Why is it important to use stable fuel in an engine-based power plant?
The Stability in Residual Fuel Oil (RFO) can be defined as its ability to resist the formation of sludge during its storage and/or handling. If a fuel is unstable the ashphaltene molecules start to agglomerate into large groups, which then form sludge. The effects of this sludge on the plant’s fuel systems can vary from minor filter blockage to total stoppage of the engine plant. Stability is thus one of the most important properties of a residual fuel.
