Process reasoning
Tank inventory rises when upstream feed exceeds centrifuge acceptance and falls during filling. A simple average balance can hide the maximum inventory reached within the cycle. Required working volume depends on the feed profile, fill time, cycle duration, usable tank volume and scheduling. Agitation and residence time can affect crystal settling, attrition or reaction, so storage is also a process decision. Final tank design needs the full operating and upset cases.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Apply the reasoning
An illustrative upstream process supplies 2 m³/h. A centrifuge cycle lasts 30 minutes and accepts feed only during a 5-minute filling stage. During the other 25 minutes, 0.833 m³ arrives. That is the inventory swing for an ideal repeated cycle with a compatible fill rate, not the final tank size. Add the specified heel, usable-volume limits and contingency after reviewing start-up, missed cycles and cleaning.
What to record
| Item | Basis to document |
|---|---|
| Upstream profile | Average, peak and interruptions over time |
| Centrifuge profile | Fill rate, fill duration and full cycle |
| Buffer response | Maximum inventory, minimum level and residence time |
| Upset cases | Missed batch, cleaning, equipment outage and restart |
Review checklist
- Check filling capacity as well as average batch throughput.
- Evaluate whether stored crystals remain representative.
- Review parallel scheduling where one machine cannot match the duty.
- Define level-control and upstream hold requirements with the project team.
Your next decision
Request a time-based material balance for the proposed installation. Use it to agree the buffer, feed-pump and control scope, then confirm the centrifuge cycle with representative material tests. A general catalogue throughput cannot prove that a batch machine integrates with an uninterrupted upstream process.