Fuel oil treatment for diesel engines

GEA solutions for crude oil and heavy fuel oil

In diesel engine power plants, fuel quality is critical to performance, efficiency and engine longevity. Whether operating on crude oil or heavy fuel oil (HFO), GEA’s advanced treatment systems ensure your engines run cleanly, safely and cost-effectively.

Crude oil treatment – Safe and efficient operation

Crude oil is increasingly used as fuel in diesel engine power plants, particularly in pipeline infrastructure and remote operations. Despite being delivered in a pre-cleaned and degassed state, it still contains waxes, water and solids that must be removed before combustion. The fuel’s wax content liquefies only above 50 °C, requiring separation temperatures between 60 °C and 98 °C. Its low flash point also demands explosion protection measures such as inert gas flushing.

GEA’s treatment solution addresses these challenges through single-stage centrifugal separation, integrated purging and flushing and automation that enables continuous, unattended operation over extended periods. All components are ATEX-compliant for safe use in hazardous environments.

This approach protects critical engine components - including cylinder liners, pistons and injection systems - while reducing wear and operating costs, making it ideal for long-term deployment in demanding conditions.

Heavy fuel oil treatment – Reliable performance and protection

Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) remains a widely available and cost-effective option for power generation. However, its impurities - such as asphaltenes, water and catalytic fines - can lead to corrosion and deposits inside the engine if not properly treated. With high viscosity (up to 1650 cSt at 50 °C) and density reaching 1.01 kg/l at 15 °C, HFO is typically obtained from atmospheric or vacuum distillation, as well as conversion processes like visbreaking and catalytic cracking.

GEA’s treatment solution uses single-stage centrifugal separation, designed to handle both high-grade and low-grade fuels. The modular system integrates heating and control, with an optional stand-by centrifuge to enhance reliability.

This setup efficiently removes solids and water, minimizes engine wear and supports long service intervals - ultimately lowering lifecycle costs and maintenance demands.

Ready for reliable fuel oil treatment?

Whether you're running on crude oil or heavy fuel oil, GEA’s treatment systems are engineered to deliver clean fuel, protect your engines and reduce your operating costs.

Let GEA help you power forward - efficiently, safely and sustainably. Contact us today to find the right treatment system for your fuel.