Testing bunker fuels is a necessity and not a luxury. Every well-run shipping company should test fuels routinely. This is as important as insuring your car against accidents. Even though, fuel related machinery problems are caused by only a small percentage of all the fuels supplied, the importance of regular fuel testing should not be underestimated. It is not only about fuel related problems but also about a more serious issue, namely the safety of lives onboard, where there can be no compromise.

Yes, there was a time when there were no residual fuels. All heavy fuel oils were straight run products. Today, all kinds of secondary refining processes are employed to extract the maximum quantity of lighter fractions, which provide greater price benefit to the refinery operator. The consequence of this is a residual fuel that is continuously deteriorating in quality. This is not the only problem. New regulations have been enforced to cut down the NOX & SOX emissions and even CO2emissions. These new regulations compel the refineries to make changes in their refining processes, which result in residual fuels that cause problems that are even more serious to the fuel user.

Fuel oil analysis protects ship operators by forewarning them about fuel-related troubles, and independently documents' fuel quality for insurance purposes. Moreover, this aspect is checked during oil major vetting inspections. Furthermore participation in a fuel testing program is proof that operators in marine industry is following industry's best practices advocated by the Tanker Manager Self assessment (TMSA) programme.

Fuel Oil Analysis comprises of a series of tests to determine the quality of the marine fuel supplied. Viswa Lab tests samples by both the ISO 8217:2005 and ISO 8217:2010 standards. The analyses conducted determine the characteristics of the fuel. More comprehensive testing, in addition to the tests recommended by the standard, may be required based on the initial findings and any problems faced by the vessel. Please refer to our section on Forensic Analysis of Problem Fuels for further information.

Viswa Lab Singapore and Viswa Lab Houston have successfully been accredited with ISO 17025, the highest level of lab accreditation that any lab can aspire.

Lube Oil analysis indicates the condition of the machinery and can identify potential of problems based on particle examination of oil.

In a complete and thorough analysis, a trained engineer performs a detailed microscopic examination of the wear debris noted in the Lube Oil to analyze whether there is abnormal machinery wear and tear.

Every Viswa Lab Lube Oil analysis report is studied and recommendations are made by highly experienced marine engineers (this is not a computer generated comment sent out mechanically). If necessary, additional tests are carried out for problem identification.

Fuel Oil Analysis comprises of a series of tests to determine the quality of the marine fuel supplied. Viswa Lab tests samples by both the ISO 8217:2005 and ISO 8217:2010 standards. The analyses conducted determine the characteristics of the fuel. More comprehensive testing, in addition to the tests recommended by the standard, may be required based on the initial findings and any problems faced by the vessel. Please refer to our section on Forensic Analysis of Problem Fuels for further information.

Viswa Lab tests the oils and also study the particles for their shape, size and numbers. The problem causing the generation of the particles can be identified by the science called Tribology. Viswa Lab has highly experienced Tribologists to perform this.

Viswa Lab tests more than 21 metals in the Lube Oil (compared to 8 or 9 metals tested by lube oil suppliers.

Tribology Studies

	Proactive machinery maintenance program intended to study the condition of lubricating/hydraulic/gear oil and the wear particles present in them.
	To determine the number, shape, size and metallurgy of wear particles. Studies
	To identify the cause of generation of various wear particles present.
	Determine 27 parameters of the lube/hydraulic/gear oil.
	Wear particle analysis using filter debris or particles in oil.
	Capture and magnify wear particles and identify cause of features on particles such as vibration, misalignment, overheated bearings, etc.

VISWA BUNKER QUANTITY SURVEYS (BQS), REMAINING ON BOARD (ROB) and SLUDGE SURVEYS (SS)

It is important to note that disputes on bunker quantity are about 8 times that of disputes on quality. When a fuel is being transferred from a refinery storage tank to another storage tank and then to a barge and then transferred to a ship, there is a lot of scope for errors and deliberate manipulations that will result in a difference between the quantity claimed to have been supplied and the quantity claimed to have been received by the ship.

This is where BQS and the competence and integrity with which it is performed become critical. This is where BQS and the competence and integrity with which it is performed become critical.

Viswa Lab is the one of the few labs accredited to ISO 17020 by Singapore Accreditation Council for the Bunker Quantity Survey Activity. ISO 17020 is an internationally recognized standard for the competence of inspection bodies.

Viswa Lab Surveyors are fully trained and in Singapore they are certified and they go through rigorous filtration process for competence, integrity, fair mindedness and leadership. They are required to stay on the vessel through the entire period of bunkering and to take measurements before and after for both the barge and the vessel, use their own measuring tapes and digital thermometers thereby ruling out problems such as cappuccino bunkers, hidden fuels and quantity disputes. The measurements, calculations and all relevant data are entered in elaborate documentation and signed by all parties. An interim report is issued immediately. After the density and water are counterchecked in the lab, the full report is issued.

Many owners ask Viswa Lab also to carry out ROB (Remaining on Board) and Sludge Surveys in order to further curtail potential manipulations and malpractices with regard to the quantity of fuel on board and to eliminate any nexus between ship staff and supply barge.

The entire operation is managed through very efficient software so that there are no loose ends. Surveyors provide a truthful account of the happenings on the ship without fear or favor. Viswa Lab has quickly established itself as a leader in Singapore and is expanding its activities in Europe and US. This service is provided for over 3,000 bunkerings annually mostly using own surveyors and a few close associates. Viswa Lab is working on installing its professional surveyors at all major ports globally We are routinely asked to carry out BQS even in cases where the recently introduced Coriolis instruments are in place. The BQS activity is consistent with Viswa Labs motto of Integrity, Quality and Customer Satisfaction.

Contamination and adulteration problems are endemic with bunker fuels. Added to this, process changes in the refineries, necessitated by the need for mandated low sulfur fuels, has introduced additional unwanted substances in the residual fuel. Since the international bunker standard fuel ISO 8217 barely attempts to look at contaminants in bunker fuel, additional tests are imperative. Please note para 5.1 below which is the only recourse available to fuel users.

"5 General requirements

5.1 The fuels shall be homogeneous blends of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. This shall not preclude the incorporation of small amounts of additives intended to improve some aspects of performance.

The fuels shall be free from inorganic acids and from used lubricating oils.

The fuel should not include any added substance or chemical waste which

	jeopardizes the safety of ships or adversely affects the performance of the machinery; or
	is harmful to personnel; or Studies
	contributes overall to additional air pollution"

Enlightened ship owners and operators carry out these additional tests in order to protect their interests and save themselves from serious losses. The tests most commonly carried out are listed below

	Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
	Acid Number (AN) Studies
	Strong Acid Number (SAN)
	Room Temperature H2S and Mercaptans
	Asphaltene
	Bacteria
	Stability / Compatibility Test
	Ignition and Combustion Properties Tests
	SEM/EDS analysis – Failure Analysis
	Polymers In Fuel by Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy-FTIR (confirmation of presence only)
	Particle count analysis
	H2S and Mercaptans at Elevated Fuel Pump Temperatures

Viswa Lab takes special pride in not only identifying but also quantifying contaminants, something that most laboratories do not perform. Viswa Lab has an extensive database of empirical studies conducted on fuels from every part of the world.

Asset protection is a very important aspect of running an enterprise. In shipping, the machinery, equipment and hull have to be maintained in top condition so that their asset value will diminish minimally over time. The substances that cause wear and tear of marine machinery and diminish their life are the particles of dirt and impurities in fuels and lubricating oils. Shipboard treatment systems are designed to reduce these particles as much as possible. The single most important equipment for on board treatment is the centrifugal purifier.

It is a pity that the performance of the purifier has not attracted the attention it deserves. Purifier settings, purifier performance, purifier condition including that of purifier heater, filter etc., have to be monitored constantly. Each time a ship takes in new bunker fuel the settings have to be re-adjusted for optimum performance. In addition it is important to determine how efficiently the purifier is removing impurities and water from the fuel.

Viswa Lab's patented Purifier Efficiency Determination (PED) services includes BASIC PED: The BASIC PED is based on spectroscopic analysis of the elements in the samples taken immediately before purifier and after the purifier, comparing the results and determining the purifier efficiency and ADVANCED PED: In addition to BASIC PED (spectroscopic evaluation) this method quantifies the size of the particles (particle size profiling) in the samples taken before and after the purifier. This method involves particle quantification in black oil and is proprietary to Viswa Lab. No other lab offers this service.

Total Fuel Management is a comprehensive service that provides:

	Advice on the fuel properties as analysed.
	Advice on optimizing performance of the fuel by chemical and mechanical manipulation. Studies
	Advise the customer where to buy the optimum fuel for the best price (optional service)

Based on the Ignition and Combustion Characteristics of the fuel, the TFM team advises the vessel how to maximize thermal efficiency by manipulating machinery controls.

The TFM has been very successful in achieving fuel savings of up-to 5%. Viswa Lab is currently performing this service for some of the largest shipping companies in the world.

Why Cylinder Oil Drain Analysis is important:

It gives information on:

	Combustion conditions in the cylinder
	Wear rate of the rubbing parts of the cylinder liner and piston ring Studies
	Adequacy of cylinder lubrication and the risks / danger of contamination of cylinder oil drain with crankcase oil
	Potential for major problems as a result of serious blow back in the engines

Cylinder Oil Drain Analysis is a detailed study that requires state of the art facilities in the lab to carry out a complete spectrum of tests and experienced staff to interpret results, study trend analysis and provide adequate prognosis of engine condition. Viswa Lab provides a succinct and easily understandable report which can be used by technical staff onboard the ship and ashore to quickly take important decisions pertaining to machinery condition. A saving of 0.4 gm per bhph on a 6 cylinder engine can generate a saving of nearly USD $60,000 in a year. Cylinder lube oils can cost up to 10% of the total fuel costs.

Failure analysis studies provide information to prevent recurrence of costly problems by systematic examination of failed devices. Detailed metallurgical analysis enables the ship operator to make insurance claims and to educate ship staff regarding defective operation of the machinery. Common components that fail include: Bearings, exhaust valves, piston rings, liners, etc. These fail due to defective machinery design, imperfections during metallurgical operations (such as casting, forging, welding, etc.) or during heat treatment operations, overloading of equipment, among other reasons.

Viswa Lab is recognized by insurance companies and P&I clubs as an authority in problem solving and determining the cause of machinery failure. It has a huge database of such failures. Major shipping companies who use fuel testing services of competitors still send all their problem cases to Viswa Lab for detailed investigation. Viswa Lab, like a true partner, holds the hands of its customers and walks them through these problems. Viswa Lab has helped customers, Insurance Companies, and P&I clubs in identifying the root cause of failure through Failure Analysis Studies.

Common failing devices include: Engine components, bearings, exhaust valves, piston rings, liners, etc. These fail due to defective design, metals, imperfections during metallurgical operations (such as casting, forging, welding, etc.) or during heat treatment operations, overloading of equipment, among other reasons.

To determine the combustion properties of residual fuels, we use a Fuel Tech Instrument (FCA/FIA-100 Fuel Combustion Analyzer AND FIA-100 Fuel Ignition Analyzer). These instruments gives Ignition Delay (ID), time for Start of Main Combustion (SMC) or Main Combustion Delay (MCD), Combustion Period (CP) and other parameters related to the combustion cycle.

Bunker Fuel Ignition and Combustion Studies are important.

Here's why:

	Given today's secondary refining processes, residual fuels fall short of adequacy in their ignition and combustion properties, in a very large number of cases - almost 70% of cases tested in the US.
	Bunker fuel Ignition and Combustion studies are recommended on a routine screening basis of a certain percentage of all bunker fuels tested and certain problem fuels. This provides information about the ignition and combustion properties of the fuel that is not available in routine bunker fuel testing. Studies
	This is especially relevant when the fuel is not burning properly or there is prolonged after-burning or there is incomplete and inefficient combustion. To determine the combustion properties of residual fuels, Viswa Lab uses the Fuel Tech Instrument (FCA/FIA-100 AND FIA-100).

Papers published by Viswa Lab on Ignition and Combustion Studies

Fuel users suffer operational problems and machinery damage when fuels with poor quality or contaminated / adulterated fuels are supplied. Viswa Lab has a huge database of such case histories. When a fuel related problem is experienced and Viswa Lab is consulted, detailed analysis is carried out to identify and quantify possible contaminants and any other fuel related machinery problems. The database has empirical data on contaminants that are present and at what levels these cause problems. This invaluable information and technical support is provided as the customer peruses his claim. Our service may extend to mediation, arbitration and litigation support. Viswa Lab also recommends the use of an international maritime experts specializing in claim recovery.

Every year Viswa Lab conducts Seminars and Training for the marine industry all over the world. We cover a variety of topics ranging from energy efficiency, improving engine performance and the latest industry regulations affecting bunker fuels. These Technical Seminars can be customized and provided at convenient location, in our Labs or via the web. Viswa Lab has started holding online interactive Webinars which have been received with great enthusiasm.

The objective of the services provided by Viswa will be to improve Energy Efficiency of the vessel through implementation of Energy Efficiency Management – EEOI and SEEMP.

The contribution from Viswa can be flexible depending upon the needs of the customer. Viswa will be involved in drafting the ship specific and company specific energy efficiency management plans. It will be involved in assessing the current practices onboard through visit to the ships and conducting audits on energy usage. Once the objectives and destinations are defined at corporate level and the planning processes have been established, Viswa can be involved in the implementation methodology and performance evaluation. Viswa has access to similar information on a global basis and the benefit of this will be passed on in setting targets for energy efficiency with continuous improvement and with methodologies for implementation. The expertise of Viswa will be available to the ships and the shore staff who are involved in Energy Efficiency Management. Viswa’s services will be available for training, motivation to create awareness and all similar activities.

The services to be provided by Viswa Lab can be module based.

A black box developed by Viswa will be located in the machinery control room. It will draw data from various sources on this. Such as

	Fuel Flow Meter
	Engine RPM
	Shaft Load
	And other sources

It will have a connection to GPS to measure the distance travelled in unit time. A software program will take data from all these sources. Apply it on the energy efficiency equation, recommended by IMO, calculate, transmit, display, energy efficiency of the vessel at desired intervals of time

Benefits of Service

Compliance with energy efficiency regulation requirement and continuous monitoring of energy efficiency and seeing the effect of various energy efficiency measures listed in this document. Most importantly, the black box ensures that there is no human interference, no manipulation of data and the energy efficiency information obtained is objective and scientific.

Lubricants provide a barrier between rubbing surfaces and prevent metallic wear. They consume 5% to 15% of the energy transmitted in order to provide this lubrication. This energy loss is used for overcoming churning losses and friction losses which are load, viscosity and chemistry dependent.

Viswa Lab Total Lube Management assists through the following services

A black box developed by Viswa will be located in the machinery control room. It will draw data from various sources on this. Such as

	Lube oil selection based on energy efficiency
	Lube oil selection based on asset protection Studies
	Lube condition monitoring including after market additives
	Lube and machinery data collection and analysis

It will have a connection to GPS to measure the distance travelled in unit time. A software program will take data from all these sources. Apply it on the energy efficiency equation, recommended by IMO, calculate, transmit, display, energy efficiency of the vessel at desired intervals of time

Benefits of Service

Compliance with energy efficiency regulation requirement and continuous monitoring of energy efficiency and seeing the effect of various energy efficiency measures listed in this document. Most importantly, the black box ensures that there is no human interference, no manipulation of data and the energy efficiency information obtained is objective and scientific.