Apparatus and method for a high-efficiency self-cleaning centrifuge having concentrate cylinders

A self-cleaning centrifuge for clarifying contaminated liquids has a rotor assembly comprising nested first and second sets of concentric cylinders supported for rotation about an axis. The sets of concentric cylinders are rotatably connected. A motor is connected to rotate one of the sets. Contaminated liquid is supplied to the nested cylinders, and the liquid provides coupling between both of the sets so that both sets rotate about the axis. Centrifugal force causes foreign matter to collect on the circumferential surfaces of the cylinders. The resultant clarified liquid is collected for reuse. A selectively utilized brake provides sudden braking of one of the rotating sets to purge collected foreign matter from the cylinders. The purged foreign matter is collected for disposal.