SUPER

CENTRIFUGE
By- Poornima.B
B.Pharm 3rd sem II yr
AGENDA
 DEFINITION
 PRINCIPLE
 CONSTRUCTION
 WORKING
 APPLICATION
 ADVANTAGES
 DISADVANTAGES
DEFINITION
Super centrifuge is a continuous centrifuge used for
separating two immiscible liquid phases. This
centrifuge designed to operate at higher than normal
speeds .
PRINCIPLE
 Super centrifuge 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 small centrifuge.
Centrifugation is done in the bowl of small centrifuge. During
centrifugation, the heavier liquid is thrown against the wall , while
the lighter liquid remains as an inner layer .
CONSTRUCTION
 It consists of a long , hollow, cylindrical
bowl of small diameter which is suspended
from a flexible spindle at the top and the
bottom is fitted loosely in a bush. It is
rotated on its vertical axis. Feed is
introduced through the bottom through a
nozzle with pressure. Two liquid outlets are
provided at different heights. Inside the
bowl, baffles are present to catch the liquid
and force it to travel at the same speed of
rotation as the bowl wall.
WORKING
 The centrifuge is allowed to rotate on its longitudinal axis at a high speed,usually about 2000
r.p.m with the help pf drive assembly. The feed is introduced from the bottom of the centrifuge
using a pressure system. During centrifugation, two liquid phase separate based on the
difference in the 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 is maintained by an hydraulic balance. These two layers are
simultaneously removed as two liquids separately from different heights through modified
weirs. Thus the supercentrifuge can work for continuous separation of immiscible liquid
phase.
APPLICATIONS
 Separating liquids from emulsions
 Used in separation of liquid – liquid separations , liquid –solid separations like
 oil purification
 Food production
 paints and varnishes
 For purification of engine
 Processing heat sensitive and delicate materials.
ADVANTAGES
 High speed operation
 Rapid separation
 Suitable for delicate materials and heat sensitive substances.
 Minimal liquid loss during separation.
 Efficient separation of liquids and solids.
 Higher concentrated liquids can be used.
DISADVANTAGES
 The structure of sediments is not uniform
 High initial cost and maintenance expenses
 High energy consumption .
 Potential for wear and tear over time.
 It has noise disturbances due to the high rates of rpm .