Purchasing used centrifuge equipment

In many industries, centrifuge equipment is utilized to separate denser elements from a mixture. Generally, this means removing a solid material from a liquid, yet it can also be used to demarcate liquids from each other. As the name implies, a centrifuge relies on centrifugal force. The faster it rotates, the more this force works to enhance gravitational pull and accelerate the separation process. The following article will focus on the application of centrifuge equipment in various industries.

As the equipment is highly efficient and effective, there has been little change in the technology regarding centrifuge equipment over the past few decades. The life span of a typical centrifuge ranges from 15 to 25 years depending on the style of the equipment and the quality of the manufacturer. Furthermore, the life of the machinery can be extended an additional 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance and care. Consequently, good centrifuge equipment can offer an extremely high return on your initial investment. This is why it is imperative that a prospective buyer consider the total cost and quality of the centrifuge as well as the estimated delivery time.

Types of Centrifuges

There are a variety of different centrifuges depending on the specific need of your business. These include decanter, tubular, basket, peeler, pusher, and disc centrifuges.

• Decanter Centrifuge – This centrifuge features an elongated cylinder with a conveyor in the center. The cylinder spins at a different velocity, which in turn pushes denser material to the exterior wall. The conveyor then distributes these solids to the opposite end of the centrifuge where it is discharged.
• Tubular Centrifuge – A tubular centrifuge consists of an extended vertical bowl that is primarily used for separating two liquids. As the bowl spins, liquid of a lesser specific density is contained within the middle, whereas liquid of a greater specific density is routed to the exterior walls. Naturally, to maintain separation each liquid is provided with its own discharge point. Any small solids contained therein must be removed through a manual process.
• Basket Centrifuge – With basket centrifuges, liquid is inserted into an internal basket. The basket then rotates at a high velocity, forcing higher density materials to the interior wall where they are trapped by a cloth filter. Materials that contain a lighter specific density, on the other hand, pass through the filter cloth and exit the bowl through a series of punctures on the wall of the basket. For example, in the case of solids and liquids, the liquid will pass through the filter and perforations while the solid material will remain inside the basket. The speed of a basket centrifuge is limited to a specific amount of revolutions per minute, or RPMs.
• Peeler Centrifuge – Peeler centrifuges are equipped with a screen designed to handle batch processes. After a slurry batch is injected into the centrifuge, the material is then passed through the screen which prevents the denser solids from seeping through. This cake of materials is then peeled off by an arm and discharged from the device.
• Pusher Centrifuge – As with a basket centrifuge, spinning the bowl of a pusher centrifuge causes the liquid inside to exit out of a side wall. However, once the basket is devoid of liquid, a pusher centrifuge has a dedicated arm that scrapes the interior and pushes the solid material from the rear of the basket, which in essence allows the basket to immediately process the next batch.
• Disc Centrifuge – A disc centrifuge operates much in the same way as a basket centrifuge with one substantial difference. The inner bowl is equipped with disc plates split in the center by an inlet. The discs are engineered to allow denser debris to settle onto the disc and placed at an angle so that the sludge will slide off into an outer discharge nozzle. The result is a smoother and faster separation process, greater capacity and higher RPMs than a traditional basket centrifuge.

Used Centrifuges

The long term reliability of centrifuges induces many businesses to opt for cheaper, used equipment. It is important when evaluating a used centrifuge to consider the age of the equipment, the quality of the manufacturer, and whether its features suit the needs of your business. It is recommended that you choose a reputable brand and ask for detailed maintenance records to ensure the device was properly cared for. If your needs are more short term, there are dealers who provide centrifuge rentals for periods as short as three months.