GN Separation has successfully completed the assembly of a batch of GNLW364 decanter centrifuges, destined for shipment to an international pharmaceutical enterprise to support its wastewater treatment infrastructure. This delivery underscores GN’s commitment to providing high-performance separation equipment tailored to the rigorous demands of the global pharmaceutical industry.

The Indispensable Value of Decanter Centrifuges in Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment​

Pharmaceutical production generates highly complex wastewater matrices, characterized by the presence of refractory organic compounds, toxic solvents, heavy metal ions, and pathogenic contaminants. These streams pose significant challenges to conventional treatment methods, requiring solutions that balance efficiency, precision, and compliance. Decanter centrifuges emerge as a cornerstone technology, harnessing intense centrifugal force to achieve rapid solid-liquid separation—even for feed streams with fluctuating particle size distributions, solid concentrations, and viscosity profiles.​

For the pharmaceutical sector, where process reliability and regulatory adherence are non-negotiable, decanter centrifuges deliver multifaceted value. Beyond reducing sludge volume by up to 70% and enabling effluent discharge compliance, these systems facilitate the recovery of reclaimed water for in-plant reuse and the extraction of valuable byproducts (e.g., active pharmaceutical ingredients or catalyst residues). This aligns seamlessly with circular economy objectives, driving resource optimization and sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing.​

Core Advantages of GN’s GNLW364 Decanter Centrifuge

Engineered with pharmaceutical-specific requirements in mind, the GNLW364 decanter centrifuge integrates cutting-edge materials, wear-resistant technologies, and adaptive control systems to deliver unparalleled performance. Key differentiators include:​

The centrifuge’s bowl and screw conveyor are fabricated from duplex stainless steel 2205, a super-austenitic alloy celebrated for its exceptional resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking—critical properties for handling aggressive pharmaceutical wastewater. Employing centrifugal casting technology ensures homogeneous material density and eliminates microstructural defects, guaranteeing structural integrity and dynamic balance even at maximum rotational speeds (up to 3,600 rpm). This construction extends equipment lifespan in harsh operating environments while minimizing maintenance downtime.​

To combat abrasive wear caused by solid particulates (e.g., silica, undissolved excipients, or catalyst fines) in pharmaceutical wastewater, the GNLW364’s screw conveyor blades are fortified with tungsten carbide plates and spray-welded coatings. With a Mohs hardness second only to diamond, tungsten carbide provides superior erosion resistance, reducing blade wear by up to 80% compared to conventional materials. This translates to fewer replacements, lower maintenance costs, and a significantly reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) for pharmaceutical operators.​

Recognizing the variability in pharmaceutical wastewater composition (e.g., batch-to-batch fluctuations in solid content or contaminant type), the GNLW364 is equipped with a triple VFD control system. This advanced configuration enables independent regulation of bowl rotational speed, differential speed (between bowl and screw), and feed pump flow rate. Operators can real-time adjust these parameters to optimize separation efficiency—whether clarifying low-turbidity process water, dewatering high-solids sludge, or recovering valuable components—ensuring consistent performance across diverse treatment scenarios.​

Driving Sustainable Transformation in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing​

As global pharmaceutical regulations tighten and environmental stewardship becomes a strategic priority, GN Separation’s GNLW364 decanter centrifuge offers a holistic solution that balances compliance, efficiency, and sustainability. By integrating premium materials, wear-resistant technologies, and smart control systems, the GNLW364 empowers pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce their environmental footprint, lower operational costs, and advance toward circular manufacturing models.​