Fuel oil conditioning for diesel engines

Reliable fuel supply with GEA ViscoBoosterUnits

Efficient operation of diesel engines - especially in power stations - depends on a stable, precisely conditioned fuel supply. GEA’s ViscoBoosterUnits are engineered to deliver safe, economical and reliable fuel oil treatment from the service tank all the way to engine injection.

What is fuel oil conditioning

Fuel oil conditioning is the process of preparing fuel oil to meet the exacting requirements of modern diesel engines. This involves:

• Heating the fuel to achieve the correct viscosity for injection
• Filtering out impurities and contaminants
• Maintaining stable pressure and temperature for consistent engine performance

Proper conditioning ensures optimal combustion, reduces engine wear and minimizes emissions.

The GEA ViscoBoosterUnit: Complete, compatible and customizable

GEA’s ViscoBoosterUnits are supplied as fully integrated package systems, designed for 24-hour unattended operation. Each unit includes:

• Treatment system to adjust fuel viscosity (typically 10 - 24 cSt) and temperature (approx. 135–150°C) for precise injection requirements
• Supply and booster pumps to maintain stable system pressure
• Advanced control systems for continuous monitoring and adjustment

The modular design allows for customization to match different engine types and plant configurations.

Optimized for power station applications

In large-scale power stations, multiple diesel generators are often installed to ensure high plant availability and capacity. GEA recommends splitting the traditional “Energy Unit” into a dedicated “Feeder Unit” and, depending on the number of engines, several “Booster Units.” This approach:

• Enhances system reliability
• Improves operational flexibility
• Simplifies maintenance and scalability

GEA has developed tailored solutions to meet these demands, ensuring each engine receives fuel at the right viscosity and temperature for efficient, reliable operation.