Insatech Bunker Management System

The problems that can occur during bunkering

Temperature and air manipulation

As the focus on bunker consumption has risen over the last decade, so has the incentive for bunker delivery services to attempt to actively affect the properties of the delivered fuel. The properties typically manipulated are temperature and air content. By raising the temperature of the marine fuel oil during bunkering, the bunker supplier can increase the volume of the oil, and thereby give the impression of delivering a larger quantity, than what is actually delivered.

The uncertainty of volume-based measurements

It is common practice to determine the amount of bunkered fuel oil by sounding both vessel and barge bunker tanks before and after bunkering and then converting the volume into mass using conversion tables. Measuring bunkered fuel oil in volume but settling in weight causes some uncertainty due to the table based conversion.

If air is introduced into the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) bunker stream the volume will also appear to be larger than what is actually delivered. The air can enter the HFO during bunkering through several – intended or unintended – entry points. The most common source is stripping during the changeover from one source tank to another. As long as it has been agreed how long stripping is allowed it is normally not an issue. However, if the bunker fuel supplier intentionally uses the stripping period to increase the volume of the delivered marine fuel oil, it is clearly a manipulation that must be addressed and dealt with.

Air in fuel oil - ”The Cappuccino effect”

Letting air seep into the bunker line and thereby continuously manipulating the volume is known as “the cappuccino effect”. It causes tiny air bubbles to form that are barely visible and therefore very hard to detect during for example sounding.

Common for both stripping and the cappuccino effect is that the fuel oil will stay aerated for several days or even weeks. This means the manipulation is not detected in time, disputing it is not an option, as claims should normally be made within 48 hours after the first bunkering.

Measure mass directly to combat the problem

The clear advantage of the Bunker Management System is that it utilizes a mass flow meter instead of a volumetric flow meter. This means the mass flow is measured directly, and is therefore not influenced by air entrained in the oil. Furthermore, the system takes the differential pressure across the flow meter and media temperature into account, ensuring entrained air detection automatically, bunker operation stability and logging.

By understanding the bunker operation and the factors that influence it, as well as applying precise, trustworthy instrumentation and equipment, you will put yourself in the optimum position when bunkering!

Operation

Insatech Marine has developed and designed the operator interface and focused on its functionality and easy operation. We know it is vital to have an easy to use system in order to get benefits from it, as it will be handled by different crews, with different nationalities and experience. The system eases the processes related to raising protests and claims towards bunker suppliers.

A simple system to operate

The simple operation of the Bunker Management System is achieved by a clean and minimalistic design, that eliminates confusing elements and unnecessary information, while in depth and full data is still readily available to any user. It is done without compromising the compatibility and integrity of the system.

One-time setup

When the system has been installed and is ready to use, some basic set-up information is needed. Merely enter the ship’s name, IMO number and other obligatory data once, and the system will continuously use these for Bunker Reports and displays.

The bunker operation

The marine fuel oil flow is measured by the Coriolis Mass Flow Meter installed with the Bunker Management System. Pressure and temperature transmitters enhance the precision and functionality of the system, and an automatic control valve will help ensure that there is always sufficient back pressure, as well as provide the ability of an automatic and controlled partial shutdown, if the delivered bunker fuel is not acceptable.

Service, Maintenance and Support

If you require a service agreement as part of the system our skilled technicians are ready to service your vessel at all times. While the system requires minimal maintenance an occasional calibration of equipment is recommended.

Service and support is readily available

To constantly get highly accurate measurements, your marine equipment must function optimally. This means it must be calibrated according to the purpose, and therefore we provide service options, should the need arise. This is why we have our own technicians ready for service on board your vessel at all times, whether it is a planned service visit or a pressing and acute matter that needs immediate attention.

Minimal maintenance required

As the equipment used for the Bunker Management System is mostly constituted by components without moving parts, the need for active maintenance is minimal. Nonetheless there might be equipment in need of calibration or service from time to time, and depending on the specific setup, a service and maintenance plan will be issued with each individual Bunker Management System.