Alfa Laval has launched a compact version of its PureBilge oily water separator, which will enable small vessel segments to achieve compliance with bilge water treatment regulations.
PureBilge Compact is designed with a focus on reducing footprint, providing easy installation and lowering the operating cost of the vessel. It is a compact and modular solution that provides the opportunity for small-segment vessels to benefit from proven oily water separation technology without space and installation constraints. Its reduced footprint and simple installation makes it suitable too for bigger vessels struggling with filters.
Ayla Korlof, Global Business Manager, HSS Pure & Engine Power, Alfa Laval, said: “We are delighted to bring PureBilge Compact to the market. This compact, easy-to-install, and cost-effective solution will help both small and large vessels achieve compliance for oily water separation. The future already looks bright for PureBilge Compact as we have received interest from shipyards specialising in smaller vessels who see our solution as the perfect fit for their designs.”
Rebecka Fogelquist Anthony, Service Development Manager, Alfa Laval, added: “We’re often approached by customers who are struggling to treat their bilge water effectively with their current filters. PureBilge is not always an appropriate retrofit choice for them, regardless of vessel size, as they do not require the biggest flow capacity. With PureBilge Compact onboard, our customers can now have access to a retrofit alternative suited to their needs.”
PureBilge Compact is designed for 24/7 unmanned operation, which reduces the operation cost, as with the full-size PureBilge. The lack of requirement for chemicals, adsorption filters or membranes eliminates filter replacement cost and reduces maintenance costs. Its continuous, single-stage operation requires less holding tank volume and provides more payload capacity. Its capacity flow of 600 l/h as compared to 2500 l/h to 5000 l/h for PureBilge, makes it significantly smaller and easy to install.
With an integrated oil content monitor, PureBilge Compact cleans bilge water effectively by removing oil pollution below the 15 ppm IMO requirements and has the potential to reduce oil content even further, reaching below 5 ppm. The automated centrifugal separation system ensures continuous performance, regardless of variations in feed, oil shocks and rough weather conditions.
Korlof said: “Smaller vessels depend no less on compliance and performance than their larger counterparts. By having PureBilge technology in different sizes, we can extend the advantages of IMO- compliant bilge water system to smaller vessel segments comprising mainly of fishing vessels, passenger ships, general cargo and superyachts.”
PureBilge Compact comes with an EPC 70 automated control and monitoring system, which integrates with existing Alfa Laval systems, providing a single user-friendly interface. The system is compliant with the anticipated 2024 cybersecurity regulation.
