The S-separator

The Alfa Laval S-separator is the principle component of a range

of high efficiency heavy fuel oil separation systems. Based on
proven Alcap oil treatment technology, the Alfa Laval S-separator
combines heavy fuel oil and lubricating oil treatment into a single
separator, thanks to software that makes it possible to set the
relevant parameters in the process controller.

Untreated oil, heated to the correct temperature, is fed

continuously to the separator for the cleaning of impurities. After
centrifugal separation, cleaned oil is continuously pumped away
and separated sludge and water accumulate at the bowl periphery.
The system operates on the Alcap principle. A water transducer in
the clean oil outlet measures the capacitive resistance and signals
changes to the EPC60 control unit. Depending on the water
content, the EPC60 either opens the drain valve or expels the
water through the bowl discharge ports during sludge discharge.
The total losses of sludge, oil and water during the discharge
process are considerably less than other separator models due to
bowl design, size, longer discharge intervals and accurate
controls. The CentriShoot discharge process also makes use of a

patented, fixed flexing discharge slide, which completely

eliminates metal-to-metal wear.
The separator design incorporates a sludge evacuation which is
absorbed by the casing and which allows the sludge volume to be
discharged to a sludge tank.
The separator is driven by an electric motor via a friction clutch
and belt. The separator bowl is fixed at the top of a spindle, which
is supported by bearings and special composite springs. A
patented paring tube adapts itself to remove the water from the
bowl and a paring disc pumps away the cleaned oil. No
adjustments are necessary in the bowl, and no gravity discs are
fitted.
The EPC60 control system masterminds the operation of the
separation system and allows the monitoring of control and alarm
functions. Clear text messages, available in several languages,
indicate process parameters and alarms on the LCD display.

The P-separator

The Alfa Laval P-separator is a new development of proven

technology. It is specially designed for well-defined oils with

fewer but vital process issues. Manually set gravity discs have
replaced the more refined Alcap technology in the separator bowl.
The result is a separator with the same high performance, but one
that does not automatically compensate for process fluctuations.
The separator bowl can be arranged as a purifier or as a clarifier.
A purifier separates sludge and water from the oil. Water is
continuously discharged from the bowl. The sludge accumulated
in the sludge space in both a purifier and a clarifier is
intermittently discharged.
In a clarifier, the water outlet is blocked, i.e. the water handling
capability is limited. Water is accumulated like sludge.
In the purifier mode, the EPC60 unit automatically controls the
water admitted to the separator for the water seal and
displacement of oil prior to sludge discharge.
The separator is driven by an electric motor via a friction clutch
and belt. The separator bowl is fixed at the top of a spindle, which
is supported by bearings and springs. The sludge is discharged to
a small intermediate sludge tank. This means that the
conventional sludge tank under the separator can be avoided. The
sludge removal kit takes care of the sludge by pumping
automatically to the main sludge tank.
During normal operation vital process parameters are monitored.
The EPC60 unit provides alarm functions for low oil pressure,
high intermediate tank level, and power failure. Alarm functions
are
also provided for errors involving the EPC60 unit.
Special text messages indicate process parameters and alarms on
the LCD display. The EPC60 and the starter box combine to form
the control cabinet, which is type approved by many classification
societies. In addition, functions are available for vibration alarm
when the optional vibration switch is fitted.
When operating in the purifier mode, a gravity disc must be fitted
to obtain the correct interface position in the separator bowl, i.e.
the boundary between the oil and the water seal.
The size of gravity disc must be matched to the oil density,
viscosity/temperature, and oil feed rate to the separator. In the
clarifier mode, a clarifier disc is fitted instead of gravity disc.
The system is operated automatically by the EPC60 control unit,
except for starting the separator.