Centrifuges apply force to substances by spinning them. The goal is usually to separate one or more substances. A common example is a clothes washer in its spin cycle. In that case, the clothes are forced against the sides of the drum, while the water in the clothes is forced toward the drum wall and through the tiny holes in the side of the drum. Thus, most of the water separates out of the clothes. Fecal centrifuges at water treatment plants operate in basically the same way, but on a larger scale.

Centrifuges also separate chemicals and biological substances; among other things, they're used to separate blood into its numerous parts. There is an endless array of laboratory centrifuge applications in the scientific community, such as isolation of the specific uranium isotope used in nuclear fission. Industrial centrifuges can also separate metal alloys, among other things.

When buying from centrifuge suppliers, here are some of the most basic aspects you should keep in mind:

1. Speed and speed settings

2. Size and adaptability, such as vial holders for labs

3. Presence of adequate counterweight to prevent damage to your centrifuge

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy industrial centrifuges from a quality centrifuge suppliers

The best centrifuge manufacturers and sources have strong knowledge of their products, and either provide a lot of options or custom make centrifuges. Centrifuge manufacturers aren't as common as manufacturers of many other industrial products, but there are still many options. Don't hesitate to price compare.

I recommend: Broadbent Industrial Processes Division, carries many industrial centrifuge varieties, including both horizontal and vertical axis, and scroll-screen. Another option is US Centrifuge, which also sells parts and has a service program.

Find centrifuge manufacturers and sources for laboratory centrifuges

There are two main types of laboratory centrifuges. The first is preparative, which separates particles. The second is analytical, which measures particle properties. Keeping that in mind will help you find the right product.

I recommend: The Drucker Company is a good source for centrifuges fit for medical applications, such as hematology. They also offer technical support and provide detailed information about their products on their website. Thermo Scientific is a good place to start if you need centrifuges for scientific research or processes.

Look for used centrifuges, or even rent a centrifuge

Centrifuges can be expensive, but many are made to last if they are treated right. Looking for a good used centrifuge or refurbished centrifuge is a viable option to save some money. In some cases, you might even find a used centrifuge that serves your needs better than a new one.

I recommend: Most centrifuges that Dolphin Marine and Industrial Centrifuges sells are refurbished. They carry equipment for fuel and oil purification, chemical applications, food industry applications and more. Sanders Equipment Company sells refurbished and used centrifuges, but they rent and lease equipment as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Differential centrifuges separate particles from liquid or other particles of differing mass.
• •  Density centrifuges separate liquids of dissimilar densities.