A high performance and quick to install device for oil and water separations in marine applications has been introduced by SKF. This is a newly launched mechanical device of SKF, for the fast and easy separation of oil and water in tanks in marine and offshore applications too.
The waste oil ( Sludge oil is a term used to describe the waste oil ) is mainly derived from the process of purifying fuel oils and lubricating oils with a way to ensure the proper and smooth operation of ship’s machinery. During this purification process, the separated water from the purifying process mixes with waste oil in the sludge tank. The SKF turbulo Sludge Buoy has been fabricated in such a way to eliminate the need for laborious and time consuming manual drainage process since it floats inside on board tanks for constant, hassle-free and effective separation.
During the process of operation the oil in tank flows into the Turbulo Sludge Buoy’s lower compartment, at a maximum rate of 6m3, per hour. It is then either pumped out or flows out under gravity depending upon whether the drain is below or above the surface of water. This enhances environmental performance according to ISO 14001, since the separation is at the source.
The resulting water left in the tank is much cleaner and easier to process in the rubbish water separator, boosting its efficiency and reducing costs. During this process, the free water content of the separated oil is quite low, typically less than 5%. Further it requires no treatment and can be disposed of either in on-board incineration plant or ashore.
The product is reliable as well as quick and easy to install by the ship crew aboard in all types of vessels inside the existing tanks when they are opened for routine inspection or cleaning. By and large, the Turbulo Sludge Buoy is a fit and forget solution, with no maintenance because it is mechanical and even requires no electricity for its operation. SKF also conveys that the solution is one time investment as it eliminates the need for consumables or spare parts for the lifetime of the system and the payback time being less than a year.
The system can be used at very high temperatures up to 90`C and it is marketed in two sizes, the Turbulo Sludge Buoy and the Turbulo Sludge Buoy Mini and the specifications are to suit the availability of space in the tank.
Source: SKF
