Technical information
Technical information
What is a centrifuge?
A centrifuge uses the force generated by rapid rotation to separate components with different densities. By producing acceleration many times greater than gravity, it can settle and separate components efficiently in a short time.
Separation principles
There are two main methods: centrifugal sedimentation and centrifugal filtration.
Centrifugal sedimentation
Rotation separates components by density. Differences in settling behaviour can also be used to classify particles by size.
Centrifugal filtration
A filter medium retains solids while liquid passes through. Centrifugal force helps remove retained liquid from the solids.
Centrifugal force and relative centrifugal force
Centrifugal force acts outwards from the axis of rotation. Relative centrifugal force (RCF, expressed as × g or G) compares centrifugal acceleration with gravitational acceleration. It depends on rotation speed and the distance from the axis; the same rpm gives different RCF at different radii.
Centrifugal force equations
F: centrifugal force (N); m: mass (kg); r: rotation radius (m); ω: angular speed (rad/s).
R: radius (mm); N: rotation speed (rpm). RCF is expressed as a multiple of gravitational acceleration.
RCF increases in direct proportion to radius and to the square of speed. Doubling the radius doubles the RCF; doubling the speed quadruples it.
Articles and manufacturing cases
Explore centrifugal separation, practical applications and manufacturing examples.
Main applications
Centrifuges support research and production in pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals and many other fields.
Pharmaceuticals
Food and beverages
Chemicals
Electronic materials
Textiles
Recycling
