Abstract: Upper and lower bowl members are mounted on a common linear cylindrical member and a relief valve provides controlled gas pressure within a centrifuge housing in a low speed decanting centrifuge for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock. The centrifuge may be clamped to a container and a pressure differential is created between the centrifuge housing and the container to, in turn, force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl of the centrifuge. A stack of frustonconical discs carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber, Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces of the lower bowl member and the upper bowl member. Hydraulic forces generated within the bowl are isolated from a thrust bearing supporting the bowl and transferring drive forces to an intake.

Abstract: Adjustment mechanisms for a low speed decanting centrifuge (10) for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock are disclosed. The centrifuge is clamped to a container (12) and the centrifuge housing (18) is pressurized to, in turn, pressurize the container and force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl (116) of the centrifuge. A stack of inverted frustoconical discs (278, 280, 282) carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber (76). Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces (146, 148) of the lower bowl member (116) and the upper bowl member (140). The invention provides for automatic or manual adjustment of the maximum gap available between the bowl members during operation.

Abstract: A low speed decanting centrifuge for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock is disclosed. The centrifuge is clamped to a container and the centrifuge housing is pressurized to, in turn, pressurize the container and force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl of the centrifuge. A plurality of inverted frustoconical discs carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber. Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces of the lower bowl member and the upper bowl member. The invention provides for continuous recycle as the discharged particulate matter is returned under gravity to the container. The centrifuge is reasonably inexpensive to produce from lightweight materials since it is not subjected to the high stresses of high speed centrifuges. Also, by operating at low speeds, under 1000 r.p.m.