The wedge screen centrifuge basket works based on the principles of centrifugal force and filtration. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how the basket operates:
Introduction of the feed: The sugar syrup or mother liquor containing sugar crystals is introduced into the centrifuge machine. The feed enters the basket, which is a cylindrical drum with wedge-shaped profile wires.
Centrifugal force generation: The basket is mounted on a rotating spindle and is driven to rotate at high speeds. As the basket spins, centrifugal force is generated, pushing the liquid towards the outer periphery of the basket.
Filtration through wedge-shaped wires: The sugar syrup or mother liquor passes through the narrow openings created by the wedge-shaped profile wires of the basket. The narrow gaps allow the liquid to pass through while retaining the sugar crystals inside the basket.
Filtrate collection: The liquid portion, known as the filtrate, passes through the slots or perforations of the basket and is collected outside the basket. The filtrate, which is essentially the clarified liquid, is directed to further processing or recovery.
Retention of sugar crystals: The sugar crystals, being larger in size compared to the gaps between the wedge-shaped wires, are unable to pass through and are retained inside the basket. The retained sugar crystals gradually build up inside the basket as the liquid is continuously fed into the centrifuge.
Dewatering (optional): In some applications, the centrifuge basket may have additional features or mechanisms to facilitate the dewatering of the retained sugar crystals. These mechanisms can include additional pressure or vacuum to remove excess moisture from the crystals, enhancing the dewatering process.
Discharge of the solids: Once a sufficient amount of sugar crystals has accumulated inside the basket, the centrifuge operation is paused, and the solid cake of sugar crystals is discharged from the basket. The cake is typically collected for further processing, drying, or packaging.
By utilizing the combination of centrifugal force and the filtration properties of the wedge screen basket, the sugar crystals are effectively separated from the liquid phase, resulting in high-quality sugar production in the sugar industry.
