Unique hollow spindle design

Alfa Laval has worked for many years with machines that are bottom fed through a hollow spindle. Liquids entering the Culturefuge 100 are gradually accelerated as they move upwards through the spindle. The feed zone of the machine is completely filled with rotating liquid and there is no air/liquid interface. This smooth acceleration minimizes shear forces acting on the liquid and thus prevents cell lysis.

Hermetic outlet

Another feature of the Culturefuge 100 is the completely hermetic outlet. Clarified centrates are discharged via a sealed outlet that precludes any contact with air. This is particularly desirable when the liquids are prone to foam or where the products are susceptible to oxidation.

Hygienic design

Hygienic considerations have been of utmost importance in the design of the Culturefuge 100. It is fully steam sterilizable and has cleaning-in-place capability. Pressure vessel designs according to ASME or to PED are available. Cooling jackets surrounding the centrifuge bowl give efficient temperature control and also contribute to a low noise level. The “dosing ring” solids-ejecting system with fast and distinct discharge action ensures low product losses and drier solids. Flushing nozzles spray the outside of the centrifuge bowl, cyclone and the inside of the frame hood for maximum hygiene.

Complete system

The centrifuge is mounted on a fixed base frame, which includes process piping for service liquids and process liquids entering and leaving the centrifuge. Typically, the solids phase is removed by a steam sterilizable pump. The built-in electrical system includes starter, PLC control system and pneumatic unit.

An integral motor with built-in VFD is standard and provides considerable space savings for a complete system.