Stationary Engine Parts Ltd :: Waste Vegatable Oil Cleaning Centrifuges :: Set Up & Configuration

Biodiesel is the name given to a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel does not contain petroleum, but it can be blended in any degree of concentration with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, non-toxic, and essentially free of sulphur and aromatics.

1. Introduction.

The three sizes of centrifuge are designed to be robust units capable of cleansing waste vegetable oil (WVO) of water and particulate matter down to one micron in size. The following instructions are intended to cover the use of these centrifuges in most applications but are intended for guidance only as individual operating conditions may vary.

When in operation cleansing oil, the centrifuge cleans the oil continuously when the pump is running and the oil is being re-circulated. It separates contaminants down to one micron in size from the oil and thus considerably increases the quality of the oil to be converted into Bio diesel. The Centrifuge should not require any spare parts to be replaced and gives consistent performance throughout its life.

2. Cleaning Frequency.

For consistent performance the centrifuge rotor needs to be cleaned periodically. For vegetable oil cleansing the amount of contaminated material collected depends upon the centrifuge loading and the original condition of the oil that is being cleaned. The exact period of servicing of the centrifuge can thus vary between a few hours of working or up to many hours. Please follow the instructions given below for cleaning of the centrifuge.

3. Mounting the Centrifuge.

Installation requires dismantling the centrifuge, to do this please refer to the service instructions.

The centrifuge must be positioned within 20 degrees of vertical when in operation.

All four mounting holes must be utilised with fixings. Ensure internal clearance between fixings and rotor base.

The outlet drain on the base is recommended to be of a diameter of 25 mm for the SE-20, 32mm for the SE-50 and 60mm for the SE-200.

The oil feed pipe to the centrifuge is recommended be at least 8mm internal diameter pipe with a safe operating pressure rating of 100 psi minimum. The connection thread for the SE-20 is M12 x 1.5 and the SE-50 is M16 x 1.5

Allow sufficient clearance above the centrifuge for servicing access.

It may be advisable to consider anti vibration mountings if the operating noise is of an unacceptable level. For example fixing to a large area of sheet metal such as an oil tank will amplify the noise level.

The centrifuge is intended to operate at peak particulate removal effectiveness with a fluid viscosity equal to SAE 30 oil at 40-60 degrees Celsius and an inlet pressure of 90 psi.

It is essential that a suitable pressure release valve be combined with the pumping device supplying oil to the centrifuge. Under no circumstances must the oil pressure rise above 100 psi, even momentarily. The centrifuge rotor is designed to safely, hydraulically deform and release the rubber rotor seal in the event of an over pressure.

Replacement of the rotor will be necessary. Do not attempt to repair a deformed rotor.

This range of centrifuges are classed as "Sound Engineering Practice" within the Pressure Equipment Directive and is supplied as a component part of a more complex machine within the Machinery Directive.

4. Points to Note about Centrifuge Cleaner Care.

1.Replace the rubber seals if deformation or cuts are observed. Using a damaged rubber seal will result in oil leakage and improper functioning of centrifuge.

2.While assembling the rotor, ensure that the rubber seal has taken a proper seating in its place. This is necessary for good sealing of the rotor assembly.

3.Take care with the centrifuge housing and rotor body as they are made of aluminium, hence are susceptible to damage due to accidental handling

4.Always ensure that the arrow marks on rotor cover and rotor body are matched after assembling the rotor. The rotor body is dynamically balanced and a mismatch of the arrow marks on rotor cover and rotor body will result in excessive vibrations of the cleaner and premature bearing failure. 5.The rubber seal of the rotor is made from Viton. Use genuine spare rubber seals only. Rubber seals of any other material may give an inferior performance.

5. Centrifuge Cleaner Care Guidelines.

1.Do not over tighten the top nut. Tighten just enough to prevent leakage of oil from centrifuge cover and housing. Over tightening the top nut will damage the threading in centrifuge housing and damage the centrifuge permanently. Use 1.2kg-m torque for tightening of centrifuge cover.

 

2.Do not hold the rotor nut in any form of clamping device such as a bench vice. Extra clamping pressure on the rotor nut may result in deformation of the upper housing and will result in permanent damage to the rotor assembly.

3.Do not open or tamper with the internal valve assembly. The valve assembly is preset and when using the centrifuge for vegatable oil cleansing the valve does not need any adjustment.

6. Creating Biodiesel.

Biodiesel is made by reacting warm vegetable oil with methoxide (a solution of potassium hydroxide and methanol). The reaction causes the oil to split into esters and glycerine. The methanol combines with the esters to form methyl esters (biodiesel) and the glycerine drops out of the solution.

The reacted liquids are separated by settling and the crude biodiesel (which forms on the top of the mixture) is recovered. Excess methanol can be recovered from the glycerine byproduct.

Crude Biodiesel is then 'washed' to clean out impurities and dried before filtering and storage for when ready to be used.

7. Servicing and Maintenance.

Hot oil is dangerous and could burn your skin, always wear personal protective equipment if dealing with hot parts and oils. Avoid all unnecessary skin contact with oil especially used engine lubrication oils as these can be carcinogenic. We would recommend the use of suitable gloves.

The unique design of the centrifuges eliminates the need for disposable elements or paper filters which in turn minimises the running cost of the filtration system At every service interval, you simply have to open the centrifuge rotor, remove the collected contaminants in the rotor assembly and then refit the rotor and centrifuge cover.

 

Disassembly:-

1) Undo the upper wing nut and remove the centrifuge cover.

2) Lift the rotor assembly completely quickly off the shaft and allow it to drain into a suitable waste oil collector/plastic tub or similar.

3) Position the rotor, jets down over a 25-50mm wide block of soft wood. You should find the block of wood will prevent the rotor from turning. Unscrew the rotor nut. The rotor nut can be opened by hand. Never grip the rotor nut tightly in any form of clamping device such as a vice or mole grips. It will probably damage the rotor body and invalidate your warranty. Remove rotor cover and deflector inside.

4) Care should be taken in handling the contaminants removed from the centrifuge and protective gloves must be worn. Disposal of the contaminants must be undertaken in a safe manner and your Local Authority may well be able to advise.

The material removed from the rotor cover will contain contaminants that may be considered harmful so please make sure you dispose of it correctly and if in doubt contact the Local Authority for advice. It is recommended that suitable gloves are worn to avoid skin contact and consideration should be given to use of eye protection when handling.

Re-Assembly:-

Always ensure that the arrow marks on rotor cover and rotor are matched after assembling the rotor. The rotor body is dynamically balanced. Mismatching of the arrow marks on the rotor cover and rotor will result in excessive vibration within the unit and ultimately component failure.

Do not over torque the top nut, tighten it just enough to prevent any leakage of oil from centrifuge cover and housing. Over tightening the top nut will damage the centrifuge permanently.

Do not drop, hammer, distort or force any of the parts during disassembly or reassembly. You may damage the device and invalidate your warranty.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us, we will do our best to help wherever possible.

Click here to see the Simple BioDiesel Product Range.