Difference between purifiers and clarifier

What are centrifuges?

A centrifuge is a device that uses centrifugal force to separate component parts of a fluid. This is achieved by rotating the fluid at high speed within a container, thereby separating fluids of different densities (e.g. cream from milk) or liquids from solids.

• It works by causing denser substances and particles to move outward in the radial direction.
• At the same time, objects that are less dense are displaced and move to the center.
• In ships, we use two types of centrifuges ie. purifier and clarifiers 

Definition

• Purifier is a type of centrifugal separator that we can use to separate two liquids with different densities 
• Clarifier is a type of centrifugal separator that we can use to separate solid impurities from fuel.

The main difference between the two

Purifier

1. In a purifier there exists an inference or a line separation between the oil and water, this is achieved using a dam ring. the position and the diameter of the dam ring plays a major role in the creation and maintenance of interface line
2. Purifier needs to be filled completely with sealing water for the generation of a seal that prevents the oil to leave from the water outlet
3.  The conical disc has feed holes/distribution holes to help with the interface
4. It has two outlets clean oil outlet and water outlet
5. Generally used for lubricating oil

If the interface is broken or misplaced water can go into the clean oil outlet or oil can enter the water outlet, hence disturbing the purification process 

Clarifier

1. In a clarifier, there is no interface between oil and water, this is achieved by using a sealing ring, which seals the water outlet. this allows the water and impurities to stay within the bowl and is discharged when the bowl disludges
2. The clarifier doesn’t need to be filled up with sealing water.
3. The conical discs in a clarifier usually don’t have feed holes in them but if they do, then a disc without any holes is fitted at the bottom of the stack.
4. It has only one outlet clean oil outlet
5. Generally used for fuel oil depending on fuel density and design