Flow
Separate normal treatment flow from short peaks, pump capacity and total plant circulation.
Coolant Centrifuge Selection Guide
How to Choose a Coolant Centrifuge for Your Process
Start with the real fluid, solids load and operating conditions—not the pump nameplate alone. Use six inputs to narrow the model, then confirm the result with representative testing.
Open the Sizing Checklist →HERO IMAGE · 4:3Engineer reviewing flow, solids and sump dataFile: coolant-centrifuge-sizing-engineer.webp
Alt: Engineer reviewing coolant centrifuge sizing data
Alt: Engineer reviewing coolant centrifuge sizing data
01 · Selection inputs
Collect These Six Inputs Before Comparing Models
To understand how to choose a coolant centrifuge, first define what the system must treat and how it will operate. A model selected from flow alone can have too little solids capacity, the wrong discharge method or an unsuitable temperature range.
Contaminant
Identify the metal, particle form, density and whether solids are settling, suspended or floating.
Temperature
Record normal, start-up and maximum fluid temperature together with viscosity.
Solids load
Estimate kilograms per shift or day and note how quickly the current sump or filter loads.
Discharge
Decide whether production needs automatic removal or can accept planned manual cleaning.
Electrical supply
Confirm voltage, phase and frequency at the installation site before the quotation is finalized.
02 · Flow and sump
Define the Treatment Flow, Not Just Pump Capacity
The required centrifuge flow is the volume that must be treated under real operating conditions. It may be a side stream from one machine, a continuous bypass from a central sump or a batch transfer between tanks. Record the average and peak return flow, sump volume, number of machines, shift pattern and how quickly contamination rises.
Do not assume that the centrifuge must process the full circulation-pump rating. A controlled bypass loop can repeatedly clean the sump while the machine circuit maintains its own delivery flow. The correct turnover target depends on solids generation, settling behavior, available sump volume and the required production result.
Also check the available head, pipe length, return position and whether the feed can remain stable. Excessive or unstable flow can shorten effective separation time. Final sizing should use the verified treatment condition, not a rounded figure selected only because it matches a model name.
PROCESS DIAGRAM · 4:3Machine sump, bypass feed and clean-fluid returnFile: coolant-centrifuge-sump-bypass-layout.webp
Alt: Coolant centrifuge bypass loop connected to a machine sump
Alt: Coolant centrifuge bypass loop connected to a machine sump
03 · Contaminant behavior
Match the Separation Method to the Solids
A coolant centrifuge separates suitable solids by density difference under centrifugal force. Particle size matters, but it is not the only variable. Metal density, particle shape, fluid viscosity, temperature, concentration and residence time can change the result.
| Observed material | Starting assessment | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Steel, cast-iron fines or mill scale | Often a strong starting fit because the solids are substantially denser than the fluid. | Required flow, fine-particle load, viscosity and acceptable outlet condition. |
| Aluminium, copper or mixed-metal fines | Potentially suitable, but lower density difference or mixed behavior may change separation speed. | Use a representative fluid sample at the intended temperature and flow. |
| Grinding debris or irregular swarf | Can be suitable when the solids remain separable and feed paths are protected from oversize chips. | Check screens, particle shape, wheel debris, sump deposits and solids concentration. |
| Fibrous, floating or low-density material | May require screening, skimming, media filtration or a hybrid process. | Do not select a centrifuge from particle size alone. |
| Emulsified tramp oil, bacteria or dissolved contamination | Not solved by solids separation alone. | Evaluate chemistry control, oil separation or another dedicated treatment stage. |
SAMPLE IMAGE · 16:5Representative feed, clarified fluid and separated solidsFile: coolant-contaminant-sample-test.webp · Alt: Coolant and contaminant samples for centrifuge testing
04 · Temperature and viscosity
Check the Fluid at Its Real Operating Temperature
Temperature changes viscosity, and viscosity influences how quickly particles migrate through the fluid. Record the cold-start condition, normal operating temperature and maximum credible temperature. The coolant or oil chemistry, seal compatibility and safe handling requirements must also be confirmed.
Standard operating range
The VC-600, VC-800, VC-1500, VC-2000, VC-30P and VC-30C references list an upper fluid temperature of 80°C. Confirm the exact application condition before order.
High-temperature process
VC-30T is the only referenced model rated from 0–110°C. It uses manual solids removal and a rated flow of 960 L/h, so temperature capability does not replace flow and loading checks.
Viscosity and testing
Where oil is viscous, temperature varies widely or particle behavior is uncertain, test representative fluid at a defined flow instead of assuming water-like performance.
Do not select a model from maximum temperature alone. Confirm viscosity, seals, materials, ventilation, piping, process safety and the required separation result together.
05 · Solids load and discharge
Choose the Discharge Method from Production Reality
Solids concentration in a single sample does not show the complete load. Estimate how many kilograms of solids enter the fluid per shift or day, how the load changes by product or machine, and how often the present system needs attention. Compare that figure with bowl solids capacity and the permitted service interval.
Automatic sludge discharge
Use automatic discharge where solids are generated continuously, the line should keep running, or manual bowl cleaning would become too frequent. The VC-600, VC-800, VC-1500 and VC-2000 family covers 2–20 L solids capacity and 60–200 L/min rated flow.
View the automatic-discharge series →Manual solids removal
Manual models can suit intermittent operation, a dedicated machine, a mobile service point or a process where planned cleaning is acceptable. VC-30T, VC-30P and VC-30C are rated at 960 L/h with 4.5 L solids capacity. Their series page is not yet published, so selection is handled through an application review.
Do not calculate cleaning or discharge intervals from bowl capacity alone. The practical interval depends on real solids generation, deposit behavior, acceptable carryover and how much capacity can be used before performance changes.
06 · Model comparison
Use the Model Table as a Shortlist, Not a Guarantee
The table uses the approved Vimfun model data. Rated flow and G-force help narrow the range, but the final model must also fit the contaminant, viscosity, solids load, discharge requirement and tested result.
| Model | Rated flow | G-force | Solids capacity | Temperature | Discharge | Starting use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VC-600 → | 60 L/min | 6,500 G | 2 L | Up to 80°C | Automatic | Single machine or high-G separation requirement. |
| VC-800 Available on request | 80 L/min | 2,800 G | 3.2 L | Up to 80°C | Automatic | Flow-first step between VC-600 and VC-1500. |
| VC-1500 → | 150 L/min | 1,860 G | 8 L | Up to 80°C | Automatic | Multiple machines or a central sump. |
| VC-2000 Available on request | 200 L/min | 1,700 G | 20 L | Up to 80°C | Automatic | High solids volume and longer discharge intervals. |
| VC-30T Available on request | 960 L/h | — | 4.5 L | 0–110°C | Manual | High-temperature oil where the rated flow is sufficient. |
| VC-30P Available on request | 960 L/h | — | 4.5 L | 0–80°C | Manual | Portable service between suitable machine sumps. |
| VC-30C Available on request | 960 L/h | — | 4.5 L | 0–80°C | Manual | Custom layout, dimensions or electrical configuration. |
VC-600L is a low-speed VC-600 variant at 6,000 rpm and 3,500 G. It is treated as a configuration within the VC-600 family, not as a separate model page.
07 · Electrical and layout
Confirm the Installation Before the Quote
Vimfun’s standard electrical basis is 380 V / 50 Hz. A 400 V / 50 Hz European configuration and 480 V / 60 Hz North American configuration are available on request. Confirm voltage, frequency, phase, motor and control-panel requirements before production; do not rely on an adapter after delivery.
Check the centrifuge footprint, service clearance, floor loading, lifting and maintenance access, feed and return piping, sump level, overflow protection, drainage and the route used to remove collected solids. A model that fits the flow but cannot be serviced safely is not correctly selected.
For multiple machines, document which sumps are connected, whether fluids are chemically compatible and how the bypass flow is balanced. Mixing incompatible coolants or process residues can create a problem that separation equipment cannot correct.
INSTALLATION IMAGE · 4:3Footprint, service clearance, piping and electrical supplyFile: coolant-centrifuge-installation-layout.webp
Alt: Coolant centrifuge installation layout and electrical requirements
Alt: Coolant centrifuge installation layout and electrical requirements
08 · Pre-quote checklist
Send Enough Data for an Engineering Recommendation
A useful recommendation should explain why a model fits, what still needs testing and which conditions limit performance. Send measured information where possible instead of selecting from nominal pipe size or machine count alone.
Process and fluid
- Application and machine type
- Coolant or oil name and concentration
- Normal and maximum temperature
- Viscosity at operating temperature, if available
- Current filtration and observed problem
Flow and solids
- Required treatment flow and sump volume
- Number of machines and shift hours
- Metal type and contaminant description
- Estimated solids per shift or representative sample
- Required outlet or production result
Installation
- Automatic or manual discharge preference
- Available footprint and service clearance
- Voltage, frequency and phase
- Feed and return connection plan
- Photos, drawing or short operating video
If particle behavior or target cleanliness is uncertain, request a representative sample test. Record the tested model, flow, temperature, run time, feed sample, clarified sample and collected solids.
09 · Common questions
Coolant Centrifuge Selection FAQ
Should the centrifuge match the full machine circulation flow?
Not automatically. Many systems use a controlled bypass loop. Size the treatment flow from contamination generation, sump volume, turnover need and the verified separation condition.
Does a higher G-force always mean a better choice?
No. Higher G-force can help with difficult fines, but flow, solids capacity, temperature, discharge method and sample-test performance must be balanced.
When should I choose automatic discharge?
Choose it when solids are generated continuously or planned manual cleaning would interrupt production too often. Confirm the decision using actual solids load.
Can one central centrifuge serve different coolants?
Only after confirming the fluids and process residues are compatible. Do not mix incompatible chemistry simply to share one filtration system.
Is sample testing necessary?
Testing is recommended when particle behavior, viscosity, target cleanliness or production results cannot be confirmed from existing application evidence.
Application sizing
Request a Model Recommendation
Send your fluid, contaminant, treatment flow, sump volume, solids load, temperature and electrical supply. We will narrow the model range and identify any sample testing still required.
Request Application Sizing →Fluid · Contaminant · Flow · Sump · Solids load · Temperature · Voltage