Mini Centrifuge

grabcad

Our centrifuge addresses the challenges in continuous centrifugal filtration and separation, which are often heavy and expensive. Utilizing 3D printing and consumer-grade electronics, we aimed to create a lightweight, affordable alternative that achieves 1000G for filtering waste vegetable oil and separating algae from water with chemical assistance. The centrifuge minimizes sample size and waste while offering ease of use and storage. Controlled by an Arduino card, it features pre-programmed runs and an ESC that manages a drone motor for lower RPM and higher torque. The inner bowl is designed for carbon fiber/nylon composite printing but can also work with regular plastic. Compared to the Raw Power Centrifuge from WVO Designs at $997, our centrifuge offers a lower flow rate but significantly lighter weight and costs 1/9th to 1/7th as much, depending on materials. This innovation could expand continuous flow centrifugation accessibility while teaching students about 3D printing, Arduino usage, and 3-phase AC motor operation. Developed by Mats Lundberg Føland and Fredrik Lie Larsen from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.