Separating the best from the rest

Most marine oil separators can run as a purifier or as a clarifier. It's the same machine, set up two different ways. Yet the two terms are constantly used interchangeably in the engine room, and choosing the wrong mode for the job either wastes oil or delivers contaminated product.

Alfa Laval has built high-speed centrifugal separators for the marine industry for over a century, and in that time the company has introduced a long line of separator generations, from simple manual-cleaning units to today's fully automated ALCAP systems. Many of those generations are still hard at work in engine rooms around the world, often side by side on the same vessel. This guide explains every major Alfa Laval separator generation, how they relate to each other, and what each one means for spare parts, service and maintenance.

In the demanding world of marine operations, the efficiency and durability of machinery is essential. Separators are at the heart of many such systems. However, their continuous high-speed operation can lead to imbalances in their bowls. If left unaddressed it can severely impact performance and safety.