An industrial decanter centrifuge is a high-speed, continuous-operation machine designed to separate solid materials from liquids (solid-liquid separation) or sometimes two liquids with different densities. Utilizing intense centrifugal force—often exceeding 3,000 times gravity—it efficiently processes slurries with high solid content across industries like wastewater, oil/gas, food, and chemicals.
Key Components and Working Principle
Rotating Bowl: A horizontal, cylindrical-conical bowl rotates at high speeds, forcing denser solids toward the wall.
Scroll Conveyor: A screw conveyor (scroll) spins inside the bowl at a slightly different speed, mechanically pushing the separated solids toward the conical end for discharge.
Liquid Outlet: The separated clear liquid (centrate) travels in the opposite direction, exiting through adjustable weirs.
Key Features and Benefits
Continuous Process: Operates continuously, making it ideal for large-scale production and handling high-volume sludge.
Versatility: Capable of 2-phase (solid-liquid) and 3-phase (solid-liquid-liquid) separation, such as in olive oil production.
Efficiency: Offers high capacity, low-cost separation, and can handle a wide variety of feedstock.
Customization: Available in stainless steel, with wear protection for abrasive materials and explosion-proof designs for chemical applications.
Common Applications
Environmental: Dewatering municipal and industrial wastewater sludge.
Energy: Oilfield drilling mud treatment and oily sludge treatment.
Food Processing: Olive oil, fruit juice, fish meal, and beer production.
Industrial: Chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and mineral processing.