Algae Centrifuge

Algae Centrifuge – What is it?

Any ‘flow-through’ centrifuge used for harvesting algae cells from water is referred to as an ‘algae centrifuge’.

There are small scale, ‘commercial grade’ centrifuges for algae available for sale. These centrifuges process 1 ~ 5 GPM and exert centrifugal forces in the 1000 – 2000 g’s range.

The low flow-rate is due to the low g-force generated by these centrifuges which requires higher retention time. Which in turn means low flow rates.

These centrifuges are suitable for small scale algae cell separation in labs.

For industrial scale algae processing, you need an industrial disc stack centrifuge as described below.

Industrial Centrifuge – Algae Operation

An industrial algae centrifuge is an effective way of harvesting algae cells from water. The high g-force (up to 12,000 g’s) spins the algae cells toward the centrifuge bowl wall. The centrifuge discharges the clear separated water continuously.

The ‘self-cleaning’ type bowl auto ejects the concentrated algae cells. This discharge comes out as a slurry or a thick paste ready for algae oil extraction or drying.

Flow through centrifuge allows large scale, continuous separation of algae. This eliminates the use of any filters or other separation machines such as filter presses or screw presses.

Our self-cleaning centrifuge models have different capacities. They can process from 5 gallons per minute to over 100 gallons per minute of algae water.

The high g-force does not damage the algae cell structure.

Industrial algae centrifuges primarily have all stainless steel fluid contact. This allows harvesting of salt water algae on a commercial scale.