Background

Q What were the background and challenges that brought you to consider purchasing the centrifuge?

When manufacturing fishmeal, we fully utilize food by-products (fish heads, bones, viscera, etc.), that are generated during the processing stage primarily from sardines caught nearby waters, as raw materials for meal products. After this utilization process, we execute thickening (dehydration) treatment for excess sludge in the wastewater treatment facility. For this, we have been looking for dewatering equipment to be used in our new fishmeal plant. During our initial evaluation, we tried a gravity sedimentation method. However, three main issues became apparent: 1. Sedimentation takes too long during high-operation periods, 2. The treatment process becomes stagnant, and 3. The efficiency of the entire process decreases. Our focus became to resolve these issues.


Sardine yard

Determining Factors

Q Please tell us the reasons why you chose IHI’s centrifuge to solve a variety of challenges you might have. What were the deciding factor for you to choose our product?

We have already used IHI separation device (PD Dehydrator) in our different plant. However, securing enough installation space for the same model becomes an issue for the new plant. For that reason, we made a comparison and selected IHI Screw Decanter Centrifuge ISC-H (Centrifugal thickener) as more compact alternative. At the end of the day, we decided to install ISC-H, which is compact while at the same time has a high processing capacity.
We also placed great importance on the maintenance system. Since this plant operates seasonally, any production shutdown has a significant impact on both internal and external stakeholders. The prompt and thorough maintenance and support system offered by the IHI Rotating Machinery Engineering is consistent even in the eastern Hokkaido region. That was a major factor for our decision to ensure uninterrupted production. In fact, since we have already used other IHI products such as compressors and have confidence in the strength of their maintenance system, we had no concerns.


ISC-1H (Delivered in August 2022)

Outcome of Application

Q Were your challenges resolved after installing IHI’s centrifuge? How is the centrifuge evaluated in your company?

After installing the IHI Screw Decanter Centrifuge, ISC-H (Centrifugal thickener), the excess sludge treatment process became more efficient, exactly as planned. As a result, treatment costs were reduced to approximately one-quarter of what they were before the installation, allowing us to recover the investment cost in about three years. The Screw Decanter Centrifuge operates automatically, making the operational management easier. Once the initial condition of extraction is confirmed, only periodic checks are required without the need of constant monitoring. This has minimized the burden on operators and reduced the labor costs. The machine operation has been stable with no troubles, keeping the on-site workload to the minimum. Furthermore, the stable operation of the new fishmeal plant helps to deliver business diversification and revenue increase.
Regarding the maintenance, we received a proposal for periodic maintenance schedules from IHI before the operating season, allowing us to perform planned servicing. Also, with a system to deal with troubles being in place, including spare parts options and emergency contact system, we reassured IHI’s "strength in the maintenance system" that we highly evaluated before the installation.


Before condensation (left)/After condensation (right)

Future prospects

Q Please tell us your future prospects and visions.

As a member of Umios Group, we will work on promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact, as well as aiming to establish a more efficient and stable production system. We will continue to collaborate with IHI Rotating Machinery Engineering’s maintenance team to pursue community-based sustainable business operations.


HS-505L (Delivered in May 2020)