Accelerating the process

In essence, a centrifuge is a settling tank whose base is wrapped around a centre line. Rotating this entire unit rapidly means that the effect of gravity is replaced by a controllable centrifugal force that can have an effect up to 10,000 times greater.

This force is then used to separate liquids from other liquids and solids efficiently and with great accuracy, and in a manner that is easy to control.

How a disc stack centrifuge works
A disc stack centrifuge separates solids and one or two liquid phases from each other in one single continuous process, using extremely high centrifugal forces.

When the denser solids are subjected to such forces, they are forced outwards against the rotating bowl wall, while the less dense liquid phases form concentric inner layers.

The area where these two different liquid phases meet is called the interface position. This can be easily varied in order to ensure that the separation takes place with maximum efficiency.

Inserting special plates (the “disc stack”) provides additional surface settling area, which contributes to speeding up the separation process dramatically. It is the particular configuration, shape and design of these plates that make it possible for a disc stack centrifuge to undertake the continuous separation of a wide range of different solids from either one or two liquids.

The concentrated solids phase formed by the particles can be removed continuously, intermittently or manually, depending on centrifuge type and the amount of solids involved in the specific application The clarified liquid phase (or phases) overflow close to the rotating axis, in the outlet area on top of the bowl. The liquids then flow into separate chambers. Each separated liquid phase then leaves the bowl due to the force of gravity or by means of a paring disc, which is a special pumping device. The chambers can be sealed off from each other to prevent any risk of cross-contamination.