What Fuel Oil Monitoring Covers
Since the IMO 2020 sulphur cap came into force, fuel quality management has become significantly more complex. Vessels now routinely handle a wider range of fuel types - VLSFO blends, MGO, biofuel blends — that vary considerably in their chemical composition and compatibility. Alongside the traditional quality parameters, operators now need to monitor several additional risk areas:
Sulphur content - compliance with the 0.50% global sulphur cap and the 0.10% limit in ECAs requires accurate on-board measurement. A portable XRF sulphur analyser delivers laboratory-grade results in minutes, from a 10 ml sample, with no reagents required.
Fuel compatibility - blending incompatible fuels causes asphaltene precipitation, which blocks filters and fuel lines rapidly. A compatibility tester identifies incompatible combinations before blending occurs, protecting the fuel treatment system and engine.
Catalytic fines (cat fines) - residual fuels refined using catalytic cracking contain aluminium and silicon particles that are among the most abrasive substances a marine engine encounters. Cat fines above 60 mg/kg in the fuel as delivered can cause severe and rapid wear to fuel pumps, injectors, and cylinder liners. On-board cat fines test kits detect elevated levels quickly, allowing operators to increase separator efficiency or make alternative arrangements before damage occurs.
Viscosity - fuel must be within the correct viscosity range for efficient atomisation and combustion. Too high or too low, and combustion quality suffers, injector wear increases, and fuel consumption rises. A heated viscometer provides accurate on-board measurement for both residual and distillate fuels.
Density - density measurement verifies the grade of fuel delivered against the bunker delivery note and supports accurate mass flow calculations.
Water in fuel - water contamination causes microbiological growth, filter blocking, and can lead to injector damage and flame-outs. Detection at the point of treatment allows operators to respond before water reaches the engine.
Flash point - a flash point below 60°C in fuel intended for use in machinery spaces is a safety and regulatory concern. On-board flash point testers provide a fast automated result from a small sample.
