Culturefuge 400 is the latest addition to Alfa Laval’s range of hermetically designed disc stack centrifuges for harvesting mammalian cell cultures. Handling up to 20 m3/h, it comprises a disk-stack high-speed separator with piping for service liquids and process liquids; it includes an integrated electrical system with starter, PLC controls and pneumatic unit. Designed in accordance with both ASME and PED pressure vessel codes, the centrifuge incorporates a bottom fed bowl which is completely filled with liquid to ensure that all air is excluded during cell separation.
The hollow spindle concept allows for gentle acceleration of the feed liquid thus minimising the lysis of shear sensitive cell wall membranes while the air-free outlet reduces the risk of foaming in the centrate to a minimum. Culturefuge can be sterilised and cleaned-in-place.
The ‘dosing ring’ solids-ejecting system ensures low product losses and drier solids while flushing nozzles spray the outside of the centrifuge bowl, cyclone and the inside of the frame hood to ensure hygiene.
