Decanter Theory

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The key takeaways are that the document discusses concepts related to centrifugal separation including centrifugal force, slippage force, equivalent surface area, and their relationships.

Centrifugal force is the force experienced by an object moving in a circular path due to inertia. It pushes objects outward away from the center. G-force is a measure of this centrifugal force and is calculated based on bowl radius, speed, and acceleration due to gravity.

Slippage force is the force acting on solids in the direction of the liquid pool during transport along the beach of a decanter. It depends on the difference in specific gravity between the solid and surrounding medium and increases when solids pass from liquid to air.

Separation by Centrifugation

Vanderbeken Enterprises Ltd.


15525 Cliff Avenue, White Rock (B.C.), V4B 1V8, CANADA
www.sewage.net [email protected]

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C E N T R IF U G A L F O R C E
The maximum centrifugal acceleration, developed inside a bowl with a radius r and rotating at the angular speed of is:

= r 2
The G factor is in this

r. 2 r 2 2 G= = n g 60 g

g n

= bowl inner radius (meters) = angular speed (radian/sec)* = acceleration (9.81 m/sec2) = bowl speed (RPM)
o

note: 1 radian = 57.3 360= 6.287 radian

The term G- force or G- value is frequently used instead of acceleration. The G-force is defined as the multiple of the gravitational constant that is obtained in the centrifuge. An approximate formula for calculation the G-force at the bowl periphery is:

n 2 G= 1800
n = bowl speed (RPM) = bowl max inner dia. (meters)

Consequently the centrifugal acceleration or G-value will increase with the bowl diameter and bowl speed.

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S LIP P A G E F O R C E

When solids are transported along the beach of a decanter, there is a force acting on the solids in the direction of the liquid pool, named the SLIPPAGE FORCE (S). This force depends on the value of the difference in between the specific gravity of the solid and the surrounding medium. This means that the slippage force increases considerably when the solids pass out of the liquid pool onto the beach where they are surrounded by air.

As specified before, the centrifugal force is:

r 2 r 2n G= = g g 60
or simply

n 2 G= 1800

r g n

= bowl inner radius (meters) = angular speed (radian/sec)* 2 = acceleration (9.81 m/sec ) = bowl speed (RPM)

note: 1 radian = 57.3 360= 6.287 radian The SLIPPAGE FORCE (S) : S = Sin x G #####n RPM S G ** ** note: Pieralisi = 8030 80 200

Others

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E Q U I V A L E N T S U R F A C E ( S IG M A V A L U E )
=

1 2 n Lcyl r 2 160

Lcyl
r

= sigma value (sq. m) = bowl speed (RPM) = length cyl. section in meters = bowl diameter in meters

Is the equivalent surface in sq. m of a static flotation tank to produce the same solid / liquid separation result.

([DPSOH=##3,(5$/,6,#-80%2#6##HTXLYDOHQW#VXUIDFH
= 1 x 3200 2 x 1.230 160 x 0.235 2 = 4347 sq. m

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D E W A T E R IN G S U R F A C E

The dewatering surface in sq.m is the surface of the bowl cylindrical section that may vary according to different decanter manufacturers.

Ac,n = DLcyl
Ac ,n
G D

Or

Ac ,n =

= wet dewatering (liquid) surface of decanter in sq. m = sigma value (sq m) (equiv. surface) = centrifugal force (G- force G- value) = bowl inner diameter in meters = length cyl. section in meters

Lcyl

([DPSOH=##3,(5$/,6,#-80%2#6##GHZDWHULQJ#VXUIDFH

A c, n or

= 3.14 x 0.47 x 1.230

= 1.82 sq. m *

A c, n = 4347 = 1.61 sq.m * 2700

* the above results difference are related to the bowl RPM and G- force generated.

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D E W A T E R IN G V O L U M E
The dewatering volume of a decanter is to be considered as the total content of the liquid zone in the cylindrical part of the bowl. This volume may change in relation to the weir plate diameter. For the Pieralisi Jumbo 3 decanter, weir plates standard diameters are: 310, 300, 285, 280, 273 mm

re

ri

Lcyl

#####weir plates
To calculate the dewatering volume cylindrical part take into a consideration the cylindrical length L (in m) only, the bowl inner radius re ( in m ) and the ri ( in m ) The ri is approx = 60% of re as for the weir plates.

([DPSOH=#3,(5$/,6,#-80%2#6
D max = 470 mm r max = 0.235 m (re) ri = 60% of 0.235 = 0.141 m Lcyl = 1.23 m The related dewatering volume will be: ( x re2 x Lcyl ) - ( x ri
2

x Lcyl )
2

( 3.14 x 0.235 2 x 1.23 ) -

(3.14 x 0.141

x 1.23 ) =

137 l

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R E T E N TIO N TIM E

Rt = (sec)

3600 (sec) x bowl total dewatering volume Q input

Q = effluent input (l / h) btdw = bowl total dewatering volume (l)

The retention time is the standing time of the liquid in the bowl before discharge. Retention time depends on characteristics of effluent input: e.g. specific weight of solid viscosity of liquid phase quantity of polymer (if needed)

For a giver input Q, and no change of scroll rpm, the retention time will change when the weir plates diameter is modified to change the dewatering volume.

1RWH= a smaller weir plate diameter

will increase the retention time

When retention time is longer, more efficient solid / liquid separation will be achieved.

([DPSOH#D,####3LHUDOLVL#-XPER#6
Q = 22 m h Dewatering volume = 146 l ( based on 310 mm dia. weir plates ) (total bowl liquid content)
3

R t=

3600 x 146 22000

= 24 sec

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([DPSOH#E,#### ###3LHUDOLVL#-XPER#6
Q = 22 m / h Dewatering volume = 179 l ( based on 273 mm dia. weir plates ) (total bowl liquid content)
3

R t=

3600 x 179 22000

= 29 sec

A simple explanation about the importance of the retention time will be given using for example a static settling tank 200 m (600 ft.) long as shown the following sketch. Note that the efficiency of process separation is related to the settling time allowed as well as to a bigger settling surface.

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@ 300ft(100m) @450ft(150m)

VOXUU\ SKDVH

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In a decanter, the settling time will be related to the retention time provided and the applied G - force). Larger settling area will result in shorter separation time. However, one of the negative aspects will be explained by the following example.

######6HWWOLQJ#WLPH ######43 4#* #4#*

########OLTXLG ######83 ########$


#####%

OLTXLG

We note that at the same Q effluent input, the settling time will be proportional to the tank surface ( less time in tank B), in tank A we may observe a better separation layer. Time required for separation to occur depends on the speed of descent and on the distance the particles must travel. A shorter distance results in quicker separation. According to what has been previously stated, we may conclude that a larger decanter (if compared to a settling tank), will provide a better separation efficiency; in the meantime, we noted that with settling surface, a better separation result will be attained because the clearest separation layers are achieved. However, when a decanter is used in a separation process, it is important to remember that a bigger decanter will run at less RPM and develop a lesser centrifugal force, G than a smaller one. In other words, the centrifugal force is very influential during any solid / liquid separation process where different chemical and physical factors may contribute to the process results.

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R E T E N T I O N A F F E C T E D B Y n V A R I A T I O N

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22 m3 / h input Sludge feeding point @ 100 cm from the liquid outlet

###%

#############$ ######

100 cm 123 cm
length cyl. part

PIERALISI JUMBO 3 Total bowl content = 146 l ( based on 310 mm dia weir plate) RETENTION TIME = 1 minute

A to B = distance covered by the liquid through the bowl before the exit, will be equivalent to: @ n = 0 @ n = 10 100 / 13 x 3.14 x 0.47 = 11 m
A B

11 + ( 10 x 3.14 x 0.47 ) = 25 m

It is evident that the length, 11m or 25m, is the distance A to B travelled by the liquid through the bowl due to the turning effect of the scroll, creating an opposite liquid flow in the bowl until discharged at the weir plates.

In some cases (for example PAINT effluent separation), decreasing n will create a turbulent effect that prevents the required separation.

127(=

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Efficiency in separation may be obtained by the n variation. (n = differential speed between bowl and scroll) if a decanter runs with n = 10 weir plates 310 mm diameter separation efficiency = 95% polymer consumption = 12 Kg / h and Customer needs separation efficiency = 98% polymer consumption = 12 Kg / h

If the decanter used in this operation is a Pieralisi Jumbo 3, it is necessary to reduce the weir plates diameter from 310 mm down to 273 mm (resulting in larger volume or increase the n from 10 up to 12 or more (resulting in slower scroll rpm).

According to the following illustration we may note how n affects the retention time:

When n is decreased, (the scroll will turn faster) RETENTION time for separation in the liquid phase will be reduced.

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T H E R E T E N TIO N TIM E S L UD G E O N D R Y B E A C H

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3,(5$/,6,#-80%2#6 ######
Weir Plates 310 mm dia

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Effluent input 22 m3 / h

###
#############

200 mm dewatering zone

1230 mm cyl. part length separation zone 1998 mm total bowl length

768 mm con. part length

Assume that with n = 10 and feedrate, Q = 22 m3 / h, the RETENTION time of liquid for solids separation is 24 seconds, Example a), page 8 then Calculate the RETENTION TIME SLUDGE ON DRY BEACH, length = 200 mm n = 10 rpm Pitch = 13 cm Dry L = 20 cm

Ratio of material transport to dry beach length, 10 x 13

= 130 / 20

= 6.5

Time available on dry beach for material, 60 (sec ) / 6.5 = 9.2 sec Rt (sludge dry beach) in seconds = 60 x dewatering zone length (cm) n x scroll pitch (cm)

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S L U D G E D E C A N T E R C O M PA R IS O N
Sometimes manufacturers offer decanters with unrealistic capacity or dewatering volume . It is necessary to have a common denominator to compare costs and capacities. Following example shows how to compare two centrifuges:

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Manufacturer PIERALISI Westfalia Machine type PIERALISI JUMBO 3 CA 450 Capacity m3 /h 25 25 Price (comparison units) 100,000 85,000

Manufacturer PIERALISI Westfalia

Cyl. part length mm 1230 705

Con. part length Bowl diameter mm mm 768 470 745 458

Slenderns Ratio Total length / Dia 4.25 3.16

Dewatering volume cylindrical part calculation: (60% bowl dia. weir plates) Pieralisi 3.14 x 0.235 x 0.235 x 1.23 3.14 x 0.141 x 0.141 x 1.23 Dewatering volume cyl. parts = 213 liters = 76 liters = 137 liters

Westfalia

3.14 x 0.229 x 0.229 x 0.705 3.14 x 0.1374 x 0.1374 x 0.705 Dewatering volume cyl. parts
Dewatering volume cyl. parts Dewatering volume cyl. parts Difference

= 116 liters = 40 liters = 76 liters


= 137 liters = = 76 liters 61 liters

Pieralisi Westfalia

Pieralisi PIERALISI JUMBO 3 decanter dewatering volume over Westfalia 80% Pieralisi decanter selling price = 100,000 CU / 137 liters = 730 CU / liter Westfalia decanter selling price = 85,000 CU / 76 liters = 1,118 CU/ liter

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If dewatering volume = 25,000 liters / h

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Rt (seconds) = 3600 x bowl dewatering volume (liters) Q input

Pieralisi

Rt = 3600 x 137 / 25.000 = 19.7 seconds 76 / 25.000 = 10.9 seconds

Westfalia Rt = 3600 x

Westfalia RETENTION time 55 % shorter than Pieralisi decanter

Polymer consumption
If poly consumption for Pieralisi decanter is 5 Kgs / Ton DS (dry solid) Westfalia will need a quantity equivalent to 5 / 0.55 = 9.1 Kgs / Ton DS

It is evident that the polymer consumption is related to the retention time due to the time needed for floculation. (the G force ialso influences over consumption)

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T E C H N IC A L IN F O S Q U IC K R E F E R E N C E FORMULAS

C E N T R IF U G A L FORCE

The term G- force or G- value is frequently used instead of acceleration due to Gravity. The G-force is defined as the multiple of the gravitational constant that is obtained in the centrifuge. The centrifugal acceleration or Gvalue will increase with the bowl diameter and bowl speed. n = bowl speed (RPM) = bowl max. inside dia. in meters

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S LIP P A G E F O R C E

6# #6LQ###[## #*

When the solids are transported along the dry beach of a decanter, there is a force acting on the solids in the direction of the liquid pool, named the SLIPPAGE FORCE (S). This force is affected by the value of the difference in between the specific gravity of the solid and the surrounding medium. This means that the slippage force increases considerably when the solids pass out of the liquid pool onto the beach where they are surrounded by air. Note: Pieralisi = 8030 Others 80 @ 200

E Q UIV AL E N T S U R F A C E (s q

m)

Is the equivalent surface in sq.m of a static flotation tank to provide the same result for solids separation from the feed slurry. = sigma value, sq.m n = bowl speed, RPM L cyl = length cyl. section, m r = bowl diameter, m

# ####4###[##Q5##[##/#F\O##[##U5 ######### ######493

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D E W A T E R IN G S U R F A C E (sq. m )

The dewatering surface in sq.m is the surface of the bowl cylindrical section that may vary according to different decanter manufacturers. D = bowl inner diameter, m L cyl = length cyl. Section, m A c, n = wet dewatering (liquid) surface of Decanter, sq.m = sigma value, (equiv. surface), sq. m G= centrifugal force (G- force, G- value)

$#F/#Q### #####[###'##[##/#F\O RU $#F/#Q#### ##### #### ##########*

D E W A T E R IN G VO LU M E CYL. PART
(c u . m )

+#[#UH5#[#/F\O,#0#+##[#UL#5#[#/F\O#, RU +#UH5##0##UL#5#,###[#######[###/#F\O

The dewatering volume will be as the total content liquid zone of the bowl cylindrical part. This volume will change in relation to the weir plates diameter. For the Pieralisi Jumbo 3 decanter the weir plates std. Diameters are: 310, 300, 285, 280, 273 mm To calculate the dewatering value cylindrical part consider only the cylindrical length L in m, the bowl inside radius re ( in mts ) and the ri ( in mts ). The ri is approx = 60% of re as for the weir plates.

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R E T E N TIO N
T IM E (sec)

5#W# ######6933#+VHF,#[#ERZO#WRWDO#GHZDWHULQJ#YROXPH (sec) Q input

The retention time is the time liquid remains in the bowl before being discharged. Retention time depends on characteristics of the feed slurry, e.g. specific weight of solid viscosity of liquid phase quantity of polymer ( if needed) At a given Q input the retention time will change each time we modify the weir plates diameter (dewatering volume change). Longer retention time will result in more efficient solid / liquid separation. Q = Slurry feed rate, (l / h) btdw = bowl total dewatering volume, (l)

R E T E N TIO N TIM E

A F F E C T E D B Y n V A R I A T I O N
see details on page 10

T H E R E T E N TIO N TIM E SLUDGE ON DRY BEACH


see details on page 13

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D E C A N T E R IN IN D U S T R I A L A P P L IC A T IO N
Construction main data and differences per unit (sheet 1)

TYPE Application

DFA sludge

DDB distillery

DET* Ca tartrate
X

DAG citrus

DPO tomato

DEN wine

Bowl with liner Bowl with grooves Liquid phase overflow by weir plates Liquid phase overflow by centripetal pump Scroll edge hard surfacing Scroll face hard surfacing Scroll shaft with diffuser Normal gaskets Viton Gaskets Decreased bowl speed Increased bowl speed Oversized main motor

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#D E C A N T E R

IN IN D U S T R I A L A P P L IC A T IO N

Construction main data and differences per unit (sheet 2)

TYPE
Application

DFA sludge

DDB
distillery

DET
Ca tartrate

DAG citrus

DPO tomato

DEN wine

D D= clearance distance

<[email protected] bowl with liners

<[email protected] bowl with liners

= 0.5 bowl with grooves

= 0.5 bowl with grooves

= 0.5 bowl with grooves

stellite
(tungsten carbide)

stellite
(tungsten carbide) Scroll protection

All wet areas, sediment and effluent chambers in contact with product are lined with stainless steel

stellite
(tungsten carbide)

stellite
(tungsten carbide)
no protection for special use

MATERIALS

BOWL - F 51 (ex AISI 304) austenitic iron , plastic, corrosion resistant


SCROLL AISI 304

bowl and scroll in AISI 316 if required

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