Vertical Disc Stack Centrifuge

The vertical disc stack centrifuge is one of the most versatile and widely used continuous centrifuges in industrial processing, combining high G-force, compact footprint, and automated solids ejection in a vertically oriented design. Unlike horizontal decanter centrifuges that rely on scroll conveyors for solids discharge, the vertical disc stack centrifuge uses the bowl's own rotation to concentrate solids at the periphery, where they are ejected intermittently through hydraulically actuated ports without stopping the machine. This design offers the highest G-force per unit footprint (up to 12,000-15,000 x g) and the finest separation capability (down to 0.5 micrometers) of any continuous centrifuge type. Vertical disc stack centrifuges are the preferred choice for applications requiring high liquid clarity, fine particle removal, and automated solids handling including pharmaceutical fermentation clarification, chemical catalyst recovery, food and beverage polishing, edible oil degumming, and biodiesel glycerin separation. Our Vertical Disc Stack Centrifuge has been specifically engineered with a vertical bowl orientation, precision-engineered disc stack, and automatic partial ejection system for continuous, unattended operation. The vertical design minimizes floor space requirements while providing easy access for maintenance. The disc stack provides an exceptionally large effective settling area (up to 5,000-50,000 m² equivalent) within a compact footprint (as little as 3-6 square meters). The high-G design (up to 12,000-15,000 x g) separates fine particles down to 0.5 micrometers and breaks tight emulsions with density differences as low as 0.02 g/mL. The automatic partial ejection system removes accumulated solids in 50-300 milliseconds without stopping the bowl, enabling 24/7 continuous operation. All product-contact surfaces are manufactured from electro-polished SUS316L stainless steel with surface roughness below 0.4 micrometers Ra, ensuring complete cleanability and corrosion resistance. The system is fully enclosed with CIP capability and available with inert gas purging for solvent applications and ATEX certification for hazardous areas. The vertical disc stack centrifuge has been validated for a wide range of applications including cell culture clarification (CHO, HEK293, Vero, MDCK), bacterial fermentation harvest (E. coli, Bacillus, Lactobacillus), yeast concentration (S. cerevisiae, P. pastoris), beverage polishing (wine, beer, cider, fruit juice), edible oil degumming and neutralization, biodiesel glycerin separation, fine chemical catalyst recovery, and pharmaceutical intermediate purification. For each application, the operating parameters including G-force, feed rate, disc stack configuration, ejection interval, and ejection duration can be optimized to achieve maximum separation efficiency. The control system continuously monitors key parameters including bowl speed, feed rate, ejection count, vibration, bearing temperature, and discharge solids consistency, providing real-time feedback and automatic adjustment of ejection frequency to match solids loading. For pharmaceutical applications, the control system includes 21 CFR Part 11 compliant audit trail and recipe management.

The vertical disc stack design provides several fundamental advantages over other centrifuge types. The vertical orientation allows gravity-assisted feed and discharge, simplifying piping and reducing pump requirements. The disc stack consists of 50-200 precision-formed conical discs stacked vertically, creating a series of thin, parallel flow channels (0.4-2.0 mm gap spacing). As feed enters the bowl through the stationary inlet at the bottom, it is accelerated to bowl speed and flows upward through the disc stack channels. Centrifugal forces up to 12,000-15,000 x g drive solids outward to the disc undersides, where they slide down and accumulate in the solids holding space at the bowl periphery. The clarified liquid flows upward through the center of the disc stack and discharges through a paring disc at the top. The solids holding space can accumulate solids for several minutes to hours before ejection. When ejection is triggered, hydraulic pressure opens ejection ports in the bowl periphery for 50-300 milliseconds, allowing concentrated solids to be ejected by centrifugal force. The ejection ports then close, resealing the bowl. The entire ejection cycle occurs without any change in bowl speed or interruption of product flow. For applications requiring washing of the separated solids (e.g., catalyst recovery, cell washing), the centrifuge can be equipped with a wash system that injects wash liquid through the center of the bowl, displacing mother liquor before solids ejection. The vertical disc stack centrifuge is available in both hygienic (FDA/3-A) and industrial configurations, with material options including SUS316L, Duplex stainless steel, and Hastelloy. For multi-product facilities, quick-change disc stacks and CIP capability allow changeover in 30-60 minutes. The combination of high G-force, compact footprint, and automatic solids ejection makes the vertical disc stack centrifuge the preferred choice for continuous, high-purity separations across all industries.

Our Vertical Disc Stack Centrifuge incorporates several advanced features specifically designed for continuous processing. The feed system includes a low-shear inlet distributor and variable-speed feed pump. The control system provides comprehensive monitoring and automation, built around a Siemens S7-1500 or Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC with a 15-inch full-color touchscreen HMI. The user interface presents key parameters including bowl speed, feed rate, ejection count, ejection duration, solids fill level, and discharge clarity. The system supports full recipe management, remote monitoring, and data logging. The combination of vertical disc stack design and advanced process control makes our centrifuge the preferred choice for continuous, high-purity separations worldwide.