Industrial Centrifuge: A Guide To Filtration & Sedimentation Centrifuges

Industrial centrifuges are among the most basic machines in various industries employed to separate liquids from solids, or two liquids of a different density. The centrifugal force resulting from these machines helps to separate the materials efficiently. Industrial centrifuges are generally categorized into two major groups. These are: Filtration and Sedimentation centrifuges. Each type serves distinct purposes and is designed for specific industry applications.

Filtration Centrifuge

A filtration centrifuge employs a rotating basket with perforations to allow liquid to pass through while retaining solid particles. The use of these types is mostly possible when there exist materials to be separated composed of liquid and solids. Amongst the generally available types of filtration centrifuges, the most common ones are:

Perforate Basket Centrifuge: This is the most dominant kind of filtration centrifuge, used for efficiency in separation process in batch activity of liquids from solid suspensions.

Pusher Centrifuge: This kind of continuous operation centrifuge may also be used for high throughput capacities wherein solid "pushed" through the system results in proper separation of the liquid.

Peeler Centrifuge: This peeler centrifuge is primarily used in industries that require the output to be of high accuracy, for instance, in the pharmaceutical or chemical industry because of the suspended solids removal in the drum.

Some of the important applications of the filtration centrifuges are in the treatment of water so as to remove the suspended solids within it to make it safe for discharge or further processing. Filtration centrifuges are another example and are widely used in the process of extraction of active ingredients from plants, including cannabis. An example is the series of perforate basket centrifuges HHP by Reyes Machinery, specifically utilized for hemp washing with ethanol. The structure of this centrifuge has a closed form with explosion-proof features, and temperature control in order to carry out safe, efficient plant extraction.

Sedimentation Centrifuge

Unlike filtration centrifuges, sedimentation centrifuges use a solid bowl with no openings to separate materials. The centrifugal force causes the solids to accumulate along the walls of the bowl while the liquid separates and exits through a designated outlet. The most common types of sedimentation centrifuges are:

Decanter Centrifuge: A versatile sedimentation centrifuge used across various industries. It is particularly efficient in continuous operations where separating solids from liquids is necessary.

Disk-stack Centrifuge: This type of centrifuge features a series of stacked disks that increase the surface area for separation, making it ideal for high-speed operations.

Tubular Bowl Centrifuge: Known for its high rotational speed, this centrifuge is used for applications that require the separation of materials with fine particles.

One of the primary uses of sedimentation centrifuges is in industrial wastewater treatment, where they are employed to separate suspended solids from the water. Decanter centrifuges, for example, can handle large volumes of water and solids, making them suitable for industries like refining, energy, and pulp and paper manufacturing.

Key Differences Between Filtration and Sedimentation Centrifuges

The fundamental difference between filtration and sedimentation centrifuges lies in the design of the bowl. A filtration centrifuge has a perforated bowl that allows liquid to pass through, while a sedimentation centrifuge has a solid bowl that retains the solids. Additionally, sedimentation centrifuges tend to offer higher centrifugal forces, leading to more efficient separation processes. Filtration centrifuges, on the other hand, are often preferred when high throughput and continuous operation are needed.

Industry Applications

Industrial centrifuges are highly versatile machines that are used across various sectors, including:

Refining: Industrial Centrifuges play a critical role in refining processes by separating contaminants from crude oil and other substances.

Energy: In the energy sector, centrifuges help manage waste and separate valuable resources.

Oil Industry: Filtration and sedimentation centrifuges are employed in oil extraction and purification processes.

Pulp and Paper: Industrial Centrifuges are crucial in the production of paper, as they separate water from the pulp.

Chemical Industry: In chemical manufacturing, industrial centrifuge help in separating different chemical components.

Wastewater Treatment Plants: Both filtration and sedimentation centrifuges are extensively used in treating industrial wastewater to meet environmental regulations.

Conclusion

The industrial centrifuge is a powerful tool that plays a significant role in modern manufacturing and processing industries. From separating solids from liquids in wastewater treatment plants to extracting valuable compounds from plants, the industrial centrifuge is indispensable. Whether using filtration or sedimentation processes, these centrifuges from Reyes Machinery ensure high-efficiency separation, which contributes to increased productivity and better resource management across industries. For industries that rely heavily on the separation of different materials, investing in the right type of centrifuge is critical for success.