Scale-Up of Decanter Centrifuges for The Particle Separation and Mechanical Dewatering in The Minerals Processing Industry by Means of A Numerical Process Model

Decanter centrifuges are frequently used for thickening, dewatering, classification, or degritting in the mining industry and various other sectors. Their use in an industrial process chain requires a sufficiently accurate prediction of the product and machine behavior. This study aims to address the challenges associated with scaling up decanter centrifuges through both analytical methods and numerical modeling. To achieve this, experiments on a smaller pilot scale are conducted, recognizing that predicting process behavior from laboratory tests is complex. The article provides an overview of the two predominant scale-up methodologies: the first involves analytical approaches that hinge on the law of similarity, which often necessitates considerable experimental effort; the second utilizes numerical models that demand a mathematically and physically precise description of the various processes occurring simultaneously in decanter centrifuges. The findings suggest that while both methods have their advantages and limitations, the numerical approach may offer a more efficient pathway to accurately predict machine performance in industrial applications.