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Disc Stack Centrifuge for Offshore Applications

Disc Stack Centrifuge for Offshore Applications: Uses, Specifications & Capacities

Applications

Offshore Diesel Centrifuge Package Alfa-Laval Duplex System
Offshore Diesel Centrifuge Alfa-Laval Duplex Module

Offshore applications of disc stack centrifuges use these separators on offshore oil and gas platforms. These centrifuges perform various separation duties essential for the regular operation of such platforms.

Some of the leading centrifuge applications are listed below.

Offshore-Explosion-Proof-Diesel-Centrifuge
Alfa Laval Offshore Diesel Centrifuge Module

Diesel Fuel

Alfa Laval Diesel Centrifuge - Class 1 Div 2 Explosion Proof
Alfa Laval Diesel Centrifuges - Class 1 Div 2 Explosion Proof

Diesel fuel is the primary fuel source for generators on offshore facilities that provide electricity to operate the platform. Offshore platforms store diesel fuel in tanks. The rust and moisture condensation contaminate the diesel fuel.

An industrial centrifuge of the disc-stack type is ideal for separating the rust particles and accumulated water from the diesel. Therefore, the centrifuge is responsible for maintaining clean fuel for the generators on all offshore platforms.

The disc stack centrifuge continuously separates the water and sludge from the diesel fuel with its flow-through design. The centrifuge is typically installed in a kidney loop configuration to maintain diesel with minimum contamination.

Engine Lube Oil

Alfa Laval Class I Division 1 Explosion Proof Centrifuge for Offshore
Alfa Laval Class I Div 1 Explosion Proof Centrifuge for Offshore

As previously mentioned, IC engines are the primary power source for offshore platforms. The lube oil in these engines requires maintenance for the reliable operation of these engines.

During the engine’s regular operation, wear particles from the bearing, and combustion blowback contaminates the engine lubricating oil. Often, leakage from the cooling water system can contaminate the lube oil.

A disc stack centrifuge configured for lube oil purification effortlessly separates the water, fine metal, and soot particles from the lube oil.

Wastewater (Bilge Water)

An offshore oil and gas platform generates wastewater contaminated by various sources. The platform cannot discard this contaminated water into the ocean without separating the oil from it.

An Alfa Laval disc stack centrifuge specially designed for bilge water separates even trace amounts of oil from the wastewater and any solids contamination. The centrifuge processing of the wastewater allows for the direct disposal of clean water into the ocean.

Alfa Laval Explosion Proof Centrifuge
Alfa Laval Explosion Proof Centrifuge

Special Considerations

The offshore platform installations offer several challenges for equipment. The environment is a crucial factor in such applications. Also, these platforms primarily process hazardous fluids (oil) and gases that require special consideration from a hazardous area installation standpoint.

Electrical

The electrical classification for hazardous locations follows regional standards set by established governing bodies, including government institutions. These are primarily known as Explosion Proof centrifuges.

For example, the classifications in the US fall into classes (Class 1, 2, etc.) and divisions such as Div 1, 2, etc. In Europe, these areas are zones based on hazardous fluid or gas exposure.

In our Explosion Proof Centrifuge article, you can read more about the various hazardous area segments.

Environmental

Due to salt, the offshore platform's equipment is exposed to high humidity levels and a corrosive environment. Therefore, the design of disc centrifuges for offshore platforms should encompass these environmental factors.

Corrosion-resistant coatings and materials are a must for such centrifuge systems. Durable epoxy coatings (paint) applied over multiple layers work well under such conditions.

The use of stainless steel piping is desirable to prevent equipment piping corrosion for the centrifuges' longevity.

Other considerations, such as specially protected sensors and instrumentation, ensure the reliable performance of the centrifuges.

FAQ

Do standard centrifuges need modifications for offshore use?

Centrifuges configured for typical uses need to be modified for offshore use specifically to make them suitable for hazardous duty applications.

What type of motors do offshore disc stack centrifuges use?

Offshore disc stack centrifuges use electric motors specific to hazardous duty applications. Depending on the offshore environments, explosion-proof motors usually are preferred.

Does converting a typical centrifuge to offshore application change the size of the centrifuge?

Converting a typical centrifuge to offshore use does not necessarily change the size of the centrifuge itself. The additional auxiliaries may increase the size of the centrifuge module.

Do offshore disc stack centrifuges have all parts made of stainless steel?

Offshore disc stack centrifuges do not necessarily require all parts made of stainless steel. Offshore centrifuges do feature some non-stainless steel parts in the bowl and frame of the centrifuge. These non-stainless steel parts do cause any issues as long as they are well protected with marine-grade paint and plating for non-ferrous components.

Sizes

As with all centrifuges, offshore disc centrifuges are available in different sizes (capacities). A small lube oil centrifuge on a mobile cart can process 1 GPM of engine lube oil. A large Alfa Laval disc stack centrifuge can process over 100 GPM of diesel fuel.

It should be noted that the same centrifuge has widely varying capacities for different fluids. For example, a medium-size disc stack centrifuge that can process 20 GPM of diesel fuel will only process 8 GPM of engine lubricating oil.

Dimensions

The following table lists the typical dimensions of offshore disc stack centrifuge modules.

Capacity

As previously mentioned, disc-stack centrifuges have different processing capacities for different fluids based on the fluid's viscosity. The following table lists the different capacities of select disc-stack centrifuge models for different fluids.

Centrifuge ModelDiesel CapacityLube Oil Capacity
Alfa Laval MAB-103 (Offshore)3 GPM1 GPM
Alfa Laval MOPX-207 (Offshore)22 GPM8 GPM
Alfa Laval WHPX-513 (Offshore)60 GPM20 GPM

Specifications

Centrifuge ModelAlfa Laval MAB-103Alfa Laval MOPX-207Alfa Laval WHPX-513
Motor Power1 HP7.5 HP15 HP
Bowl Speed7,800 RPM6,700 RPM4,140 RPM
Centrifuge TypeManual CleanSelf-CleanSelf-Clean
Separation EfficiencyFree Water > 2 Microns; Solid Particles > 0.5 Microns
Electrical Classifications Class 1 Div 1 or Div 2; IEC (Atex) Zone 1 or Zone 2
Weight225 Lbs2,000 Lbs3,400 Lbs

Material Of Construction (MOC)

The following table specifies the material of construction for offshore disc stack centrifuges.

Centrifuge Bowl316L Stainless Steel (some marine bronze parts)
Disc Stack316L Stainless Steel
FrameNodular Cast Iron
HoodAluminum Alloy or Cast Iron
Inlet / Outlet PipingStainless Steel (Flex Hose)
Module Manifold PipingBlack Steel - Sch. 40 minimum
ValvesASME Marine Grade Carbon Steel Valves
Contact

To get more details email us or call us at (248) 522-2573

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