On 08 Jan 2004 11:23:20 +0100, Ole-Hjalmar Kristensen
wrote:

"R" == Rick writes:
///

R This is all assuming you don't have access to a centrifuge which is
R really the best way to handle the process.


R Rick

Do you happen to know if there is any centrifugal separator on the
market suited to small boats? I cannot really think of any technical
reasons why not, but perhaps the market isn't there. Btw., I once had
a Scania truck diesel engine which had a centrifuge for its
lubrication oil. Judging from the amount of gunk it separated out of
the oil, it worked very well.


Now *that* is an interesting question!
The pneumatic tube freezer/heater comes to mind immediately.

I can't recall the appropriate name - but the principle is incredibly
simple: introduce the pressurized fluid tangentially to a short
cylinder, and at one end of the cylinder, the spinning fluid meets a
washer with a central hole - the lighter fraction goes through here.
At the other end of the cylinder, the spinning fluid meets a central
barrier, with an annular gap - so the heavier fraction goes through
here. You can make them with plumbing fittings and minimal
machining or filing.
With pressurized air, these gadgets separate cooled air from heated
air (though the power efficiency is not compretitive with
regular fridges...)

With pressurized fuel, this gadget ought to do a very creditable job
of spinning out water and particles....

Brian Whatcott Altus OK