Inverting Filter Centrifuges for a Toxic Product Application

The Challenge

A customer who works with potentially toxic materials approached Comi Polaris to request a new solution. Previously, they used old vertical top discharge centrifuges. After a time, they could no longer process the product safely and efficiently. Opening the centrifuge for every discharge exposed the operators to toxic particles or vapors. The product was also potentially reactive, with flammable solvents, and the risk of contact toxicity was high. The customer required new centrifuges that could manage an increase in production and update the working conditions to a safe environment.

Our Solution

We proposed three inverting filter centrifuges (HT/GMP 800/350 model in AISI 316L) that were gas-tight and purged with nitrogen.

Managing Safety Risks

Unlike the vertical top discharge centrifuges that the customer had been using, our solution significantly increased safety for the operators. Adding a nitrogen purge and oxygen detection feature to the process addressed some dangers. Subsequently, enclosing the system solved the safety issues involved in using a potentially reactive product (as well as flammable solvents) as a whole. With this solution, there was no contact between the operator and the product during operation and cleaning. It removed the possibility of contact toxicity, which was previously an issue.

Ensuring Operational Efficiency

The customer also needed the machine to work well with poor filterability while increasing the plant capacity. The older machines could address the poor filterability. However, a new approach was required to increase production. Our inverting filter centrifuge made it possible to work with thin cakes. The automatic cycles, short discharging time, and the complete elimination of the heel cake at every cycle made it possible. Optimizing the cycle times and cake thickness allowed for separating products with low filtering properties (fine particles, high compressibility) even at higher overall capacity demands.

Offering Premium Quality

Our customer found various features of the inverting filter centrifuge beneficial, namely the efficient C.I.P (Clean-in-Place) system, thanks to the Washing Machine Effect and spray balls technology. This model includes several notable features, such as a high G factor and automatic filing via load cell system.

We design our inverting filter centrifuge with accessibility in mind. It offers an even cake distribution due to the machine’s horizontal design. The front casing’s full swing door offers a completely inspectable process area. It also features anti-vibration dampers, which make installation easy and isolates the machine from unbalanced loads.

The Results

The centrifuges have been in operation since 2018 after a successful SAT (Site Acceptance Test). The customer has reported that the desired productivity was achieved on all three centrifuges in different production steps. Most importantly, there was a marked reduction in the contact between the workers and the poisonous products during production and cleaning.