Viswa Group

Fuel Insights and Predictions for 2021 and Beyond

Viswa Group is hosting a webinar on Mar 24 to discuss topics that will address concerns all along the supply chain to the usage of the fuel.

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Learning about fuels

2020 was an incredible year of transition and this trend will continue into 2021 and beyond.  Regulatory pressures will require compliance with a transition to lower GHG emissions.

Learning about fuels both existing and futuristic, their advantages and disadvantages will help navigate this change better.

Topics discussed

Please...

https://mfame.guru/fuel-insights-and-predictions-for-2021-and-beyond/

Addendum: Excessive Linear Wear While using VLSFOs

The Viswa group published a White Paper in April 2020 to explain the possible root cause of liner wear and scuffing issues when using Very Low Sulfur Fuels (VLSFOs). 

Below is Viswa’s Addendum to its white paper on Linear Wear. 

Possible causes of damage

Approximately 16% of the problem cases encountered by the shipowners in 2020 (as reported to us) were related to liner wear and scuffing issues. 

Viswa’ White Paper discussed the possible causes of damage to cylinder liners and piston rings. 

We...

https://mfame.guru/addendum-excessive-linear-wear-while-using-vlsfos/

Mere Lab Level Tests Scant for New VLSFO Lubricants, Says Viswa Group

  • Importance of lubricant testing for low sulphur bunker fuel.
  • Mere lab level tests are not enough for newly formulated lubricating oils.
  • Lubricant & additive companies developing new cylinder oils with new additive packages to take care of new VLSFOs.
  • Bench tests need modification to accommodate the new fuel characteristics.
  • Testing processes, methods, and procedures upgradation.

Viswa Group highlights the importance of lubricant testing for LSFO and also emphasizes that mere lab level tests...

https://mfame.guru/mere-lab-level-tests-scant-for-new-vlsfo-lubricants-says-viswa-group/

All You Need To Know About Biodiesel Fuel Oil Blends (VLSFOs)

Viswa Group in its latest technical updates has released a white paper on Biodiesel Fuel Oil blends (VLSFOs).

Here’s an abstract of the report.

Distribution of commodities 

The shipping industry allows for mass production and transportation of goods and cargo on a global and domestic scale via the distribution of these commodities using ocean-going vessels as a more fuel-efficient and cost-effective method when compared with other modes of distribution. 

Usage of residual fuel

The use of residual...

https://mfame.guru/all-you-need-to-know-about-biodiesel-fuel-oil-blends-vlsfos/

Viswa Group Releases White Paper on Ignition & Combustion Properties of VLSFO’s

Viswa Group, in its latest technical update has published the white paper focusing on the ignition combustion properties of VLSFOs determined using the Fuel Ignition/Combustion Analyzer (FIA -100/FCA). 

Abstract 

New 2020 VLSFOs 

The new 2020 Very Low Sulfur Fuels(VLSFOs) have become the most widely used fuel in 2020 since the IMO sulfur regulations.  

Complex chemical nature

The chemical nature of VLSFOs has been very complex, owing to the fact that these are hybrid fuels made by blending multiple...

https://mfame.guru/viswa-group-releases-white-paper-on-ignition-combustion-properties-of-vlsfos/

Insist for Actual Flash Point Values from Supplier, Alerts Viswa Lab

Viswa Group in it’s recent technical update, alerts about identifying 4 fuels with low flashpoint (57, 57, 57 and 59 degC) from the Turkish ports. 

Fuels with low flashpoint

Over the last three weeks, Viswa Lab has identified 4 fuels with low flashpoint (57, 57, 57 and 59 degC)  from the Turkish ports of Ahirkapi, Aliaga and Istanbul. 

All 4 supplies were Low Sulfur distillate fuels (LSMGO). The off-spec fuels were supplied by 2 suppliers. 

Outside SOLAS requirements

This fuel falls outside the...

https://mfame.guru/insist-for-actual-flash-point-values-from-supplier-alerts-viswa-lab/

Fuel Storage Plan To Control & Reduce Problems During Storage Period

Viswa lab, in its recent technical update addresses the issue with regard to storage of VLSFO fuels and changes in the sediment values during storage.

Fuel Storage Plan (FSP) 

What is a FSP and why is it necessary? 

Recent market fluctuations have resulted in an increase in the long term storage of bunker fuels. In some cases, the fuels could be stored for as long as a year. 

Viswa has observed that sediment values have increased considerably even during a storage period of a single month! And this...

https://mfame.guru/fuel-storage-plan-to-control-reduce-problems-during-storage-period/

Viswa Group Unveils Course For Education And Support Of Mariners

As a latest technical update, Viswa Education Centre has released its IMO 2020 course for the education and support of mariners.

Viswa Education Center 

The first course covers all the issues related to the implementation of IMO regulation on 1/1/2020. This course contains ten chapters and explanatory videos by Dr. Vis (Refer to webinar section) 

  • Chapter 1: An introduction; IMO 2020 Fuel regulation, available options and penalties. 
  • Chapter 2: Types, composition, characteristics and properties...

http://mfame.guru/viswa-group-unveils-course-for-education-and-support-of-mariners/

Engine Friendliness Number (EFN), Benchmark of the Fuel Quality

ViswaLab in its latest technical update gives a detailed insight into The Engine Friendliness Number (EFN) is a unique benchmark of fuel quality that measures the engine friendliness of the individual supply of bunker fuel. 

Evaluation tool

Software incorporating this approach provides the bunker fuel user the ultimate evaluation tool for bunker suppliers. 

Over a period of time, EFN will provide a pattern for distinguishing good fuels, bad fuels, or average fuels. The EFN pattern would identify...

http://mfame.guru/engine-friendliness-number-efn-benchmark-of-the-fuel-quality/

VLSFO Fuels Identified With High Contamination Levels in Major Ports

As 1.1.2020 approaches, the supply of VLSFO fuels with 0.50% sulfur content has increased globally. ViswaLab, in its latest technical update reveals that it had identified VLSFO with high contamination levels in major ports. 

VLSFO quality

These VLSFO fuels are coming from paraffinic and aromatic sources. The quality of these VLSFO’s varies greatly with stability, catfines and cold flow properties being of significant concern. Unfortunately, a very high level of contaminants in some of these...

http://mfame.guru/vlsfo-fuels-identified-with-contamination-in-major-ports/

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