SEDL / STP / STP878-EB / STP35275S

Marine Bunker Fuel Treatment: A Key to Quality Problems?

Orme, AP
Manager, group head—Development, and senior technical consultant, Technical Branch, BP Marine International, London,

Langer, AJ
Manager, group head—Development, and senior technical consultant, Technical Branch, BP Marine International, London,

Swinden, AE
Manager, group head—Development, and senior technical consultant, Technical Branch, BP Marine International, London,

Pages: 25    Published: Jan 1985

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Abstract

When it was first realized that marine diesel engines could operate successfully with residual fuel oils, there was already the concurrent acceptance of the need for fuel precleaning. Subsequently, there have been many changes in cleaning equipment and operational procedures. While some of these changes may have apparently improved the lot of the marine engineer, arguably they have not been a step forward in protecting engines. In addition, alternatives to traditional procedures have been proposed (and tried), not all of which have been altogether successful. This paper reviews past, present, and possible future fuel cleaning procedures, with particular reference to poorer quality fuel oils. The effects of incorrect fuel treatment are illustrated and recommendations given on how to optimize fuel cleaning arrangements. Proposals are put forward on the direction in which future development might best proceed.