Horizontal centrifuge with screw conveyor (decanter): Optimization of oil/water levels and differential speed during olive oil extraction

From experimental data some interesting relations were found linking decanter centrifuge parameters; their relationship depends on a complete quadratic interaction model constituted by the input variables that leads to highly correlated polynomials between DN vs. Uopdb (“mass fraction of oil in the fed olive paste” (dry basis)) and ηo optimal vs. Uopdb. These relations allow optimization of DN and RING values such that maximum oil recovery efficiency is achieved. Indeed, knowledge of Uopdb by an on-line method allows the decanter DN and RING operating parameters, to be calculated and modified at once, obtaining optimal maximum oil recovery efficiency.