Industrial Centrifuge Sample Testing | Dolphin Centrifuge

Dolphin Centrifuge provides industrial centrifuge sample testing at our Warren, Michigan facility. Customer fluid samples are processed through a lab-scale disc centrifuge operating at 10,000 Gs to evaluate separation feasibility, quantify solids and water removal, and recommend the right centrifuge model before full-scale commitment.

Centrifuge Sample Testing

We process customer samples through our Alfa Laval Lab Scale Disc Centrifuge (manual clean type) to determine the applicability of centrifugation as a possible separation method. Lab-scale centrifuge sample testing lets Dolphin Centrifuge get a thorough understanding of your separation application and limitations if any.

The test results allow us to recommend the right industrial centrifuge which will work for your process. Our explosion-proof, lab-scale disc centrifuge performs 3-phase separation and 2-phase clarification.

Based on this testing, Dolphin Centrifuge can make an informed recommendation as to: (a) Applicability & limitations (if any) of an industrial centrifuge. (b) Type and centrifuge model best suited for customer's needs.

The customer benefits by being able to evaluate centrifuge performance on their product. The customer may also run further laboratory analysis on the returned samples to verify separation efficiency.

Industrial Centrifuge Pilot Testing Results

What is a Lab Scale Disc Centrifuge?

A small industrial centrifuge is known as a lab-scale disc centrifuge. This centrifuge is designed to exert the same gravitational force as the larger (production) scale centrifuges but can process a small sample (approximately 1 Gallon) for evaluation purposes. Lab-scale centrifuges have the same characteristics as the production models, such as continuous flow, disc-stack, 2-phase, or 3-phase separation.

We can process larger samples based on customer requests. Contact us for details.

Small Batch Customer Sample Testing

Dolphin Centrifuge does have the in-house capability to batch process a sample (up to 10 Gallons) through a small industrial-scale disc-stack centrifuge. Please call one of our centrifuge experts for details on this batch testing service.

Lab Centrifuge Specifications

Spec	Value
Centrifuge Type	Alfa Laval Disc Stack Centrifuge (Flow Through)
Bowl Speed	12,000 RPM
Bowl Type	3-Phase Separation (Liquid / Liquid / Solids)
Max. Centrifugal Force	10,000 Gs
Max. Flow-Rate	0.1 GPM
Max. Solids Concentration	~ 8% (v/v)
Bowl Clean Type	Solid Bowl; Manual Clean
Bowl Material Of Construction	316L Duplex Stainless Steel
Feed Pressure	Gravity Feed
Discharge Pressure	Light & Heavy Phase - Gravity Discharge
Max. Fluid Temperature	210 F or 98 C

Testing Process

Phase analysis of incoming customer samples to understand the ratio of different phases.
Thoroughly agitate and heat (if needed) the measured portion of the customer sample.
Process the sample through the lab centrifuge and collect separated phases.
Evaluate separation efficiency by spinning the separated liquid phase in a tube centrifuge.
Create a test report for each customer sample.
Upload a sample testing video for customer visuals.
Ship separated sample phases back to the customer for review and analysis.

A testing charge depends on the type and volume of fluid to be tested.

Contact Dolphin Centrifuge for more information on our lab-scale testing service.

Why Test Before You Buy?

Every fluid is different. Viscosity, temperature, particle size distribution, emulsion stability, and chemical composition all affect how well a centrifuge will separate your material. Lab-scale testing on an actual centrifuge eliminates the guesswork and gives you hard data before you invest in a full-scale system.

Our sample testing program helps you find the right separation solution with real data. We test hundreds of samples per year across industries including oil purification, wastewater treatment, food processing, chemical manufacturing, and more.

What the Test Report Includes

Our test reports are thorough and designed to give you the confidence to make an informed purchasing decision:

Before & After Photos: Visual comparison of your sample before and after centrifuge processing
Separation Data: Measured water content, solids content, particle size removal, and clarity readings
Optimal Parameters: Recommended bowl speed, flow rate, temperature, and discharge frequency
Centrifuge Type Recommendation: Whether your application requires a disc stack separator, decanter, or both
Model & System Recommendation: Specific Dolphin centrifuge model, system configuration, and capacity
ROI Considerations: Estimated operating costs, consumable savings vs. filters, and payback timeline

Sample Requirements

To get the most useful results from testing, please follow these guidelines when shipping your sample:

Volume: 1–5 gallons is ideal. We can work with as little as 1 quart for initial screening
Container: Use a sealed, leak-proof container. Plastic jugs or pails work well
Labeling: Include your company name, contact information, and material description
Temperature: Ship at ambient temperature. Note if the material needs to be heated for processing
Safety Data: Include an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) if the material is hazardous
Shipping: Standard ground shipping is fine. We can provide a UPS or FedEx label if needed

Common Materials We Test

We have tested thousands of different fluids and slurries over 40+ years. Common materials include:

Wastewater and process water
Food-grade oils and fats
Chemical process liquids
Sludge and slurries for dewatering
Any fluid requiring clarification

What Happens After Testing?

Once you have your test results, you can use the data to:

Purchase a system: We provide a complete quotation for the recommended centrifuge and turnkey system from our design and engineering team
Rent first: Start with a centrifuge rental to validate performance at full scale in your facility
Keep the data: The test report is yours. Use it for internal justification, budgeting, or comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fluid sample do I need to send for centrifuge testing?

Typically 1–5 gallons of your process fluid is sufficient for bench testing and analysis. For complex three-phase separations or pilot-scale testing, larger volumes may be needed. Contact Dolphin Centrifuge to discuss your specific application before shipping samples.

What does the centrifuge sample test report include?

The sample test report includes before-and-after analysis of your fluid (particle size, solids content, water content), the separation conditions used (G-force, temperature, flow rate), results achieved, and our recommendation for centrifuge model and system configuration for your full-scale application.

What does centrifuge sample testing cost?

Dolphin Centrifuge provides a preliminary assessment and recommendation at no charge for qualified applications. Detailed laboratory testing with written reports may involve a nominal testing fee depending on the complexity of the separation. Contact us to discuss your application and we will outline what is involved.

How long does centrifuge sample testing take?

Most standard fluid samples are processed and results reported within 3–5 business days of receipt. Complex fluids or multi-phase samples requiring additional analysis may take up to 7–10 business days. Rush turnaround is available for time-sensitive projects — contact us to discuss your timeline.

What happens after the sample test — can I rent or buy based on the results?

Yes. After receiving your test report, you can move forward with a full centrifuge system purchase using the recommended Dolphin model, or start with a disc stack centrifuge rental to validate performance at full scale in your facility. The test report includes specific model and system configuration recommendations to make that next step straightforward.