Versatile new decanter centrifuge for petrochemical applications

Citation

(2007), "Versatile new decanter centrifuge for petrochemical applications", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 59 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2007.01859fad.001

Versatile new decanter centrifuge for petrochemical applications

Versatile new decanter centrifuge for petrochemical applications

The new P2 decanter centrifuge range from Alfa Laval has been developed as a separation workhorse for a wide range of processes in the refinery and petrochemicals industries such as removing water and sludge from slop oil; recovering valuable catalysts and dewatering polyelectrolyte from waste media (Figure 1).

Figure 1 The new P2 decanter centrifuge from Alfa Laval

The new range provides efficient separation of tough sludges and slurries to provide greater levels of product recovery, reduced disposal costs and lower power consumption. Key aspects of performance such as low-noise operation, reliability and efficiency are based on the design of the robust, welded box beam frame which supports the main rotating assembly. This solid foundation ensures smooth operation even at maximum rotation speeds of up to 4,000rpm and g forces in excess of 3,000.

An important new feature is Alfa Laval's Direct Drive system which provides automatic control of the differential speed between the decanter's bowl and conveyor. Consisting of a new type of gearbox and variable frequency drive, Direct Drive enables an operator to maintain an optimum balance between solids dryness and liquid clarity. Control is provided by the Decanter Core Controller (DCC) which monitors and adjusts the key operating parameters according to the solids load in the decanter bowl. This DCC is equipped with external BUS options, enabling the operator to integrate the P2 into existing control systems.

These features give the operator an unprecedented level of control over key aspects of any separation or dewatering process. The P2 can be adjusted to suit process requirements by:

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  varying the bowl speed to obtain the optimum level of G force;

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  altering the conveyor speed to achieve the ideal balance between dryness and liquid clarity;

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  changing the pond depth; and

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  adapting to varying feed rates.

All of the machines in the P2 range are ATEX compliant and available for Zones 1, 2 and 22. Gas-tight versions are also available for processing flammable media.

More press information from Alfa Laval Ltd, Peter Rose, Marketing Manager; E-mail: general.uk@alfalaval.com