Understanding Oil Purifiers and Their Need On Ships

by Engr Matahula, Smart Pwashemno on Oil Purifiers

Oil purifiers, also known as oil centrifuges or oil separators, are essential equipment on ships for maintaining the quality of lubricating and fuel oils. They are used to remove impurities, contaminants, and water from the oil, ensuring that it meets the required standards for efficient operation of ship machinery.

On ships, oil purifiers are primarily used for two main purposes:

1. Lubricating Oil Purification: Lubricating oil is used in ship engines, turbines, and other machinery to reduce friction and wear between moving parts. Over time, the oil gets contaminated with particles, sludge, and water, which can lead to reduced lubrication efficiency and increased component wear. Oil purifiers are employed to remove these contaminants and maintain the cleanliness and performance of the lubricating oil. By removing impurities, the purifiers extend the oil’s lifespan, reducing the need for frequent oil changes and helping to prevent machinery breakdowns.
2. Fuel Oil Purification: Ships rely on fuel oil to power their engines. However, fuel oil often contains impurities like water, sediments, and other solid particles that can cause clogging of fuel injectors, damage to engine components, and inefficient combustion. Oil purifiers are used to separate these impurities from the fuel oil, ensuring that only clean and properly filtered oil is supplied to the engine. This process helps prevent engine damage, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.

Oil purifiers work on the principle of centrifugal force. The contaminated oil is fed into the purifier, and it passes through a series of discs or bowls that rotate at high speeds. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation causes the heavier particles and water droplets to settle on the outer edges of the discs, while the purified oil collects in the center and is discharged through an outlet. The separated impurities are periodically removed from the purifier.

Regular maintenance and monitoring of oil purifiers are crucial to ensure their optimal performance. Properly functioning purifiers help maintain the quality of oils, extend their lifespan, and contribute to the reliable and efficient operation of ship machinery.

In summary, oil purifiers are essential on ships to maintain the cleanliness and quality of lubricating and fuel oils. They remove impurities, contaminants, and water, preventing machinery damage, improving efficiency, and reducing maintenance requirements.

Fuel Oil Purifier Parts And Functions

A fuel oil purifier, also known as a fuel oil centrifuge or fuel oil separator, consists of several parts that work together to remove impurities from the fuel oil. Here are the main parts and their functions:

1. Bowl: The bowl is a cylindrical component that houses the rotating assembly of the purifier. It is designed to create a centrifugal force that separates impurities from the fuel oil.
2. Disc Stack: The disc stack is located inside the bowl and is composed of a series of stacked discs with narrow passages between them. These passages allow the fuel oil to flow through while trapping larger particles and impurities.
3. Distributor: The distributor is responsible for evenly distributing the fuel oil across the disc stack. It ensures that the oil enters the disc stack uniformly, allowing for efficient separation.
4. Inlet: The inlet is the entry point for the fuel oil into the purifier. It is typically located at the bottom of the bowl and directs the oil towards the disc stack.
5. Outlet: The outlet is the exit point for the purified fuel oil. It is positioned at the top of the bowl, allowing the clean fuel oil to flow out while leaving the separated impurities behind.
6. Solids Ejection System: As impurities and separated solids accumulate in the bowl, they need to be periodically removed. The solids ejection system consists of mechanisms such as discharge nozzles or valves that facilitate the removal of the collected solids from the purifier.
7. Water Outlet: Fuel oil often contains water, which needs to be separated and removed. Some purifiers have a separate water outlet to discharge the separated water from the system.
8. Drive Mechanism: The drive mechanism is responsible for rotating the bowl and the disc stack at high speeds. It is typically powered by an electric motor or another energy source, allowing the centrifugal force to separate the impurities.
9. Control Panel: The control panel provides the operator with controls and indicators to monitor and regulate the purifier’s operation. It may include settings for the rotational speed, alarms for abnormal conditions, and monitoring instruments for oil flow, temperature, and pressure.

These parts work in conjunction to ensure efficient separation of impurities from the fuel oil. The fuel oil enters the purifier through the inlet, flows through the disc stack, and the centrifugal force causes the impurities to settle on the outer edges of the discs. The purified fuel oil collects in the center and exits through the outlet, while the separated impurities are ejected through the solids ejection system.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the purifier’s parts are essential to ensure its optimal performance and longevity.

Fuel Oil Purifier Operation On Ships

The operation of a fuel oil purifier on ships involves several steps to ensure effective separation of impurities from the fuel oil. Here is a general overview of how fuel oil purifiers are operated on ships:

1. Pre-Start Checks: Before starting the fuel oil purifier, the operator performs a visual inspection of the purifier and its components to ensure they are clean, properly assembled, and in good working condition. Any required maintenance or repairs are carried out at this stage.
2. Set Operating Parameters: The operator sets the desired operating parameters on the control panel of the fuel oil purifier. These parameters include the rotational speed of the bowl, the flow rate of the fuel oil, and any specific requirements for the separation process.
3. Start the Purifier: The operator starts the purifier by activating the drive mechanism, typically an electric motor. The motor rotates the bowl and the disc stack at high speeds, generating centrifugal force.
4. Fuel Oil Inlet: The fuel oil is supplied to the purifier through the inlet. The inlet may be connected directly to the fuel oil supply system of the ship.
5. Separation Process: As the fuel oil enters the purifier, it passes through the disc stack. The centrifugal force causes the heavier particles, water, and impurities to move outward and settle on the outer edges of the discs, forming a concentrated sludge layer.
6. Purified Oil Outlet: The purified fuel oil, which is now free from most of the impurities, flows towards the center of the disc stack. It exits the purifier through the outlet and is directed to the fuel oil system of the ship for further use.
7. Solids Discharge: As the sludge layer accumulates on the discs, it needs to be removed to maintain the purifier’s efficiency. The operator initiates the solids discharge process, which involves opening the solids ejection system, such as discharge nozzles or valves, to remove the collected solids and impurities.
8. Water Discharge (If Applicable): If the fuel oil purifier has a separate water outlet, the separated water is discharged from the purifier through this outlet. Water discharge helps to remove water content from the fuel oil, preventing potential issues caused by water in the fuel system.
9. Monitoring and Adjustment: The operator continuously monitors the purifier’s operation, including parameters such as oil flow rate, pressure differentials, temperature, and any alarms or abnormal conditions indicated on the control panel. If necessary, adjustments are made to maintain optimal separation efficiency.
10. Shutdown: When fuel oil purification is no longer required or during maintenance operations, the operator shuts down the fuel oil purifier by stopping the drive mechanism and closing the fuel oil inlet and outlet valves.

It is important to note that the specific operation and procedures may vary depending on the type and model of the fuel oil purifier installed on the ship. The manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines should always be followed for safe and efficient operation. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the fuel oil purifier are essential to ensure its performance and prevent any potential issues or breakdowns.

Why Is Fuel Oil Treatment Necessary?

Fuel oil treatment is necessary for several reasons to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of engines on ships. Here are the main reasons why fuel oil treatment is necessary:

1. Removal of Impurities: Fuel oil often contains impurities such as solid particles, sediments, rust, and other contaminants. These impurities can clog fuel filters, injectors, and other fuel system components, leading to reduced fuel flow, poor combustion, and increased wear and tear on engine parts. Fuel oil treatment, including the use of purifiers, helps remove these impurities, ensuring that only clean and properly filtered fuel oil reaches the engine.
2. Water Separation: Fuel oil can contain water due to factors such as condensation, leakage, or contamination during storage or transportation. Water in the fuel oil can cause corrosion of engine components, decrease fuel efficiency, and lead to unstable combustion. Fuel oil treatment processes, such as centrifugal separation, help separate and remove water from the fuel oil, ensuring that it meets the required specifications for engine operation.
3. Reduction of Sediments: Over time, fuel oil can develop sediments, known as sludge, due to the degradation of fuel components and the accumulation of contaminants. Sludge can cause blockages in fuel lines, filters, and nozzles, resulting in fuel starvation, reduced power output, and engine malfunctions. Fuel oil treatment methods, such as centrifugal separation and filtration, help remove these sediments, preventing their deposition in critical fuel system components.
4. Improving Combustion Efficiency: Clean and properly treated fuel oil promotes efficient combustion in ship engines. The removal of impurities, water, and sediments from the fuel oil ensures proper atomization and combustion, resulting in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved engine performance. Fuel oil treatment helps optimize the combustion process and minimizes the risk of engine problems caused by incomplete or inefficient burning of fuel.
5. Engine Protection and Maintenance: Fuel oil treatment plays a vital role in protecting engine components from premature wear and damage. By removing impurities, water, and sediments, fuel oil treatment reduces the risk of abrasive wear on fuel pumps, injectors, piston rings, and cylinder liners. It helps maintain the cleanliness of critical engine parts, extends their service life, and reduces maintenance requirements, ultimately contributing to the reliability and longevity of the engine.

Overall, fuel oil treatment is necessary to ensure the quality, cleanliness, and compatibility of fuel oil with ship engines. By removing impurities, water, and sediments, fuel oil treatment helps optimize combustion efficiency, prevent engine damage, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the overall performance of ship engines.

Why Does A Heavy Fuel Oil Purifier Need Heating?

A heavy fuel oil purifier, also known as a fuel oil separator or centrifuge, often requires heating for effective operation. Here are the main reasons why heating is necessary for a heavy fuel oil purifier:

1. Viscosity Reduction: Heavy fuel oil, also known as bunker fuel or residual fuel oil, has a high viscosity compared to lighter fuels. Viscosity refers to the oil’s resistance to flow. At lower temperatures, the viscosity of heavy fuel oil increases significantly, making it difficult to separate impurities efficiently. Heating the fuel oil helps reduce its viscosity, allowing for better flow and enhanced separation performance in the purifier.
2. Separation Efficiency: Heating the fuel oil improves the separation efficiency of the purifier. When the fuel oil is heated, it becomes less viscous and flows more easily through the disc stack of the purifier. The lower viscosity allows for better contact between the oil and the centrifugal forces generated within the purifier, promoting more effective separation of impurities and water.
3. Water Removal: Heavy fuel oil often contains a certain amount of water, which can be detrimental to the fuel system and engine performance. Heating the fuel oil facilitates the removal of water through the purifier. When heated, the water in the oil vaporizes more easily, enabling effective separation and removal during the centrifugal process. Heating also helps prevent water from condensing and accumulating in the fuel system.
4. Purifier Protection: Heating the heavy fuel oil before it enters the purifier helps protect the purifier components from potential damage. The high viscosity of cold fuel oil can strain the purifier’s rotating parts and increase the risk of blockages or malfunctions. By heating the fuel oil, its flowability is improved, reducing the stress on the purifier and ensuring smoother operation.

It’s important to note that the specific temperature requirements for heating heavy fuel oil may vary depending on the fuel’s characteristics, the purifier’s design, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Heating is typically achieved using steam or electrical heating elements integrated into the fuel oil system.

Proper heating and temperature control during fuel oil purification are crucial to ensure optimal separation efficiency, water removal, and protection of the purifier. Ship operators must adhere to the recommended heating procedures and guidelines provided by the purifier manufacturer and industry standards to achieve the best results in fuel oil purification.

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