Disk stack centrifuge

Types of Disk Stack Centrifuge

Industrial centrifuge separators use centrifugal force to separate substances with different densities in a mixture. A disk stack centrifuge is a type of industrial centrifuge that consists mainly of a solid cone-shaped stack of discs contained within a cylindrical bowl. What sets the disk stack centrifuge apart from other centrifuges is its high-speed rotating disc. The disc is often made of stainless steel or other metal alloys and is clamped to a central shaft. As the material enters the rotor's center, the high centrifugal force separates it into layers based on density.

There are several types of disk stack centrifuges that perform separation:

• Clarifier: A clarifier centrifuge is primarily used for liquid-solid separation. It usually has a feed pipe at the top of the rotor where the mixture enters. The solids are then isolated from the liquid and eventually discharged out of the centrifuge. Because the large volume of the clarifier allows for greater sedimentation space, many solids can be processed.
• Peeler: This type of centrifuge comes with a disc stack that also separates liquids from solids. Unlike the clarifier, a peeler centrifuge will remove the separated solids while the centrifuge is still in operation. This leads to a higher productivity level than the clarifier.
• Extractor: An extractor centrifuge is a device that separates one liquid from another by capitalizing on the differences in their densities. This mostly involves a mixture where one component is a solid suspension, such as impurities, and the other is a valuable solution sitting on top. When the centrifuge is in operation, the solid impurity settles down by the outer wall of the bowl, and the liquid with a certain degree of purity is then discharged through different outlets. Another distinguishing feature of an extractor centrifuge is that water or another solvent may be used to enhance the extraction process.
• Bowl with a disc stack: The main part of every separator is the disc stack itself. The disc stack comprises a number of metal discs arranged one above the other, each separated by a thin gap. The stack increases the centrifugal force surface area for better separation. There are three main disc stack designs to choose from. An N-shaped disc stack has a wide separation channel for feeding materials. A K-shaped disc stack has a more slender separation channel, and a special double-cone disc stack focuses on the effective treatment of sludges.

Specification and Maintenance

Specifications for disk stack centrifuges vary depending on what the model is designed to do. Some essential specifications to note include the:

• Drum Size: The drum size affects how much feed the disk stack centrifuge can process. The size also influences the separation efficiency and retention time of the material being processed.
• Speed: The speed of the centrifuge is usually measured in revolutions per minute (rpm), and it shows how fast the drum of the disc centrifuge rotates. Working speed varies from model to model, but some machines can achieve up to 30,000 rpm.
• Separation Efficiency: This refers to the centrifuge's ability to separate different components of a mixture. The disk stack centrifuges efficiency largely depends on the design of its disks and the peripheral they are offered with.
• Drive Motor Power: This refers to the motor power needed to achieve the drum speed and maintain operating performance during the intended separation processes.

Disk stack centrifuges require regular maintenance (monthly, quarterly, biannually, and annually) of the separation unit and feeding pump to ensure they work efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips for the disk centrifuge maker:

• Monthly: Check the drip pan below the discharge opening to see if there's any leak. If there is, make a note of it, and then, explore the cause of the discharge failure and diagnose the issue.
• Every quarter: Check the belt for any signs of damage or wear. If the disk separation centrifuge has spark plugs, examine them and clean any rags with detergent.
• Biannually: Set aside some time to clean the discharge area and the drip pan with suitable detergent or rags. Also, calibrate the feeding pump to ensure the right flow of feed material to the centrifuge is maintained.
• Annually: Check the main components of the disk stack centrifuge, such as the motor, bearings, belts, and feeding shut valve for any signs of wear or damage. If there is any need for repair or servicing, consult an expert. Also, consult an expert to learn whether the feeding pump requires replacement.

Applications of Disk Stack Centrifuges

The main purpose of a disc stack centrifuge is to separate substances. Nevertheless, its mixture of fluids finds use in a variety of industries. The food disc centrifuge has applications in the processing of dairy products like yogurt and the extraction of fruit juices and wines. In the juice extraction process, the centrifuge separates pulp from clear juice. Similarly, disc centrifuges clarify oil by separating solid impurities from edible vegetable oil. In dairy processing, the centrifuge separates cream or fat from milk.

Pharmaceutical industries use disc stack centrifuges to separate bacteria, yeast, and solvents from the desired products. The main goal is to obtain a concentrated product free from impurities.

A disc stack centrifuge with different features and specifications is ideal for different oil extraction processes. It separates unwanted solid matter in the crude oil refining stage to produce high-quality essential oils. Additionally, disc stack centrifuges have applications in the processing of fish oil, animal oil, and waste oil.

X-ray machines and dialysis machines are just a couple of examples of how disc stack centrifuges separate differently in the medical industry. They separate blood parts, plasma, and other medical components. Medical professionals can run precise tests and analyses thanks to this.

Moreover, in the wastewater treatment industry, a disc stack centrifuge stands out as a pivotal instrument for effective waste disposal. Its primary role lies in the separation of solid particles present in the wastewater. By doing so, it facilitates the extraction of valuable reusable water. The centrifuge's ability to swiftly and efficiently separate solids from liquids empowers the treatment process, promoting sustainability through water recycling. Furthermore, the disc stack centrifuge aids in diminishing the volume of solid waste generated during wastewater treatment, streamlining subsequent disposal procedures.

How to Choose a Disk Stack Centrifuge

• Product Quality:

  Knowing the material, technology, craftsmanship, and design of a disk stack centrifuge's key components, such as its separator body, transmission system, and feeding system, will assist buyers in determining its quality. Buyers can also look for common certifications like CE, ISO, etc.

• Working Process:

  Understand the working process of the disk sedimentation centrifuge separator. Some suppliers offer working videos which are very helpful. Acknowledging how a machine works helps buyers know how to operate and maintain it. It also helps them to train their employees in case they decide to buy one.

• After-sale Services:

  When a buyer receives the stock or shipment, they expect the products to be in good shape and correctly packed. They want the supplier to have a smooth and timely delivery service. In case the buyer needs help with the product, they want the seller to have helpful and fast after-sale services. In all these situations, good logistics is essential and makes the buying process easy and reliable.

• Variety of uses:

  Disk centrifugures can be used in many industries. A few examples include pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, energy production, wastewater treatment, chemical and petrochemical, and refining industries. It is crucial to know if a specific disk centrifuge model can be used in more than one industry. This information can help buyers know the value of each disk centrifuge. It also helps them make a business case when they have to buy more machines in the future.

• Applicable materials:

  Some disk stack centrifuges can work with fragile, large, or fibrous materials. Knowing this specific information will help buyers understand the capabilities of each device. It also helps to know the limits of each model. Buyers are better positioned to meet the demands of their applications when they have this information. Buyers can provide their supply partners with material samples so suppliers can give them the most suitable devices.

Disk stack centrifuge Q&A

Q1: What are the benefits of using a disc stack centrifuge in a business setting?

A1: Disc stack centrifuges are industrial workhorses renowned for their high performance and efficiency, especially in large-scale applications. They consume less energy per unit processed than many separation methods. This translates to lower operational costs, higher profit margins, and more stable products for businesses. The durability of disc stack centrifuges also means that they require less frequent maintenance, giving companies greater uptime and reducing the costs associated with routine equipment care.

Q2: How do disc stack centrifuges manage to process such large volumes in a day?

A2: Disc stack centrifuges are designed specifically for high-capacity processing. Their spinning discs create multiple smaller separation cavities within the centrifuge, significantly increasing the device's surface area without enlarging its footprint. This disc configuration promotes accelerated segregation of components and rapid discharge of separated materials, resulting in daily processing volumes that far exceed those of traditional separation methods.

Q3: Are there different types of disc stack centrifuges to consider for specific industry needs?

A3: Yes, when examining how disc stack centrifuges function, it becomes apparent that there isn't a one-size-fits-all model. There are variations tailored to distinct industrial needs. Some are optimized to handle high capacities, while others are designed to operate at peak effectiveness for specific fluid viscosities. Additionally, certain models might be built to accommodate larger particles, making them more suitable for specific industries like food processing or wastewater treatment. Conversely, disc stack centrifuges used in industries like pharmaceutical might be crafted for even finer separations.