Germany: For a long time the traditional approach to operation on heavy fuel oils (HFO) has been "pier-to-pier". This is all going to change, says Allweiler, provider of marine pumps to the shipping industry.
When global ship operator BW Gas overhauled a low-performing fuel service pump, it discovered high wear on pump elements. BW Gas concludes that a contributing factor to the increased wear rate on the pump can be the 0.1 percent sulphur marine gas oil used in EU ports, however it is also clear that other factors play a significant role.
The BW Gas fleet uses to a large extent the boil-off gas from the cargo as fuel for propulsion and consequently leaves a very small sulphur emission footprint.
"Compared to the majority of the world's fleet, we operate a very green fleet. We have managed the current emission regulations very well and proactively overhaul any pump showing signs of deteriorating performance," said Johan Christian Øwre, Superintendent BW Fleet Management.
"Today we have a lot more knowledge about the effects of low sulphur content diesel fuels," says Christian Martin, Business Development & Marketing, Allweiler.
The majority of pump problems occur on vessels in global operation.
When approaching the Sulphur Emission Control Area (the English Channel, North Sea and the Baltic Sea and other European harbours) they must switch from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to diesel oil to comply.
Martin explains: "When switching from HFO to diesel, oil temperatures must drop from 150 degrees to 40 degrees. This process is extremely difficult to manage, due to the resulting low viscosity of diesel caused by too high temperatures. Or the very high viscosity HFO levels caused by too low temperatures."
Extremely low sulphur content and consequent low viscosity levels have a strong impact on fuel injection and pump/valve lubrication. Pumps must be capable of handling low viscosity fuels while retaining the required pressures and capacities.
Pumps must carry out their intended functions under defined conditions and with a defined high level of reliable operation.
Allweiler three-screw pumps are modified, comprising specially treated materials, to minimise the risk of sudden breakdowns, thus providing long-term reliable operation.
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