Used Super Centrifuges
Super centrifuges are high-speed vertical tubular centrifuges designed for clarification and separation of fine particles, emulsions, and biological materials. The elongated tubular bowl spins at speeds from 9,000 to 50,000 RPM, generating G-forces far exceeding conventional centrifuge designs. This enables the separation of particles and droplets that standard disc or basket centrifuges cannot effectively process.
Federal Equipment Company stocks used super centrifuges from manufacturers such as Sharples, Alfa Laval, and CEPA. Our inventory includes clarifier and separator designs, vaporite models for volatile applications, and super helix configurations for sanitary processing. Bowl speeds range from 9,000 to 50,000 RPM with G-forces up to 13,200 G’s.
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Super centrifuges achieve separation through extreme centrifugal force generated in a long, narrow tubular bowl. Feed enters at the bottom of the spinning bowl and flows upward through the separation zone. Centrifugal force drives heavier particles or liquid phases outward against the bowl wall while lighter phases remain closer to the center. Clarified liquid discharges at the top through centripetal pumps or overflow weirs, while solids accumulate on the bowl wall until the bowl is cleaned.
The tubular bowl design maximizes G-force at the bowl wall while maintaining a relatively small pool diameter. This geometry is particularly effective for separating fine particles, breaking emulsions, and clarifying liquids with low solids concentrations. Super helix designs incorporate a helical conveyor for continuous solids discharge, extending run times between cleaning cycles. Vaporite models feature sealed construction for processing volatile solvents under pressure.
Federal Equipment Company stocks super centrifuges from manufacturers such as Sharples, Alfa Laval, and CEPA. Our inventory spans benchtop laboratory units through production-scale machines rated up to 500 gallons per hour. We offer inspection, refurbishment, and testing services to verify equipment condition before delivery.
Applications & Industries
- Cell debris removal and lysate clarification in biotechnology operations
- Bacterial and cell harvesting in fermentation processes
- Vaccine and biological product clarification in pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Emulsion breaking and oil-water separation
- Fine particle removal in chemical processing
- Solvent recovery and purification for volatile materials
- Blood plasma fractionation and biological separations
- Catalyst recovery from process streams
Specifications & Configurations
Super Centrifuge Designs:
- Clarifier designs for liquid-solid separation with single liquid discharge
- Separator designs for liquid-liquid-solid separation with dual liquid discharge
- Vaporite models with pressure-rated construction for volatile solvents
- Super helix configurations with continuous solids discharge conveyor
- Tubular centrifuges for ultra-high-speed laboratory and pilot applications
Operating Parameters:
- Bowl speeds from 9,000 RPM to 50,000 RPM
- G-forces from 10,000 to 13,200 G’s at the bowl wall
- Bowl capacities from 3.5 to 8.6 liters solids holding
- Throughput capacities up to 500 gallons per hour
- Specific gravity ratings up to 2.1
Materials of Construction:
- 316 and 316/317 stainless steel for pharmaceutical and chemical applications
- All stainless steel construction, including bowl, frame, cover, and guards
- Polished and free-draining surfaces for sanitary applications
Thermal and Pressure Features:
- Heating and cooling jackets for temperature control
- Internal cooling coils for heat-sensitive materials
- Steam sterilizable to 255-260°F at 15-22 PSI for aseptic operation
- Pressure-rated designs for volatile solvent processing
Drive and Control Systems:
- Belt-driven configurations from 3 HP to 10 HP
- Main drive with separate back drive motors
- VFD controllers for speed optimization
- Triple mechanical seals for sterile containment
- Explosion-proof motor options for hazardous environments
- CIP capability for clean-in-place operation
Why Buy Used Super Centrifuges
Used super centrifuges offer significant cost advantages over new equipment. Savings typically range from 40% to 70% off new equipment pricing, depending on age, condition, and configuration. Lead times for used equipment are measured in days or weeks rather than the months often required for new super centrifuge orders.
Federal Equipment Company inspects all super centrifuges for bowl condition, bearing wear, seal integrity, and drive system function. We can provide refurbishment services, including bowl balancing, seal replacement, bearing overhaul, and control system upgrades. Testing services verify separation performance and containment integrity before shipment.
