Hand-Operated Centrifuge (10 ml)

MUD TESTING EQUIPMENT

For years, Inmotion Energy has supplied
precision instruments and drilling tools for
testing drilling fluids, well cements, and
completion fluids.

From our Bangalore facility, we provide
customers across India and the Middle East
with quality products and exceptional
service.

As an independent manufacturer, we have one priority: our customers.

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE

— Onshore & offshore drilling contractors
— National & independent oil companies
— Mud engineering & testing laboratories
— Well completion & workover operations

WHY CHOOSE US

— Rigorous quality control on every unit
— Fast turnaround on spares &
replacements
— Field-tested designs, built for uptime

INMOTION ENERGY (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION — Hand-Operated Centrifuge (10 ml)

Model: IM-CEN-SY2 Compliance / target standard: ASTM D96 / Quick Field Test

The hand-operated centrifuge is a portable, power-free instrument for quickly separating phases or sediment from a small sample. A crank drives a gear train that spins a four-place rotor carrying 10 mL screw-cap conical tubes. Because the tubes swing to the horizontal, heavier material collects in the tube tip where its volume can be read against the graduations. It is used where a laboratory centrifuge or electricity is not available.

Figure 7. Hand-Operated Centrifuge (10 ml) (reference photograph). Components are listed on page 2.

Intended applications

• Rapid check of water and sediment in oil-based mud filtrate or base oil.
• Field estimate of solids content in small fluid samples.
• Checking oil/water separation of emulsions and returns.
• Backup for a bench centrifuge when power is unavailable.

FEATURES

• Four-place rotor for 10 mL graduated conical tubes with screw caps (two or four tubes can be run).
• Manual crank with gear multiplier; no electricity required.
• Heavy base plate with rubber feet for stable operation on a bench.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Simple construction with few wearing parts.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Drive	Manual crank with gear train
Capacity	Up to 4 x 10 mL graduated conical screw-cap tubes
Speed	Operator dependent; keep cranking rate constant for repeatability
Mounting	Base plate with rubber feet
Result	Volume of separated phase or sediment, mL or %
Typical Use	Quick field test
Materials	Metal body, glass tubes

Values are typical for this equipment class based on API/ASTM practice and manufacturer literature (OFITE, Fann, Chandler); confirm against the Inmotion datasheet before use in a certificate or specification.

Main components (see Figure 7)

No.	Component
1	Crank handle
2	Gear housing
3	Rotor arm
4	10 mL tubes
5	Base plate with feet

Principle of operation

Rotation creates a centrifugal force many times greater than gravity, driving denser water or solids outward to the tip of each tube while lighter oil stays above. After a fixed time the separated volumes are read from the graduations. A hand centrifuge cannot reach the force of a powered laboratory unit, so results are indicative unless the cranking rate and time are standardised.

Basic operating procedure

1. Place the centrifuge on a stable bench where the crank can turn freely.
2. Fill the tubes with equal volumes of sample and screw on the caps; load them in opposite positions (2 or 4
tubes) to balance the rotor.
3. Place the tubes in the arms and check that they swing freely.
4. Turn the crank at a steady, fast rate for the specified time (for example 5 minutes).
5. Stop, allow the rotor to come to rest, remove the tubes and read the separated volumes.
6. Repeat if the reading is still changing; record the result and clean the tubes.

Calibration and maintenance

• Lubricate gears and bearings with light grease as per the manual.
• Inspect tube holders and rotor for cracks and wear.
• Replace chipped or cracked tubes.
• Keep clean and dry; store covered.

Safety precautions

• Always load tubes in opposite pairs so the rotor is balanced; never run with a single tube.
• Keep hands and clothing away from the moving rotor.
• Wear eye protection when centrifuging hydrocarbon samples.

Reference sources