Operating process
LO is forced to each separator through a dedicated heater. When LO is fed to the rotating drum of the separator, the water in it and the floating solids are subjected to centrifugal force. Due to the different specific weight, contaminants are separated from the oil and discharged from the separator through separate outlets. Sludge accumulates along the outer edge of the separator drum (in the sludge chamber), from where it is removed during the automatic cleaning cycle to the oil sludge tank.
The control unit monitors the entire separation process, controls the efficiency of the separator, initiates the cleaning cycle and activates alarms if necessary.
Before planning
to clean the oil with a separator, it must be assembled with a gravity disk of
the correct size (Figure 18), which corresponds to the specific weight of the
grease to be cleaned. Before applying the LO to the separator, a certain amount
of water is added to its drum to form a water barrier (figure below).
Preparation for oil separation and its separation process
During the separation process the supply of oil to the separator drum is interrupted at certain intervals. Water is then fed to expel the remaining LO in the drum thus reducing the loss of grease to return it to the lubricating oil tank. And only after that the drum of the separator is opened to release the sludge accumulated in it. The separator drum then closes, water is re-introduced into the drum to form a water barrier and the oil supply is resumed. The cleaning of the oil with a separator continues.
Preparing to clean the oil separator drum and remove of sludge
Depending on the
condition of the LO to be cleaned and experience of operator, the control unit
can change the expected time intervals between sludge release. To clean
crosshead engine an interval of one hour is recommended, lubricating oil and 30
minutes interval for cleaning trunk piston engine LO.
Separators must be dismantled regularly,
depending on the use of the oil to be cleaned, for visual inspection and manual
cleaning of their drums:
✔ weekly cleaning of crosshead engine oil;
✔ Every two days, cleaning of trunk piston engine
oil.
Later, after manual cleaning of the
separator drum, these intervals may be adjusted according to the amount of
residual sludge detected. The oil heater temperature on the control unit must
be set so that the main engine oil is warmed up to 90oC, and
auxiliary generator engine oil– 95oC.
CAUTION ● Care must be taken when operating the separator system, as
hot oil and steam are used, which can result in serious injury if leaked. There
is a risk of fire due to hot grease, so all fire precautions must always be
observed. The separator room must be clean and free of oil leaks. The operation
of fixed fire-fighting systems must be checked regularly.
● Separators operate with an automatic sludge removal system.
If the system does not work properly, the balance of the separator may be
disturbed, overload and catastrophically damage a high-speed rotating separator.
After manual cleaning, make sure that the separator drum is assembled
correctly, this will avoid imbalances. All use and maintenance precautions
specified by the manufacturer must be followed.
● When cleaning the oil with a separator, take special care
not to mix different types of oils. The position of all oil system valves must
be checked before performing separator cleaning operations.