Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.

Abstract: A device having a centrifuge operating discontinuously in batch-type manner for separating syrup from sugar massecuites including a centrifuge housing having a wall and a base, as well as a cylindrical centrifuge drum in a centrifuge housing having discharge openings. A first receiving container serves for the reception of a green discharge. A second receiving serves for the reception of a white discharge. A control device and valve or shut-off assemblies controllable by the control device are provided at or in the discharge opening or in connecting lines for the purposes of separating the green discharge and the white discharge. At least one sensor is provided in the transport path of the syrup. The sensor includes a measuring device for the measurement of a physical value which is representative of the difference between green discharge and white discharge. The control device controls the valve or shut-off assemblies in dependence on the measured values of the physical value transmitted by the sensor.

Abstract: A solid-bowl screw centrifuge is provided for the separation of multiphase material. The solid-bowl screw centrifuge has a centrifuge drum that is rotatable around an axis and the centrifuge drum has at least one outlet for discharging a phase of the material from the centrifuge drum. The outlet has a restrictor controlled by a floating body that floats on the material to adjust the outlet automatically in accordance with a liquid level of the material in the centrifuge drum, and the liquid level, in turn, is dependent on the throughput of the material. The restrictor may include a weighted body that is subjected to centrifugal force and also may include a restricting body arranged in a discharge port of the outlet. The outlet may include a deflection device for changing direction of the material flowing out to a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuously clarifying a flowable suspension with a discontinuously solid-discharging—self-discharging—separator, which has a rotatable drum with a vertical axis of rotation, a feed for the suspension to be clarified and at least one liquid discharge for continuously discharging at least one clarified liquid phase, and discontinuously openable solid-discharge openings for discontinuously discharging the solid phase. The method involves a) measuring one or more of the suspension parameters mass, mass of solid substance in the suspension, mass flow, temperature, density, cumulative density; and b) initiating a time-limited discharge of solid substance as a result of a repeated determination on the basis of step a) in the event of or after the exceeding of a limit value.

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifuge for separating whole blood into its blood components and a method for extracting a highly enriched thrombocyte concentrate out of whole blood. For this purpose, the centrifuge comprises a closed loop and/or open-loop control unit as well as a drive unit coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit, a rotor (12) having at least two container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16) for removably holding containers (18, 20, 22, 24) being in fluid communication with each other, at least one sensor arranged between the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b) and coupled with the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit for detecting a separation layer. Herein, a motor/gear unit (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b) coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit is associated with each of the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b).

Abstract: In a decanter centrifuge a bowl is provided and rotates in use around a horizontal axis of rotation, a base plate provided at one longitudinal end of said bowl, the base plate having an internal side and an external side, an outlet opening provided in said base plate, the outlet opening extending through a first angular interval relative to the axis of rotation, and a wall projecting from the external side of said base plate, wherein the wall extends from the vicinity of the outlet opening towards a rim of the base plate, the wall extending through a second angular interval, the second angular interval being at least 30°, and the wall having in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation an inclination relative to the radial direction of at least 60°.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator having a separation space with a set of separation plates, an inlet configured to feed a fluid product to be separated into the separation space, the inlet and the separation space being connected in a pressure mediating manner, a first and a second outlet extending from the separation space for discharge of a two phases of the product. A discharge control system is configured to trigger the opening of the second outlet upon a trigger condition, wherein the discharge control system comprises a sensor arranged to determine the inlet pressure and/or the inlet flow of fluid product, and the trigger condtion is associated with a decrease in inlet flow in relation to inlet pressure, indicating an increasing flow resistance downstream of the inlet. The invention further relates to a discharge control system and a method of controlling the intermittent discharge of a centrifugal separator.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into components, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of sets of blood bags. The valves comprise a jaw mounted on a shaft, the jaw being adapted to apply radio frequency energy to seal a tube, a stepper motor section, and at least two position sensors. The valve sections are mounted on an upper plate, and the stepper motor sections are mounted on a lower plate. A main radio frequency coil is selectively electrically coupled to each of the valves through a multiplexing switch.

Abstract: Devices for controlling fluid flow, in particular microfluidic devices, are described, which exploit gas/liquid interfaces to control liquid flow in accordance with application requirements. Devices for on/off flow switching, centrifugal separation, mixing, metering and aliquoting are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying and harvesting certain cell populations in blood or bone marrow by depleting at least one of red blood cells, granulocytes, or platelets from a sample comprising blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sterile, single use rigid, self-supporting cartridge within which the automated depletion, purification and harvesting of target cell populations occurs and all components may be distributed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for separating a supernate from a suspension. The apparatus consists of a sample zone, a controllable gate, and an analysis zone. The sample zone holds the suspension. The analysis zone passively transports a supernate formed from the suspension by capillary transport. A controllable gate prevents the suspension in the transport zone from flowing into the analysis zone. The controllable gate can be triggered after the supernate has separated from the suspension to allow the supernate to flow into the analysis zone.

Abstract: A continuous flow centrifuge bowl includes a rotatable outer body, and a top and bottom core that are rotatable with the outer body. The bottom core has a wall extending proximally from a bottom wall. The proximally extending wall is radially outward from at least a portion of the top core and, together with the top core, defines a primary separation region in which initial separation of the whole blood occurs. The bowl may also have a secondary separation region located between the top core and the outer body, and a rotary seal that couples an inlet port and two outlet ports to the outer body. The inlet port may be connected to an inlet tube that extends distally into a whole blood introduction region. Additionally, one of the outlet ports may be connected to an extraction tube that extends into a region below the bottom core.

Abstract: Disclosed are a reaction and separation processor and a process for producing biodiesel. The processor is comprised of a stationary casing and a rotor located internal to the casing, with a gap formed between the rotor and casing. A fluid inlet port is located at the upper end of the casing for delivering fluid, which is used to produce the biodiesel, into the reaction zone of the processor, in which the reaction zone is defined as a gap between an upper portion of the rotor and casing. Surface irregularities for inducing fluid turbulence in the reaction zone are located on an inner surface of the casing, an outer surface of the rotor, or both. A rotor inlet port is located at a lower end of the rotor for directing fluid from the reaction zone into the separation zone, which is located within the rotor.

Abstract: A separation system for separating a multiple component material into at least two fractions. The separation system includes a separation device having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a sidewall that extends between the first end and the second end to define a separation chamber having an interior volume. The system also includes a valve moveable between an open position and a closed position, the valve is mounted at a fixed location within the separation chamber at a position that is closer to the second end than to the first end and is spaced apart from the second end, the valve is operable to isolate a first fraction of the multiple component material having a first density on a first side of the valve from a second fraction having a second density on a second side of the valve that is opposite to the first side.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other factors. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: A method of washing blood mixed with undesirable elements not normally found in healthy whole blood to remove the undesirable elements, the method comprising: separating the blood into components according to relative densities of the components with a rotating centrifuge bowl; providing a port through which fluid exits the bowl, the exiting fluid having a concentration of undesirable elements; flowing washing solution into the centrifuge bowl at an initial flow rate; monitoring the fluid exiting the bowl with an optical sensor having an output signal indicative of the composition of the exiting fluid; and increasing and decreasing the flow rate of the wash solution as a function of the output signal.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other factors. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system using a rotating container, comprising a shell having an inlet pipe installation port and an outlet port, the inlet pipe installation port and the outlet port are located on the same or opposite side (end) of the shell, and having some distance from the outermost edge of the shell, such that said rotating container can retain fluid during rotation. Stirring blades are placed inside the shell of said rotating container, which rotate with the shell synchronously. The purification process includes the injection of the fluid into the rotating container, which can withhold liquid during high-speed rotation. When the fluid in the rotating container swirls at high speed, substances of higher densities will accumulate at the internal wall of the rotating container away from the rotation axis, whereas substances of lower densities will accumulate at the inner ring region closer to the rotation axis.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a positioning means (3a, 3b) engageable with a counter-piece on a centrifuge having a rotor for separating blood components or on a system component (4) arranged in a centrifuge. The positioning is effected such that a section of the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) is aligned with a section of the centrifuge or the system component arranged in the centrifuge. Furthermore, a tube connected with bags is accommodated in the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of blood bags and associated tubing and bag sets. The valves comprise a rotating head, mounted on a shaft, which assumes a “load” position. The head pivots to an “open” position, which secures the tube in its designated location, but which maintains an open lumen through the tube. When the head is in a “closed” position, blood components cannot flow through the tube. The valve apparatus comprises means for maintaining a constant pressure on the tube and contact with the tube as the tube is melted and sealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a hermetic centrifugal separator where the separator comprises a rotor including a separation chamber, an inlet channel for a mixture of components to be separated, a first outlet channel for receiving at least one separated light component, and a second outlet channel for receiving at least one separated heavy component.

Abstract: A continuous centrifuge including: a rotor configured to separate a sample; a centrifuge chamber configured to accommodate the rotor; a driving part configured to rotate the rotor; a sample line configured to continuously supply and discharge the sample to and from the rotor during rotation of the rotor; and an air detecting sensor provided to a supply side and a discharge side of the sample line.

Abstract: A continuous self-cleaning centrifuge assembly having a feed inlet for unclarified liquid and first and second outlets for clarified liquid. Solids are discharged out of a solids holding space in the centrifuge in response to comparison of a measured turbidity to a predetermined turbidity parameter of clarified liquid bled in a detection line in communication with the centrifuge at the second outlet. The turbidity is affected by the degree of build up of solids in the centrifuge. A method of optimizing the clarified liquid outflowing from the centrifuge includes the steps of controlling the flow rate of unclarified liquid into the centrifuge in response to the turbidity of the clarified liquid flowing out of the centrifuge and discharging solids out of a solids holding space in the centrifuge in response to the turbidity measurement.

Abstract: A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, a primary outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. A valve that is responsive to centrifugal force (a “gravity” valve) selects between the outlet and the side tap outlet. The gravity valve is mounted on the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the primary outlet and close the side tap outlet. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the side tap outlet and close the primary outlet.

Abstract: This invention involves a liquid-liquid separation device, which includes a centrifugal cylinder. The centrifugal cylinder maintains a liquid inlet/outlet, and centripetal float valve inside, which is mounted on the wall of a cylinder that produces the centrifugal force. Liquids of various densities enter the centrifugal cylinder; under the action of centrifugal force, the liquid medium of the highest density moves to the cylinder wall first, while the liquids of lower densities follow in sequence; when the inward buoyant force that the float bears in the liquids of various densities is greater than the outward centrifugal force generated due to its own mass, the float will move inwards to open the passageway and discharge the heavy medium deposited on the cylinder wall, thus achieving the automatic separation.

Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device in which a sample including particles and a fluid is centrifugally separated such that the separated fluid is quantitatively distributed, and a microfluidic system including the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device are provided. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure in which, within a rotatable disc-shaped platform, a sample, including particles and a fluid, is quickly centrifugally separated into the particles and the fluid using the rotation of the disc-shaped platform and the fluid having a certain volume of the separated fluid is discharged by rotation of the disc-shaped platform.

Abstract: A single use, sterile, self-contained, compact, easy to use centrifugal separation unit provides for quick, reliable platelet concentration from whole blood. Anti-coagulated blood is injected through an elastomeric seal into a separation chamber featuring a tapered barrel and an end cap. At least one port is located in the end cap, at a desired radius from the longitudinal axis. The centrifugal field created by rotation of the chamber stratifies the blood radially, with red blood cells adjacent the wall of the barrel, and plasma found closest to the longitudinal axis. Opening the port causes the pressure of the centrifugal field to eject red blood cells or plasma, thereby increasing the concentration of platelets remaining in the chamber. After ceasing chamber rotation, the concentrated platelets are recovered.

Abstract: A separator for separating a multiphase mixture comprising a pressure vessel supported for rotation within a casing containing a gas which may be held at an elevated temperature or pressure. A plurality of vanes is disposed within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet, a first phase outlet and a plurality of second phase outlets disposed radially outwardly of the first phase outlet with respect to a separator axis. A regulator is provided in the form of pressure-activated nozzles to regulate flow through the second phase outlets. In use, a mixture of solids and liquid is fed into the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel is spun within the gas causing solids to accumulate in the vicinity of the second phase outlets. The pressure-activated nozzles are repeatedly opened and closed to expel the accumulated solids.

Abstract: A separator includes a rotatable centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation. The separator includes a rotatable drive spindle to drive the drum, an hydraulic system located in an interior of the drum and at least one feed line to feed a control fluid to the drum, the at least one feed line having an outlet region. Further included is a ring non-rotatably connected to the drum, a gap located between one of the drive spindle and the drum and the drive spindle and the ring. The feed line leads out radially in front of the drive spindle in the outlet region. The outlet region is oriented and configured such that emerging control fluid is spread directly against the drive spindle, and a portion of the control fluid enters through the gap into the hydraulic system.

Abstract: In a decanter centrifuge a bowl is provided and rotates in use around a horizontal axis of rotation, a base plate provided at one longitudinal end of said bowl, the base plate having an internal side and an external side, an outlet opening provided in said base plate, the outlet opening extending through a first angular interval relative to the axis of rotation, and a wall projecting from the external side of said base plate, wherein the wall extends from the vicinity of the outlet opening towards a rim of the base plate, the wall extending through a second angular interval, the second angular interval being at least 30°, and the wall having in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation an inclination relative to the radial direction of at least 60°.

Abstract: A process for separating platelet rich plasma from a blood sample using a platelet rich plasma separator system is disclosed. The system includes an inner wall having a top edge and a central axis that is surrounded by a depth filter having a capacity to receive all of the erythrocytes in the blood sample, where an inner surface of the inner wall has an angle of about 0.2° from the central axis of the inner wall. The process includes spinning the inner cylinder at its central axis at a speed that separates the erythrocytes from plasma and platelets and causes the erythrocytes to collect against an inner surface of the depth filter. The cylinder is continually spun for a sufficient time to allow substantially all of the erythrocytes to flow up the inner surface and over the top edge into the depth filter, leaving platelet enriched plasma (PRP) in the inner cylinder, such that upon discontinuing the spinning, permits the platelet enriched plasma to flow to the bottom of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separator-concentrator, such as for separating and concentrating platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) from whole blood that is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separation assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate.

Abstract: A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.

Abstract: A system for separating a sample and collecting the separated sample. The system includes an ultracentrifuge having a cylindrical rotor. The system includes a gradient delivery assembly for delivering a gradient solution to the ultracentrifuge rotor, and a sample delivery assembly for delivering the solution containing the sample to the ultracentrifuge rotor. The system includes a fraction collection assembly for collecting discrete volumes of the separated sample. The system includes a processor for controlling operation of the ultracentrifuge, as well as the gradient delivery assembly, the sample delivery assembly, and/or the fraction collection assembly.

Abstract: A blood cell collection system having means for detecting when a cell separation chamber has filled with white blood cells, and flushing the cells out of the cell separation chamber into a collect bag. A red-green sensor senses the optical characteristics of fluid leaving the cell separation chamber. A baseline value is calculated. The device calculates a ratio of the intensities of red light and green light and a peak-to-peak ratio of intensities. If either ratio exceeds thresholds computed from the baseline, the device flushes the cells into the collect bag. A camera detects white cells passing into the cell separation chamber and the device calculates the number of cells being collected. If the calculated number of collected cells exceeds a certain limit, the cell separation chamber is flushed. If the device is unable to establish a baseline, the donation can proceed, relying solely on the calculated number of collected cells.

Abstract: A separator for separating a multiphase mixture comprising a pressure vessel supported for rotation within a casing containing a gas which may be held at an elevated temperature or pressure. A plurality of vanes is disposed within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet, a first phase outlet and a plurality of second phase outlets disposed radially outwardly of the first phase outlet with respect to a separator axis. A regulator is provided in the form of pressure-activated nozzles to regulate flow through the second phase outlets. In use, a mixture of solids and liquid is fed into the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel is spun within the gas causing solids to accumulate in the vicinity of the second phase outlets. The pressure-activated nozzles are repeatedly opened and closed to expel the accumulated solids.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor, a rotation shaft which has a through-hole communicated with an interior of the rotor, a face seal which slidingly contacts an end of the rotation shaft and has a path communicated with the through-hole of the rotation shaft, a wall member which accommodates the face seal, a sample transfer unit which transfers a sample through the rotor, and a coolant circulation unit which circulates a coolant to the wall member. The sample transfer unit transfers the sample by pressure so that a pressure of the sample flowing through a portion where the rotation shaft and the face seal slidingly contact with each other is higher than a pressure of the coolant flowing through the wall member.

Abstract: A method of preventing blockages of flow paths of a separator, the separator processing a fat-containing product such as milk. The method steps include determining a concentration of the fat content of an outflowing product phase from the separator to detect an imminent clogging, and shifting a separation zone in a separator drum of the separator for a defined minimum time period by changing operating parameters.

Abstract: A PRP separator-concentrator comprising a housing, a separation assembly, and a concentration assembly. The concentration assembly has a concentration sump. An axially concentric rigid stationary outlet tube is secured to the housing and extends through the separation assembly to the sump. The separation assembly is attached to and positioned above the concentration assembly to form a combined separator-concentrator assemblage that is rotatable about the outlet tube. The separation assembly includes a separation chamber lined with a depth filter having pores and passageways that are sized to receive and entrap erythrocytes during centrifuging. The concentration chamber has a floor for supporting desiccated beads and a wall with at least one opening closed with a screen. The concentrator can have a distribution of upright screen supports, the upright screen supports having an inner surface and an outer surface, the cylindrical screen being supported on the outer surface of the upright screen supports.

Abstract: A powder spraycoating facility's powder recovery unit comprising a cyclone separator to separate coating powder from an air-powder mixed flow. The cyclone separator comprises a cyclone section separating powder from the powder-air mixed flow and a supply bin in the form of a downward-projecting extension of the cyclone section, said unit further comprising a powder passage in said cyclone from the cyclone section into the supply bin, said passage being devoid of powder blocking elements while being powder-tight relative to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising centrifuging at least two separation bags containing two discrete volumes of a composite liquid respectively, so as to separate therein the first and second components; transferring at least one fraction of a first separated component from the separation bags into satellite bags connected thereto respectively; detecting a characteristic of a component at determined location in each separation bag; and stopping transferring the at least one fraction of the first component from each separation bag into the first satellite bag connected thereto, upon detection of the characteristic of a component at the determined location.

Abstract: A method used in connection with processing of blood components, wherein blood products are then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor and the sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: Method for supervising a centrifugal separator with a separating chamber, a radially inner outlet connected to the separating chamber and to an outlet conduit, with a flow detector disposed in the outlet conduit and adapted to detecting a flow in the outlet conduit, and an intermittently openable radially outer outlet connected to the separating chamber. In order reliably and easily to supervise the intermittent discharge of the centrifugal separator, the pressure is measured by a sensor disposed in a portion of the centrifugal separator which is pressure-transmittingly connected to a central portion of the interior of the rotor. If the supervision unit does not detect a pressure drop pulse from the sensor within a predetermined period of time from when an intermittent discharge is initiated, an alarm signal is emitted.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprises a centrifuge, with a rotor having a rotation axis comprising at least two separation cells, each for containing a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid; and first balancing elements for balancing the rotor when the respective weights of the at least two separation bags in the at least two separation cells are different.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a provision for measuring a physical parameter corresponding to the position of a phase interface inside the centrifuge. The centrifuge is controlled responsive to the inferred position of the phase interface.

Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifugal separator and a method of separating a product to a heavy phase and light phase. A centrifuge rotor encloses a closed separation space, which has a radially outer part for the heavy phase, a radially inner part for the light phase and a central gas-filled space. The radially outer part is separated from the radially inner part by a interface layer level. An inlet extends into the separation space for feeding the product. A first outlet extend from the radially outer part for discharge of the heavy phase. A second outlet extends from the radially inner part for discharge of the light phase. A control equipment permits control of the interface layer level to a desired radial position. A sensor senses a parameter related to the gas pressure in the central space. The control equipment controls the counter pressure in the first outlet in response to the sensed parameter for controlling the interface layer level to the desired radial position.

Abstract: The teachings of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for removing substances from a process fluid. The system may include a centrifuge body rotatable around a longitudinal axis, the centrifuge body having a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured for receiving a process fluid. The second end may be configured for dispensing a clarified fluid. The centrifuge body may include a first working space and a second working space. The working diameter of the second working space may be greater than the working diameter of the first working space.