MARINE

Water is hard to avoid but when everything around it is water ,but taking care of it out of your diesel tank is an absolute must for any maritime operator.In marine fuel they mix very well with turbulent conditions. However, it is extremely harmful to keep the water of a given diesel engine today “low extreme sulphur” diesel with reduced lubricity.

Diesel Fuel and the Marine Industry

Diesel fuel is often purchased, stored, and used with little attention until issues arise. In the case of the Marine Industry, the fuel can sit for many months during refit, maintenance periods or seasonal shutdowns. It is during these times, fuel contamination can take hold of your tank resulting in rampant microbial growth (“algae”), sludge formation, clogged filters, and increased emissions. Only when these symptoms of fuel contamination begin to show do many owners and operators understand how critical the fuel is to the reliable operation of their vessel.

Poorly maintained diesel fuel is directly responsible for greater than 80% of fuel system failures. This statistic is expected to increase as High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) injection systems penetrate the industry.

Marine diesel engines operate in a highly demanding environment and, in some cases, under extreme conditions at sea. Having an engine fail is not something any captain or crew wishes to happen. As such, the diesel fuel must be maintained to ensure reliability.

Common Marine Diesel Issues

Diesel fuels tend to degrade over time due to a multitude of factors. As the fuel breaks down, gums and insoluble contaminants form and fall out solution along with any water already present in the fuel. These contaminates clog engine filters and, in case of water, can cause serious fuel system wear and component degradation. Most diesel engine OEM’s stipulate via their warranties that water content must not exceed certain levels in order to protect the engine.

When diesel fuel is not maintained the following problems can arise:

  • Regular Filter Clogging
  • Fuel System/Engine Failure
  • Poor Starting or Failure to Start
  • Low Power from the Engine
  • Rough Idle
  • Increased Fuel Consumption
  • Excessive Smoke
  • Hunting
  • Vibration
  • Increased emissions

Solutions to Marine Diesel Issues

At UFS we understand that diesel fuel is not just a commodity but one of the most critical “components” of the engine. Our engineering teams are dedicated to designing solutions that ensure fuel integrity through the removal and prevention of fuel contamination. In understanding the importance of fuel quality in the Marine Industry, UFS has renewed its dedication through the revival of Algae-X.

Through Algae-X, UFS aims provide both industry proven solutions and custom design systems for your vessel’s unique needs. Below you will find options ranging from fuel additives to fully automated maintenance systems. Some of these solution may be better suited for your application than others. To understand what solution is best for you we encourage you to reach out to fuel consultants.