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What does centrifuge mean, and how does it work?

Friday, July 31, 2020

What does centrifuge mean, and how does it work?


If you wonder what centrifuge means, the first thing you should know is that it is a term that refers to a particular object that escapes from a center that serves as its axis of reference. This is the starting point of the phenomenon involving centrifugal force.

In terms of industrial activities and fluid handling, it is not only necessary to know what centrifuge means. It is also relevant to observe how this force is applied through different hydraulic systems known as pumps.

Within the industrial sector, the pumps are presented as the ideal option to carry out the handling of hydraulic elements. However, each one of them has its characteristics, which influence the choice made by one or the other based on the practical needs sought.

In the case of centrifugal pumps, unlike other pumps such as positive displacement pumps, what they allow is the movement of large amounts of fluids with a low or medium pressure level. Said movement is carried out within the same system, so that, through centrifugal pumps, it is possible to transport a fluid from one specific level to another.

Centrifugal force
To know more precisely how centrifugal pumps, work and what task they perform, it is best to start from the general knowledge, that is, to refer to the centrifugal force, which is the mechanical phenomenon that serves as their foundation.

First of all, it is essential to note that when we speak of centrifugal force, we refer to an inertial force. This means that, for its effects to occur, it is necessary that the element that will be affected be linked in some way with a non-inertial reference frame.

Within this branch of mechanics, centrifugation appears as an effect of this force that determines the movement of one or more bodies within the framework of a rotating frame of reference.

So, a body within a frame of reference in which no type of systematic movement occurs is at rest. When the said system enters into a rotational movement, the centrifugal force acts on the body directing it outwards perpendicular to the circular path.

The effects of centrifugal force are applicable in a wide variety of fields: it can be easily observed through simple, everyday experiments; and within the framework of industrial activity, where a maximum use can be seen concerning a specific type of production.


Centrifugal pumps: structure and function
Centrifugal pumps are generally of a sanitary design and are quick to disassemble, making the cleaning process more manageable. As for the materials with which they are made, they are usually stainless steel, bronze, or other similar components resistant to abrasive and corrosive fluids.

Its pumping structure is mainly composed of an impeller and a casing: both are fundamental parts for its operation. The impeller is immersed in a specific hydraulic element and has an impeller that rotates and has a series of blades that influence the direction of the fluid.

Once the impeller is activated, the fluid rotates as a result of the application of centrifugal force. It is directed out of the axis of rotation, that is, towards the housing. The casing, in turn, functions as a containment of the fluid and directs it towards the level or tank to which it is to be transported, which can be achieved thanks to the kinetic energy generated and the phenomenon of centrifugation.

Although they are not capable of working with high pressure, there are models of centrifugal pumps for those cases in which the impulse of fluids with high flow rates and high pressure is required. These are multi-stage centrifugal pumps made up of different amounts of impellers, all of them distributed in series and on the same axis.

Each of these impellers generates an increase in the pressure and speed of the fluid inside the pump and guides it to the next instance of the system, which may well be another impeller that repeats the function or the reservoir. To which you want to transfer the fluid. All models and variants of centrifugal pumps have the same care process. Maintaining them protects the conditions in which they are put into operation, and the quality of the operation carried out on them.

From Flowtrend, we offer a catalog with a wide variety of parts and components in the field of handling sanitary fluids, among which are centrifugal pumps. With trust based on our clients' opinions and our extensive experience, we offer our attention to what you are looking for and need.

Flowtrend® is the manufacturer of these OEM replacement parts. Flowtrend® is not sponsored by, affiliated with, connected with, and does not represent or otherwise have any endorsement from the OEM manufacturers. Any name, model, part number, brand, image, material, or referral is for descriptive purposes only. Flowtrend’s parts or products are not OEM parts or products, and the OEM’s does not endorse, approve or warrant Flowtrend’s parts or products or their use.