How to tackle fuel oil quality issues

How to tackle fuel oil quality issues

How to tackle fuel oil quality and incompatibility issues

 

Due to ongoing problems with fuel oil quality industry experts recommend the use of homogenizers

 

Since the beginning of 2020 the upper limit of sulphur in fuel oils is reduced to 0.50 % m/m. According to a survey by BIMCO from early 2020 the transition to using new low sulphur fuels leads to several problems due to fluctuating fuel oil properties.     

As a means to cope with fuel oil quality and incompatibility issues industry experts such as engine manufacturer MAN and the classification organization ABS recommend the use of a homogenizer.

How can homogenizers improve the fuel oil quality?
A homogenizer is a dynamic milling machine to be used in the fuel system on board ships. It is designed to improve fuel quality by dispersing any sludge and water that remained in the fuel after separation. This leads to a better combustion and less maintenance.

In order to obtain optimum results when using homogenizers, the correct installation position within the system is of utmost importance. Placed after the separator (recirculation service tank, in fuel circulating line) a homogenizer will render remaining water, sludge and asphaltenes harmless to the engine.

Installed in a water in fuel emulsion unit a homogenizer can also be used for emission control. It creates a long-term stable water in fuel emulsion leading to a uniform and fine spray pattern at injection.

Solution by Aquametro Oil & Marine
To solve fuel oil incompatibility issues, we can provide a solution which can be included in shortest installation time in your vessels fuel system:

Aquametro Oil & Marine Homogenizer for

  • Fuel treatment, conditioning and harmonizing
  • Continuous homogenizing by shearing of asphaltenes
  • Fuel treatment in fuel circulating system

The homogenizer has a high saving potential and is suitable for all types of vessels with 2 and 4-stroke main engine in dual fuel operation (HFO/MDO/new type of fuel oil acc. sulphur cap), e. g. tankers, LNG, container, bulkers, cruise vessels.

Benefit from:

  • Reduced sludge output
  • Improved combustion
  • Reduced maintenance effort
  • Reduced emissions

Learn more about the Aquametro Oil & Marine Homogenizer here

Sources:
MAN: Guidelines for Fuels and Lubes Purchasing, page 11
BIMCO: 2020 FUEL OIL QUALITY AND SAFETY SURVEY
ABS: NOTES ON HEAVY FUEL OIL, page 58

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