Testing: The logical way to select a centrifuge
If you're going to add a centrifuge to your operation anytime soon, you're probably wondering how to select the right unit for your needs. You need to make the right decision because a centrifuge is costly and, what's more, is often part of a process that includes further drying. Since dryers are generally sized to accommodate a specific tonnage of solids per hour containing a maximum percentage of moisture, the consistent performance of the centrifuge is critical to what type and size of dryer you select and how much it will cost.
So how can you make the right choice? And how do you know whether to trust what the centrifuge manufacturer's sales rep is telling you? The answer is simple: testing. This article explains how you can run three simple tests on your feed slurry in your own lab to eliminate some centrifuge choices. By process of elimination, the tests can help you determine which type of centrifuge to select for a subsequent pilot plant test. The article also discusses how to run the pilot plant test and make your final centrifuge choice.