The Alfa Laval S947 is a high-speed centrifugal oil separator/purifier designed for marine and power-generation applications. It belongs to Alfa Laval’s S-series separators, which are used for cleaning fuel oil and lubricating oil. Alfa Laval specifically lists S947 among its S-separator models.
Main function
The S947 uses centrifugal force to separate contaminants from oil. During operation:
- Dirty oil enters the separator bowl.
- The high-speed rotating bowl separates the oil from water and solid contaminants/sludge.
- Heavier water and particles move toward the bowl periphery.
- Cleaned oil is discharged from the separator.
- Accumulated sludge is periodically discharged/removed.
This protects marine engines and other equipment from contaminants that can cause wear and performance problems. Alfa Laval identifies marine separators as important for removing contaminants including catalytic fines (cat fines) from fuel.
Typical applications
The S947 can be used for:
- Heavy fuel oil (HFO)
- Marine diesel/distillate fuel
- Lubricating oil
- Residual fuels
- Low-sulphur fuels such as VLSFO/ULSFO
- Suitable biofuels, depending on the configuration
Alfa Laval’s S-series documentation states that the S separators are designed for residual fuels, distillate fuels, biofuels and lubricating oils.
Important technology — ALCAP
A major feature of the S-series is ALCAP® technology. It monitors conditions at the clean-oil outlet and automatically adjusts the oil/water interface, helping maintain separation performance when fuel density or viscosity changes.
Advantages of S947
- High-efficiency centrifugal separation
- Removal of water and solid impurities
- Protection against cat fines and engine wear
- Suitable for marine engine-room applications
- Automatic operation when configured with the appropriate control system
- Compact installation compared with many conventional purification systems
- Designed for reliable continuous operation
Alfa Laval also offers S947 within its separation-efficiency upgrade program, where an updated disc stack can improve separation performance without modifying the existing separator piping or wiring.
