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Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd.
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3. HFO and Diesel Fuel Separation
It is recommended that modern centrifuges are used for the treatment of heavy fuels.
The separation effect, i.e. the cleaning effect, is related to the flow rate and viscosity
of the HFO. Usually, the smaller the volume (m
3
/h or ltr/h) and the lower the viscosity
of the HFO, the better the separation. If the flow rate is too high and/or the separation
temperature is too low, the effect of the separator will be decreased.
If the HFO separators do not operate satisfactorily, it is possible that impurities (e.g.
cat fines) in the bunkers will not be sufficiently removed. This can cause damage to
the engine (e.g. increased wear of piston ring, cylinder liner and fuel
injection equipment).
The HFO must be heated before it goes into the centrifuge to keep the temperature
constant to a tolerance of ±2° C. The separation temperature must be as near as
possible to 98° C. The instructions of the centrifuge manufacturer must be obeyed
during the separation procedure.
The sludge that comes from the separation process must be removed regularly from
the separator drum. For self-cleaning centrifuges, the sequence of the procedure can
be controlled automatically. But in such a plant, personnel must keep control of the
correct function and frequency of procedures. You must do regular checks to make
sure that the sludge from the separator drum can drain freely. This prevents back
pressure, which makes sure that the centrifuge operates correctly to clean the HFO.
2015-07
Fuel Treatment and Fuel System
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