Decanter Centrifuge for Lactic Acid Separation
Description
The Decanter Centrifuge for Lactic Acid Separation is designed for continuous solid-liquid separation in lactic acid fermentation and purification processes.
It is suitable for separating fermentation broth solids, bacterial cells, biomass residues, calcium lactate slurry, and other suspended solids generated during lactic acid production.
The centrifuge provides continuous clarification, solids concentration, and liquid recovery, helping improve downstream filtration efficiency, reduce product loss, and support stable industrial-scale lactic acid processing.
Typical Applications
- Lactic acid fermentation broth clarification
- Microbial cell and biomass separation
- Calcium lactate slurry dewatering
- Fermentation residue concentration
- Organic acid production wastewater treatment
- Process liquid recovery before purification
- Solid-liquid separation before evaporation or refining
Lactic Acid Separation Challenges
High Biomass and Fine Cell Particles
Fermentation broth contains microorganisms and fine suspended solids that are difficult to settle naturally.
Low Density Fermentation Solids
Biomass particles often have small size and low settling speed.
Product Loss During Separation
Lactic acid remains in the liquid phase, while solid residues may retain valuable liquid.
Continuous Production Requirements
Industrial fermentation plants require stable operation with minimal downtime.
Corrosive Fermentation Liquids
Acidic liquids and fermentation chemicals may affect equipment materials.
Lactic Acid Separation Solution
Typical Process Flow:
Lactic Acid Fermentation Broth
→ Feed Tank
→ Optional Flocculant Dosing
→ Decanter Centrifuge
→ Clarified Lactic Acid Liquid + Concentrated Biomass Solids
Clarified Liquid → Purification / Concentration / Refining
Separated Solids → Further Treatment / Disposal / Recovery
Peony Can Provide
- Fermentation broth testing and centrifuge selection
- Feed pump and tank integration
- Adjustable bowl speed and differential speed
- Corrosion-resistant material configuration
- PLC automatic control system
- CIP-friendly design options
- Liquid and solids collection system
How the Decanter Centrifuge Works
1. Fermentation Broth Feeding
Lactic acid fermentation broth enters the rotating bowl through the feed inlet.
2. Solid Sedimentation
Under centrifugal force, biomass and suspended particles move toward the bowl wall.
3. Liquid Clarification
Separated lactic acid liquid remains in the inner liquid zone and flows toward the clarified liquid outlet.
4. Solids Conveying
The scroll continuously transports concentrated biomass solids toward the discharge end.
5. Continuous Separation
Clarified liquid and dewatered solids are discharged continuously for downstream processing.
Technical Parameter
| Model |
Diameter (mm) |
Length (mm) |
Length-to-diameter rate |
G force |
Max solid discharge (m³/h) |
Weight (kg) |
Dimension (L*W*H) (mm) |
| PDC-10 |
250 |
1000 |
4 |
4080 |
0.4 |
1000 |
2410*800*1080 |
| PDC-12 |
4200 |
1350 |
4 |
3500 |
0.6 |
1200 |
2610*800*1080 |
| PDC-12 |
4200 |
1350 |
4.5 |
3180 |
1.2 |
1800 |
3495*840*1180 |
| PDC-18 |
4000 |
1600 |
4.5 |
3180 |
1.2 |
3200 |
3497*1020*1385 |
| PDC-18 |
450 |
2150 |
4 |
2500 |
2 |
3800 |
4447*1080*1385 |
| PDC-20 |
400 |
2250 |
4.5 |
2500 |
3.5 |
4000 |
4580*1140*1470 |
| PDC-21 |
530 |
2280 |
4.3 |
2500 |
5 |
5000 |
4924*1170*1540 |
| PDC-26 |
655 |
2800 |
4.3 |
2270 |
8 |
7000 |
4300*1900*1350 |
Main Advantages
Continuous Fermentation Broth Clarification
Handles large-volume fermentation liquids without batch filtration cycles.
Improved Liquid Recovery
Reduces valuable lactic acid loss by improving solid-liquid separation efficiency.
Fine Biomass Separation
Suitable for microbial cells and fine fermentation residues.
Hygienic Process Design
Stainless steel contact parts and cleanable structure support food and bio-based applications.
Flexible Process Adjustment
Adjustable operating parameters allow adaptation to different fermentation conditions.
What Data Is Needed for Selection?
Please provide:
- Feed material composition
- Fermentation broth solids content
- Particle size distribution
- Liquid viscosity and pH value
- Required processing capacity
- Target liquid clarity
- Required solid moisture
- Contact material requirement
FAQ
Can the decanter centrifuge separate lactic acid fermentation broth?
Yes. It is commonly used for separating biomass, fermentation residues, and suspended solids from lactic acid production liquids.
Will it affect lactic acid recovery?
Proper selection of centrifugal force and operating parameters helps maximize liquid recovery and reduce product loss.
Is flocculant required?
Not always. It depends on biomass concentration, particle size, and required liquid clarity.
What materials are suitable for lactic acid processing?
Stainless steel configurations such as SS304 or SS316L can be selected according to corrosion requirements.
Can it operate continuously?
Yes. The decanter centrifuge is designed for continuous feeding, separation, and solids discharge.
Contact Peony for Partnership
Peony welcomes distributor and agent cooperation with lactic acid producers, fermentation plants, biotechnology companies, food ingredient manufacturers, and industrial separation partners.
We support partners with fermentation testing, decanter centrifuge selection, corrosion-resistant configuration, process optimization, equipment customization, installation guidance, commissioning support, spare parts, and after-sales service.
Send us your lactic acid fermentation information, including solids concentration, processing capacity, pH value, particle characteristics, liquid clarity requirement, target solid moisture, and downstream processing arrangement. Our engineering team will recommend a suitable decanter centrifuge solution for your lactic acid separation process.
