Decanter Centrifuges: Continuous Separation for Industrial Efficiency
Decanter centrifuges are powerful mechanical devices designed for the continuous separation of solids and liquids in slurry or sludge mixtures. They are essential to a broad range of industries—from wastewater treatment to food and beverage processing—where high-volume, efficient, and automatic separation is crucial for product quality and environmental compliance.
What Is a Decanter Centrifuge?
A decanter centrifuge operates on the principle of centrifugal force to separate components with different densities. The machine consists of a rotating bowl and a screw conveyor inside. When a feed slurry enters the rotating bowl, the centrifugal force causes the denser solids to move outward to the bowl wall, while the lighter liquid phase forms a separate layer.
The screw conveyor rotates at a slightly different speed, pushing the settled solids (also known as "cake") toward the discharge end, while the clarified liquid exits at the opposite end.
Key Components
Rotating Bowl: High-speed spinning creates centrifugal force
Screw Conveyor: Continuously conveys separated solids
Feed Inlet: Introduces slurry into the centrifuge
Solids and Liquid Discharge Ports: Allow for continuous separation and removal
Drive Systems: May include dual motors for independent control of bowl and screw speeds