Centrifuges

A centrifuge is a machine that uses the centrifugal force created by rotation to separate liquid from solid, or substances of different densities from one another; in beekeeping the best-known centrifuge is the honey extractor (honey centrifuge, honey spinner), which removes honey from uncapped combs. There are also cappings spinners and laboratory centrifuges used in honey analysis. Royal jelly, however, is obtained not by centrifuge but by careful collection and fine straining.

How does a centrifuge work?

When a container spins fast, everything in it is pushed outwards from the axis of rotation. This centrifugal force increases with rotation speed and distance from the axis. In a honey extractor the frames spin in a basket; the honey in the comb cells is flung out, hits the wall of the tank and runs down to the bottom. The comb is held by the basket mesh or the frame and stays intact.

In a laboratory centrifuge the same principle works at much higher speeds: when a diluted honey sample is spun, heavy particles (pollen grains, yeast cells, wax crumbs) collect as sediment at the bottom of the tube.

What types of centrifuge are used in beekeeping?

Tangential honey extractor

The frames are placed in the basket with their flat faces facing outwards. At each spin only the outward-facing side of the comb is emptied; then the frames are turned and the other side is extracted. In small models the frames are turned by hand; in reversible (self-reversing) models the baskets pivot on their own axes so all frames are turned together. Tangential machines empty honey very thoroughly; with heavy, full combs, the first side is half emptied and the frame turned to avoid breaking the comb, then the other side is emptied fully.

Radial honey extractor

The frames are arranged like the spokes of a wheel, with their top bars facing outwards. Because the comb cells slope slightly upwards, both sides empty at the same time and there is no need to turn the frames. It takes many frames; motorised, speed-controlled models are common in commercial beekeeping. Emptying may take a little longer than in a tangential machine.

Horizontal and industrial extractors

Large operations use high-capacity extractors that spin frames on a horizontal axis or work in a line with an uncapping machine and pump. These give high throughput but require investment, space and maintenance.

Cappings spinner

The wax caps (cappings) removed during uncapping carry a certain amount of honey. A cappings spinner separates the honey from the wax by spinning the cappings in a perforated basket. It is faster than leaving the cappings to drain for days and recovers the honey without heating it. The remaining wax is melted down and used.

Laboratory centrifuge

For pollen analysis (melissopalynology), honey is diluted with water and centrifuged; the sediment collected at the bottom is examined under the microscope to assess the botanical and geographical origin of the honey. This is laboratory equipment, not the beekeeper's; but a beekeeper's origin claim is supported by this method.

Is a centrifuge used in royal jelly production?

Royal jelly is usually harvested from grafted cups on the third day. First the larva is removed with tweezers, then the royal jelly is collected with a small spatula or a vacuum suction device. In Türkiye, the Turkish Food Codex defines royal jelly as a product "free of larvae"; that is why the collected product is passed through a fine strainer to separate it from larvae and wax fragments.

A centrifuge is not a common production tool in this process. Royal jelly is thick, collected in small quantities and sensitive to warmth and air; unnecessary processing lowers its quality. For royal jelly, you are more likely to come across a centrifuge at the laboratory sample preparation stage.

What should you look for when choosing a honey extractor?

How do you use a honey extractor?

1. Secure the machine: An extractor shakes while spinning; fix it to the floor or a sturdy stand.
2. Balance the load: Frames opposite each other should weigh about the same. An unbalanced load makes the machine "walk" and wears the bearings.
3. Extract honey while warm: Honey freshly taken from the hive at room temperature flows easily. Honey is hard to extract from combs that have been standing in a cold room.
4. Start slowly: Spin at low speed for the first few minutes and speed up as the combs lighten. New, thin combs break easily at high speed.
5. Manage the honey gate: Open the gate before the honey collecting at the bottom of the tank reaches the basket; put a bucket with a strainer underneath.
6. Check emptying: Hold the frame up to the light and look at the cells; if honey remains, give it another short spin.

Extractor maintenance and cleaning

• Wash straight away: When extraction is finished, wash the tank and basket with lukewarm water; dried honey is hard to remove and attracts ants and bees.
• Dry thoroughly: Water left at the bottom of the tank mixes into the honey at the next extraction.
• Look after bearings and gears: The mechanical parts should be kept maintained with the food-grade lubricant recommended by the manufacturer, without contact with the food.
• Store covered: Over winter, keep the lid closed or the machine covered to protect it from dust and insects.
• Hygiene: The machine used for combs from diseased hives must not be mixed up with combs from healthy hives; if notifiable foulbrood is suspected, frames and equipment are not moved around.

Common mistakes

• Extracting brood frames: Combs containing brood are not extracted; the honey becomes contaminated with brood remains.
• Extracting uncapped honey: Unripe honey has a high moisture content and ferments.
• Starting at full speed: Combs break and frame wires snap.
• Unbalanced load: The machine vibrates and, if not fixed down, can tip over.
• Unsuitable material: In an old extractor with flaking paint or rust, the honey picks up metal and paint residues.