Let us take a look in the inside of a separator bowl to better understand the configuration and function. Similar as with the vessel described above, the space inside the bowl is equipped with inserts. However, conically arranged discs can be installed in the bowl with more compressed, smaller interspaces.

To be able to understand the complete function of the separator, let’s simply follow the path of solids contaminated with solids through the centrifuge.

The mixture to be clarified enters the rotor through a centrally arranged feed tube. The distributor accelerates the product and conveys it into the separating space to the disc stack where the actual separation of solids and liquid takes place.

The configuration of the bowl depends takes into consideration the flow characteristics (fluidics). The flow behaviour of the solids is particularly important. Because of their higher density, they are flung against the underside of the disc above and flow down into the disc stack.

The sliding piston opens the bottom of the bowl space and thus enables solids discharge while the machine is running.

Now, we just have discharge the separated liquid, i.e. the liquid to be subsequently processed, at the upper end of the centrifuge.

The liquid rotating at a high speed in the bowl is picked up by a centripetal pump inside the centrifuge. The spiral channels of this centripetal pump absorb the velocity of the liquid and discharge them into a drain pipe. A high pressure is produced under which the liquid leaves the bowl.

A separator is, however, not only capable of clarifying liquids with solids content; it can also separate liquid mixtures. For example an oil-water mixture into an oil and water component.

For this purpose, the inside of the separator was modified somewhat. So-called rising channels are additionally fitted in the bowl.

The position of the rising channels depend on the proportions of the liquid phases in the mixture and play an important role in terms of separating efficiency. As a rule, the component hat is required in the purest state is allocated the largest settling area.

The separated phases are discharged under pressure by centripetal pump. In as far as solids are additionally separated, they can be discharged either manually or discontinuously via a periodically opened ejection system or fully continuously as illustrated in the example through nozzles at the bowl periphery.