QUESTION 8 Page 3

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State why onboard testing of fuel oil whilst taking bunkers can be advantageous. (3)
(b) State how a representative fuel sample may be obtained during the bunkering
operation. (3)
(c) Explain how EACH of the following is formed during the combustion of fuel:-
(i) Oxides of Nitrogen, NOx (ii) Carbon Monoxide, CO (iii) Oxides of Sulphur, SOx (6)
(d) State how the effects of sulphurous products of combustion on the engine system
may be reduced (4)
a) On-board testing of the fuel could be carried out during the bunker operation
by one of the engineering staff not required to supervise or monitor the
bunkering operation. The following tests could be carried out:
 Water content
 Viscosity
 Density
 Compatibility
 Check for abrasive fines
Although the tests are not as accurate as a shore based laboratory the tests would
indicate whether the fuel loaded is the same as the fuel quality ordered and therefore
the bunker receipt.

b) A representative sample would be obtained by a permanent sampling probe

fitted close to the bunkering manifold. The rate of sampling would ensure that a
sampling quantity required is taken over the full duration of the bunkering operation.
The sample container is then thoroughly mixed before being poured into new, clean
containers. The containers are then sealed and signed before being sent to the shore
testing facility.

c) Oxides of nitrogen are formed when the nitrogen in the fuel, and some of the
nitrogen in the air combines with the oxygen present during combustion in the heat of
the combustion process. The quantity of NOx produced is dependant on the
temperature and duration of combustion, and the quantity of oxygen present in the
combustion space.
Carbon monoxide is formed when the level of oxygen within the combustion
space is insufficient to provide complete combustion to carbon dioxide. As usually
there is ample oxygen within a diesel engine, readings of carbon monoxide indicate
the present of pockets of fuel rich mixtures burning locally without enough oxygen,
hence poor fuel/air mixing from incorrect atomisation and air turbulence will cause
carbon monoxide levels to rise.
Sulphur oxides are formed when the sulphur in the fuel reacts with the oxygen
to form sulphur monoxide and dioxide. Increasing levels of fuel sulphur content will
increase the sulphur oxides produced.
d) In order to reduce the effects of the sulphurous products the following can be
used:
 Reduce the level of sulphur in the fuel by using low sulphur fuels
 Counteract the condensation rate of the sulphur oxides by elevating metal
temperatures at the cylinder walls, and the skin temperature of the exhaust gas
boiler tubes
 Use of high alkaline lubricating oils to counteract-neutralise the acids formed on
condensation.
 Increased frequency of cleaning of the exhaust gas boiler and turbocharger gas
turbine