Why Weekly Maintenance is Necessary
A fuel oil purifier runs continuously for long hours in the engine room, handling dirty heavy fuel oil containing sludge, water, and solid impurities. Over time, deposits build up inside the bowl and internal components. If cleaning and inspection are not carried out regularly, separation efficiency reduces and mechanical problems may develop.
Therefore, weekly maintenance is carried out to keep the purifier clean.
When to Perform Weekly Maintenance?
Weekly maintenance is usually done:
- during low engine load
- during anchor
- or as per planned maintenance schedule
The purifier should be stopped, isolated, and made safe before starting any work.
Safety Precautions Before Starting Work
Before opening the purifier:
- stop purifier motor completely
- isolate electrical supply
- close fuel inlet valves
- release internal pressure
- allow bowl to cool down
- wear gloves and safety goggles
Never open the bowl while rotating.
Safety first.
Step-by-Step Weekly Maintenance Routine
Follow this systematic procedure.
Step 1 – External Inspection
Check:
- oil leakage around bowl and pipes
- foundation bolts tightness
- abnormal vibration marks
- motor condition
- heater connections
Any visible defect should be rectified immediately.
Step 2 – Clean Strainers and Filters
Remove and clean:
- fuel inlet strainers
- operating water filters
- sealing water filters
Blocked strainers reduce flow and affect purifier performance.
Step 3 – Lubrication and Bearings Check
- check lube oil level
- inspect bearings
- listen for roughness
- grease if required
Proper lubrication prevents overheating.
Step 4– Test Run
After maintenance:
- start purifier without oil
- check vibration and noise
- confirm correct speed
- check for leaks
- then admit fuel slowly
Ensure everything is normal before putting into service.
if possible change over to standby purifier
Common Defects Found During Weekly Maintenance
Engineers often find:
- heavy sludge accumulation
- loose fittings
Early detection prevents serious failures.