WSS warning over low-sulphur fuels

Distillate fuels can cause blockages in fuel lines, damage fuel pumps and injectors and in some cases contribute to the loss of engine power, according to Jonas Östlund, product marketing manager marine chemicals for WSS.

“If you are aware of the fuel’s basic properties and limitations, and are prepared to treat your distillates in order to manage and maximise their performance, they pose few challenges,” said Östlund.

In addition to lubricity issues associated with some low-sulphur fuels, WSS notes that the refinery process also eliminates naturally occurring antioxidants, which can cause the fuel to deteriorate. In response, refineries treat distillate fuels with stabilisers to prevent deterioration and the formation of peroxides, the forerunners to soluble gums.

But stabilisers have a limited shelf life, typically of six months, after which deterioration can begin. This can lead to the formation of deposits, especially on fuel injectors. The deterioration in fuel can also be tackled with additives.

“For many customers working within the constraints of the sulphur cap this added complexity is totally unwanted and unnecessary,” said Östlund. “Instead they are choosing to fall back on additional fuel treatments. Using proven products will significantly improve the lubricity of low-sulphur distillate fuel, reducing component wear.”

WSS released a range of Fuel Oil Treatment products, designed specifically for marine distillate low-sulphur fuels in 2014 in anticipation of regulatory changes. The company claims that its DieselPower Enhancer maintains both fuel stability and improving lubricity.