Overview
The Alfa Laval LAPX-404 is a self-cleaning centrifuge of the disc-stack type. Its design allows it to separate the liquid from liquid and solids (purifier) or liquid from solids (clarifier).
The LAPX-404 features a 'partial solids' ejection feature that allows the centrifuge to purge only the solids. This feature reduces fluid losses associated with sludge ejection.
The sludge ejection cycle can be timer triggered or based on the volume processed.
This centrifuge model is configured as a clarifier (solid-liquid) separator or concentrator to separate large volumes of water-based fluid from a small volume of oil.
The solids content in the process fluid can be up to 10% by volume and vary.
Specifications
| Model Type | Alfa Laval LAPX-404 |
| Rated Capacity | 5 GPM on Chicken Broth / Chicken Fat Separation |
| Sludge Space | 0.25 Gallons |
| Bowl RPM | 8,200 |
| G-Force | 8,000 Gs |
| Motor HP: | 5 HP |
| Voltages: | 230 / 460 V |
Applications
The LAPX-404 is applicable for removing suspended solids with a particle size of 0.5 t0 500 µm. The liquid medium is lighter than the solids.
The solids content is usually in the range of 0,1 to 10% by volume. The total solids content can be from 0.1% to 10% by volume.
The following are some of the popular applications of the Alfa Laval LAPX-404:
- Biotechnology
- Organic Fish Oil Separation
- Food Flavor Extraction
- Animal Fat Water Separation
- Industrial
- Coolant Tramp Oil Separation
- Two-Phase (Immiscible) Chemical Separation
- Clarified Butter (Ghee) Separation
The maximum process capacity of the machine is 5 Gallons/Minute.
Operation
The fluid enters the rotating bowl of the Alfa Laval LAPX-404 centrifuge. The bowl exerts a high g-force (8000 Gs) on the process fluid.
The centrifugal force causes rapid sedimentation of the solid particles. These separated solids are auto-ejected from the centrifuge.
The liquid phase (broth) moves towards the centers and exits the bowl through a separate outlet.
A detailed explanation of the operation of the LAPX-404 centrifuge follows.
The process fluid enters the rotating bowl of the centrifuge through a stationary inlet pipe (1). The distributor (2) accelerates the fluid before it enters the disc stack (3).
The separation of the solids from the liquid happens in the inter-disc space.
The clear liquid moves toward the center of the bowl. A paring disc (4) pumps out the clear centrate.
The denser solids move towards the bowl periphery. From there, their ejection happens through the centrifuge cyclone.
A hydraulic mechanism located under the bowl separation space causes the sludge ejection. This mechanism forces the sliding piston (5) downward, opening the solids ejection ports (6) at the bowl periphery.
The cyclone reduces the high ejection velocity of the solids.
Dolphin Centrifuge has an Alfa Laval LAPX-404 disc stack concentrator centrifuge system in stock for sale.