We all know that centrifuges are an important type of auxiliary equipment on board ships and that they are classified into two operating functions. One is a clarifier, which separates solids from liquids. The other type is an oil purifier, which separates liquids of different density. The Purifier operates on the principle of separation by centrifugal force. But in order to optimize the purification process, certain parameters should be adjusted before the purifier is started. Out of those parameters, very important parameters are:
Feed inlet oil temperature
Density of Oil
RPM of the rotating bowl
Back Pressure
Throughput of oil feed
Understanding the Parameters
1. Feed inlet oil temperature: Before entering the purifier, the dirty oil passes through the heater. This increases the temperature, thus reducing the viscosity of the oil to be purified. The lower the viscosity, the better will be the purification.
1. Density of Oil: As the dirty oil entering the purifier is heated to reduce the viscosity, the density also reduces. The lower the density, the better the separation.
1. R.P.M of the rotating bowl: If the purifier has not achieved full RPM (revolutions per second), then the centrifugal force will not be sufficient enough to aid the separation.
1. Back Pressure: The back pressure should be adjusted after the purifier is started. The back pressure varies as the temperature, density, viscosity of feed oil inlet varies. The back pressure ensures that the oil paring disc is immersed in the clean oil on the way of pumping to the clean oil tank.
1. Throughput of oil feed: Throughput means the quantity of oil pumped into the purifier/hr. In order to optimize the purification, the throughput must be minimum.
To ensure a smooth work, there are some tips to prevent and solve problems like overload in oil purifier.
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