Disc Centrifuge
What is a disc stack centrifuge?
Disc Stack Centrifuge | Bowl Disc
A disc stack centrifuge (conical plate centrifuge) is a type of high-speed centrifuge used to separate liquids with different densities or solid particles from liquids based on centrifugal force (g-force). A disc stack separator consists of a vertical stack of conical discs (conical plates, disc stack) inside a cylindrical bowl (centrifuge bowl). The centrifugal force generated by the spinning replaces the force of gravity. When the centrifugal separator spins at high speeds, the centrifugal force causes the denser components to move outward toward the edge of the centrifuge bowl (rotor) while the light phase moves toward the bowl center.
Key Components of Disc Stack Centrifuge
Centrifuge Bowl: The main container where separation occurs.
Bowl Discs: A stack of conical plates (conical discs) increases the settling surface area for separation, increasing the separation efficiency.
Inlet and Outlet: Fluids are introduced through the inlet and separated into different outlets for solids, heavy liquids, and light liquids.
Common Applications of a Disc Stack Centrifuge
– Separators for the biopharmaceutical industry
– Separators for chemical and manufacturing industries
– Separators for dairy processing
– Separators for energy and power generation
– Separators for food and beverage industries
– Separators for the maritime industry
– Separators for the oil and gas industry
– Separators for industrial fluids
– Separators for hydraulic oils
– Separators for lubricating oils
A disc stack centrifuge efficiently separates complex mixtures by exploiting differences in density, making it ideal for continuous processing in various industries.
How does a disc stack centrifuge work?
A disc stack centrifuge separates solids and one or two liquids simultaneously. This single continuous separation process uses extremely high centrifugal forces (high gravitational force). The denser solids subjected to this g-force move outwards towards the rotating bowl wall, while the less dense liquid phases form concentric inner layers. The separated heavy phase (solids) accumulate within the bowl periphery and are either manually removed or self-ejected (self-cleaning) from the centrifuge bowl.
The separated liquid phase(s) radiate inward towards the centrifuge bowl center. The liquid(s) overflow through outlet openings in the centrifuge bowl top disc. The liquid phase(s) overflow is close to the rotating bowl axis in the outlet area on top of the centrifuge bowl. In the case of two (2) liquids, separate outlet chambers allow the two (2) liquids to exit the centrifuge bowl through independent passages.
Need your disc stack separator serviced? By servicing your centrifugal separator regularly, you can address potential issues before they become major problems. This can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. But the benefits of regular servicing go beyond just avoiding costly breakdowns.
How does a disc stack centrifuge work?
Different types of disc stack separation?
Centrifugal Clarification (Solid-Liquid Separation)
A centrifugal separator setup for clarification (centrifugal clarifier) is utilized for solid-liquid separation. A clarifier removes solids such as solid particles, metal shavings in oil, sediments, metal particles, small particles, and natural organic matter from processed liquids.
A clarifier is also widely utilized to clean lubricating oil and hydraulic oils. To learn more about engine lubrication, read Engine Lubrication 101: Protect Your Engine and Save Money. Clarifier centrifuges separate solids from liquids in many industries, including food and beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical.
Centrifugal Purification (Solid-Liquid-Liquid Separation)
A centrifugal separator setup for purification (centrifugal purifier) is utilized for liquid-liquid-solid separation. A purifier separates (2) two liquid phases of different densities and solids. It is commonly used to clean water, mineral oil, and solid particles from each other.
A purifier is commonly utilized to clean marine diesel oil (MDO). A marine diesel oil purifier will remove unwanted solid impurities/contaminants and water from the diesel oil, ensuring clean fuel for the engines. To learn more about fuel oil engine filtration read Engine Filtration: Essential Fuel and Lube Oil Solutions for Peak Performance.
Centrifugal Concentration
A centrifugal separator setup for concentration (concentrator) is utilized to separate three (3) different phases, one (1) solid phase and two (2) liquid phases of different densities, and clean the densest/heaviest liquid phase.
Who invented the disc type centrifuge?
In 1886, Clemens Freiherr von Bechtolsheim, in Germany, invented and patented the disc type centrifuge (conical plate centrifuge). This innovation in milk centrifuges enabled more cream to be separated through refined conical plate inserts (bowl disc stacks) in the separation drum (centrifuge bowl). A disc stack increases the centrifugal separator’s capacity. The disc stack bowl increases the separation surface area. His patent for the conical metal disc was acquired by Gustaf DeLaval and called “Alfa discs.”
The invention of the disc type centrifuge revolutionized the dairy industry. The great advantage of using the cream separator with a bowl disc (conical plates) was saving time in creaming the milk and saving cream. This means the disc centrifuge separation task produced more cream than the general force of gravity method (settling tank). The higher separation efficiency results from the combination of centrifugal force and conical plate centrifuge (disc centrifuge).
Unlock Separation Efficiency with the Power of Disc Centrifuge!
To learn more about disc stack separator technology, visit the following blogs:
To learn more about high speed separators, read High Speed Separator Basics.
To learn more about industrial centrifuges and decanter centrifuges, read Boost Your Operations with an Industrial Centrifuge for Optimum Efficiency.
To learn more about disc centrifuge filters, read Superb results with Disc Centrifuge Filters.
To learn more about Alfa Laval fuel oil centrifuge, read How does an Alfa Laval MAB centrifuge work?
To learn about other separation technology solutions, visit the following blogs:
To learn more about centrifugal filtration, read What is Centrifugal Filtration?
To learn more about full-flow lube filtration, read Full-flow Oil Filter — a one-system approach is not enough!
To learn more about automatic backwash lube filters, read Add a Centrifuge to your Self-Cleaning Lube Oil Filter for better engine protection.
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