How a disc stack centrifuge works

A disc stack centrifuge, also referred to as a disc stack separator, is a separation technology used to isolate solids and liquids based on their density differences. If you are wondering how does the centrifuge work, the process is straightforward: centrifugation applies mechanical force to achieve separation.

Similar to a settling tank, disc stack separators use the force of gravity to separate liquid with a specific density from other liquids and solids. Unlike a settling tank which uses retention time as the main parameter for liquids of different densities to divide into layers and solids to precipitate to the tank, centrifugal separators use mechanical force to separate liquids and solids with different densities from each other.

Using the force of gravity

A disc stack centrifuge works like a settling tank wrapped around the center line of a rotating bowl. When the bowl spins rapidly, the effect of gravity is replaced by a controllable centrifugal force, known as G-force, that can be up to 10,000 times stronger than natural gravity.

G-force allows a disc stack centrifuge to separate liquids from other liquids and solids with high accuracy, speed, and easy control. The disc stack inside the bowl increases the effective separation area, improving efficiency. As a result, the disc stack centrifuge working principle delivers faster separation, higher quality, and greater yield compared to gravity-based methods.

Solids that concentrate at the outer edge of the bowl are removed continuously, intermittently, or manually, depending on the solids volume in each application.

To boost efficiency, conical plates are stacked inside the bowl to create a larger separation surface area. These bowl disc stacks accelerate the precipitation of solids from liquids.