OPTIMIZATION OF THE MARINE FUEL SYSTEM (MGO/HFO, MFP–HFO, SEPARATION): THE INFLUENCE OF FUEL PREPARATION MODES ON ENGINE RELIABILITY AND CONSUMPTION

The study provides a broad analysis of approaches to optimizing marine fuel systems in the context of tightening environmental requirements in the 2024–2025 period. The purpose of the study is to identify patterns in the influence of fuel preparation modes (HFO, MGO, MFP-HFO) and the effectiveness of centrifugal separation on the operational reliability of main engines, as well as on the value of specific fuel consumption. As the methodological basis, a systematized review of specialized publications, a comparison of key technical parameters of equipment, and a practice-oriented analysis of cases of implementing digital systems for control and monitoring of tanks were used. The totality of the obtained data indicates that stabilization of the temperature regime of separation at 98°C with simultaneous limitation of throughput to 70% ensures removal of up to 85% of abrasive catalytic fractions, thereby statistically reducing the probability of scuffing formation on cylinder liners. Additionally, it is shown that replacing manual procedures for monitoring petroleum product levels with redundant computer-based measuring systems leads to an increase in accounting accuracy up to 98.3% relative to traditional measurements. The formulated hypothesis about the key significance of fuel cleanliness as one of the determining factors for achieving limiting values of effective engine efficiency above 53% is confirmed through analysis of tribological characteristics and wear parameters. The conclusions substantiate the expediency of integrating adaptive control of separation processes with digital monitoring of condition and levels in tanks as a systemic solution aimed at increasing the durability of the cylinder–piston group and reducing operational risks. The presented results have applied significance for marine engineers, technical managers of shipping companies, and specialists engaged in the design and modernization of modern marine power plants.