Month: July 2022

FINDINGS & INSIGHTS

Since the last alert (BF202207-01) dated on 05-July-2022 on Chemical Contaminants in Fuels from ARA Region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Antwerp), CTI-Maritec has kept a close watch on the fuel quality in the region. More recently, several VLSFOs delivered in this region are still observed with the presence of chemical contaminants. These VLSFOs also indicated elevated potassium content and acid number.

Forensic analysis by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry techniques, specifically ASTM D7845 GC/MS and Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) GC/MS, on some of the samples revealed the presence of the following compound groups at abnormally high concentrations

• Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides (>1000ppm)
• Alkylresorcinols (>2000ppm)
• Phenolic compounds (>1000ppm)

It is difficult to determine a safe concentration level suitable for marine diesel engine usage or the baseline wherein machinery problems may occur.  Due to the severity of the Machinery problems faced, we urge vessel operators to continue pre-emptively testing the fuels bunkered in the region by accredited test methods to detect these contaminants assessing the risk each bunker stem has on the vessel machinery.

Recommendation by CTI-Maritec:

1. Obtain quality assurance and test proof from suppliers on the absence of contaminants in the intended stem prior bunker delivery (This will require testing beyond the scope of standard ASTM D7845-20 test method)
2. Plan your bunkers well in advance to keep the incoming fuel segregated and reduce the risk of comingling.
3. Ensure sampling procedure during bunkering is witnessed by both supplier and receiver and sample bottles are counter-sealed and same recorded in the Bunker Delivery Note.
4. Be aware of your bunker supply contract and the notification time limit stipulated to flag potentially problematic fuels to the supplier.
5. Look for signs of abnormally high potassium content (>110ppm) and/or high total acid number (>1.5mgkoh/g) and pre-emptively analyze the bunker fuel by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) that can reveal the presence of undesirable compounds in the fuel thus safeguarding vessel operations.
6. Where chemical compounds have been detected, gather sufficient evidence to support further investigation. Proceed to conduct joint analysis in agreement with the supplier by an independent laboratory capable of detecting the compounds to determine the compliance with ISO8217 clause 5 – General Requirements.

This document however does not reflect on the overall quality of fuel being supplied at ARA region.

Maritec Pte Ltd can assist you in with further information on quality of bunkers tested in different regions. If you require any other information or assistance do not hesitate to contact us

DOWNLOAD BUNKER_FLASH_BF202207-05

FINDINGS & INSIGHTS

Recently MARITEC has investigated 5 VLSFO samples that were bunkered in the US-Gulf region between June to July 2022. Operational Feedback was received from 2 vessels that had used these fuels indicating issues such as excessive wear of fuel pump plungers, barrels, and fuel injectors.

Further investigation through forensic analysis by ASTM D7845 Direct Injection and Solid Phase Extraction GCMS methods, has indicated these fuels to have an uncharacteristic detection of chemical species, specifically:

• Tetrachloroethylene (Chlorinated Organic Compound) at concentration less than 100ppm
• FAME at concentrations 300 to 400ppm
• Fatty Acids at concentrations between 50-2000ppm

Though there is insufficient literature that the presence of these compounds especially at these concentration levels causing issues as mentioned above, it remains a cause of concern as they are not natural products of a refinery stream.

Through experience and feedback from vessel usage, these compounds primarily affect the fuel service system resulting in excessive wear of injection components.

It may not always be possible to get a thorough GCMS analysis along with the supplier’s Certificate of Quality prior bunkering. If you are planning to bunker in this region, we recommend ensuring correct sampling procedure and proper documentation is carried out onboard to ensure true representation of the bunkered fuel. Record any event and document evidence indicating any operational issues faced onboard by the vessel during the fuel usage.

Alternatively, CTI-Maritec advises to pre-emptively conduct GCMS by D7845 and Solid Phase Extract to look out for such deleterious material and check whether the fuel supplied to the vessel contravenes stipulations of the MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 18.3 & ISO 8217 Clause 5 both of which mentions that marine fuels supplied to the ships should be free from chemical waste or added substances at quantities that may jeopardize the safety or adversely affects the performance of the machinery.

This document however does not reflect on the overall quality of fuel being supplied at US Gulf region, it is however advised to take the necessary precautions as indicated above.

Maritec Pte Ltd can assist you in with further information on quality of bunkers tested in different regions. If you require any other information or assistance do not hesitate to contact us.

DOWNLOAD BF202207-04

FINDINGS & INSIGHTS

Maritec has tested several VLSFOs delivered in the ARA region to be observed with the presence of chemical contaminants in the recent months. These VLSFOs also indicated elevated potassium content and acid number.

From these samples, CTI-Maritec has obtained feedback from vessels encountering rapid and excessive wear on fuel pumps on main propulsion engines and a tendency for increased deposit formation in the exhaust system.

Figure 1: Exhaust grid fouling
Figure 2: Turbocharger Nozzle Ring fouling
Figure 3: Fuel Pump Plunger wear down

Forensic analysis by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry techniques, specifically ASTM D7845 GC/MS and Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) GC/MS, on some of the samples revealed the presence of the following compound groups at abnormally high concentrations

• Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides (>1000ppm)
• Alkylresorcinols (>2000ppm)
• Phenolic compounds (>1000ppm)

Fatty acids and Monoglycerides are acidic compounds commonly found in fuels where the FAME content has broken down in the presence of water and have known to cause costly accelerated wear in fuel oil injection pumps. The presence of these compounds can also suggest an inclusion of substandard Bio-fuels into the blend. This also explains the high potassium content in the fuel as Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is one of the possible catalysts used in the production of bio-diesel. The separation of the spent catalyst out from the final product is a complicated and expensive process. The increased potassium can also contribute towards the total ash forming tendency of the fuel leading to abnormal deposit formation in post combustion exhaust system components.

The presence of Alkylresorcinols and phenolic compounds suggests the inclusion of shale oil which is allowed as per the definition of ‘petroleum fuel’ in ISO 8217 standards. CTI-Maritec’s experience however has shown that the presence of these compounds tends to cause fuel instability leading to issues like filter blockages and purifier bowl overloading. This is despite the Total Sediment potential tests being within specification. Any sludge not capable of being removed by the fuel treatment system can cause combustion issues in the main engine.

If your vessel is expected to bunker in the ARA region; CTI Maritec advises to check the pre-bunkering certificate of quality or Manifold sample test results for signs of abnormally high potassium content (>110ppm) and/or high total acid number (>1.5mgkoh/g) and pre-emptively analyze the bunker fuels by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) that can reveal the presence of undesirable compounds in the fuel thus safeguarding vessel operations.

In every case, CTI Maritec urges bunker fuel receivers to ensure thorough attention is given to the witnessing of correct sampling procedures during bunkering, counter-sealing and recording of seals in the bunker delivery note and any other documentation required to ensure correct representative samples are obtained during the bunkering process.

Collecting objective evidence on the storage, treatment and usage of the fuel is to be always given a high priority in the event an operational problem occurs to determine if the fuel used was one of the root causes for a machinery failure.
This document however does not reflect on the overall quality of fuel being supplied at ARA region.

Maritec Pte Ltd can assist you in with further information on quality of bunkers tested in different regions. If you require any other information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us

DOWNLOAD BUNKER_FLASH