Marine Fuel Oil and Fuel Oil Bunkering

Prepared By
Md. Moynul Islam
Chemical Engineer
Expertise on Marine Fuels and Lubricants
Contact
Email : mdmoynul@yahoo.com
Mobile: +8801816449869
Content
PART-A: Marine Fuel Oil and Fuel Oil Specifications
PART-B: Fuel Oil Delivery and Loss Prevention
Introduction
As a buyer, you are not buying just fuels for your power plant, you are buying the energy which
is the base of your business. Every year you are spending millions of dollars behind fuels. And
your business profit is directly related to the quality fuels. Proper monitoring in your fuel
management system is vitally needed to run your power business profitably.
So, you have the right to know about the fuel specifications and also have the right to receive
actual quantity that you have ordered to the supplier. Receiving off spec fuel or less quantity
(from your ordered quantity) will ultimately impart on loss in energy. Loss in energy means loss
in generation followed by loss in revenue.
Your fuel supplier may settle your ordered quantity by manipulating some digits but the
problem arises later when you will use this fuel in your engines. The engines are very rude to
you about fuel consumption. To generate your desired power they will never compromise even
a single drop in their consumption. They will consume exactly the required amount of fuel to
generate your ordered power to them. They will consume fuels according to your fuel quality. If
the calorific value of supplied fuel is high than the fuel consumption will be low and if the
calorific value is low than the fuel consumption will be high. So, you need to understand about
bunker and bunkering procedure before entering in this world. If you supply them any off spec
fuel, it may be complicated to operate them smoothly or there may be severe damage to
engine component following breakdown maintenance. Ultimately interruption in smooth engine
operation.
Origin of Marine Fuel Oils (MFO)
Oil Refineries and the Production of Fuel Oil:
An oil refinery is a Petrochemical Industry that converts crude oil into a range of usable products. It is designed to
produce what the market requires in the most economical and efficient manner.
Crude Oil Conversion Process :
Look at the flow diagram to the right. The major
steps for converting crude oil into different
products.
Step01: Separation of Lighter Fractions:
In this step, the crude oil is heated up to approx.
350
o
C and enter to the Atmospheric Distillation
Unit (ADU) where the most of the lightest
fractions are recovered via distillation at
atmospheric pressure. The bottom residue of ADU
is further heated up and sends to the Vacuum
Distillation Unit (VDU) where all of the volatile
components are recovered via distillation at low
pressure.
Step-02: Production of Marine Fuel Oil
The viscosity of heavy residue of VDU is very high.
To produce MFO, the heavy residue is feed to the
vis-breaking unit where a cutter stock (fuel oil
heaving low viscosity) is used to reduce viscosity
to the desired level.
Classification of Marine Fuel Oil
Conventional Classification System
In maritime industry the most commonly used fuel oil classification system is as follows
MGO (Marine Gas Oil) - Roughly equivalent to No. 2 fuel oil, made fromdistillate
MDO (Marine Diesel Oil) - A blend of heavy gasoil that may contain very small amount of
black refinery feed stocks, but has a low viscosity up to 12 cSt
and it need not be heated for use in IC engines
IFO (Intermediate Fuel Oil) - A blend of HFO with less gasoil than MDO.
MFO (Marine Fuel Oil) - Same as HFO (just another name)
HFO(Heavy Fuel Oil) - Pure or nearly pure residual fuel oil, roughly equivalent to No. 6
fuel oil
Another classification system in maritime industry for fuel oil is based on their maximum viscosity
in cSt at 50
o
C
IFO-380 -Intermediate Fuel Oil with max viscosity of 380 cSt at 50
o
C
IFO-180 -Intermediate Fuel Oil with max viscosity of 180 cSt at 50
o
C
LS-380 -Los Sulfur (<1.5%) Intermediate Fuel Oil with max viscosity of 380 cSt at 50
o
C
LS-180 -Los Sulfur (<1.5%) Intermediate Fuel Oil with max viscosity of 180 cSt at 50
o
C
MGO -Marine Gas Oil
MGO -Marine Gas Oil
Classification of Marine Fuel Oil
Based on chain length and extraction process the fuel oils are classified as follows
Serial Name Alias Type Chain Length
1 No. 1 Fuel Oil No. 1 Diesel Fuel Oil Distillate 9-16
2 No. 2 Fuel Oil No. 2 Diesel Fuel Oil Distillate 10-20
3 No. 3 Fuel Oil No. 3 Diesel Fuel Oil Distillate 10-20
4 No. 4 Fuel Oil No. 4 Residual Fuel Oil Distillate/Residual 12-70
5 No. 5 Fuel Oil Heavy Fuel Oil Residual 12-70
6 No. 6 Fuel Oil Heavy Fuel Oil Residual 20-70
According to ASTM D975:2004 Diesel fuels are classified based on Maximum sulfur content
The Sxxx designation was first adopted in the D975-04 edition to distinguish grades by sulfur content. S5000 grades referred to the Regular
Sulfur (RSD) grades and S15 grades referred to the Ultra Low Sulfur (ULSD) grades.
Grade Description Max Sulfur
No. 1-D S15
No. 1-D S500
No. 1-D S5000
A special purpose light distillate fuel use in diesel engine applications with frequent and widely
varying speeds and loads or when abnormally low operating temperatures are encountered.
More volatile compared to No.2 fuels.
15 ppm
500 ppm
5000 ppm
No. 2-D S15
No. 2-D S500
No. 2-D S5000
A general purpose , middle distillate fuel for use in diesel engines especially in applications with
relatively high loads and uniform speeds, or in diesel engines not requiring fuels having higher
volatility.
15 ppm
500 ppm
5000 ppm
No. 3 D No. 3D Diesel Fuel Oil is a middle distillate having chain length 10-20
No. 4-D
A heavy distillate fuel, or blend of distillate and residual oil, for low and medium speed diesel
engines in applications involving predominantly constant speed and load
No. 5 &6
These are the heavier fuel oils (residual) having chain length 12-70, which are primarily used for
heating purpose and in large marine engines.
Classification of Marine Fuel Oil
Modern Fuel Classification System
An ASTM standard (D2069) once existed for marine fuels but it has been withdrawn. Because it was
technically equivalent to ISO 8217. ASTM D2069 covered four kinds of marine distillate fuels:
Grade Description
DMX
A special purpose light distillate intended mainly for use in emergency engines.
DMA
DMA (also called Marine Gas Oil MGO) is a general purpose marine distillate that must be free from
traces of residual fuel. DMX and DMA are mainly used in Category 1 marine engines (< 5
liters/cylinder) .
DMB
DMB (also called Marine Diesel Oil MDO) is allowed to have traces of residual fuel , which can be
high in sulfur. This contamination with residual fuel mainly occurs in distribution process, when using
the same supply means that are used for residual fuel. DMB is produced when fuels such as DMA are
brought on board the vessel in this manner. DMB is typically used for Category 2 (5-30
liters/cylinder) and Category 3 (>= 30 liters/cylinder) engines.
DMC
DMC is a grade that may contain residual fuel, and often a residual fuel blend. It is similar to No. 4-D
fuel and can be used in Category 2 and Category 3 marine diesel engines.
Residual
Residual (Non-distillate) fuels are designated by the prefix RM(e.g. RMA, RME, etc). These fuels are
also identified by their nominal viscosity (e.g RMA10, RME180, etc.)
ISO 8217:2010 Specifications for Marine Distillate Fuels
ISO 8217:2010 Specifications for Marine Residual Fuels
Specifications of Marine Fuel Oils (MFO)
In this section, we will concentrate our mind to learn about some technical detail about Marine Fuel Oil properties and
characteristics and their Impact on the Diesel Engines. The important Parameters of marine fuel oils are listed below.
1. Viscosity
2. Density
3. Micro Carbon Residue (MCR)
4. Aluminum + Silicon
5. Sodium
6. Ash
7. Vanadium
8. CCAI
9. Water
10. Pour Point
11. Flash Point
12. Sulfur
13. Total Sediment Potential (TSP)
14. Acid Number
15. Used Lube Oil (ULO)
16. Hydrogen Sulfide
1.0 Viscosity :
Viscosity is the most important properties of marine fuel oils. This is a measures of a fuels resistance to flow.
Fuel oil transfer process, fuel oil treatment system, fuel oil storage system and fuel oil injection system, etc
are directly related to fuel viscosity. The picture in next slide showing the viscosity temperature relationship
of marine fuel oils. This chart will give a quick guide line about marine fuel oil handling like storage
temperature, pumping temperature, centrifuging temperature and injection temperature.
Viscosity Temperature Relationship for Marine Fuel Oil
2.0 Density :
By definition, density is the ratio of mass and volume. But volume is not an intensive properties, it is dependent on
surrounding pressure and temperature. So to measure density, the temperature must specify before. In maritime industry the
density of fuel oil is expressed at 15
o
C called standard density. The standard density (density at 15
o
C) is more meaningful
rather than density in any other temperatures. Because this density is used to calculate following parameters of fuel:
Shell Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index (CCAI)
Calculation of engines specific fuel consumption
Calculation of engines peak pressure
BP Calculated Ignition Index(CII)
Higher Heating/Calorific Value (HHV)
Lower Heating/Calorific Value (LHV)
Volume Correction Factor(VCF) by ASTM 54B
Weight Correction Factor(WCF) by ASTM 56D
Volume Conversion
Density Conversion and so on
From the commercial point of view, density is an essential parameter to measure because residual fuel is ordered by weight
but supplied by volume. If the actual value is less than that stated, there will be a proportional shortfall in the quantity of
product supplied.
Mass = Power
Cost/Tonne $800
Average Delivery 1000 MT, 8 Times/Month, 96 Times/Year
Stated Density at 15C = 0.991
Actual Density at 15C = 0.986
Overstatement in Density 0.005kg/l
Cost/Year in Lost Energy = $384000
Be careful! In your fuel specification contract, the maximum density is specified 991 Kg/m3 at 15
o
C. If you receive a fuel
having observed density 989 at 30
o
C temperature. Do not think that your fuel is within your specification. Actually this fuel is
out of specification and actual density at 15
o
C is 999.14. It will create problem in fuel purification system.
Use ASTM 53B to convert observed density into standard density
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
3.0 Micro Carbon Residue(MCR)/Asphaltenes :
Micro Carbon Residue (MCR) also called Conradson Carbon Residue (CCR) is a measure of the tendency of a fuel to form
carbon deposits during combustion and indicates the relative coke forming tendencies of a heavy oil. Carbon-rich fuels are
more difficult to burn and have combustion characteristics which lead to the formation of soot and carbon deposits. Since
carbon deposits are a major source of abrasive wear, the CCR value is an important parameter for a diesel engine. The type of
carbon also can affect abrasive wear.
Carbon residue is the percent of coked material remaining after a sample of fuel oil has been exposed to high temperatures
under ASTM Method D-189 (Conradson) or D-524 (Ramsbottom).
Asphaltenes are those components of asphalt that are insoluble in petroleum naphtha and hot heptane but are soluble in
carbon disulfide and hot benzene. They can be hard and brittle and made up of large macromolecules of high molecular
weight, consisting of polynuclear hydrocarbon derivatives containing carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen and, usually,
the three heavy metals nickel, iron and vanadium.
A high CCR/asphaltene level denotes a high residue level after combustion and may lead to ignition delay as well as after-
burning of carbon deposits leading to engine fouling and abrasive wear. Poor engine performance caused by slow burning,
high boiling point constituents results in higher thermal loading and changes in the rate of heat release in the cylinder.
The carbon residue value of a fuel depends on the refinery processes employed in its manufacture. For straight run fuels, the
value is typically 10 - 12% m/m, while for fuels from secondary refining process, the value depends on the severity of the
processes applied. On a global basis, this value is typically 15 16%, however in some areas it can be as high as 20% m/m.
Modern engines tolerant to a wide range of MCR valves. Operational experience has shown that the present generation of
large, medium and slow speed engines designed for residual fuel can tolerate a wide range of MCR values without any adverse
effect.
> 20 % High and may be problematic and cause increased fouling
10 - 12 % Straight run fuels
15 - 16 % Average and acceptable in modern engines
Comment: Injector nozzles can become fouled using high MCR fuel. Careful control of nozzle cooling
temperature can help reduce this.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
4.0 Aluminum + Silicon (Catalytic Fines, CatFines) :
Hard, abrasive particles, such as alumina/silica catalyst carry-over, originate in the refinery when this
powdered catalyst is added to the charge stock of a fluidic catalytic cracking (F.C.C.) unit. Due to erosion
and fracture, some of the catalyst is not recovered but is carried over with the bottoms from the F.C.C.
unit. Larger sized catalyst particles, >10 microns, also can be carried over if there is a defect in the
catalyst removal equipment (such as cyclone separators), if there is an upset in the operation of the
F.C.C. unit, or if the heavy (low API gravity) bottoms (containing catalyst particles) are not permitted
sufficient time to settle-out in heated storage (when this method is used to control catalyst carry-over).
It is also possible to contaminate a clean marine residual fuel oil with catalyst particles during transport.
For example, if steamship fuel (frequently containing catalyst particles) has been transported by barge
prior to moving a clean heavy fuel oil for a diesel powered ship, the barge bottom sediment will be
mixed with the clean fuel oil and will contaminate it.
Because cat-fines are generally small, very hard, and quite abrasive to fuel pumps,
atomizers/injectors, piston rings and liners, a number of major diesel engine builders have
concluded that 30 ppm of alumina in the bunkered fuel oil is the upper limit for successful
treatment and engine operation. The average particle size, as well as the concentration, greatly
impacts the wear rate of engine components. Small sized catalyst particles, in the one to ten (1-
10) micron range, typically cause accelerated wear in injection pumps and injectors and only
moderate increases in cylinder assembly wear, such as piston rings, piston grooves, and liners.
The larger sized catalyst particles, in the ten to seventy (10-70) micron range, typically cause very
accelerated wear rates in the cylinder assembly area. Accelerated damage can also be expected
on injection pump inlet valves, exhaust valve seating areas, and turbocharger turbine blades.
These larger sized particles have been associated with catastrophic wear rates.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
5.0 Sodium(Na):
Sodium is an alkaline, chemically extremely active metallic element. The sodium found in fuel can come
from several sources. But most of it is a direct result of storing and handling procedures from the time the
fuel leaves the refinery until it is delivered to bunkers. Salt water contamination in barges used to transport
the fuel is not uncommon. To some extent, even salt air condensation in fuel tanks contributes to the
overall sodiumcontent.
Sodium acts as a paste (flux) for vanadium slag. When unfavorable quantities of vanadium and sodium are
present in a fuel they react at combustion temperatures to form (eutectic) compounds with ash melting
points within operating temperatures. In molten form sodium/vanadium ash can corrode alloy steels, and
when this condition is allowed to persist unchecked, high temperature corrosion, overheating, and eventual
burning away of exhaust valves, valve faces, and piston crowns is not uncommon.
The chief corrosive constituents in heavy fuel, oil ash formed during combustion are vanadium pentoxide,
sodium sulphate, and other complex forms of these primary compounds. The chemical nature of these
compounds and their interaction with steel surfaces on exhaust valve seats are of real concern, as the
relatively low melting points of most of these compounds make them very corrosive at normal engine
exhaust temperatures. The thickness of the various oxide layers depends on the temperature and the
exhaust gas composition. In their molten states, the vanadium-sodium-sulfur compounds also act to
dissolve the exhaust valve surface ferric oxide (Fe203) layer, thus exposing the underlying steel surface to
further oxidation attack and subsequent erosion.
The oxidation attack takes place by two mechanisms: gas phase oxidation and liquid phase oxidation. In the
gas phase oxidation, the high temperature oxygen-containing exhaust gases react with steel to form oxides.
Liquid phase oxidation (corrosion) takes place when molten sulfates and pyrosulfates in the exhaust gases
deposit on valve surfaces. In extreme situations, similar sodium/vanadium ash corrosion attack can also
occur downstream of the exhaust valves in the turbocharger exhaust gas turbine and blades.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
Sodium -Vanadium Phase Diagram
676.67
o
C
482.22
o
C
593.33
o
C
Regardless of the manner of contamination, sodium in fuel is usually water soluble and can, therefore, be
removed with the centrifugal separator.
6.0 Ash
The ash contained in heavy fuel oil includes the (inorganic) metallic content, other non-combustibles and solid
contamination. The ash content after combustion of a fuel oil takes into account solid foreign material (sand, rust,
catalyst particles) and dispersed and dissolved inorganic materials, such as vanadium, nickel, iron, sodium,
potassiumor calcium.
Ash deposits can cause localized overheating of metal surfaces to which they adhere and lead to the corrosion of
the exhaust valves. Excessive ash may also result in abrasive wear of cylinder liners, piston rings, valve seats and
injection pumps, and deposits which can clog fuel nozzles and injectors.
In heavy fuel oil, soluble and dispersed metal compounds cannot be removed by centrifuging. They can formhard
deposits on piston crowns, cylinder heads around exhaust valves, valve faces and valve seats and in turbocharger
gas sides.
High temperature corrosion caused by the metallic ash content can be minimized by taking these engine design
factors into consideration; (1) hardened atomizers to minimize erosion and corrosion and (2) reduction of valve
seat temperatures by better cooling.
7.0 Vanadium
Vanadium is a metallic element that chemically combines with sodium to produce very aggressive low melting
point compounds responsible for accelerated deposit formation and high temperature corrosion of engine
components.
Vanadiumitself is responsible for forming slag on exhaust valves and seats on 4-cycle engines, and piston crowns
on both 2- and 4-cycle engines, causing localized hot spots leading eventually to burning away of exhaust valves,
seats and piston crowns. When combined with sodium, this occurs at lower temperatures and reduces exhaust
valve life. As the vanadiumcontent (ppm) increases, so does the relative corrosion rate.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
Vanadium is oil soluble. It can be neutralized during combustion by the use of chemical inhibitors (such as
magnesiumor silicon). Cooling exhaust valves and/or exhaust valve seats will extend valve and seat life. Raising
fuel/air ratios also prolongs component life. Other measures which can be used to extend component life are
the use of heat resistant material, rotating exhaust valves, and the provisions of sufficient cooling for the high
temperature parts.
Vanadium content varies widely in heavy fuel oils depending on the crude oil source or crude oil
mixes used by the refinery.
The vanadium levels of future heavy fuel oils generally will be higher than todays. This is particularly true of
fuel oils produced from Venezuelan and Mexican crude. Vanadium cannot presently be economically reduced
or removed by the refinery or the ships systems. The burden of coping with high vanadiumlevels will continue
to remain with engine builders and ship operators. This tolerance must be achieved through advances in
materials and cooling techniques and through the use of onboard treatment methods such as chemical
additives.
In general, fuel when delivered contains a small amount of sodium which is typically below 50 mg/kg. The
presence of sea water increases this value by approximately 100 mg/kg for each per cent sea water. If not
removed in the fuel treatment process, a high level of sodium will give rise to post-combustion deposits in
the turbocharger. Although potentially harmful, these can normally be removed by water washing.
High temperature corrosion and fouling can be attributed to vanadium and sodium in the fuel. During
combustion, these elements oxidize and form semi-liquid and low melting salts which adhere to exhaust
valves and turbochargers. In practice, the extent of hot corrosion and fouling are generally maintained at an
acceptable level by employing the correct design and operation of the diesel engine. Temperature control
and material selection are the principal means of minimizing hot corrosion. It is essential to ensure exhaust
valve temperatures are maintained belowthe temperatures at which liquid sodiumand vanadiumcomplexes
are formed and for this reason valve face and seat temperatures are usually limited to below450C.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
When a fuel is bunkered with a vanadiumlevel greater than that recommended by the engine designer, there
is a risk that hot corrosion and fouling may occur. One operational solution is by the use of a fuel additive,
and numerous ash-modifying compounds are available. They should be used with care as situations can arise
where the effect of the ash-modifier, by incorrect application, can cause further problems in the downstream
post-combustion phase.
Comment: Do not run on V levels above spec for extended intervals. Watch for Na:V of 1:3 ratio.
Vanadium, Sodium and Ash will cause fouling in the Turbocharger.
8.0 CCAI
The most common method of assessing this aspect is by an empirical equation involving density and
viscosity, known as the Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index (CCAI). Of the two parameters, density has the
major effect. The incidence of fuels with a CCAI exceeding 870 is in the order of 0.2% , whilst those in the
range 870-860 are less than 3%.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
Combustion of a residual fuel is a multi-stage process of which one part is the ignition quality of the fuel.
Fuel takes a finite time from the start of the injection to the start of combustion. During this period, fuel is
intimately mixed with the hot compressed air in the cylinder where it begins to vaporize. After a short delay
known as the ignition delay, the heat of compression causes spontaneous ignition to occur.
Rapid uncontrolled combustion follows as the accumulated vapor formed during the initial injection phase is
vigorously burned. The longer the ignition delay, the more fuel will have been injected and vaporized during
this pre-mixed phase and the more explosive will be the initial combustion. The second phase or diffusion
burning phase of combustion is controlled by how rapidly the oxygen and remaining vaporized fuel can be
mixed as the initial supply of oxygen near the fuel droplets has been used during the pre-mixed combustion.
Rapid pre-mixed combustion causes very rapid rates of pressure rise in the cylinder resulting in shock waves,
broken piston rings and overheating of metal surfaces. Large diesel engines are designed to withstand a
certain rate of pressure rise within the cylinder although the figure will vary between different designs.
Ignition performance requirements of residual fuels in large diesel engines are primarily determined by
engine type and, more significantly, engine operating conditions. Fuel factors influence ignition
characteristics to a much lesser extent. It is for this reason that no general limits for ignition quality can be
applied, since a value which may be problematical to one engine under adverse conditions may perform
quite satisfactorily in many other circumstances. Engine operation under part load conditions using high CCAI
fuel should be avoided.
CCAI and CII are empirical attempts to estimate how long the fuel will take from injection to ignition and by
implication the likelihood of engine damage. After calculating the CCAI or CII of a fuel, the operator must
then judge the acceptability of that fuel for effective operation in the engine. Variations of engine load, rated
speed and design affect the likelihood of poor combustion, hence it is impossible to give precise figures that
apply to all engines. The figure above gives guidance in relation to CCAI for a number of engine types. This
data is derived fromthe results of engine simulations and published performance criteria.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
PART-B
Fuel Oil Delivery and Loss
Prevention
Do not think for Discrepancy in Quantityonly
Think about the Discrepancy in Quality also
PART-B: Fuel Oil Delivery and Loss Prevention
Fuel Oil Bunkering is a fuel oil transfer process, where a large quantity of fuel is transferred
from one vessel (supplier vessel) to another vessel (receiver tank or vessel) in a
systematic way. In bunker industry the well established trading unit of bunker fuel is metric
tones(MT). There has some technical advantages to use this unit in purchasing bunker.(1)
MT is a unit of mass which is not dependent on temperature, (2) All types of energy
calculations are directly related to the mass of fuel rather than volume.
For the sellers, you are selling fuels, and you have to be clean and reliable in your business by
supplying actual information and technical data about the fuel which you are
supplying/delivering to your customer.
Due to the complexity in calculation procedure and limitation of time standard procedure of
bunkering is rarely followed. But without a standard measurement system, attaining
accurate result is quite impossible. This is the main reason of discrepancies in bunkering.
The key objectives of this effort:
To automate the bunker calculation processes using computer.
To establish IBIA standard procedure in bunkering in Bangladesh.
To visualize the sources of error in bunkering in Bangladesh
To minimize discrepancies in bunkering by removing erroneous procedures in bunkering
Enhancing the fuel system monitoring in HFO/LFO based power plant
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
Density :
We know that volume is an extensive properties which is dependent on the temperature and the pressure. So, to measure density of
fuel oil, the temperature and pressure must consider. In maritime industry the density of fuel oil is expressed at 15
o
C called
density at standard temperature. The standard density (density at 15
o
C) is more meaningful rather than density in any other
temperature. Because this density is used to calculate following parameters of fuel;
i. Shell Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index (CCAI)
ii. BP Calculated Ignition Index(CII)
iii. Higher Heating/Calorific Value (HHV)
iv. Lower Heating/Calorific Value (LHV)
v. Volume Correction Factor(VCF) by ASTM 54B
vi. Weight Correction Factor(WCF) by ASTM 56D
vii. Volume Conversion
viii. Density Conversion and so on
Be careful! In your fuel specification contract, the maximum density is specified 991 Kg/m3 at 15
o
C. If you receive a fuel having
observed density 989 at 30
o
C temperature. Do not think that your fuel is within your specification. Actually this fuel is out of
specification and actual density at 15 oC is 999.14
TABLE ASTM 53B is used for density correction from observed density to standard density
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
Use of Density, API Gravity and Specific Gravity in Bunker Survey
Density, API Gravity and Specific Gravity (Also called Relative Density R.D) all are used by the bunker surveyor to
calculate VCF and WCF.
Table 54B is specified for Density, Table 6B is specified for API Gravity and Table 24B is specified for S.G. to calculate
VCF.
Again Table 56 is specified for Density and Table 13 is specified for API Gravity to calculate WCF.
Sometimes the surveyors convert the density at 15
o
C kg/m3 expressed in BDR in to Specific Gravity (S.G) to facilitate it
with Table 54B and Table 56 to calculate VCF and WCF. Suppose, 978 0.978
Are they actually converting from Density at 15
o
C in to Specific Gravity?
They are not actually converting the Density in to S.G. They are actually converting the density unit from
kg/m3 to kg/L.
Because, some version of VCF and WCF tables are calculated based on the density expressed in kg/L unit
rather than kg/m3. That is the reason for conversion of density unit from kg/m3 to kg/L.
So be careful about the use of Density and Specific Gravity. Do not mess up with density in kg/L with
Specific Gravity
To avoid all kinds of conversion problems in bunker survey, a specialized software (TankerCalc in slide 51) is available
which will automate your bunker quantity calculation
Purchase Bunker by Mass rather than by Volume
Observe the pictures below, fuel oil is being shipped from a hotter region to a cooler region. The volume is
different but the mass is remaining the same. So trading fuel by mass is more convenient rather than by
volume. As a large volume of fuel is involved in bunkering and its quite impossible to measure the fuel
quantity by mass using a weight measuring machine. Thats why the mass (an intensive properties) of
fuel is measured indirectly from volume and density (two extensive properties of fuel). Converting fuel
volume into mass is not an easy job just by multiplying the observed volume with observed density. Its
a critical job. Mass should be calculated following standard procedure. Accuracy in calculation
procedure is important as fuel oil is not a low valued product like water. Hence, care should be taken
before calculating the mass. The cost of small error in calculation procedure is much more higher than
spending small effort in standard measurement.
Purchase Bunker by Mass rather than by Volume
Observe the column chart below, an oil tanker carrying fuel oil from one location to another location.
Location 01:
Temperature in Location 01 = 50
o
C
Quantity by Mass in Location 01 = 1413.09 MT
Quantity by Volume in Location 01 = 1500 m
3
Location 02:
Temperature in Location 02 = 30
o
C
Quantity by Mass in Location 02 = 1413.09 MT
Quantity by Volume in Location 02 = 1478.48 m
3
Location 03:
Temperature in Location 03 = 15
o
C
Quantity by Mass in Location 03 = 1413.09 MT
Quantity by Volume in Location 03 = 1462.85 m
3
1360
1380
1400
1420
1440
1460
1480
1500
1520
50 30 15
Volume(m^3)
Mass (MT)
Sounding Tape
How To Take Sounding?
Follow the steps mentioned below to take sounding on a ship using the sounding
tape.
1) Make sure the bob is tightly held with the tape using a strap hook. Ensure that
the tape is not damaged anywhere in between to avoid dropping of bob or
tape inside the pipe.
2) Know the last reading (reference height) of the tank in order to have a rough
idea whether to take sounding or ullage.
3) Apply water/ oil finding paste to get exact readings.
4) Drop the tape inside the pipe and make sure it strikes the striker plate.
5) Coil up the tape and check for impression of paste and then note the
sounding.
6) Check the trim and list of the ship to read the correct reading for volumetric
content of the ship.
7) Note down the sounding in the record book with signature of the officer in
charge.
Sounding Measuring Tape
For Manual measurement of sounding, a measuring tape normally made up
of brass and steel with a weighted bob attached at the end of the tape is
used.
Sounding pastes are also available for both water and gas oil which
highlights the level of fluid in tape.
Reading Draft marks
Procedure for Reading Draft Marks: Draft marks are numbers marked on each side of the bow and stern of the vessel. Draft
marks show the distance from the bottom of the keel to the waterline. Use the small boat to go around the ship
and get as near as possible to the draft mark for best viewing. This process is hard to do and involves many rules of
conduct to gain the correctness and accuracy of Draft Survey itself
Why accuracy in drafts
reading is important?
The reason is that, the tanks
of a tanker is calibrated
based on prcised
measurement. The capacity
table is generated by using
accurately measured drafts.
Your unintentional mistakes
in drafts measurement will
affect your entire
calculation. So, try to collect
data as accurate as possible
by avoiding common error
in measurement.
Types of Hydrometers
Hydrometers for Oil: A hydrometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity(or
relative density) of liquids. Hydrometers for oils are specifically designed for the testing
of oil and petroleum products, and are made in accordance with national and
international standards. They can be supplied with calibration certificates, or certificates
showing traceability to national NAMAS standards. Hydrometers varies depending on
the scales and field of applications. The common types of hydrometers are as follows:
Specific Gravity Hydrometers (spgr 60/60
o
F) calibrated at 60
o
F
Density Hydrometers calibrated at 20
o
C (at 68
o
F)
API/ASTMHydrometers
Baume Hydrometers
Brix Hydrometers
Twaddle Hydrometers
Plain FormHydrometers
Howto use a hydrometer: Before using the hydrometer
Make sure both the hydrometer and hydrometer jar are clean.
If the liquid to be tested is not at room temperature, allow it to reach room temperature
before testing.
Pour the liquid carefully into the hydrometer jar to avoid the formation of air bubbles.
Do this by pouring it slowly down the side of the jar.
Stir the liquid gently, avoiding the formation of air bubbles.
Comment: Visually, Density Hydrometer and Specific Gravity Hydrometer are same but
differ in scale and calibration temperatures. Before using the hydrometer be sure
about the type so that you can select right ASTM tables for density/specific gravity
correction. Because the ASTM tables for density and specific gravity correction are
different. For density hydrometer ASTM53B and for specific gravity hydrometer ASTM
23B are used.
How to take reading from a hydrometer?
Howto take reading froma hydrometer:
Carefully insert the hydrometer into the liquid, holding it at the top of the
stem, and release it when it is approximately at its position of
equilibrium.
Note the reading approximately, and then by pressing on the top of the
stem push the hydrometer into the liquid a few millimetres and no more
beyond its equilibrium position. Do not grip the stem, but allow it to rest
lightly between finger and thumb. Excess liquid on the stem above the
surface can affect the reading.
Release the hydrometer; it should rise steadily and after a few
oscillations settle down to its position of equilibrium.
If during these oscillations the meniscus is crinkled or dragged out of
shape by the motion of the hydrometer, this indicates that either the
hydrometer or the surface of the liquid is not clean. Carefully clean the
hydrometer stem. If the meniscus remains unchanged as the hydrometer
rises and falls, then the hydrometer and liquid surface are clean, and a
reading can be taken.
The correct scale reading is that corresponding to the plane of
intersection of the horizontal liquid surface and the stem. This is not the
point where the surface of the liquid actually touches the hydrometer
stem. Take the reading by viewing the scale through the liquid, and
adjusting your line of sight until it is in the plane of the horizontal liquid
surface. Do not take a reading if the hydrometer is touching the side of
the hydrometer jar.
Measuring The Temperature
Measuring The Temperature:
Using a suitable thermometer, take the temperature of the liquid immediately after
taking the hydrometer reading.
If there is any chance of a change in the temperature of the liquid it is safer to take the
temperature both before and after the hydrometer reading. A difference of more than
1C means that the temperature is not stable, and the liquid should be left to reach room
temperature.
If the temperature of the liquid is not the same as that on the hydrometer scale, the
hydrometer reading should have a correction due to temperature applied.
Handling the Hydrometer
The hydrometer should never be held by the stem, except when it is being held vertically.
When holding the stem, always hold it by the top, as finger-marks lower down can affect
the accuracy of the instrument.
Always handle with care.
Necessary Terms and Documents Used In Bunker Industry
LIST and TRIM Correction Table: A certified calibration table for LIST and TRIM correction table.
Calibration Tables: A certified capacity table derived from the tank dimension to measure the bulk volume
by providing tank sounding/ullage data. Make sure that the calibration table is original and accurate.
It is not unknown for duplicate barge tables to be used. At first sight they appear in order but
have, in fact, been modified to the advantage of the supplier. Inserted
pages, photocopies, corrections, different print and paper types are all indications of tampering.
Meter Readings: If fuel oil delivery is determined by a meter reading, air may be pumped which will
reduce the amount actually delivered. Meter readings record a volume which has to be converted to
weight by knowledge of the density.
Ullage: The delivery barge contends that seals on sounding pipes cannot be broken. The statement is
usually backed by excuses such as customs seals or a seized sounding cock. As an alternative to
gauging the tanks,
fuel oil is delivered by meter and air is pumped through the meter to increase the
measured delivery displayed
Counter measures - dont agree to meter only fuel oil deliveries.
ASTM D1250: Standard Guide for Use of the Petroleum Measurement Tables
ASTMD1250: This guide explains in detail about use of the following petroleummeasurement tables
TABLE VOLUME NAME
5A VOLUME I GENERALIZED CRUDE OILS CORRECTION OF OBSERVED API GRAVITY TO API GRAVITY AT 60
o
F
5B VOLUME II GENERALIZED PRODUCTS CORECTION OF OBSERVED API GRAVITY TO API GRAVITY AT 60
o
F
6A VOLUME I GENERALIZED CRUDE OILS CORRECTION OF VOLUME TO 60
o
F AGAINST API GRAVITY AT 60
o
F
6B VOLUME II GENERALIZED PRODUCTS CORRECTION OF VOLUME TO 60
o
F AGAINST API GRAVITY AT 60
o
F
6C VOLUME III
VOLUME CORRECTION FACTORS FOR INDIVIDUAL AND SPECIAL APPLICATIONS VOLUME CORRECTION TO 60
o
F
AGAINST THERMAL COEFFICIENTS A 60
o
F
23A VOLUME IV GENERALIZED CRUDE OILS CORRECTION OF OBSERVED RELATIVE DENSITY TO RELATIVE DENSITY AT 60/60
o
F
23B VOLUME V GENERALIZED PRODUCTS CORRECTION OF OBSERVED RELATIVE DENSITY TO RELATIVE DENSITY AT 60/60
o
F
24A VOLUME IV GENERALIZED CRUDE OILS CORRECTION OF VOLUME TO 60
o
F AGAINST RELATIVE DENSITY 60/60
o
F
24B VOLUME V GENERALIZED PRODUCTS CORRECTION OF VOLUME TO 60
o
F AGAINST RELATIVE DENSITY 60/60
o
F
24C VOLUME VI
VOLUME CORRECTION FACTORS FOR INDIVIDUAL AND SPECIAL APPLICATIONS VOLUME CORRECTION TO 60
o
F
AGAINST THERMAL COEFFICIENTS A 60
o
F
53A VOLUME VII GENERALIZED CRUDE OILS CORRECTION OF OBSERVED DENSITY TO DENSITY AT 15
o
C
53B VOLUME VIII GENERALIZED PRODUCTS CORRECTION OF OBSERVED DENSITY TO DENSITY AT 15
o
C
54A VOLUME VII GENERALIZED CRUDE OILS CORRECTION OF VOLUME TO 15
o
C AGAINST DENSITY AT 15
o
C
54B VOLUME VIII GENERALIZED PRODUCTS CORRECTION OF VOLUME TO 15
o
C AGAINST DENSITY AT 15
o
C
54C VOLUME IX
VOLUME CORRECTION FACTORS FOR INDIVIDUAL AND SPECIAL APPLICATIONS VOLUME CORRECTION TO 15
o
C
AGAINST THERMAL COEFFICIENTS A T 15
o
C
56D WEIGHT CORRECTION FACTOR AGAINST DENSITY AT 15
o
C
Petroleum Measurement Tables
53A CRUDE OILS 53B OIL PRODUCTS
DENSITY AT OBSERVED TEMPERATURE DENSITY AT OBSERVED TEMPERATURE
950.0 952.0 954.0 956.0 958.0 960.0 997 999.0 1001.0 1003.0 1005.0 1007.0
TEMP C CORRESPONDING DENSITY AT 15C TEMP C CORRESPONDING DENSITY AT 15C
-18 929.1 931.1 933.1 935.2 937.3 939.3 -0.5 986.9 988.9 990.9 992.9 994.9 996.9
-17.75 929.2 931.3 933.3 935.4 937.4 939.5 -0.25 987.1 989.1 991.1 993.1 995.1 997.1
-17.5 929.4 931.4 933.5 935.5 937.6 939.6 0 987.2 989.2 991.2 993.3 995.3 997.3
-17.25 929.5 931.6 933.6 935.7 937.7 939.8 0.25 987.4 989.4 991.4 993.4 995.4 997.4
-17 929.7 931.7 933.8 935.8 937.9 939.9 0.5 987.6 989.6 991.6 993.6 995.6 997.6
-16.75 929.9 931.9 934 936 938 940.1 0.75 987.7 989.7 991.7 993.7 995.8 997.8
54A CRUDE OILS 54B OIL PRODUCTS
DENSITY AT 15 C DENSITY AT 15 C
990 992.0 994.0 996.0 998.0 1000.0 730 732.0 734.0 736.0 738.0 740.0
TEMP C FACTOR FOR CORRECTING VOLUME TO 15 C TEMP C CORRESPONDING DENSITY AT 15C
14 1.0006 1.0006 1.0006 1.0006 1.0006 1.0006 40 0.9684 0.9686 0.9687 0.9688 0.969 0.9691
14.25 1.0005 1.0005 1.0005 1.0005 1.0005 1.0005 40.25 0.9681 0.9683 0.9684 0.9685 0.9687 0.9688
14.5 1.0003 1.0003 1.0003 1.0003 1.0003 1.0003 40.5 0.9678 0.9679 0.9681 0.9682 0.9683 0.9685
14.75 1.0002 1.0002 1.0002 1.0002 1.0002 1.0002 40.75 0.9675 0.9676 0.9678 0.9679 0.968 0.9682
15 1 1 1 1 1 1 41 0.9672 0.9673 0.9674 0.9676 0.9677 0.9679
15.25 0.9998 0.9998 0.9998 0.9998 0.9998 0.9998 41.25 0.9669 0.967 0.9671 0.9673 0.9674 0.9675
24A CRUDE OILS 24B OIL PRODUCTS
RELATIVE DENSITY 60/60F RELATIVE DENSITY 60/60F
0.612 0.614 0.616 0.618 0.62 0.622 0.89 0.892 0.894 0.896 0.898 0.9
TEMP F CORRESPONDING RELATIVE DENSITY 60/60F TEMP F FACTOR FOR CORRECTING VOLUME TO 60F
75 0.9863 0.9863 0.9864 0.9865 0.9866 0.9867 135 0.9671 0.9672 0.9673 0.9674 0.9675 0.9675
75.5 0.9858 0.9859 0.986 0.9861 0.9862 0.9863 135.5 0.9668 0.9669 0.967 0.9671 0.9672 0.9673
76 0.9853 0.9854 0.9855 0.9856 0.9857 0.9858 136 0.9666 0.9667 0.9668 0.9669 0.967 0.9671
76.5 0.9849 0.985 0.9851 0.9852 0.9853 0.9854 136.5 0.9664 0.9665 0.9666 0.9667 0.9668 0.9669
77 0.9844 0.9845 0.9846 0.9847 0.9848 0.9849 137 0.9662 0.9663 0.9664 0.9665 0.9666 0.9667
77.5 0.984 0.9841 0.9842 0.9843 0.9844 0.9845 137.5 0.966 0.9661 0.9662 0.9663 0.9664 0.9665
23A CRUDE OILS 23B OIL PRODUCTS
RELATIVE DENSITY AT OBSERVED TEMPERATURE RELATIVE DENSITY AT OBSERVED TEMPERATURE
0.827 0.829 0.831 0.833 0.835 0.837 0.941 0.943 0.945 0.947 0.949 0.951
TEMP F CORRESPONDING RELATIVE DENSITY 60/60F TEMP F CORRESPONDING RELATIVE DENSITY 60/60F
90 0.8389 0.8409 0.8429 0.8449 0.8468 0.8488 195 0.9906 0.9926 0.9946 0.9965 0.9985 1.0005
90.5 0.8391 0.8411 0.8431 0.8451 0.847 0.849 195.5 0.9908 0.9928 0.9948 0.9967 0.9987 1.0007
91 0.8393 0.8413 0.8433 0.8453 0.8472 0.8492 196 0.991 0.993 0.995 0.9969 0.9989 1.0008
91.5 0.8395 0.8415 0.8435 0.8455 0.8474 0.8494 196.5 0.9912 0.9932 0.9951 0.9971 0.9991 1.001
92 0.8397 0.8417 0.8437 0.8456 0.8476 0.8496 197 0.9914 0.9933 0.9953 0.9973 0.9992 1.0012
92.5 0.8399 0.8419 0.8439 0.8458 0.8478 0.8498 197.5 0.9916 0.0035 0.9955 0.9975 0.9994 1.0014
Bunker Delivery Receipt/Bunker Delivery Note:
Bunker Delivery Receipt/Bunker Delivery Note:
This a standard document originated from the fuel supplier for the purchaser containing necessary and
most important information regarding the fuel that has been purchased. The purpose of the Bunker
Delivery Receipt (BDR) is to record what has been transferred. Various factors are recorded in this
document including:
Location and time of transfer
Details of product delivered
Temperature of product delivered
Product density at standard reference temperature
Sample seal numbers
Care should be taken before signing the BDR. For example, the bunkers should not be signed for in
weight form, only for volume at observed temperature. The actual weight can only be calculated
after a representative sample of the delivery has been tested for density.
IBIA Standard Bunker Delivery Note/Receipt
IBIA Standard Bunker Delivery Note/Receipt
An Existing Bunker Delivery Note/Receipt
Extracted from IBIA Standard Form for comparison
Bunker Checklist
Bunker Checklist:
Bunkering is often carried out when the engineering staff are under pressure in both time and
manpower. Key checks are often missed and only come to light when it is too late. A few relevant
points are detailed below:
1. The purchaser should obtain specification acceptance from the supplier.
2. Purchaser needs to advise ships Staffs what grade of fuel will be delivered and how transferred.
3. Fuels from different deliveries should be segregated as far as practical.
4. All receiving tanks need to be gauged prior to taking fuel.
5. Dont sign any documentation unless you have witnessed the actual event.
6. Always take up witness offers made by the supplier
7. If the suppliers sampling method is unknown, then sign adding the words for receipt only -
source unknown.
8. Always take a fuel sample using a continuous drip method.
9. Take one sample per barge/ delivery
10. Sign the BDR for volume only, if necessary adding the words for volume only - weight to be
determined after density tests.
11. Ensure good records are kept throughout the bunkering.
12. Keep accurate engine logs in the event of any subsequent problems
13. Keep fuel samples for at least 12 months.
14. Test all fuel on delivery for Viscosity, Density, Water,Stability, Pour Point and Salt (if water
present).
15. Use a laboratory to check results in the event of any discrepancies being indicated by on-site test
equipment.
MARPOL Annex VI Summery:
MARPOL: MARPOL 73/78 is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From
Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978. (MARPOL is short form of Marine Pollution and
73/78 short for the years 1973 and 1978)
MARPOL Annex VI Summery:
Fuel oil purchasers need to advise the ships staff what grade of fuel they will receive and how it will
be transferred.
Fuels from different deliveries should be segregated as far as is practicable
All receiving fuel oil tanks need to be gauged and the results recorded prior to taking delivery of fuel
Dont sign any documentation before you have witnessed the actual event
Always take up witness offers made by the suppliers representatives.
If the origin and method by which the suppliers sample was obtained is unknown then sign for it
adding the words for receipt only - source unknown
Fuel oil samples should always be taken by continuous-drip method throughout the bunkering.
If the fuel oil delivered is supplied by more than one barge, a sample should be taken of each fuel oil
from the supplying barges.
Sign the bunker delivery receipt only for volume delivered. If the supplier insists on a signature for
weight add for volume only - weight to be determined after density testing of representative
sample.
Comment : Make sure that what you sign for is what you get. Be certain that the bunker receipt reflects the facts as
witnessed. Do not sign anything unless you have witnessed it. Always take a representative sample.
Guidelines for the Sampling of Fuel Oil for Determination of Compliance with
ANNEX VI of MARPOL 73/78
Definitions:
Suppliers representative: Suppliers representative is the individual from the bunker tanker who is
responsible for the delivery and documentation or, in the case of deliveries direct fromthe shore to the ship,
the person who is responsible for the delivery and documentation.
Ships representative: Ships representative is the ships master or officer in charge who is responsible for
receiving bunkers and documentation.
Representative Sample: Representative sample is a product specimen having its physical and chemical
characteristics identical to the average characteristics of the total volume being sampled.
Primary Sample: Primary Sample is the representative sample of the fuel delivered to the ship collected
throughout the bunkering period obtained by the sampling equipment positioned at the bunker manifold
of the receiving ship.
Retained sample: Retained sample is the representative sample in accordance with regulation 18(6) of
Annex VI to MARPOL 73/78, of the fuel delivered to the ship derived fromthe primary sample.
Sampling Method: The primary sample should be obtained by one of the following methods.
1. Manual valve-setting continuous-drip sampler
2. Time-Proportional automatic sampler
3. Flow-Proportional automatic sampler
Sampling equipment should be used in accordance with manufacturers instructions or guidelines as
appropriate.
Guidelines for the Sampling of Fuel Oil for Determination of Compliance with
ANNEX VI of MARPOL 73/78
Sampling and Sample Integrity:
1. A means should be provided to seal the sampling equipment throughout the period of supply.
2. Attention should be given to:
a) The formof set up of the sampler
b) The formof primary sample container
c) The cleanliness and dryness of the sampler and the primary sample container prior to use
d) The setting of the means used to control the flowto the sample container
e) The method to be used to secure the sample fromtampering or contamination during the bunker
operation
3. The primary sample receiving container should be attached to the sampling equipment and sealed so
as to prevent tampering or contamination of the sample throughout the bunker delivery period.
Sampling location: For the purpose of these guidelines a sample of the fuel delivered to the ship should
be obtained at the receiving ships inlet bunker manifold and should be drawn continuously throughout the
bunker delivery period.
AUTOMATIC
SAMPLER
Manual Continuous Drip Sampler
Guidelines for the Sampling of Fuel Oil for Determination of Compliance with
ANNEX VI of MARPOL 73/78
Retained sample handling:
The retained sample container should be clean and dry
Immediately prior to filling the retained sample container, the primary sample quantity should be thoroughly
agitated to ensure that it is homogenous
The retained sample should be sufficient quantity to perform the tests required but should not be less than 400
ml. The container should be filled to 90% +/-5% capacity and sealed.
Sealing of the retained sample: Immediately following collection of the retained sample, a tamper proof
security seal with a unique means of identification should be installed by the suppliers representative in the
presence of ships representative. A label containing the following information should be secured
To the retained sample.
Location at which, and the method by which the sample was drawn
Date of commencement of delivery
Name of bunker tanker/installation
Name and IMO number of the receiving ship
Signature over the printed name of suppliers and ships representative
Details of seal identification, and
The bunker grade
Retained sample storage:
The retained sample should be kept in a safe storage location.
The retained sample should be stored in a sheltered location where it will not be subject to elevated temperatures,
preferably at a cool/ambient temperature, and where it will not be exposed direct sunlight.
Pursuant to regulation 18(6) of Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78, the retained sample should be retained under the ships
control until the fuel oil is substantially consumed, but in any case for a period of not less than 12 months from the date
of delivery
Dubious Practices Summery
Dubious Practices Summery:
Fuel oil purchasers need to advise the ships staff what grade of fuel they will receive and how it will
be transferred.
Fuels from different deliveries should be segregated as far as is practicable
All receiving fuel oil tanks need to be gauged and the results recorded prior to taking delivery of fuel
Dont sign any documentation before you have witnessed the actual event
Always take up witness offers made by the suppliers representatives.
If the origin and method by which the suppliers sample was obtained is unknown then sign for it
adding the words for receipt only - source unknown
Fuel oil samples should always be taken by continuous-drip method throughout the bunkering.
If the fuel oil delivered is supplied by more than one barge, a sample should be taken of each fuel oil
from the supplying barges.
Sign the bunker delivery receipt only for volume delivered. If the supplier insists on a signature for
weight add for volume only - weight to be determined after density testing of representative
sample.
Comment : Make sure that what you sign for is what you get. Be certain that the bunker receipt
reflects the facts as witnessed. Do not sign anything unless you have witnessed it. Always take a
representative sample.
Necessary Tools/Documents Required for Bunker Calculation
Sounding Tape
Thermometer
Density Hydrometer
Water Finding Paste(For MDO)
Bunker Delivery Notes (BDN)
ASTM 53B table for density correction
ASTM 54B table for VCF calculation
ASTM 56D table for weight correction
Calculator
Sample bottles
Pre-Bunker Data Collection in Existing Bunkering
Measuring The Density: To measure the density, a fuel sample is drawn from randomly selected
tank of the tanker. Sometimes average density of multiple tanks are used.
Measuring The Temperature: The Temperature is measured using a mercury thermometer.
Pre-bunker Tank Gauging/Sounding: Using a suitable sounding tape the soundings of associated
tanks of the tanker are taken and calculate the corresponding volumes from the tank
capacity/calibration tables.
Existing Calculation Sheet:
Tank No
Tank
Sounding
cm
Observed
Volume in
m
3
Observed
Density
Kg/m
3
Observed
Temp.
o
C
1P 301 115.471
1S 299 116.723
2P 333.9 195.201
2S 339 198.752 977.4 26.25
3P 337 117.175
3S 338 118.89
4P 320 129.295
4S 323 132.376
Total Obs. Vol : 1123.883 m3
Observed Density: 977.4
o
C
Quantity in MT(obs vol. x obs density/1000): 1098.48 MT
Existing Bunker Quantity Calculation Flow Chart
Observed Volume (m
3
)
Quantity in
(Kg)
Observed Density (Kg/m
3
)
Tank Calibration/Capacity Tables
Sounding of Desired Tanks
Observed Temperature (
o
C)
1000
Quantity in Metric Tones (MT)
IBIA Standard Procedure for Bunker Quantity Calculation Flow Chart
Observed Volume (m
3
)
Observed Density of Representative Sample (Kg/m
3
)
Tank Calibration/Capacity
Tables
Sounding of Desired Tanks
Observed Temperature of Representative Sample
o
C
Quantity in Metric Tones (MT)
A
S
T
M

5
3
B
Density at 15
o
C (Kg/m
3
)
ASTM 54B
Volume Correction Factor (VCF)
Standard Volume at 15
o
C (m
3
) Weight Correction Factor (WCF)
ASTM 56D
Tank Temperature
o
C
Actually, the density of a representative sample at 15
o
C should
be specified in Bunker Delivery Receipt (BDR). If not specified,
then use this method to calculate standard density.
Case Study 01:
Basic Information Supplied in the Bunker Delivery Receipt.
Product Name : Heavy Fuel Oil
Density in BDN at 15
o
C : 989.999 Kg/m
3
Density of Representative Sample after Bunkering at 15
o
C = 980.019 Kg/m
3
Case Study 01:
Basic Information Supplied in the Bunker Delivery Receipt.
Product Name : Heavy Fuel Oil
Density in BDN at 15
o
C : 989.999 Kg/m
3
Density of Representative Sample after Bunkering at 15
o
C = 980.019 Kg/m
3
Case Study 01:
Density of Representative Sample after Bunkering at 15
o
C = 984.994 Kg/m
3
Opening Observed Volume (m
3
) = 1236.76
Opening Standard Volume (m
3
) = 1208.75 (VCF calculated from ASTM 54B)
Closing Observed Volume (m
3
) = 144.949
Closing Standard Volume (m
3
) = 141.826 (VCF calculated from ASTM 54B)
Observed Volume Transferred = 1236.76 144.949 = 1091.81 m3
Standard Volume Transferred = 1208.75 141.867 = 1066.88 m3
The theoretical weight transferred in air: = Density (kg/m3) * Standard volume at 15C(m3) x Factor = kg * kg/1000
= 990.0*1066.88*0.988899/1000 (MT) (The Factor is calculated from ASTM 56D)
= 1055.04 MT
The transferred weight of the fuel based on the density provided in Bunker Delivery Receipt(BDR) is = 1055.04 MT
As the density determined from a representative sample of the bunkering is 984.994 kg/m3;
the actual weight transferred in air = 980.019 * 1066.88/1000 * 0.978919
= 1044.07 MT
If the density is not determined from a representative sample, the BDR should be signed only for volume. If the supplier
insists on a signature for weight, add for volume only - weight to be determined after density testing of a
representative sample.
Comment: The example calculation given for a fuel delivery changed the actual delivery from:
1055.04 Changes to 1044.07 MT a savings of 10.97 MT or $8776 at $800/MT
Bunker Quantity Determination Software Package
This is the software Package designed to automate entire bunker calculation process without
compromising with any standard. All of the petroleum measurement tables required to
work with Density, API Gravity or Specific Gravity are embedded in this software. This is light
weight and can be used without installation in any windows based system.
This is applicable for, Crude Oils, Gasolenes, Transition Zone, Jet Fuels, Fuel Oils and Lubricants
The main feature of this software is interactive conversion capabilities. With a single click one
can switch from one measurement standard (say, Density based measurement to APIG
based measurement) to another standard without changing the existing values. The
accuracy of the calculation is tested by comparing with DNVPS software Bunker Master
2.0 and with Shells BunkerCalc. This software can be used universally to calculate the
actual fuel quantity. Additionally this software contains energy calculation tools, density
conversion tools, VCF calculation tools, WCF calculation tools, MT calculation tools and
much more.
The software is featured with OFF HIRE BUNKER SURVEY, BUNKER ROB SURVEY, ULLAGE
REPORT GENERATION, BUNKER STEM SURVEY and much more
Bunker Quantity Determination Software Package
Serial Description Version
Database
Availability
01 Bunker ROB Survey + Bunker Detective Survey (221B survey) Workbook DENS/M
3
/
o
C Yes
02 Bunker Stem Survey Workbook DENS/M
3
/
o
C Yes
03 ON-OFF-HIRE Survey Workbook DENS/M
3
/
o
C Yes
04 Bunker ROB Survey + Bunker Detective Survey (221B survey) Workbook APIG/US, bbl/
o
F Yes
05 Bunker Stem Survey Workbook APIG/US, bbl/
o
F Yes
06 ON-OFF-HIRE Workbook APIG/US, bbl/
o
F Yes
07 Bunker ROB Survey + Bunker Detective Survey (221B survey) Workbook DENS/M
3
/
o
C No
08 Bunker Stem Survey Workbook DENS/M
3
/
o
C No
09 ON-OFF-HIRE Survey Workbook DENS/M
3
/
o
C No
10 Bunker ROB Survey + Bunker Detective Survey (221B survey) Workbook APIG/US, bbl/
o
F No
11 Bunker Stem Survey Workbook APIG/US, bbl/
o
F No
12 ON-OFF-HIRE Survey Workbook APIG/US, bbl/
o
F No
Above workbooks are designed for HSFO, LSFO, MDO, LSMDO, MGO and LSMGO. But it is possible to customize for other
refined products like Gasolenes, Naphtha, Jet Fuels and Lube Oils and also for Crude Oil.
13 Draught Survey Workbook and Wedge Volume Calculation
14 Workbook with necessary tools (1D, 2D Interpolation, Density<> APIG<> SG<> conversion, Blended Density
Calculation, Temperature Conversion etc and much more) required by bunker surveyors
Bunker ROB+221B Workbook Snapshot
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
This is a database embedded workbook for Bunker ROB and Bunker Detective Survey (221B
Survey) where a surveyor can store his all survey related information in a built-in database.
Bunker ROB+221B Workbook (Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
This is the main worksheet for ROB+221B survey related calculation. At the end of calculation
the survey report will be generated automatically which one can print or email directly.
Bunker ROB+221B Workbook (Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
Sample Vessel Gauging Report and other reports which will be generated at the end of
calculation
Bunker ROB+221B Workbook (Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
Sample BUNKER ROB CERTIFICATE and BUNKER DETECTIVE SURVEY RESULTS (221B). One can export
those reports in excel or pdf format and also can email directly to client address
Bunker STEM Survey
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
This is also a database embedded workbook for Bunker STEM Survey where a
surveyor can store his all stem survey related information in a built-in database.
Bunker STEM Survey (Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
Main Worksheet for Stem Survey Calculation
Bunker STEM Survey (Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
Sample Vessel Gauging Reports
Bunker STEM Survey (Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
Other documents like
1. STEM Survey Summary Report
2. Certificate of Quantity
3. Time Log
4. Surveyor Comments
5. Fuel Sample Information
6. Temperature Log etc
ON-OFF-HIRE SURVEY
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
Draft AFT : 11.10 Draft FWD: 10.12 Trim : 0.98 List : 0.00 Sea State:
Tank ID
Reference
Height
Tank
Capacity
% Full
Ullage/
Sounding
T.O.V
Free Water
Dip
Free Water
Volume
G.O.V
Density
at 15 oC
Temp V.C.F.
G.S.V
at 15oC
Metric Tons Metric Tons
m m3 m m3 cm m3 m3 kg/L oC TABLE 54B m3 (In Vacu.) (In Air)
1-P 15.46 546.000 42.86 4.340 U 234.000 0.000 0.000 234.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 233.836 230.820 230.562
1-S 15.47 546.500 6.11 0.920 S 33.400 0.000 0.000 33.400 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 33.377 32.946 32.910
2-S 15.50 430.000 53.49 1.200 U 230.000 0.000 0.000 230.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 229.839 226.874 226.621
2-P 15.50 430.000 30.23 1.300 U 130.000 0.000 0.000 130.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 129.909 128.233 128.090
FO SETT G 33.000 59.09 G 19.500 0.000 0.000 19.500 0.9871 76.0 0.9578 18.677 18.436 18.416
FO SERV G 29.500 84.75 G 25.000 0.000 0.000 25.000 0.9871 87.0 0.9501 23.753 23.446 23.420
669.391
Tank ID
Reference
Height
Tank
Capacity
% Full
Ullage/
Sounding
T.O.V
Free Water
Dip
Free Water
Volume
G.O.V
Density
at 15 oC
Temp V.C.F.
G.S.V
at 15oC
Metric Tons Metric Tons
m m3 m m3 cm m3 m3 kg/L oC TABLE 54B m3 (In Vacu.) (In Air)
1-P 15.46 546.000 42.86 4.340 U 234.000 0.000 0.000 234.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 233.836 230.820 230.562
1-S 15.47 546.500 6.11 0.920 S 33.400 0.000 0.000 33.400 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 33.377 32.946 32.910
2-S 15.50 430.000 53.49 1.200 U 230.000 0.000 0.000 230.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 229.839 226.874 226.621
2-P 15.50 430.000 30.23 1.300 U 130.000 0.000 0.000 130.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 129.909 128.233 128.090
FO SETT G 33.000 59.09 G 19.500 0.000 0.000 19.500 0.9871 76.0 0.9578 18.677 18.436 18.416
FO SERV G 29.500 84.75 G 25.000 0.000 0.000 25.000 0.9871 87.0 0.9501 23.753 23.446 23.420
669.391
Tank ID
Reference
Height
Tank
Capacity
% Full
Ullage/
Sounding
T.O.V
Free Water
Dip
Free Water
Volume
G.O.V
Density
at 15 oC
Temp V.C.F.
G.S.V
at 15oC
Metric Tons Metric Tons
m m3 m m3 cm m3 m3 kg/L oC TABLE 54B m3 (In Vacu.) (In Air)
1-P 15.46 546.000 42.86 4.340 U 234.000 0.000 0.000 234.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 233.836 230.820 230.562
1-S 15.47 546.500 6.11 0.920 S 33.400 0.000 0.000 33.400 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 33.377 32.946 32.910
2-S 15.50 430.000 53.49 1.200 U 230.000 0.000 0.000 230.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 229.839 226.874 226.621
2-P 15.50 430.000 30.23 1.300 U 130.000 0.000 0.000 130.000 0.9871 16.0 0.9993 129.909 128.233 128.090
FO SETT G 33.000 59.09 G 19.500 0.000 0.000 19.500 0.9871 76.0 0.9578 18.677 18.436 18.416
FO SERV G 29.500 84.75 G 25.000 0.000 0.000 25.000 0.9871 87.0 0.9501 23.753 23.446 23.420
669.391
18:00
TOTAL Metric Tons
TOTAL Metric Tons
MARINE DIESEL OIL
TOTAL Cubic Metres @ 15C
TOTAL Cubic Metres @ 15C
TOTAL Metric Tons
LOW SULFUR FUEL OIL
TOTAL Cubic Metres @ 15C
Time of Survey
Choppy
HIGH SULFUR FUEL OIL
AVA MARINE | BUNKER DETECTIVE
Head Office: World Trade Center Suite 404-999 Canada Place Vancouver British Colombia Canada V6C 3E2
A Division of AVA Marine Group Inc | Registered Company No. BC0943478
Name of Vessel MV "APHRODITE L"
Type of Survey BUNKER ROB SURVEY
Location of Survey Vancouver
Date of Survey 28-Oct-13
660.019
660.019
660.755 660.019
660.755
660.755
ON-OFF-HIRE SURVEY(Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
ON-OFF-HIRE SURVEY (Continue)
Designed and Customized for AVA Marine Group
Shore Based Fuel Storage System
3D layout of a shore based power station fuel storage system. This software can
be customized for any tank firm/terminal to automate fuel calculation process.
Shore Based Fuel Storage System Monitoring
This is also another automatic fuel storage monitoring system designed to observe the content of individual
storage tanks more closely. This is customizable for any liquid storage system
Shore Based Fuel Storage Monitoring System
Bunker Delivery in Shore Tanks
It seems that, bunkering in a shore tank is much easier than that of a ship/barge. The transferred fuel volume (observed
volume) is determined from the initial and final tank sounding. The initial and final tank temperatures are not
being considered. But the temperature differences influences the entire calculation process. In the software below
we will see how the differences in temperature participates on transferred quantity.
Bunker delivery in a shore based storage tank
Effect of Temperature Variation in Bunkering
Effect of Temperature Variation in Bunkering :
Average temperature of Shore based fuel storage tanks are maintained around 45 to 50
o
C to keep
the fuel temperature above their pour point. Another reason of heating is to enhance the
transfer process by lowering the viscosity of the oil. Hence, elevated temperature will greatly
impart on received quantity during bunkering if the temperature correction is not considered.
As the capacities of shore based storage tanks are normally high compared to other storage
tanks (like in barge/oil tanker), So the variation in temperature by few degrees will change the
entire scenario of bunkering. Please see the subsequent slides regarding volumetric expansion
or volumetric shrinkage due to the variation in temperature during bunkering.
Bunker Handler (To determine loss and gain in bunkering) Demo
This is another useful software for bunker handling. It consider all factors related to bunker quantity and use dynamic
material balance to determine the volume shrinkage/expansion due to the temperature difference of incoming and receiving
vessel. The above picture showing an oil tanker delivering bunker in a shore tank possessing temperature 30
o
C and after
delivery the tank temperature increases to say 40
o
C. According to the calculation, the receiving vessel will pay for 13.83 MT
(Expanded quantity) that they have not received if they ignore the temperature correction.
Bunker Handler (To determine loss and gain in bunkering) Demo
This is another useful software for bunker handling. It consider all factors related to bunker quantity and use dynamic
material balance to determine the volume shrinkage/expansion due to the temperature difference of incoming and
receiving vessel. The above picture showing an oil tanker delivering bunker in a shore tank possessing temperature
40
o
C and after delivery the tank temperature drops to say 30
o
C. According to the calculation, the incoming vessel
wont find 13.73 MT (Shrinkage quantity) oil if they ignore the temperature correction.
Fuel Management System in a Floating Barge (BargeCalc Pro)
Developed By
Md. Moynul Islam
Chemical Engineer
Expertise in Fuels, Lubricants and Water Treatment
mdmoynul@yahoo.com
+8801816449869
Inventory Control
Bunker Manager
Quick Volume
Tools
How BargeCalc Pro Works?
Input Variables
Barge Drafts
Tank Sounding
Tank
Temperature
Density at
15
o
C
LOAD DATABASE
Select TRIM Correction Table
Select LIST Correction Table
Run 2D-Linear Interpolation For
Given Sounding, TRIM and LIST
Values
LIST and TRIM Corrected Volume
Call ASTM 54B Table For
VCF Calculation
Call ASTM 56D For
WCF Calculation
Calculate Quantity in Metric
Tones
Using Flow Meters in Bunkering
An worrying comment made in the Control Engineering article Flow meter seleciton: Right size, right design that
Worlds 70% of installed flow meters are either the wrong technology or the wrong size .
There are three types of flow meters are commonly used in oil and gas industry. They are
the PD (Positive Displacement) flow meter, Ultrasonic Flow meter, and Coriolis Flow
meter. None of the above are universal. All of them have some advantages and
disadvantages depending on the field of application.
Ultrasonic Flow Meter
Ultrasonic Flow Meter
Ultrasonic Flow Meter Measurement Technology
The Coriolis Mass Flow meter
Among the above flow meters, Coriolis Mass Flow meter is the best choice in bunker
industry. The main reason is its accuracy in mass measurement and entrained air
compensation technology made it unique in flow measurement. It can measure the
density, volumetric flow rate and the mass flow rate.
Expecting your valuable suggestion about this presentation
This presentation is under continuous development. Most of the resources are
from internet. Thanks to all who have uploaded the materials/information for
the web learner. This presentation is not for any business purpose. Expecting
your valuable suggestion/comments about the improvement of this
presentation.
For more information about the customized bunker fuel calculation
software please contact via email mdmoynul@yahoo.com or via
mobile +8801816449869