Better Heavy Fuel Viscosity Control

The ViscoMaster, from Solartron Mobrey (UK), measures the viscosity of heavy fuel oil in the fuel circuit to burners and large diesel engines so that the viscosity signal may be used to modulate the heating of the fuel. When the fuel is atomised by the injectors on the engines or the guns of a burner, the droplet size, distribution and mixing with airflow is critically dependent on the viscosity. Correct viscosity control ensures efficient and complete combustion thereby contributing to the economical operation of the plant, the protection of the plant and equipment, minimising maintenance and the efficient control of pollution.

Accuracy and speed of responses result in more stable temperature of the fuel at the engines and allow lower re-circulation pump flow rates. ViscoMaster transmitter offers real-time measurement of all the critical heavy fuel oil parameters; density and dynamic viscosity at the blending temperature, kinematic viscosity, API density at 15°C, ignition index and density at 98°C. An entry level version of ViscoMaster has also just been launched, for measurement of dynamic viscosity only. Heater modules will feature density and viscosity calibration for heater control and data output of the full set of quality factors for operator display and/or 'black box' recording. Alternatively, end users can opt for the more simple version, with dynamic viscosity calibration for heater control only and upgrade it, to include more functions, at a later date if required.

The company claims that their system has already proved popular with engine manufacturers and ship operators for controlling combustion in large marine engines.