Fuel Oil separator system
Liquid mixtures of different densities and solids can be separated from liquids in two ways: by gravitational or centrifugal force. The gravitational force acts on the liquids in the settling tanks, and the centrifugal force acts on the liquids in the high-speed rotating separator (centrifuge) bowl. Both systems are based on the different densities of the components to be separated. Because the centrifugal force generated by the separator is much stronger and more efficient than the gravitational field force acting in the settling tanks, the centrifugal force method is usually preferred when choosing the separation method.
Using the centrifugal force method, heated dirty fuel is fed to the separator, and a centrifugal force is generated in the rotating bowl, wound in the fuel, with the help of a package of discs (plates), which breaks the liquid fuel mixture into different components. Discs in the bowl which form a kit to speed up the separation process. This is achieved by dividing the liquid separated by the discs into thinner layers, thus reducing the distance that materials of different densities must travel before being separated. Particulate matter floating in the liquid fuel settles on the underside of the discs and slides down the plain (polished) surface of the discs into the sludge chamber of the separator bowl. Fraction and water from the sludge chamber are periodically ejected at the operating speed of the bowl. To this end, the sliding piston of the separator bowl is hydraulically compressed and then the sludge chamber is opened and closed, and the particulates subjected to the centrifugal force are instantaneously discharged.
HFO the separation system consists of two centrifugal separators and another identical device for the separation of the DO. Under normal circumstances, there will be one separator that will fill the HFO daily tank from the HFO settling tank. Because most of the time main and auxiliary generator diesels burn HFO fuel, DO separator will be used intermittently when it is necessary to replenish DO daily tank.
If both HFO separators fail, the DO separator can be used as an HFO separator instead of a faulty one. For this purpose, the necessary blinds must be pulled out (Spectacle Flange). This fuel separation system also allows the use of HFO separator No.2 as a spare, instead of a faulty DO separator. All three FO separation systems are identical and consist of a centrifugal separator with a separate supply pump and heater.
Fuel Oil separator system
Separators operate controlled automatic sludge removal systems. To remove the accumulated sediment, their bowls automatically open and remove sediment at regular intervals or, depending on the fact that the bowl sludge chamber is full of sediment, without stopping the separator.
There is a common FO sludge collection tank in the separation system. Separators are of the self-cleaning type. Fuel cleaning is affected by centrifugal forces, and improves when the difference in relative density of fuel, water and particulate matter is as large as possible. And the difference in relative density can increase if the temperature of the fuel being processed is raised. The temperature of the fuel flowing into the separator can be regulated by the thermostat control located on the separator control panel. The manufacturers and FO sample testing laboratories recommendations for the operating temperature must always be followed when determining the temperature of the fuel to be separated. The cleaned fuel is removed from the separator by its centrifugal pump, and the untreated fuel is supplied by the attached supply pump through the fuel heater to the separator.
Fuel cleaning is affected by centrifugal forces, and improves when the difference in relative density of fuel, water and particulate matter is as large as possible. And the difference in relative density may increase if the temperature of the fuel being treated is raised. The manufacturer's and FO sample testing laboratories recommendations for the operating temperature must always be followed when determining the temperature of the fuel to be separated. The temperature of the fuel flowing into the separator can be regulated by the thermostat control located on the separator control panel.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Caution should be exercised when using the separator, as hot fuel oil and vapors are used for separation, which can cause serious injury if leaked. The risk of fire can be caused by hot fuel oil, so frequent inspections of the fire protection system and every precaution must be taken to prevent a fire and to respond to any fuel leakage that may occur. All maintenance and service precautions specified by the manufacturer in the maintenance instructions must be observed during maintenance of the separator.
CAUTION: Separators operate controlled automatic sludge removal systems. However, if the system fails to drain the sludge in a timely and efficient manner, too much of it may stick together and unbalance the high-speed separator bowl. As a result, the separator bowl and separation disc package will need to be stopped, disassembled, and manually cleaned. After cleaning the separator bowl manually, make sure that the bowl and the separator discs in it are assembled correctly. Because if assembled incorrectly, it can break down at high speeds. All maintenance and service precautions specified by the manufacturer in the maintenance instructions must be observed during maintenance of the separator.