Centrifugal Purifiers and Fuel-Oil Treatment - 4th Engineer

Summary

This video explains the crucial role of centrifugal separator purifiers in fuel oil treatment aboard ships. It highlights how these purifiers help separate harmful impurities such as solids and water from fuel, preventing engine damage. The script covers the step-by-step process of fuel treatment, including heating, settling, and the centrifugal separation mechanism, which uses high-speed rotation to enhance impurity removal. Key operational details, like maintaining temperature, feed rate, and pressure, are also discussed. The video emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure proper functioning, making it essential knowledge for maritime engineers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Centrifugal purifiers are essential in fuel oil treatment on ships, protecting engines from impurities that can cause damage.
• 😀 Fuel oil contains two main types of impurities: solid particles (like cat fines) and water, both of which can harm engine components.
• 😀 The fuel treatment process involves heating, separating, and purifying the fuel before it is used in engines or generators.
• 😀 Settling tanks help separate water from fuel by leveraging the difference in their densities, but this process is slow.
• 😀 Centrifugal separators speed up separation by utilizing centrifugal and centripetal forces to separate heavier and lighter components of fuel.
• 😀 The purified fuel is sent to a service tank, while water and solid impurities are directed to a sludge tank.
• 😀 Temperature and rpm stability are crucial for the centrifugal separator’s performance; too high a temperature can cause water to evaporate, impairing separation.
• 😀 A stable rpm is maintained through the motor's load, with the electric motor’s amperage providing a measure of stability.
• 😀 The purifier’s functions are controlled by solenoid valves, managing the flow of sealing, closing, and discharge water to ensure proper operation.
• 😀 Feed rate and outlet pressure are key factors that influence the purifier’s efficiency; adjusting valves controls these parameters to ensure correct separation.
• 😀 Monitoring the purifier’s internal pressure through a local panel helps detect leaks or abnormal conditions, ensuring optimal performance.
• 😀 Proper understanding of purifier operation, temperature, and pressure management is crucial for troubleshooting and maintaining engine performance.

Q & A

What is the purpose of centrifugal separators in fuel oil treatment on ships?

Centrifugal separators are used to purify fuel oil by separating impurities such as solids and water. This is essential for protecting engine components, including diesel generators and the main engine, from damage caused by abrasiveness or poor combustion.

What are the two types of natural impurities found in fuel and oil?

The two types of natural impurities in fuel and oil are solids, such as cat fines (aluminium and silicon oxides), and water, both of which can cause significant damage to engine components if not removed.

How does the centrifugal separator improve the separation of impurities in fuel oil?

The centrifugal separator enhances separation by rotating the fuel at high speeds, creating centrifugal and centripetal forces. These forces cause the denser elements, like water and solids, to move outward, while the lighter fuel oil remains at the center, thus allowing effective purification.

What are the key tanks involved in the fuel treatment process aboard a vessel?

The key tanks involved in the fuel treatment process are the storage tank, where fuel is stored; the settling tank, where water and solids are naturally separated; and the service or daily tank, which holds the purified fuel oil for use in the engines.

What role does the settling tank play in the fuel oil treatment process?

The settling tank is used to separate water from the fuel oil through gravity. The water, being denser, settles at the bottom of the tank, while the lighter fuel oil rises to the top and is transferred for further treatment.

Why is it important to control the temperature of the fuel oil during the treatment process?

Controlling the temperature is crucial because it ensures proper separation of impurities. If the temperature is too high, water in the fuel will evaporate, causing difficulties in the centrifugal separation process. An optimal temperature ensures efficient removal of water and solids.

How does the centrifugal separator ensure that fuel oil is treated effectively?

The centrifugal separator uses high-speed rotation to create centrifugal and centripetal forces that separate impurities. By adjusting the feed rate, temperature, and rotation speed (rpm), the separator effectively removes water and solid contaminants from the fuel oil.

What function do the pneumatic three-way valves serve in the centrifugal separator system?

The pneumatic three-way valves control the flow of fuel oil into and out of the separator. They ensure that dirty fuel enters the purifier when it's in operation and that the purified fuel is sent to the service tank, while also allowing for recirculation or discharging when needed.

What happens when the purifier detects a pressure abnormality?

If the purifier detects a loss of internal pressure, it will trigger an alarm and stop the purifier automatically. This could indicate a leak inside the bowl, which could affect the efficiency of the separation process.

How does adjusting the feed rate and outlet valve affect the purifier's operation?

Adjusting the feed rate and outlet valve affects the pressure inside the purifier. Closing the feed bypass valve increases the amount of dirty fuel entering the purifier, while adjusting the outlet valve controls the flow of purified fuel to the service tank. Balancing these settings ensures proper separation and operation.