- (a) State FOUR possible contaminants that may be present in marine gas oil.(4)
(b) Describe a means of dealing with THREE of the contaminants listed in part (a).(6)
Possible contaminants that may be present in marine gas oil
Marine gas oil (MGO), although a cleaner fuel than heavier options like heavy fuel oil (HFO), can still be susceptible to various contaminants that can impact engine performance, fuel system integrity, and environmental compliance. Here are some common contaminants:
1. What Are the Common Contaminants Found in Marine Fuel? – AZoSensors
- Water:
- Source:
- Condensation within storage tanks due to temperature fluctuations
- Leaky tanks, pipes, or valves
- Ingress during bunkering operations (rain, seawater)
- Effects:
- Reduced combustion efficiency and power output
- Microbial growth (diesel bug), leading to fuel degradation and filter clogging 1. Marine Fuel Quality – ECHA Microbiology echamicrobiology.com
- Corrosion and rust in fuel systems
- Injector and fuel pump damage
- Particulate Matter:
- Source:
- Rust, scale, or debris from storage tanks or pipelines
- Dust and dirt from the environment during bunkering
- Wear and tear of engine components
- Effects:
- Abrasive wear on fuel pumps and injectors
- Filter clogging and reduced fuel flow 1. What Are the Common Contaminants Found in Marine Fuel? – AZoSensors www.azosensors.com
- Increased engine wear and tear
- Microbial Contamination (Diesel Bug):
- Source:
- Water presence in the fuel 1. Marine Fuel Testing for Microbial Contamination – Conidia Bioscience conidia.com
- Nutrient availability from hydrocarbons and other compounds
- Suitable temperature and pH levels
- Effects:
- Fuel degradation and instability
- Sludge and biofilm formation, clogging filters and fuel lines 1. Microbial Fuel Contamination: Symptoms, Causes & How to Fix www.beesleyfuels.co.uk
- Corrosion of fuel tanks and system components 1. Marine Fuel Quality – ECHA Microbiology echamicrobiology.com
- Engine performance issues and potential failure 1. Microbial Fuel Contamination: Symptoms, Causes & How to Fix www.beesleyfuels.co.uk
- Chemical Contaminants:
- Source:
- Improper blending or refining processes
- Cross-contamination with other fuels or chemicals
- Adulteration or intentional contamination
- Effects:
- Reduced combustion efficiency and engine performance
- Increased emissions of harmful pollutants
- Corrosion or damage to engine components and fuel systems
- Other Contaminants:
- Source:
- Lubricating oil leaks
- Metal particles from wear and tear
- Other foreign substances accidentally introduced during handling or storage
- Effects:
- Clogged filters and fuel lines 1. What Are the Common Contaminants Found in Marine Fuel? – AZoSensors www.azosensors.com
- Increased engine wear
- Potential damage to fuel pumps and injectors
It’s important to note that even trace amounts of some contaminants, especially water and microbes, can have significant detrimental effects on the fuel and engine. Therefore, it’s crucial to implement proper fuel quality control measures, including regular testing, filtration, and preventive maintenance, to minimize contamination and ensure the reliable and efficient operation of the vessel’s machinery.
1. What Are the Common Contaminants Found in Marine Fuel? – AZoSensors
2. How to Read and Interpret a Fuel Test Report from a Laboratory – Dieselcraft
Contaminants in marine gas oil (MGO) can be addressed
Contaminants in marine gas oil (MGO) can be addressed through a combination of preventive measures and corrective actions, depending on the type and severity of contamination.
Here are some methods to deal with common contaminants:
- Water Contamination:
- Prevention:
- Proper bunkering practices (closing hatches, inspecting hoses) 1. Safe Bunkering Procedures: Ensuring Water Quality Onboard – Octo Marine www.octomarine.com
- Tank maintenance and leak prevention
- Condensation control (ventilation, heating/dehumidification)
- Removal:
- Draining water from tank bottoms and settling tanks regularly 1. Marine fuel storage, treatment and handling per ISO 8217 – ExxonMobil www.exxonmobil.com
- Using fuel/water separators or centrifuges to remove water 1. Oil Centrifuge | Working, Benefits, Size, Types, Examples, Cost dolphincentrifuge.com
- Applying fuel additives to disperse water or enhance separation 1. Boater’s Guide: Choosing the Right Fuel Treatment to Combat Water in the Fuel www.chevronlubricants.com
- Particulate Matter:
- Prevention:
- Maintaining clean storage tanks and pipelines
- Careful bunkering procedures to avoid dust and debris
- Effective filtration systems onboard
- Removal:
- Regular filter cleaning or replacement
- Fuel polishing or centrifuging to remove fine particles
- Microbial Contamination (Diesel Bug):
- Prevention:
- Minimizing water ingress (see above)
- Using biocides or fuel additives to inhibit microbial growth 1. Fuel Additives For Marine Vessels | Case Studies – FAST exocet fastexocet.co.uk
- Regular tank cleaning and maintenance 1. Fuel Contamination: Distillate Fuel Storage, Maintenance and Recommendations www.crownoil.co.uk
- Removal/Control:
- Shock dosing with biocides to kill existing microbes
- Fuel polishing or centrifuging to remove biomass and sludge 1. What Are Common Sources of Water in Diesel Fuel? – AXI International axi-international.com
- In severe cases, tank cleaning and fuel treatment may be necessary
- Chemical Contaminants:
- Prevention:
- Sourcing fuel from reputable suppliers with strict quality control
- Avoiding mixing incompatible fuels or chemicals
- Removal:
- Difficult to remove once mixed, may require offloading and disposal of contaminated fuel
- Consult with fuel experts or laboratories for specific remediation advice
- Other Contaminants:
- Prevention:
- Proper maintenance and leak prevention of engine and fuel system components
- Careful handling and storage of fuel and lubricants 1. Storage and Handling | Marine Lubricants – ExxonMobil www.exxonmobil.com
- Removal:
- Filtration and centrifuging to remove solid contaminants 1. Microbial Contamination in Bunker Fuels: Detection, Prevention, and Remediation Strategies spectrafuels.com
- Addressing the source of the contamination (e.g., repairing leaks)
Additional Measures:
- Regular Fuel Testing: Periodically test fuel samples for contamination to detect issues early and take corrective action. 1. Fuel Sampling and Contamination Testing Services – Crown Oil www.crownoil.co.uk
- Crew Training: Educate crew members on proper fuel handling, storage, and contamination prevention practices.
- Monitoring and Alarms: Install sensors and alarms to detect water levels, microbial growth, or other contamination indicators.
It’s important to note that some contaminants may require specialized treatment or disposal methods, especially if they pose environmental or safety hazards. Consulting with fuel experts or specialized service providers may be necessary in certain cases.