Low Sulphur Fuels

Sulphur contained in the fuel forms metallic sulphides that coat the internal surfaces of the fuel injection
equipment including the fuel pumps and the fuel injectors. These sulphides have low shear resistance and
act as EP additives similar to that found in lubrication oils. Extremely low sulphur fuels in use on the
automotive transport industry have led to the use of lubricity additives. In the marine environment the
reduction in sulphur content has been less dramatic.
arpol !nnex "I#regulation $%& and the creation of Sulphur Emission 'ontrol !rea means it
wil be a requirement to use only fuels with a certain maximum sulphur content. In the addition to the
increased cost of these low sulphur fuels it is necessary to factor in the possibility of increased wear and
tear on the engine components.
(ow sulphur fuels are normally low viscosity oils such as gas oil. 'arefull planning has to be
done both at the design level # to ensure sufficient storage capacity& and at the operational and
maintenance levels due to the )nown difficulties in changing over from a heated fuel to a non heated or
one with reduced heating capacity.