FUEL CHANGEOVER SYSTEM
Automated, SECA-compliant fuel changeover between HFO and low-sulphur fuels, controlled from a single touchscreen.
safe and controlled fuel changeover
What is a marine fuel changeover system?
A fuel changeover system automates the switch between high-sulphur heavy fuel oil (HFO) and low-sulphur marine fuels such as MGO, ULSFO, LFO or DFO when a vessel enters or exits a sulphur emission control area (SECA). Auramarine's system manages this transition through continuous viscosity and temperature monitoring, keeping the engine and fuel system within safe operating limits throughout the process.
The system suits both newbuilds and retrofits and is delivered as part of a complete Auramarine fuel supply system.
Automated, touchscreen-controlled operation
Auramarine's fuel changeover system runs the entire process automatically, using live viscosity and temperature sensor feedback, and is operated from a 7" touchscreen.
The vessel does not need to reduce speed during changeover, and the system adapts to varying engine loads, fuel consumption rates and fuel system volumes.
Why fuel changeover requires precise control
HFO and low-sulphur marine diesel fuels have very different viscosity profiles. Fuel temperature in the system can differ by up to 100°C between the two fuel types, and viscosity must be controlled through heating or cooling to keep both fuels within a safe operating range.
Three conditions govern a safe changeover:
- Viscosity must not drop below 2 cSt.
- Viscosity must not exceed the engine's maximum limit.
- Temperature change rate at the engine inlet must not exceed 2°C per minute.
Getting this wrong carries real risk: too low a viscosity weakens the fuel's lubricating properties and can cause fuel pump sticking, injection pressure losses, or difficulties at start-up and low load. Poorly managed transitions can also interrupt fuel supply, risking reduced engine power or, in the worst case, loss of propulsion.
Standard scope of delivery
- Fuel selector control panel with 7" touchscreen, mounted on a control cabinet door or supplied as a standalone component
- Temperature sensors for process feedback
- Main changeover valves, sized and specified per project
- Feeder line cooler
- Cooler with capacity control
Additional cooling capacity is available through Auramarine modular chillers (AMC). Installation, fuel system diagram updates, commissioning and turn-key delivery packages are all available to support integration into the wider fuel supply system.