How does a basket centrifuge remove liquid from sugar crystals?

A basket centrifuge removes liquid from sugar crystals by utilizing a cylindrical rotor equipped with a perforated wall, often lined with a fine mesh screen.1

When the mixture of crystals and mother liquor is placed in the basket, the machine spins at high speeds. This centrifugal force drives the liquid through the screen, while the sugar crystals—which are too large to pass through—are deposited against the wall of the basket.12

To further refine the process, a fine jet of water is often sprayed onto the sugar pressed against the basket wall. This washing step helps reduce the syrup coating on each crystal, increasing the purity of the final product. Once the separation is complete, the resulting molasses is removed, and the washed sugar is discharged for drying.23