Ignition and Combustion Characteristics of Marine Fuels

Abstract

This paper reviews a number of real incidents whereby fuels, apparently fully meeting ISO 8217 specifications, have caused significant damage to compression ignition engines or given rise to serious operational problems.
This reviews the analytical techniques used to identify the root causes of the problems. In particular, a relatively new technique-the FIA-is reviewed. This assesses the ignition and combustion characteristics of residual fuels and how, based on our R & D activities, the data obtained from this technique relates to the engine derived data.
Also, reviewed is the mechanism for the scuffing of cylinder liners and piston rings due to poor ignition and the combustion characteristics of marine fuels, together with recommended cylinder oils and the installation of continuous cylinder liner monitoring system. This, in order to prevent scuffing due to abnormal ignition and the combustion characteristics of marine fuels.