Am Purifiers

Date:
GM Purifiers 11 June 20
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Table of Contents
PURIFIERS...............................................................................................................................................3
PRINCIPLE OF WORKING...............................................................................................................3
Mathematically this process can be represented by:..............................................................3
Construction of High-Speed Centrifuge:.....................................................................................3
Basic components of the centrifuge are as follows:.............................................................3
Exterior framework:......................................................................................................................3
Bowl and disk:................................................................................................................................3
Vertical shaft:..................................................................................................................................4
HORIZONTAL SHAFT....................................................................................................................4
Attached Gear pump:...................................................................................................................4
Spur gear:........................................................................................................................................4
Clutch or friction pads:................................................................................................................5
Automation:.....................................................................................................................................5
GRAVITY DISC................................................................................................................................5
Paring disc.......................................................................................................................................7
OPERATION OF PURIFIER.............................................................................................................7
PURIFIER STARTING PROCEDURE:.......................................................................................7
Starting the Purifier......................................................................................................................8
De-sludge Procedure.....................................................................................................................8
Checks after starting the purifier during regular watches:..............................................9
Stopping of Purifiers:....................................................................................................................9
Purifier overflow reasons:................................................................................................................9
Types of Water Detectors.................................................................................................................9
Operating Principle of Pressure Sensor Type Water Detector............................................10
Electrostatic Capacity Type Water Detector............................................................................11
WATER TRANSDUCER...................................................................................................................11
Change purifier to clarifier............................................................................................................12
Change purifier from HFO to DO................................................................................................13
DISMANTLING PROCEDURE...........................................................................................................13
TROUBLE SHOOTING WITH PURIFIER CAUSES REMEDY...................................................14
What is gravity disc?...........................................................................................................................18
Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

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Correct size is selected using:......................................................................................................18

What is paring disc?.......................................................................................................................18
What about water washing?.........................................................................................................18
What is steam jetting?....................................................................................................................19
Compare purifier and clarifier?...................................................................................................19
How do you change purifier to clarifier?...............................................................................19

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PURIFIERS
A high-speed centrifuge is a type of separator which is used on a ship to remove
contamination from liquids such as fuel and lube oils. It is imperative to carry
out this treatment in order to remove solid impurities and water before they are
supplied to the marine engine. Thus, the task of the centrifuge is to remove
solid contamination from liquid and to remove undesirable liquid (water) from
useful liquids (fuel).
PRINCIPLE OF WORKING
The separation principle of high-speed centrifuge depends on the difference in
the specific gravity of two different liquids. To understand, let’s take a settling
tank where fuel is stored and because of the difference in the gravity of water
and fuel (water is heavier) the water gets collected at the bottom part of the due
to the effect of gravity.
Mathematically this process can be represented by:

Fs = ∏/6x D3 (ρw-ρo) g
Where Fs is the separating force, ρw is the density of water, ρo is the density of
oil and “g” is gravitational force.
Now if we convert the tank into a conical rotating object, then the gravitational
factor g will be replaced by the centrifugal force ω2 r, where ω2 is angular
velocity of rotation and r is the effective radius.
Fs = ∏/6x D3 (ρw-ρo) ω2 r.
Now the separating force will be much higher in the centrifuge as compare to a
settling tank.
Construction of High-Speed Centrifuge:

Basic components of the centrifuge are as follows:
Exterior framework:
The exterior framework is normally made up of cast iron which supports the
internal bowl and disk parts and carries water line, feed line, and outlet line
connections.
Bowl and disk:

There are bowls inside the frame, which can be a solid assembly operating non-
continuous and have space enough to retain the separated sludge. There can
also be an arrangement in which the upper and lower parts are separated for
discharging the accumulated sludge by a continuous operation. These parts are
normally made up of high-tension stainless steel.

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Vertical shaft:
Vertical shaft: The Vertical shaft is used to transform the electrical motor
output into rotational motion for rotating the bowl in high speed through spur
gear and horizontal shaft or belt. Material used for vertical shaft construction is
an alloy of steel.
HORIZONTAL SHAFT
Horizontal shaft or belt drive: The electrical motor drives the horizontal shaft
through clutch pads and is used for transmitting the rotational motion to bowl
assembly. A special belt having elastic character is used in some models in
place of horizontal shaft, thus removing the use of the gear assembly. The
horizontal shaft material is a special alloy of steel.
Attached Gear pump:

A general construction of centrifuge consists of a horizontal shaft driven
attached supply or discharge gear pump.
In some system, an external supply pump may be installed in place of the
attached pump.
Spur gear:
A spur gear is placed between the horizontal and vertical shafts for the transfer
of rotational motion. These gears are manufactured from the special aluminium
bronze material.

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Clutch or friction pads:

An electric motor will get overloaded if it is connected directly to the bowl
assembly for the rotation of the same as the complete assembly is very heavier.
To avoid this, clutch or friction pads and drum assembly are installed on the
horizontal shaft. Normally the number of pads varies from 2 to 4 depending
upon the frequency supply to the motor
As the motor starts, the pads inside the drum moves out gradually due to
centrifugal force and cause friction in the internal wall of the drum resulting in
rotation of the shaft and the bowl gradually without overloading and damaging
the motor and gears.
Automation:
Apart from the mechanical parts, the latest centrifuge comes with full
automation circuit involving three-way valves, detectors, monitors, transducers,
solenoid valves, pneumatic valves etc, along with a control panel, which ensures
the centrifuge fulfils all the criteria required for operation in an unmanned
engine room.
GRAVITY DISC
Oils containing water can only be de-watered in a perfect manner if the bowl is
accurately adjusted to the difference in densities of oil and water. The gravity
disc with proper inner diameter i.e. with the diameter that corresponds to the
difference in densities of the oil-water mixture to be treated should, therefore,
be inserted in the bowl, this disc can be chosen from the set of discs provided
with the separator.
The gravity disc is important part of purifier, which set the location of the oil
and water interface.
SELECTION OF GRAVITY DISC

For efficient purifier operation, use of appropriate size gravity discs according to
the density of the medium to be treated and throughput is necessary. The
selection of gravity disc is carried out using nomograms given in the purifier
manual. Nomograms are different for different types of purifier models from the
same manufacturer. Following is an explanation of the procedure of selection of
gravity disc size depending on the density and throughput of the oil to be
purified on ships.
Example 1

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The specific gravity of treated oil at 15℃ is known.

Treating condition
Specific gravity of treated oil: 0.925 at 15℃
Treating temperature: 70℃
Feed rate: 3000 L/h
Selection method
Refer to the nomogram given in the figure above. Click on the figure to enlarge.
From an intersection between falling curve ① of specific gravity of 0.925 and
the vertical line of 70℃, draw horizontal line ② to reach the vertical line of
100℃.
Connect between the right end of line ② and the point of 3000 L/h on the
treating capacity scale using straight line ③.
Read within which section of gravity disc inside diameter scale the intersection
made by line ③ falls. For this [Example 1] select a gravity disc having an Inside
diameter of φ79.
Example 2
The specific gravity of treated oil at a certain temperature is known.
Treating condition
Specific gravity of treated oil: 0.944 at 50℃
Treating temperature: 98℃
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Feed rate: 1250 L/h

Selection method
Refer to the nomogram given in the figure above. Click on the figure to enlarge.
From an intersection between rising curve ④ of specific gravity of 0.944 and the
vertical line of 50℃ (being converted to a specific gravity at 15℃), draw curve
⑤ along the falling curve to reach the vertical line of 98℃, then draw a
horizontal line to reach the vertical line of 100℃.
Connect between the right end of the horizontal line and the point of 1250 L/h
on the treating capacity scale using straight line ⑥.
Read within which section of gravity disc inside diameter scale the intersection
made by line ⑥ falls. For this [Example 2] select a gravity disc having an Inside
diameter of φ71.5.
Paring disc
What is paring disc?
It is a stationary impeller mounted in a chamber at the neck of the bow.
Its function is to convert the rotating energy of the liquid into a pressure head.
Adjusting purifier bowl height
By shim at bottom bush thus raising bowl body
Effect of reduced purifier bowl height
Oil goes through the water outlet.
Sealing water purpose
To seal the water outlet & to prevent the overflow of oil from the water outlet.
Water washing
Water washing is widely used techniques to remove acids, salts, and other
impurities from the oil.
The oil must be straight mineral oils or without dispersant additive oils.
Water should be injected into the oil before purifying at a rate of between 3 to
5% of the oil flow that is continuously renews the water seal in the purifier
bowl.
The oil temperature should be around 75 °C and water temperature about 5 °C
higher than oil.
It can be done continuously or intermittently.
Steam jetting
By blowing steam into the engine lube oil just prior to its purification.
Coagulation of colloidal carbon will occur.
Purifier will remove this carbon more effectively.
OPERATION OF PURIFIER
PURIFIER STARTING PROCEDURE:
Before starting purifier or any other machinery, first check and observe the
machinery for lub oil level, is there any job going on with that machinery, brake
is free, no obstruction nearby, check for leaks around the machinery etc.
If you are starting the purifier first and foremost,
1. Check the valve line up on your own.

2. Check the operating water tank level if fitted/open water line valve
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3. Check sludge valve is open.

4. Ensure before purifier filter is cleaned and purged properly.
Starting the Purifier

1. Ensure valves are open, the lines are set from settling tank to service tank.
2. Start the purifier feed pump with the 3-way re-circulation valve in a position
leading to settling tank.
3. Open the steam to the heater slightly ensuring the drains are open so that
the condensate drains. Close the drains once steam appears. If steam controller
is working fine, do not throttle the inlet/outlet valve of steam line. Open fully by
throttling the steam valve slowly the valve seat will erode causing steam to leak
always.)
4. Start the Purifier motor.
5. Check for vibrations, check the gear case for noise and abnormal heating.
6. Note the current (amps) during starting. It goes high during starting and then
when the purifier bowl picks-up speed and when it reaches the rated speed, the
current drawn drops to normal value.
7. Ensure the feed inlet temperature has reached optimum temperature for
separation as stated in the Bunker Analysis report and nomogram (bunker
delivery note gives the density of the fuel and using this we can get the
separation temperature and gravity disc size from the nomogram)
8. Now check whether the bowl has reached the rated speed by looking at the
revolution counter, if provided. The revolution counter gives the scaled down
speed of the bowl. The ratio for calculation can be obtained from the manual.
9. Now, after the bowl reaching the rated RPM, check for the current attaining
its normal value.
De-sludge Procedure
10. Open the bowl closing water/operating water, which closes the bowl.
(Ensure sufficient water is present in the operating water tank or water line
valve is open). close after 30 secs.
11. Now after 10 seconds, open the sealing water to the bowl.
12. The sealing water should be kept open till the water comes out of the waste
water outlet.
13. Once the water overflows through the waste water outlet, stop the sealing
water.
14. Now open the de-sludge water/bowl opening water. (This is done to ensure
the bowl has closed properly). During de-sludge we can hear a characteristic
sound at the opening of the bowl. Then close.approx.3 seconds.
15. Repeat the steps 10, 11 ,12 & 13.
16. Open the 3-way re-circulation valve such that the dirty oil feed is fed into
the purifier. Observe the 3-way valve cylinder position
17. Wait for the back pressure to build up.
18. Check for overflowing of dirty-oil through waste water outlet & sludge port.
19. Now adjust the throughput to a value specified in the manual.
Correspondingly adjust the back pressure, too.

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20. Now the purifier is put into operation. Change over the clean-oil filling valve
to service tank.
Checks after starting the purifier during regular watches:

1. Adjust the throughput, back pressure, temperature of feed inlet if necessary
2. Gear case oil level, motor amps, general leakages, vibration have to be
monitored
3. De-sludge every 2 hours for heavy oil purifiers & every 4 hours for lubricating
oil purifiers.
Stopping of Purifiers:
1. De-sludge the purifier after stopping the feed inlet.
2. Shut down the steam inlet to the oil.
3. Stop the purifier after filling up the bowl with water.
4. Apply brakes and bring up the purifier to complete rest.
5. If any emergency, the purifiers has emergency stops, on pressing it, will stop
the purifiers immediately shutting off the feed.
Thus, we have seen in detail how to start the purifier after carrying out all
safety checks and we have also seen how to stop it.
Purifier overflow reasons:

Incorrect gravity disc size (if this is the reason it will happen only on bunker
change)
Excessive sludge deposit inside the bowl (purifier will vibrate, also motor Amps
will increase slightly)
Sealing water low (if you are in doubt with this point, manually increase the
sealing water amount/duration this may be due to clogged filter in water line.
Usually water line used to have a filter before solenoid, to avoid solenoid valve
being affected by debris in water. Clean the filter)
Excessive back pressure or service tank valve closed
Feed oil temperature high or low (with the large deviation of temperature in
purifier inlet oil this may happen.)
Orifice plat installed wrongly in the inlet side (this is a human error; it will
happen after overhaul or bowl routines).
Excessive feed rate (Always set the feed rate with normal operating temperature,
around 980C)
Main Sealing ring leakage, between bowl and hood.
Low rpm or wrong direction (low rpm mainly by friction pad worn out)
Leaking three-way valve
In case of overflow of purifier, as a junior engineer you just close the feed valve.
Types of Water Detectors

The Water Detector Function (WD) of the Multi-Monitor in Mitsubishi fuel oil
and lube oil purifiers is a device to prevent separated water from leaking into
light liquid (purified oil). It is available in two types, i.e., pressure sensor type
water detector and electrostatic capacity type water detector.

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Operating Principle of Pressure Sensor Type Water Detector

The Water Detection system provided with a pressure sensor, which is called G-
HIDENS system, is controlled on the automatic control panel via the Multi-
Monitor of the purifier. The G-HIDENS system constantly monitors separated
water being accumulated in the bowl by means of a pressure sensor installed in
the circulation line and causes separated water to be discharged before it leaks
into light liquid (purified oil).
In the clarifier operation, some of light liquid (purified oil) is returned to the feed
liquid inlet via circulation line. The circulation line, which is provided with a
back-pressure valve, pressure sensor and pressure gauge, is maintained under
a required level of back pressure by means of the back-pressure valve, with the
shut-off valve in the heavy liquid outlet line fully closed. The arrangement is
shown in the figure above.
Upon arrival of separated water in the bowl at the top disc outside level, the
circulation of light liquid is stopped with an instantaneous drop in circulation
line pressure. Detecting this pressure change, the pressure sensor sends a
signal to the control panel via the Multi-Monitor to tell that the predetermined
quantity of separated water has been accumulated in the bowl and separated
water is discharged, normally in the partial discharge mode. In some cases,
total charge with sludge takes place, depending on time spent before detection
of pressure drop. By this principle water is detected. Diagram below shows a
condition when pressure falls due to arrival of water in the top disc periphery.

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Electrostatic Capacity Type Water Detector

The electrostatic capacity type water detector relies on difference in dielectric
constant between water and oil to determine the capacitance of oil, thereby
detecting the water content of oil. This detector is installed in the light liquid
connection line of the purifier and controlled on the automatic control panel.
Figure below shows a capacitance type water detector connected to the purified
oil outlet in a purifier.
In the clarifier operation, the detector monitors the water content of light liquid.
When a rise of approximately 0.5% occurs in the water content, the detector
recognizes it as “water in the bowl having arrived at predetermined level” and
issues an output signal to the control panel. Water is discharged as a result.
WATER TRANSDUCER
A water transducer in the clean oil outlet measures capacitive resistance and
signals changes to the EPC60 control unit, which masterminds the system.
Depending on the water content, the EPC60 either opens the drain valve or
expels the water during sludge discharge. A purifier removes solids and water
from oil.
Types of Centrifuge:
There are normally two types based on the application:

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1) Purifier: When a centrifuge is arranged for separating two liquids of different

densities, for e.g. water from oil, it is known as a purifier. The main component
of purifier is correct size gravity disc or dam ring which is responsible for
creating an interface between the oil and water.
2) Clarifier: When a centrifugal is arranged to remove only impurities and a
small amount of water, it is called as the clarifier. Since it is used mainly for
that fluid were mostly solid impurities are to be removed, gravity disc is not
used in clarifier; instead a sealing ring is used to keep the impurities intact
unless de-slugged.
Change purifier to clarifier

Open up the purifier and set the blind disc at the bottom of the disc stack.
The water outlet is blocked by a seal on the gravity disc.
Blank off the sealing water inlet line.
The basic operations of clarifier and purifier are:
– It contains a stack of disk numbering up to 150 and is separated from each
other by a very small gap. A series of holes are aligned in each disk near the
outside edge which permits the entry of dirty oil.
– Due to the difference in gravity and centrifugal force, the heavier impure liquid
(water) and particles move outside and lighter clean oil flows inwards and gets
separated.
– The collected sludge and impurity can be discharged continuously or at a time

interval, depending upon the construction, automation, and system
incorporated
– In a purifier, before introducing the oil, water sealing is established so that oil
fill should not flow out through the heavy liquid outlet
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– In clarifier, there is no heavy liquid outlet for discharging separated water

hence water sealing is unnecessary
– Feed rate and temperature of the feed is extremely important for purification.
For normal oil, one stage purification is enough, but for oil containing heavy
sludge or catalyst mixture, multiple purifiers are used in either parallel
(preferred) or series to get better results
– The new age purifiers/ clarifiers are automatically de-slugged at a regular
interval (by use of timer and controllers. A discharge detector on the sludge side
monitors the sludge side and provides alarm signal if any abnormality is
detected.
Change purifier from HFO to DO

Replace the gravity disc, which is smaller than the heavy oil
Open heater by pass vale.
Close the FO heater steam in/out valves.
Open heater drains v/v.
Pure DO purifier cannot change to HFO, it has no heater.
Pure clarifier cannot change to purifier, it has no water outlet.
DISMANTLING PROCEDURE
1) First of all, secure and arrange all the tools or special tools for dismantling
and start dismantling.
2) Unsecure small lock ring dock wise (left hand thread).
3) Remove lock ring, paring disc, packing and gravity disc.
4) Unsecure large lock ring clock wise.
5) Ease off bowl hood with tool screw.
6) If seal ring in lower edge of bowl hood needs replacement, force out the
ring by means of pin, inserting it alternately in the holes intended for this
purpose.
7) Force level ring and paring disc out of
8) Lift out the distribution with disc set in place.
9) Unscrew the cap nut clockwise.
10) Lift out distributing cone.
11) Lift out sliding bowl bottom.
12) If seal ring of sliding bowl bottom is not in good condition, it should be
replaced and compressed air is available, turn bottom upside down and injects
compressed air through hole on under side.
13) Unscrew the three screws from bowl body.
14) Ease off bowl body with control screw of lifting tool when central screw of
lifting tool.
15) To take apart the ejection mechanism, turn bowl body upside down.

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TROUBLE SHOOTING WITH PURIFIER CAUSES REMEDY

Cause of excessive vibration on purifier
Sludge too much inside the bowl
Foundation damper & spring failure
Bearing failure
Worn gear
Uneven wear of frictional clutch
Motor speed too high or too low
Reasons for purifier over flow

Incorrect purifier disc size (inside diameter too large)
Too low fuel oil temperature
Too much rate of throughput
Too much sludge inside the bowl
Low speed (rpm) of bowl rotation
Sealing water failure
Operating water failure
Worn out main sealing ring
Purifier is not building up speed while running

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Improper touching with friction clutch (worn out frictional clutch)

Touching with break
Excessive sludge in the bowl
Bearing failure
Motor running at overload
One phase power failure (Single phasing)
Sump oil level too high
Vertical shaft and horizontal shaft are out of alignment
1. Purifier will not start/run.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
1. No electrical power at controller.
2. Power failure at load centre.
3. Faulty wiring.
4. Faulty motor.
REMEDY:
1. Restore power at controller.
2. Restore power at load centre.
3. Verify proper electrical connection.
4. Repair/Replace motor.
2. Noisy motor.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
a. Faulty bearing(s).
b. Faulty motor.
REMEDY:
a. Replacing bearing(s).
•Verify proper electrical wiring connection.
•Repair/Replace motor.
3. Water leakage. Upon initial start-up, water is discharged through 6mm
drain line.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
Faulty bowl shell O-ring.
REMEDY:
Replace bowl shell O-ring.
5. Bowl overflows through 3.7mm bowl casing drain.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
Discharge pressure too high.
REMEDY:
Reduce discharge pressure.
5. Fuel overflows through 10cm water discharge drain.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
1. Discharge pressure too high.
2. Fuel induced too fast during start-up.
3. Excessive throughput.
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4. Discharge ring size incorrect.

5. Faulty or missing discharge ring O-ring.
REMEDY:
1. Reduce discharge pressure by opening back pressure valve.
2. Re-prime bowl and restart fuel flow more slowly.
3. Reduce flow using bypass.
4. Select proper discharge ring size and replace discharge ring.
5. Replace discharge ring O-ring.
Q. Fuel oil purifier feed pump breaker faulty

Causes:
Breaker is tripping. It is not holding at ON position.
Remedial Actions:
Operate the system with the standby pump. Isolate the faulty breaker & change
with new one.
Q. Fuel oil purifier feed pump over current trip

Causes:
Pump is drawing high current & over current relay is tripping the breaker.
Remedial Actions:
Isolate the pump and rotate the shaft by hand. Check for possible reason of
tight rotation. Check the electrical circuit for any possible fault.
Q. Fuel oil purifier feed pump suction filter choke
Causes:
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Suction pressure will come down and in fully choke condition it can show
vacuum also. Pump will not build any pressure.
Remedial Actions:
Clean the filter. Check the suction line.
Q. Fuel oil purifier feed pump worn out

Causes:
Pump is not building any pressure. Flow to purifier will reduce.
Remedial Actions:
Overhaul the pump.
Q. Fuel oil purifier breaker faulty

Causes:
Breaker is tripping. It is not holding at ON position.
Remedial Actions:
Do the purification through another purifier. Isolate the faulty breaker and
change with new one.
Q. Fuel oil purifier heater surface is dirty
Causes:
Heater efficiency will drop. User has to increase temperature setting to get
desired temperature Low temperature alarm. Purifier feed will stop.
Remedial Actions:
Check the steam line and pressure.
Check the steam controller.
Clean the heater.
Q. Fuel oil purifier de-slugged auto controller failure
Causes:
Purifier will not de-slugged on auto mode. Solenoid valves are malfunctioning.
Remedial Actions:
De-slugged purifier on manual mode.
Overhaul solenoid valves.
Q. Fuel oil purifier bowl is dirty
Causes:
Fluctuation in rpm. So, in amperage Backpressure will be high.
Purifier cannot be de-slugged.
It can cause Oil ingress in the water side.
Remedial Actions:
Stop the purifier. Open & clean the purifier.
Q. Fuel oil purifier friction pads worn out
Causes:
While starting purifier will not be able to gain its maximum speed. Amperage
will not go up. On giving feed oil will overflow. While running amperage will
come down. If operating water is ON it will overflow to the sludge tank.
Remedial Actions:
Stop the purifier & inspect the friction pad.

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10. Fuel oil purifier over current trip

Causes:
Purifier is drawing high current & over current relay is tripping the breaker.
Remedial Actions:
Isolate the purifier and rotate the shaft by hand. Check for possible reason of
tight rotation. Check the electrical circuit for any possible fault.
Q. Centrifugal Purifiers Basic Principle and Working on Ships
Gravity Separation
Consider gravity separation, as occurs in a settling tank, over a gradual period
solid such as sludge, dirt, etc., will settle out at the bottom of the tank. The
heavy liquids, such as water, will settle out above the solids and the lighter
liquids, such as oil, will be at the top of the tank. The application of heat will
speed up the separation process.
Separation occurs due to the specific gravities or densities of the liquids and
solids.
Centrifugal Purifiers
In the above case it is gravity that is responsible for the settling out and this
takes quite a while. If the gravitational force is increased, by using centrifugal
force, the separation effect is much greater. This is shown in figure below by
imagining settling tank on its side and rotated, which is the basic principle of
centrifugal purifiers.
The centrifugal purifiers or separator consists of a bowl containing a set of discs
stacked one on top of the other. The dirty oil flows down the distributor and up
through the holes in the discs.
What is gravity disc?

The gravity disc is important part of purifier, which set the location of the oil,
and water interface line, which is variable according to the maker’s design.
How to choose the correct size of gravity disc?
Correct size is selected using:

Separation temperature
Density of oil at this temperature
Desired throughput of oil and by using of nomogram from the purifier manual.
What is paring disc?

It is a stationary impeller mounted in a chamber at the neck of the bow.
Its function is to convert the rotating energy of the liquid into a pressure head.
What about water washing?

Water washing is widely used techniques to remove acids, salts, and other
impurities from the oil.
The oil must be straight mineral oils or without dispersant additive oils.

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Water should be injected into the oil before purifying at a rate of between 3 to
5% of the oil flow that is continuously renews the water seal in the purifier
bowl.
The oil temperature should be around 75 °C and water temperature about 5 °C
higher than oil.
It can be done continuously or intermittently.
What is steam jetting?

By blowing steam into the engine lube oil just pair to its purification.
Coagulation of colloidal carbon will occur.
Purifier will remove this carbon more effectively.
Compare purifier and clarifier?

Purifier
Remove water and suspended solids particles from oils
Two outlets water and clean oil
Gravity disc on top
Blind disc on the top of disc stack
Sealing water required
Clarifier
Remove finer and lighter particles from oil
One outlet for clean oil
No gravity disc only sealing ring
Blind disc at bottom.
Sealing water not required
How do you change purifier to clarifier?

Open up the purifier and set the blind disc at the bottom of the disc stack.
The water outlet is blocked by a seal on the gravity disc.
Blank off the sealing water inlet line.
What is purifier, clarifier?
Purifier is a centrifuge, which is arranged to separate water and solid impurities
from oil.
Clarifier is a centrifuge, which is arranged to separate finer solid impurities
from the oil.
How to change purifier from HFO to DO?
Replace the gravity disc, which is smaller than the heavy oil
Open heater by pass vale.
Close the FO heater steam in/out valves.
Open heater drains v/v.
Pure DO purifier cannot change to HFO, it has no heater.
Pure clarifier cannot change to purifier, it has no water outlet.
Why multidisc provided inside purifier?
To separate the liquid into thin layer & create shallow settling distance between
discs.
Improving separation of oil from heaver liquids & solids particle
Cause of excessive vibration on purifier?
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Sludge too much inside the bowl

Foundation damper & spring failure
Bearing failure
Worn gear
Uneven wear of frictional clutch
Motor speed too high or too low
What are reasons for purifier over flow?
Incorrect purifier disc size (inside diameter too large)
Too low fuel oil temperature
Too much rate of throughput
Too much sludge inside the bowl
Low speed (rpm) of bowl rotation
Sealing water failure
Operating water failure
Worn out main sealing ring
Why purifier is not building up speed while running?
Improper touching with friction clutch (worn out frictional clutch)
Touching with break
Excessive sludge in the bowl
Bearing failure
Motor running at overload
One phase power failure (Single phasing)
Sump oil level too high
Vertical shaft and horizontal shaft are out of alignment
How to adjust purifier bowl height?
By shim by bowl body
Effect of reduced purifier bowl height?
Oil goes through the water outlet.
Why need sealing water?
Q. A. Describe an automatic self-de-sludging centrifuge suitable for dealing

with fuel of density up to 1010 kg/m3 at 15deg C;
B. Explain how the centrifuge described in Q1 (a) is able to remove water
from a fuel which has a density that is higher than water and state factors
that may assist the operation.
C. As Second Engineer, write down the start-up procedure for the
centrifuge described in Q1 (a) for the benefit of your staff;
D. State how the problem of catalytic fines in fuel oil may be dealt with.
WORKING OF CENTRIFUG
1. Conditioning and displacement of water.
2. Oil In
3. Clean oil out
4. Water out
5. Disc stack

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6. Hydraulic pressure & Spring Force keeps the bowl closed. Hydraulic pressure
overcomes spring force to open bowl or De-sludging.
7. Sludge discharge when bowl open,
8. Flow control disk
WORKING OF CENTRIFUGE
As the density of the oil approaches that of water (above 991kg/m3) the
hydraulic equilibrium in the bowl becomes unstable and gravity disc will no
longer maintain a water seal. To overcome this problem, Alpha Laval has
developed the Al-cap separator, the principle of which is illustrated, oil is led
into the high-speed rotating bowl which basically operates as clarifier, bur water
and solids are separated and are thrown to the outside of the bowl by
centrifugal force.
At regular intervals a sludge cycle will take place. Water is admitted into the
bowl to soften the sludge and displace the oil in the bowl.
When a transducer in the oil is discharge line detects water the bowl is opened
and the sludge and water discharged. The bowl opens and closes very rapidly
and oil loss is minimal.
If the fuel contains water it will build up in the bowl and start to be discharged
with the clean oil. The transducer in the discharge line will detect this and if
this occurs after and minimum sludge cycle time, a sludge cycle will be
initiated, if water is detected before the minimum sludge cycle time, then water
discharge valve will open.
FUEL OF HIGHER DENSITY THAN WATER
Density of fuel is quoted at 15deg C. This density will fall as the fuel is heated
up.
The density of water although does change a very small amount, stays fairly
constant at 1000 kg/m3. By heating the oil too high a temperature as possible

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(90 – 95deg C) the relative density is reduced to below that of water, allowing
the water to be thrown to the outside of the bowl.
FACTORS THAT ASSIST SEPARATION
VISCOSITY OF THE OIL.
The lower the viscosity the lower the drag force on sludge particles. Heating
reduces viscosity of fuel.
THROUGHPUT
Throughput should be as slow as possible to maintain fuel demand.
INTERFACE
If the oil/water inter is within the disc stack separator efficiency is reduced, as
oil cannot flow along the full surface of the disc.
As Second Engineer, write out the start-up procedure for the centrifuge
described previously for the benefit of staff.
Ensure purifier has been fully assembled, that the bowl cover locking dogs are
in position, and the brake is off.
The purifier pump, suction should be open, the pump discharge valve open to
the heaters, and the re-circulation valve open back to the purifier, suction.
The discharge from the purifier should be open to the settling tank.
The feed regulating valve to the purifier should be set to zero.
START UP
1. Start the purifier watching the ammeter, which could fall back as the purifier
speed increases.
2. Ensure the purifier does not vibrate. (In case of vibration or excessive current
shut down immediately and investigate).
3. Open the fuel suction valve from the setting tank to the purifier pump.
4. Warm through and open heating steam to and from heaters. Ensure heater
control set to 95deg C. Continue to re-circulate fuel until purification
temperature is reached.
5. Open operating valve and set bowl operating water to close.
6. Open feed regulator to purifier and shut recirculation valve. Set purifier oil
feed to minimum.
7. Ensure sludge cycle is set to x hours. (Decided depending upon the fuel
quality).
8. Change discharge from setting tank to service tank, and adjust feed rate to
match engine consumption.
DEALING WITH CATALYTIC FINES
Catalytic fines comprise of small particles of silicon and aluminium carried over
from the refining process. They cause abrasive wear in fuel pumps, injection
lines and piston rings.
They are difficult to remove because they are often hollow which give them a
relative density close to the fuel.
Experience has shown by keeping the total contamination below 80mg/kg,
efficient centrifuge could keep the fines down below a level where abrasive wear
takes place.
This means keeping the purifier temperature as high as possible and the
throughput a low as possible would deal best regard to keeping the catalytic

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fines to a minimum. Manual draining of the setting and service tanks regularly
proves efficiency.
Q: Describe the action of any type oil separator to which you are familiar.
What is the difference in operation between a separator and clarifier? Why
is it desired to preheat the oil? What is the purpose of fresh water priming
of the separator?
OPERATION OF PURIFIER
As the density of the oil approaches that of water (991kg/m3) the hydraulic
equilibrium in the bowl becomes unstable, and a gravity disc will no longer
maintain a water seal.
To overcome this problem, Alpha Laval has developed the ALCAP separator, the
principle of which is illustrated.
Oil is fed into the high-speed rotating bowl which basically operates as a
clarifier but water and solids are separated and are thrown to the outside of the
bowl by centrifugal force.
At regular intervals a sludge cycle will take place. Water is admitted into the
bowl to soften the sludge and displace the oil in the bowl.
When a transducer in the oil discharge line detects water, the bowl is opened
and the sludge and water discharged. The bowl opens and closes very rapidly
and oil loss is minimal.
If the fuel contains water it will build up in the bowl and start to be discharged
with the clean oil.
The transducer in the discharge line will detect this and if this occurs after the
minimum sludge cycle time, a sludge cycle will be initiated.
If the water is detected before the minimum sludge cycle time, then water
discharge valve will open.
Separator purifier mode is used to separate two different liquids with different
density. Water in fuel, diesel & lube oil etc.
Clarifier mode is used to separate solids from a liquid. E.g. Sludge, asphaltenes,
cat fines, alumina & silica, dust etc.

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PURIFIER AND CLARIFIER

NECESSITY TO HEAT THE OIL
Density of fuel oil will fall as the fuel is heated up. The density of water,
although it does change a very small amount, stays fairly constant at 1000
kg/m3.
By heating the oil to as high a temperature as possible 90 – 98 deg C the
relative density is reduced to below that of water, allowing the water to be
thrown to the outside of the bowl.
Pre-heating also aids in natural separation by gravity in a settling tank.
NECESSAITY OF FRESH WATER PRIMING

PURPOSE OF FRESH WATER PRIMING
When a centrifuge is set up as a purifier, a second outlet pipe is used for
discharging water as shown. In the fuel oil purifier, the untreated fuel contains
a mixture of oils, solids and water, which the centrifuge separates into three
layers.
While in operation, a quantity of oil remains in the bowl to form a complete seal
around the underside of the top disc and, because of the density difference,
confines the oil within the outside diameter of the top disc.

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As marine fuel oil normally contains a small quantity of water, it is necessary to

prime each time that it is run, otherwise all the oil will pass over the water
outlet side to waste.
The water outlet is at a greater radius than that of the fuel. Within the water
outlet there is a gravity disc, which controls the radial position of the fuel water
interface.
Hence before feeding the fuel, priming water interface is filled up which fills up
and thrown to the edge of bowl and when the outlet senses water the water
feeding stops and oil feeding starts, the water creates an interface seal within
which the oil is covered, as the water from oil is separated the excess water is
drained through the water outlet.
Q. Explain each of the following conditions contributes to the satisfactory
performance of oil centrifuges.
A. Correct bowl speed
B. Cleanliness of bowl.
C. Low rate of feed to the bowl.
D. Contaminated oil preheated prior to centrifuging.
E. Contaminated oil allowed standing for an appreciable time prior to
centrifuging.
CORRECT BOWL SPEED
The centrifuge speed which can be up to 8000rpm, in such a rapidly rotating
bowl, the force of gravity is replaced by centrifugal force, which can be
thousands of times greater. Separation and sedimentation are continuous and
happens very quickly.
The centrifugal force in separator bowl can achieve in a few seconds what takes
many hours in a tank under influence of gravity.
Correct bowl speed enables the following aspects:
1. Correct centrifugal force is achieved for a quicker & efficient separation.
2. The centrifugal force also keeps the oil-water interface in the correct position
so as to avoid any cross contamination.
3. Centrifugal force also enables the bowl and other sliding bottom and the
spring force in a combination so as to achieve good separation.
4. Correct speed achieves complete balance and keeps the complete operation in
balance.
5. Paring disc in paring chamber which acts like a pump to pump out the clean
oil require correct speed for operation.
6. Correct bowl speed aids good back pressure.
7. Low speed of the bowl also causes leakage of oil to the sludge side due to
improper closing.
CLEANLINESS OF BOWL
Clean bowl operation of the centrifuge aids in good separation and smooth
operation, unclean will cause the following difficulties:
As the bowl rotates at speeds of 5000 – 8000 rpm, any dirt sludge builds up will
cause unbalance of the bowl.
Unbalanced rotation at higher rpm causes heavy vibrations and other
catastrophic results.

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Heavy vibration causes bearings, gears to wear quickly

Improper movement of fuel oil and thus improper separation.
Improper water removal.
Further sludge accumulation of bowl discs.
LOW RATE OF FEED TO THE BOWL
Too low feed is also not good for the purifier operation, causes unstable
operation and affects the interface, back pressure and hence the separation
quality.
Keeping the feed rate to the low level of the optimum feed rate recommended by
the manufacturer is good for the separation process for the following reasons:
The flow rate of the purifier should be set to optimize removal whole system
impurities. The lower the oil feed the greater the time for impurity removal and
the more efficient the purification. The higher the rate the greater the amount of
system oil is treated per unit time.
For a system such as main engine oil where contaminants are continuously
being added to the system. As a rule of thumb, the total volume of the system
should pass through the purifier three times every 24 hours, this rate may vary
depending on operation parameters. A similar calculation has to be made with
fuel oil to ensure removal of water and sludge which may accumulate over time.
CONTAMINATED OIL PREHEATED PRIOR TO CENTRIFUGING
For a contaminated process liquid such as fuel oils, lube oils, a high separation
temperature will normally increase the separation capacity.
The temperature influences oil viscosity and density and should be kept
constant throughout the separation.
VISCOSITY
Low viscosity facilitates good separation. Viscosity can be reduced by heating.
DENSITY DIFFERENCE
The greater the densities difference between the two liquids, the easier the
separation. The density difference can be increased by heating.
CONTAMINATED OIL STANDING FOR APPRICIABLE TIME PRIOR
CENTRIFUGING
Allowing the oil to be separated in a tank standing for appreciable time aids in
separation by gravity. Asphaltenes like alumina, silica and other impurities are
settled down in the settling tank which is usually removed by manual draining
which reduces the job of a separator thus aiding in a better separation.
A liquid mixture in a stationary bowl will clear slowly as the heavy particles in
the liquid mixture sink to the bottom under the influence of gravity. A lighter
liquid rises while a heavier liquid and solids sink.
Continuous separation and sedimentation can be achieved in a settling tank
having outlets arranged according to the difference in density of the liquids.
Heavier particles in the liquid mixture will settle and form a sediment layer on
the tank bottom.
Q. Abnormal vibration has been observed in the HFO purifier while in
operation.
Explain the areas you plan to investigate for rectifying the faults and put
back the purifier back to normal operations keeping in view that no

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reduction in vibration has been noticed even after de-sludging the purifier
couple of times.
The above sketch represents the bowl assembly of a self–desludging purifier.
The spindle extends down and is keyed to the main gear wheel. The spindle is
supported by a tapered roller bearing, mounted on the base of the supporting
frame of the purifier. The bearing takes the weight of the bowl and its contents
including the end thrust caused by the centrifugal action of the rotating vortex
of the oil-water mixture.
The areas of fault likely to cause vibration are:
The spindle support bearing which might be worn or its races brindled.
The main gear and the horizontal motor spindle worm gear meshing with the
main gear. If the gear teeth are worn it can cause a large play in its meshing
action which can cause the vibration.
The separator conical plate stack may not be stacked in the correct serial order.
This needs to be checked. Whilst doing this the plates may be checked for
damage individually for shape deformity and individual spacers dislodging. The
defective plates must be renewed.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
1. Brake applied.
2. Faulty spindle bearing(s).
3. Faulty drive gear(s).
4. Unbalanced bowl.
5. Base plate bolts over torqued.
6. Insufficient gap between motor and drive coupling.
7. Improper electrical connections.
8. Paring disc not engaged
9. Sludge too much inside the bowl.
10. Foundation damper & spring failure.
11. Bearing failure.
12. Worn gear.
13. Uneven wear of frictional clutch.
14. Motor speed too high or too low.
REMEDY
1. Brake applied
Release brake
2. Base plate bolts over torqued
The first reason of purifier vibrating will be the foundation bolts, will check their
condition
A) Loose nuts
B) Broken bolts
3. Motor speed too high or too low
Check the motor speed and amperes drawn more or less than usual.
4. Unbalanced bowl.
Stop the purifier and overhaul the purifier
Apart from cleaning of all parts following checks to be carried out
1. Check condition of bearings

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2. Check gap between motor and drive couple

3. Check condition of friction pads
4. Check condition of gears.
5. Check condition of vertical shaft for bending.
6. Paring disc for proper fitting
7. Check condition of distributor
8. Check sludge content
9. Check condition of bowl springs.
10. Check condition of rubber ring on bowl.
11. Check vertical height of spindle.
12. Blow through all water passages.

13. Check all nozzles are in good condition.
14. Centrifugal force also enables the bowl and other sliding bottom and the
spring force in a combination so as to achieve good separation.
15. Correct speed achieves complete balance and keeps the complete operation
in balance.
16. Unbalanced rotation at higher rpm causes heavy vibrations and other
catastrophic results.
17. Check electric connections
Q. Explain the procedures for dismantling a centrifugal purifier for survey:
A. Explain the key areas which would merit the surveyor's attention.
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B. Explain the replacing of a set of thrust bearings for vertical shaft by

correct identification.
DISMANTLING PROCEDURE
1) First of all, secure and arrange all the tools or special tools for dismantling
and start dismantling.
2) Unsecure small lock ring dock wise (left hand thread).
3) Remove lock ring, paring disc, packing and gravity disc.
4) Unsecure large lock ring clock wise.
5) Ease off bowl hood with tool screw.
6) If seal ring in lower edge of bowl hood needs replacement, force out the
ring by means of pin, inserting it alternately in the holes intended for this
purpose.
7) Force level ring and paring disc out of
8) Lift out the distribution with disc set in place.
9) Unscrew the cap nut clockwise.
10) Lift out distributing cone.
11) Lift out sliding bowl bottom.
12) If seal ring of sliding bowl bottom is not in good condition, it should be
replaced and compressed air is available, turn bottom upside down and injects
compressed air through hole on under side.
13) Unscrew the three screws from bowl body.
14) Ease off bowl body with control screw of lifting tool when central screw of
lifting tool.
15) To take apart the ejection mechanism, turn bowl body upside down.
SURVEY INSPECTION
Inspection to be carried out on various parts of a purifier
1. Vertical shaft
o It is subjected to compression and static and dynamic load.

o It is transmitting rotational torque to the bowl arrangement therefore
subjected to share stress.
o It is also subjected to bending stress.
o Check for trueness of shaft.
o Check for fatigue crack or the shaft.
o Check for surface finishing, smoothness and key heating.
o Check for dimension to contain wear or loss of metals and deformation.
2. Vertical worm
o Check for profile of gear tooth.

o Check for backlash with horizontal.
o Check for damages on account of stress and corrosion as it is subjected to
the load transformation.
o Check for surface crack.
o Check for loss of metal on account of friction, abrasion, corrosion.
3. Bearing of vertical shaft.

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o Check the bearing for cage integrity, check for ball wear by rotating to listen
any sound, however bearing have completed the service, replace it.
o Check the shaft sleeves for wear and damages.
o Check the thrust bearing and ball at bottom for any damage such as crack.
o Check the axial buffer for any surface damages due to stress.
o Check the ball bearing housing.
o Check the housing for elongation, for spring action, surface crack, and
spring profile.
o Check the spring, washer for correct height, for trueness in diameter.
o Check the buffer spring compression for
a) Thrust thread profile

b) For fatigue crack
o Check for elongation of bolt.

o Check for buffer spring carrier, threaded holes.
o Check for corrosion attack.
4. Buffer spring carrier cover
o Check for fatigue stress.

o Central shaft passage hole.
o Check the gasket for reasonable.
o Check the bowl assembly.
5. Bowl body
At the bottom, shelf during assembly is dissembled.
o Check all springs for elongation, surface crack, profile

o Check spring carrier.
o Check sliding disc for any deformation
o Check sealing ring for its resilience, softness, surface crack due to aging.
o Check for bowl body.
a) Check water passage at bottom for trueness.
b) Check Teflon valve seat for any surface compression.
c) Check all the screws holding the self-cleaning assembly for elongation and
fatigue crack along thread.
d) Check the body threads for tightening.
e) Check the sludge discharge port for trueness.
f) Check the tapper moving bowl holder for correct tapper.
g) Check the operating water holes for trueness. Check the tap holes for
lifting tool and thread profile and fatigue crack.
h) Check the lock ring for thread profile, any damages to the threads and
fatigue crack along the thread and along the four spanner fixing holes.
6. Sliding bowl

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o Check external topper for any damages, any penetration.

o Check the sealing ring for dimension, softness, and dimensions.
o Check seal ring groove for absolute cleanliness and any fatigue crack.
o Check the circumferential rim for correct shape, dimension and check the
locking slot and distributing cone.
o Check the threads for lifting tool, thread profile.
7. Disc stacks
o Check all the disc for cleanliness for

o Correct conical shape.
o Slot of conical disc.
o Shape between two discs.
Bowl hood
o It is checked for sealing ring.

o Check the groove for cleanliness.
o Check all the slots on four sides circumferentially and there should be any
damage.
o Check the paring for correct number.
o Check the threads for correct profile and fatigue crack.
9. Level rings
o Check the level ring for proper shape.

o Check for oil and water passages for trueness.
o Check for fatigue crack at the level ring bridges.
10. Distributor
It is checked for spling profile, oil distributor holes, and rim of locking discs
for no damages.
11. Horizontal assembly
o Check the shaft for trueness as it is subjected to shear stress for load
transmission therefore check for trueness, dimension.
o Check the end threads for its profile, check for surface damage.
o Check the friction drums and wear and wobblily.
12. Check the friction pad for thickness.
o Check the bearing housing in gear case for fatigue crack.

o Check the dressing gear for proof.
o Check gear tooth.
o Check the backlash with the gear pump driving gear.
13.Distributor cover

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o Check the water holes.

o Check the height adjusting ring for correct thickness.
o Check the packing ring for softness, surface crack.
o Check the distributor ring for any damages and trueness of all water
passages.
o Sealing sleeve for distributor ring flan evenness.
o Check all the rubber sealing ring.
REPLACING THRUST BEARINGS FOR VERTICAL SHAFT BY CORRECT

IDENTIFICATION
Thermal removal, installation & methods
Lowering or raising the temperature of the bearing, shaft, within prescribed
limits is the method to remove and install bearings. All of the cautionary notes
mentioned for mechanical removal methods also apply to thermal methods. The
shaft should be clean and clear of nicks and burrs. Time must be allotted to
measure and confirm that the shaft is the recommended dimensions.
The use of liquid nitrogen or dry ice to lower the temperature of steel
components should only be used when there is an extreme interference fit.
There are a variety of bearing heaters such as the cone type, heated plates, and
the all-too-common oil bath. All of these types have one thing in common they
are slow. For the mounting of bearings onto a shaft, the best means is to use a
modern bearing induction heater. They are safe, fast, efficient and clean.
Induction heaters are available in various sizes, with most being portable by
hand or placed on a cart.
Bearing installation reminders
Wear your PPE.
Careful handling and cleanliness are important.
Avoid steel hammers or sparks if at all possible.
Inspect the shaft and housing. Remove burrs.
Measure, measure and measure again.
The fit matters.
Use identical replacements.
Avoid overheating.
Use the right tools.
Be safe, think safe, do it safe!
CORRECT SIZE IDENTIFICATION

Last two digit multiplied by the 5 it gives the approximate dia of the shaft.
In this example 5*5=25mm approximate shaft diameter.
Z defines shield in one side only.
ZZ defines shield on both sides
A chart with standard dimensions of shaft and bearing size is provided.
It depends on the type of bearing you are using?
If its frictional bearing, (hydrostatic or hydro dynamic bearing) then bearing
bore must be greater than shaft outer diameter.

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If it is anti-frictional bearing, (ball or roller bearings) generally interference is

maintained or at least transition fit is required. Which means bearing should be
having tolerance limit of -0.02/+0.00.
An exception of these is sleeve type bearings which have 5-10 mm higher bore
than shaft outer diameter.
The shaft size and the bore size are the same dimension.
To properly identify a bearing, you need:
Bore (shaft) size.
OD (housing size) or flange or pillow block.
Thickness or width of the bearing (and if the width is the same on the shaft and
in the housing, also, if not the same; offset amount, if any.
Type of bearing: ball, rows (single double, etc), roller, spherical roller, thrust or
radial.
Marine Purifiers
Question: What Is A Purifier and State Its Purpose?
Answer: A Centrifugal Purifier Is Essentially A Container Which Is Rotated at
High Speed While Contaminated Oil Is Forced Through, And Rotates with The
Container. However, Only Material That Are Insoluble in The Oil Can Be
Separated by Centrifugal Force, Distillate E.g., Gas Oil Cannot Be Separated
from Lubricating Oil, Nor Salt Can Be Removed from Sea Water by Centrifugal
Force. Water Can Be Separated from Oil Because Water and Oil Does Not Form
A True Solution When They Are Mixed. Furthermore, There Must Be A
Difference in The Specific Gravities of The Materials Before They Can Be
Separated by Centrifugal Force.
When Separation Process Is Required, Two Conditions Could Be Met:
1. To Separate Solid Particles from A Liquid, E.g. Sludge / Dirt from Oil.
2. To Separate Liquids of Different Densities Which Are Mutually Insoluble
E.g. Water from Oil
Purpose of Purifier Is to Purify Oil and Remove Dissolved Impurities. Oil That Is
Fed into An Engine Requires Controlled Characteristics to Maintain the Engine
Operational Reliability and Extend the Life Usage. An Oil Purifier Separates
Various Contaminants (Aluminium, Silicon, Sludge, Water, Etc.) From Oil in
Such Specific Condition to Maintain Oil Characteristics to Certain Limits.
Q. State the Principle of Centrifugal Purifier?

Ans: When Centrifugal Force Is Applied, The Main Separating Force Is Equal to
The Difference Between the Centrifugal Force Acting on The Solid and Water,
And the Centrifugal Force Acting on The Oil Due to The Difference in The
Density.
As Per Stoke's Law, The Separating Force in Centrifugal Separation Can Be
Expressed:
F= (pid3v2/6r) X (d2-d1)
Where:
D = Diameter of Particle
V = Linear Velocity of Particle
R = Radius of Rotation of Particle

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In the Formula Above, The Separating Force Acting Between the Two Liquids or
Liquid and Solid Particle Is Directly Proportional to The Difference in Their
Densities and The Square of Linear Velocity. This Method of Separation Is Very
Useful When the Difference in Densities of Water and Oil in A Mixture Is Very
Less. Since the Separation Force Is Directly Proportional to Square of Linear
Velocity, It Can Be Increased Many Fold by Rotating the Container at
Permissible High Speed. When A Centrifugal Force Is Acting in The Rotating
Container, All Solid Particles and Water Which Is Heavier Than Oil Is Displaced
Outward from The Centre of Rotation. The Lighter Liquids Tend to Form in The
Centre and Moves Upward. Centrifugal Force Application Increases the
Separation Process in A Rotating Container.
In A Centrifugal Purifier, The Separated Water Is Discharged from Water Outlet,
The Oil from The Clean Oil Outlet and The Solid Remain in The Rotating Unit.
The Separation by Centrifugal Force Is Further Affected by The Size of The
Particles, The Viscosity of The Fluids, And the Time During Which the Materials
Are Subjected to The Centrifugal Force. In General, The Greater the Difference
in Specific Gravity Between the Substances to Be Separated and The Lower the
Viscosity, In Case of Fuel Oil the Greater Will Be the Rate of Separation.
Q. What Is Interface and Why It Is Important?

Ans: The Interface Is the Boundaries of Layers Between the Separating Liquid
and It Is Important to Maintain Inside the Bowl of The Centrifugal Separator to
Attain the Effectiveness of Purification. If the Separator Is Running as Purifier,
It Is Necessary to Hold the Oil and Water Interface in The Bowl Within the
Definite Range. The Position of Interface Is Controlled by Varying the Outlet
Diameter of The Heavy Liquid (water) Side and Achieved by Using Gravity Discs
of Different Inside Diameters.
Q. What Are the Factors Affect the Position of Interface?

Ans:
1. Size of The Gravity Disc
2. Density or Specific Gravity of Oil
3. Viscosity of Oil
4. Oil Inlet Temperature And
5. Oil Feed Rate
Q. What Are the Factors Required Maintaining the Correct Position of

Interface?
Ans:
1. Correct Size of Gravity Disc.
2. Clean Disc Stack.
3. Maintain the Following Feed Condition:
4. Constant Oil Properties I.e. Viscosity & Density
5. Constant Flow Rate
6. Constant Temperature

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Q. What Are the Factors Effects the Selection of a Gravity Disc? The
Selection of The Gravity Disc Depends Upon the Following Factors:
1. Specific Gravity of Feed Oil
2. Feed Rate
The Adjustment of Feed Rate Is Mainly Governed by Daily Consumption (as In
Fuel Oil) And the Effectiveness Of
Separation/purification Desired (as Normally Applied for Lube Oil). The
Recommended Feed Rate for The Following:
I) For Fuel Oil: It Is Recommended That the Separator Should Operates at
About 50~70% Of the Rated Capacity. In Case That the Fuel Oil Quality Is Over
Specification and Its Properties Exceed Company Specifications, It Is
Recommended to Operate Available Purifiers in Parallel Operation and Reduce
the Feed Rate to About 30% For Each Purifier.
Ii) For Lube Oils: The Recommended Feed Rate Is the Minimum Possible Feed
Rate at Which Separation Temperature Can Be Maintained. This Minimum Feed
Rate Will Help in Removing the Finer Impurities. For A Continuous Separation
System, It Is Better to Circulate the Full System Oil Through the Separator 5~6
Times/24 Hrs Rather Than Circulating It 10~15 Times/24 Hrs with Increased
Feed Rate.
The Minimum Feed Rate Is Limited by The Controllability of Constant
Temperature. When the Feed Rate Is Changed Drastically, It Is Necessary to
Recheck Whether the Gravity Disc Is Appropriate and Replacement Is Required,
As Feed Rate Is One of The Governing Factors in The Selection of Gravity Disc.
3.Oil Inlet Temperature
The Oil Should Be Heated to Obtain an Appropriate Reduction in Viscosity and
Specific Gravity as To Affect an Efficient and Quick Separation of Water and
Other Impurities. However, The Oil Temperature Should Be Maintained Less
Than 100 Degree C to Avoid Evaporation of The Sealing Water and Damage to
O-rings.
The Treating Capacity of The Oil Purifier Depends Mainly on The Viscosity of
Feed Liquid and Can Be Plot on The Temperature-Viscosity Diagram Below. To
Ensure That the Oil Purifier Operates Efficiently, Heat the Feed Liquid to
Specified Temperatures as Follows:
What is the purpose of sealing water in purifier?
The gravity disc is important part of purifier, which set the location of the oil
and water interface.
What is displacement water in purifier?
Displacement water: Water, added to the separator bowl to displace the oil and
ensure there is reduced loss of oil at sludge discharge. Purifier: A separator
that cleans the oil from water and sludge with continuous evacuating of
separated water.
What is back pressure in purifier?
A pressure downstream (outlet side) of the filter that creates resistance to flow
of liquid or gas. This can result from closing a valve or entrapped air in a liquid

Page 35 of 36
Date:
Rev: 0
system. This can also result from gradual blocking of the filter during use or to
the resistance to flow caused by the filter itself.
Why back pressure is maintained in purifier?
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. ... 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.
TYPICAL ORAL QUESTIONS

Q. Centrifugal Purifiers Basic Principle and Working on Ships
Q. What is gravity disc?
Q. How to choose the correct size of gravity disc?
Q. What is paring disc?
Q. What about water washing?
Q. What is steam jetting?
Q. Compare purifier and clarifier?
Q. How do you change purifier to clarifier?
Q. How to change purifier from HFO to DO?
Q. Why multidisc provided inside purifier?
Q. Cause of excessive vibration on purifier?
Q. What are reasons for purifier over flow?
Q. Why purifier is not building up speed while running?
How to adjust purifier bowl height?
Why need sealing water?

Page 36 of 36

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Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Correct size is selected using:......................................................................................................18

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Mathematically this process can be represented by:

Construction of High-Speed Centrifuge:

Bowl and disk:

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Attached Gear pump:

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Clutch or friction pads:

SELECTION OF GRAVITY DISC

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

The specific gravity of treated oil at 15℃ is known.

Feed rate: 1250 L/h

1. Check the valve line up on your own.

3. Check sludge valve is open.

Starting the Purifier

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Checks after starting the purifier during regular watches:

Purifier overflow reasons:

Types of Water Detectors

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Operating Principle of Pressure Sensor Type Water Detector

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Electrostatic Capacity Type Water Detector

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

1) Purifier: When a centrifuge is arranged for separating two liquids of different

Change purifier to clarifier

– The collected sludge and impurity can be discharged continuously or at a time

– In clarifier, there is no heavy liquid outlet for discharging separated water

Change purifier from HFO to DO

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

TROUBLE SHOOTING WITH PURIFIER CAUSES REMEDY

Reasons for purifier over flow

Purifier is not building up speed while running

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Improper touching with friction clutch (worn out frictional clutch)

1. Purifier will not start/run.

5. Bowl overflows through 3.7mm bowl casing drain.

4. Discharge ring size incorrect.

Q. Fuel oil purifier feed pump breaker faulty

Q. Fuel oil purifier feed pump over current trip

Q. Fuel oil purifier feed pump worn out

Q. Fuel oil purifier breaker faulty

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

10. Fuel oil purifier over current trip

What is gravity disc?

Correct size is selected using:

What is paring disc?

What about water washing?

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

What is steam jetting?

Compare purifier and clarifier?

How do you change purifier to clarifier?

Sludge too much inside the bowl

Q. A. Describe an automatic self-de-sludging centrifuge suitable for dealing

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

Uday Anant Potnis – B. E. Marine Engineer – First Class MOT – IMEI

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PURIFIER AND CLARIFIER