THE SEPARATION PROCESS

The separator can operate in one of two modes;

• The clarification mode in which two-phase separation takes place. The oil is continuously separated from the heavy phase, consisting of water and sludge.This is an optional mode of operation and is only suitable for oils containing very small amounts of water.
• The purification mode in which three-phase separation takes place. The separated oil and water are continuously discharged from two separate outlets. The separated solid particles- the sludge- must be removed manually at appropriate intervals. This is the most common mode of operation for this separator.

To prevent oil from escaping past the outer edge of the TOP DISC and through the WATER OUTLET, the BOWL must be provided with water seal- by filling the bowl with water before the impure oil is fed into the centrifugal separator. The GRAVITY DISC diameter determines the oil water interface.

The separation takes place in the SEPARATOR BOWL to which uncleaned oil is fed through the OIL INLET. The oil is distributed by the DISTRIBUTOR towards the periphery of the bowl.

When the unseparated oil reaches the slots in the distributor, it rises through the channels formed by the DISC STACK where it is evenly distributed between the discs.
The oil is continuously separated from water and sludge as it travels towards the Centre of the bowl. When the cleaned oil leaves the disc stack it rises upwards and enters the pairing chamber. From there it is pumped by the PAIRING DISC and leaves through the OIL OUTLET.Separated sludge/solid particles and water- which are heavier- move towards the BOWL PERIPHERY. In the purification mode, separated water rises along the outside of the disc stack, passes above the TOP DISC up to the GRAVITY DISC and leaves the bowl through the WATER OUTLET OF THE SEPERATOR.
The sludge collects in a SLUDGE BASKET, which is emptied manually.

Purifiers are made by various companies but the most popular of them being Alfa Laval and westfalia.