Vegetable oil separator

Types of Vegetable Oil Separators

An oil separator is typically a centrifuge that separates fatty and non-fatty substances in a mixture. The purpose of this piece of machinery is to get rid of impurities that could affect the quality of the vegetable oil. There are many separating methods, but all of them utilize the same mechanism. Vegetable oil separators employ centrifugal force to separate the mixture. Aside from removing impurities from oil extraction processes, vegetable oil separators also clarify oil before refining it.

Separators are usually disc-stack types. This means that the centrifuge consists of many discs stacked vertically inside the bowl. The disc-stack design increases the surface area of the separator, allowing for the separation of larger quantities of liquid within shorter periods. Working speeds of separator discs can go as high as 6,000 rpm.

Separators can work as either horizontal or vertical separators. Oil separators are typically vertical as this model saves space and is easier to maintain. Vertical separators are also safer to operate because the separator bowl is tightly bolted to the driving shaft, preventing any loose components that could cause accidents.

Separators have feed compartments with different shapes. Some have feed pipes where the mixture enters the separator. Others have conical hoppers. The cone-shaped hoppers help the separator process highly viscous fluids that have solid components.

Separators can also be manual or automatic. Manual separators require operators to shut off the engine and adjust the screw plug to remove the separated material. On the other hand, automatic separators allow continuous operation. The separated materials in the automatic vegetable oil separators are discharged continuously or at intervals. Automatic vegetable oil separators are the most popular type in industrial settings.

Separators can further be classified into two categories based on their function. Clarifiers are separators that get rid of solid impurities floating in the vegetable oil. They are the last step in the oil extraction process. Purifiers, on the other hand, take the clarification process a step further by removing water-soluble impurities through the chemical action of water and centrifugal separation. Purifiers also prevent the production of emulsion, a mixture of water and oil that is difficult to separate.

Specifications and maintenance of vegetable oil separators

Specifications

Separator machines use varied methods to classify oil from vegetable waste and other organic materials. They usually have a cylindrical shape that rotates and a power source that runs on electricity or diesel fuel, which varies between manual and automatic models. Further, the separators feature an agitator to break up the emulsions and feed-in pumps to deliver productive and efficient separation of oils from wastewater and reclaim oil from the food industry.

Drainage outlets help dispose of dry waste and purified water, and separator capacity refers to the maximum volume of input liquid it can process per hour, usually ranging from Liters to thousands of liters. Separator efficiency refers to the percentage of oil it can extract from the input material, usually between 70% and 95%. However, this depends on the type, quality, and concentration of the liquid input feed material, the separator's design and technology, and the operating settings used during the separation process. Finally, separators have processing methods that are divided into batch and continuous.

Maintenance tips

• Regular cleaning: Perform regular and systematic cleaning of the separator. This helps to prevent the buildup of residue and contaminations and ensure optimal operation.
• Lubrication: Apply lubricant to different moving parts of the oil separator, such as bearings and transmissions regularly, to avoid any common friction, wear, and tear  or damage caused over time during use.
• Check for leaks: Regularly inspect oil extraction machines separately to ensure there are no leaks that may occur in hydraulic pipes or joints. Fixing issues as soon as possible prevents any spillage or environmental impact, thus preserving the equipment's integrity.
• Replace filters: If the oil separator has filters, remember to regularly replace them to do away with blockages and ensure continuous liquid filtration. This may apply to the air filters of motor-driven oil separators.
• Pay attention to oil removal: Vacuum cleaners are oil separators that instruct users to remove oil promptly after use. It is done so as to avoid any possible damage during storage for a prolonged period until the next usage session. Ensure the vacuum is clean, too, to prevent contamination of the filtered oil.
• Inspection and repair: Regularly inspect the working condition of the oil separator for any signs of wear, damage, or loose parts. Carry out repairs to oil separators as soon as possible in case of any faults or leaks, thus prolonging their service life. Ensure that all the equipment of the oil separator is helpful and has no cracks that could hinder its functioning.

Scenarios of vegetable oil separators

• Refined oil production in large-scale plants:

  In large-scale oil-refining enterprises, vegetable oil separators are used to remove the residual refining agents, impurities, and odors in crude oil by carrying out repeated extraction and separation processes with water or steam in the post-refining refining stage. This not only improves the oil yield rate but also enhances the quality and purity of the final refined oil. High-capacity vegetable oil separators can meet the separation needs of large-scale production.

• Offshore fishing industry:

  Separators play a crucial role in the offshore fishing industry by processing and refining fish oil directly aboard fishing vessels. With the assistance of oil separators, fishermen are able to extract fish oil, which contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids and other valuable nutrients, right at sea and preserve its freshness. This not only reduces the need for transportation but also increases the on-site production of fish oil.

• Animal fat processing:

  The oil separator is capable of separating animal fat such as lard and tallow. These animal fats can be valuable raw materials for the production of biodiesel, lubricants, and other high-value products. By utilizing the separation function of oil separators, businesses can effectively utilize animal fat as a renewable resource, thereby reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable development.

How to choose vegetable oil separators

Choosing the right separator for vegetable oil is critical for the efficiency of oil extraction plants. Consider the following factors before purchasing the separator.

The capacity of the separator is the amount of crude oil it can process in a given time. Align the separator's capacity with the supply of raw materials and forecast oil demand. For instance, a separator with a capacity of 2,000 liters per hour is suitable for a small processing plant. On the other hand, look for separators with a capacity of around 10,000 liters per hour for large commercial plants.

Separators that use more energy will increase production costs. Develop a list of separators that match the processing plant's energy budget. Consider the power requirements of the separator in terms of electricity in kilowatts or small engine fuel. For instance, a small separator may require a 5-hp electric motor, while a larger one may have a 25-hp motor. Choose separators that have fuel and energy efficiency features to minimize costs.

Compliance with safety regulations is paramount, so the separator should have features to handle high-pressure operations. Check the pressure rating and select safeguards like pressure release valves. Oil extraction plants work with hazardous materials, so it's essential to equip them with guards that prevent accidents. Look at the guards on the moving parts and see if they have an emergency stop button.

Logistics is part of the selection process. The separator should be of a size and weight that can fit in the planned oil extraction space. It should also have the connections needed to integrate the production line. The installation manual will have the dimensions and the necessary installation instructions.

The separator should be easy to operate. Look for user-friendly controls, visual oil levels, and digital displays. Training staff is part of the oil extraction business. The manufacturer should possess the necessary expertise to guide staff on the use of the separator. It can be tedious and costly to train staff from outside the extraction business.

Vegetable oil separator Q and A

Q: What is the difference between a centrifuge and separator?

A: The main difference is that a centrifuge is an industry-wide term for a spinning machine. A separator is a type of centrifuge specifically designed to separate fluids from each other, usually of different densities.

Q: What is the function of oil separator?

A: An oil separator is a device used to separate oil or grease from water in a wastewater treatment facility. Its main purpose is to prevent oil and grease from polluting water bodies by removing them at the source.

Q: How many types of oil separators are there?

A: There are four main types of oil separators: coalescent oil separators, gravitational oil separators, dissolved air flotation separators, and hydrocyclone separators.

Q: What are the benefits of oil separators?

A: The oil separator's primary benefits are environmental protection, compliance with regulations, improved wastewater treatment, and equipment protection. By removing oil from water, oil separators help to conserve natural water bodies. They also assist businesses in complying with environmental regulations, thus avoiding legal actions. The use of oil separators enhances the efficiency of wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, oil separators prevent oil from clogging and damaging equipment such as pumps and valves.