That was the result for Mississippi-based Blessey Marine when they used Algae-X Internation's fuel conditioning systems
Blessey operates 80 tank barges and 40 tow boats, ranging from 700hp to 3,200hp, and port engineer Mark Dufriend turned to Algae-X after having major problems with on of his barges.
"I was changing fuel filters every 17 hours and was ready to send the barge to the shipyard and have the fuel tanks pumped out and cleaned," he said.
He first tried treating the fuel with Algae-X's AFC-705 fuel catalyst ... which solved the problem. After several months and 200 hours without a fuel filter change, Mark estimates that the savings on tank cleaning alone exceeded US$5,000 -- and he now treats fuel tanks on all Blessey's boats and barges.
Based on the success of the fuel catalyst, Mark went on to install the firm's LG-X 3000 fuel conditioners on 95ft workboat Dreamer Klaiber, fitted with 3,200hp Cummins KAT50-M2 engines.
"Before installing the conditioners on the main engines and generators, the fuel filters needed replacement at every oil change," Mark continued. "Afterwards, the captain finally replaced the fuel filters at the third oil change -- he just felt guilty, the filters really didn't need changing!"
That convinced Mark to institute a total fuel systems management programme that will see LG-X series conditioners installed on all Blessey's boats and barges.
"Our technology is about optimizing the fuel quality to perform better," Algae-X partner Bill O'Connell told DPC. The firm also worked with dredging contractors Manson Construction to help cure their fuel and emission problems and, Bill continued: "Our systems aid filtration, but that same benefit results in better fuel combustion -- Manson saw less particulate emissions as well as better fuel consumption."
Excerpt from the November, 2004 issue of Dredging and Port Construction magazine article entitled A Breath Of Fresh Air?
AFC-705 Efficiently Decontaminates and Cleans the Fuel and Injection System.
Algae-X Fuel Catalyst is a POWERFUL Full Spectrum Additive and tank cleaning agent. It is a unique broad-spectrum fuel additive that provides Superior Diesel Fuel Quality for Engines and Storage Tanks, lowering operating cost, maintenance and downtime. The Fuel Catalysts unique formulation eliminates the build up of sludge in your diesel fuel, improves combustion of diesel fuel and reduces harmful exhaust. AFC-705 is designed for use in Diesel, Biofuels, Gasoline, Kerosene and HFO.
AFC-705 Fuel Catalyst is a concentrate that cleans heavily contaminated fuel systems and storage tanks. It dissolves tank sludge, stabilizes the fuel, restores Optimal Fuel Quality, and preserves the integrity of stored fuel up to 12 months.
AFC-705 cleans your tanks, and when added in with each refueling, enhances combustion, eliminates carbon deposits, reduces harmful emissions, and lowers fuel consumption.
Implementing AFC-705 as part of your preventative fuel maintenance program will stabilize your fuel, prevent sludge build-up and eliminate the need for expensive and toxic biocides.
When you use AFC-705 in conjunction with a Mobil Tank Cleaning System, with an individual installion of a Wall Mounted System, or with an Automated Tank Cleaning System, the tank cleaning and fuel restoration process is accelerated. It enhances the breakdown and removal of sludge, slime and bio-fouling from tank walls and baffles that are difficult to access. AFC-705 efficiently decontaminates and cleans the fuel and injection system, It continues to work in the tank, cleaning and stabilizing stored fuel for up to 12 months.
Contains: combustion catalyst, surfactant, dispersant, corrosion inhibitor and lubricity enhancer.
AFC-705 + Anti Gel = AFC-805
AFC-805 works just like AFC-705, but contains a winter additive to reduce the pour point and avoid fuel gelling.
AFC-705 Saves You Money . . .
By lowering operating cost, reducing maintenance and eliminating downtime
Cleans Diesel Fuel Storage and Delivery Systems:
Stabilizes and restores diesel fuel quality
Dissolves and disperses sludge and slime
Eliminates costly diesel fuel tank cleaning and disposal fees
Combustion chamber deposits are rapidly modified and removed during operation with AFC-705 treated fuel. Deposits removal reduces fuel consumption, oil consumption, emissions and maintenance costs.
Click on Picture to Enlarge
Caterpillar D348 777 diesel engine head after 13,260 hours of continuous operation with untreated diesel fuel.
Caterpillar 3408 diesel engine head after 13,788 hours of continuous operation with AFC-705 treated diesel fuel.
