Fuel Oil Research Articles

Critically analysis for fuel oil storage facilities using FMECA method

Abstract Fuel oil storage facilities, such as the PT.X Fuel Terminal, have an important role in maintaining a stable and safe energy supply for the community. Smooth operations and reliability of equipment in the storage facility are crucial factors in ensuring an adequate and safe fuel supply. In carrying out its operations, the landfill facility is faced with various challenges. One of the main challenges is maintaining complex and diverse equipment. Equipment such as storage tanks, connecting pipes, pumps and other equipment must be maintained regularly to prevent failures that could cause operational disruptions and potential safety risks. However, traditional maintenance approaches based on routine schedules are often inefficient and less responsive to the actual condition of the equipment. In this research, criticality analysis at the fuel oil terminal was carried out. This aims to carry out condition monitoring. By analyzing criticality, it will be easier to make decisions on the next steps. In this research, the FMECA method was used. This method is very good for finding criticality values in the system.

Complex network analysis of fossil fuel functional regions in the United States during the period 2017 to 2022

In this paper we use complex network analysis to describe fossil fuel spatial flows among 132 places covering the entire United States in 2017 and in 2022. These spatial flows are for crude petroleum, gasoline, and oil fuels. The analysis shows that all three fuels have different network topology. For all six networks we find major hubs of crude petroleum and its products, gasoline and fuel oils, concentrated in areas with large reserves such as the south-central part of the US. Using modularity, a network cluster identification metric, we show that spatial interactions can be used to delineate functional regions and their differences across fuel types. These functional regions evolve over time in response to the shifting US role as a major producer and net exporter of fossil fuels, expansion of the domestic pipeline network, and increases in fuel production and refinement locations. The modal split of the fuels examined in this paper shows the dominant role pipelines play for crude petroleum, transporting approximately 83 % of tonnage in 2017 and increasing to almost 89 % in 2022. In contrast, gasoline and oil fuels modal split hovers at around 60 % of tonnage transported by tanker truck followed by other modes including pipelines. Our analysis shows geographic clustering of major hubs and their functional regions along the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana. These are in places that are often the locations of natural disasters. This together with the rapid increase of a few hubs as gateways to fossil fuel US exports makes them prime candidates in disrupting fossil fuel supply chains worldwide and amplifies vulnerability of fossil fuel supply chains. The spatial clustering trends shown in this paper provide added evidence of the source of short-term negative impacts in places such as Chicago in Illinois and Corpus Christi in Texas. This offers added information for government intervention.

Decarbonization pathways in Brazilian maritime cabotage: A comparative analysis of very low sulfur fuel oil, marine diesel oil, and hydrogenated vegetable oil in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions

This study evaluates the decarbonization potential within Brazilian maritime cabotage by comparing carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from conventional fuels - specifically, Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil and Marine Diesel Oil - with those from Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil. Utilizing a life cycle assessment approach alongside a mathematical model based on operational schedules from four leading Brazilian maritime cabotage companies in the container sector, this research quantifies the environmental benefits of switching fuels. The results demonstrate that transitioning to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil could significantly reduce annual emissions, from 1395,466 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent to 343,950 tons, amounting to a 75.4 % decrease. This noticeable decrease underscores the critical importance and viability of incorporating hydrogenated vegetable oil into the maritime sector's fuel mix as part of Brazil's broader decarbonization strategy. This research highlights the need for strategic policy reforms and strengthened collaboration across sectors to advance Brazil's maritime sustainability efforts.

Cost and fragmentation prediction of ammonium nitrate fuel oil versus bulk emulsion explosives

Abstract Blasting in mining industry, including the blasting pattern (burden and spacing) and explosive selection, is substantial to retrieve the desired mining products. This study aims to identify the comparisons of economic calculations and fragmentation between ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) and Bulk Emulsion explosives (BEE). The economic calculation measured the cost of explosives per unit of blasted material and the fragmentation result. The bulk emulsion cost equals the ANFO cost by extending the burden and spacing from 7 m to 8.33 m. The predicted average fragmentation of blasting using ANFO and BEE was 47 cm and 51 cm, respectively, so the percentage of fragmentation under 100 cm was 81.52% and 78.48%, respectively. Conclusively, blasting with BEE with an extended blasting pattern has demonstrated similar fragmentation distribution to that of ANFO.

Economic and Environmental Assessment of Ammonia as a Sustainable Fuel for Tugboat Operations at the Port of Texas

This study assesses the feasibility of ammonia as a sustainable alternative fuel for tugboat operations in the Port of Texas, a major U.S. maritime, oil and gas hub. Tugboats, while critical to port logistics, contribute significantly to localized air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, impacting both environmental quality and public health in surrounding communities. Given the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goals to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, exploring alternative fuels has become imperative. Ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, presents both opportunities and challenges. While ammonia combustion produces no direct CO₂ emissions, making it attractive from a decarbonization standpoint, its lower energy density results in higher fuel volumes and increased operational costs compared to marine fuel oil (MFO). This paper presents a comparative analysis based on real-world data, mathematical modeling, and emission trade-offs, examining the economic implications, environmental impact, and safety concerns of adopting ammonia as a tugboat fuel. Results indicate that while ammonia could enable significant CO₂ reductions, challenges related to fuel storage, cost, and infrastructure must be addressed. The findings suggest that with appropriate policy support and investment in handling infrastructure, ammonia can become a viable fuel option for sustainable maritime operations.

Exploring Eco-Friendly Paths: A Comparative Study of Emissions in Medium Speed Diesel Engines Utilizing Alternative Fuels through Simulation Analysis

In the ship industry, emissions from marine activities have been shown to influence air quality and climate, with pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented MARPOL Annex VI to reduce emissions from maritime activities, one of which is using alternative fuels. With the need of sustainable energy source of reducing emissions, the evaluation of alternative fuels becomes crucial. This study presents a comparative analysis of performance and environmental emissions from medium speed diesel engines utilizing different fuels, namely Biodiesel (B10-100), Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), and Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO) under various engine speed. the research was carried out using the Diesel-RK application with Internal Combustion Engine simulation that integrates thermodynamics and emission prediction algorithms to accurately represent the combustion process and subsequent pollutant formation. Parameters such as engine load, injection timing, and fuel properties are systematically varied to assess their impact on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulfur dioxides (SO2), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Results indicate distinct performance and emission profiles for each fuel type in various engine speed. All Biodiesel and ULSFO demonstrates increasing NOₓ emissions compared to HFO with an average of 51.4%. However, they exhibit lower CO2 and SO2 compared to HFO with average of 3% for CO2 and 98.8% for SO2, this is due to higher oxygen content that can promote more efficient combustion, and both Biodiesel and ULSFO contains lower sulphur content.

Simulation and optimization of heavy fuel oil (HFO) refining platform to low sulfur marine fuel (LS-FO) by oxidative desulfurization

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented new sulfur content regulations for marine fuels in response to growing environmental concerns, including global warming. These regulations severely and costly restrict refinery operations. Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) is an attractive desulfurization method that has advantages such as mild operating conditions and a hydrogen-free process over traditional processes such as hydrodesulfurization (HDS). One can employ oxidative desulfurization in addition to or instead of hydrodesulfurization. Organic sulfur molecules undergo oxidative desulfurization, which results in the formation of polar sulfones. The refined fuel oil is then separated from the oxidized sulfones using methods such liquid-liquid extraction, distillation, and absorption. This work examines and simulates the process of separating sulfur-containing oxidized chemicals from fuel oil utilizing oxidative desulfurization technology. Acetic acid served as the catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as the chosen oxidant. This effort involved simulating the oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil and then using absorption methods to separate the oxidized sulfones. Subsequent procedures including absorption and distillation were used to separate and recover the resultant effluent, solvent, and oxidant from the remaining components. According to the simulation results, the procedure was run at 80 °C and a modest pressure of less than 5 bar. Sulfur content in the original hydrocarbon fuel was 3.5% by weight; at the output, it was less than 0.5% by weight. The findings of the sensitivity analysis of a few key factors demonstrated that the conversion percentage increased from 84 to 98% when the reactor’s diameter was changed from 0.5 to 1.2 m and its length was extended to the desired amount. The reaction conversion percentage has increased significantly when the mass flow rate of hydrogen peroxide is increased from 0.5 to 1.5 kg/h, the pressure is increased from 1.5 to 5 bar, and the temperature is raised to 30 °C. According to the process optimization data, the ideal state had an exergy efficiency of 55.57%, a solvent waste rate of 1.75%, and a sulfur content of 0.22% in the fuel.

Assessment Of Complex Ii Fuel Oil Heat Exchanger Utilizing Heat Transfer Methodology

Assessment Of Complex Ii Fuel Oil Heat Exchanger Utilizing Heat Transfer Methodology

Biodegradation of Soil Contaminated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons PAHs through Nitrogen Biostimulation

This study evaluated the effect of nitrogen on the biostimulation of microbial load in soil mesocosms contaminated with bunker oil. Urea was used as a nitrogen source, with C/N ratios of 60:1 and 100:10 established to analyze its impact on the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Experiments were conducted in plastic trays containing 2 kg of soil contaminated with 8% bunker oil. Samples were taken on days 15, 30, 60, and 90, and chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicated that the treatment with a C/N ratio of 100:10 achieved the highest PAH reduction percentage (99.27%), demonstrating the efficacy of urea biostimulation. This study highlights the importance of optimizing nutrient proportions to enhance biodegradation efficiency in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. The addition of urea is confirmed as a viable and economical solution for soil remediation, aligning with previous studies emphasizing the crucial role of nitrogen in microbial activity and the degradation of recalcitrant contaminants. In conclusion, incorporating urea as a nitrogen source proved to be an effective strategy for biostimulation and PAH biodegradation in soil mesocosms, offering a sustainable solution to mitigate hydrocarbon contamination.

The Possibility of Using Hydrogen as a Green Alternative to Traditional Marine Fuels on an Offshore Vessel Serving Wind Farms

Achieving the required decarbonisation targets by the shipping industry requires a transition to technologies with zero or near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. One promising shipping fuel with zero emission of exhaust gases (including CO2) is green hydrogen. This type of fuel, recognised as a 100% clean solution, is being investigated for feasible use on a service offshore vessel (SOV) working for offshore wind farms. This study aims to examine whether hydrogen may be used on an SOV in terms of the technical and economic challenges associated with the design process and other factors. In the analyses, a reference has been made to the current International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines and regulations. In this study, it was assumed that hydrogen would be directly combusted in a reciprocating internal combustion engine. This engine type was reviewed. In further research, hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems will also be considered. The hydrogen demand was calculated for the assumed data of the SOV, and then the volume and number of high-pressure tanks were estimated. The analyses revealed that the SOV cannot undertake 14-day missions using hydrogen fuel stored in cylinders on board. These cylinders occupy 66% of the ship’s current volume, and their weight, including the modular system, accounts for 62% of its deadweight. The costs are over 100% higher compared to MDO and LNG fuels and 30% higher than methanol. The actual autonomy of the SOV with hydrogen fuel is 3 days.

Optimization of used engine oil Furnace Design with Initial Heater

Used engine oil is a waste from various types of machinery that has potential as an alternative fuel. The viscous characteristics of used engine oil require viscosity adjustment to be utilized as fuel. Nowadays used engine oil burners are generally using an external heater as an initial preheater, which causes the thermal efficiency decreased. The aims of this study are optimizing the design of the used engine oil burner by adding an initial heater and to find the optimum operating conditions of the burner to improve thermal. The initial heater is a spiral-shaped heat exchanger around the flame inside the burner, using its heat to decrease the viscous of used engine oil, so the used engine oil can be used as burner fuel. This study is varying the combustion air flowrate at 3.2×10-3 kg/s, 4.6×10-3 kg/s, and 6.4×10-3 kg/s and fuel rates of 2.1×10-4 kg/s, 3.1×10-4 kg/s, and 4.3×10-4 kg/s so the best performance of the burner will be observed. The results were obtained the best burner performance air flowrate of 4.6×10-3 kg/s and fuel flow rate of 4.3×10-4 kg/s, producing flue gas heat of 544°C, useful energy of 2.69 kW, and a resulting thermal efficiency of 59.54%. Keywords: Burner, Design optimization, Initial heater, Used engine oil, Viscosity.

Impact of fuel sulfur regulations on carbonaceous particle emission from a marine engine

Ship traffic substantially contributes to air pollution, thus affecting climate and human health. Recently introduced regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the fuel sulfur content (FSC) caused a shift in marine fuel onsumption from heavy fuel oils (HFO) to diesel-like distillate fuels, but also to alternative hybrid fuels and the operation of sulfur scrubbers. Using multi-wavelength thermal-optical carbon analysis (MW-TOCA), our study provides emission factors (EF) of carbonaceous aerosol particles and link the fuel composition to features observed in the soot microstructure, which may be exploited in online monitoring by single-particle mass spectrometry (SPMS). Particulate matter from distillate fuels absorbs stronger light of the visible UV and near-infrared range than HFO. However, Simple Forcing Efficiency (SFE) of absorption weighted by EF of total carbon compensated the effect, leading to a net reduction by >50% when changing form HFO to distillate fuels.

Environmental and Cost Assessments of Marine Alternative Fuels for Fully Autonomous Short-Sea Shipping Vessels Based on the Global Warming Potential Approach

This research paper presents an effective approach to reducing marine pollution and costs by determining the optimal marine alternative fuels framework for short-sea shipping vessels, with a focus on energy efficiency. Employing mathematical models in a Python environment, the analyses are tailored specifically for conventional and fully autonomous high-speed passenger ferries (HSPFs) and tugboats, utilizing bottom-up methodologies, ship operating phases, and the global warming potential approach. The study aims to identify the optimal marine fuel that offers the highest Net Present Value (NPV) and minimal emissions, aligning with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and environmental objectives. Data from the ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS), along with specifications and port information, were integrated to assess power, energy, and fuel consumption, incorporating parameters of proposed marine alternative fuels. This study examines key performance indicators (KPIs) for marine alternative fuels used in both conventional and autonomous vessels, specifically analyzing total mass emission rate (TMER), total global warming potential (TGWP), total environmental impact (TEI), total environmental damage cost (TEDC), and NPV. The results show that hydrogen (H2-Ren, H2-F) fuels and electric options produce zero emissions, while traditional fuels like HFO and MDO exhibit the highest TMER. Sensitivity and stochastic analyses identify critical input variables affecting NPV, such as fuel costs, emission costs, and vessel speed. Findings indicate that LNG consistently yields the highest NPV, particularly for autonomous vessels, suggesting economic advantages and reduced emissions. These insights are crucial for optimizing fuel selection and operational strategies in marine transportation and offer valuable guidance for decision-making and investment in the marine sector, ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.

Modeling the Production of Nanoparticles via Detonation—Application to Alumina Production from ANFO Aluminized Emulsions

This paper investigates the production of nanoparticles via detonation. To extract valuable knowledge regarding this route, a phenomenological model of the process is developed and simulated. This framework integrates the mathematical description of the detonation with a model representing the particulate phenomena. The detonation process is simulated using a combination of a thermochemical code to determine the Chapman–Jouguet (C-J) conditions, coupled with an approximate spatially homogeneous model that describes the radial expansion of the detonation matrix. The conditions at the C-J point serve as initial conditions for the detonation dynamic model. The Mie–Grüneisen Equation of State (EoS) is used, with the “cold curve” represented by the Jones–Wilkins–Lee Equation of State. The particulate phenomena, representing the formation of metallic oxide nanoparticles from liquid droplets, are described by a Population Balance Equation (PBE) that accounts for the coalescence and coagulation mechanisms. The variables associated with detonation dynamics interact with the kernels of both phenomena. The numerical approach employed to handle the PBE relies on spatial discretization based on a fixed-pivot scheme. The dynamic solution of the models representing both processes is evolved with time using a Differential-Algebraic Equation (DAE) implicit solver. The strategy is applied to simulate the production of alumina nanoparticles from Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil aluminized emulsions. The results show good agreement with the literature and experience-based knowledge, demonstrating the tool’s potential in advancing understanding of the detonation route.

Recent advances in anion exchange membrane technology for water electrolysis: a review of progress and challenges

AbstractClean energy and environmental pollution are two key concerns of modern society and are pivotal necessities for the economic, social, and sustainable development of the world. Today around 80% of energy is generated using nonrenewable resources and fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) which ultimately results in hazardous global emissions. As a clean substitute for fossil fuels, hydrogen has emerged as a promising and renewable energy resource. Utilization of this energy resource requires the development of active, stable, low‐cost environmentally friendly techniques. Water splitting electrolysis is a method for producing clean and efficient hydrogen using an environmentally benign technique that is currently at its most mature stage. Electrolysis is attracting ever‐increasing attention, as it is a promising electrochemical device for hydrogen production from water due to the high conversion efficiency and relatively low energy input required when compared to thermochemical and photocatalytic methods. This paper will outline the need, performance, and insight of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer. Recent developments in the design and preparation of AEM. New strategies for activity, stability, and efficiency improvement of AEM. Membrane types, and factors affecting AEM performance in an electrolyzer. This review also discusses the effects, operating characteristics, and energy consumption of electrocatalysts in the AEM electrolyzer. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) pathways and mechanisms in acidic and alkaline media. This study seeks to provide a detailed overview of recent accomplishments in the field of the hydrogen economy, particularly electrolysis, to inspire further research and development to address the technology's obstacles.

Temperature effect of biogas production from a greenhouse biogas digester

Globally, energy challenges are increasing with population growth. Many countries solely depend on fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas, etc.) for energy generation for different processes. Fossil fuels fall under non-renewable energy sources, are polluters of the environment, and get depleted faster, thus making it challenging to sustain a continuous energy supply. Therefore, there is a need for alternative sources of energy to mitigate the hazards associated with the utilization of fossil fuels. The present study aims to monitor the performance of a three-meter cubic (3 m3) greenhouse biogas digester, focusing on the temperature effect in biodegrading cow dung materials for gas generation. The study was conducted under mesophilic temperature conditions, pH, and hydraulic retention time for 30 days. Results revealed that slurry temperatures of about 33.5 ℃ and ambient temperatures of about 35 ℃ resulted in a remarkable peak biogas yield of 0.3 m3 on the 23rd day of the month. After the optimum yield of the biogas, the performance declined and was ascribed to the non-supply of the new feedstock, and the environment in the reactor became acidic, hence hindering the biodegradation process. Ultimately, the total biogas yield obtained from the study was 2.58 m3, equivalent to 15.48 kWh of energy. This amount of bio-generated energy was twofold the average daily electricity consumption of middle-income South African households. It was demonstrated that temperature was a major factor influencing the performance of the assembled biogas digesters and, thus, should be closely monitored for appreciable biogas production. This study is envisaged to pave the way for the future affordable and environmentally friendly biogas production process.

Analysis of the Impact of Subsidized Fuel Oil Policy on Tuna Fisheries Business in East Morotai District, Morotai Island Regency, Indonesia

Analysis of the Impact of Subsidized Fuel Oil Policy on Tuna Fisheries Business in East Morotai District, Morotai Island Regency, Indonesia

Metal-based Ionic Liquids and Solid-loaded Catalysts in Fuel Oil Desulfurization: A Review

Abstract: Metal-based ionic liquids (MILs) have the advantages of designability, efficiency, stability, and regenerative cycle and can efficiently convert thiophene and its derivatives, which are important for the production of "ultra-low sulfur" oils. This paper provides an overview of the research progress of MILs in the field of fuel desulfurization, focusing on the current status of MILs and solid-loaded MILs catalysts in extractive desulfurization, oxidative desulfurization, extraction-catalyzed oxidative desulfurization, and catalytic-adsorption desulfurization processes. For MILs, the anion and cation can be altered by design so as to impart specific functions. Loading is one of the effective ways to solidify MILs, and the combination of MILs with different carriers can not only reduce the usage while ensuring the catalytic activity but also improve the reusability of the catalyst. The combination of MILs with specially structured carriers also allows solution-free adsorption and removal of oxidation products. Compared with conventional MILs, polymetallic-based ionic liquids (PMILs) exhibit ultrahigh catalytic activity and are one of the most promising materials available, but are still in their infancy in the field of fuel catalysis, and researchers are needed to enrich the gap in this field. Finally, some problems faced by various types of MILs are pointed out in order to design new functional MILs catalysts with better properties in the future and promote the further development of MILs in the field of fuel catalysis.

The repercussions of enacting the IMO 2020 regulation for mitigating ship emissions in Malaysian waters

ABSTRACT The IMO 2020 regulations, introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), came into effect on January 1, 2020, with the primary goal of reducing sulphur oxide emissions from ships by capping the allowable sulphur content in marine fuels at 0.50%. This measure aims to minimize the harmful environmental and health impacts of sulphur emissions, which contribute to air pollution and acid rain. However, the implementation of these regulations has posed considerable challenges for Malaysia’s maritime sector, particularly due to increased operational costs and difficulties in complying with the stringent requirements. This study critically analyses the challenges associated with the enforcement of IMO 2020 regulations in Malaysia, focusing on regulatory compliance. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and integrating insights from key stakeholders and regulatory authorities, this research evaluates the current state of implementation. The findings reveal that the enforcement of IMO 2020 in Malaysia has been suboptimal, largely due to gaps in regulatory execution and industry preparedness. For Malaysia to fully align with international standards and contribute to the preservation of a sustainable maritime ecosystem, concerted efforts are essential to enhance enforcement mechanisms and ensure compliance with global emission reduction targets.

Detection and analysis of ship emissions using single-particle mass spectrometry: A land-based field study in the port of rostock, Germany

The regulation of ship emissions has become more restrictive due to their significant impact on global air quality, particularly in coastal regions. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, current restrictions mainly limit the sulfur content of the fuel mass to 0.5 % and 0.1 % respectively. In compliance with these regulations, exhaust SO2 cleaning systems (scrubbers) and new low-sulfur fuels are increasingly used. For comprehensive monitoring of ship emissions, advanced measurement techniques are demanded. Our study reports on the results of a land-based field campaign conducted in the port of Rostock, Germany. The chosen location strategically positions the measurement setup to capture all incoming and outgoing ships passing within a distance of up to 2 km. Potential ship exhaust plumes are indicated by rapid changes in particle number and size distribution monitored by an optical particle sizer (OPS) and a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). Additionally, single-particle mass spectrometry (SPMS) was used to qualitatively characterize ambient single-particles (0.2–2.5 μm) by their chemical signatures. In a one-week time span, the exhaust plumes of 73 ships were identified. The high sensitivity of SPMS to transition metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in individual particles make it possible to distinguish between different marine fuels.