Cross-section of a Flottweg TRICANTER - Separation of two liquids - and one solid phase

Three-Phase Separation

With the Flottweg TRICANTER two liquids with different specific gravities can be individually separated from solids.

The two liquids are separated in the liquid Zone and are decanted and discharged from the bowl through two discrete discharge systems to prevent cross-contamination. There is generally a choice as to which phase is discharged under pressure and which by gravity (patented system). The Flottweg adjustable impeller (skimmer), a standard feature, allows the interface between the two liquid phases to be optimally adjusted if changes in the density different- ial or in the quantity ratio of the two liquids occur. The adjustment during the operation of the centrifuge ensures maximum purity of both liquid phases, thus often eliminat- ing additional downstream separation equi- pment.

Flottweg

Cross-section of a Flottweg SORTICANTER - Separation of two solids strems and one liquid phase, for recycling of plastics

The SORTICANTER is designed for the separation of solids according to their density. The process is aided by a carrier liquid with a spec-ific gravity that is between the den-sities of the two solids streams to be separated.

The SORTICANTER (patented sys-tem) essentially consistes of a cylindrical/conical bowl with a second inner cone at the cylindrical end and a double-acting scroll matching the inner contour of the bowl.

Bowl and scroll rotate in the same direction with the scroll moving slightly slower than the bowl. The solids are precut to an edge length of about 12-16 mm and mixed with the carrier liquid in an agitated tank. A pump conveys the mixture through the centrifuge feed pipe, the distributor and inlet ports in the scroll body into bowl, thus accelerating it to the bowl speed.

The solids, which are lighter than the carrier liquid, float and are conveyed with the liquid towards the cylindrical end of the bowl. As soon as the floating particles have reached the second, inner cone section of the bowl, the scroll flight, wound in the opposite direction to those conveying sedimented solids, transfer the lighter solids across a drying zone and through ports into a second solids discharge chute.

The liquid phase is skimmed off and discharged under pressure by an impeller at the cylindrical end of the bowl. After an intermediate cleaning step it may be recycled and re-used as carrier liquid. Carrier liquids with different densities enable the user to shift the effective interface zone between heavier and lighter solids.

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