There is direct operator contact with the DE and process fluid. Membrane systems provide a contained system. Membrane Based Systems Versus Centrifuge Systems Centrifugal force separates materials of different densities. Centrifuges can retain solids for manual removal, periodically eject the solids, or continuously discharge solids. The dryness will depend upon the centrifuge type and the process fluid.
Centrifuges can provide a compact footprint and some types are contained systems.
A centrifuge will provide only one level of separation, whereas with membrane filtration different micron ratings will provide different effluent qualities as required for a specific application. Since membrane filters can provide a finer separation than the centrifuge, processing further downstream can be simplified. Cleaning the system after a process mission, depending upon the design of the centrifuge, can be very labor intensive and can involve direct operator contact with the process fluid. Membrane systems provide a contained system. Centrifuges generally require a high maintenance cost in comparison to membrane based systems.