Centrifugal Separator Parts and Function

• Centrifugal separators are vital in various industries, especially in marine applications.
• They are primarily used to purify fluids like lubricating oil, fuel oil, and water.
• Centrifugal separators separate substances of different densities using centrifugal force.

Centrifugal Separator Parts

• Bowl is central part where the separation of heavier and lighter substances occurs.
• The centrifugal forces in the rotating bowl cause denser substances (water, solid impurities) to move outward, whereas lighter substances (oil) remain closer to the center.
• Bowls are typically made of stainless steel so they may withstand high rotational force and corrosive fluids.
• It spins at high speeds.
• The bowl hood covers the bowl, encloses the separation process and helps direct the liquid flow inside, ensuring internal pressure and fluid dynamics are maintained.
• The bowl hood contains and guides the separated liquids toward the discharge ports, where different substances are collected after separation.
• The bowl periphery is where heavier substances (sludge, solids, water) are forced by high centrifugal force and are collected in the outer area.
• Bowl periphery ensures efficient collection and removal of unwanted contaminants.
• The centripetal pump/oil pumping disc removes the purified liquid (lighter phase) from the separator.
• It operates under centrifugal force and guides the clarified fluid from the bowl's center to the discharge outlet and has an impeller that directs the separated fluid smoothly.
• The distributor evenly distributes the incoming mixture (oil and water) into the rotating bowl.
• It ensures the mixture is properly spread over the disk stack for efficient separation.
• By controlling the flow and distribution of the mixture, the distributor enhances efficiency and effectiveness.
• The disk stack is made of multiple thin, conical disks arranged closely together within the bowl, which increases the surface area available for separation.
• When the liquid mixture flows between the disks, centrifugal force causes denser particles to move outward along the disk surface, while lighter particles remain toward the center, thus enhancing separation efficiency.
• The vertical shaft connects to the bowl and drives it to rotate at high speeds, which creates the centrifugal force needed for separation.
• The vertical shaft is made of high-strength material to handle the stress of continuous high-speed rotation and is precisely aligned to ensure smooth operation.
• The attached gear pump pumps the fluid (oil) into the separator under pressure, ensuring a continuous and controlled flow of the mixture into the separator for processing.
• By regulating the flow, the gear pump ensures optimal separation efficiency, avoiding overloading or underloading the separator.
• The horizontal shaft is part of the power transmission system.
• It transfers rotational energy from the motor to the vertical shaft and bowl.
• It maintains the precise speed needed for the separation process, working with the clutch and brake systems.
• The belt connects the motor to the horizontal shaft, transmitting mechanical energy to drive the separator's components and ensure smooth and continuous operation.
• Proper tensioning of the belt is essential to avoid slippage or excess wear.
• The motor powers the entire separator.
• It drives the rotation of the bowl through a system of shafts and belts, providing the necessary energy for the centrifugal separation process.
• Motors can be electrical or hydraulic, depending on the separator's design.
• The paring disk is part of the centripetal pump system and helps extract the separated liquid from the bowl at high speeds.
• It uses centrifugal action to channel the separated oil (lighter phase) out of the separator, and is shaped like a disk.
• Bearings support the rotating parts, such as the vertical and horizontal shafts, ensuring smooth and precise rotation.
• Bearings must be robust and well-lubricated to withstand the high rotational speeds and loads in a centrifugal separator.
• The brake is used to slow down or stop the bowl's rotation in a controlled manner when required, such as during maintenance or in case of an emergency.
• It is typically a friction-based system that acts on the vertical or horizontal shaft to reduce rotational speed.
• The clutch engages and disengages the power transmission between the motor and the rotating components.
• This setup allows the separator to start and stop without damage, and ensures smooth operation, reducing the risk of sudden stops or starts that could damage the system.

Additional Components

• Gaskets and Seals prevent fluid leakage, ensuring the system operates under proper pressure.
• The Sludge Discharge Mechanism helps remove separated solids or sludge from the bowl without interrupting operation.
• The Control Panel manages the operational parameters.

Summary

• A centrifugal separator's efficient operation depends on the coordinated functioning of its various components.
• The bowl, disk stack, and centripetal pump separate liquids and solids.
• The motor, shafts, and bearings ensure the mechanical power necessary for rotation.
• The brake, clutch, and gear pump manage control and fluid flow.
• Understanding these components is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of the separator in marine and industrial applications.