Evaluation of ignition and combustion quality of different formulations of heavy fuel marine oil by laboratory and engine test

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro installed a laboratory regarding the possibilities of obtaining performance tests of heavy fuel oil in a marine medium speed engine with the aim of improving its ignition quality and combustion properties. The paper describes the facilities, equipments installed, test methodology and obtained results. The fuel is also analyzed in a FIA test instrument and the results compared to those obtained in the engine laboratory. Special concerns are the ignition delay, estimated cetane number, maximum combustion pressure and others variables that defines the fuel ignition quality. A diagnostic system monitors the combustion and operation cycle of the engine using information such as cylinder pressure versus crank angle, ignition delay, maximum combustion pressure, mean indicated pressure and indicated work. A thermodynamic simulation model of the operation cycle was also developed to compare with the experimental results. The model allows engine performance estimation of different heavy fuel oil compositions.