CASE: Additional cooling capacity
In cases where the fuel supply system has originally been designed to solely handle HFO, there is typically no fuel cooling system installed. This is because the fuel properties of HFO do not require it to be cooled down in order to meet the engine manufacturer’s temperature and viscosity requirements at the engine inlet. However, when low-sulphur fuels are introduced to the fuel system - which contain significantly different properties to HFO - issues can occur when ensuring the correct fuel temperature and viscosity at engine inlet. This can lead to costly fuel system damage and potential down time.
Fuel Viscosity
The key to effectively managing fuel viscosity is by controlling its temperature. The correct fuel viscosity and temperature are crucial in ensuring engine and fuel system health. For example, low viscosity can cause engine problems; the guidelines provided by engine manufacturers must be followed to ensure the correct viscosity. When transitioning from HFO to LSFO, or MGO, it is important to know that the cooling capacity requirements will need to increase; additional cooling units are therefore required to ensure the correct viscosity at the engine inlet.
Similarly, increased cooling capacity can also be required when a vessel is trading in different climates around the world as the existing coolers may not have enough capacity to maintain the required fuel temperature in, for example, tropical conditions.
One solution is to install an additional auxiliary cooling or chilling unit. Auramarine chiller(s) provide more cooling capacity and enable the right fuel temperature and viscosity within the limits specified by the engine manufacturer.
How Auramarine can help
Firstly, you need to contact the Auramarine Lifecycle Services/Modernisation team.
We will then conduct a thorough technical review of your fuel supply system, to define a needs analysis and propose the right cooling capacity solutions while taking into consideration the engine room dynamic, the fuel supply system set up, as well as each vessel’s operational requirements. We will then provide a proposed solution for review. On approval, we will update the drawings and documentation and can also provide the classification materials and project management support as agreed case by case. If the cooler/chiller is added to an existing Auramarine booster, we will update the PI-diagram accordingly.
In the case of a third-party fuel system containing loose components,i Auramarine can also help by supplying suitable components (coolers, chillers, automatic filters). After the delivery of the equipment to the preferred location we can then provide commissioning and installation supervision if required. The installation can also be arranged by the ship owner’s preferred partner or by shipyard. The installation of an additional cooler or chiller will require changes to fuel system (fuel and cooling water piping, electrics changes) which will also need to be taken into consideration when planning the task. On completion of the installation, our team will continue to provide ongoing support with our lifecycle services and spare parts services.