QCDIC Computer Controlled Disc Centrifuge

The Computer Controlled Disc Centrifuge, "QCDIC", allows the study of the separation of emulsions by centrifugation.

In order to make the unit work, two immiscible liquids are poured into the agitation tank, such as water and oil. In this deposit a computer controlled agitation mechanism mixes the two substances. This mechanism has three interchangeable stirring rods: two flat rods and a three blade rod. The values of speed and torque of the agitator are recorded.

Once the emulsion has been generated, a computer controlled pump drives it from the agitation tank to a rotating disc centrifuge, which power is computer controlled.

The emulsion enters the centrifuge at the top and through its distributor reaches the bottom. The mixture is driven to the outside due to the centrifugal force, but the denser particles are pushed farther (to the walls) than the light particles. Once separated, the two liquids that made up the mixture reach the top of the centrifuge and each one comes out through a different channel. The final liquids can be collected in tanks or returned to the agitation tank.