Abstract: A hermetically sealed solids discharge centrifugal separator having a separator bowl with a cylindrical upper portion and a conical lower portion, an inlet port at the bottom of the bowl and an outlet port at the top of the bowl. A disposable liner assembly includes a bowl liner having a cylindrical upper portion and conical lower portion, such that the bowl liner can conform to the interior surface of the separator bowl. The liner assembly further includes a piston within the bowl liner, the piston having an upper portion that conforms to the bowl liner cylindrical upper portion and a lower portion that conforms to the bowl liner conical lower portion. A fluid pathway extends through the piston, with a shuttle valve disposed within the fluid pathway.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. During the feed mode, solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. After accumulation of the solids, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual liquid is drained by gravity from the bowl. In a solids discharge mode of operation, a piston of a piston assembly is urged downward along a vertical axis in response to fluid such as compressed gas or hydraulic liquid. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof. The solids pass from the bowl and into a passage leading to an outlet port, where the solids exit the separator.

Abstract: In a system for combined centrifugation and microfiltration, retentate from a cross-flow microfilter is fed to an automatic piston discharge centrifuge for solids removal, thereby enhancing the efficiency of both processes. The centrifuge includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected. Solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. A microfiltration membrane can be added to improve solids retention in the bowl and provide a filtered centrate. During solids discharge, a piston is urged downward along a vertical axis. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. During the feed mode, solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. After accumulation of the solids, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual liquid is drained by gravity from the bowl. In a solids discharge mode of operation, a piston of a piston assembly is urged downward along a vertical axis in response to fluid such as compressed gas or hydraulic liquid. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof. The solids pass from the bowl and into a passage leading to an outlet port, where the solids exit the separator.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. The feed liquid is separated into centrate and solids, which accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. A piston assembly includes a conical piston disposed within the cylindrical bowl, coupled to a piston actuator by a two-part piston shaft. During the feed mode of operation, the piston shaft is disconnected, and the piston is held in an uppermost position by hydraulic pressure from the feed liquid as the bowl is rotated, and a centrate valve on the piston is opened to permit the centrate to flow out to a centrate discharge port. After solids are separated and accumulated on an interior surface of the bowl, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual centrate is drained therefrom.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. The feed liquid is separated into centrate and solids, which accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. A piston assembly includes a conical piston coupled to a piston actuator by a two-part piston shaft. During the feed mode of operation, the piston shaft is disconnected, the piston is held in an uppermost position by hydraulic pressure from the feed liquid, and a centrate valve on the piston is urged open to permit the centrate to flow out to a centrate discharge port. In a solids discharge mode of operation, the piston shaft is connected and the piston actuator urges the piston axially downward, closing the centrate valve and forcing the accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end of the bowl.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for the discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes an integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston extending into a separator bowl and having openings permitting fluid communication across the piston. After high-speed separation is complete, a centrate valve closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. Accumulated solids are scraped from the sides of the bowl and extruded out of the piston openings for discharge from the bowl. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure and a short, stiff spindle. A spherical portion of a bearing housing is mounted in a spherical mounting region at one end of the separator, with a cylindrical portion of the bearing housing extending along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper (80) is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes and integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston (12) extending into a bowl (10) and having openings (45) permitting fluid communication across the piston. After separation is complete, a centrate valve (34) closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure (96) and a short spindle (98). A bearing (100) and the spindle (102) of the bowl are mounted within the bearing housing. The suspension is retained by a ring and retaining member secured to the separator in compressive contact with the spherical portion of the bearing housing.