Decanter Centrifuges in Juice Extraction

The literature describing the utilization of the decanter centrifuge to extract juice from fruit and vegetable material is reviewed. Generally, yields are improved by decreasing scroll differential speed while processing capacity is increased by a deep fluid pool in the centrifuge, increased differential scroll speed and press aid incorporation into apple mash. A practical upper limit to feed rate occurs when increasing quantities of suspended solids appear in the juice stream. Capacities for a 9-inch diameter bowl decanter are about 454 kg/h for apple mash and 250–500 kg/h for crushed grapes. Literature values for juice yields from fruit varied widely from 54.0% to 89%. Recent data on apple mashes suggest that different apple varieties behave differently in the decanter and that enzyme digestion of the fruit is a necessary prerequisite to juice separation. Advantages and disadvantages of the decanter as a juice extraction machine are discussed.

Application and CharacteristicsDecanters are used for the extraction of finely solubilized fruit andvegetable mashes. They excel in high yields and can be used flexiblyfor different applications.

Continuous operation∙ Flexibility∙ Quick and gentle processing∙ Hygienic due to the closed systemAdjustable impeller∙ High yield also in case of changing feed conditions∙ Flexible and easy adaption to various types of fruit and vegetables∙ Optimum cleaning∙ Automized CIP cleaning∙ Juice discharge under pressureModular construction∙ Optimal adaptation to your specific requirements (e.g. hard-facing in case of “sandy” products)∙ High yield due to optimum dimensioning .