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Installation and Configuration Manual 3
Introduction
Installation Using ADView and ProLink IIElectrical ConnectionsIntroduction
1.2.4 What is it used for?
The 7829 Viscomaster
®
/ Viscomaster Dynamic
™
viscosity meter is designed specifically to control
the viscosity of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) used by power plants. This is typically achieved by adjusting
the heating of incoming HFO to maintain the viscosity within the limits set by the engine
manufacturer.
HFO is a low cost, high viscosity fuel derived from refinery wastes. The quality of the oil and its
viscosity/temperature characteristics can vary due to:
• Stratification within storage tanks.
• Contamination in transit storage.
• Variations in the production process at the refinery or at the blending plant.
HFO heating is usually required to ensure that the viscosity of the oil at the injectors of a large diesel
engine or burner nozzle is maintained at the optimum value (typically between 10 cSt and 20 cSt).
Failure to observe the viscosity limits results in inefficient combustion, pollution problems and higher
operating costs (either due to excessive fuel being burnt or premature wear to engine components).
Since simple temperature control has been shown to be ineffective due to the variability of oil quality
in HFO, viscosity control is usually performed.
A typical HFO fuel circuit is shown in Figure 1-1.
Note: In some installations, equipment may be installed in between the viscosity transmitter and the
burner / engine to remove contaminants from the fuel; the efficient operation of this equipment may
also depend on the viscosity of the HFO.