How a Disc Stack Centrifuge Works?

 In principle, a disc stack centrifuge functions like a settling tank, where gravity is used to separate liquids of varying densities and solids. However, while a settling tank relies on retention time to allow the different phases to separate naturally under the influence of gravity, a disc stack centrifuge dramatically enhances this process by replacing gravity with a much stronger centrifugal force.

The bowl of the centrifuge spins at high speeds, creating a force known as G-force, which can be up to 10,000 times greater than gravity. This intense centrifugal force accelerates the separation process, forcing denser materials (such as solids) outward to the edge of the bowl, while lighter materials (liquids with lower density) are displaced inward. This mechanism ensures faster and more precise separation compared to traditional methods.

 A key innovation in disc stack centrifuges is the disc stack, which consists of a series of conical plates stacked inside the bowl. These plates provide a significantly larger surface area for separation compared to a simple settling tank. As the mixture of solids and liquids flows through the narrow gaps between the discs, the increased surface area enhances the separation process by shortening the distance solids and liquids need to travel before settling into distinct layers.

This efficient design allows the centrifuge to:

1. Separate with precision: The combination of high      G-force and increased surface area ensures that even liquids with similar densities can be separated accurately.
2. Process at high speeds: The use of centrifugal force allows separation to occur in seconds rather than the extended time required in a settling tank.
3. Improve quality and yield: The higher separation efficiency achieved with the disc stack minimizes product loss and maximizes the recovery of desired materials.

 During operation, solids concentrate along the outer edge of the bowl due to their higher density. These solids are removed in one of three ways:

Continuously, for applications with high volumes of solids.

Intermittently, solids are ejected periodically after a set amount accumulates.

Manually, in applications with low solid volumes or for batch processing.

Disc stack centrifuges are widely used in the following industries:

Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals:

Plasma Fractionation: Isolating blood plasma components such as proteins and antibodies for therapeutic uses. 

Vaccine Production:Applicable to both human and veterinary vaccines, ensuring high purity and safety standards.

Animal Cell Separation:Isolating animal cells for biotechnological and pharmaceutical processes.

Fermentation Broth Concentration and Clarification:Processing fermentation broths to concentrate and clarify the desired products.

Yeast Concentration:Concentrating yeast cells for brewing, baking, and bioethanol production.

Food and Beverage:

Dairy Processing: Separating cream from milk, clarifying milk, and producing skimmed milk.

Edible Oils and Fats: Refining oils such as soybean, palm, and olive oil by removing impurities.

Juice and Beverage Clarification: Removing pulp and sediments from fruit juices, stabilizing wine, beer, and cider.

Fermentation Products: Harvesting microbial biomass or separating solids from liquids during fermentation processes.