How to Properly Install Marine Separator Spare Parts for Optimal Performance
Marine separator spare parts can ensure the optimal performance of a ship or a vessel, especially if they are properly installed. That is really true since lack of proper fuel can cause many problems, and the result will be your boat not being able to continue its journey. In fact, many shipowners have reported issues with their boat’s engine due to contaminated gasoline or the existence of water in the oil system. If the proper system is installed, these issues are eradicated.
Fortunately, there are resources and tools available to support you in maintaining the engine of your ship in good condition. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about marine separator spare parts and how to install them for optimal performance.
What is a marine separator?
When it comes to the safety of the ship, the prevention of water pollution, and the protection of the environment, a marine separator is a particularly important piece of equipment. Its main function is to separate the various liquids based on their density. Marine separator spare parts contribute to the good functioning of the separator.
Why is a marine separator necessary on a ship?
The fuel most ships use needs to be dust-free and of high quality. A marine separator removes dust, particles, and other impurities from it, making it suitable for use. The proper spare parts contribute to the excellent performance of this procedure. There are two types of marine separators:
- Purifier: A purifier is used to separate the water from the oil.
- Clarifier: A clarifier is used to separate other pollutants except water.
The main function of a separator is based on the idea that various liquids have varying specific gravities. Lighter liquids, like oil, rise to the top, while heavier liquids, like water, sink to the bottom. That is how the ship receives the purified oil and functions without a hitch.
Learn more about how marine separators work here.
What are the main parts of a marine separator?
Before we start analyzing how you can install the spare parts of the separator, it is worth mentioning the main parts of this machinery. The most important of them include:
- Vertical shaft: Mostly made of steel, this spare part is used to convert the electrical motor output to rotate the bowl at a fast rate.
- Main framework: It supports the internal parts of the system, like the bowl, the water and feed lines, the disc parts, and others.
- Clutch: It is placed on the horizontal shaft in order to prevent the electric motor from being overloaded.
- Bowls: The collected sludge is emptied into the bowls, and the separated sludge is stored in the marine separator’s bowls.
- Gear pump and belt drive: These important spare parts assist in the transmission of the rotational motion to the bowl.
- Spur gear: As it transfers the rotational motion, it is put between the shafts.
How do I install the marine separation spare parts?
In order to properly install this type of gear, several steps must be taken. The procedure includes:
Gather all the necessary tools
Before you begin the installation process, it is important to know what tools you need. The necessary tools include:
- A marking tool for determining the locations of the mounting holes
- An electric drill
- A drill bill for creating the mounting holes
- Open-end wrenches
- Crescent wrench
- Various screwdrivers
- Pocket knife
- Thread seal tape
- Mounting screws, washers, and bolts
Take safety measures
The next important step is to ensure that you have taken all the safety precautions to prevent spilt fuel or any accident that may occur. You always have to keep in mind that gas is really flammable, so you need to be careful of the following:
- Make sure that the engine is turned off.
- The engine needs to be cool.
- Keep the fire suppression equipment at a close distance.
- Wipe up any possible spills immediately.
Fuel water separator placement
The next step is to find the right place for your separator’s installment. You have to keep in mind that easy access is necessary. You have to be able to easily see the water in the drain bowl and easily open and close the drain plug to drain the water. Also, you can have enough clearance to replace the filter element. Place the filter between the fuel tank and engine (or primer bulb if an outboard is present) and above the bilge water. The hoses must not kink or make abrupt curves in order to reach the filter and the engine.
Make marks on the installation points
Once you have determined the right location, it is time to mark the installation points and use the drill to make the holes to mount the fuel water separator.
Place the separator
In this step, it is time to install the separator. Align the holes you drilled with the holes on the mounting bracket or die-cast cap. Use the bolts or the screws to hold the separator in place, according to your fixing method.
Hoses installation
Install barb fittings into the die-cast cap filter housing, and don’t forget to apply thread seal to the fittings’ threads. To catch any fuel that may be discharged when the fuel line is cut, place a fuel collection container underneath the separator as well.
Cut the fuel line and secure its end from the gas tank onto the barb fitting on the input side of the filter. Don’t forget to use jubilee clips in order to secure the fuel lines on the barb fittings.
Starting up the separator
The next step is to start the separator. Fill the filter with gas after carefully removing the filter element from the mounting cap. Keep in mind that throughout this operation, the filter drain bowl is going to stay on the filter’s component. After cleaning the entire unit, reattach the filter element to the mounting cap. Check everything again before starting the engine to make sure that everything is put together properly and that there are no missing or loose components.
If you want to increase the efficiency of your marine vessel, Zedmar’s separator spare parts that are suitable for ALFA LAVAL and WESTFALIA separators are the right choice for you. A wide variety of replacement components that adhere to OEM specifications will guarantee the high-quality operation of these important vessels. Make the most of your onboard systems’ full potential by discovering a variety of practical and creative solutions!
