Laboratory analysis

Laboratory analysis is the testing of a fuel, lubricant, water, or cargo sample against a specification, most often the testing of bunker fuel to ISO 8217. The retained sealed bunker sample is sent to an accredited laboratory, which reports density, viscosity, sulfur content, water, micro carbon residue, ash, and catalytic fines (aluminum plus silicon) so the chief engineer can confirm the fuel meets the grade ordered and the MARPOL Annex VI sulfur limit. Off-spec results support a fuel-quality claim against the supplier. Cat fines above the ISO 8217 limit of 60 ppm are a primary cause of liner and fuel-pump wear.