Circumferentially driven continuous flow centrifuge

A centrifuge for rotating a fluid retentive housing having fluid input and output tubing fixedly connected to a rotation axis of the fluid retentive housing, the centrifuge comprising:

• a frame;
• a first rotatable mechanism having a rotation axis and a first diameter, the fluid retentive housing being coaxially mounted on the first rotatable mechanism for co-rotation therewith;
• a second rotatable mechanism having a rotation axis and a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the first and second rotatable mechanisms being coaxially mounted on the frame;
• the second rotatable mechanism having an outer circumferential surface engaged with a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism driving the outer circumferential surface such that the second rotatable mechanism rotates at a selected rotational speed X;
• the first rotatable mechanism being interconnected to the second rotatable mechanism such that the first rotatable mechanism rotates simultaneously with the second rotatable mechanism at a rotational speed of 2X;
• an elongated support arm mounted to the second rotatable mechanism the elongated support arm extending generally parallel to the rotation axis and being laterally offset from the rotation axis;
• an elongated support tube for receiving therethrough at least part of the distal length of said fluid tubing;
• an input guide member included on a first end of said support arm wherein said input guide member is arranged to direct said at least part of the distal length of said fluid tubing into one end of said support tube;
• and
• a bearing member for rotatably supporting said support tube in said support arm, whereby upon rotation of said first and second rotation mechanisms said fluid tubing is free to one of rotate with and rotate relative to said support tube.