South Tyneside College Faculty of Marine and Mechanical Engineering

Purification Definitions Purification This is the separation of two intermixed liquids, which are insoluble with each other and have different specific gravities. Solids having a specific gravity higher than the liquid can also be separated from the liquid during the purification process Clarification This is the separation of liquids and sludge. Where sludge is defined as separated contaminants and heavy water / oil emulsion Throughput This is the quantity of liquid supplied to the unit in a unit time. Oil / water interface The boundary layer between the water phase and the oil phase in the separator bowl.

South Tyneside College Faculty of Marine and Mechanical Engineering

Basic Principles of Separation Gravity Separation. A dirty liquid if allowed sufficient time, will slowly clear as the heavier particles settle to the bottom under the influence of gravity. With respect to insoluble liquids the lighter liquid will settle on top of the heavier liquid. This method of separation can be used where there is a considerable time span available for the separation process. Centrifugal Separation In this process the gravity is replaced by centrifugal force. The introduction of centrifugal force increases the settling velocity by a factor of several thousand. The result, being a dramatic reduction in time for the separation of two fluids in comparison to gravity separation. Factors influencing separation Difference in density of liquids The greater the difference in density between the two liquids the easier it is to separate the liquids. Heating the incoming fluid can increase the density difference. Viscosity Low viscosity improves the separation. Heating the incoming fluid can reduce viscosity.

South Tyneside College Faculty of Marine and Mechanical Engineering

Throughput The throughput plays an important part in the effectiveness of the separation process. A low throughput will improve the separation process. Excessive throughput may result in poor separation.

Working Principle (Purifier) An electric motor drives the separator bowl at a high speed through a clutch and worm gear mechanism or a belt driven mechanism. The high speed of rotation produces the centrifugal force required for the separation of the liquid. The liquid to be separated enters through the oil inlet and the clean oil and water leave the unit though designated outlets. Any sludge / sediment is collected at the bowl periphery, which can then be discharged automatically through the sludge outlet or can be removed by manually cleaning of the separator bowl. The method of sludge removal is dependent upon the type of separator. For operation of the purifier, a water seal is first established before the untreated oil is fed to the unit. The oil enters the separator as shown and is forced inwards through the disc stack. The clean oil then enters the paring chamber where it is pumped out by the paring disc. The separated water passes over the top of the top disc and the gravity disc and leaves the unit via the water outlet.