Decanter centrifuges have a central drum weighing up to 5 tonnes that rotates at speeds in excess of 3000 rpm. The new Centriquip bases are made from a special poly-concrete rather than steel which is the industry norm. The physical mass is substantially heavier that its steel equivalent and retains its structural integrity throughout the service life of the machine.

The extra weight reduces vibration which, in turn, reduces wear and keeps maintenance costs down. In addition there is significant noise reduction which is critical in an industrial environment. Unlike steel, the poly-concrete base does not corrode and is quicker and easier to make, helping Centriquip meet its customers' demanding delivery requirements.

"It's not often that something that's bigger and heavier is an advantage," said John Ball, the company's technical director. "But we are confident that our customers will prefer the added stability and reduced maintenance costs that the poly-concrete bases can offer."

Currently only the smaller decanter centrifuges in the Centriquip range can be supplied with poly-concrete bases (the CQ3000 and CQ4000) but the company intends to use the new material for other machines in the range.

Centriquip is the UK's largest manufacturer of decanter centrifuges. Its workshops in Derbyshire have the ability to service and repair any make of machine and return it to full operating service often much faster than would have been possible using the original equipment manufacturer.