Abstract:
The Fuel Oil Purifier (F.O Purifier) is an auxiliary machinery on board a ship that
functions to separate fuel oil from water and impurities before it is supplied to the main
engine. An unoptimized performance of the F.O Purifier can reduce fuel quality and
directly affect the combustion process and the performance of the main engine. This
research aims to analyze the causes of incomplete fuel oil purification and the factors
contributing to the ineffective implementation of the Planned Maintenance System
(PMS) on the F.O Purifier onboard MV. Meratus Lembar.
This study employed a descriptive qualitative research method. Data were collected
through direct observation during sea practice, interviews with engine officers,
documentation, and literature study. The collected data were analyzed by comparing
actual operational conditions with the procedures stated in the Instruction Manual
Book.
The results indicate that the incomplete fuel oil purification was mainly caused by
improper selection of gravity disc size, fuel oil heating temperature that did not reach
the optimal range of 95°C–98°C, and dirty bowl discs due to excessive sludge
accumulation. In addition, the Planned Maintenance System was not implemented
optimally due to tight sailing schedules, limited spare parts availability, and insufficient
maintenance supervision. These conditions resulted in frequent clogging of filters and
main engine injectors, increased exhaust gas temperature, and unstable engine
performance.
Corrective actions were carried out by selecting the appropriate gravity disc according
to the fuel oil specific gravity, maintaining optimal fuel oil temperature, performing
regular bowl disc cleaning, and implementing the Planned Maintenance System in a
disciplined and scheduled manner. Through these measures, the performance of the F.O
Purifier can be optimized, leading to improved fuel quality and more efficient and
reliable main engine operation.
Keywords: F.O Purifier, Planned Maintenance System, Gravity Disc, Main Engine
