Centrífugació

Centrífugació is a process that uses centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture. This force is generated by spinning the mixture at high speeds within a centrifuge. The outward acceleration experienced by the components causes denser or heavier particles to move towards the outer edge of the spinning container, while lighter or less dense components remain closer to the center. This separation is based on the differences in mass, density, or particle size of the substances being centrifuged.

The principle behind centrifugació is Archimedes' principle, which states that a body immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body. In a centrifuge, the centrifugal force effectively acts as a much stronger force than gravity, allowing for the separation of substances that might not separate easily under normal gravitational conditions. The speed of rotation, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) or relative centrifugal force (RCF), and the duration of the centrifugation are crucial factors determining the efficiency of the separation.

Centrífugació has wide-ranging applications across various fields. In laboratories, it is commonly used to separate blood cells from plasma, to isolate DNA or proteins from biological samples, and to purify chemicals. In industry, it is employed in processes such as the separation of cream from milk, the dewatering of sludges, and the purification of pharmaceuticals. The specific design of the centrifuge, including the rotor type and tube geometry, is chosen based on the intended application and the nature of the mixture to be separated.