Alfa Laval EPC 60 Retrofit kit

EPC 60 Retrofit State-of-the-art control for older centrifugal separators

Background

Alfa Laval separators, such as the MAPX, MMPX, WHPX,

MOPX, FOPX, LOPX and MFPX, were developed decades

ago and are equipped with older control systems.

Unlike mechanical parts, it is difficult to assess the condition

of the electrical components of these systems. Damage to a

single component on a complex circuit board, for instance,

can affect the entire separation system and cause downtime.

Rather than wasting time to determine which electrical

component  requires replacement, it is common practice

in the marine and diesel industry to replace the entire card

often without considering other options.

Application

As a leader at the forefront of marine separator automation

and control systems, Alfa Laval offers a reliable way to

upgrade older generations of its control systems with new

state-of-the-art control technology. The Alfa Laval EPC 60

Retrofit kit is specifically designed to replace all Alfa Laval

separator electronic control systems in older separators,

including the IPC 231. EPC 30. EPC 41 and EPC 400.

Modernizing previous generations of Alfa Laval separators

and control systems with EPC 60 control technology:

• Ensures safe, reliable and efficient operation of the separator

• Makes the separator easier to operate

• Prolongs separator system lifetime

• Secures future spare parts supply

Extending separator performance

With its space-saving design, modular I/O cards and ease

of operation and maintenance, the EPC 60 Retrofit kit is

a solid choice for extending the life of older separation

systems . The kit easily mounts into the space occupied by

the old control  cabinet. Older generations of circuit boards

are upgraded with modular I/O cards, which can easily be

replaced in a matter of minutes.

One of the features is the built in P & I temperature controller.

It is always recommendable to use a P & I controller to secure

a steady and high separation temperature on the oil, making

sure the separation efficiency is as high as possible.

System components

•  EPC 60 cabinet, which has the exact same size,

mounting  requirements and cable flanges for re-use

of existing cables

• Pressure transmitter with adapters to replace existing

pressure  switches

• Surge protectors to be installed on existing solenoid

valves to protect the EPC 60 components from peak

voltages

• MT 60 water transducer board replaces all the older

boards and sensors for the  ALCAP separators

• The EPC 60 control system is ready to utilize coming

features  introduced for the EPC 60

Features and benefits

Plug & Play installation

Upgrading the complete control system is easy, and

installation  cost-effective. No welding is required and there

is no need to replace the existing:

• Alfa Laval steam, hot water, thermal oil or electric heater

• Steam control valve or power unit cabinet (if electric heater)

• Starter cabinet

• Cables and piping

Easy operation and maintenance

EPC 60 Retrofit enables the introduction of PLC-based

functionality , which meets marine standards for PLC systems

as well as Alfa Laval’s more stringent requirements. An

intuitive  menu makes navigation, accessing information about

parameters and alarms and changing parameter values easy

because all data is displayed in clear text. This eliminates the

complicated alarm codes and parameter numbers displayed

by older control systems thereby preventing human error and

ensuring safer operation and higher separation performance.

Fault finding made easy

The PLC has functional modules stored on separate I/O

cards rather than on one large circuit board. Self-diagnostic

capabilities enable faster and easier troubleshooting and

I/O replacement, if required. Should a fault occur in the

PLC system , an alarm alerts the operator and, upon opening

the cabinet door, a flashing red LED indicates the faulty

component . I/O card replacement requires less than a

minute and no tools or cables are required.

Extended service lifetime of entire separation system

EPC 60 Retrofit not only replaces the old control system

but upgrades the entire separation system. Replacing old

electronic components such as pressure switches with

modern  components extends the lifetime of the ancillary

equipment and ensures separator uptime as well as spare

part availability. Alfa Laval’s global service network and

spare parts supply chain ensures prompt delivery of parts

or service around the world.

Efficient cleaning

Utilizing the benefits with CIP (cleaning in place) secure a

clean bowl without dismantling. Regular cleaning provides

higher separation efficiency  and prevents mechanical

damage  caused by manual  cleaning or, in the worst case

scenario , by bowl imbalance resulting from an uneven

sludge discharge.