Class 2 (2nd Engineer) MEKG 📅 Sep 2019

Exam Question

Damage has occurred to the main engine valves and the fuel supplied at a particular port is suspected. The owner's case, however, in the subsequent dispute may be weak because the fuel was ordered specifying only type and viscosity.

(a) Apart from fuel specification, describe how you, as Second Engineer, should have assisted the owner's case when receiving the suspect fuel.

(b) Describe the ISO fuel standard that is to be used when ordering fuel.

(d) Suggest, with reasons, why particular mention should be made of certain elements that might not be included in the fuel standard.

Reference Answer

(a) As a second engineer, I would have sent the sample of suspected fuel for laboratory analysis to receive a detailed report about the impurities present in the fuel. Impurities such as vanadium, sodium, asphaltenes in unacceptable quantity will lead to damage to the machinery parts. This detail could have assisted the surveyor's case. Listed below is the ill effects:
Vanadium combines with sodium and sulphur during combustion process to form eutectic compounds [Penta Sodium Vanadate] which lowers the melting point to about 450°C. These molten compounds are very corrosive and attack the components such as exhaust valves & piston crown.
A high asphaltene content indicates that fuel may be difficult to ignite and will burn slowly. This will contribute to deposit formation in combustion chamber and exhaust system, especially at low engine loads.
(b) Recognised fuel standards ISO 8217-2017 for Marine residual fuel RMG 380

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