Structurally, the machine consists of a vertical bowl rotating at high speed on a spindle, driven by an electric motor. Inside this bowl, a stack of conical metal discs is precisely spaced, creating numerous narrow channels. The entire assembly rotates at several thousand revolutions per minute, generating a centrifugal force often exceeding 10,000 times gravity. This immense force is the primary agent of separation. When oil sludge is fed into the center of the rotating assembly, it is distributed into the gaps between the discs. Here, the different densities of the components cause them to stratify under centrifugal force. The heaviest solid particles are flung outward, sliding down the surfaces of the discs to collect in a sediment-holding space at the bowl’s periphery. The lighter water phase forms a middle layer, while the lightest oil phase forms the innermost layer. Specially designed components called centripetal pumps—one for the oil and one for the water—then independently and continuously extract these two liquid phases from the rotating system, leaving the solids behind for periodic discharge.
This separation process addresses a key challenge in oil sludge treatment: the presence of stable emulsions and fine suspended solids. Traditional gravity settling or filtration often fails to break these down effectively. The high gravitational force generated by the disc separator disrupts these emulsions, forcing tiny oil droplets and water to coalesce into distinct, separable phases. Similarly, fine solid particles that would pass through a filter are compelled to settle out. The result is a significantly higher purity of recovered oil, water with a very low residual oil content, and dewatered solids. In practical terms, this translates to oil recovery rates often above 90%, discharged water containing less than 500 mg/L of oil, and solid residue with a moisture content below 20%, meeting stringent standards for reuse or disposal.

Within the Crown Power system, the disc separator typically functions as the final, or polishing, stage of separation. It is designed to handle feed material with a low solid content, usually under 3%. Therefore, it is commonly preceded by primary treatment equipment like shale shakers, decanting centrifuges, or settling tanks. These upstream units remove the bulk of the solids, conditioning the sludge into a suitable state for the disc separator’s precise operation. This staged approach maximizes overall system efficiency and protects the sensitive disc stack from clogging or excessive wear. The system is offered in various models with different throughput capacities, allowing for customization based on the volume of sludge to be processed.
Operation and maintenance are streamlined for reliability and minimal manual intervention. A key feature is the automated solids ejection system. The accumulated solids in the bowl’s holding space can be discharged at programmed intervals or based on sensor feedback, without stopping the machine. This ensures continuous processing. The system is often integrated with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for automated control of the entire sequence, including feed pumps, discharge valves, and optional chemical dosing systems. The addition of demulsifiers or flocculants can further enhance separation performance for particularly challenging sludges. Maintenance primarily involves periodic cleaning of the disc stack and inspection of seals and wear parts, facilitated by a design that allows for relatively straightforward disassembly.
The advantages of using a disc separator in this context are multifaceted. Its high separation efficiency directly boosts resource recovery, turning waste into a valuable product. The quality of the separated outputs ensures compliance with environmental regulations regarding discharge or disposal. The continuous, automated operation reduces labor costs and increases overall system uptime. Furthermore, the enclosed, clean design of the equipment contributes to a safer and more environmentally sound worksite, with no exposure to fumes or spillage during normal operation.
In summary, the disc separator’s role in the GN oil sludge system is indispensable for achieving high-precision three-phase separation. It transforms a complex, often problematic waste stream into distinct, manageable, and valuable fractions. By leveraging extreme centrifugal force in a carefully engineered package, it delivers the performance required for both economic resource recovery and responsible environmental stewardship in industrial operations.

























