High-Speed Tubular Centrifuge - Continuous Solid-Liquid & Liquid-Liquid Separation

A tubular centrifuge is a high-speed, vertical, imperforate-bowl centrifuge designed for continuous separation of immiscible liquids and fine solids.

With centrifugal forces up to 15,000 × g, it delivers exceptional clarification performance where traditional filtration or decanter systems cannot achieve sufficient purity.

Engineered for compact footprint, low shear, and hygienic design, the tubular centrifuge is the preferred solution for pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and chemical industries requiring high-clarity products and gentle cell recovery.

We are your trusted supplier of industrial separation and screening machinery, providing high-quality separation equipment and services.

Technical Specifications

Tubular Centrifuge Machine Working Principle

• The tubular bowl centrifuge operates through centrifugal sedimentation.

• Feed enters at the bowl' s bottom and accelerates through the rotating tube. Under high g-force, solid particles - often submicron in size - migrate to the inner wall, while clarified liquid rises through an outlet at the top.

• In three-phase models, two immiscible liquids of different densities form concentric layers and are continuously discharged through separate outlets.

• This design enables continuous, high-efficiency clarification with minimal product degradation.

Types of Tubular Centrifuges

1. Two-Phase Type (GQ)

• Used for solid-liquid separation, where a small amount of fine solids must be removed from a liquid phase.

• Typical applications: cell debris clarification, fermentation broth purification, herbal extraction, vaccine and enzyme processing.

2. Three-Phase Type (GF)

• Used for liquid-liquid-solid separation, ideal for oil-water-solid mixtures.

• Typical applications: edible-oil refining, biodiesel clarification, chemical solvent recovery, and botanical extracts.

Tubular Centrifuge Advantages

▶ High Separation Factor: Centrifugal force exceeding 15,000 × g ensures removal of particles as small as 0.5 µm.

▶ Continuous Operation: Reduces downtime and supports 24/7 industrial processing.

▶ Low Shear Environment: Preserves sensitive biological materials such as proteins and cells.

▶ Compact Design: Vertical configuration saves space and simplifies integration into existing production lines.

▶ Ease of Maintenance: Simple mechanical structure and rapid disassembly for cleaning.

▶ Material Versatility: Choice of 316L stainless steel, duplex 2205, or titanium for corrosive or sanitary conditions.

▶ Scalable Solutions: From pilot-scale units to industrial production systems for batch volumes up to 3,000 L/h.

Applications by Industry

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

▪  Clarification of cell cultures, vaccines, enzymes, and antibiotics.

▪   Gentle cell recovery with minimal shear stress for high yield.

▪  Fully sanitary 316L construction, compliant with GMP and FDA requirements.

Food & Beverage

▪  Clarification of fruit juices, tea extracts, edible oils, protein beverages, and dairy emulsions.

▪  Removes suspended solids to achieve brilliant clarity and extended shelf life.

▪  CIP-capable for hygienic operation.

Chemical & Fine Chemical Processing

▪  Separation of suspensions, catalysts, pigments, resins, and lubricating oil impurities.

▪  Resistant to corrosion with duplex 2205 steel options for acidic or solvent-based systems.

Algae & Fermentation Industries

▪  Harvests microalgae (Chlorella, Spirulina) efficiently with > 95 % cell recovery.

▪  Continuous clarification of fermentation broths for biofuel and biochemical production.

Our tubular centrifuge is mainly used for continuous, high-speed clarification and purification of liquid mixtures containing very fine solids or two immiscible liquids. It’s valued for its high g-force, continuous operation, low maintenance, and suitability for sterile or sanitary processes. Looking for the most efficient tubular centrifuge solution for your process? Contact our engineering team for technical consultation, sample testing, or a custom quotation.

We offer fast delivery, OEM service, and comprehensive after-sales support to ensure continuous operation and long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What particle size can a tubular centrifuge separate?

A tubular centrifuge effectively removes particles as small as 0.5 – 1.0 µm depending on density difference and viscosity.

Q2: How does a tubular centrifuge differ from a disk-stack centrifuge?

The tubular model delivers higher g-force and finer clarification, while the disk-stack centrifuge allows automatic solids discharge and higher throughput for larger-particle suspensions.

Q3: Is it suitable for sterile applications?

Yes. The CIP/SIP models feature sanitary 316L construction and can be sterilized in place, meeting GMP requirements.

Q4: How often should maintenance be performed?

Regular cleaning after each production cycle and bearing inspection every 2,000 hours of operation are recommended for optimal performance.