|
EFFECTIVE FUEL TREATMENT BY APPLYING FUEL HOMOGENISING TECHNIQUE:
The quality of intermediate and heavy distillate fuel is an increasing worry for many users. The regulations as stipulated in Annex VI of Marpol 73/78 describe stricter emission limitations. These have an effect on new as well as existing ships. The decreasing quality results in sediment formation during storage, general fuel (treatment) system fouling, high engine wear and consequently increasing emissions.
Asphaltenes
So, what is happening with this fuel? The long asphaltene chains within a distillate fuel have the tendency to cluster into big particles of even over 100 micron in size. When this tendency becomes excessive, or even out of control, a fuel is considered unstable. These big particles consist of complex high calorie combustible hydrocarbons yet are unusable in this phase due to their size. The separator, that is designed to take parts out that have a relatively higher density, will remove these. The separator therefor has an important task. It is a fact however that there are many separators that no longer function efficiently due to setting changes on board (flow increase). Also a good product’s efficiency depends on its operator. As a result, larger particles will continue their journey to clog filters and to burn incompletely.
FTS can offer a homogeniser for each specific installation, small or large.
How does it work? The electrical driven unit consists of a rotor and stator, both with a specific shape and profile, running with over 3000 rpm and with a very narrow gap between them. The fuel is pumped through the unit and as such is subjected to high shear forces and ultrasonic waves. The combination of shear and sound breaks up all organic particles without adding anything to the fuel. The treatment does not involve any metallic contact. The rotor and stator therefore do not suffer from any wear. A homogeniser from FTS is suitable for 2 and 4 stroke engines and depending on the application can treat gasoil as well as >500 cSt HFO.
A FTS homogeniser only minimizes the size of weak particles. Solids are left unharmed..
Homogenizing by FTS will not reduce the size of harmful solid particles which has been proven by analyzing fuel samples. The treatment is therefore not in conflict or harmful to any other equipment. In the contrary, homogenizing improves all equipment’s functioning and can therefore be considered a welcome addition with a short return on investment.
1. SLUDGE REDUCTION (FTS-SR):
This unit must be installed prior and in line with the fuel separator. It will drastically unload the separator from which the shooting intervals can be extended considerably without reducing it’s efficiency. The formation of sludge can then be reduced with over 80%.
An average fuel treatment plant produces sludge in a quantity around 2% of the daily consumption. (At least 1% according Marpol) F.e. if your daily consumption is 50 T and calculating with a careful 1% only, the plant produces 0,5 Ton of sludge. Reducing it by 80% saves you appr. 165 T of good fuel per year which will save you close to 27.500 U$. Shore discharge costs for sludge have not even been included.
A FTS-FO Sludge Prevention homogeniser will save you money.
2. COMBUSTION IMPROVEMENT (FTS-C):
This unit must be installed prior to the fine filter of the engine. It results in a smooth combustion that will lead to a much cleaner engine. The ‘life’ of the fuel pumps will increase drastically, so will the engine oil. Further more, the combustion will be close to smoke free. There will be hardly any fauling of the exhaust gas side.
A FTS-Combustion Optimisation homogeniser results in a clean and reliable system.
3. WATER IN FUE EMULSIFICATION (FTS-WFE):
The engine manufacturers recognize that a stabile Water in Diesel Emulsion will result in lower combustion temperatures that will lead to a drastic NOx reduction. F.e. 20 % water will result in 20% NOx reduction (depending on engine type/position/configuration). This can be a low cost option for existing ships, with emissions just above the Marpol limits, travelling in sensitive areas.
A FTS-Water in Diesel Emulsification homogeniser reduces NOx emissions.
4. WASTE OIL RE-GENERATION (FTS-Recycling):
It is very difficult to incinerate waste oil consisting of various types of oil. It requires a lot of extra gasoil and will then still result in excessive burner / boiler fauling due to it’s poor combustion quality. Treatment with a homogeniser will result in a homogenous fluid that will no longer require the addition of expensive gasoil. Some oily water can easily be emulsified and burned
A FTS-Waste Oil Recycling homogeniser takes care of economics and the environment.
|
