Centrifuge Repair: Detecting Early Signs of Failure

Centrifuges are a key component to your assembly line and process. But what happens when they start to fail or break down completely? Know the signs to identify any centrifuge repair issues before they happen.

Signs You Need Centrifuge Repair

There are many signs your device may be on the brink of failure. These signs of damage include but are not limited to:

• Temperature spikes – Your centrifuge should have an allowable operating low to high temperature. Spikes beyond this can signify a breakdown is imminent. Even spikes within the allowable temperature range can mean trouble.
• Excessive vibration – You should be monitoring your centrifuge and all other equipment for excessive or unusual vibration, from diagnostic equipment all the way to training operators to recognize the signs. Too much vibration can mean anything from a misalignment to an impending catastrophic failure.
• Reduced cut point – Cut points indicate the separation characteristics of control equipment at a given space of time. A decreased performance of the centrifuge can be the sign of a break down that is about to happen.

In addition to preventing breakdowns, it is important to correct these and other issues in order to keep the centrifuge’s performance as optimal as possible while extending its lifespan.

How to Repair a Centrifuge

Centrifuges can be repaired any number of ways, depending on the issue. The first step to any centrifuge repair is to deconstruct, clean, and thoroughly inspect it, and in some cases advanced diagnostic equipment may be needed. The inspection should include detailed notes and images of the issue or issues that are found, as well as a proposal for the solutions. A few common repairs include:

• Balance of bowl assembly.
• Part replacement.
• Rebuild of spindle assembly.
• Replacement of seals, gaskets, and bearings.
• Shaft alignment.
• Gearbox repair including speed reducers.
• Even a simple parts cleanse or sand blast can resolve the issue.

You may also choose to have your malfunctioning centrifuge rebuilt, refurbished, reconditioned, control panel component and operating program upgraded, in addition to a traditional repair. Replacement parts may be manufactured by a professional facility in house, in addition to ordering OEM parts, which may be more expensive and may not fit your centrifuge’s current operating needs.

Houston Dynamic Supply Centrifuge Maintenance & Repairs

We are an experienced equipment maintenance and repair shop based in Houston that can proactively diagnose and repair your horizontal, vertical, and pusher centrifuges. Call us today to discuss your critical equipment repair needs!