ANDRITZ decanter centrifuge A for industrial processes

Decanter centrifuges A

The ANDRITZ decanter centrifuge A is a robust, modular solid-bowl centrifuge engineered to deliver reliable, flexible, and safe solid-liquid separation across a wide range of industrial processes. Using advanced centrifugal force, it provides outstanding performance under demanding conditions while keeping operating costs low. Designed for long service life and minimal maintenance, it offers proven efficiency in clarification of liquids, thickening of sludges, and separation of solids.

Decanter centrifuge A for industrial processes

The latest generation of ANDRITZ decanter centrifuges A is a modular decanter series for perfect fit

Maximum efficiency and reliabaility with ANDRITZ decanter centrifuge A

The special design of the ANDRITZ decanter centrifuge A ensures maximum efficiency and process reliability

Decanter centrifuge A, what is it and how does it work

Built on a modular platform, these decanter centrifuges combine a precision-engineered rotating bowl with a high-performance scroll conveyor to ensure continuous, stable separation. By controlling differential speed between the conveyor and bowl, the system adapts to variations in feed composition, delivering excellent separation efficiency even with high solids content. Its compact design and durable construction make it a reliable solution for industrial operators looking to optimize throughput and reduce environmental impact.

ANDRITZ decanter centrifuges A_AS_Thumbnail

ANDRITZ decanter centrifuges A/AS for an efficient dewatering for highest product quality

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ANDRITZ decanter centrifuges tailored to challenging industrial oil recovery

Why choose the ANDRITZ decanter centrifuge A?

Continuous, flexible, and reliable operation

The A‑series maintains consistent separation results even when feed volume, conditions, or product characteristics fluctuate. Its robust solid‑bowl design, low‑vibration operation, and precise differential speed control support uptime and equipment reliability, minimizing process interruptions in continuous duty.

Modular design for a perfect fit

Starting from a strong base machine, the decanter can be configured with application‑specific features to match clarification, thickening, dewatering, liquid–liquid, and classifying duties. This modularity enables custom engineering solutions that scale as requirements evolve—streamlining commissioning while improving process optimization across lines.

Safety and compliance for hazardous applications

For solvent‑rich or potentially explosive atmospheres, the A‑series offers gas‑tight, vapor‑tight and pressurized designs, with configurations suitable for ATEX Zone 1/2 environments. This safeguards people and assets while preserving throughput and separation performance—key to operational efficiency in high‑risk settings.

Key features and benefits

High-efficiency solid-liquid separation

Optimized bowl and conveyor geometries generate high G‑forces for sharp separation cuts and excellent centrate/filtrate quality. By stabilizing solids capture and dryness, the A‑series reduces downstream load and helps plants meet stringent product and effluent specifications.

Energy‑saving and low operating costs

Decanter‑based sedimentation minimizes consumables compared with filtration‑based methods, supporting lower OPEX and sustainable waste management practices. Energy‑efficiency innovations – such as optional TurboJet weir plates that recover kinetic energy from the clarified liquid – can further reduce power demand.

Compact design with high throughput

The self‑contained, compact layout eases integration into existing lines and supports high specific throughput. Plants benefit from reduced peripheral equipment, simplified utilities, and a smaller footprint – all contributors to measurable operational efficiency gains.

Additional process advantages of the ANDRITZ decanter cetrifuge A

Process flexibility

Constant separation results, even at fluctuations in the volumetric flow, the process conditions, or the product characteristics.

Process conditions

Gas-tight, vapor-tight, or pressurized operation
Low vibration levels
Absolute pressures from 0 to 6 bar, -90° C to +180° C
CIP cleaning
Flameproof or explosion-proof standards making the decanter ideal for applications with solvents and hazardous materials

Chemical resistance

Materials such as titanium, pure nickel, or Hastelloy provide the security essential in demanding process applications.

ANDRITZ decanter centrifuge A fitting for industrial oil such as crude oil or slop oil

ANDRITZ decanter centrifuge A10-4 for tailings

Advanced operation capabilities

Clarification

Clarification removes suspended solids from a liquid of lower density across a particle size range from 1 to 10,000 microns. By increasing centrifugal force, even submicron particles can be separated, making this process ideal for high-purity applications in chemicals, mining, and waste management.

Classifying

Through controlled reduction of residence time, the decanter achieves sharp separation cuts for particle-size classification down to the submicron range. This capability is essential for processes requiring precise particle distribution and custom engineering solutions.

Liquid/liquid separation

The A-series efficiently separates immiscible liquid phases of different densities, with or without solids present. This is critical for oil recovery and industrial wastewater treatment, where mechanical dewatering and centrifugal separation reduce reprocessing and disposal costs.

Thickening

Fine solids separated from the liquid can be thickened in a hindered settling mode, utilizing the cylindrical section of the bowl for maximum compression. This improves solids handling and reduces downstream load, contributing to operational efficiency.

Compression and dewatering

Compactive dewatering combines drainage and compression to achieve a higher degree of dryness, even with compressible solids. The degree of dewatering depends on solids characteristics, machine settings, and required dryness levels. Optimized conveyor and cone geometry, along with differential speed control, ensure stable discharge of pasty or shear-sensitive solids—key for waste management and cost reduction.

Counter-current washing

Integrated washing systems allow efficient, cost-effective removal of contaminants by separate discharge of wash liquor over multiple sections. This reduces chemical and water consumption, aligning with sustainability and process optimization goals.

Mixing and re-suspension

Special discharge geometries enable solids to be mixed with liquid directly at the outlet, eliminating the need for additional mixing vessels. This feature simplifies plant design and enhances operational efficiency.

Automation and innovation

Metris addIQ control systems for smart operation

Metris addIQ control systems stabilize separation quality, automate setpoints, and provide diagnostics that support predictive service strategies. As the “brain” behind the process, addIQ strengthens industrial automation and helps maintain equipment reliability through better visibility, alarms, and optimization tools.

Engineered for tough conditions

A broad choice of materials of construction, wear protection, and sealing options extends service life in abrasive or corrosive duties. Features like CIP, optimized bearings and seals, and gas‑tight/pressurized casings are designed to lower maintenance effort while keeping performance high.

Options that boost performance

Depending on application, the A‑series can be equipped with energy‑recovery weir plates, specialized feed systems to reduce particle breakage, and multiple drive/gearbox configurations—each selected to match duty conditions and performance targets.

Discover Metris addIQ control systems

Applications across industries

Chemical industry – ZLD, petrochemicals, and more

In chemicals, the decanter centrifuge A handles catalyst recovery, mother‑liquor clarification, and salt/crystal management in ZLD/MEG and petrochemical workflows (e.g., BPA, PX, PVC, HDPE). Available corrosion‑resistant materials (e.g., titanium, Hastelloy, nickel) and CIP options align with aggressive media and hygiene needs while enabling custom engineering solutions per process.

ZLD/MEG
Petrochemicals including BPA, PX, PVC, and HDPE
Soda ash
Mineral and industrial oil (slop oil, crude oil)
Special, base and agrochemicals
…and many more!

Industrial oil recovery – Slop oil and crude oil treatment

Three‑phase operation separates oil, water, and solids in streams like slop oil, tank‑bottoms, and API separator sludge. Systems are available as stand‑alone machines, skid packages, or complete plants—supporting fast deployment and reliable recovery performance in ATEX‑classified areas (ZONE 1 and Zone 2) when required.

Mining & Minerals – Tailings and fine‑solids dewatering

For tailings and fine PSD slurries, high‑speed decanter configurations deliver strong solids capture and cake dryness, lowering hauling and disposal costs and advancing site waste management goals. Stable performance under variable feeds helps concentrators and refineries keep recovery and throughput on target.