FOBAS: High catfines in fuels from Singapore

Recently FOBAS tested several residual fuel samples from Singapore, that exceeded the 60 mg/kg limit, for Aluminium + Silicon as stipulated in the ISO 8217:2010/12/17 specification. The fuels tested had values of these catfines, ranging between 74 to 97 mg/kg.

As stated, Al+Si content at these concentrations may not readily reduce to acceptable levels (< 15 mg/kg at the engine inlet) by means of normal onboard treatment. Carry over of abrasive Al+Si material may lead to damage to fuel pumps/injectors and cylinder components.