Marine fuel pumping problems

Any time residual fuel or marine fuel pumping problems occur, the first place to begin looking for the source of the problem would be the viscosity of the fuel. Pumps are designed and rated to move fluids within a fixed viscosity range. When a fluid s viscosity is either above or below the recommended viscosity range, pumping problems will eventually result. 

Residual fuel oils and heavy marine fuels are composed of high-boiling-petroleum fractions, gas oils and cracked components. Residual and clarified oil streams from the FCC process can contain degraded alumina/silica catalyst fines. These 20- to 70-micron-diameter fines are known to contribute to a variety of problems in fuel injection and combustion systems. In marine engines, excessive injector pump wear, piston ring wear, and cylinder wall wear can all be due to the abrasive action of catalyst fines on these fuel system parts. 

Pumping Problems with Residual Fuel and Marine Fuel Oils... 

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