There have been numerous occasions were operational problems were observed by the use of Marine Fuels complying with the ISO8217 standard.These fuels blocked filters, damaged the fuel pumps or even the engines, and exhibited poor burn quality.
In Tribocare, we have the knowledge and the means to protect our customers from those fuels prior to use, as well as assist themin defining the root cause of the problem and proceed to the required actions after facing the problems.
Except ISO8217 routine testing we are offering as well the following advanced testing:

Headspace GC-MS Analysis for Chemical Contaminants

GC-MS headspace screening is a high-end forensic, yet rapid technique, to identify the presence of known common chemical contaminants, before the fuel is actually burnt and this adds an additional level of damage prevention and asset protection to the vessel.

GC-MS Comprehensive Analysis

In order to provide highly accurate quantitative analysis at potentially low detection limits, GCMS Direct-injection is the ultimate forensic tool in specific chemical identification. Used specifically in post-burn fuel quality investigation, this technique requires a high degree of analytical chemistry expertise and experience, but can provide detailed evidence in fuel quality disputes.

Asphaltene Content Analysis

High asphaltene content fuels have the greater tendency to form sludge especially when blended with incompatible hydrocarbons. If the paraffinic nature of the hydrocarbon medium increases then the asphaltene separation may occur.

Separability Number

Separability number (SN), also referred to as reserve stability number (RSN), indicates the resistance of a residual fuel oil to form sludge. Separability number determines the extent an oil phase separates from the colloidally aggregated asphaltenes upon the addition of a paraffinic solvent. High separability number is an indication of asphaltene aggregation resulting a poor stability reserve of the oil. Separability number is an excellent accompaniment to the routinely hot filtration methods. It can identify potentially troublesome fuels (unstable) even when the HFT method is indicating a low sediment content. Conversely, it may indicate that a high sediment fuel is in fact quite stable and unlikely to form sludge. This information in combination, is extremely useful from an operational perspective, as it will indicate in advance if and what mitigation steps are appropriate.

FAME Content (ASTM D7963)

Clause 5.1 of ISO 8217:2017 mentions “The DMA, DMZ, DMB and RM grades shall not include FAME other than a “de minimis” level. In the context of this document, “de minimis” means an amount that does not render the fuel unacceptable for use in marine applications that are not designed or suited to handling fuels containing FAME.” By analyzing acc to the ASTMD7963 we can identify the presence of FAMEs in the fuels. The presence of significant concentration of biofuel and water in the fuel can facilitate microbial growth which can lead to sludging and thereby filter clogging.

Catfines Size Distribution

Studies have indicated that not only the cat fines concentration but also the size of the cat fines plays a part in the wear process. Evaluating the size of Catfineshas proven useful, especially, in trouble shooting cases. It can be used in conjunction with Purifier Testing.

Other

Based in the description of the operational problems faced, additional tests like acidity, Toluene-Xylene Equivalents or others can be proposed and performed by Tribocare, in order to find the root of the complications.