Method for controlling the operation of a continuously or periodically operating centrifuge and device for conducting the method

US11697854B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BMA BRAUNSCHWEIGISCHE MASCHINENBAUANSTALT AG · DE

Inventors

• Jens Mahrholz · Braunschweig, DE
• Uwe Schwanke · Braunschweig, DE
• Dirk Spangenberg · Osterwieck, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 11, 2023
• Expiry date: Jul 3, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B04B13/00
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for controlling the operation of a continuously or periodically operating centrifuge can be employed in the sugar industry for separating crystalline carbohydrates or sugar alcohols from a crystal suspension called a magma or a mother liquor. The magma has a varying content of fine grain that is dependent on the properties of the pretreatment and of the raw material. Variable control values are provided in a control device of the centrifuge. One or plurality of sensors are provided that carry out the measurements in electromagnetic, optical, acoustic, and/or conductive ways. These measurements that are conducted serve for determining the fine grain fraction of the magma. The measurements are supplied as measurement signals to the control device of the centrifuge. The control device automatically analyzes the measurement signals supplied to it and evaluates them with respect to the fine grain content of the magma. The control device changes the variable control values of the centrifuge as a function of this evaluation.