Centrifuge speeds up vitamin C
7 Apr 2000
Roche Products' decision to modernise its vitamin C production has provided a new application for the Broadbent decanter centrifuge.
The project involved a new chemical process involving the separation of artificial sugar suspended in hydrocarbon solvent containing a small amount of acid. Roche said the critical factor was the need to discharge liquid containing only a minimum amount of solids. Dryness of the solids cake was not so much an issue, as this would be re-slurried and recirculated back into the processing system.
Roche invited Huddersfield-based Thomas Broadbent to design and manufacture a purpose-built solid bowl decanter centrifuge in 316 stainless steel to detailed specifications. Broadbent assisted with installation and commissioning. After minor modifications and process optimisation, the new centrifuge has now been put into full production.
