Centrifugal finisher and method for separating juices from fruits and

Abstract

A centrifugal finisher and method of its operation are disclosed for separating finished juice from an initial juice including substantial solids or for separating finished fluid from any slurry including substantial solids, the slurry being introduced into one end of a cylindrical screen driven in rotation for centrifugally urging the slurry against the screen and causing a fluid component to pass through the screen. Wiper paddles are arranged on a support drum for rotation in wiping contact with the screen and for limited movement relative to the screen for continuously moving solid material from the slurry toward an outlet axial end of the screen. Spreader elements are arranged in trailing relation to at least certain of the wiper paddles while being slightly spaced apart from the screen for spreading the solid material into a thin layer on the screen before it is engaged by subsequent wiper paddles, the support drum being driven by differential devices for regulating movement of the wiper paddles and spreader elements relative to the screen.