Abstract: A hard surfaced screw conveyor comprising a helical metal blade mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the helix and radially extending to an end surface, the blade defining at least one female formation therein having a substantially dovetail shape and a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the blade, and at least one wear-resistant member secured to the blade and having a portion radially extending beyond the end surface. The wear-resistant member defines a male formation that has a substantially dovetail shape and which is disposed within the female formation. The male and female formations may also be triangular, square, circular, or rectangular in shape.

Abstract: A vertically oriented centrifuge swivably engaged to a support structure so as to enable the centrifuge to attain an optimal operational attitude. The centrifuge includes a bowl, a screw conveyor disposed within the bowl, a hub disposed within the upper portion of the screw conveyor wherein the screw conveyor and hub define a separation chamber, and a plurality of separating discs disposed in the separation chamber and arranged in superimposed layers upon the hub.