Abstract: The centrifuge has a drive rotating a rotor whose position relative to the vertical axis of the centrifuge is monitored by an unbalance sensor located on the installation plate which is accommodated in a recess of the ring in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis. The ring is installed on the mounting surface of the drive casing with a provision for being moved and set relative to said surface so that the plane of the ring is constantly parallel with the lower surface of the rotor. The installation plate has a hollow for accommodating the unbalance sensor, the shape of the surface of said hollow being mutually complementary with the shape of the mounting surface of the drive casing and the installation plate is located in said ring with a provision for moving in said plane perpendicular to the vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control of a system in a blood centrifuge for separating the constituents (fractions) of the whole blood taken from a donor "in vivo" and provided with anticoagulants. A control is provided which as input quantity includes a signal on the flow rate of the full blood and on the output side is connected to the speed setting means for the blood centrifuge. The transfer function of the control is so defined that on a change of the full blood flow the speed of rotation is set so that the volume ratios of the blood fractions to the full blood remain constant. Preferably, the output signal of the control is proportional to the square root of the full blood flow. The control is preferably formed by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a drive which revolves a rotor whose speed is controlled by a sensor located on a mounting plate which is immovably fixed in a recess of a ring installed on the mounting surface of the drive casing. The ring has a hole accommodating a movable element installed with a provision for touching over the radius of curvature upon said mounting surface of the drive casing and ensuring the movement of said ring relative to the lower surface of the rotor for installing the sensor at a certain distance from said surface at which the optimum sensitivity to the rotation speed of the rotor is ensured.

Abstract: The quality of gluten in wheat is determined by centrifuging a gluten sample taken from a wheat dough against a sieve. Upon completion of the centrifugation process, it is determined how large a proportion of the sample has remained in the sieve, without penetrating therethrough. The magnitude of this proportion is used as a measurement of the gluten quality.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for separating high-molecular-weight substances from cells suspended in liquid nutrient media, features continuous central monitoring and control of the process by a computer (22), and a way to combine the heretofore separate processes of first, separating media into solid and liquid components, and second, concentrating the proportion of high-molecular-weight components in the separated liquid. The media are conveyed by a first pump (3) to a centrifuge continuous flow rotor (2), which separates the solids from the liquid components and directs the latter to an intermediate reservoir (5), which sits on an electric scale (7) which is continuously monitored. From here they are fed to a filtration unit (9) in which the high-molecular-weight substances are separated and recycled through a feedback line (11), with the aid of a second pump (10), into the intermediate reservoir (5).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for predicting the time and position dependent concentration of macromolecules of differing species in a gradient forming solution during centrifugation is disclosed. A mathematical model of the time dependent behavior of gradient forming solutes in a centrifugal field, based upon the underlying physical principles governing sedimentation and diffusion is formulated. The simplifying approximation is made that the wall effects may be ignored, and that the transport of solute may be treated as a one dimensional process with forces dependent only upon the radial distance. A sedimentation diffusion (Lamm) equation in one dimension is numerically integrated. The sedimentation diffusion equation (Lamm equation) for each macrosolute is solved concurrently with that for the gradient forming solute, utilizing the experimentally based density dependent sedimentation coefficient. The equations are solved for incremental time periods for the centrifuged samples in successive radial segments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating a component from a collected quantity of fluid. The apparatus includes a dual member centrifuge and an associated fluid flow transfer set. The transfer set has a collection container in which a quantity of fluid can be initially accumulated. The collection container is formed as a disk-shaped plastic member with an elongated generally radially extending barrier member formed therein. A component collection container is in fluid flow communication with the disk-shaped container. The method provides for centrifugation of the collection container in the dual member centrifuge thereby separating out the selected fluid component. The component can then be pumped out of the collection container into the component accumulation container. The residual fluid can be sealed in the collection container for later use. The component collection container can be separated and sealed also for later use.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing system for cultured cellular suspensions comprises a reservoir for pooling a desired volume of the cellular suspension from a plurality of individual containers in which the cellular suspension have been cultured. A centrifugation chamber is provided operative in response to centrifugal force for separating the cellular suspension into a cellular component and a supernatant. Fluid is conveyed from the reservoir into the centrifugation chamber at a high flow rate exceeding 1 liter per minute. The cellular component and supernatant are collected from the centrifugation chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and analyzing blood serum includes an input rack for holding test tubes containing whole blood specimens and separator gel, a centrifuge, an optical sensing unit for receiving centrifuged test tubes and generating output signals indicative of whether the centrifuging was successful and, if it was, the boundary position between the separator gel and the blood serum, and a computer connected to receive and analyze the output signals of the optical sensing unit. An aspirator/dispenser needle unit is positioned above the sensing unit and is capable of lowering a needle, under the control of the computer, to puncture the stopper of a test tube and then withdraw blood serum.

Abstract: The system for automatically balancing a centrifuge in operation comprises a system for selectively displacing a mass of fluid inside at least one hollow horizontal tube (25) incorporated in the rotary arm (20), together with an unbalance measuring circuit (7 to 14) for the rotary arm (20) which may be out of balance.

Abstract: A support arrangement for a temperature sensor in a centrifuge is characterized by a generally tubular member coaxially disposed about a portion of the drive shaft. A temperature sensor is positioned on the support arrangement so that it extends into the drive recess of a rotor and there confronts the body of the rotor in a temperature sensing relationship.

Abstract: A centrifuge instrument has a vacuum pump responsive to a rotor recognition arrangement. The pump is operative to provide a predetermined pressure level in the chamber compatible with which one of a plurality of rotors is mounted within the chamber. The requested angular velocity can also be used to control the pressure level in the chamber.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, the rotor of which has a separation chamber (7) with an inlet (16) for a liquid mixture, a constantly open central outlet (23) for a separated liquid and an intermittently openable peripheral outlet (13) for separated solids, a so-called displacement liquid is supplied to the separation chamber (7) before the peripheral outlet (13) is opened first at a certain flow rate and then at a substantially lesser flow rate. If displacement liquid is sensed in the separated liquid leaving the rotor through the central outlet (23), the peripheral outlet (13) is opened.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities the method comprising the steps of introducing a sample into a chamber of constant cross-sectional shape and a volume greater than that of the sample, ordering the phases of the sample concentrically by rotating the chamber about its longitudinal axis, reducing the volume of the chamber in response to a separation control signal, removing a portion of the separated sample in order of phase, deriving information about the portion of the sample being removed from the chamber and modifying the separation control signal in response to the derived information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of protecting a centrifuge from rotor overspeed and resultant mishap by computation of the rotor moment of inertia is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a centrifuge is driven by a rotor mounted on a shaft which shaft is in turn driven by a constant current motor. A tachometer for detecting angular velocity of the drive shaft is used. A desired and ultimate centrifuge operating speed is selected by the operator. The times at which the rotor passes through discrete speeds are recorded and from the time difference the moment of inertia is computed. The moment of inertia can thereafter be utilized to discretely identify or "finger print" rotors to disqualify certain rotors from use in particular centrifuge protocols and establish gross limits of centrifuge operating speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating a component from a collected quantity of fluid. The apparatus includes a dual member centrifuge and an associated fluid flow transfer set. The transfer set has a collection container in which a quantity of fluid can be initially accumulated. The collection container is formed as a disk-shaped plastic member with an elongated generally radially extending barrier member formed therein. A component collection container is in fluid flow communication with the disk-shaped container. The method provides for centrifugation of the collection container in the dual member centrifuge thereby separating out the selected fluid component. The component can then be pumped out of the collection container into the component accumulation container. The residual fluid can be sealed in the collection container for later use. The component collection container can be separated and sealed also for later use.

Abstract: A solid bowl centrifuge for dewatering sludge exhibiting a conical solid bowl and an inner rotor part which revolving at different speeds and has apparatus for axially transporting solid components for improved separating and reduced energy consumption. The sludge is introduced at a tapered end and solid components are discharge at an expanded end. Introduction of sludge is effected through a radial inlet channel(s). Surface elements are attached to the inner rotor by holder arms and are located at a slight distance from the inner wall of the solid bowl drum. A surface element free axial passage channel is defined between the inner rotor wall and the solid bowl drum extending at least 50% of the radial distance between the rotor wall and the drum. A baffle plate is mounted on the inner rotor at the wide end of the drum leaving an annular gap or passage between a compacting space and a sediment discharge which exhibits a radially inwardly directed sediment outlet channel(s).

Abstract: A centrifuge having an interchangeable rotor provided with an information support means for machine-readable information, and a reader comprising detectors for scanning the information support means and an electronic circuit for processing the received information, the information support means comprising an array of permanent magnet pins distributed over the rotor and having in some cases their north poles and in other cases their south poles facing the detectors.

Abstract: A centrifuge for the removal of solids from liquids, for example, the removal of solid fission products from dissolved nuclear fuel. The centrifuge is mounted behind a solid wall and is provided with a pivotable catch tray which cooperates with a feed inlet extending through the wall of a casing about the bowl of the centrifuge. The catch tray is pivotable between a first position at which it cooperates with the feed inlet to introduce feed liquid into the bowl and a second position at which it is removed out of cooperation with the feed inlet to permit withdrawal of the bowl from the casing through a removable plug in the wall.

Abstract: In connection with recirculation of separated sludge to the separation chamber of a centrifuge separator there are normally flow restricting nozzles in the sludge outlets of the separation chamber. Only after all separated sludge has passed through these nozzles it is divided into one discharge flow and one recirculation flow.The invention concerns a centrifugal separator with a recirculation circuit (27, 28, 33, 39, 41, 43, 32, 30, 29) for separated sludge, which is completely free of flow restricting nozzles. The amount of separated sludge, that is allowed to leave the centrifugal separator through the outlet conduit (39) without being recirculated, is determined by setting of valves (22, 40) in the stationary outlet conduits (21, 39) for sludge and clarified liquid, respectively.

Abstract: A method and device for separating two liquid phases by means of a centrifuge. The position of the zone that separates them is varied by supplying additional heavy phase as a function of that position. Once the zone arrives at a certain location, traces of light phase will appear in the heavy-phase outlet. A shutoff is opened and additional heavy phase is supplied for a prescribed length of time through a separate intake, displacing the zone toward another location. The process is repeated, with more heavy phase being diverted through the heavy-phase outlet than is supplied through the product intake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining non-selective microsamples of intracellular material of a living cell while maintaining cell viability. The invention utilizes artificial gravity to effect power cell orientation prior to membrane poration; combined artificial gravity and electric field pulse to effect membrane poration; and artificial gravity to effect forced and controlled extraction of intracellular material subsequent to membrane poration.

Abstract: A new method and electronic circuit are provided to prevent image creep in automated centrifuges. The method and circuitry automatically substract a fixed time delay, which is associated with the strobe detection and firing circuitry, from a longer variable time period, which is inversely proportional to the rotational speed of the centrifuge, to thereby delay the flash of the strobe by a time inversely proportional to centrifuge rotation speed.

Abstract: A hand-held centrifuge apparatus for sedimenting a fluid suspension in a sample tube, the sample tube being subjected to centrifugation at an acute angle to the axis of rotation. An electronic circuit activates an electric motor for a preselected time period as a function of voltage supplied by a battery to the motor to provide a predetermined degree of centrifugation to the sample. A voltage tester periodically tests the voltage in the circuit to assure that adequate voltage is being supplied by the battery. A deactivation circuit is actuated if inadequate voltage is sensed and a disabling circuit disables the electronic circuit until adequate voltage is again available. The disabling circuit is masked during acceleration to preclude deactivating the circuit when the motor is in acceleration.

Abstract: A non-contact apparatus is provided for acquiring velocity information off of an internal rotating housing of an Adams-type centrifuge. The apparatus includes a bidirectional transmitter of radiant energy, such as a fiber-optic member, positioned at the axis of rotation of the exterior rotatable housing of the centrifuge. An inner end of the fiber-optic member is positioned adjacent a lower surface of the inner rotatable housing. A ring of reflective, spaced-apart, members is formed on the lower surface of the rotatable housing adjacent the end of the fiber-optic member. Radiant energy from an exterior, fixed, light source is transmitted through the fiber-optic member and is incident upon the rotating ring. Radiant energy reflected off of the reflecting members of the ring passes back through the fiber-optic member and can be sensed in an externally located, stationary optical sensor. The optical sensor generates a train of electrical pulses in response to the incident pulses of reflected radiant energy.

Abstract: There is disclosed a continuous type centrifugal separator having simple structure in which the completedly closed system is realized, and which is suitable for separating the heavy and light components of the blood and usable for washing the blood of the patient.

Abstract: A centrifuge overspeed protection and imbalance detection system is structured to provide a method for detecting rotor imbalance and rotor overspeed. The system has a single transducer to provide real-time data necessary to detect rotor imbalance and control motor speed.Motor speed is controlled by synthesis of a drive frequency signal for driving the inverter motor control. The drive frequency signal may be inhibited to provide slow acceleration or deceleration, or to shut the motor off by providing a zero slip frequency. Motor control is responsive to a Rotor Identification circuit and operator programming, as well as a closed loop response to the real time tach signal.Imbalance detection is provided by counting tach pulses in each of a plurality of intervals, detecting deviations in tach pulse rate and sounding an alarm when the irregularity of tach pulse signals exceeds the limits of a predetermined standard deviation.

Abstract: An inventory control device for a pitot pump used in a two-phase flow system, such as a closed-cycle Rankine system or a two-phase cooling loop for space vehicles. In these systems, there is a change of phase between liquid and vapor, dependent upon a change of power level or thermal transport rate. With these systems being used in devices that are subject to significant attitude change or acceleration forces or zero gravity conditions, the inventory control device is gravity insensitive and utilizes a second tube mounted in the pitot pump which is connected to an external accumulator. A pressure relation is established whereby the second tube will maintain a constant level of liquid within the rotating drum of the pitot pump.

Abstract: A rotor for separation and collection of specimen particles carried by a liquid buffer by continuous centrifugal elutriation, whereby the interior of the rotor itself is employed as a separation chamber. This separation chamber is shaped such that the circumferential cross-sectional area thereof continuously increases from the outer to the inner periphery in a specific manner, so that centrifugal elutriation is accomplished by pumping the liquid buffer from positions at the outer periphery of the separation chamber towards the inner periphery. A transparent cover can be employed to cover the separation chamber, so that the separated material becomes directly visible as a peripheral ring, without the need to employ a stroboflash lamp, and in addition it is possible to separate large amounts of material by a single centrifuging operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for investigating samples of materials subjected to high centrifugal forces, generally in excess of 5.times.10.sup.5 g. The sample is encapsulated in a closed microvessel that serves as a magnetic or magnetizable rotor. The centrifuge provides a rotating magnetic field that drives the microvessel to very high speed, thus subjecting the sample to centrifugation. An optical system coupled with the driving system allows for viewing the sample during rotation.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, an outlet member (9) is rotatable in the centrifuge rotor (1, 2) in a way such that it may be entrained in rotation by liquid supplied to the rotor. The outlet member (9) has an outlet channel (11) leading from one place within the rotor, where a separated mixture component is present, to a reception place (13) for the mixture component. A first means (19) is arranged to counteract rotation of the outlet member (9) so that a desired relative movement is obtained between the outlet member (9) and the separated mixture component in the rotor which is to be removed. A second means (27-30) senses the magnitude of the force by which the outlet member (9) is counteracting the braking effect of said first means. The first means (19) is connected with the second means (27-30) and arranged to accomplish a desired relative movement between the outlet member (9) and the separated component in the rotor in response to the magnitude of said sensed force.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator for the separation of two liquids the radially outermost part of the separating chamber (7) of the rotor communicates with a central outlet chamber (26) for the separated heavier liquid via a calibrated opening (27). From the outlet chamber (26) a channel (32-34) in a stationary outlet member (31) extends out of the rotor to a reception place for separated heavy liquid. Said channel (32-34) comprises a shut-off valve (35) and has between this and the outlet chamber (26) a calibrated outlet (36) intended to enable a certain liquid flow through at least part of the channel (32-34), while the valve (35) is closed. The throughflow areas of the calibrated opening (27) and the calibrated outlet (36), respectively, are chosen such that, when the valve (35) is closed, the liquid surface in the outlet chamber (26) will be adjusted to a relatively low level, so that unneccessary heat generation is avoided.

Abstract: A multifunction centrifuge consists of a rotor 1 to which a plurality of centrifuge bowls 2 are rigidly fixed. Each bowl 2 has two chambers 3a, 3b connected with each other for free flow communication from either chamber to the other. One chamber 3a lies above the other 3b and is of a sack shape with a radially outwardly projecting closed bottom so that on stoppage of rotor rotation liquid therein flows back into the more deeply-lying other chamber 3b. The bowl 2 is light-transparent for photometric measurements.

Abstract: There is described a centrifuge provided with a rotor identification system.The rotor identification system includes a rotor (4) having a pair of detectable elements (11, 12), e.g. magnets, spaced by an angular separation characteristic of the rotor (4), detector means (3), e.g. a Hall effect transducer, positioned so as to interact with the detectable elements (11, 12) to generate a signal which is a function of the angular separation and means responsive (20) to the signal to identify the rotor (4).

Abstract: An improved desludging device for basket centrifuges facilitates the automatic withdrawal of hard sludge from the centrifuge. The device includes a sludge discharge tube and a sludge re-slurrying tube, the tubes being connected in a loop, so that fluid exiting the centrifuge through the discharge tube reenters the centrifuge through the re-slurrying tube. The re-slurrying tube terminates in one or more nozzles or slots, pointed in the general direction of the discharge tube. This continual recirculation of fluid causes the hard sludge in the centrifuge to return to the form of a slurry, and the slurry is periodically withdrawn from the centrifuge. The re-slurrying effect may be enhanced by the occasional introduction of some process liquid, or other liquid, into the centrifuge. The sludge discharge tube and re-slurrying tube are mechanically linked, and are programmed to move towards the rim of the centrifuge until substantially all the sludge is removed.

Abstract: A reusable centrifuge fixture is disclosed for holding small parts, such as integrated circuit chips, during high speed rotation. The fixture is made of a moldable material having a depression formed therein conforming to the contours of the part. The fixture is made by pouring the moldable material into an open cavity of a form and the part to be centrifuged, or a replica thereof, is impressed into the surface of the moldable material prior to curing. A permanent magnet is used in conjunction with the fixture to hold the part within the centrifuge machine during set-up of the machine.

Abstract: A centrifuge cup insert having an outer container and an inner container disposed therein with a spacer means between the containers to afford a reservoir between the containers capable of holding a liquid, the reservoir communicating with the atmosphere; associated apparatus for weighing the cup insert and dispensing a metered amount of fluid into the reservoir; and a method of using the cup insert with or without the associated apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the actual speed and maximum safe speed of a centrifuge rotor. A single circular array of equally spaced coding elements of two clearly distinguishable types is attached to the rotor. A single detector responsive to the coding elements produces an output signal that varies in accordance with both the number and type of the coding elements. A first circuit network is responsive to the number of coding elements encountered per unit time, without regard to type, to produce an actual speed or tachometer signal. A second circuit network is responsive to the number of coding elements of each type encountered during each revolution of the rotor, without regard to the speed thereof, to produce a rotor identification signal that is indicative of the maximum safe speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating two liquid components from each other normally has continuously open outlets for both liquid components, an interface layer formed in the separating chamber between the separated liquid components being maintained at a predetermined radial level. The present invention concerns a special arrangement for continuous discharge of the light liquid component but intermittent discharge of the heavy liquid component. For this purpose, a first outlet channel (20) in the centrifuge rotor for the heavy liquid component communicates through a calibrated opening (24) with a stationary second channel (23) outside the rotor, said second channel comprising a shut off valve (31). An equipment (28) is arranged to indicate when an interface layer formed in the separating chamber (8) of the rotor between the separated liquid components has moved radially inwards to a certain level (29).

Abstract: Accurate, contact-free measurement, outside the processing area, of the quantity of solid material in a centrifuge cylinder used in reprocessing nuclear fuel solutions. A mechanical vibration system consisting of the centrifuge cylinder and of a supplemental mass attached to the cylinder produces torsional vibrations by, for example, increasing or decreasing the speed of the cylinder drive shaft. The frequency of the vibrations reflect the quantity of solid material in the cylinder. A sensor senses the frequency of the vibrations and sends signals to a means for computing the quantity of the load from the frequency.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a rotor speed photosensor assembly includes a mounting ring fixedly attached to the stationary element of the centrifuge. The mounting ring has a cutout portion thereon which is adapted to receive a photosensor mounting board which carries the photosensor assembly. Adjustable mounting elements connect the photosensor mounting board to the mounting ring and permit the precise adjustment of the sensor with respect to the ring to thereby dispose the sensor in a predetermined optimal speed-sensing relationship with respect to the rotor.

Abstract: The device comprises a rotor formed with a circumferential groove including a widening with an apertured bottom whereat two monitoring stroboscopes are arranged, the groove being provided for engaging with the red cell and plasma exit end of a disposable bag, the other end whereof is so designed and arranged as to receive whole blood.

Abstract: In a centrifuge of the type in which the solids are continuously discharged through nozzles, the nozzles are dimensioned to ensure that the volume of solids discharged from them is smaller than the volume of solids fed into the centrifuge through a feed line. The solids space in the centrifuge accordingly fills up gradually and, when it is full, the clarified phase begins to get turbid. The level of turbidity is determined by a photocell and the flow of clarified phase returned to the feed line through a diversion valve. Since the amount of liquid being fed into the centrifuge is maintained at a constant level, the volume of new liquid flowing into the centrifuge is decreased by an amount equal to the volume of clarified phase being recirculated.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator capable of selectively mounting sedimentation tubes or capillary tubes on a rotor includes a container receptacle mounted in an outer box of the separator for receiving sedimentation tube containers. When the sedimentation tube containers are received in the container receptacle, their presence is detected to enable the rotor to rotate at a relatively high speed required when the capillary tubes mounted on the rotor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in two-port centrifuge bowls in which component yield is enhanced by utilizing the centrifuge bowl for eluttriation, as well as centrifugation. In a particular embodiment, platelet yield is improved by terminating flow of anticoagulated whole blood from the donor to the bowl and pumping low density fluid, preferably plasma, back into the bowl at a relatively high rate to elutriate centrifugally separated cells in the bowl.

Abstract: A rotor unit for a centrifugal analyzer comprises a rotatably driven circular rotor base; and a rotor head comprising a plurality of insert elements each having at least one chamber sample for the reception of a sample liquid, at least one measuring chamber radially outwardly from the associated sample chamber for the measurement of characteristic parameters for the detection of components of the sample, at least one liquid channel connecting the sample chamber with the measuring chamber and each insert element is releasably mounted on the rotor base at any one of a plurality of different selectable angular positions wherein the insert element is positionally stable when the rotor base is rotating.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in two-port centrifuge bowls in which component yield is enhanced by utilizing the centrifuge bowl for eluttriation, as well as centrifugation. In a particular embodiment, platelet yield is improved by terminating flow of anticoagulated whole blood from the donor to the bowl and pumping low density fluid, preferably plasma, back into the bowl at a relatively high rate to elutriate centrifugally separated cells in the bowl.

Abstract: A system of self-purging centrifugal separators for the separation and clarification of liquids, especially heavy oil, which contain solids, has a first separator serving for preliminary separation and a second, clarifying separator connected to the output of the first. Each of these separators is purged of accumulated solids by means of associated controls, the second separator being additionally provided with an automatic purging control. The solids chamber of the clarifier drum is smaller than that of the drum of the first separator and the purging control communicates through a control line with an evaluator and the evaluator in turn communicates with the controls and/or with an alarm, whereby a premature disturbance due to the accumulation of sludge in the first separator is detected and eliminated by extra purges or is signaled by means of the alarm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the quantitative analysis of blood or a similar fluid suspension. The fluid suspension is spun about a central spin axis in a chamber which circumscribes the central spin axis and whose volume varies geometrically as it extends away from the central spin axis. A fluid sample in the chamber is allowed to separate into bands or rings circumscribing the central spin axis, with the radial extent of those rings being geometrically proportional to the volume of the components. The radial extent of those bands or rings can then be used to determine the relative amounts of the components of the fluid suspension in the chamber.

Abstract: At a centrifugal separator (21), where separated sediment is thrown out in jets (26) from the rotor (22) of the separator through a determined number of nozzles (1, 2, 3) a sensing means (28) is arranged to be influenced by the respective jet and give off a signal (U), which is a measure of a quantity, e.g. the flow, of the medium of the jet, which signals (U) are given off to an apparatus (38), which is arranged to record the signals (U) and in its turn give off a signal (39, 39A, 39B, 39C), if said quantity of the medium in one or more jets is changed, e.g. if the flow through a nozzle ceases by the nozzle having been blocked or if the flow through a nozzle has increased by the nozzle having been eroded.