Device and method for separating substances of different flowability that are mixed together

An apparatus for separating substances of different flowability that are mixed together, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame structure,
• a hollow drum, wherein:
• the hollow drum is driven in rotation and mounted on the frame structure;
• and
• the hollow drum has a perforated circumferential surface and at least one end side, wherein the at least one end side is at least partially open,
• an endless press belt driven in rotation in a conveying direction F, wherein:
• the endless press belt is wrapped around part of the circumferential surface of the hollow drum;
• and
• the endless press belt can be pressed from outside against the hollow drum,
• a product intake wedge formed by the endless press belt and the hollow drum, wherein the product intake wedge is configured to guide, into the apparatus, a product flow consisting of material to be pressed, wherein the product flow is guided into a space between the hollow drum and the endless press belt in an inlet region, and
• a support apparatus for the endless press belt, the support apparatus comprising at least one support element, wherein:
• the support element is located on a first side of the endless press belt;
• the first side is opposite the hollow drum;
• and
• a disinfection device is assigned to the endless press belt, wherein the disinfection device is configured to disinfect at least parts of a surface of the endless press belt during operation of the apparatus.

A method for separating substances of different flowability that are mixed together, the method comprising:

• feeding a product flow consisting of material to be pressed, wherein the product flow is fed into a product intake wedge, wherein the product intake wedge is formed by a hollow drum with a circumferential surface, the circumferential surface comprising a perforation, and a press belt, wherein the press belt lies against an outside of the hollow drum while wrapping around part of a circumference of the hollow drum,
• driving at least one of the hollow drum and the press belt in a rotation, wherein the rotation is configured to draw the product flow between the hollow drum and the press belt,
• easier-flowing constituents of the product flow are pressed by the press belt as separation material in a separation process:
• through the perforation of the circumferential surface of the hollow drum;
• into a hollow space of the hollow drum;
• and
• discharged from an end side of the hollow drum, wherein the end side comprises at least one opening,
• harder-flowing constituents of the product flow remains on the outside of the hollow drum and are discharged separately, and
• the press belt is disinfected during the separation process at least in parts of a surface of the press belt.