Disc stack centrifuge

The disc stack centrifuge, is also known as a disc bowl centrifuge or disc stack separator, is a type of centrifuge that has a series of conical discs which provides a parallel configuration of centrifugation spaces.

The disc stack centrifuge is used to remove solids (usually impurities) from liquids or to separate two liquid phases from each other by means of an enormously high centrifugal force. The denser solids or liquids which are subjected to these forces move outwards towards the rotating bowl wall while the less dense fluids move towards the centre. The special discs (known as disc stacks) increase the surface settling area which speeds up the separation process. Different disc designs, arrangements and shapes are used for different processes depending on the type of feed present. The concentrated denser solid or liquid is then removed continuously, manually or intermittently, depending on the design of the disc stack centrifuge. This disc stack centrifuge is very suitable for clarifying liquids that have small proportion of suspended solids.

Centrifuge application diagram, particle sizes, and concentration range

How Does a Disc Stack Centrifuge Work?

The disc stack centrifuge separates solids and one or two liquid phases from each other in one single continuous process, using extremely high centrifugal forces. When the denser solids are subjected to such forces, they are forced outwards against the rotating bowl wall, while the less dense liquid phases form concentric inner layers. The area where these two different liquid phases meet is called the interface position. This can be easily varied in order to ensure that the separation takes place with maximum efficiency.

The disc stack provides additional surface settling area, which contributes to speeding up the separation process dramatically. It is the particular configuration, shape and design of these plates that make it possible for a disc stack centrifuge to undertake the continuous separation of a wide range of different solids from either one or two liquids.

The concentrated solids phase formed by the particles can be removed continuously, intermittently or manually, depending on centrifuge type and the amount of solids involved in the specific application.

The typical disc stack centrifuge design contain:
– Disc stack centrifuge with self-cleaning bowl
– Disc stack centrifuge with self-cleaning bowl in steam sterilizable design (SIP)
– Disc stack centrifuge with chamber bowl
– Disc stack centrifuge with solid wall bowl
– Disc stack centrifuge with nozzle bowl

Utilizing Centrifugal Force Over Gravity

A disc stack centrifuge operates on the principle of a traditional settling tank, but wrapped around the centerline of a rapidly rotating bowl. As the bowl spins at high speeds, natural gravitational pull is replaced by a highly controllable centrifugal force, commonly known as G-force. This force can reach magnitudes up to 10,000 times stronger than earth’s gravity.

This immense G-force enables the centrifuge to separate immiscible liquids or isolate ultra-fine solids with exceptional accuracy, high speed, and precise control.

Maximizing Separation Surface Area

To significantly boost separation efficiency, a series of conical plates (discs) are closely stacked inside the bowl. This specialized disc stack design dramatically increases the effective separation surface area within a compact footprint.

By creating shorter settling pathways, these bowl disc stacks accelerate the precipitation and separation of solids from liquids. The result is a highly efficient process that delivers faster cycle times, superior product quality, and greater overall yield compared to standard gravity-based sedimentation methods.

Tailored Solids Discharge

Depending on the specific solids volume and requirements of each industrial application, the concentrated solids that collect at the outermost edge of the bowl can be removed using three distinct methods:

• Continuous discharge (for high-solids applications)
• Intermittent discharge (automated at pre-set intervals)
• Manual cleaning (for low-solids or batch processing)

Huading Separator, as the leading disc stack centrifuge manufacturer in China, has been at the forefront in this field for over 60 years – which is why disc stack centrifuges from Huading Separator perform this crucial separation function exceptionally well.