Reyes Machinery
2026-02-12
A Tubular Centrifuge is an industrial centr(ifuge that operates under high speeds. Its application is mainly the precise separation of fine solids from liquids or liquids from liquids with minimal differences in densities. It operates with a high-powered spinning action that enables the separation of microscopic particles with extreme purity. These machines find applications in the production of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry and the separation of oil and water mixtures.
In industries where there are strong guidelines, such a centrifuge can be useful due to its precision, compact size, and ability to process sensitive materials without any deterioration.
A Tubular Centrifuge can be classified as a type of centrifuge under a bigger category known as industrial centrifuge equipment used in mechanical separations. In centrifuge equipment, categorization is usually carried out depending on bowl type, operational speed, and functionality. The main feature of a Tubular type is a long, narrow bowl that usually operates at very high velocities compared to other centrifuge equipment.
From an engineering perspective, centrifugation relies on the principle that materials with different densities will separate when subjected to centrifugal force. As the bowl spins, heavier components move outward toward the wall, while lighter phases remain closer to the center. This basic principle, widely documented in classical centrifugation theory, forms the foundation for many modern separation technologies used across manufacturing sectors.
The operating principle of a Tubular Centrifuge depends upon the experimental concept of density separation by means of centrifugal force. Once the feed is inserted into the rotating tubular bowl of the centrifuge, the centrifugal force, vastly superior to that of gravity, attracts the denser matter on the outside and the lighter liquids on the inside.
A practical example of the application of this principle is the function of a centrifugal oil water separator. In this function, the denser fluid, which is the water, is differentially displaced away from the axis by the lesser density of the oil. Hence, oil is well suited to processes where continuous clarification is of critical importance.
The bowl is the core separation component. It is in the shape of an elongated cylinder, thereby allowing for effective particle settling. This ensures that maximum efficiency is achieved.
A precise balance motor spins the bowl at incredible speeds. Stability and vibration are essential factors to ensure the smooth movement of the motor.
The feed inlet injects the product into the bowl in a flow manner. The discharge outlets enable the exit of clarified liquids and separated phases, leaving the internal separated layers undisturbed.
Modern systems use automated control systems, speed monitors, temperature sensors, and safety interlocks to meet safety standards for industrial and pharmaceutical industries.
This mode requires a periodic shutdown for manually removing solids. It is usually applied to batch-oriented operations with low levels of solids, and in which maximum clarity must prevail.
A Top Discharge Centrifuge is designed to remove solids from the top of the bowl after operation. The top solid discharge mechanism enables effective bowl cleaning while also ensuring excellent separation capability. It is important in a pharmaceutical and biotech environment, where purity and handling are of key concern.
The main difference between the two is found in the process of clarification and solid handling. Tubular designs are strong in fine clarification and low solid content materials. Decanter designs, on the other hand, have the capability to deal with high rates of continuous discharge of solids. For pharmaceutical processing, a decanter pharmaceutical centrifuge is used for bulk solid separation, and tubular designs for polishing operations.
Disc stack centrifuges perform with increased capacities for processing and discharge of solids in an automated way but have a slower operating speed. Tubular centrifuges feature higher G-Force processing and better clarity, usually requiring specialty applications with lower flow rates.
These centrifuges are commonly used for API purification, vaccine production, and biotechnologies. Their capability to attain exceptional clarity helps to ensure quality standards for pharmaceutical production.
In chemical and biotech manufacturing, they are used for fine particle clarification, enzyme recovery, and separation of sensitive biological materials without structural damage.
As a centrifugal oil water separator, this equipment efficiently removes trace oil from water and vice versa, supporting environmental compliance and process efficiency in energy and wastewater sectors.
These are used to clarify drinks, plant extracts, and fermentation broths, all of which require clarity, color, and purity of the final product.
Extremely high G-force for superior separation: Tubular centrifuges rotate at very high speeds and also generate very high centrifugal forces compared to gravity. These machines can effectively separate very fine particles and also the components with very small density differences.
Excellent clarity for fine particle and liquid–liquid separation: Additionally, the bowl design that is long and narrow ensures that the product spends a longer time in the bowl, thereby solving the problems of product clarification. This is the reason for the suitability of tubular centrifuges for use where clarity, purity, and consistency of the final products are the requirements.
Compact footprint suitable for space-constrained facilities: The vertical design of MCC panels ensures that a smaller floor space is used. This might be beneficial if floor space has to be used optimally, as in clean rooms, labs, and pharmaceutical plants.
Well aligned with US pharmaceutical and biotech regulatory expectations: Tubular centrifuges could be designed to be made from hygienic materials, smooth-surface designs, and precise process controls, which fits in with the FDA and biotech pharmaceutical regulations.
Lower Solid Holding Capacity Compared to Decanters: Tubular centrifuges are typically used for feeds with low solids concentrations. Solids buildup in the centrifuge must be skimmed periodically.
Manual Cleaning Requirements: Other configurations require shut-downs and manual cleaning to clear the solids from the bowl, which can, in turn, increase labor demands.
Not Suitable for Heavy Slurries or High Solid Content: In addition, feeds that contain heavy slurries or feeds that have large amounts of solids could possibly have a detrimental effect on the performance of the separation process and could cause instability. Such feeds would be best handled by a different type of centrifuge.
The Tubular Centrifuge model to be selected depends upon characteristics such as concentration of solids in the feed to the centrifuge, particle sizes, and density differences. Regulations also play a vital role. The relevant FDA regulations for the pharmaceutical industry, EPA for the environment, and those of OSHA related to workplace safety are also relevant. Comparison with other industrial centrifuges used in industry helps to establish that the selected model meets requirements.
1. What is a tubular centrifuge used for?
It is used for high-precision clarification and separation of fine particles or immiscible liquids.
2. How does a tubular centrifuge differ from a decanter centrifuge?
Tubular designs emphasize clarity and tight separations, with decanters being best for handling bulk solid concentrations with continuous discharge.
3. Is a tubular centrifuge suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Yes, it is commonly employed for API, vaccine, and biotechnology processes requiring high purity.
4. Can tubular centrifuges separate oil and water?
Yes, they are commonly used as centrifugal oil water separators.
5. What industries commonly use top discharge centrifuges?
Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, as well as special chemical industries, often utilize the top discharge designs for the controlled removal of solids.