Operating Principle of the Mitsubishi Selfjector Purifier

The Mitsubishi Selfjector purifier is a sophisticated piece of equipment designed for the efficient purification of oils, particularly fuel oils and lubricating oils. Its operation is based on the principle of centrifugal separation, which leverages the physical properties of fluids to achieve effective separation of impurities from the oil. This document will provide a detailed explanation of the operating principle of the Mitsubishi Selfjector purifier, including its components, processes, and the technology that enables its functionality.

Overview of Centrifugal Separation

Centrifugal separation is a widely used technique in various industries for separating components of different densities within a mixture. The fundamental principle behind this technique is the application of centrifugal force, which is generated by rotating a bowl at high speeds. In the case of the Mitsubishi Selfjector, this process is utilized to separate oil from impurities such as water and solid particles.
When a mixture of oil and impurities is introduced into the rotating bowl, the centrifugal force acts on the mixture, causing the denser materials (impurities) to move outward toward the bowl’s wall, while the lighter materials (clean oil) remain closer to the center. This separation process is crucial for ensuring that the oil is purified effectively, allowing it to be reused in engines and machinery without causing damage or inefficiency.

Components of the Selfjector Purifier

The Mitsubishi Selfjector purifier consists of several key components that work together to facilitate the purification process:

• Rotating Bowl: The heart of the purifier, where the separation occurs. The bowl is designed to rotate at high speeds, generating the necessary centrifugal force for effective separation.
• Feed Inlet: This is where the mixture of oil and impurities enters the purifier. The feed is typically controlled by solenoid valves that regulate the flow based on operational requirements.
• Discharge Mechanism: This component is responsible for removing the accumulated sludge (impurities) from the bowl at regular intervals. The discharge can be automated or initiated manually, depending on the operational settings.
• Control Panel: The automatic control panel manages the entire operation of the Selfjector. It includes timers, sensors, and alarms that monitor the system’s performance and ensure safe operation.
• Sealing Water System: This system supplies sealing water to maintain pressure within the bowl and prevent air from entering, which could disrupt the separation process.

The Separation Process

The operation of the Mitsubishi Selfjector purifier can be broken down into several distinct steps:

3.1. Introduction of Feed Oil

The purification process begins with the introduction of the feed oil into the rotating bowl through the feed inlet. The flow of oil is controlled by solenoid valves, which can be programmed to open and close at specific intervals based on the operational requirements. This ensures that the right amount of oil is fed into the system for purification.

3.2. Centrifugal Action

Once the feed oil enters the bowl, the rotating action begins. The bowl is designed to spin at high speeds, typically in the range of several thousand revolutions per minute (RPM). As the bowl rotates, the centrifugal force generated causes the denser impurities (such as water and solid particles) to be pushed outward against the bowl’s wall. Simultaneously, the lighter purified oil remains closer to the center of the bowl.
This separation process results in the formation of distinct layers within the bowl: the clean oil in the center and the sludge (impurities) at the outer edge. The efficiency of this separation is influenced by several factors, including the speed of rotation, the viscosity of the oil, and the density of the impurities.

3.3. Layer Formation

As the separation process continues, the layers of oil and impurities become more defined. The clean oil, which is now free from contaminants, is collected in the center of the bowl, while the heavier impurities settle at the outer wall. This stratification is crucial for the subsequent discharge process, as it allows for the effective removal of sludge without contaminating the purified oil.

3.4. Discharge Mechanism

The Mitsubishi Selfjector is equipped with a discharge mechanism that periodically removes the accumulated sludge from the bowl. This can be done automatically based on timers set in the control panel or manually by the operator. The timing of the discharge is critical, as it ensures that the bowl does not become overloaded with impurities, which could hinder the purification process.
During the discharge process, the bowl may briefly stop rotating, allowing the sludge to be expelled through a discharge outlet. After the sludge is removed, the bowl resumes its high-speed rotation, and the purification process continues.

3.5. Replacement Water Supply

Throughout the operation, sealing water is supplied to the bowl to maintain the necessary pressure and prevent air from entering. This sealing water is crucial for ensuring that the separation process remains effective. The supply of sealing water is controlled by the automatic control panel, which can adjust the flow based on the operational conditions.

Automatic Control System

The Mitsubishi Selfjector purifier features an advanced automatic control system that enhances its operational efficiency and safety. This system includes:

• Timers: The control panel is equipped with timers that manage various operational intervals, such as feeding, discharging sludge, and supplying sealing water. These timers can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the application.
• Sensors: The purifier is fitted with sensors that monitor critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates. These sensors provide real-time data to the control panel, allowing for adjustments to be made as needed.
• Alarms: In the event of any abnormalities, such as high temperature or low pressure, the control panel triggers alarms to alert the operator. This feature is essential for ensuring safe operation and preventing damage to the equipment.

Continuous Operation

One of the key advantages of the Mitsubishi Selfjector purifier is its ability to operate continuously. The design allows for the simultaneous purification of oil while automatically discharging sludge at set intervals. This continuous operation minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency, making it ideal for marine and industrial applications where maintaining clean oil is critical for engine performance and longevity.

In summary, the Mitsubishi Selfjector purifier operates on the principle of centrifugal separation, utilizing high-speed rotation to effectively separate impurities from oil. Its sophisticated design, which includes a rotating bowl, automatic control panel, and discharge mechanism, ensures efficient and continuous purification. By leveraging advanced technology and automation, the Selfjector provides a reliable solution for maintaining clean oil in various applications, ultimately contributing to improved engine performance and reduced operational costs.