“What problems did you face with 0.5% sulphur fuel?”,
Answer
the major problem with 0.5% VLSFO is that it is often a blended fuel, so compatibility and stability are major concerns. Mixing incompatible bunkers can precipitate asphaltenes, causing sludge, purifier overload, filter choking and even engine fuel starvation. Other concerns are cat fines, wide viscosity variation, wax formation due to poor cold-flow properties, and varying ignition characteristics. As CE, I segregate different bunkers, carry out compatibility and laboratory testing before commingling, maintain correct storage and purification temperatures, optimize purifiers and closely monitor filters and engine condition. Cylinder oil BN and feed rate are maintained according to the engine maker.”