The correct shut down procedure of a fuel oil purifier is essential to prevent sludge accumulation, bowl imbalance, oil spillage, and mechanical damage.
so always follow proper procedure from manual.
Why Proper Shutdown Is Important
- Prevents sludge from hardening inside the bowl
- Avoids oil leakage and contamination
- Protects seals and hydraulic components
- Ensures smooth next start-up
- Reduces maintenance time
Pre-Shutdown Checks
- Ensure service tank level is sufficient
- Confirm sludge tank has capacity
- Check no alarms or abnormal vibration
- Reduce feed rate gradually before stopping (if manual)
Fuel Oil Purifier Shut Down Procedure – Step by Step
Step 1 – Stop Fuel Oil Feed
Close the fuel oil inlet valve slowly to stop oil entering the purifier.
Allow the remaining oil inside the bowl to discharge completely.
Step 2 – Perform Final Desludging
Manually or automatically trigger one final desludging cycle.
This removes accumulated sludge and water before stopping the machine.
- Operating water released
- Sliding bowl bottom opens
- Sludge discharged
- Bowl recloses
Step 3 – Stop Heater
close the steam supply.
Allow temperature to drop gradually. Sudden cooling may cause thermal stress to components.
Step 4 – Stop Purifier Motor
Switch OFF the purifier motor after confirming:
- No fuel inside bowl
- Desludging completed
- Discharge lines clear
Allow the bowl to coast down naturally. Never apply braking force unless specified by the manufacturer.
Step 5 – Close Sealing and Operating Water
Shut off sealing water and operating (closing) water supply lines after the machine stops completely.
This prevents unnecessary water leakage and hydraulic pressure build-up.
Step 7 – Post-Stop Inspection
- Check for oil leaks
- Inspect vibration or unusual noise
- Verify sludge discharge completed
- Clean surrounding area
- Record shutdown in logbook for noon report.
Common Shutdown Mistakes to Avoid
- Stopping motor with oil inside bowl
- Skipping final desludging
- Not flushing heavy fuel
- Closing water lines too early
- Immediate opening of bowl while hot
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is final desludging necessary before shutdown?
It removes accumulated sludge and prevents deposits from hardening inside the bowl.
Can we stop purifier directly without stopping oil feed?
No. Oil may remain inside the bowl, causing imbalance and difficult cleaning..
Proper shutdown is just as important as correct start-up in marine purifier operation.