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CENTRIFUGATION

Centrifugation uses centrifugal force to separate mixtures based on density. Particles denser than the solution sink to the bottom, while less dense particles float to the top. Centrifugal force is created by spinning a mass in a curved path, pushing particles outward. The Stokes equation relates particle size and density, fluid properties, and centrifuge settings to calculate terminal velocity and separation. Cutpoint diameter defines the largest particles removed from the solution by a given centrifuge setup and flow rate.

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Lily Antonette Agustin
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345 views2 pages

CENTRIFUGATION

Centrifugation uses centrifugal force to separate mixtures based on density. Particles denser than the solution sink to the bottom, while less dense particles float to the top. Centrifugal force is created by spinning a mass in a curved path, pushing particles outward. The Stokes equation relates particle size and density, fluid properties, and centrifuge settings to calculate terminal velocity and separation. Cutpoint diameter defines the largest particles removed from the solution by a given centrifuge setup and flow rate.

Uploaded by

Lily Antonette Agustin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CENTRIFUGATION

-is a mechanical process of separating multi-phase mixtures (usually fluid-solid system)


with the use of a centrifugal force.
Centrifugal force is created by moving a mass in a curved path and is exerted in the direction
away from the center of curvature of the path. Centripetal force is the force applied to the moving
mass in the direction toward the center of curvature which causes the mass to travel in a curved
path. If these forces are equal the particles continue to rotate in a circular path around the center.

In a solution, particles whose density is higher than that of the solvent sink (sediment), and
particles that are lighter than it float to the top. The greater the difference in density, the faster
they move. If there is no difference in density (isopycnic conditions), the particles stay steady. To
take advantage of even tiny differences in density to separate various particles in a solution,
gravity can be replaced with the much more powerful “centrifugal force” provided by a centrifuge.

Stokes Equation:

2π rev. min − 1
ῳ=
60
This expression can then be solved for the residence time, or for the flowrate:

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Separation in a centrifuge can be quantified in several ways. First, define a diameter "cutpoint".
This is the diameter of a particle which travels halfway through the fluid layer and thus halfway to
the wall. To be removed, a partical must be at the wall, so r b = r2. A particle of cutpoint diameter
must therefore have begun to settle at the halfway point, ra = (r1+r2)/2. Then,

and so if the flow through the centrifuge is greater than q cut, almost all particles larger than the
cutpoint diameter will be removed, while the smaller particles will remain.
where:
vr = terminal velocity
ρP = density of solid
ρ = density of fluid stream
µ = viscosity of fluid stream
r = radius of centrifugal bowl
ῳ = angular velocity
dP = diameter of the particle
q = flow rate
tr = residence time
h = height of the bowl

Sample Problems:
1. If a centrifuge is 3 ft diameter and rotates at 1000 rpm, what speed should a laboratory
centrifuge of 6 in. diameter be run if it is to duplicate plant conditions?
2. What would be the terminal velocity of a 10 micron particles (specific gravity = 1.2) clarified
out of water in the laboratory centrifuge in problem # 1?
3. What is the capacity in cubic meters per hour of a clarifying centrifuge operating under
these conditions:
Diameter of a bowl = 600 mm
Thickness of liquid layer = 75mm
Depth of bowl = 400mm
Speed = 1200rpm
Sp.gr. of liquid = 1.2
Sp. gr. Of solid = 1.6
Viscosity = 2 cP
Cut size of particle = 30 microns
4. In a test conducted using laboratory centrifuge, it was found that the optimum recovery of
protein from coconut oil was achieved with an rpm of 2500. Industrial size centrifuge come in 2.5,
3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 5.0 diameter with a warranty if the centrifuge is operated not over 1000rpm. For
optimum commercial operations, what centrifuge size will you recommend given the data:
Laboratory centrifuge: height – 9 in
Diameter = 5 in
Rpm = 2000 to 3000

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