Alfa Laval VCU-160 Viscosity Control Unit Board Module

Alfa Laval VCU-160 Viscosity Control Unit Board Module

The Alfa Laval VCU-160 is a microprocessor-based controller board module engineered for the Alfa Laval Viscochief CS-160 automated fuel conditioning system. Built specifically for heavy-duty marine engine rooms and power plant operations, the VCU-160 maintains precise control over heavy fuel oil (HFO) injection viscosity by dynamically regulating thermal energy input via steam control valves or thermal oil regulators.

Working in closed loop with the Viscochief EVT-10 / EVT-10C transducer and dual Pt100 RTD temperature sensors, the board executes real-time viscosity calculation and PID valve position throttling to protect main/auxiliary diesel engine fuel injection equipment from thermal shock, incomplete atomization, and excessive mechanical wear.

Model Details

• Model Series: VCU-160 / VCU-160R / VCU-160L
• System Designation: Alfa Laval Viscochief CS-160 Viscosity Control System
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 3183052091 / 3183040172/1
• Enclosure / System Assembly Part Numbers: 3183052031 (VCU-160R DIN), 3183052112, 1763815-80, 1763815-81
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Assembly: SattControl / Alfa Laval Marine & Power Automation

Key Features

1. Precision Fuel Oil Regulation: Executes closed-loop PID control to regulate dynamic viscosity across a 0 to 50 cSt/cP operating range (rated for fuels up to 700 cSt at 50°C).
2. Dual-Channel Sensor Acquisition: Interfaces directly with dual Pt100 RTD resistance temperature probes and EVT-10 / EVT-10C resonant-frequency viscosity transducers.
3. Active Actuator Output: Direct 24V AC increase/decrease stepping signal generation to control reversible motorized steam regulating valves with limit switch feedback.
4. Comprehensive Fault Diagnostics: Built-in alarm supervision detecting high/low viscosity deviations, temperature limits, sensor loop breaks (A7), and valve actuator failures (A11).
5. Rugged Marine-Grade Build: Conformal-coated circuitry engineered to withstand engine room vibration, airborne oil mist, and high ambient thermal loads.

Applications

• Marine main propulsion engine fuel conditioning systems (MAN B&W, WinGD, Sulzer, Wärtsilä)
• Auxiliary marine generator fuel oil booster and feeder modules
• Industrial power generation stations running on residual heavy fuel oil
• Marine boiler and thermal fluid burner fuel viscosity management
• Marine retrofit and automation upgrades from older Viscochief / EPC systems

Compatible Systems & Transducers

• Alfa Laval Viscochief Systems: CS-160, CS-160R, CS-160L
• Viscosity Transducers: EVT-10, EVT-10C (Product Nos: 1763815-80, 1763815-81)
• Temperature Sensors: 2 x Pt100 RTD sensor assemblies
• Booster Panels: Alfa Laval Booster Control Cabinets & Heating Modules

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the VCU-160 Version 4 module interchangeable with older Version 1, 2, or 3 boards?

Yes. The VCU-160 PCB module design maintains direct form, fit, and functional backward compatibility across earlier hardware revisions (Versions 0 through 3). It installs into the existing cabinet rack and utilizes the same terminal pin allocations.

What causes an “A7” error on the Viscochief VCU-160 display?

An A7 error indicates a communication failure, signal interruption, or frequency out-of-range condition between the EVT-10/10C viscosity transducer and the VCU-160 control board. Verify transducer 24V supply, shield continuity, and reset parameter P32.

Can the VCU-160 module be configured for both steam and thermal oil heaters?

Yes. The analog output (4–20 mA) can be calibrated in the parameter menu to control either direct-acting or reverse-acting pneumatic steam valves, electric heater contactor steps, or thermal fluid 3-way control valves.