Liquids to Value

Separators, Decanters and Process Lines

for the Fermentation Industry

GEA Mechanical Equipment / GEA Westfalia Separator

Yeast has Culture

Today, single-celled yeasts (Saccharomyces) with around 40 species and more than
500 types are probably the best-known and most investigated microorganisms.
There are virtually no limits to their use in the food, pharmaceutical,
biotechnology and cosmetics industries. A yeast cell has a size of only 510
micrometers, but contains an unbelievable variety of valuable constituents.
Modern separation technology means that it is now possible for yeast cells to be
broken down and processed.

Primitive man unknowingly used yeast for

preparing beverages containing alcohol. It is still
the case that Indian populations in the Amazon
region make juices from roots and leaves, which
form alcohol as a result of natural yeasts. Some
Belgian breweries still use natural yeast for
brewing their Geuze or Lambic beer.
The Romans were aware of the secret of
fermentation. Although they had no knowledge
of yeast, they took advantage of the effect of
fermentation for converting sugar into alcohol. At
the start of the last millennium, monks began to
brew beer and cultivate yeast. Brewers yeast was
then used as the first yeast for baking bread. After
the development of bakers yeast, yeast factories
sprang up like mushrooms, and there was a
corresponding increase in demand for economical
separation from the fermentation broth.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Big and intelligent: the yeast separator

In 1904, GEA Westfalia Separator developed the
first yeast separator. Just one year later, in 1905, 20
yeast centrifuges, with a capacity of 125 l/h per
machine, were delivered to the Bramsch yeast
factory in Teplitz. When sliding bearings were
replaced by ball bearings in 1921, the capacity of
the machines increased rapidly. The first
centripetal pump machine, namely the HD 50,
enabled the clarified liquid to be discharged under
pressure. This solution very much simplified the
overall separation process. In 1983, GEA Westfalia
Separator built the largest yeast separator in the
world, namely the HDA 300, with a capacity of up
to 260m3/h yeast wort.
In subsequent years, emphasis has been placed on
closed systems able to respond in a flexible
manner to product fluctuations and ensure a
constant high concentration of end product.

Accordingly, 1990 saw the arrival of the Westfalia

Separator viscon system separators featuring
an automatic viscosity control facility (viscositycontrolled nozzles) for the yeast cream, which is
discharged under pressure from the separator in a
closed system.

relaxing bath. In the pharmaceutical industry,

yeast is an important provider of raw materials
and is used in a very wide range of pharmaceutical
products.

Working in sterile environments

Major supplier of amino acids

GEA Westfalia Separator has followed the

development of yeast products for more than 100
years. Our work has contributed towards ensuring
that yeast can be used in industrial applications.
The new generation of Westfalia Separator
viscon separators is designed in the form of
a modular system. This means that machines
can also be built in the form of sterilizable
separators for use in the sterile environments
of biotechnology.

Yeast has undergone a virtual revolution during

the short period in which it has been researched.
As a ferment, it is used specifically and in a
controlled manner for the production of alcohol,
beer, wine and bread. The intracellular component
of yeast, the so-called yeast extract, is now an
essential part of the food sector. There is hardly
any soup in which it is not used as a taste
enhancer. Yeasts also supply amino acids for
human nutrition. Yeast extract is also a popular
spread. It is also encountered as a natural medicine
in health shops that recommend it for use in a
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GEA Westfalia Separator

Molasses
Molasses acts as a nutrient for the yeast in the
fermenter and remains the most used substrate in
the fermentation industry. It is left over as a
by-product during sugar refining. Besides residual
sugar, molasses also contains vitamins and
minerals that boost the growth of the fermenting
microorganisms.
However, the raw molasses also contains
substances that inhibit the microorganisms
growth and can lead to difficulties in the
downstream process. Among these are sand,
calcium and proteins derived from the sugar crop
itself or from the sugar production process.
Buy using GEA Westfalia Separator centrifuges as
a central component in molasses processing, it is
possible to eliminate the bulk of these unwanted
substances from the molasses. In this way, a high
yield from the fermentation process is assured and
the reliable protection of downstream plant and
equipment is maintained.
To reduce its high viscosity, the raw molasses is
mixed with water and then preheated via a heat
exchanger. The molasses is then acidified with
sulphuric acid. As a result of the acidification, the
calcium is precipitated as calcium sulphate and
can be easily separated during the subsequent
separation process. Coarse erosive particles, such

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GEA Westfalia Separator

as sand, are separated by means of a rotary brush

strainer and/or a hydrocyclone, in order to protect
the downstream centrifuges against wear. The
actual clarification of the molasses takes place in
the separator.

High solids concentration minimizes

product losses
GEA Westfalia Separator offers separators with
self-cleaning bowls specially designed to satisfy
the requirements of molasses clarification. The
patented hydrohermetic feed guarantees extremely
gentle product treatment. The separators have
their own control system that controls the
discharge process. A sensing liquid continually
monitors the solids holding space. If the solids
holding space is full, the flow of liquid is
interrupted, which is simultaneously a signal to
initiate the ejection program. The control system
guarantees that the optimum discharge time is
always selected for the separator, thus making
possible maximum solids concentrations
with minimum product losses. The ejection
process itself is carried out by means of the
Westfalia Separator hydrostop system. This
system discharges precisely the required volume
of solids and ensures that no residual solids
remain in the bowl and that no previously

General process flow sheet for molasses clarification

clarified liquid is discharged. In addition, the

Westfalia Separator hydrostop system reduces the
discharge charge time to less than one tenth of one
second and makes it possible to produce
reproducible partial ejections, which has a positive
effect on the yield. All of the bowls bearing parts
and parts in contact with the product in our
centrifugal clarifiers are manufactured from highquality stainless steels. This allows the machine to
withstand the high temperatures and the products

acid content. Tried-and-tested stainless duplex steel is

used, with its characteristic high strength and excellent
corrosion resistance.
The clarified molasses is then sterilized and the
volatile acids removed in an expansion tank. On
route to the storage tank, the sterilized molasses
passes through a heat exchanger, where the high
temperature heats the raw molasses.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Two stages for maximum yield

It is not just the quality of the clarified molasses
that is critical for molasses processing to be
economically efficient. Sugar yield is also a crucial
parameter. Since sugar is in solution in the liquid
phase, its yield increases with the degree of
washing out, and the dryness of the spun-off
solids. To satisfy the highest requirements of
process economy, GEA Westfalia Separator offers
two-stage molasses clarification, where the
combination of separators and decanters yields
the greatest benefit. In the first stage, the
separator, thanks to its large equivalent clarifying
area and high separation efficiency, removes the
pre-treated molasses to leave a residual solids
content of < 0.1percent vol. After dilution of the
discharged separator sludge with fresh water, the
decanter concentrates the solids in the second
stage down to a dry residue of > 60percent, so the
total molasses yield can be increased to almost
100percent. The clarified phase, obtained from the
decanter supernatant with the residual sugar
content, is fed back to the process. In this way
the quality of the molasses is maximized, both
simply and intelligently, and sugar losses
are minimized.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Decanters process suspensions with a solids

content of 6070percent, with the discharged
solids having a high dry substance. In one-stage
molasses clarification, high product losses occur as
the solids content in the feed increases.
The efficient 2-stage molasses clarification process
from GEA Westfalia Separator ensures that the
molasses yield remains at a constantly high level,
irrespective of the feed conditions. However, this
is not the only benefit: substances such as waxes,
rubber and ashes, which can have a negative effect
on the subsequent fermentation processes, are
also removed.
GEA Westfalia Separator is recommending the
new CE generation of decanters. In addition to
t h e i r h i g h c a p a c i t y, t h e s e d e c a n t e r s a r e
distinguished by their innovative and compact
design. Not only does the separation process itself
satisfy the highest commercial demands, but the
entire concept is designed for maximum
availability and low service costs. The number of
parts has been reduced. In addition, the hood
concept guarantees that all components requiring
service can now be accessed easily and quickly.

2-stage package unit for

clarifying molasses

Volume balance for clarifying molasses

Compared with the single-stage molasses clarification process, the

decanter in the second stage increases the level of sugar yield to
almost 100 percent. Another major benefit of two-stage molasses
clarification is the considerably lower loss of materials as the solids
content increases. Experience has shown that the pay-back period
for a decanter used as a second stage is very short thanks to the
high yield and low losses.

Total yield with respect to the solids content in the molasses.

Comparison of 1st and 2nd process stages.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

General process flow sheet for obtaining bakers yeast

Bakers Yeast
Whether using a 3-stage process with two or three
separators or a 4-stage process with three or even
four separators, GEA Westfalia Separator, with its
exhaustive expertise and extensive range of
products, is able to meet even the most demanding
customer needs when it comes to the efficient
production of bakers yeast. GEA Westfalia
Separator will ensure that each customer is able to
obtain the best combination of machine size and
process stages for their individual production
needs.
Most fermentation processes for obtaining bakers
yeast include far more than just one separation
stage for biomass separation. In terms of life and
color, the high standards required make a multistage separation and washing process essential.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

For this purpose, the biomass must first be

separated from the fermentation broth and
concentrated. Multi-stage washing of the yeast
concentrate must also reliably remove the dark
molasses color, together with the residue of the
fermentable substrate between the cells.
Various separator configurations are possible for
this purpose. They differ in required separator
capacity and the desired number of washing stages
to be installed, with each configuration having its
own benefits and advantages. GEA Westfalia
Separator offers a selection of yeast separators
which covers virtually any performance range, and
ensures that each customer obtains an optimum
process which is tailored to their individual needs.
The separators size is based on the volumetric
flows to be processed, which in turn, depends

on the fermenter size and desired separation

period. The number of separators is determined
according to the required flexibility and the
desired washing effect. The more washing stages
there are, the higher the purity of the bakers yeast
obtained. Furthermore, less fresh water is needed
to achieve the same washing effect. This is an
advantage which favorably affects running costs
and also waste water disposal costs.
All of the plant concepts have one thing
in common: a rotary brush strainer is installed in
the feed to protect the downstream separators
from damage and nozzle blockages due to
coarser particles.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Volume balance for obtaining bakers yeast with two separators

3-Stage with Two Separators and

Washing Tank
The minimum investment for separating and
washing bakers yeast is a separator system
consisting of two nozzle separators and one
washing tank. To harvest the fermenters crop
both machines are connected in parallel. This
achieves a large volumetric flow and short
harvesting times. The yeast concentrate is then
collected in a washing tank and diluted by adding
fresh water. Both separators are then connected in
series during the subsequent washing process.
Wash water is added to the concentrate from the
first separator and then separated again in the
second separator. The overflow is fed back to the
process in order to dilute the yeast cream from the
washing tank.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

This system makes it possible to carry out one

separation stage and two washing stages with
minimum plant expenditure.
The advantage of this system is the low investment
requirement. It uses the HF series of nozzle
separators, which has been specially developed by
GEA Westfalia Separator for obtaining yeast. The
distinguishing feature of the separators is the
special Westfalia Separator viscon nozzles,
which make it possible to keep the discharge
concentration constant, even with different feed
conditions. Discharge concentrations of up to
22percent DS yeast are possible.

Volume balance for obtaining bakers yeast with three separators

3-Stage with Three Separators

The current standard for yeast separation in the
fermentation industry is three or more separators
arranged in series. In these models the principle of
counter-current washing is employed, where
concentrate from the first separator is mixed with
the clarified effluent from the third separator and
then fed to the second separator for separating off.
Fresh water is added to the second separators
concentrate. From first to last separation, a
concentration of the biomass and depletion of the
soluble substances in the intercellular fluid takes
place. Additional washing stages reduce the
quantity of washing water needed. This pays off
due to, among other things, the lower waste water

load and associated lower costs. In general, limited

separator operation is possible, even if individual
machines are stopped. By diverting the product
flow to the remaining separators, it is possible to
achieve a high degree of flexibility, even when
machines are stopped for maintenance purposes.
However, the benefits of this are not just limited
to the processs high level of flexibility and
reliability: the bakers yeast obtained is,
additionally, of very high quality in terms of cell
activity and color. Furthermore, the savings in the
amount of fresh water required reduces the
running costs.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Yeast Extract
There are many ways to obtain the autolysate. The
process that is finally selected depends upon the
desired end product. Thus, the range of possible
end products extends from flavor enhancers and
sandwich spreads, to beneficial bath additives and
raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. The
source materials for obtaining the yeast extract are
fresh cultures or fermentative process by-products
geared towards the particular intended purpose
such as debittered brewers yeast. The yeast cells
can be lysed thermally, mechanically, chemically
or enzymatically. Nozzle separators then separate
the extract from the cell walls. There are no
standard solutions. Optimum design of the
separation stage must make allowance for the
particular process and product parameters, for
example the density of the liquid and solid particle
size and the viscosity of the liquid. This is
precisely where GEA Westfalia Separators
expertise and partnership with the yeast industry
come in.
As in the production of bakers yeast, multi-stage
counter-current washing is the process most often
employed. Here, the HFA generation nozzle
separators are the answer if the greatest possible
clarifying efficiency is sought.

General process flow sheet for obtaining yeast extract

Whatever solution is put into effect, planning and

implementation are consistently focused on the
economic efficiency of the process and the quality
of the end product.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

4-Stage with Four Separators

The cell-wall suspension to be separated is taken
to the first separator via a rotary brush strainer;
this protects the separators from being damaged
or their nozzles being blocked by coarse solid
particles. The clarified effluent from the second
separator is added to the feed of the first separator.
The concentrate from each separation stage is then
diluted by the counter-current method with the
clarified effluent of the downstream stage. Fresh
water is added to wash the concentrate from
the third separator. The valuable soluble elements,
now separated from the cell-wall suspension, are
thermally concentrated in the subsequent process
steps before eventually reaching the packing stage.
Fresh water consumption can be further reduced
by means of additional washing stages, without
reducing the washing effect. A welcome side-effect
is the associated slight dilution of the extract,
which favorably affects the energy balance of
subsequent thermal concentration processes.

Volume balance for obtaining yeast extract

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Westfalia Separator viscon nozzles ensure a

high concentration of the cell walls, which not
only maximizes the material yield, but also
reduces the energy requirement during the
subsequent drying of the ancillary product. The
cell walls can be used in the dried form as feed
additives. Another advantage of Westfalia
Separator viscon is that a relatively large nozzle
diameter can be used, even with small quantities
of concentrate, thereby reliably avoiding the
possibility of blocked nozzles.
As in the production of bakers yeast, it is possible
to continue production by diverting the product flow
to the remaining separators, while individual
separators are being maintained. The end product,
in turn, is distinguished by high purity and
product quality and material losses are minimized.

3rd stage plant

4th stage plant
5th stage plant

Extract yield with reference to volume of washing water and the number of stages

In principle, there are two ways to increase the yield of yeast extract. For example, the yield
can be increased from some 93 to 96percent in a 3-stage process by adding more washing
water. However, the same result can be achieved if the process is designed for four stages from
the outset, thus avoiding the increased consumption of washing water in contrast to three
stages.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Westfalia Separator viscon

The last few years have seen a great deal of progress being made in the field of
concentration centrifuging with nozzle separators. The development of viscositycontrolled nozzles, like Westfalia Separator viscon, signaled the end of annoying
adjustments to the separators parameters in response to changes in the feed
conditions. The result is that the solids concentration in the discharge is now
constant. Our HF series of nozzle separators represents state-of-the-art technology in
the production of bakers yeast and yeast extract.

Consisting of a swirl chamber and the downstream

outlet nozzle, these special nozzles automatically
modify the flow. If, for example, the concentration
in the outlet is too low, the volumetric flow
reduces and the concentration increases. If, on the
other hand, the concentration is too high, the
nozzle increases the volumetric flow, which
correspondingly reduces the concentration. The
suspension is rotated by means of a special flow
management system in front of the nozzle. With
yeast as with many other suspensions, the
viscosity increases as the concentration increases.
The speed of rotation and therefore the flow
resistance are thus governed by the concentration
and it is precisely this characteristic which
Westfalia Separator viscon uses to control
the viscosity.
If the concentration of the suspension is low, this
produces a high speed of rotation, as a result of
which a high centrifugal force acts on the entrance
to the swirl chamber. This counter-pressure at the
inlet causes less suspension to flow in, increasing
the concentration.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

However, at high concentrations, the liquid

revolves slowly, which creates a lower centrifugal
force, so that there is a lower counter-pressure at
the inlet. More suspension flows to the nozzle and
this reduces the concentration.
Unlike conventional nozzle separators, the nozzles
in the Westfalia Separator viscon system are not
located on the circumference of the bowl, but on a
smaller diameter in the bowl top. Pressures of up
to 250 bar act on the circumference of the bowl,
whereas the pressures are considerably lower at
the center; this means that the separated cells are
exposed to significantly lower shearing forces.
In addition, the separators can be provided with
a hy d r o h e r m e t i c f e e d s y s t e m , t o e n s u r e
that sensitive products are very gently fed into
the bowl.

If the mass flow in the feed is high, rotation in front of the

nozzle is reduced, resulting in more suspension flowing to the
nozzle and a reduction in the concentration in the discharge. If,
on the other hand, the mass flow in the inlet is low, the rotation
is increased. As a result of the greater counter-pressure at the
nozzle inlet, less suspension arrives at the nozzle and the
concentration in the outlet increases.

The main features at a glance

Extensive selection of clarification and nozzle
separators in varying sizes to cover any
capacity required
Use of special Westfalia Separator viscon
nozzles ensures constant discharge
concentration, even when feed
conditions change
Avoidance of shearing forces thanks to
hydrohermetic feed and the location of the
discharge nozzles on the bowl top
Enclosed product handling as a result of the
concentrate and the clarified phase being
discharged by centripetal pump
All separators are completely CIP capable
Intelligent discharge systems ensure minimum
product losses, high flexibility and precision in
solids discharge
All separators are equipped as standard with
low-maintenance flat belt drives
The larger separators can also be equipped
with our new, innovative Westfalia Separator
directdrive

Westfalia
Separator
viscon

If the feed conditions in the separator change by mass flow, as

for example more product is fed into the separator, or the inlet
concentration increases, the solids concentration in the discharge
would vary by fk in a normal nozzle, whereas with the special
Westfalia Separator viscon nozzle, the solids concentration
remains extensively constant (f k viscon). In addition, the
suspension can be concentrated more strongly than with normal
nozzles. As the bores of the Westfalia Separator viscon
nozzles are larger, the risk of a possible nozzle blockage is
considerably less.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Discharge with Westfalia Separator

hydrostop
With the Westfalia Separator hydrostop system, we have developed a discharge
system for molasses clarification that can be adjusted precisely and reproducibly to
the specific solid concentration requirement of the process. This patented discharge
system enables the discharge process to be optimized extremely quickly. The
Westfalia Separator hydrostop system reduces the actual discharge time to less than
1/10 of a second and also permits reproducible partial discharges.

Extremely precise even with extremely

small volumes
The major disadvantage of older discharge systems
was that they were much slower and less precise;
there were significant fluctuations in the volume
and thus the concentration of the solids. It was not
possible to exert any influence over the process.
GEA Westfalia Separator has completely solved
these problems with the Westfalia Separator
hydrostop system: even small volumes of 1.5 to

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GEA Westfalia Separator

2 liters can be discharged reproducibly with an

error of less than 10 percent. This innovative
technology is the key to precise and rapid
discharges and, therefore, to much higher and
better quality yields. For the clarified molasses,
this also means that extremely compacted solids
can be discharged more easily. This is made
possible thanks to the bowls relatively large
opening. At the same time this also guarantees
lower flow velocities during partial ejections and,
therefore, considerably less erosion.

Discharge with Metering Piston

In the newer HF generation of nozzle separators, the solids are discharged by
means of metering pistons. Here, metering devices supply an accurately metered
quantity of opening water to the bowl during partial ejections. Thus, precise
discharge volumes can be achieved which can also be adjusted from the outside.
If partial ejections are desired with particular products, these can be carried out
efficiently and with minimum product losses with the metering piston system.

This system is proving itself in the fermentation

industry, particularly during CIP cleaning of the
nozzle separators, during total ejections. The bowl
can be opened over its entire circumference and a
relatively large annular gap can be selected, both
of which create very high flow turbulences in the
bowl, resulting in a positive cleaning effect.
The metering device is filled with water through
the inlet valve. Compressed air is then forced into

the lower chamber of the metering device through

the valve. When the opening water valve has been
operated, the compressed air acts on the piston of
the metering device, and the set quantity of water
is injected into the opening chamber. The air
pressure for the metering device should be 4 to 4.5
bar. The pressure booster installed in the metering
device ensures perfect discharge processes, thus
overcoming line, valve and injection chamber
resistances.

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GEA Westfalia Separator

Decanters for 2-Stage

Molasses Clarification
The high process temperatures and the erosive
characteristics of molasses demand a great deal
from the decanters. To provide the decanter with
the highest possible wear protection, GEA
Westfalia Separator armours all of the parts of a
decanter, which are likely to be subjected to
increased wear. For example, a continuous layer of
hard metal is welded onto the decanters scroll
flight. Depending on the application and the
customer's wishes, GEA Westfalia Separator also
welds tiles either on the entire screw flight or just
on certain areas of it, instead of hard metal. Also
armoured are areas in the distributor, which are
protected from abrasion by very effective wear
protection. A further area of potential wear, which
GEA Westfalia Separator also protects, are the
solids discharge bowl ports, where specially
sintered hard metal bushes are used. These wear
on one side as a result of the centrifugal forces,
but they can then be simply turned over, so that
they only have to be replaced when both sides
are worn.

Main features at a glance

The Westfalia Separator Delta power T drive

guarantees torque-dependent differential
speed control for constant and extremely high
solids concentrations, even with fluctuating
feed conditions
Adapted drive concepts: three-phase motor
with frequency converter for controlling the
bowl speed, or motor for controlled torque
starting
High bowl speeds for maximum clarification
and dewatering efficiency as well as high
throughput capacities
Deep pond design decanters ensure optimum
clarification and low energy consumption
Centripetal pump, hydrohermetic operation for
saving energy thanks to small diameter
Special wear protection for maximum decanter
availability

Discharge of the clarified liquid

under pressure

Product feed

Solids discharge

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GEA Westfalia Separator

 Types of machine

Product capacities *

Motor size [kW]

(depending on product

Decanter:

Areas of application

and process in l/h)

Primary motor + secondary motor

Self-cleaning
separators
SC 20

2,000 4,000

11

Molasses

SC 35

4,000 6,000

18,5

Molasses

SC 70

6,000 8,000

37/45

Molasses

SA 100

8,000 15,000

37/45

Molasses

SC 150

60

Molasses

15,000 25,000

Separators with viscon

nozzles

HFE 45

35,000 45,000

45

Bakers yeast

HFB 65

45,000 65,000

60

Bakers yeast

HFC 100

65,000 90,000

90

Bakers yeast

HFC 130

132

Bakers yeast

HFE 45

HFA 65
HFC 100
HFC 130

90,000 120,000

5,000 7,000

45

Yeast extract

7,000 10,000

60

Yeast extract

10,000 15,000

90

Yeast extract

15,000 20,000

132

Yeast extract

Decanters

CE 205

500 1,500

7.5+0,75

Molasses sludge

CE 305

1,500 3,000

15+2.2

Molasses sludge

CE 345

3,000 5,500

15+2.2

Molasses sludge

CC 458

5,500 10,000

2235+11

Molasses sludge

CB 505

45110+15

Molasses sludge

10,000 15,000

*The product parameters described as standard below are based on Westfalia Separators experiences with various customers and refer to the strain
of yeast, saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Standard bakers yeast with 200220g/l, H28 feed, concentrate 800850g/l

Particle size of the cells
Viscosity of the cell-free fermentation broth*
Relative density of the cells*
Relative density of the cell-free fermentation broth*
Separation temperature
Feed concentration

> 4.6m
< 1.23Pas
> 1100 kg/L
< 1024 kg/L
max. 40C
max. 18% v/v

*At separation temperature

Yeast extract
Particle size of cells
> 2.3m
pH value
5.3
Dynamic viscosity
0.62mPas
Relative density of the cells
> 1.09kg/L
Relative density of the cell-free fermentation broth* < 1.00kg/L
Separation temperature
max. 60C
Feed concentration
max. 18% v/v
*At separation temperature

Molasses
Brix
max. 48C
Particle size of the cells
> 4.6m
Centrifugable solids
max. 5% v/v
pH value
2.5 5.5
Viscosity of the free liquid*
weniger als 8mPas
Relative density of the solids which can be spun off* min. 1.45kg/l
Relative density of the suspension*
max. 1.2 kg/l
Concentration of chloride ions
8000 ppm or less (8 g/kg)
Separation temperature
80C
*At separation temperature

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GEA Westfalia Separator

CIP Cleaning Systems

GEA Westfalia Separator not only supplies
separators and decanters, but also the associated
CIP cleaning systems. These include the tanks,
heat exchangers, valve blocks and metering pumps
as well as the appropriate control system required
for chemical cleaning. To ensure that the CIP units
can be easily integrated into the process, the
individual components are installed on a base
frame and delivered completely ready for
connection. The great benefit of this one-stop
solution is that all components are optimally
adjusted to the centrifuges in the process. Our CIP
systems also ensure that the principle of maximum
efficiency applies not only to operation, but also to
the cleaning of the plant parts.
Our experience is also applied downstream of the
fermenter. The product is first forced out of the
separator system with cold water, to minimize

product losses. It is mixed with the medium

required for the respective cleaning step in the
CIP tank. This medium can be cold water, hot
water or a mixture of lye and water or acid and
water. The individual media are successively
circulated through the process line for 5 to 10
minutes each. Each cycle is repeated and ends
with a total discharge of the system. The sequence,
duration and the number of repetitions of the
cycles are governed by the previously programmed
process sequence or the programmed timing and
are also governed by the respective product
features. Following mixing in the tank, the
medium is heated to the required temperature.
The cleaning cycle starts as soon as the
temperature and pH value have achieved the
required value. On completion, the medium is
completely discharged from the circuit via a pipe.

General process flow sheet for CIP cleaning

22
GEA Westfalia Separator

During total ejection of the bowl high flow turbulences are

created due to the fall in pressure. These promote the cleaning
effect of the CIP medium and ensure that all of the solids are
discharged from the bowl.

It is important that the separators and lines can be

completely emptied, to reliably avoid any crosscontamination. The cleaning liquid for the next
sequence is added to the tank at the start of the
next cycle. These process steps are repeated until
the CIP procedure has been completed. Once
cleaning is done, the centrifuges can quickly
resume operation.

medium, cause the discs, nozzles, inlet and all

other areas in contact with the product in the
separator to be mechanically cleaned. In this
way, the solids can be reliably removed from
the separator.

Care must be taken during cleaning to ensure that

the cleaning fluids reach all areas of the separator
which come in contact with the product and that
even extremely compacted solids are completely
removed from the bowl.
To do this, the cleaning fluid must achieve a
sufficiently high flow turbulence, which is done
by totally emptying the bowl.
The feed is closed and the entire contents of the
bowl are instantaneously ejected. The resulting
drop in pressure provides the desired turbulences,
which in addition to the chemical effect of the CIP

23
GEA Westfalia Separator

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Original Manufacturers Service

GEA Westfalia Separator, Inc.

East Coast Headquarters:
100 Fairway Court Northvale, NJ 07647
201-767-3900
Midwest:
725 Tollgate Rd, Suite B Elgin, IL 60123
630-503-4700
South:
4725 Lakeland Pkwy, Suite 4
Lakeland, FL 33805
863-669-1500
Southwest:
2408 Timberlock Pl, Suite C-4
The Woodlands, TX 77380
281-465-7900
West Coast:
Western Region Customer Support Center
555 Baldwin Road Patterson, CA 95363
209-895-6300
Canada:
835 Harrington Ct Burlington, ON L7N 3P3
289-288-5500
Toll-Free: 800-722-6622
24-Hour Technical Help: 800-509-9299
www.wsus.com

XXXX

Westfalia and GEA Westfalia Separator are registered

trademarks of GEA Westfalia Separator GmbH.