MDE Unit 9 Q2

The process of crude oil distillation separates the various components based on their boiling points. Here are the primary products obtained directly from this process:  

1. The various components of crude oil are separated by the process of – BYJU’S

Light Products (Top of the Distillation Column)

• Refinery gases: Methane, ethane, propane, and butane – used for heating and petrochemical production.   1. Atmospheric distillation of crude oil – Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
• Naphtha: A mixture of hydrocarbons used as a petrochemical feedstock and for gasoline blending.   1. Petroleum naphtha – Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
• Gasoline: A fuel for internal combustion engines.   1. How Do Gasoline Cars Work? – Alternative Fuels Data Center afdc.energy.gov

Middle Distillates

• Kerosene: Used as jet fuel and heating fuel.   1. Is Heating Oil Or Kerosene The Right Fuel For My Home? www.bottinifuel.com
• Diesel fuel: Used for diesel engines in various vehicles and machinery.   1. Use of oil – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) www.eia.gov

Heavy Products (Bottom of the Distillation Column)

• Fuel oil: Used for heating and industrial processes.   1. Fuel oil | Uses, Types & Benefits of Petroleum Products | Britannica www.britannica.com
• Lubricating base oil: The base for lubricants like motor oil and greases.
• Asphalt: Used for road construction and roofing.   1. Asphalt – Roads, Roofing & Waterproofing www.interlockroofing.com
• Residual oil: A thick, heavy product that can be further processed into other products or used as fuel.

It’s important to note:

Further processing, such as cracking and reforming, is often required to produce specific end-products.

These are the primary products, but there are many variations and refinements within each category.

The exact composition of crude oil varies, affecting the yield of different products.   1. Crude Oil – Petroleum High Volume Production www.petroleumhpv.org

Superyachts, while luxurious, are essentially floating cities that rely on a complex array of systems and amenities. Let’s explore where the products derived from crude oil find their applications on board:

Fuel and Power Generation

• Diesel fuel: Primarily used for the yacht’s main engines, generators, and auxiliary equipment.
• Gasoline: Although less common, some smaller tenders or water toys might use gasoline engines.
• Refinery gases: These can be used for cooking, heating, or as a fuel source for specialized equipment.

Lubrication and Maintenance

• Lubricating oils: Essential for all moving parts, from engines to hydraulic systems and winches.
• Greases: Used for various components requiring thick lubrication, such as propeller shafts and bearings.

Amenities and Comfort

• Gasoline: Used for personal watercraft, jet skis, and other recreational equipment.
• Diesel fuel: Powering auxiliary boats, such as tenders and support vessels.
• Fuel oil: While less common on superyachts, it could be used for heating systems in colder climates or for industrial equipment on board.
• Asphalt: Although not directly used, its derivatives like bitumen are used in various sealing and waterproofing applications.

Other Applications

• Plastics: Derived from naphtha, plastics are ubiquitous on yachts, from interior fittings to exterior components.
• Synthetic fibers: Found in carpets, upholstery, and other textiles.
• Paints and coatings: Protecting the yacht’s exterior and interior surfaces.

It’s important to note that while these products are essential, superyachts are increasingly adopting eco-friendly measures, such as hybrid propulsion systems and renewable energy sources to reduce their environmental impact.

ISO 8217

ISO 8217 is the international standard that specifies the requirements for marine fuels. It covers a wide range of fuel types, from distillates to residual fuels, and includes parameters such as density, viscosity, sulfur content, and ash content. This standard is crucial for ensuring the quality and compatibility of marine fuels used worldwide.  

1. Marine Fuels ISO Specifications | Distallates

2. Fuels | Verifying ISO 8217 Specifications for Marine Fuel Oils with SVM 3001 | Anton Paar

Aluminium & Silicon Oxides in Fuel

Aluminium and silicon oxides, often referred to as “cat fines,” are contaminants that can be found in marine fuels. They originate from the catalyst used in the refining process. While their presence is unavoidable, their levels are strictly regulated by ISO 8217 due to their potential negative impact on marine engines.  

1. Operating Guidance for Dealing with Aluminium and Silicon levels above 60ppm | ExxonMobil™ Marine

Why are they harmful?

• Abrasion: These particles can cause wear and tear on engine components, leading to reduced engine life and increased maintenance costs.
• Clogging: They can clog fuel filters and injectors, disrupting fuel flow and affecting engine performance.
• Corrosion: Under certain conditions, cat fines can contribute to corrosion of engine components.

How are they managed?

• ISO 8217 limits: The standard sets maximum allowable levels of aluminium and silicon in different fuel grades.   1. Aluminum and Silicon determination in bunker marine fuel | SPECTRON spectronxray.ru
• Fuel treatment: Proper fuel treatment, including filtration and centrifugation, can help to remove cat fines.   1. Removing cat fines from fuels – GEA www.gea.com
• Engine maintenance: Regular engine maintenance and inspections are essential to detect and address any issues related to cat fines.

By understanding the role of ISO 8217 and the potential impact of aluminium and silicon oxides, marine operators can take steps to protect their engines and ensure optimal performance.

Would you like to know more about specific fuel treatment methods or the impact of cat fines on different engine types?Sources and related content

Aluminium and silicon oxides, commonly referred to as “cat fines,” originate from the refining process of crude oil. Here’s a breakdown of how they find their way into the fuel:  

1. Upgrade filters to avert cat fine damage – Riviera Maritime Media

Catalyst Use in Refining

• Catalytic cracking: This process breaks down heavy hydrocarbon molecules into lighter ones, producing gasoline and other products.   1. Catalytic Cracking Process, Fouling, and Cleaning Methods – FQE Chemicals fqechemicals.com
• Catalyst composition: Catalysts used in this process often contain aluminium and silicon compounds.

Catalyst Wear and Release

• Physical abrasion: Over time, the catalyst particles can erode due to the harsh conditions within the refinery.
• Catalyst loss: Small amounts of catalyst can escape the refining process and contaminate the final fuel product.

Contamination During Transportation and Storage

• Tanker contamination: If tankers are not adequately cleaned between different fuel types, residual cat fines from previous cargoes can contaminate the new fuel.
• Storage tank contamination: Improperly maintained storage tanks can harbor sediment and contaminants, including cat fines.

Summary

While the refining process is crucial for producing various fuel products, it also introduces the risk of catalyst contamination. Proper refining practices, stringent quality control measures, and effective fuel handling are essential to minimize the presence of cat fines in marine fuels.

Cat fines, or aluminium and silicon oxides, can have a detrimental effect on engine performance and longevity. Here’s how:  

1. The daily grind – Cat fines and engine wear, Part 1 | Alfa Laval

• Increased wear and tear: These abrasive particles can scratch and erode engine components, including cylinder walls, piston rings, bearings, and fuel injectors.   1. The daily grind – Cat fines and engine wear, Part 1 | Alfa Laval www.alfalaval.co.uk
• Reduced engine power: The increased friction caused by wear can lead to a loss of engine power and efficiency.
• Increased fuel consumption: As the engine works harder to compensate for the wear, fuel consumption can increase.
• Increased maintenance costs: Accelerated wear leads to more frequent engine overhauls and component replacements.
• Risk of catastrophic failure: In severe cases, excessive wear can cause catastrophic engine failure.   1. The daily grind – Cat fines and engine wear, Part 1 | Alfa Laval www.alfalaval.co.uk
• Clogging of fuel filters and injectors: Cat fines can accumulate in fuel filters and injectors, restricting fuel flow and preventing proper engine operation.
• Hot spots: Build-up of cat fines can create hot spots in the combustion chamber, leading to premature ignition and engine damage.

To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to employ effective fuel treatment and filtration systems and adhere to regular engine maintenance schedules.

Cat fines, being denser than fuel, can be removed through a combination of physical and mechanical methods.

1. Removing cat fines from marine fuel oil – ExxonMobil

Primary Methods:

• Sedimentation:
  • This is the simplest method, but it’s not very efficient. Cat fines, being heavier, tend to settle at the bottom of a storage tank over time. Regular draining of the sediment is required.   1. Removing cat fines from marine fuel oil – ExxonMobil www.exxonmobil.com
  • However, the presence of water can hinder sedimentation as cat fines tend to bond with water.   1. Removing cat fines from marine fuel oil – ExxonMobil www.exxonmobil.com
• Centrifugation:
  • This method uses centrifugal force to separate cat fines from the fuel.
  • Centrifuges are used onboard ships to continuously process fuel, removing contaminants including cat fines and water.
  • These machines are efficient but require regular maintenance and cleaning.   1. Centrifuge Care and Maintenance – New Life Scientific newlifescientific.com
• Filtration:
  • Fine filters can capture cat fines, but they can clog quickly, requiring frequent cleaning or replacement.
  • Filtration is often used as a secondary measure after centrifugation to remove any remaining particles.   1. Efficiently removing cat fines | Alfa Laval www.alfalaval.us

Additional Considerations:

• Fuel Blending: Blending fuel with a lower cat fine content can dilute the overall concentration.   1. Removing cat fines from marine fuel oil – ExxonMobil www.exxonmobil.com
• Fuel Additives: Some additives can help disperse cat fines or improve filter performance.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining optimal fuel temperature can influence the sedimentation process and filter efficiency.   1. Removing cat fines from marine fuel oil – ExxonMobil www.exxonmobil.com

It’s crucial to combine these methods and implement regular maintenance to effectively remove cat fines and protect the engine.