Improved design of conical accelerators for decanter and pusher centrifuges

The simple cone-type feed accelerator commonly used for solid-bowl and screen-bowl decanter and pusher centrifuges delivers to the surface of the decanter pool or the pusher basket a tangential speed far below the value of ΩR (the rim speed of the cone), with consequences adverse to performance. A novel, more effective cone accelerator is described. This has forward-curved vanes that produce overspeeding and a final unvaned section of cone - called a smoothener - which smears out the jets from the vanes into a nearly uniform conical sheet. Model tests in the laboratory were used for developing the new accelerator technology. Operation in the field has verified the expected improvements in capacity performance.