Centrifugal Purifier Working Principle

A centrifugal purifier works on the principle of centrifugal separation, which uses high-speed rotation to separate substances of different densities, such as oil, water, and impurities. The key concept is that when a mixture is subjected to high centrifugal forces, the heavier components move outward to the periphery, while the lighter components stay closer to the center.

 Working Principle of a Centrifugal Purifier:

1. Introduction of the Mixture:

   - The mixture (such as fuel oil mixed with water and impurities) is fed into the rotating bowl of the centrifugal purifier. The bowl rotates at a high speed, creating strong centrifugal forces.

2. Centrifugal Separation:

   - As the bowl spins, the centrifugal forces push the heavier components, such as water, sludge, and solid particles, outward toward the wall of the bowl.

   - The lighter component (clean oil) stays closer to the center. The separation is based on the density difference between the various components.

3. Separation Using a Disc Stack:

   - Inside the bowl, there is a stack of conical discs that provide a large surface area for separation. The oil flows upward through these discs, and the centrifugal force separates the components more effectively.

   - The discs reduce the distance that particles have to travel to reach the outer edge, enhancing the efficiency of the separation process.

4. Formation of Different Layers:

   - In the rotating bowl, three distinct layers form:

     - Heavy Phase: The outermost layer, consisting of the heaviest components (water and sludge).

     - Light Phase: The middle layer, consisting of the cleaned oil.

     - Separated Water or Sludge Layer: The innermost layer, closer to the wall.

5. Discharge of Separated Phases:

   - The purified oil is discharged from the top of the bowl through an outlet pipe.

   - The separated water and sludge are discharged either continuously or periodically through a discharge port, depending on whether the purifier is a self-cleaning or manually cleaned type.

6. Control Using a Gravity Disc (Optional):

   - In some centrifugal purifiers, a gravity disc is used to control the interface position between the oil and water. This ensures the correct separation of the phases and helps adjust for different oil densities.

 Types of Centrifugal Purifiers:

- Clarifiers: Used to remove fine solids and sludge from liquids.

- Purifiers: Used to separate water and impurities from oils.

- Self-Cleaning Purifiers: Feature automatic sludge discharge mechanisms for continuous operation.

- Non-Self-Cleaning Purifiers: Require manual cleaning and sludge removal.

 Applications:

Centrifugal purifiers are widely used in industries like marine, power generation, oil refining, and food processing to purify lubricating oils, fuel oils, and other liquid mixtures.

The centrifugal purifier is highly effective for separating immiscible liquids with different densities and removing fine solid particles, thereby improving the quality and usability of the purified liquid.