Centrifuges & Separation Equipment
Self-Cleaning Separators
Self-Cleaning Separators
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Automated Separation for Liquids and Solids
SPX FLOW offers a wide range of self-cleaning separators, specifically designed for the efficient separation of liquid/liquid/solid phases in various processing industries.
These separators enable highly precise phase separation and continuous particle recovery. They can remove fine particles ranging from 0.5 to 500 µm, while simultaneously splitting the product stream into two clarified phases using an extremely powerful peripheral centrifugal field (G-force).
How It Works
Phase Separation
The incoming product enters the separator bowl through a feed pipe (1) and is directed by the distributor (2), where it is gradually accelerated to match the bowl’s rotation speed. Once inside the disk stack (3), centrifugal force separates the mixture into light and heavy phases.
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Light phase (e.g., clarified liquid) moves inward toward the bowl center.
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Heavy phase (e.g., denser liquid or solid) is pushed outward toward the bowl perimeter.
Both phases rise through the disk stack and are then discharged under pressure via two fixed centripetal pumps (4–5) into separate outlet pipes (6–7).
Solids Discharge System
Solid particles accumulate in the outer periphery of the bowl (8) and are periodically discharged via ports (9). These solids are collected in an external chamber, which is connected to a sludge tank for gravity-driven removal.
A hydraulic ram (10), kept closed by water pressure in chamber (11), controls the discharge. When water is introduced into line (13), the valve (12) releases the pressure, allowing product pressure to force the ram down, ejecting the solids through ports (9). The ram returns to its closed position once water is reintroduced via the closing line (14).
Intelligent Automation with PLC Control
The entire solids discharge process is managed by a programmable logic controller (PLC), which operates the solenoid valves for the water circuits. The PLC enables multiple automated cycles including:
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Partial or total solids discharge during operation or cleaning
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Customizable discharge volume and frequency
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Automated bowl closure during startup
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Feed suspension during discharge
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Rinsing of internal components before and after discharge
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Manual override for both discharge modes
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Overflow control for CIP
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Product recirculation for process optimization
This smart control system ensures consistent separation performance with minimal manual intervention, supporting both product integrity and operational efficiency.