Decanter centrifuge

The working principles of the decanter centrifuge are based on the sedimentation process. A process that leads to the separation of suspended solid particles using the property of being denser than the liquid phase in which they are suspended. If the density difference is large, it is possible that the sedimentation process can be done in a reasonable and practical period of time. But if the density difference is small or the particle size is very small, the settling time will be long. In this case, the separation force must be accompanied by another force called centrifugal force.

Different types of solid phase sedimentation system by decanter centrifuge centrifugal force:
Centrifugal force can be created by the rotating flow properties of the slurry or by a mechanical rotating system.

There are different types of solid phase sedimentation system by centrifugal force, which are as follows:

• Centrifuge type of tube chamber: generally used for liquid/liquid phase separation.
• Impermeable basket type centrifuge: generally used for solid/liquid phase separation.
• Disc-type centrifuge: for liquid/liquid phase separation (like cream from milk), but upgraded for continuous solids separation

The special feature of the decanter among a range of centrifuges is the ability to remove the separated solids from the incoming stream continuously and without interruption. This process can be done without needing special care, without stopping for weeks or even months.
Below is a comparison between the decanter and other solid phase settling systems:

• Compared to gravity separation (solid settling over time and due to the natural force of the earth's gravity): the decanter can perform separations that are impossible in terms of time and economy.
• Compared to hydrocyclone separation (separation by liquid rotation system in a cone): the decanter has a much higher capacity and can separate or concentrate a much larger amount of slurry.
• Compared to tube chamber type centrifuge: decanter has more capacity and performs operations continuously.
• Compared to the impenetrable basket type centrifuge: the decanter performs the operation continuously and the solid obtained from the process is drier.
• Compared to the disk type centrifuge: the decanter performs the operation continuously and the solid obtained from the process is drier. Of course, compared to the disk type centrifuge, it is possible that the liquid obtained from the decanter is less pure.
• In addition, the decanter has a higher efficiency compared to other types of filter separators such as the filter press device.