Lubrication Oil Separator
1. Alfa Laval Separator Preface
The S and P Flex range of separator systems for fuel oil and
lubricating oil combines the unique strengths of Alfa Laval's
S-separators and P-separators with a modular concept for truly flexible
supply.
The S and P Flex range combines essential protection with high
flexibility, letting you design and construct your Alfa Laval separator
system as you see fit. Incorporating the advanced efficiency of the
newly updated S-separator and the affordable simplicity of the
P-separator, it lets you choose the separation system that best meets
your performance needs and available space.
(1) The S-separator – newly enhanced
The S-separator is the world’s best-selling and most efficient
separator for fuel and lube oil. Using Alfa Laval’s unique Alcap
technology, it automatically adjusts to the nature of your oil, giving
you thorough protection and maximum economy from your fuel.
Today’s S-separator contains enhancements that further increase its
efficiency. Smart modifications in the disc stack, including an increase
in separation area, allow up to 20% more flow with retained separation
performance. This lets you process the same amount of oil with a smaller
separator.
Additional features, including a more robust drive system, add to the
S-separator’s reliability and further reduce lifecycle cost.
(2) The P-separator
The P-separator shares many features with the S-separator, but it is
designed for well-defined oils with fewer but vital process issues.
Instead of the more refined Alcap technology, it has a manually set
gravity disc or clarifier disc in the separator bowl.
The result is a separator with the same high performance, but one that
is more suitable for lubricating and marine diesel oils, as it does not
automatically compensate for density fluctuations.
2. Alfa Laval Separator Advantages
(1) low-wear mechanical platform
S-separators and P-separators are built on a low-wear mechanical platform that features Centri Shoot and Centri lock.
The Centri Shoot discharge system, which greatly reduces sludge volumes,
has a fixed discharge slide that flexes gently at the edges to expose
the discharge ports.
The CentriLock bowl-locking system uses a lightweight, non-threaded
snap ring that snaps in and lifts out with no more than an Allen key.
Both of these features prevent metal-to-metal wear. As a result, they
minimize the risk of bowl replacement and significantly reduce lifecycle
cost.
(2) Flexible supply
The Flex range concept provides flexible options for the delivery of S-separators and P-separators:
Flex system
A separator with ancillaries as block components provides full say over
the use of space in the engine room. This option allows local
modularization or do-it-yourself assembly.
Flex modules
Customer-specified modules can be created using a wide variety of skids
and machine blocks. Modular components can be delivered separately and
assembled on site, which makes even larger systems easy to retrofit.
Mixed modules are also possible for the simultaneous treatment of
different mineral oils.
All deliveries feature the modular and easy-to-use EPC controller,
which is based on standard supply and connects via Ethernet or bus
communication to onboard automation systems.
3. Alfa Laval Separator Process Principle
(1) S-separator
The Alfa Laval S-separator is the principle component of a range of
high efficiency heavy fuel oil separation systems. Based on proven Alcap
oil treatment technology, the Alfa Laval S-separator combines heavy
fuel oil and lubricating oil treatment into a single separator, thanks
to software that makes it possible to set the relevant parameters in the
process controller.
Untreated oil, heated to the correct temperature, is fed continuously
to the separator for the cleaning of impurities. After centrifugal
separation, cleaned oil is continuously pumped away and separated sludge
and water accumulate at the bowl periphery.
The system operates on the Alcap principle. A water transducer in the
clean oil outlet measures the capacitive resistance and signals changes
to the EPC60 control unit. Depending on the water content, the EPC60
either opens the drain valve or expels the water through the bowl
discharge ports during sludge discharge.
The total losses of sludge, oil and water during the discharge process
are considerably less than other separator models due to bowl design,
size, longer discharge intervals and accurate controls. The CentriShoot
discharge process also makes use of a patented, fixed flexing discharge
slide, which completely eliminates metal-to-metal wear.
The separator design incorporates a sludge evacuation which is absorbed
by the casing and which allows the sludge volume to be discharged to a
sludge tank.
The separator is driven by an electric motor via a friction clutch and
belt. The separator bowl is fixed at the top of a spindle, which is
supported by bearings and special composite springs. A patented paring
tube adapts itself to remove the water from the bowl and a paring disc
pumps away the cleaned oil. No adjustments are necessary in the bowl,
and no gravity discs are fitted.
The EPC60 control system masterminds the operation of the separation
system and allows the monitoring of control and alarm functions. Clear
text messages, available in several languages, indicate process
parameters and alarms on the LCD display.
(2) The P-separator
The Alfa Laval P-separator is a new development of proven technology.
It is specially designed for well-defined oils with fewer but vital
process issues. Manually set gravity discs have replaced the more
refined Alcap technology in the separator bowl. The result is a
separator with the same high performance, but one that does not
automatically compensate for process fluctuations.
The separator bowl can be arranged as a purifier or as a clarifier. A
purifier separates sludge and water from the oil. Water is continuously
discharged from the bowl. The sludge accumulated in the sludge space in
both a purifier and a clarifier is intermittently discharged. In a clarifier, the water outlet is blocked, i.e. the water handling capability is limited. Water is accumulated like sludge.
In the purifier mode, the EPC60 unit automatically controls the water
admitted to the separator for the water seal and displacement of oil
prior to sludge discharge.
The separator is driven by an electric motor via a friction clutch and
belt. The separator bowl is fixed at the top of a spindle, which is
supported by bearings and springs. The sludge is discharged to a small
intermediate sludge tank. This means that the conventional sludge tank
under the separator can be avoided. The sludge removal kit takes care of
the sludge by pumping automatically to the main sludge tank.
During normal operation vital process parameters are monitored. The
EPC60 unit provides alarm functions for low oil pressure, high
intermediate tank level, and power failure. Alarm functions are also provided for errors involving the EPC60 unit.
Special text messages indicate process parameters and alarms on the LCD
display. The EPC60 and the starter box combine to form the control
cabinet, which is type approved by many classification societies. In
addition, functions are available for vibration alarm when the optional
vibration switch is fitted.
When operating in the purifier mode, a gravity disc must be fitted to
obtain the correct interface position in the separator bowl, i.e. the
boundary between the oil and the water seal.
The size of gravity disc must be matched to the oil density,
viscosity/temperature, and oil feed rate to the separator. In the
clarifier mode, a clarifier disc is fitted instead of gravity disc.
The system is operated automatically by the EPC60 control unit, except for starting the separator.
4. Certificates of Alfa Laval Separator: CCS, BV.
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