How does a cream separator remove sediment and some bacteria from milk?

A cream separator functions as a high-speed centrifuge that utilizes centrifugal force to separate components of milk based on their density.12

When milk enters the rapidly revolving bowl of the separator, it is distributed through a series of disks. Because particles such as sediment, somatic cells, and some bacteria are denser than both cream and skim milk, the intense centrifugal force—often reaching 4,000 to 5,000 times the force of gravity—throws these heavier materials to the outer wall of the bowl.12

These impurities are collected in specialized pockets on the side of the separator as a substance known as "separator sludge." This material is then discharged periodically, either manually or automatically when the system senses a buildup, effectively acting as a clarifier to purify the milk.12