Solids Discharge Nozzle Visual Inspection

Inspecting the solids discharge nozzles from time to time is critical to not only the centrifuge operation, but also to manage and reduce repair costs.

1.) Stop running the centrifuge.

2.) Flush or run a CIP to remove the solids from the centrifuge.

3.) When the centrifuge is at a complete stop, open the cover (follow lock out and safety procedures for the inspection).

4.) Look for solids discharge ports on the rotating assembly.

Visual inspection on the discharge nozzles should be part of your general centrifuge maintenance schedule. A typical wastewater application has approximately 20,000 working hours before replacing the nozzles. In more severe wear applications (manure, sand, grit), Centrisys/CNP recommends to do frequent, thorough inspections.

 

Above: Discharge ports show no sign of wear, tungsten carbide (TC) bushings are in good condition.

Discharge nozzles are constructed of TC. This is an extremely hard material that has a high level of resistance to wear. It’s important to replace TC nozzles before they are worn thru.

Suggested Repair: None, but inspect the discharge nozzles as part of your general centrifuge maintenance schedule.

 

 

Above: Nozzle is beginning to show wear signs. The wavy pattern indicates that erosion inside nozzle is starting to round off. This wear pattern also indicates the centrifuge was run in both leading and lagging directions. This is part of the Centrisys standard design that doubles the life of the bushings and scroll.

Suggested Repair: Rotate the TC bushing 90 degrees to extend the lifetime of the part and have less expensive repair. More frequent visual inspections are necessary after the rotation.

 

 

Above: More serious wear signs on the insides of the nozzle. The outside shows erosion with a wavy contour pattern.

Suggested Repair: Replace the TC bushing.

 

 

 

Above: Discharge ports show damage by an object or a very abrasive material ran through the centrifuge.

Suggested Repair: 1) Replace the TC bushing. 2) Rebuild the discharge opening to the original dimensions.

If the nozzles are not replaced before they are worn through, the solids will cut into the softer stainless base material on the rotating assembly causing serious damage to the centrifuge. More serious damage results in higher repair costs and longer process downtime.

George Kueppers (George-1bw-BIO-160.jpg)
VP of Production  |  Centrifuge Repair Expert

As a 30+ year veteran of the wastewater industry, Kueppers worked with Centrisys since the beginning in 1987. Kueppers played a key role to build a global company from the ground up, leading the industry with innovative centrifuge designs and out-of-the-box solutions for service and repair. It’s through Kueppers’ mechanical expertise servicing all brands of centrifuges that Centrisys became a leader in centrifuge service, repair and optimization. He also works hand-in-hand with the Centrisys’ engineering teams to re-engineer and optimize parts for all brands of centrifuges. His expertise with centrifuge back-drive technologies (gearbox or hydraulic) is unmatched in the industry today. Keuppers and his team maintain the service integrity and responsiveness of a small start-up, a quality he credits for the company’s strong growth. It’s not uncommon for Kueppers to help repair a centrifuge through a phone call or email – he’s that good.