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Fuel Testing
There are several fundamental differences in the requirements for fuel testing compared to monitoring lubricating oil.
Firslty, lubricating oil is a highly technical product containing additives to perform many functions. Conversely residual fuel oil basically a waste product, unwanted by the refinery. The aim fuel testing is not to detect subtle trends but merely to confirm that the product conforms to a set of minimum standards such as those detailed in ISO 8217.
The second difference is that as the fuel is used and consumed in the process, only one set of fuel testing is required on any one delivery.
Options for Fuel Testing
Just as with lubricants there are three options for fuel testing available: Do nothing, do something, or use a laboratory. All have advantages or otherwise.
1. The "do nothing" option implies that the source of the fuel is very reliable and probably the vessel is on a dedicated run taking fuel from the same point on every occasion. It is not the best policy for avoiding problems, especially when residual fuel is being bought.
2. "Do something" generally consists of good practice during the bunkering operation to ensure that a representative sample of the fuel is obtained. This can then be stored for future reference in case of problems and/or tested on board the vessel for a number of key parameters. Modern test equipment is quick to operate and will provide very accurate results for water, density, viscosity, salt, compatibility or stability. An advantage of fuel testing on board the vessel is that results are available immediately and before the fuel has to be used. In the event of problems it is therefore possible to mitigate the eventual cost, a very good position in instances of legal actions.
3. The third option is to use a laboratory for fuel testing and this provides the best protection in the event of problems. The main fuel testing services such as FOBAS and DNV offer a fast and reliable service providing both test results and a view on the significance of these results. Should problems arise they are on hand to provide detailed technical support that is often beyond the capabilities of a hard-pressed marine superintendent.
In many instances both options two and three are used for immediate results and a thorough verification as further insurance against potential problems.
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