Westfalia OSD 6-91-067, Instruction Manual

Page: 14 / 206

Westfalia Separator
14
Mineraloil Systems GmbH
2058-9001-101 / 0506
1.3 Basic operating principles
Separators are used for the separation of liquid mixtures or for the separation of
solids out of liquids or liquid mixtures.
Fig. 9
High centrifugal forces are produced in
the rotating bowl.
Under the influence of the centrifugal forces, separation of the liquid mixture
and/or ejection of the solids particles takes place most rapidly.
The specifically heavier components are displaced to the bowl periphery,
whereas the specifically lighter components are displaced towards the centre of
the bowl.
The high centrifugal force is produced by very high bowl speeds. On the one
hand, high bowl speeds signify high efficiency, while on the other hand, they
signify high material stressing of the separator.
1.4 Bowl speed and product
The max. permissible bowl speed is an important parameter when rating the
separator. It depends on the chemical and physical properties of the product
such as
•
temperature, if higher than 100 °C (212 °F) or lower than 0 °C (32 °F),
•
density of the fluid and solid components,
•
aggressiveness of the product as regards corrosion and erosion (has influ-
ence on the selection of the bowl material).
The bowl speed is determined on the basis of these parameters allowing for an
adequate safety margin.
Before using a product with properties different from those stated when placing
the order, it is imperative to obtain the manufacturer's approval.