The approval to test the final HCO filter design comes after successful concept testing on the 2011-built Suezmax ‘Stena Suède’.
Alfa Laval’s HCO filter is claimed to be a high-performance solution for the new generation of 2-stroke engines where traditional camshafts have been replaced by hydraulic control systems.
The hydraulic control system core components are dedicated valves fed with oil from the main system flow, which must be very finely filtered with minimal pressure drop. Due to the sensitivity of the large centrifugal main pumps used to move the oil, additional pressure drop across the HCO filter would ultimately risk engine damage.
The soon to be tested Alfa Laval HCO filter easily achieves this balance of fine filtration and excellent flow passage. “Between its high performance and its compact nature, the Alfa Laval HCO filter will remove much of the cost and installation complexity associated with hydraulic control system protection,”claimed Herve Gourdon, Alfa Laval’s business manager.
Extensive filter area is critical for filtration at 6 μm, the very fine grade required for hydraulic control oil. Using new Alfa Laval Atrium technology, the filter provides a large increase in filtering surface – with virtually no impact on pressure drop. This is possible through the patented shape of the Atrium filter elements, as well as their smaller and highly optimised flow distribution system.
“With Alfa Laval Atrium technology, the Alfa Laval HCO filter reliably achieves the 6 μm filtering needed to protect hydraulic control valves,” said Gourdon. “Yet the flow and pressure through the filter remain practically unaffected, which ensures a safe margin for the engine.”
With approval from a 2-stroke engine manufacturer, the filter will now undergo validation tests. The final design will be evaluated in three installations, each to be put through 3,000 hours of testing. This follows 14,000 hours of concept testing on board the #Stena Suède#, whose Chief Engineer, Paul Ash confirmed,“The filter is basically maintenance-free, the backflush cleaning works well and the operating pressure is steady.”