Purifier in ship working principle

A purifier on a ship, specifically an oil purifier, is typically used to remove contaminants like water, sludge, and particulates from fuel and lube oils to ensure the efficient operation of the ship's engine and other machinery. The working principle of a ship's oil purifier is based on centrifugation.

Here’s a breakdown of the working principle:

 1. Centrifugal Force

   The purifier operates using centrifugal force, which is generated by a rapidly spinning bowl (usually made of stainless steel) inside the machine. When the contaminated oil is fed into the purifier, the rotational speed creates a force that separates substances with different densities.

 2. Separation Process

   - Contaminants like water and sludge (having a higher density than oil) are forced to the outer edges of the spinning bowl.

   - Clean oil (which has a lower density) remains near the center of the bowl.

   The difference in density allows the system to separate water and sludge from the oil effectively.

 3. Discharge Ports

   The oil purifier has separate discharge ports:

   - One port for the clean oil, which is continuously removed.

   - Another port for the water and sludge, which are expelled from the system after being separated.

 4. Inlet & Outlet

   - The contaminated oil is pumped into the purifier through an inlet.

   - After purification, the clean oil is returned to the system through an outlet, while wastewater/sludge is sent to a separate collection tank.

 5. Automatic or Manual Adjustment

   - Some purifiers feature automatic regulation that adjusts the separation process based on the density of the mixture and the contamination level. The system uses a gravity disc to control the flow of the oil and water, ensuring efficient separation.

   - In some cases, the operator may manually adjust the separation speed, depending on the type and amount of contamination in the oil.

 Types of Oil Purifiers on Ships:

   - Fuel Oil Purifiers: Used to purify bunker fuel (heavy fuel oil) to remove impurities and water that can cause damage to the engine.

   - Lubricating Oil Purifiers: Used to clean lube oils, removing dirt, particles, and water to maintain the efficiency of the ship's machinery.

 Maintenance and Operation:

   - Regular maintenance is required to ensure the purifier functions properly, such as cleaning the bowl, replacing seals, and ensuring the discharge ports are functioning correctly.

   - The system may also have a sludge collection tank, where contaminants like sludge and water are temporarily stored before disposal.

In essence, the purifier is essential for maintaining the quality of oil used in ship engines and machinery, preventing engine damage, and improving fuel efficiency.