Abstract:
The Fuel Oil Purifier is one of the essential auxiliary machines on board that functions to
separate water and solid contaminants from fuel oil through centrifugal force to maintain
fuel quality before it is supplied to the main engine. During sea practice aboard MT
Harvest Star, an overflow problem occurred in the Fuel Oil Purifier, resulting in an
ineffective fuel purification process. This study aims to analyze the causes of overflow,
particularly those related to contaminated bowl discs and damaged main seal rings, and
to determine appropriate maintenance and corrective actions to prevent similar failures.
This research employed a descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected through
direct observation, interviews, and documentation during the sea practice period aboard
MT Harvest Star from August 2024 to July 2025. The collected data were analyzed using
the Fishbone Diagram method to identify and classify the root causes of the overflow
problem.
The results indicate that the accumulation of sludge, carbon deposits, and other
contaminants on the bowl discs obstructs the fuel separation process, reducing purifier
efficiency and causing overflow. In addition, wear and damage to the main seal ring lead
to internal leakage, disrupting the sealing system and allowing fuel to escape through
unintended passages. Recommended preventive measures include routine cleaning of the
bowl discs according to the Planned Maintenance System (PMS), timely replacement of
the main seal ring based on its service life and the manufacturer's manual, proper purifier
operation in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and regular
monitoring of component conditions. The implementation of these measures is expected
to improve purifier performance, maintain fuel quality, and minimize the risk of overflow
during ship operations.
