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Should You Use a Filter or a Centrifuge?

December 21, 2022

In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between filtration and centrifugation of liquid solids.

 

Liquid-solid centrifugation

Filtration and centrifugation are two different separation techniques that are used to separate the desired components from a mixture. The main difference between these techniques lies in the nature of the force exerted and the separation method used. Filtration uses sieves or filter media to filter out unwanted components, while centrifugal separation uses the force of centrifugal force for separation.

 

What is filtration?

Filtration is a physical separation technique that is used to separate one or more components from a mixture for different applications by pressure, vacuum or gravity. Depending on the application, the process can use one or more metal perforated layers or strainers for solid-liquid separation.

 

What is centrifugation?

Centrifugation is a process that uses centrifugal force to separate the elements of a liquid slurry. The remaining liquid (supernatant) is then transferred or removed from the centrifuge tube without disturbing the precipitate. The sediment particles left behind depend on the speed of the machine, the shape and size of the particles as well as their volume, viscosity and density.

Centrifuge Extraction

Centrifuge Extraction

The 4 main differences between filtration and centrifugation

 

#1 Nature of operation

Filtration

Large particles in the mixture cannot pass through the perforated layer of the filter. However, fluids and small particles can easily pass through the filter under pressure, vacuum or gravity.

 

Liquid-solid centrifugation

The centrifuge presses the heavier solids to the bottom to form a solid cake. The lighter mixture that remains on top of the cake is then poured out.

 

#2 Separation techniques

Filtration

Filtration uses different techniques depending on the desired result and can be pressure, vacuum or gravity.

 

Centrifugation

Centrifugation techniques can be classified as microcentrifuges, high-speed centrifuges and ultracentrifuges. Microcentrifuges are typically used for research requiring the processing of very small volumes of biomolecules. High-speed centrifuges are designed to handle larger batches and are mainly used for large-scale processing of industrial mixtures. Ultracentrifugation techniques are used to study the properties of biological particles.

 

#3 Functions

Filtration

The main function of filtration is to obtain the desired output by removing impurities from any given liquid or separating solids from a mixture.

Centrifuge Extraction

Centrifuge Extraction

Centrifugation

The main purpose of centrifugation is the rapid and efficient separation of solids from a liquid solution or slurry.

 

#4 Efficiency

Filtration

Simple filtration techniques require time to separate the desired material, which makes the separation method less efficient.

 

Centrifugation

Centrifugal technology uses a machine that runs on power, so the separation method is faster and more efficient.

 

Filtration and centrifugal separation are both solid-liquid separation techniques, using different equipment and for different purposes.

 

Why use a centrifuge?

Centrifugation is a process used to separate or concentrate substances suspended in a liquid medium. It is a highly accelerated form of sedimentation that uses gravity to separate particles heavier than the liquid medium. In instruments known as centrifuges, centrifugal force accelerates this settling rate.

 

Centrifuges spin materials at high speeds and use centrifugal force to separate particles from liquids. Centrifugal forces can reach thousands of times the force of gravity, separating liquid/solid materials quickly.

 

Centrifuges are used in a variety of scientific and technical applications. In some cases, the solids are waste. In other applications, such as some chemical manufacturing, the solids are the end product of the harvest.

Side Entry Bag Filter

Side Entry Bag Filter

Why use Bag Filtration Systems?

Bag filters use different media solutions to filter solids from water. They are a cost effective option for smaller, low critical performance requirements. Bag filters tend to have a smaller surface area than other types of filtration systems, which can limit the size of operation they can support. Things to consider with bag filter systems are

 

Ease of maintenance.

The time and financial cost required to maintain the system. Bag filters need to be replaced regularly to maintain filtration effectiveness.

 

Where performance requirements are higher, bags are handled and replaced more frequently to maintain system functionality. Changing filters causes an inherent disruption to operations and process downtime increases the total cost of using the filtration system. In addition, the costs associated with bag replacement can accumulate, particularly for larger operations. Although effective, it is important to consider the performance requirements of your application to assess the suitability of a bag filter system.

 

For further technical information talk with our specialist or visit our web site https://www.rnplex.com. We can help you to identify the best solution for your application.

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