To convey the solids out of the centrifuge, the conveyor and bowl must rotate at slightly different speeds. This is accomplished using a planetary gearbox for belt drive centrifuges. Typically the entire assembly rotates in the same direction, but the conveyor rotates at a slightly slower speed. The conveyor moves the solids to the solids discharge end and the liquid, or effluent, empties out of the weirs at the liquid discharge end.

The depth of the pond is controlled by the adjustment of the weirs, or effluent discharge ports, at the large liquid-discharge end of the decanter bowl. Increasing pond depth increases residence time and separation efficiency while reducing flow capacity. On the other hand, if the other parameters are unchanged, reducing pond depth decreases residence time and the separation of finer particles.