Technical Discussion

• Fuel oil with low viscosity
• Oleg Borscevskij
  O.W. Bunker Klaipeda
  GMT 12:54
  3rd Jun 2008

  OW Bunker Klaipeda makes physical supplies in Klaipeda port.
  We get inquiries for IFO 380 cst. In fact we our fuel oil viscosity is 170 cst.
  Some vessels operators refuse to take fuel oil with viscosity 170 cst saying that it can reject engine. Commercial issues doesn't matter because we sell IFO 170 by price of IFO 380.
  1. Are shipowners right?
  2. What if instead of IFO 380 to use IFO 30? Will be some technical problems with engine?
  
  Best regards,
  Oleg Borscevskij
  Managing director
  
• Dr. Ram Vis
  Viswa Lab Corp.
  

  

  
  GMT 21:09
  3rd Jun 2008
  IP: x.x.203.241

  To the best of our knowledge, engines that use 380 cSt can use 180 cSt fuel. In fact, 180 cSt fuels have greater percentage of lighter fractions and engines should have no problems with this
  
  With regard to IFO 30, the viscosity is very low - somewhat near distillate fuels. When it comes to low viscosity fuels, engine makers have some reservations about running for long periods on low viscosity fuels. This has got to be checked out with the engine maker before using for long periods. However for short periods of upto 48 hrs, there appears to be no big problem. This is an assurance given by engine makers to California air regulation board authorities.
  
• Oleg Borscevskij
  O.W. Bunker Klaipeda
  GMT 13:14
  9th Jun 2008
  IP: x.x.247.60

  Thank you for information but the question about fuel of low viscosity is not clear yet finally.
  We did not speak about low viscosity fuels like gasoil or others of that group but about fuels of air distillation with the same sulphur content - 2,5%. In this case there is no necessity to change cylinder oils as in case with gasoil.
  Please specify your comments.
  
  Best regards,
  Dr. Jurij Vorzev
  
• Dr. Ram Vis
  Viswa Lab Corp.
  

  

  
  GMT 01:51
  10th Jun 2008
  IP: x.x.203.241

  The engine makers objection is not because of the sulphur criteria alone. There are other issues concerning fuel spray characteristics in the combustion space which may not be ideal when lower viscosity fuels are used on a long term basis. Will try to get more information and pass on to you.