Method for emptying solids from a centrifuge

A method for clarifying a flowable starting product of solids using a self-emptying centrifuge, the method comprising:

• operating the self-emptying centrifuge in a continuous operation in a centrifugal field in a rotating drum of the self-emptying centrifuge and continuously discharging at least a clarified liquid phase from the self-emptying centrifuge, wherein the self-emptying centrifuge comprises an intake for the flowable starting product, at least one liquid outlet for the continuous discharge of at least the clarified liquid phase, discontinuously openable and closable outlet openings for discharging solid matter from the rotating drum, and a control unit;
• initiating, by the control unit, emptying of solids from the rotating drum via the discontinuously openable and closable outlet openings;
• reducing a rotation speed of the rotating drum;
• opening the discontinuously openable and closable outlet openings and emptying the solids from a solids collection chamber of the rotating drum subsequent to the reduction of the rotation speed of the rotating drum and while the rotation speed of the drum is reduced, wherein the opening of the discontinuously openable and closable outlet openings is caused by the control unit controlling movement of a controllable piston slide valve;
• and
• closing the discontinuously openable and closable outlet openings and terminating the emptying of the solids from the rotating drum, wherein the closing of the discontinuously openable and closable outlet openings is caused by the control unit controlling the movement of the controllable piston slide valve.