Used Basket Centrifuge Article

Basket centrifuge equipment separates solids from liquids. The equipment has not changed significantly in recent years and a used basket centrifuge offers a high return on investment. The life of a typical basket centrifuge from a reputable manufacturer can exceed 20 years and its life span extended by 10 years with proper maintenance and care of the basket. The most important considerations when buying a new or used basket centrifuge are cost, quality and delivery time.

Basket Centrifuge Operation
A basket centrifuge operates using centrifugal force. When slurry is added to a rotating basket, liquid passes through perforated walls while retaining solids. The faster a basket centrifuge spins, the greater the gravitational pull and particle separation.

Basket Wall Characteristics
The inner basket wall can be solid or perforated. Solid inner walls allow solids to build up against the wall. As the basket fills with liquid, a skimmer tube siphons liquid through the top of the centrifuge. It is used when there are more solids than liquids. Perforated inner walls have a mesh screen covering the wall to trap solids but allowing liquid to pass through both the screen and holes into the outer chamber. When the liquid reaches the outer chamber, it’s discharged through an outlet pipe. It’s used if there are more liquids than solids. The solids are discharged through the top or bottom of the inner basket. If discharged through the top, it is removed manually or with an overhead crane that lifts the basket out of the centrifuge for cleaning. If solids are discharged from the bottom, a scraper arm scrapes the cake from the wall where it falls to the bottom of the basket.

Optional Extras
When purchasing a used basket centrifuge, optional extras include: cake sensor, cleaning in place (CIP) system, nitrogen blanking system, and vibration sensor. A cake sensor determines the thickness of the cake buildup on the screen and automatically stops the centrifuge once the programmed thickness is obtained. Without it, the task has to be performed manually. A CIP system performs automatic washing. A nitrogen blanking system prevents explosions by neutralizing any fumes in the chamber. A vibration sensor shuts off the centrifuge if vibrations allow the machine to spin out of control.

In addition, bottom discharge units can have a single or double action plow. A double action plow makes two passes around the basket. The first passes around the top and the second runs slightly lower to ensure all the cake is scraped off.

Industry Use of Basket Centrifuges
Basket centrifuges are used in the making of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals produced in batches. Examples include antibiotics, citric acid, benzene, penicillin, and amino acids. Common manufacturers of basket centrifuges include: Tolhurst, Western States, Sharples, Rousselet, DeLaval, Broadbent, Ametek, Ketema, and Krauss Maffei.

Used Basket Centrifuges
When purchasing a used basket centrifuge, consider equipment age, manufacturer, capacity and features. The advantages of buying a used centrifuge include immediate delivery and competitive price. Choose a reputable brand with maintenance records. Perry Videx maintains a sizeable inventory of basket centrifuges and parts. Perry Videx also has the ability to recondition and guarantee used basket centrifuges. Basket centrifuges may be rented for periods as short as 3 months. Contact us now to discuss your specific needs.