decanter machine

Types of decanter machines

A decanter machine is an industrial device that separates liquids from solid matter through centrifugal force. There are several types of decanter machines that can separate different materials and are used in various industries.

• Decanter Separator

  This machine settles and separates emulsions, suspensions, and solutions into solid and liquid parts. It uses gravity and then centrifugal force to separate solids from liquids. This is typically done in three stages: settling, separation of the solid part, and then of the liquid part. Decanter Separators can be used in the dairy industry to separate cream from milk, in the oil industry to obtain vegetable oil from olive paste, or to separate water from mud in the environmental industry.

• Decanter Centrifuge Machine

  This type of decanter machine supports continuous separation processes. It removes the saturated solid components from liquids efficiently. It works best on materials with low solid concentrations and is ideal when separation of solids and liquids is needed. The separating process is done in one step through sedimentation and classification. It is usually employed in the food industry, mining industry, petrochemical industry, and water treatment facilities.

• Disc Stack Separators

  The Disc Stack Separator consists of conical discs piled on top of one another. This machine separates fine solids from liquids. It usually has a smaller footprint compared to the Decanter Centrifuge Machine. The benefit of this is that it can be easily installed in tight spaces. The Disc Stack Separators works by first feeding the mixture of liquid and solids into a spinning bowl. The heavier solid particles then settle at the bowl's wall, while the lighter liquid is released through a nozzle.

• DC3 Decanter

  The 3-phase decanter machine is mostly used in the food industry. It can separate two liquids of different densities, and generally one of them contains solid material. For example, the DC3 decanter separates water, vegetable oil, and olive pulp. The solid matter is called sludge, and the process can help obtain cleaner and clearer outputs from the separation process.

Specifications and maintenance of the decanter machine

• Capacity:

  The capacity of the decanter machine is the quantity of liquid it can handle during the separating process. This amount is usually shown in liters or gallons, and decanter machines with higher capacities are often used in industries that produce a big volume of material.

• Speed:

  The speed of the decanter machine, measured in rotations per minute (RPM), indicates how quickly it spins to separate liquids from solids or different liquids. High-speed decanter machines are more effective at separation, which shortens processing time.

• Power:

  The power of the decanter machine, expressed in kilowatts (KW) or horsepower (HP), refers to the motor's power that drives the machine to operate and perform separation tasks. Higher-power machines can handle more challenging materials and operate at higher speeds.

• Separation efficiency:

  The performance of a decanter machine indicates how well it separates liquids from solids or various liquids. The separation efficiency is often a percentage, and higher decanter separation efficiency helps recover more valuable components.

• Material and durability:

  The material of the decanter machine and its durability determines its resistance to abrasion and corrosion. This is crucial for its long-term use in industrial settings.

• Automation and control functions:

  Some decanter machines offer automated features and control functions like touch screens, programmable systems, and more. These features enable remote and precise control of the machine's operation and adjustment.

• Size and weight:

  Depending on the application, the specific features, and the separation requirements, decanter machines may vary in size and weight. Large machines are often heavier and take up more space.

Maintenance

Decanter machines are an important tool in various industrial processes. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that they work well and for a long time. Here are some crucial maintenance steps:

• Regular Lubrication:

  Maintain and extend the lifespan of the decanter machine by regularly applying lubricating oil to its bearings, gears, and other moving parts. Choose the right lubricating oil to ensure that it is always properly lubricated.

• Regular Cleaning:

  It is important to keep the feeding port, outlet, and body of the decanter machine clean to prevent the build-up of dirt and materials. Regularly sterilizing and cleaning these parts will improve the machine's hygiene and operating efficiency.

• Periodic Parts Inspection:

  Conduct periodic inspections of the parts of the decanter machine, such as screens, bearings, and seals, to check for signs of wear or damage. Any issues should be dealt with promptly to ensure proper functioning of the device.

Decanter machine application scenarios

• Industrial wastewater treatment

  Decanter machines are widely used for industrial wastewater treatment. The decanter machines can separate solids and liquids effectively, allowing the treated water to meet discharge standards or be reused.

• Food processing industry

  Food decanter machines are commonly used in the food processing industry. For example, in fruit and vegetable processing, the decanter machines can extract juice and separate pomace. In the oil processing industry, decanter machines can extract edible oil from oilseeds. In the dairy industry, decanter machines can be used to separate milk into skim milk and cream.

• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

  The decanter machines play a vital role in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. They are employed for cell separation, clarification of liquids, and extraction of valuable compounds. Such applications demonstrate the versatility and significance of decanter machines.

How to choose decanter machine

The industrial decanter machine is an evolved separation technique that is utilized in many industries. When buying a decanter machine for an industrial application, buyers should first understand the purpose of the decanter and how it works.

Get to know the composition of the feed material. What is the solid content in kg/m3? What is the temperature of the feed material? What is the density and viscosity of the material? What is the separation required? Is there any risk associated with the material that needs to be processed by the decanter machine, such as the inflammability or toxic nature of the material? An understanding of these parameters will help in knowing the exact kind of decanter machine needed for the industry in question.

Once the purpose and requirements are clear, buyers can narrow down their search for suitable decanter machines. An important aspect to look at is the design and construction of the decanter. Whether the machine will be suitable for the space and set-up of the industrial facility. Consider the supply chain in which the machine will work. Will it carry the feed material from the source? Will the separated materials be transported somewhere by another machine?

An essential part of industrial operations is compliance with safety and environmental standards. Check the compliance certification of the decanter machine being considered for purchase. The standards that it complies with. Safety measures like automatic shut-off during faults, overload protection, and emergency stop buttons must be present in the machine to avoid accidents and hazards. The machine should have environmental compliance that prevents any leakage or spillage of toxic material into the atmosphere.

Finally, the cost of the decanter and its maintenance costs. It is better to go for machines with lower maintenance and operating costs, even if the upfront cost is a bit higher.

Decanter machine FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between decanter centrifuge and separator?

A1: The main difference between a decanter centrifuge and a separator is that the decanter centrifuge can separate solids from liquids, even though both methods are used to separate mixtures of fluids. While separators are designed to separate different types of liquids and liquids from solids, decanter machines are more versatile because they can also extract solids.

Q2: What are the key components of a decanter machine?

A2: The key components of a decanter machine include the feed box, cylindrical bowl, screw conveyor, drive system, and discharge sections. Each component plays a distinct role in the functioning of the decanter. The decanter machine works by feeding the mixture into a cylindrical bowl, which then spins at high speed to separate the mixture of different densities. Finally, the separated components are discharged through the screw conveyor.

Q3: What type of materials can be processed by a decanter machine?

A3: Decanter machines can process various materials, including organic solids, inorganics, oily waters, and hazardous waste, due to their versatile designs. Because of this, decanter machines are essential in many industries.

Q4: How much noise does a decanter make?

A4: The typical noise level for a decanter centrifuge is about 75 to 100 decibels.