Abstract: In a centrifuge for the separation of solids from liquid in which concentrated solids are discharged from radial nozzles at the rotor periphery, there is a need for control of the solids concentration by controlling the recycle of solids to the centrifuge. The present invention provides a flow path divided into small cross-sectional areas, as with parallel plates, for the flow of recycled solids therethrough, at an appropriate pressure drop and flow rate to cause a strong dependence on fluid viscosity. A small receiving tank, with a fixed or adjustable weir, is attached to the inlet of the sectional flow path to provide a constant pressure drop through the device by maintaining a volume of concentrated solids at a pre-selected height above the inlet. The cross-sectional area available for flow is manually adjustable by means of a blocking plate at the inlet of the sectioned flow path.

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: 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: 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.