Industrial centrifuge principle revealed

The core principle of an industrial centrifuge is to use centrifugal force to accelerate the separation of components of different density or particle size in a mixture. Its working principle is based on the density difference and inertia in physics. The following is a detailed analysis:

Core principle: centrifugal force and separation mechanism

- Centrifugal force formula:

F=m⋅ω2⋅r

(F: centrifugal force; m: particle mass; ω: angular velocity; r: rotation radius)

- The higher the speed and the larger the drum diameter, the stronger the centrifugal force and the more significant the separation effect.

- Separation basis:

- Density difference: Components of different densities (such as solid particles and liquids) are separated under the action of centrifugal force (heavy phase outward, light phase inward).

- Particle size difference: In a filter centrifuge, the size of the particle determines whether it can pass through the filter.

Main separation methods

(1) Sedimentation separation (without filter media)

- Process:

1. The mixture enters the high-speed rotating drum to form an annular liquid layer.

2. Solid particles with high density or heavy liquid phase (such as sludge, water in oil and water) settle to the inner wall of the drum under the action of centrifugal force.

3. Light liquid phase (such as clear liquid, oil) is discharged through the overflow port.

- Typical applications:

- Horizontal screw centrifuge (sludge dehydration), disc separator (milk degreasing).

(2) Filtration separation (with filter media)

- Process:

1. The suspension passes through the filter cloth or screen, and the liquid passes through the filter holes under the action of centrifugal force.

2. The solid particles are trapped to form a filter cake, which is further dehydrated.

- Typical applications:

- Three-legged centrifuge (pharmaceutical crystal separation), scraper discharge centrifuge (chemical product drying).

(3) Combined separation

- Sedimentation before filtration, suitable for complex mixtures (such as viscous liquids containing fine particles).

Key components and functions

- Drum: core rotating component, determines separation efficiency (material must be corrosion-resistant and high-pressure resistant).

- Differential (horn centrifuge): adjusts the speed difference between the screw and the drum to achieve continuous discharge of the solid phase.

- Disc pack (disc separator): increases sedimentation area and improves separation accuracy.

- Control system: adjusts parameters such as speed, feed rate, and temperature.

Influencing factors

- Speed: The higher the speed, the better the separation effect, but the energy consumption and equipment wear increase.

- Material characteristics:

- The greater the density difference, the easier it is to separate.

- Too high viscosity will reduce the sedimentation rate.

- Residence time: The drum length/angle affects the material residence time (horn centrifuge).

Comparison with gravity sedimentation

| Parameters | Centrifugal separation | Gravity sedimentation |

|----------------|---------------------------|--------------------------|

| Driving force | Centrifugal force (up to thousands of times the force of gravity) | Natural gravity |

| Speed | Seconds to minutes | Hours to days |

| Applicable scenarios | Micron-sized particles, emulsions | Large particles, low-viscosity suspensions |

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