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.

Abstract: A method of processing a highly viscous material comprises the steps of spinning the material in a homogenizer to reduce it to a creamy fluent consistency, flowing the creamy material wholly by gravity down into an upper centrifuge stage, centrifuging the creamy material in the upper centrifuge stage into a solids fraction and a liquid fraction, flowing the solids fraction wholly by gravity down into a lower centrifuge stage, and centrifuging the solids fraction in the lower centrifuge stage. These steps can all take continuously with the material being fed in at one end and the solid and liquid fractions obtained at the opposite lower end. Prior to spinning the material a liquid is added to it to reduce its viscosity and increase its homogeneity. This liquid can be the recirculated liquid fraction obtained in the first centrifuge stage. In accordance with this invention the recirculated liquid fraction is heated to 40.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. before introducing it into the homogenizer.