Decanter Centrifuge Gearbox
The gearbox is the driving heart of any decanter centrifuge, controlling the critical differential speed and torque output between the bowl and the scroll. SEPARATECH specializes in manufacturing high-performance decanter gearboxes designed to withstand heavy solids loading, reduce processing downtime, and restore your separation equipment to peak efficiency.
There are two main types of decanter centrifuge gearbox. One is the planetary (epicyclic) gearbox, the other one is the cycloidal (cyclo) gearbox. However there are a number of decanters which have eliminated the gearbox by using a hydraulic system.
Planetary Gearbox for Decanter
The planetary gearbox system consists of a pinion shaft and gear, which engages three planetary gears (mounted on carrier plates) which in turn engage a ring gear fixed to the gearbox casing. For the decanter centrifuge the epicyclic gearbox involves two stages. although recently three stages have been in use. The carrier plate of the first stage holds a second pinion shaft carrying the sun gear for the second stage.
The ratio of the decanter centrifuge gearbox is the product of the ratios for each stage. The maximum practical ratio for any stage is just over 1 3. giving a maximum ratio for a two-stage planetary gearbox of 170 to 180. Three stage epicyclic gearboxes with ratios over 500 have been used on decanters.
If the central pinion shaft is held stationary. the differential speed between conveyor and bowl will be the bowl speed divided by the gearbox ratio. If the pinion shaft is allowed to rotate at some speed below the bowl speed, then the differential between bowl and conveyor will be the difference between bowl speed and pinion speed, divided by decanter centrifuge gearbox ratio.
If the pinion speed is controlled by using a brake, or a variable speed motor. differential speed may be varied from close to maximum. when the brake is at its slowest speed, to nearly zero, when the brake is almost at bowl speed. Reducing the pinion speed below zero, i.e. by reversing, enables higher differential speeds to be obtained. Using an epicyclic gearbox causes the conveyor to rotate slower than the bowl. whereas it is normally faster when using a cycloidal decanter centrifuge gearbox. Generally the conveyor flight helix is “left handed” with an planetary decanter centrifuge gearbox and right handed with a cycloidal gearbox.
Technical Specifications of 2-stage Planetary Gearbox
| Designation | Transmission ratio | Rated torque (Nm) | Maximum speed (rpm) | Suitable bowl ID (mm) | Weight (Kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2C2 | 95 | 1500 | 6000 | ≤300 | 45 |
| P2C3 | 57,90 | 4000 | 5000 | ≤400 | 70 |
| P2C4 | 57,90 | 6000 | 4000 | ≤500 | 90 |
| P2C5 | 32,47,59,90,105 | 7000~12000 | 3500 | ≤650 | 170 |
| P2C6 | 30,55,90 | 15000~20000 | 3000 | ≤700 | 250 |
| P2C7 | 38,50 | 25000 | 2500 | ≤800 | 280 |
| P2C8 | 40,47 | 35000~40000 | 2200 | ≤900 | 400 |
| P2C9 | 42,64 | 60000 | 2000 | >1000 | 700 |
| P2C10 | 41 | 90000 | 1800 | >1000 | 950 |
Heavy-Duty Decanter Gearbox Manufacturing & Replacement
When a decanter gearbox wears out, suffers gear stripping, or leaks oil, waiting for lengthy OEM lead times can paralyze your plant. SEPARATECH delivers reliable, high-torque planetary gearbox options engineered for continuous, high-vibration industrial environments.
- High-Torque Planetary Drive: Advanced planetary gear arrangements that maximize torque density while maintaining a compact footprint.
- Precise Differential Speed Control: Optimized gear ratios ensuring stable, micro-adjustable differential speeds for maximum cake dryness and cake solids recovery.
- 1:1 OEM Alternative: Drop-in replacement gearboxes compatible with major international decanter brands (such as Flottweg, Alfa Laval, etc.), built to identical structural tolerances.
Overcome Common Decanter Drive Failures
Harsh sludge thickening, dewatering, and chemical separation tasks place extreme stress on industrial gearboxes. Standard drives often fail prematurely due to poor thermal dissipation or material fatigue.
Anti-Wear Gears
We utilize advanced surface hardening treatments on all internal sun and planetary gears to eliminate gear pitting and micro-cracking.
Zero-Leakage Seals
Equipped with premium high-temperature resistant seal packs, preventing oil degradation and protecting internal bearings from external contamination.
Dynamic Balance & Testing
Every fully assembled decanter centrifuge gearbox undergoes rigorous load testing and vibration analysis to guarantee seamless mechanical integration.
Need a heavy-duty planetary gearbox replacement or a custom drive system for your decanter centrifuge? Contact our engineering team today with your machine model or required torque parameters for a detailed quotation within 24 hours.