Seals vertical decanters

The availability of inexpensive vertical decanters is very limited, such that in some circumstances one has to select a horizontal model even though a vertical one might have been preferred. The vertical decanter is designed and built primarily for high-temperature and/or pressurised operation. The vertical orientation lends itself to better and more reliable pressurisation, with only one end to be provided with rotational seals. The amount of engineering required for pressurisation and sealing makes the vertical decanter more expensive than the non-pressurised and open horizontal decanter. 

Figure 2.36. A vertical decanter seal and bearing assembly (By courtesy of Alfa Laval)...

Solid bowl scroll decanter centrifuges have also been built vertically. The pendulum-type construction allows the bowl to expand more easily when operating at higher temperatures and makes mechanical sealing for elevated pressures less cumbersome. Although these units have been designed for operation up to 10 bars, they often operate at 5 bars or less. 

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