Super Centrifuge.
Centrifuge:
The equipment used for the process of centrifugation is called a Centrifuge.
The centrifuges are of two types as following,
Sedimentation centrifuge:L
It is a centrifuge that produces sedimentation of solids based on the difference in the densities of two or more phases of the mixture.
Filtration centrifuge:
It is a centrifuge in which solids pass through the porous medium based on the difference in the densities of the solid and liquid phases.
Super Centrifuge.
Super Centrifuge is a continuous centrifuge used for separating two immiscible liquid phases.
Principle:
It is a sedimentation centrifuge.
The separation is based on the difference in the densities between two immiscible liquids.
Centrifugation is done in the bowl of a small centrifuge.
During centrifugation, the heavier liquid is thrown against the wall, while the lighter liquid remains as an inner layer.
The two layers are simultaneously separated using modified weirs.
Construction:
It consists of a long hollow cylindrical bowl of small diameter.
It is suspended from a flexible spindle at the top and guided at the bottom by loose-fit bushing.
Two liquid outlets are provided at different heights at the top of the bowl, for simultaneous recovery of the separated liquids using modified weirs.
Working:
The centrifuge is allowed to rotate on its longitudinal axis at a high frequency usually about 2000 revolutions per minute with the help of drive-assembly.
The feed is introduced from the bottom of the centrifuge using a pressure system.
During centrifugation, two liquid phases separate based on the difference in their densities.
The heavier liquid is thrown against the wall, while the lighter liquid forms an inner layer.
Both liquids rise to the top of the vertical bowl.
The liquid-liquid interface (the so-called neutral zone) is maintained by a hydraulic balance.
These two layers are simultaneously separately removed from different heights through modified weirs.
Thus the super centrifuge can work for continuous separation of immiscible liquid phases.
Uses:
It is used for separating liquid phases of emulsions in food and pharmaceuticals.
Commonly Asked Questions.
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