Investigating Fuel Oil Separator Technology - A Study of New Technology and Current Fuel Oil Separators Aboard Vessels

Abstract

This study investigates and evaluates fuel oil separators used in the maritime industry. The evaluation of the fuel oil separators was done using two main factors: economic impact to shipping companies and environmental impact. To investigate this, a survey was sent out to Swedish maritime agencies and vessels asking the engineers questions related to fuel oil separators aboard their vessels. The survey was then used as a baseline for the evaluation of all three fuel oil separators. The analysis showed that, in current vessels, the centrifugal separator is the only separator currently used. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that in terms of economic and environmental impact, the filter separator is the best fuel oil separator in the current market. Not only will the company save money on spare parts, but the engineers on-board will not need to spend as much time on the fuel oil separators.