Alfa Laval EPC 50 Upgrades EPC 70 Separators

2.1 Separators Model and Configuration

Type of separator: S series (such as S 801, S 806, S 926) or P series (such as P 610, P 615, P 618).

Drive motor power: affects heater control and motor protection parameters.

Slag discharge method: manual slag discharge, timed slag discharge, or controlled slag discharge by turbidity meter (such as Alfa Laval MT60)? EPC 70 has optimized the turbidity meter interface to support more sensitive slag discharge control.

Heating system type: electric heating (with contactor/solid-state relay) or steam heating (requiring steam regulating valve actuator).

2.2 I/O configuration of the original EPC 50

Digital input points: such as liquid level switches (water seals, slag ports, oil collection tanks), motor overload, emergency stop, start/stop buttons, etc.

Digital output points: such as motor start stop, heater control, slag discharge valve, alarm indicator light, etc.

Analog input: such as temperature sensor (PT100/thermocouple), pressure transmitter, turbidity meter signal (4-20mA).

Analog output: such as 4-20mA signal for controlling steam regulating valve, speed display output, etc.

2.3 Power Supply and Network Requirements

Power supply voltage: The original EPC 50 is usually 220V AC or 24V DC, while the EPC 70 is compatible with wide voltage inputs, but it needs to be confirmed whether the power module needs to be replaced.

Communication interface: Is it required to access the ship's network? If necessary, the protocol type and IP address planning should be clearly defined.

Only after collecting complete information, the manufacturer will tailor the EPC 70 upgrade package to ensure that all cable lengths, terminal layouts, and installation holes match the original cabinet, achieving true plug and play functionality.

Detailed explanation of typical components and hardware replacement in the upgrade package

According to the service manual, each EPC 70 upgrade package is customized as needed, but typically includes the following core components:

3.1 EPC 70 control cabinet (applicable to SA/PA version)

For SA/PA type separators equipped with independent electrical rooms, the upgrade package provides a brand new control cabinet, which includes:

Main controller (PLC, compliant with IEC 61131-3 standard, supports ladder diagram/structured text programming)

Touch screen (communicates with PLC through Ethernet or serial port)

Modular I/O slots (can insert different numbers and types of modules according to the original configuration)

Power module (providing 24V DC to the controller and sensors)

Terminal block (pre labeled, corresponding one-to-one with the terminals inside the original EPC 50 cabinet)

Installation points: After dismantling the old EPC 50 cabinet, fix the new cabinet in its original position, and then wire it point by point according to the terminal numbers. It is recommended to mark each wire on the drawing to avoid errors or omissions.

3.2 EPC 70 Control Panel (applicable to SU/PU versions)

For compact SU/PU separators (usually equipped with a control panel), the upgrade package offers a brand new panel style touch screen and rear control unit. The panel size is consistent with the original opening and can be directly embedded. The internal wiring is connected to the sensors and actuators on the separator body through prefabricated cables.

3.3 Latest generation steam regulating valve actuator

If the original system uses steam heating and old-fashioned pneumatic or electric actuators (such as Simatic or Honeywell actuators from the EPC 50 era), the EPC 70 upgrade package includes a new generation of intelligent actuators. Its characteristics:

Built in position feedback and PID adjustment function

Accept 4-20mA control signal

Handwheel mechanism facilitates manual operation

Fault alarm output (such as jamming, overheating)

Replacement note: It is necessary to confirm whether the valve body interface size (such as flange or bracket) is compatible. If necessary, valve connections should be replaced simultaneously.

3.4 Electric heater control box (for EPC 50 power unit)

Some of the electric heater power units (SCR or contactor groups) in the EPC 50 system have aged, and the upgrade package can provide a new heater control box. Internal integration:

Solid state relay or contactor (rated current matches the original heater)

Overload protection and cooling fan

Control signal interface (4-20mA or PWM signal from EPC 70)

3.5 MT60 water turbidity meter conversion board

Alfa Laval MT60 turbidity meter is used to monitor effluent turbidity and automatically trigger slag discharge. EPC 50 uses a dedicated interface board, and the EPC 70 upgrade package provides a new version of the conversion board to achieve:

Signal conditioning (converting turbidity meter photoelectric signal into standard 4-20mA)

Diagnostic indicators (sensor contamination, light source aging alarm)

Directly connected to the analog input module of EPC 70

Practical installation and debugging process

4.1 Preparation work

Power off tagging: The main power supply, control power supply, and heater power supply of the separator are all cut off, locked, and a warning is posted.