New fuels pose challenges for lubes and additives

A particular problem with low sulphur residual fuels is the increased severity of the viscosity-breaking process used by petroleum refiners. The blending process can cause severe instability problems which may not be apparent immediately, but which can cause severe problems with asphaltenic sludge in tanks, filters and from the purifier, says Jonas Östlund, product marketing manager, marine chemicals, Wilhelmsen Ships Service.