Lubricating oil cleaning system and lubricating oil cleaning method

Abstract

The invention relates to a lubricating oil cleaning system and a lubricating oil cleaning method. The present disclosure provides a lubricating oil cleaning system capable of more reliably separating lubricating oil and ammonia water from a stock solution containing the ammonia water and the lubricating oil. A lubricating oil cleaning system (100) is capable of cleaning an ammonia-containing stock solution (DO) into a lubricating oil (LO). A lubricating oil cleaning system (100) is provided with: an engine (200); a lubricant cleaner (1) that separates a stock solution (DO) containing a lubricant (LO) used in an engine (200) into a light solution that is a purified lubricant (LO) and a heavy solution containing ammonia; a separator inlet line (130) for supplying a stock solution (DO) to the lubricating oil cleaner (1); and an adding means (135) for adding water (W) to the stock solution (DO) in the separator inlet line (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lubricating oil cleaning system and a lubricating oil cleaning method for cleaning lubricating oils containing ammonia. Background Technology

[0002] As a countermeasure against the exacerbation of global warming, ammonia fuel, which does not emit carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) during combustion, has attracted attention as a promising energy source for achieving a carbon-neutral society. In recent years, the practical application of ammonia gas turbine engines and ammonia-based engines capable of operating as ship fuel has been promoted. Furthermore, as a technology using liquid ammonia as fuel, the development of ammonia-fueled ships for shipping, known as so-called zero-emission ships, has also been advanced (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6934555

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6940727

[0007] When liquid ammonia is used in engines of ships, there are the following problems: unburned ammonia gas in the engine may mix into the lubricating oil or dissolve in the water in the lubricating oil.

[0008] The dissolution of water in lubricating oil is described in detail. Water can mix into the lubricating oil due to condensation during or after engine operation. If the engine is run without removing this mixed water, the ammonia concentration in the engine will increase, and the ammonia will dissolve in the water in the lubricating oil.

[0009] Ammonia is corrosive, so there are the following problems: materials exposed to ammonia water or an ammonia atmosphere will be corroded.

[0010] Furthermore, in a lubricant cleaner that separates the raw liquid containing used lubricating oil into heavy liquid and light liquid (lubricating oil), if ammonia is mixed into the raw liquid, the specific gravity of the heavy liquid will decrease. As a result, the removal rate of the heavy liquid will decrease, and adverse situations such as light liquid (lubricating oil) flowing out from the heavy liquid side or heavy liquid mixing into the light liquid may occur.

[0011] Therefore, there is a desire for a technology that can effectively separate lubricating oil and ammonia from a raw lubricating oil containing ammonia, thereby obtaining clean lubricating oil. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems by providing a lubricating oil cleaning system and method capable of removing ammonia from a raw liquid containing ammonia and lubricating oil to obtain clean lubricating oil.

[0013] To address the aforementioned problem, the present invention provides a lubricating oil cleaning system capable of cleaning lubricating oil mixed with ammonia or ammonia water. The lubricating oil cleaning system comprises: an engine; a lubricating oil cleaner that separates the original liquid containing the lubricating oil used in the engine into a light liquid as purified lubricating oil and a heavy liquid containing ammonia; a path for supplying the original liquid to the lubricating oil cleaner; and an adding component for adding water to the original liquid in the path.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is a lubricating oil cleaning method that can clean lubricating oil mixed with ammonia or ammonia water. The lubricating oil cleaning method includes: a water-adding process, in which water is added to the raw liquid in the path used to supply the raw liquid to the lubricating oil cleaner, wherein the raw liquid contains the lubricating oil used in the engine; and a centrifugal separation process, in which the raw liquid containing the lubricating oil is separated by the lubricating oil cleaner into a light liquid as purified lubricating oil and a heavy liquid containing ammonia.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] The lubricating oil cleaning system and lubricating oil cleaning method of the present invention can separate lubricating oil and ammonia from the original liquid containing ammonia and lubricating oil. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a lubricating oil cleaning system and a lubricating oil cleaning method according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a central longitudinal sectional view of a lubricating oil cleaner.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a central longitudinal sectional view of the rotating body of the lubricating oil cleaner.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a first variation of the lubricating oil cleaning system and lubricating oil cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a second variation of the lubricating oil cleaning system and lubricating oil cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1: Lubricating oil cleaner; 100: Lubricating oil cleaning system; 130: Separator inlet line (raw liquid supply line, path); 133: Raw liquid return line (path); 135: Adding component; 137: Mixing component; 140: Light liquid discharge line (path); 150: Lubricating oil discharge line (path); 190: Working water discharge line; 200: Engine; 300: Lubricating oil tank (path); 400: Heater; AW: Ammonia (heavy liquid); DO: Raw liquid; LO: Lubricating oil (light liquid); W: Water. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Reference Figures 1-4 The present invention will provide a detailed description of the lubricating oil cleaning system 100 and the lubricating oil cleaning method according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Lubricating Oil Cleaning System

[0026] Figure 1 The lubricating oil cleaning system 100 shown is used to clean lubricating oil LO (refer to) used in engines 200 and the like in limited installation spaces (e.g., isolated power plants, existing power plants, etc.) located on ships or land. Figure 3 Cleaners are used to purify substances such as fuel oil and bilge water with liquid (dosage) so that they can be reused.

[0027] Hereinafter, as an example of the lubricating oil cleaning system 100 of the present invention, the following case will be used as an example: the lubricating oil LO used in the engine 200 that uses liquid ammonia as fuel and burns it will be defined as used liquid (original liquid DO).

[0028] In the engine 200 that uses liquid ammonia as fuel, the lubricating oil LO inside the engine 200 may be mixed with sludge SG, ammonia, ammonia water AW, etc.

[0029] The lubricating oil cleaning system 100 has the following features: Figure 1 and Figure 3 The lubricating oil cleaner 1 shown. The lubricating oil cleaner 1 separates the original lubricating oil LO containing ammonia and ammonia water AW into a light liquid as purified lubricating oil LO, a heavy liquid as ammonia water AW containing ammonia, and sludge SG (solid component). The lubricating oil cleaner 1 is, for example, composed of a three-phase separation type separation plate centrifugal separator.

[0030] More specifically, such as Figure 1 or Figure 3As shown, the lubricating oil cleaning system 100 mainly includes a lubricating oil tank 300, a lubricating oil supply pump P1, a heater 400, a lubricating oil cleaner 1, a sludge tank 700, a water supply line 110 (water supply component), a heavy liquid discharge line 120 (drainage component), a separator inlet line 130, an additive component 135, a mixing component 137, a sludge discharge line 160, a working water discharge line 190, and a control device 900. The lubricating oil cleaning system 100 is installed inside the ship.

[0031] In the lubricating oil cleaning system 100, a path is formed through the lubricating oil discharge line 150, the lubricating oil tank 300, and the separator inlet line 130 to supply raw DO discharged from the engine 200 to the lubricating oil cleaner 1.

[0032] Here, "path" simply refers to the path used to supply raw liquid DO discharged from engine 200 to lubricating oil cleaner 1. Such a flow path could be, for example, separator inlet line 130, raw liquid return line 133, light liquid discharge line 140, lubricating oil discharge line 150, and lubricating oil tank 300.

[0033] It should be noted that a pressure sensor 810, a moisture sensor 820, and an ammonia sensor 830 can also be configured on the light liquid discharge line 140.

[0034] "engine"

[0035] Figure 1 The engine 200 shown is a marine diesel engine installed on board a ship. It uses liquid ammonia, which emits zero carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), as fuel, and therefore can also be a turbine engine. Engine 200 consists of a mechanism that connects the crankshaft and piston solely via a connecting rod. In engine 200, lateral pressure is generated on the piston as a lateral force, leading to uneven wear in the cylinder. Therefore, lubricating oil LO is used in engine 200 to improve piston movement. Engine 200 can also mix and burn liquid ammonia with fossil fuels such as natural gas.

[0036] Lubricating oil discharge line

[0037] Figure 1 The lubricating oil drain line 150 shown is a piping line used to deliver lubricating oil LO (current DO) used in the engine 200 to the lubricating oil tank 300. One end of the lubricating oil drain line 150 is connected to the engine 200, and the other end is connected to the lubricating oil tank 300.

[0038] Lubricating Oil Tanks and Lubricating Oil

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, the lubricating oil tank 300 is a tank for storing raw liquid DO containing lubricating oil LO used in the engine 200. The raw liquid DO supplied from the engine 200 to the lubricating oil tank 300 contains ammonia derived from ammonia fuel. Therefore, the lubricating oil tank 300 is a covered tank (a sealed tank) that prevents ammonia vaporized from the raw liquid DO from leaking outside the lubricating oil tank 300.

[0040] In addition, the raw DO solution contains ammonia water (AW) mixed in with engine 200. The specific gravity of the raw DO solution is 0.90 to 0.96.

[0041] Ammonia and Water

[0042] Ammonia water AW is an alkaline aqueous solution containing dissolved ammonia (NH3) in water W supplied from the water tank 139 described later, which is water that has mixed with the lubricating oil due to condensation during or after engine operation. Ammonia water AW has a characteristic pungent odor. Ammonia water AW may corrode components such as the fluororubber O-rings and the copper alloy heavy / light liquid impellers used in the lubricating oil cleaner 1. Therefore, these components are preferably made of corrosion-resistant materials.

[0043] Furthermore, the specific gravity of ammonia solution (AW) is lighter than that of water (W) (1.0). Regarding the specific gravity of ammonia solution (AW), for example, it is 0.9 when the ammonia concentration is approximately 28%, and 0.88 when the concentration is approximately 35%. The specific gravity of ammonia solution (AW) varies depending on the ammonia concentration, therefore... Figure 3 As shown, the position of the separation boundary surface SB in the separation chamber SZ of the lubricating oil cleaner 1 will move radially.

[0044] Separator Inlet Pipeline

[0045] Figure 1 The separator inlet line 130 shown is a piping line used to supply the raw liquid DO (lubricating oil mixed with sludge SG, ammonia water AW, and ammonia LO) stored in the lubricating oil tank 300 to the lubricating oil cleaner 1. The separator inlet line 130 consists of an upstream side line 131 from the lubricating oil tank 300 to the heater 400 and a downstream side line 132 from the heater 400 to the lubricating oil cleaner 1. A lubricating oil supply pump P1 is provided on the upstream side line 131. An adding component 135, a mixing component 137, and a three-way valve 134 are provided on the downstream side line 132.

[0046] Lubricating oil supply pump

[0047] The lubricating oil supply pump P1 is used to deliver the raw liquid DO in the lubricating oil tank 300 to the lubricating oil cleaner 1 via the separator inlet line 130. The lubricating oil supply pump P1 is located on the upstream line 131 of the heater. In this embodiment, the lubricating oil supply pump P1 is located between the lubricating oil tank 300 and the heater 400. The raw liquid DO in the lubricating oil tank 300 is supplied to the lubricating oil cleaner 1 via the heater 400, the mixing component 137, and the three-way valve 134. Ammonia water AW and ammonia are mixed in the raw liquid DO in the upstream line 131 of the heater, and some of the ammonia in the raw liquid DO in the downstream line 132 of the heater sometimes vaporizes.

[0048] Heater

[0049] Heater 400 is an oil heater that heats the lubricating oil LO (current DO) supplied to the lubricating oil cleaner 1. Heater 400 is located between the lubricating oil supply pump P1 and the additive component 135 on the separator inlet line 130. Heater 400 heats the lubricating oil LO to, for example, approximately 90°C. By heating the lubricating oil LO with heater 400 to reduce its viscosity, the separation efficiency of either or both of the solid components and water in the lubricating oil cleaner 1 can be improved.

[0050] Raw material return pipeline and three-way valve

[0051] The raw liquid return line 133 is a piping line used to return the raw liquid DO in the separator inlet line 130 to the lubricating oil tank 300. The raw liquid return line 133 switches the three-way valve 134 when the lubricating oil cleaner 1 needs to be discharged, when an alarm is triggered, or when replacement water / sealing water is added, thereby allowing the flow of raw liquid DO to return to the lubricating oil tank 300.

[0052] Water storage tanks and water supply pipelines

[0053] The water storage tank 139 is a tank used to store water W to be supplied to the adding component 135. The water storage tank 139 is connected to the adding component 135 via a water supply line 136.

[0054] It should be noted that, alternatively, the component 135 can be connected to the water supply line 110 instead of the water storage tank 139 and the water supply line 136, and water W can be supplied from the water supply line 110.

[0055] Adding Components

[0056] Adding component 135 is a device for adding water W to the raw DO solution in the separator inlet line 130. Adding component 135 is, for example, a nozzle connected to the separator inlet line 130. Adding component 135 is located downstream of the heater 400 in the separator inlet line 130. The raw DO solution in the downstream line 132 of the heater, located downstream of adding component 135, contains ammonia water AW, vaporized ammonia, and water W added from adding component 135. In the separator inlet line 130, downstream of adding component 135, or on adding component 135 itself, a mixing component 137 is provided for mixing water W with the raw DO solution.

[0057] It should be noted that adding component 135 and mixing component 137 can be, for example, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the heater 400 is positioned between the three-way valve 134 and the separator inlet pipe 130, or, for example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, a three-way valve 134 is installed between the separator inlet line 130 and the lubricating oil cleaner 1.

[0058] In addition, the addition component 135 and the mixing component 137 can also be provided on both the upstream and downstream sides of the heater 400 of the separator inlet line 130.

[0059] Hybrid Components

[0060] The mixing unit 137 is a mixer used to mix the raw liquid DO in the separator inlet line 130 with the water W added by the additive unit 135. The mixing unit 137 consists of a static mixer located in the separator inlet line 130. The static mixer promotes the formation of ammonia water AW by disturbing the flow of liquid in the piping, so that the vaporized ammonia contained in the raw liquid DO comes into contact with the water W added by the additive unit 135. The static mixer consists of piping with built-in stirring elements and impellers for dividing, turning, and rotating the fluid.

[0061] Light liquid discharge pipeline

[0062] The light liquid discharge line 140 is a flow path for returning the lubricating oil LO (light liquid) purified by the lubricating oil cleaner 1 to the lubricating oil tank 300. The light liquid discharge line 140 consists of piping from the discharge port of the lubricating oil cleaner 1 to the lubricating oil supply port of the lubricating oil tank 300.

[0063] Lubricating oil cleaner

[0064] The lubricating oil cleaner 1 is a device for separating / removing sludge SG (solid components) and ammonia AW contained in the raw lubricating oil DO supplied from the lubricating oil tank 300 from the lubricating oil LO. The lubricating oil cleaner 1 can be, for example, a high-speed rotating body 3 (see reference). Figure 2 The centrifugal force of the separator is used to separate the raw DO solution into three phases: liquid (light liquid), liquid (heavy liquid), and solid components. Inside the ship, the separator inlet line 130 and the light liquid outlet line 140 are connected to the lubricating oil cleaner 1.

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lubricating oil cleaner 1, which is composed of a centrifugal separator of a separating plate type, will be described in further detail.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the lubricating oil cleaner 1 is a centrifugal separator (centrifugal sedimentation machine) in which a plurality of separation plates 13, composed of thin plates in the shape of truncated cones, are stacked inside the rotating body 3 at intervals along the axial direction of the guide cylinder 5. The lubricating oil cleaner 1 has a mechanism for discharging the sludge SG deposited on the inner wall of the rotating body 3 to the outside by opening and closing the valve cylinder 6. The lubricating oil cleaner 1 includes a rotating shaft 2, a rotating body 3, a guide cylinder 5, a separation chamber 5Z, a valve cylinder 6, and a light liquid discharge section 9 (see reference). Figure 2 ) and heavy liquid discharge section 15.

[0067] <Rotation axis>

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotating shaft 2 has a gear section 2a that meshes with a speed-increasing gear 21 driven by an electric motor (not shown), and the rotating shaft 2 is rotated by the electric motor (not shown) via the speed-increasing gear 21.

[0069] <Rotational Body>

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotating body 3 is a component assembled on the rotating shaft 2 and rotating at high speed around the rotating shaft 2. The rotating body 3 is shaped by integrally forming an upper part with a generally truncated frustum-shaped portion and a lower part with a large-diameter cylindrical portion, wherein the large-diameter cylindrical portion has a diameter larger than the large diameter of the truncated frustum-shaped portion. The rotating body 3 is fixed to the rotating shaft 2.

[0071] <Liquid Inlet Pipe>

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid inlet pipe 4 is a pipe used to supply raw liquid DO (lubricating oil LO used in engine 200) and water W to the interior of the rotating body 3. The liquid inlet pipe 4 is located at the upper part of the center of the rotating body 3. Water supply line 110 and separator inlet line 130 (see reference) Figure 2 It is connected to the upstream side of the liquid inlet pipe 4. In addition, the water W to be supplied to the separation chamber SZ of the lubricating oil cleaner 1 is introduced into the rotating body 3 from the water supply line 110 via the liquid inlet pipe 4.

[0073] <Guide tube>

[0074] The guide tube 5 is a component used to guide the raw liquid DO and water W introduced from the liquid inlet pipe 4 into the rotating body 3 from the bottom of the rotating body 3 to the separation chamber SZ. The guide tube 5 is composed of a cylindrical body that is widened at the end and is located in the center of the rotating body 3.

[0075] <Separation Chamber>

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the separation chamber SZ is used to separate the raw liquid DO into its components based on their specific gravity difference using centrifugal force. The separation chamber SZ is a space that is circular in cross-section. A plurality of stacked separation plates 13 are arranged in the separation chamber SZ. The separation chamber SZ has a separation area with stacked separation plates 13 and a sludge deposition area at the outermost diameter of the rotating body 3. As the raw liquid DO introduced into the separation chamber SZ rises and flows through the gaps between the separation plates 13, the sludge SG with the highest specific gravity is deposited in the outer sludge deposition area, the heavy liquid (ammonia water AW or water W) with a lower specific gravity than the sludge SG moves to the area between the sludge deposition area and the separation area, and the light liquid (lubricating oil LO) with the lowest specific gravity moves towards the center of the rotating body 3. The light liquid (cleaned lubricating oil LO) is discharged from the light liquid discharge section 9 located at the top of the rotating body 3 (see reference). Figure 2 The ammonia water (heavy liquid) AW separated in the separation chamber SZ is discharged to the outside through the heavy liquid discharge section 15 formed between the water intake plate TD and the inner wall of the upper part of the rotating body 3, through the heavy liquid discharge pipeline 120 and the leakage sensor 840.

[0077] <Valve Cylinder>

[0078] Valve cylinder 6 is a valve body that opens and closes the sludge discharge port 12 (the part pressed against the valve seal 7). When the pilot valve V is opened to discharge water from the lower side of valve cylinder 6, valve cylinder 6 descends, sludge discharge port 12 opens, and sludge SG is discharged. A working water supply port 61 for supplying working water for opening and closing valve cylinder is provided below valve cylinder 6.

[0079] <Light Liquid Discharge Section>

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, the light liquid discharge section 9 is used to discharge the lubricating oil LO (light liquid) separated in the separation chamber SZ to the outside. The light liquid discharge line 140 is installed in the light liquid discharge section 9.

[0081] <Heavy Liquid Discharge Section>

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the heavy liquid discharge section 15 is used to discharge the ammonia water (heavy liquid) separated in the separation chamber SZ to the outside. The heavy liquid discharge pipeline 120 is installed in the heavy liquid discharge section 15.

[0083] <Sludge Discharge Pipeline>

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the sludge discharge line 160 (sludge discharge component) is a discharge route used to discharge the sludge SG separated by the centrifugal separator 1 to the outside of the lubricating oil cleaner 1. The upstream side of the sludge discharge line 160 is connected to the sludge discharge outlet 12, and the downstream side is connected to the sludge tank 700 (see reference). Figure 1 The sludge SG in the lubricating oil cleaner 1 is discarded after being released into the sludge discharge line 160 and stored in the sludge tank 700.

[0085] <Working water discharge pipeline>

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the working water discharge line 190 (drainage line) is the discharge route for the cleaning water injected into the frame 3A of the lubricating oil cleaner 1. The upstream side of the working water discharge line 190 is connected to the lubricating oil cleaner 1, and the downstream side is connected to the sludge tank 700 (see reference). Figure 1 Depending on the configuration, the working water discharge line can also be connected to tanks other than the sludge tank 700.

[0087] <Sludge Tank>

[0088] The sludge tank 700 is used to store waste liquid SW and sludge SG discharged from the lubricating oil cleaner 1. An exhaust port 710 is provided at the top of the sludge tank 700 to discharge vaporized ammonia or other gases from the waste liquid SW to the outside of the sludge tank 700. If the temperature of the waste liquid SW inside the sludge tank 700 is greater than or equal to 40°C, a cooling device may also be provided to cool the waste liquid SW.

[0089] <Water supply pipeline>

[0090] like Figure 3 As shown, the water supply line 110 is a water supply component that supplies water W (sealing water / replacement water) to the separation chamber SZ (within the rotating body 3). Furthermore, it is preferable that during the operation of the lubricating oil cleaner 1 (in the process of separating ammonia water AW from the original liquid DO), water W is supplied intermittently or continuously to the separation chamber SZ to adjust the specific gravity of the ammonia water AW (heavy liquid), thereby controlling the position of the separation boundary surface SB. It should be noted that during maintenance of the lubricating oil cleaner 1, the water supply line 110 supplies cleaning water to the separation chamber SZ. The water supply line 110 is equipped with a valve SV3 (not shown) that adjusts the water supply to the separation chamber SZ (within the rotating body 3). Alternatively, in the water supply line 110, based on the measured value of any one of the pressure sensor 810, moisture sensor 820, ammonia sensor 830, and leakage sensor 840 (described later), the valve SV3 is controlled by the control unit 910 and the timer 920, thereby adjusting the water supply.

[0091] <Nozzle water supply line>

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle water supply line 111 is a water supply component used to deliver water W to the nozzle 112.

[0093] <Nozzle>

[0094] Nozzle 112 is fitted to nozzle water supply line 111, spraying water W into the frame 3A surrounding the rotating body 3 in a spray pattern. Ammonia water AW droplets discharged from sludge outlet 12 along with sludge into the frame 3A are sprayed (mist-sprayed) into the frame 3A to rinse it, and the ammonia vaporized within the frame 3A dissolves in the sprayed (mist-sprayed) water W. Nozzle 112 is inserted into the upper part of the frame 3A (above sludge outlet 12).

[0095] Heavy liquid discharge pipeline

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, the heavy liquid discharge line 120 (drainage component) is a flow path for discharging the ammonia water AW (separated water) separated by centrifugation from the lubricating oil cleaner 1, and is connected to the heavy liquid discharge section 15 of the lubricating oil cleaner 1. The ammonia water AW (heavy liquid) in the lubricating oil cleaner 1 overflows from the heavy liquid discharge section 15, and is thus released into the heavy liquid discharge line 120 and stored in the sludge tank 700 before being disposed of. A leak sensor 840 may also be installed in the heavy liquid discharge line 120.

[0097] <Pressure Sensor>

[0098] The pressure sensor 810 is a measuring device that measures the pressure of the light liquid discharged from the light liquid discharge section 9 of the lubricating oil cleaner 1. The pressure sensor 810 is electrically connected to the control unit 910.

[0099] <Moisture Sensing Sensor>

[0100] The moisture sensor 820 is a measuring device that measures the water content in the light liquid discharged from the light liquid discharge section 9 of the lubricating oil cleaner 1. The moisture sensor 820 is electrically connected to the control unit 910. The moisture sensor 820 may be omitted depending on the condition of the lubricating oil LO.

[0101] <Ammonia Sensor>

[0102] The ammonia sensor 830 is a measuring device that measures the ammonia concentration of the ammonia water AW discharged from the light liquid discharge section 9 of the lubricating oil cleaner 1. The ammonia sensor 830 is electrically connected to the control unit 910. The ammonia sensor 830 may be omitted depending on the condition of the lubricating oil LO.

[0103] <Leakage Sensor>

[0104] Leakage sensor 840 is a measuring device that mechanically measures the heavy liquid discharged from the heavy liquid discharge section 15 of the lubricating oil cleaner 1. Leakage sensor 840 is electrically connected to control unit 910. Leakage sensor 840 may be omitted depending on the condition of lubricating oil LO.

[0105] <Control Device>

[0106] Figure 3 The control device 900 shown has the following functions: intermittently or continuously supplying water W to be supplied to the lubricating oil cleaner 1 at a preset time or an arbitrary time, maintaining the specific gravity of the ammonia water AW (heavy liquid) in the separation chamber SZ at a value greater than or equal to a specified value. The control device 900 is configured to include a control unit 910 and a timer 920. The timer 920, pressure sensor 810, moisture sensor 820, ammonia sensor 830, and leak sensor 840 are connected to the control unit 910.

[0107] Clean Lubricating Oil

[0108] The clean lubricating oil is lubricating oil LO purified by the lubricating oil cleaner 1. After being stored again in the lubricating oil tank 300 from the lubricating oil cleaner 1 via the light liquid discharge line 140, the clean lubricating oil is supplied to the ship's engine or auxiliary machinery (e.g., generator, boiler, etc.).

[0109] "effect"

[0110] Next, refer to Figures 1-4 The function of the lubricating oil cleaning system 100 and the lubricating oil cleaning method according to embodiments of the present invention will be explained.

[0111] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lubricating oil LO (current DO) used in the engine 200 is stored in the lubricating oil tank 300. The current DO stored in the lubricating oil tank 300 is introduced into the lubricating oil cleaner 1 from the separator inlet line 130 via the heater 400, the adding component 135, the mixing component 137 and the three-way valve 134.

[0112] In the separator inlet line 130, a water addition process is carried out to add water W to the raw liquid DO in the separator inlet line 130. Therefore, the ammonia contained in the raw liquid DO in the separator inlet line 130 and the ammonia vaporized from the raw liquid DO will dissolve in the water W supplied by the addition component 135 to become ammonia water AW.

[0113] It should be noted that by adding water W to the separator inlet pipe 130, the ammonia concentration in the raw DO solution can be diluted, thus preventing the concentration of ammonia water AW contained in the raw DO solution from becoming too high.

[0114] In the separator inlet line 130, a heating process is carried out by heating the raw liquid DO in the separator inlet line 130 through heater 400. When the raw liquid DO (lubricating oil LO) is heated, the viscosity of the raw liquid DO decreases, thus improving the separation efficiency of solid components and water in the lubricating oil cleaner 1. In addition, when the lubricating oil LO is heated, the ammonia captured by the lubricating oil LO will vaporize and easily come into contact with water W.

[0115] Furthermore, in the separator inlet line 130, a mixing process is carried out by mixing component 137 to mix the water W added during the water addition process with the original DO solution. Through mixing component 137, ammonia in the original DO solution and ammonia vaporized from the original DO solution will come into efficient contact with water W, promoting the formation of ammonia water.

[0116] In the lubricating oil cleaner 1, a centrifugal separation process is performed to separate the raw liquid DO containing ammonia water AW and lubricating oil LO into a light liquid as lubricating oil LO and a heavy liquid as ammonia water AW. By using the lubricating oil cleaner 1, the lubricating oil LO (light liquid) and ammonia water AW (heavy liquid) in the raw liquid DO are separated, thus suppressing ammonia residue in the lubricating oil cleaning system 100.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the original liquid DO introduced into the lubricating oil cleaner 1 flows upward between multiple stacked separation plates 13. Generally, heavier components (sludge SG, water W, etc.) move towards the outermost diameter side of the rotating body 3 and are separated. Lighter components (lubricating oil LO) move towards the center side of the rotating body 3 and are separated.

[0118] Generally, when the stock solution DO mixed with ammonia water AW is supplied into the rotating body 3, the stock solution DO will be separated into lubricating oil LO, ammonia water AW and sludge SG.

[0119] The specific gravity of ammonia solution AW is less than that of water W (which does not contain ammonia). As a result, the specific gravity difference between the light liquid (lubricating oil LO) and the heavy liquid (ammonia solution AW) will decrease. Therefore, the separation efficiency between the light liquid (lubricating oil LO) and the heavy liquid (ammonia solution AW) may decrease. Furthermore, the separation boundary SB between ammonia solution AW and lubricating oil LO will be pressed outward by the lubricating oil LO. Therefore, when the ammonia concentration in ammonia solution AW becomes high (e.g., when the ammonia concentration exceeds 6 wt%), during three-phase separation (during purifier operation), the light liquid may leak (the light liquid may flow out into the heavy liquid discharge line 120).

[0120] Furthermore, when the concentration of ammonia AW is high, the specific gravity difference between the light liquid and the heavy liquid will become smaller, so the water W accumulated in the rotating body 3 cannot position the separation boundary surface SB in the ideal position.

[0121] In this embodiment, by supplying water to the separation chamber SZ during the centrifugal separation process of the stock solution DO containing ammonia water AW (centrifugal separation process), the specific gravity of the ammonia water AW in the separation chamber SZ can be restored to a value greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by introducing water W into the separation chamber SZ, the specific gravity of the ammonia water AW can be maintained at a value greater than or equal to a certain value, thereby minimizing the loss of lubricating oil LO (light liquid flowing out to the heavy liquid discharge section 15), thereby enabling stable and normal operation.

[0122] The water injection process can be carried out through Figure 3 The timer 920 and control device 900 shown can be used for intermittent operation, or they can be used for continuous operation. Furthermore, the water injection process can also be performed when the measured value of at least one of the pressure sensor 810, moisture sensor 820, ammonia sensor 830, and leak sensor 840 reaches a threshold. In this way, the specific gravity of the ammonia water AW can be maintained at a value greater than or equal to a predetermined value (i.e., the specific gravity difference between the ammonia water AW and the lubricating oil LO in the separation chamber SZ can be maintained at a value greater than or equal to a predetermined value).

[0123] The ammonia water AW and sludge SG can also be discharged at regular intervals based on the discharge process using a timer 920 and a control device 900, or the ammonia water AW and sludge SG can be discharged based on the discharge process when the measured value of at least one of the pressure sensor 810, moisture sensor 820, ammonia sensor 830, and leak sensor 840 reaches a threshold. It should be noted that the discharge process and the water injection process are not performed simultaneously, but only one of them is performed.

[0124] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ammonia mixed into the raw DO liquid and the ammonia vaporized from the raw DO liquid dissolve in water W added to the separator inlet line 130 by the adding component 135. Therefore, the ammonia mixed into the raw DO liquid and the ammonia vaporized from the raw DO liquid can be made into ammonia water AW. Moreover, the raw DO liquid containing ammonia water AW is separated into ammonia water AW, lubricating oil LO and sludge SG by the lubricating oil cleaner 1, thus obtaining purified lubricating oil LO.

[0125] The lubricating oil cleaning system 100 of this embodiment can clean lubricating oil (original liquid DO) mixed with ammonia. The lubricating oil cleaning system 100 includes: an engine 200; a lubricating oil cleaner 1, which separates the original liquid DO containing ammonia-mixed lubricating oil LO used in the engine 200 into a light liquid as purified lubricating oil LO and a heavy liquid containing ammonia; a path (e.g., a separator inlet line 130) for supplying the original liquid DO to the lubricating oil cleaner 1; and an adding component 135 for adding water W to the original liquid DO in the separator inlet line 130.

[0126] The lubricating oil cleaning system 100, as configured herein, includes an adding component 135, which allows water W to be added to the raw liquid DO in the path (e.g., separator inlet line 130) to dissolve the ammonia in the raw liquid DO in the water W. Furthermore, by supplying the raw liquid DO containing ammonia water AW and lubricating oil LO to the lubricating oil cleaner 1, the lubricating oil LO and ammonia water AW can be separated.

[0127] Furthermore, by adding water W to the raw liquid DO in the separator inlet pipe 130 through the addition component 135, the specific gravity difference between the light liquid (lubricating oil LO) and the heavy liquid (ammonia water AW) in the separation chamber SZ can be made suitable for sedimentation separation. Therefore, the lubricating oil cleaner 1 can more reliably separate the raw liquid DO containing ammonia water AW and lubricating oil LO into lubricating oil LO and ammonia water AW, thereby obtaining purified lubricating oil LO.

[0128] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lubricating oil cleaning system 100 is provided with a heater 400 in the path (e.g., separator inlet line 130), wherein the heater 400 is used to heat the raw DO fluid sent to the lubricating oil cleaner 1, and the addition component 135 is provided downstream of the heater 400 in the separator inlet line 130.

[0129] Based on this configuration, the viscosity of the original liquid DO (lubricating oil LO) can be reduced by heating, thereby improving the separation efficiency of solid components and water in the lubricating oil cleaner 1. Furthermore, by heating the lubricating oil LO using the heater 400, the ammonia released from the lubricating oil LO readily comes into contact with water W, thus dissolving the ammonia in the original liquid DO in water W.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lubricating oil cleaning system 100 is provided with a mixing component 137, wherein the mixing component 137 is used to mix water W with the original liquid DO.

[0131] Based on this composition, the ammonia in the original DO solution can be efficiently contacted and mixed with the water W.

[0132] also, Figure 1 The mixing component 137 shown is a static mixer located in the path (e.g., separator inlet line 130).

[0133] By configuring the mixing component 137 as a static mixer, the ammonia in the lubricating oil LO can be efficiently mixed with the water W. Furthermore, the static mixer has no drive unit, thus reducing maintenance costs and installation space, and enabling energy savings.

[0134] Furthermore, the lubricating oil cleaning method of this embodiment can clean lubricating oil (original liquid DO) mixed with ammonia. The lubricating oil cleaning method includes: a water-adding process, in which water W is added to the original liquid DO in the path used to supply the original liquid DO to the lubricating oil cleaner 1 (e.g., separator inlet line 130), wherein the original liquid DO contains lubricating oil LO used in the engine 200; and a centrifugal separation process, in which the original liquid DO containing lubricating oil LO is separated into a light liquid as cleaned lubricating oil LO and a heavy liquid containing ammonia by the lubricating oil cleaner 1.

[0135] This lubricating oil cleaning method involves adding water W to the raw DO solution in the path (separator inlet line 130), which dissolves the ammonia in the separator inlet line 130 in the water W. Furthermore, by adding water W to the raw DO solution, the specific gravity of the ammonia water AW contained in the raw DO solution increases, thus making the specific gravity difference between the light liquid (lubricating oil LO) and the heavy liquid (ammonia water AW) suitable for sedimentation separation. As a result, the raw DO solution containing ammonia and lubricating oil LO can be separated into lubricating oil LO and ammonia water AW, thereby obtaining cleaned lubricating oil LO.

[0136] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a mixing process in which water W added during the water addition process is mixed with the original solution DO.

[0137] Based on this composition, the ammonia in the original solution DO can be efficiently dissolved in water W to form ammonia water AW. By supplying the original solution DO containing ammonia water AW and lubricating oil LO to the lubricating oil cleaner 1, the lubricating oil LO and ammonia water AW can be separated.

[0138] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lubricating oil cleaning method includes a heating process, which heats the raw DO in the path (e.g., separator inlet line 130).

[0139] According to this lubricating oil cleaning method, the original DO (lubricating oil LO) can be heated to reduce its viscosity, thus improving the separation efficiency of solid components and water in the lubricating oil cleaner 1. Furthermore, ammonia is released from the lubricating oil LO, making it readily contacted with the water W added during the water replenishment process.

[0140] [First Variation]

[0141] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of its technical concept. The present invention also extends to inventions after these modifications and alterations. It should be noted that, regarding the already described components, the same reference numerals are used, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0142] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating a first variation of the lubricating oil cleaning system and lubricating oil cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] right Figure 1 The lubricating oil cleaning system 100 of the illustrated embodiment is described in the case where a heater 400 for heating the raw DO solution sent to the lubricating oil cleaner 1 is provided in the separator inlet line 130, and an additive component 135 is provided downstream of the heater 400 in the path (e.g., separator inlet line 130). The invention is not limited thereto, and other embodiments may also be described as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the addition component 135 is placed on the upstream side of the heater 400 of the separator inlet line 130.

[0144] In this case, water W from the water storage tank 139 or water supply line 110 is supplied to the addition component 135 (see reference). Figure 3 Water W. Alternatively, a mixing component 137 can be provided between the adding component 135 of the upstream pipeline 131 of the heater and the heater 400. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the mixing component 137 can also be provided downstream of the heater 400, or the mixing component 137 can be omitted.

[0145] By placing the additive component 135 upstream of the heater 400 of the separator inlet line 130, the ammonia in the raw DO solution can be easily dissolved in water W. The ammonia water AW and lubricating oil LO in the raw DO solution can be separated by the lubricating oil cleaner 1, thereby generating lubricating oil LO with fewer impurities.

[0146] [Second variation]

[0147] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a second variation of the lubricating oil cleaning system and lubricating oil cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Figure 1 The three-way valve 134 shown, located upstream of the raw liquid return line 133, can also be used as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it is located between the heater 400 and the additive component 135 on the downstream side of the heater line 132. In this way, it can also be configured to return the raw liquid DO flowing through the separator inlet line 130 to the lubricating oil tank 300.

[0149] [Other variations]

[0150] In the described embodiment, for example Figure 1 The case shown is a case where only one lubricating oil cleaner 1 is provided, but it can also be configured such that multiple lubricating oil cleaners 1 are arranged side by side.

[0151] In the described embodiment, for example Figure 1 and Figure 4The case where a mixing component 137 is provided on the upstream side pipeline 131 or the downstream side pipeline 132 of the heater inlet pipeline 130 of the separator is shown. However, the mixing component 137 can be provided on the separator inlet pipeline 130 as needed, or it can be omitted.

[0152] In the described embodiment, examples such as Figure 2 The water supply line 110 (water supply component) is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 4 as shown. However, the water supply line 110 (water supply component) can also be connected to the lubricating oil tank 300 located in the middle of the path for supplying raw DO to the lubricating oil cleaner 1, and can also be connected to the lubricating oil discharge line 150.

[0153] In the described embodiment, an example is shown where the lubricating oil cleaner 1 is a three-phase separation type centrifugal separator with a separating plate, but a two-phase separation type centrifugal separator can also be used. In this case, the lubricating oil cleaner 1 separates the original lubricating oil LO, which is mixed with ammonia water AW, into sludge SG containing heavy liquid containing ammonia water AW and light liquid as cleaned lubricating oil LO.

[0154] When using a two-phase separation type centrifuge as the lubricating oil cleaner 1, it is preferable to discharge the oil when the measured value of any one of the pressure sensor 810, moisture sensor 820, ammonia sensor 830, and leakage sensor 840 of the lubricating oil cleaner 1 reaches a threshold.

[0155] It should be noted that, depending on the condition of the lubricating oil LO, the moisture sensor 820, ammonia sensor 830, and leak sensor 840 can be omitted.

Claims

1. A lubricating oil cleaning system capable of cleaning a raw liquid mixed with ammonia into a lubricating oil, wherein, The lubricating oil cleaning system includes: an engine; a lubricating oil cleaner that separates a raw liquid containing the lubricating oil used in the engine into a light liquid that is the cleaned lubricating oil and a heavy liquid containing ammonia; a path that supplies the raw liquid to the lubricating oil cleaner; and an adding member that adds water to the raw liquid in the path.

2. The lubricating oil cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein a heater is provided in the path, and the heater is used to heat the raw liquid supplied to the lubricating oil cleaner, the adding member is provided on either or both of a downstream side or an upstream side of the heater in the path.

3. The lubricating oil cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a mixing member is provided, and the mixing member is used to mix the water and the raw liquid.

4. The lubricating oil cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein the mixing member is a static mixer provided in the path. The lubricating oil cleaning method includes:

5. A method for cleaning a lubricating oil by cleaning a raw solution mixed with ammonia into a lubricating oil, wherein a water adding process that adds water to the raw liquid in a path that supplies the raw liquid to a lubricating oil cleaner, the raw liquid containing the lubricating oil used in an engine; and a centrifugal separation process that separates, by the lubricating oil cleaner, the raw liquid containing the lubricating oil into a light liquid that is the cleaned lubricating oil and a heavy liquid containing ammonia.

6. The lubricating oil cleaning method according to claim 5, including: a mixing process that mixes the water added in the water adding process and the raw liquid.

7. The lubricating oil cleaning method according to claim 5 or 6, including: a heating process that heats the raw liquid in the path. ​

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