FUEL OIL • The test cell will transduce (transmit) the signal,

displaying water percentage in the digital display.

• also known as heavy oil, marine
fuel or furnace oil
• is a fraction obtained from petroleum
distillation, either as a distillate or a residue.
• In general terms, fuel oil is any liquid fuel that
is burned in a furnace or boiler for the
generation of heat or used in an engine for the
generation of power.
Total Base Number Test
LUBRICANT
Description
• is a substance introduced to
reduce friction between surfaces in mutual • The Total Base Number (TBN) is a measure of
contact, alkaline concentration present in a lubricant.
• which ultimately reduces the heat generated • Engine oils are formulated with alkaline additives
when the surfaces move. in order to combat the build-up of acids from
combustion products and from lubricant
FUEL OIL VS. LUBE OIL PROPERTIES degradation.
• Slow speed engine system oils (Main Engine) are
typically formulated around 5 mg KOH/, whereas
medium-speed, four-stroke trunk piston engines
(diesel generator) may require >30 mg KOH/g.

Procedure

• TBN is determined by combining representative

sample and reagent in the container and then
tightly closed.
• The meter is shaken by hand.
• Pressure build up due to chemical reaction is
transduced; ultimately displaying TBN value in the
digital display.

LUBE OIL TESTS Viscosity Test

Water in Oil Test Description

Description • Viscosity is the prime quality of the oil and is

fundamental to maintaining the integrity of a lube
• The Water in Oil Test Kit provides digital analysis
oil film, in preventing metallic contact, scuffing,
and fast results for easy monitoring of oil from
micro-welding and wear of sliding surfaces.
‘hazardous’ water content.
• The kit contains test cell and reagent. Procedure

Procedure • In flow stick comparator method, relative flow is

• Representative sample, reagent containing
paraffin or toluene, and Calcium hydride is added
to the container; and then tightly closed.
• The meter is shaken by hand
• Water present in the oil will react with Calcium
hydride, resulting in increase in pressure.
measured between a new oil and the used oil of
the same grade. Fresh and used oil of the same
volume and temperature are placed in the flow
stick reservoir respectively. The flow stick is tilted
allowing both the samples to flow through
separate channels. When the new oil has reached
 the reference mark, the position of the used oil is LUBRICATING OIL MAINTENANCE
checked. Markings on the flow stick indicate the
Maintenance of lubrication oil is essential on aboard
condition of the oil.
ship. Regular testing of the different oil is important to
• TBN is determined by combining representative
clear contaminants and to prolong usage. Mentioned
sample and reagent in the container and then
herein are the ways to optimize the use of lubricants
tightly closed.
on ships.
• The meter is shaken by hand.
• Pressure build up due to chemical reaction is Proper Filtration is Important
transduced; ultimately displaying TBN value in the
Lube oil is essential on engine in reducing friction,
digital display.
cooling engine components and carrying wear
“By analyzing a sample of used engine oil, you can material and foreign debris to the filter. If
determine the amount of contamination, the wear contamination generated by the engine is not filtered
rates and overall condition of your engine. out, abrasive material will build up and rapidly wear
out the moving parts of the engine.
The real benefit of an oil analysis is that it acts as an
early warning system, alerting you to potential
problems before they become an equipment failure.

The Separator / Purifier / Centrifuge is designed for

cleaning of fuel and lube oils for diesel engines in
marine and power applications.

Heated oil is fed through the rotating bowl to clean the

oil from solid particles and water, using centrifugal
force.

Cleaned oil leaves the separator through the oil outlet

while separated water and sludge accumulate at the
periphery of the rotating separator bowl.

Regular Testing of Lube Oil is Necessary

FUEL OIL TESTS
Draw samples from the same point, and when the oil
Spot Test/Compatibility Test is up to its operating temperature with the engine
running.

Drain the line prior to drawing the sample. The sample

should not be contaminated.

The containers that would be sent to shore for analysis

should be attached with a label:

• Type of oil
• Type of machinery
• Date of sampling,
• Sample point ,
• Running hour since the last change oil
Change Oil
Crankcase oil is changed according to the following:
• manufacturer’s recommendation
• PMS (Planned Maintenance System) – running
hour
• result of shore/onboard lubricating oil tests
• observation: color, viscosity, thermal
conductivity, contamination
the tank should be with slope toward the sludge
drains, and pump suction shall be not in the vicinity of
the sludge space.
The temperature in fuel settling tanks should be as
high as possible to help dirt to settle. However, the
temperature should be below 75°C in order to avoid
the formation of asphaltenes, and min 7°C above
the pour point of the fuel to ensure pumpability

Fuel Oil Quality Monitoring

System cleanliness is very important to reduce wear

on the many finely machined parts in the fuel injection
equipment. Regular attention to filters and general
fuel oil system cleanliness is essential. Various
additives are used to, for instance, remove lacquer
from metal surfaces, reduce wear and prevent rust.
Centrifugal Separator

Effective cleaning of residual fuels can only be

ensured by centrifugal separators (a.k.a. centrifuges,
separators):

clarifier - which is used for separating solids out of a

liquid and/ or

purifier - in which two liquids of different densities are

separated from each other, whereas solids may also
be separated at the same time.
Settling tank

A tank used for pre-cleaning of fuel oil by gravity; liquid

mixture in this tank clears slowly as heavier liquid
(water) and solids sink (settle) to the bottom under the
influence of gravity.

Usually there are two settling tanks, each with a

capacity sufficient for 24 hours full load operation of
all consumers. Tanks should be designed to provide
the most efficient sludge and water separation.

Each settling tank should be provided with baffles to

reduce mixing of sludge with the fuel. The bottom of
Homogenizer Marine fuel compatibility

Homogenizer agitates and mills heavy fuel oil to Best practices

create a uniform structure of all solid and non-solid
Whenever possible, avoid mixing fuels of different
materials. It also breaks down large water elements
types or from different sources.
into small homogenous structure, resulting in an
emulsion, which could reduce exhaust pollutants Additional precautionary measures you can take
such as NOx and smoke. include:

Store fuels separately until compatibility testing has

been carried out.

Test the products for compatibility in a reputable lab.

Avoid mixing fuels with greatly dissimilar densities.

“Fuels must be treated on board before use, to remove

solid & liquid contaminants.

Solid contaminants are mainly rust, sand, dust and

refinery catalysts.

Liquid contaminants are mainly fresh or salt water.

In settling tank, water and sediments are separated by

gravity and drained off at the bottom of the tank.

Effective cleaning of residual fuels can only be

ensured by centrifuges: a clarifier to separate
particles and/or a purifier to separate water.

In order to remove any solid particles not separated by

centrifuging, fine filters are placed directly after the
centrifuge, or in the supply line to the engine.”

FUEL OIL SAMPLING