Difficulties of sourcing 180 cst fuel and prospects of using IFO-380cst in United Power plants

Background:

1. Refineries extracting more distillates, 380cst HSFO is a cheaper option to the current improved
Machines capable of burning this grade, thus 180cst fuel is getting unpopular in the marine industry.

2. Bangladesh is one of the biggest buyer of 180 CST HSFO for power plants

3. Often 180 cst fuel having more lighter oil blended with residual fuel than 380cst HSFO, thus more
chance of incompatibility.

4. Less availability of HSFO-180 in the Singapore/ International bunker market

Difficulties of sourcing 180 cst fuel and prospects of using IFO-380cst in United
Power plants// prepared by Harun Bhuyaan,GM, United Group
 Market demand of fuel grades
Viscosity
A measure of fluid resistance to flow.
Viscosity of fuel oil decreases with
increasing temperature. The viscosity of the
fuel oil at the point of injection into the
engine is key to performance. Viscosity is
used to classify residual fuel types but is
not a key indicator of fuel quality. For
example, all other characteristics being
equal, a fuel of 180 cSt is of no better or
worse quality than a fuel of 380 cSt, it is
just less viscous; just need less heat for
handling and consumption.

Source: innospec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ClipperData-Fuel-Oil-Feedstock-Trader-2019-02-27.pdf

Difficulties of sourcing 180 cst fuel and prospects of using IFO-380cst in

United Power plants// prepared by Harun Bhuyaan,GM, United Group
Can United power plant operate on HSFO- IFO-380 cst?
What is required:
1. Engine compatible to burn IFO 380? - Yes
2. Separator and filtration system capable to purify and handle IFO 380? -
Yes
3. Logistic, Fuel pumping system and storage capable to handle IFO 380? –
need heating system for handling.

Difficulties of sourcing 180 cst fuel and prospects of using IFO-380cst in

United Power plants// prepared by Harun Bhuyaan,GM, United Group
Wartsila Plant HFO requirement
Fuel standard ISO 8217:2012 – that the
suppliers need to comply

Difficulties of sourcing 180 cst fuel and prospects of using IFO-380cst in United
Power plants// prepared by Harun Bhuyaan,GM, United Group
 Storing and handling of IFO 380
 Most concerned parameter is the
Viscosity, Pour point, WAT and WDT
related to our storage and transport. Most concerned parameter is the
 Wartsila recommend minimum storage Pour point.
temperature for IFO 180 is 36+10=46 and Wartsila recommend minimum
IFO 380 is 42+10=52 to reduce risk of storage temperature for IFO 180
wax formation (chart at the right). is 36+10 and IFO 380 is 42+10 to
 Although in practice, in storages and reduce risk of wax formation.
during transport we maintain “no
heating”. (How? -)
Application Viscosity IFO 180 IFO 380

Engine 20 cst 104 ‘C 117 ’C

Recommended for 600 cst 32 ‘C 42 ’C

pumping max min min
Pumping limit 1000 cst 25 ‘C 36 ’C
max min min
Good for Storage 46 ‘C 52 ‘C

Difficulties of sourcing 180 cst fuel and prospects of using IFO-380cst in United
Power plants// prepared by Harun Bhuyaan,GM, United Group
Summary and conclusion:

 There is no issue burning IFO 380 in Wartsila Engines. Plants’ complete

HFO system (except the storage tanks) is capable to handle IFO 380cst.
 For efficient operation, need inclusion of heating coils in HFO storage
tanks, although suction heater is available. Insulation recommended for
energy saving.
 Beside pour point, additional test like WAT/WDT can be done before
importing.
 Need heating system in Inland/coastal tankers carrying and handling
IFO 380cst (recommended minimum pumping temp 42’C).

Difficulties of sourcing 180 cst fuel and prospects of using IFO-380cst in

United Power plants// prepared by Harun Bhuyaan,GM, United Group