The Alfa Laval BTPX-205 is a self-cleaning hermetic disc stack centrifuge generating 12,800 Gs for biotech cell harvesting, pharmaceutical recovery, and fine chemical separation at up to 5 GPM. Dolphin Centrifuge supplies reconditioned and serviced BTPX-205 units from Warren, Michigan.
Overview
The Alfa Laval BTPX-205 is a self-cleaning centrifuge of the disc stack type, engineered for the continuous separation of solids from liquids in demanding biotech and pharmaceutical environments. The machine can be configured as a purifier (liquid-liquid-solid separation) or as a clarifier (liquid-solid separation), giving operators flexibility across a wide range of process requirements. When set up as a purifier, the BTPX-205 separates solids and intermixed, immiscible liquid phases.
A key feature of the BTPX-205 is its partial solids ejection capability. Unlike full-discharge centrifuges that expel both solids and a significant volume of process fluid during each cycle, the BTPX-205 purges only the accumulated solids. This partial discharge dramatically reduces fluid losses during discharge, which is critical in pharmaceutical and biotech applications where the process fluid itself is the valuable product.
The sludge ejection cycle can be triggered by a timer or based on the volume of fluid processed, allowing precise control over the discharge frequency. The centrifuge handles solids content up to 10% by volume in the feed stream. Dolphin Centrifuge offers pilot sample testing to confirm the BTPX-205 is the right fit before purchase.
Technical Specifications
| Model Type | Alfa Laval BTPX-205-SGD34-CDP |
| Rated Capacity | 5 GPM on Pharma Cell Broth |
| Sludge Space | 0.25 Gallons |
| Bowl RPM | 9,650 |
| G-Force | 12,800 Gs |
| Motor HP | 7.5 HP |
| Voltages | 230 / 460 V |
Applications
The BTPX-205 is designed for removing suspended solids with particle sizes ranging from 0.5 to 500 µm. The liquid centrate has a lower density than the separated solids, and total solids content can range from 0.1% to 10% by volume. The maximum process capacity of the machine is 5 gallons per minute.
Biotechnology
- • Organic cell harvesting
- • Cell growth media clarification
- • Fermentation broth clarification
- • Cell debris removal
- • Inclusion body recovery
Pharmaceutical
- • Plasma fraction recovery
- • Precipitate recovery
- • Vaccines and serums production
Chemical
- • Catalyst separation
- • Sub-micron particle separation
- • Pigments, dyes, and toners
How It Works
The bio-culture fluid enters the rotating bowl of the BTPX-205 centrifuge. The bowl exerts a high centrifugal force of 12,800 Gs on the process fluid, causing rapid sedimentation of the cells. The process fluid enters through a stationary inlet pipe (1) and is accelerated by a distributor (2) before entering the disc stack (3).
The separation of the solids from the liquid happens in the inter-disc spaces. The clear liquid moves towards the center of the bowl. A paring disc (4) pumps out the clear centrate.
The denser solids move towards the bowl periphery. A hydraulic mechanism located under the bowl separation space causes the sludge ejection by forcing a sliding piston (5) downward, opening the solids ejection ports (6) at the bowl periphery. The cyclone reduces the high ejection velocity of the solids.
The separated cells and solids are auto-ejected while the liquid phase (broth) exits through a separate outlet, enabling continuous, unattended operation. For applications requiring food-grade or hygienic centrifuge systems, the BTPX-205's CIP/SIP compatibility makes it a strong candidate.
Why Choose the BTPX-205?
Minimal Product Loss
Partial discharge technology ejects only solids, dramatically reducing the loss of valuable process fluid compared to full-discharge centrifuges. Dolphin Centrifuge provides full disc centrifuge repair and reconditioning for BTPX-205 units.
Extreme G-Force
At 12,800 Gs, the BTPX-205 separates particles as small as 0.5 microns, making it ideal for cell harvesting and fine precipitate recovery.
Continuous Operation
Self-cleaning design with programmable discharge intervals allows uninterrupted processing without manual intervention.
Versatile Configuration
Can be set up as a clarifier or purifier to match specific process requirements in biotech, pharma, and chemical applications.
Ready to Get Started with the BTPX-205?
Dolphin Centrifuge supplies reconditioned BTPX-205 centrifuges for biotech cell harvesting, pharmaceutical recovery, and fine chemical separation. Contact us for pricing and pilot testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alfa Laval BTPX 205 used for?
The Alfa Laval BTPX-205 is a self-cleaning disc stack centrifuge used for biotech cell harvesting, pharmaceutical recovery, and fine chemical separation. Typical applications include fermentation broth clarification, organic cell harvesting, inclusion body recovery, plasma fraction recovery, vaccine production, and catalyst separation. It handles solids content up to 10% by volume and particle sizes from 0.5 to 500 microns.
What G-force does the Alfa Laval BTPX-205 generate?
The Alfa Laval BTPX-205 generates 12,800 Gs of centrifugal force at its rated bowl speed of 9,650 RPM. This extreme G-force enables separation of particles as small as 0.5 microns, making it suitable for sub-micron pharmaceutical precipitates, cell debris, and fine biotech solids.
What is partial discharge on the BTPX-205 and why does it matter?
Partial discharge means the BTPX-205 ejects only the accumulated solid fraction during its self-cleaning cycle — not the liquid process fluid. This dramatically reduces product loss compared to full-discharge centrifuges, which is critical in pharmaceutical and biotech applications where the process liquid is the high-value product. Discharge intervals can be set by timer or by volume processed.
Is the BTPX-205 CIP and SIP compatible?
Yes. The BTPX-205 features clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) compatible hygienic design with closed-loop hermetic operation. The product path is fully sealed from the atmosphere, preventing contamination and foaming. This makes it suitable for GMP-compliant pharmaceutical and biotech environments requiring documented cleanability.
Does Dolphin Centrifuge supply and service the BTPX-205?
Yes. Dolphin Centrifuge has Alfa Laval BTPX-205 biotechnology centrifuge systems in stock for sale. Each unit is reconditioned, tested, and backed by a Dolphin warranty. We also provide disc centrifuge repair services and replacement parts. Contact our team for pricing and availability.
BTPX-205 Biotech Centrifuge — In Stock at Dolphin
Reconditioned BTPX-205 units available for biotech and pharma applications. Pilot sample testing available before purchase.