MBUX
Alfa Laval MBUX industrial centrifuges are well suited to the recovery of yeast and other microorganisms in pharma applications. Yeast centrifuge separators available in different sizes, they require relatively little energy to recover concentrated solids. The slurry is pseudo-plastic and flows easily in the bowl against the centrifugal force in what is a closed system. The closed configuration also enhances hygiene.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment for hygienic, pressurised recovery of microorganisms
- High uniform concentration of discharged solids phase regardless of fluctuations in feed flow or concentration due to self-regulating vortex nozzles
- No foaming – light and heavy phase are both discharged under pressure which simplifies installation (no pump systems) and improves hygiene
- No accumulation of packed solids – pockets in the bowl guide solids to the concentrate tubes making separation and CIP easy and effective
- Cost effective operation – low energy requirements in a closed system under pressure
- Efficient – bowl can be opened intermittently during production and/or cleaning cycle to eject solids while machine continues to run at full speed
All wetted parts are high-grade stainless steel (including bowl body in Super Duplex stainless steel) while rubber seals are food-approved EPDM or nitrile rubber. The separator is equipped with speed and vibration sensors and the anchoring feet with vibration dampers. The yeast separator is driven by a flange-mounted motor which is pre-mounted at the factory so there is no need for alignment on site.
The MBUX yeast centrifuge separators are available in different sizes covering a wide range of process demands.
Alfa Laval vortex nozzles automatically compensate for variations in the feed flow rate or feed solids concentration to ensure a constant concentration of the discharge solids phase. The self-regulating feature is based on the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid entering the vortex chamber and the effect of its rotation velocity on the pressure drop.
The concentrate enters the chamber of the vortex nozzle tangentially at the periphery, forms a whirl in the vortex chamber and leaves through a hole in the centre of the nozzle. The inlet and outlet pressure of the liquid is similar to normal pressure drops. In principle, these pressure drops are not affected by the viscosity of the concentrate. The pressure drop created by the whirl of the concentrate in the vortex chamber is high if the rotation velocity is high and, conversely, low if it is low.
With the patented Alfa Laval self regulating vortex nozzles the concentration of discharged solids phase can be kept at a high and even level irrespective of fluctuations in the feed flow or feed concentration. The yeast centrifuge can thus be operated closer to the clogging point without increasing the risk of clogging.
The light and heavy phase are both discharged under pressure which prevents foaming and simplifies installation by eliminating pump systems and improves the hygiene. Solids pockets in the bowl guide the solids to the concentrate tubes, preventing accumulation of firmly packed solids and making separation and Cleaning In Place (CIP) easier and more effective.
Automated CIP at full speed
The bowl can be opened intermittently during production and/or the cleaning cycle for ejections of solids while the machine continues to run at full speed. Frame hood is fitted with a spray nozzle for washing the outside of the bowl.
Standard design
All liquid-wetted parts are in high-grade stainless steel, including bowl body in Super Duplex stainless steel, and rubber sealing food approved EPDM or nitrile rubber. The yeast separator is equipped with speed and vibration sensors. The anchoring feet are equipped with vibration dampers. The MBUX separator is driven by a flange-mounted motor. The separator is delivered with the motor pre-mounted at the factory so there is no need for alignment on site.
Benefits
- Self-regulating vortex nozzles for optimal concentrate dryness and minimum clogging risk
- Hygienic design
How it works
Separation takes place in the disc type bowl which is equipped with concentrate tubes and vortex nozzles. The heavy solids phase moves outwards with the centrifugal force in to the solids pockets at the bowl periphery and from there through concentrate tubes and internal vortex nozzles into the paring tube chamber, where the concentrate is skimmed off by the paring tube and discharged under pressure. The clarified liquid phase is displaced towards to the centre through the disc stack. This phase is then discharged under pressure by means of a built in paring disc. The valve slide under the bowl bottom opens the discharge valves momentarily, permitting the ejections of solids.
Self-regulating vortex nozzles
The unique vortex nozzles automatically compensate for variations in the feed flow rate or feed solids concentration to ensure a constant concentration of the discharge solids phase.
The self-regulating feature is based on the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid entering the vortex chamber and the effect of its rotation velocity on the pressure drop.
The concentrate enters the chamber of the vortex nozzle tangentially at the periphery, forms a whirl in the vortex chamber and leaves through a hole in the centre of the nozzle. The inlet and outlet pressure of the liquid is similar to normal pressure drops. In principle, these pressure drops are not affected by the viscosity of the concentrate. The pressure drop created by the whirl of the concentrate in the vortex chamber is high if the rotation velocity is high, and low at low velocities.
Test, validate, and scale up your next separation solution
Whether upgrading your production line or running a proof of concept, Alfa Laval helps you choose the right separator solution with confidence. Simply get in touch to arrange a consultation and trial at one of our test centres, or to rent a unit for onsite testing.
The Separator Innovator
Would you like to know more about our innovations in separation technology? Click on the link below. Alfa Laval invented the first disc stack separator and has led the way in the development of centrifuge technology for over a century. We are glad to share with you the expertise we have gained along the way. Visit our Separator Innovator knowledge base to learn more about advancements in separation and the steps Alfa Laval is taking to continue revolutionizing the technology.
