You may be running centrifuges every day, but do you know how they really work? Understanding the parts that make up your centrifuge is key to learning how they operate and, in turn, will help you stop problems before they become shutdowns.
Think of this as your centrifuge anatomy lesson — a practical guide to the parts that keep your separator spinning.
Centrifuge Anatomy 101
We’re going to break down your centrifuges' components into two categories: the top-end parts and the major mechanical parts.
Top-end centrifuge parts
These are the parts that our team inspects and assesses when you schedule a minor service visit.
Bowl Top - AKA the bowl hood, is the upper cover that goes over the rotating bowl assembly.
Main Bowl Gaskets - The primary seal that keeps your bowl assembly leak-tight during operation. It's under constant pressure and temperature stress.
Disc Stacks - Tightly packed series of conical metal plates, spaced apart, where liquid flows between the discs for efficient separation. They're stacked inside the rotating bowl.
Distributor - Directs the incoming product evenly into the disc stack.
Piston Seals - Fitted around pistons to prevent product leaking.
Discharge Port - The outlet opening where separated materials exit the centrifuge after the separation process.
Threads - Spiral or screw-like grooves on rotating parts.
Drive Motor - The primary power source that rotates the centrifuge bowl, creating the force needed to separate materials — typically positioned near or directly connected to the bowl.
Water Ports - Inlets or outlets that supply or drain water for support functions. They handle service water used for cleaning, sealing, control, or hydraulic actions.
Lock Ring - A threaded or snap-fit ring that holds the disc stack, distributor, or other bowl internals firmly in place by applying axial compression.
Inlet Outlet Gaskets and Seals - Critical components that ensure leak-free connections where fluids enter and exit the centrifuge.
Lubrication system - Where oil is used to keep metal parts from grinding against each other at high speeds.
Major mechanical components
These are the heavy-duty parts that help generate rotational force and keep everything aligned. We inspect these parts during major service visits.
Spindle - A central, vertical shaft component that serves as the main rotating support for the centrifuge bowl. It connects the drive motor and bearing system and acts as the main rotating axis around which the bowl rotates.
Bearings - Supports the rotating parts by allowing your centrifuge spindle to rotate smoothly at thousands of RPM. They handle enormous forces while maintaining precision alignment. When bearings start to fail, you'll hear it first – unusual vibrations and noise are early warning signs.
Frame Gaskets - Seals that keep different sections of your centrifuge frame properly sealed and aligned. They prevent contamination and leaks of process fluids, water, or oil at the non-rotating, structural joints of the machine.
Gears - Gears that mesh together to transfer torque from the drive motor to the bowl and control rotational speeds.
Seals - Beyond gaskets, your centrifuge has various seals that prevent lubricants from leaking and contaminants from entering critical areas. These seals maintain the boundary between the rotating and stationary parts.
Belts - Mechanical components, typically rubber or synthetic loops, used to transfer rotational power from the drive motor to the centrifuge bowl or other rotating parts.
Pulleys - Components used along with belts to transfer rotational power from the drive motor to the centrifuge’s rotating parts.
Couplers - Components that connect two rotating shafts—typically the drive motor shaft and the centrifuge bowl shaft — to transmit torque and allow for slight misalignments and absorb shock loads.
The bottom line
Every component in your centrifuge has a job to do. The more you understand about what each part does, the better you can maintain your equipment and spot problems early.
Parts for centrifuge repair
Understanding these components is one thing. Having the right parts when something fails is another. Equipment doesn't break down on schedule, and neither do production deadlines.
That's where Separators' Parts Department comes in. We maintain a robust inventory of spare parts for major centrifuge brands like Westfalia, Alfa Laval, and Tetra Pak. Our 95% fill rate means we likely have what you need in stock. Even better, we’re available 24/7 and have same-day shipping, so you're not waiting weeks for critical components.
Ready to stock up on critical spare parts or need help identifying what you need?
