultra-High Separation Factor
High speed and superior separation accuracy compared to most conventional centrifugal equipment, effectively separating submicron particles and droplets.
Wide Applicability
Capable of performing not only liquid-solid separation but also liquid-liquid separation and even liquid-liquid-solid three-phase separation.
Hygienic and Safe Material Contact Surfaces
All material contact surfaces are constructed of food-grade stainless steel, complying with GMP and food production requirements.
Low Energy Consumption, High Efficiency
High separation efficiency achieved through high speed reduces material recycle times, resulting in significant energy savings.
Simple Structure, Easy Maintenance
Maintenance primarily involves regular cleaning of the inner wall of the bowl, making operation simple and convenient.
Application Areas
1. Biopharmaceuticals
Fermentation broth bacterial separation
Blood component separation (serum and plasma extraction)
Cell and culture medium separation in vaccine production
2. Plant extraction
Clarification of extracts such as tea polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids
Oil-water separation of traditional Chinese medicine extracts and essential oils
3. Food and beverages
Juice clarification (removal of suspended particles)
Plant protein beverage separation
Edible oil refining
4. Chemical and fine chemicals
Oil-water separation (lubricating oil and waste oil recovery)
Nanomaterial slurry separation
Catalyst recovery
5. Environmental protection and wastewater treatment
High-precision oil-water separation
Clarification of industrial wastewater containing fine particles
With their high-speed, precise, and versatile separation capabilities, tubular centrifuges have played an irreplaceable role in the pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and environmental protection industries. We will continue to research, develop, and innovate to provide customers with more efficient, stable, and intelligent separation solutions, helping you achieve more efficient production, higher-quality products, and more environmentally friendly operations.
