Westfalia Separator Introduces Advanced Separator Line
Last month MR/EN provided news of the introduction of the new Westfalia C-Generation product line. The company recently released additional technical details, presented here.
Westfalia Separator has introduced a new ecologically advanced line of separators. The key characteristic to the advancements made to the CGeneration separators lies within the patented Hydrostop process, which is designed to provide a more precise desludging system. In a typical marine and power application, the Westfalia separator reportedly can reduce sludge up to 50 percent during fuel oil and lube oil purification, and up to 90 percent during sludge treatment.
Hydrostop works in conjunction with redesigned discharge ports in a new bowl architecture for more efficient sludge removal, and the Softstream system, a unique process which allows liquids to enter the bowl in a super calm state. Keeping liquids in this state as they enter the bowl contributes to the increased flow rates of the new separator, as well as overall separating efficiency and reduced component wear. There are four separators in the CGeneration product line: OSC 5, with a capacity of 4,000 1/h; OSC 15, with a capacity of 11,500 1/h; OSC 30, rated at 24,000 1/h; and OSC 50, rated at 43,100 1/h.
Designed For Oily Water Treatment The Softstream system of the Westfalia separator is particularly important in oily water treatment situations found in tanker slop water, bilge water, drain water, produced water and engineering liquids, according to Dierk Homborg, managing director of Westfalia Separator. "Slop water, for example, is collected and taken to port where it is transferred to a specialized treatment plant, or it is dumped at sea in the few areas where this is still a legal activity," Mr. Homborg said. "The new CGeneration separators will allow ships to efficiently treat onboard the slop water as well as other oily water, allowing oil-free water to be returned to the ocean." All four new models of the C-Generation are available in Unitrol design, a proprietary Westfalia Separator development which uses a patented sludge space monitoring system (SMS) and a water content monitoring system (WMS) for optimum separation.
Solids or water that accumulates in the sludge space causes interruptions in the flow of a sensing liquid. These interruptions are detected by the SMS and alert the system. The WMS monitors water content in the bowl, allowing the centrifuge to operate as a purifier and clarifier.
Low-Maintenance In addition to the higher flow rates — including the OSC 50, a high capacity separator — and ecological benefits, the new C-Generation is being touted for its long maintenance intervals and low m a i n t e n a n c e requirements.
Main service intervals are increased to every 8,000 to 16,000 hours — in line with diesel engine overhaul intervals — and bowl cleaning intervals also are extended, due to the Hydrostop system.
Tracking Separators A new central service center in Hamburg stores data on separator operation which will be used to reference real-world situations onboard ships. In the future, Westfalia Separator centrifuges will be able to communicate directly with the software center. The center can also monitor spare parts consumption and separator water.
