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.
The use of new membrane-based separations equipment is likely to be strongly considered for an expansion or a new process. It may prove to be judicious to use the membrane based system in conjunction with the traditional equipment.