Alfa Laval

Olive Oil (Y)

Specifically for two-phase operation, the Alfa Laval Olive Oil Y-series of decanter centrifuges is designed to provide cost-effective operation in the olive oil production chain: Clarification, extraction, dewatering and classification on first and second extraction.

Olive-oil Y 640x360

Design features and benefits

The decanters feature a special design for two phase operation. The geometry of the conveyor allows a good performance through:

  • Open and gentle feed zone design “Esbjerg” able to give maximum performance and wear resistance
  • Special flight for oil migration to the liquid outlet able to optimize yield and oil clarification avoiding turbulence
  • Special conveyor design to improve solids transportation and liquid separation
  • Tungsten carbide tiles on conveyor for Alfa Laval Y9 and Alfa Laval Y10. Optional for Alfa Laval Y8. Special and exclusive wear protection able to significantly reduce maintenance cost of conveyor.

Through the electronic control of the conveyor speed (differential speed) the retention time can be adjusted and set to obtain the required degree of oil clarification. Electronic control of differential speed is done trough a variable frequency drive (VFD) directly connected to Alfa Laval's exclusive direct drive gearbox. This new setup makes it possible to reduce power consumption and wear due to transmission.

High quality stainless steel is used throughout, including hinged casings for easy opening, maintenance and cleaning.

The decanters also have an electronic overload protection system.

How it works

The decanter centrifuge design ensures separation of the incoming olive paste into two phases – oil and wet solids.

The olive paste is fed into the bowl through a stationary inlet tube and is then smoothly accelerated by an inlet rotor. Separation takes place in a horizontal cylindrical bowl equipped with a screw conveyor. Centrifugal force causes instant sedimentation of the wet solids on the wall of the bowl.

The conveyor rotates in the same direction as the bowl, but at a different speed, and conveys the wet solids to the conical end. Because it is lighter, the oil flows on the inside, and the wet solids move towards the outer perimeter. Separation takes place along the entire length of the cylindrical part of the bowl. The liquid phases pass to their outlet via a vibrating filter and is then discharged into collecting tanks.