Flow optimization of the separator feed increases protection from cat fines while decreasing energy use. The new Alfa Laval FlowSync, a solution offered by Alfa Laval aims to steer multiple separator feeds simultaneously.
Alfa Laval FlowSync is an automatic control system that synchronizes the oil feed to Alfa Laval separators with the engine load. By matching the flow of fuel to the engine’s needs, it increases retention time in the separator bowl, giving the separators the best possible conditions for doing their job. Alfa Laval says that FlowSync can optimize the entire fuel cleaning process for the best protection and energy efficiency.
“With FlowSync, Alfa Laval’s world-leading separators become an even stronger and more cost-effective defence against cat fines,” says Mats Englund, Application Manager, Fuel & Lube Oils at Alfa Laval.
To increase the effectiveness of centrifugal separation, which remains the best defence against cat fine attacks, FlowSync takes fuller advantage of slow steaming. While slow steaming today is beneficial overall, it makes ineffective use of the fuel system layout.
“Since most vessels use fixed-speed feed pumps, they experience a large overflow of separated fuel when slow steaming,” Englund explains. “At partial loads the unconsumed fuel is returned to the settling tank, only to be pumped and separated again. Unfortunately, the resulting improvement in cat fine content is negligible.”
When FlowSync is used, the fixed-speed pumps are replaced with variable-speed pumps. These are steered automatically by FlowSync, which matches their throughput to the engine load with an ample margin of safety. “Automatic control is integral to achieving full benefit from the investment,” says Englund
. “Because the crew is not always alert to changes in engine load, manually controlled variable-speed pumps tend not to be adjusted.”
Source & Image Credit: Alfa Laval