You, Your Boat And Your Fuel

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2 You, Your Boat And Your Fuel What you need to know It is now common knowledge that the specification for A2 gas oil (red diesel) changed on 1st January The significant changes are: (i) the sulphur content of this fuel has been reduced from 1,000ppm to 20ppm (at the point of sale) bringing it broadly into line with road fuels; and (ii) the allowable bio-diesel (FAME) component has been raised to 7% by volume. A note on red diesel Red diesel is the duty-reduced fuel sold exclusively for non-road use. Its primary applications are the agriculture and construction sectors but a large quantity is also supplied to the inland waterways market. Sea-going vessels are not obliged to use red diesel and usual burn another class of gas oil (class D), which retains its higher (1,000ppm) sulphur content, or entirely different grades of fuel governed by their own specifications. What the changes mean to your boat Sulphur reduction Sulphur occurs naturally in crude oils and unless specifically removed by a dedicated refinery process will be present in fuel sold on the open market. Removing such a significant amount of sulphur from red diesel has two main effects: (i) the natural lubricating properties of a fuel are lost and must be replaced if problems are not to be encountered with fuel pumps or fuel injectors; and (ii) the natural biocidal action of a fuel is lost and if problems with 'bug' growth are to be avoided then a fuel biocide needs to be added routinely. Increase in the bio-diesel content Biodiesel is fuel derived from vegetable oils and is also known by the chemical name fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Its characteristics are slightly different to that of petroleum diesel and this can have a noticeable effect on the operation of your boat: Significant increase in the fuel's propensity to pick up water - this lowers its calorific value, can cause filter plugging and promote microbial growth ('bugs') Decreased fuel stability - the shelf life of FAME-containing fuel is much reduced: fuel ages more quickly resulting in discolouration and gum formation. This could be a problem for seasonally used vehicles. Waxes' more readily at a higher temperature The potential exists for deposits to form within fuel injectors and on cylinder walls 1

3 You, Your Boat And Your Fuel So, what fuel is available and what are you receiving? Red diesel (A2 gas oil) has been compliant with the latest specifications since about November last year. What is sold as red diesel now, however, could be a blend of various fuels from different sources: Some red diesel fuel supply will be manufactured to specification For a variety of reasons some red diesel now in the supply pool is road diesel (EN590) with red dye added. This is good, as you, the boat owner, are getting a higher quality of fuel. But again, road diesel can contain up to 7% FAME and will contain an average of 5%, so the inherent problems outlined above still exist. Some suppliers maintain that FAME-free gas oil is readily available and that is what they are supplying. These claims have to be taken at face value but we would make the following comments: Obtain a written guarantee of FAME-free fuel from your supplier or have them demonstrate the supply chain to you The total volume of gas oil being used in the UK far outweighs the volume of fuel that those terminals and supply points that claim to be FAME-free are able to supply. Couple this with production limitations on the UK's refineries and the rapidly rising quantities of imported fuel, which will contain FAME, and the likelihood is that a significant amount red diesel in the pool has FAME in it Due to co-mingling effects within the fuel distribution network, unless you are absolutely certain assume that fuel supplied to you contains FAME How to mitigate the situation Although their priorities are slightly different and they are governed by legal requirements surrounding emissions quality, most tractor manufacturers, for example, now advocate the use of a fuel additive or additives when using red diesel in their equipment. Boat owners should consider a similar practice not least to guard against bug growth and premature fuel ageing. Fuel additives, either discretely or as a single bottle package can: boost cetane number - smoother power delivery, aids combustion, reduces 'black smoke' enhance lubricity - compensates for sulphur removal preserve a fuel - increase its longevity and improve its oxidation stability, including FAME prevent water pick-up - inhibits the formation of emulsions and 'rag' layers improve a fuel's low temperature properties - to meet or exceed fuel specs kill and control microbial activity - increased risk as FAME increases remove deposits (service tool) - instant power/torque restoration prevent deposit formation - enhanced overall fuel quality In addition, good housekeeping around the fuel tank is always a good idea and removing water from the tank regularly, changing fuel filters and increasing fuel turnover are all good practices. 2

4 Exocet Marine Fuel Conditioner Description Exocet Marine Fuel Conditioner is a multicomponent, liquid fuel additive formulated to upgrade standard marine gas oil and diesel. Application Each 1 litre bottle treats up to 2,000 litres of fuel and the additive can be added to bulk storage or directly into the vessel tank. Exocet Marine Fuel Conditioner is particularly suited to address the issues caused by the changes made to the UK s gas oil specification. Critically our product will: Increase the fuel s cetane number and therefore the combustion efficiency of the engine Compensate for low sulphur fuel, which can lead to excessive wear in fuel pumps and injectors Features Increase the fuels shelf life and inhibit fuel tank sludge formation Promote fuel-water separation to prevent water carry over to engine Prevent microbiological growth Reduce particulate (visible) exhaust emissions Promote a clean fuel system and inhibit injector fouling Key Benefits An increase in the fuel s cetane number improving overall combustion efficiency leading to improved emissions quality and reducing the tendency of knock. An increase in the fuel s shelf life fuel left to stand in a marine environment quickly oxidises with the potential to form deposits in tanks and fuel delivery systems; FAME containing fuel s are particularly susceptible to this. The additive inhibits the oxidation tendency and allows for safe, longer term storage. An increase in the fuel s lubricity an unintended consequence of the sulphur removal process is a reduction in the fuel s natural lubricity leading to excessive or premature wear in fuel pumps and injection equipment. Exocet Marine Fuel Conditioner compensates for this to provide trouble-free equipment operation. An increase in the fuel s resistance to microbial contamination marine fuel tanks are prime breeding grounds for all manner of microorganisms diesel bugs. If left unchecked these quickly multiply creating a fuel sludge, blocking filters and stopping engines a major safety concern. Regular use of the additive provides a maintenance dose of fuel biocide. An increase in the fuel s resistance to water pick-up fuel naturally takes-up water and this process is enhanced by an increase in humidity and an increase in FAME content. The results are, at best, a reduction in the energy content of the fuel and, at worst, the creation of fuelwater emulsions. The additive promotes continuous fuel-water separation and will break emulsions giving optimum fuel quality. The inclusion of a combustion catalyst combustion catalysts improve the reaction between fuel and air. As a result, more of the available fuel in each combustion cycle is burned, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and, more particularly, a reduction engine emissions, notably particulates (smoke). Having this component in the additive allows the operator to accommodate a wider range of fuel qualities with increased confidence. 3

5 Exocet Anti-Bug Kill & Anti-Bug Protect Description Fuel soluble biocide and preservative. Application The first sign of microbiological contamination (the diesel bug ) is often continuous blocking of filters with a slimy substance, which can range in colour from black to light brown. Anti-Bug Kill and Exocet Anti-Bug Protect can be dosed into fuel via either batch treatment or as part of a continuous additive injection regime. Exocet Anti-Bug Kill is used to tackle current and immediate microbiological infestation. Exocet Anti-Bug Protect is used to inhibit microbiological activity in clean tanks. Both additives can be used in bulk fuel storage or added directly into a vehicle or machine fuel tank. Features Broad spectrum additive covering a variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts Has an immediate effect and does not add to sludge or slime build-up Clean-up rates are hours Eliminates plugging of filters and gauges Protects against tank and pipe corrosion Does not adversely affect fuel combustion or emissions quality Fully compatible with steels, aluminium and zinc and with polyethylene & polypropylene Has no adverse affect on waste water systems or municipal sewage treatment Approved as a fuel additive by: Mercedes Benz, DAF, MAN, NATO, Deutz, Shell, the Swiss Army and others 4

6 Exocet Diesel Power Restorer Description Features Exocet Diesel Power Restorer is a specially formulated fuel additive designed to break down and disperse hard lacquers and internal diesel injector deposits (IDID) to bring fuel flow and engine power back to optimum levels quickly. Restores power that can be lost in modern diesel engines Problems resolved with minimal downtime Works within one tankful of fuel Potential fuel economy benefit Application Modern diesel engines use highly precise injection technology to help deliver optimum driving performance efficiently and with reduced emissions. Over time, deposits can build up in diesel fuel injection systems reducing engine power, especially in the presence of biodiesel components. The deposits can be very thin layers of lacquer or metal salts stuck tenaciously to critical engine parts that restrict fuel flow. Symptoms of such problems are: Noticeable reduction in power Engine misfires at idle Power surges The additive is used online on a running engine and is typically added as part of a routine service. 5

7 Marine Fuel Additive Product Guide AO-050 Exocet Marine Fuel Conditioner 500ml Inhibits microbiological contamination Protects fuel pumps and injectors Prevents water pick up Improves power and smooth running Use Every delivery (bulk or vessel tank) 500ml treats 1,000L of fuel AO-051 Exocet Anti-Bug Kill 50ml Prevents bugs at maintenance dose Kills bugs within 24 hrs at kill dose Avoids blocked filters Leaves no residue Use At first sign of infestation 50ml treats 250L of fuel AO-052 Exocet Anti-Bug Protect 100ml Prevents bugs at maintenance dose Kills bugs within 24 hrs at kill dose Avoids blocked filters Leaves no residue AO-053 Exocet Power Restorer 200ml Restores optimum power Removes injector deposits Use Every delivery (at maintenance dose unless using Marine Conditioner) 100ml treats 2000L of fuel Use Power loss or at service 200ml treats 100 litres of fuel About Exocet Exocet are ISO 9001 accredited for the formulation, manufacture and distribution of branded fuel additives for gas oil, heating oil, diesel and petrol. Exocet additives are designed to match the best in class application and customers use them to market premium fuels and to reduce field problems associated with base fuel. This additive range is used in over 300 UK & Ireland fuel distributor depots in many thousands of end user applications. These products are available in various container sizes ranging from 200ml bottles to 200litre drums. Commercial users have found that using fuel additives to upgrade fuel quality has solved their problems and substantially enhanced their business. 6

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