​Integrated Marine Fuel Treatment System – FID Reducer and FID Improver

Optimizing the Marine Fuel System

IPCO Power’s fuel treatment approach combines two stages of mechanical fuel conditioning to improve fuel stability, combustion efficiency and overall engine performance.


The system typically consists of:

  • FID Reducer installed before the separator
  • FID Improver installed in the engine supply system
  • Optional FID Injector for water-fuel emulsions


Together these systems prepare the fuel throughout the fuel supply chain, from bunker tanks to engine injection.

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Stage One – Fuel Preparation with the FID Reducer

The FID Reducer is installed upstream of the separator. Its function is to mechanically reduce the size of fuel droplets and asphaltene clusters before the separation process.


This improves the separation efficiency by:

  • breaking down agglomerated fuel particles
  • improving separation of water and solids
  • reducing the loss of combustible fuel in separator sludge


As a result, the separator operates under more stable conditions while retaining more usable fuel.

Stage Two – Combustion Optimization with the FID Improver

After separation, fuel travels through the day tank and booster system toward the engine.


During this stage fuel particles may re-agglomerate. The FID Improver is installed in the engine supply line to maintain a fine and stable fuel structure before combustion.


By mechanically reducing fuel droplets to approximately 3 microns, the system improves:

  • fuel atomization
  • air-fuel mixing in the cylinder
  • combustion efficiency


This leads to cleaner combustion and more stable engine operation.

Optional Stage – Water-Fuel Emulsion with the FID Injector

For operators seeking additional emission reductions, the system can be expanded with the FID Injector.


The FID Injector creates a stable water-fuel emulsion by introducing controlled amounts of water into the fuel before the engine.


This process can provide:

  • reduced NOx emissions
  • improved combustion efficiency
  • lower particulate emissions


Comparison: Fuel Systems With and Without Homogenization

Conventional marine fuel systems allow fuel particles and asphaltenes to agglomerate throughout the fuel treatment process.


Mechanical homogenization breaks down these structures and keeps fuel particles uniformly dispersed.


This results in:

  • improved separator performance
  • more stable fuel quality in the day tank
  • improved combustion conditions at the engine.


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Operational Benefits

The combined IPCO Power system provides measurable operational benefits:


Fuel Efficiency

Fuel savings of approximately 1–1.5% for four-stroke engines and up to 2.5% for two-stroke engines.


Sludge Reduction

Up to 80% reduction in sludge formation, reducing waste handling and disposal costs.


Reduced Maintenance

Lower fouling in separators, filters and engine components.


Emission Reduction

Lower particulate matter and improved combustion stability.


CO₂ Reduction

Lower fuel consumption directly reduces overall CO₂ emissions.

Integrated Fuel Treatment for Modern Marine Fuels

As marine fuels become more variable due to blending and the introduction of biofuels, maintaining consistent fuel quality is becoming increasingly important.


By combining the FID Reducer, FID Improver and optionally the FID Injector, operators can maintain stable fuel properties throughout the entire fuel supply system.


This approach supports reliable engine operation, improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.