FID Improver — Improve Combustion, Reduce Fuel Consumption
Fuel Conditioning Before the Engine
Fuel condition affects combustion quality. Agglomerated fuel components and uneven fuel blends can contribute to incomplete combustion, soot formation and higher fuel consumption.
The FID Improver mechanically conditions fuel before injection, improving fuel consistency and supporting better atomization. This improves combustion stability, reduces soot and smoke formation, and helps lower fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions.
Designed for continuous operation, the system treats conventional marine fuels and biofuel blends without requiring additives for the homogenization process.
Cleaner Combustion, More Consistent Operation
Conditioning fuel close to the point of use helps maintain a more uniform fuel supply to the injection system. The main benefits are:
- Improved combustion stability: More consistent fuel condition before injection.
- Reduced soot and smoke: Cleaner combustion with less unburned material.
- Lower fuel consumption: Better use of the fuel supplied to the engine.
- Lower associated CO₂ emissions: Reduced fuel consumption means less CO₂ from burning the same fuel for comparable output.
- Improved fuel handling: Reduced agglomeration can help relieve fuel-related filter fouling when treatment is installed upstream of the affected filter.
How the FID Improver Works
The FID Improver uses high shear forces inside a rotor–stator homogenizing chamber to break down fuel agglomerates and disperse them more evenly through the fuel. Treatment improves the physical condition of the fuel before it reaches the injection system.
The injection equipment then atomizes the conditioned fuel into the combustion chamber. Improved fuel consistency supports more effective atomization and combustion.
Installation in the Fuel System
For combustion improvement, the FID Improver is typically installed in the fuel circulation system before the engine. Positioning the unit close to the point of use helps preserve the effect of treatment before injection.
The installation position is selected together with the heaters, filters, viscosity control and return-flow arrangement. Where filter fouling is a treatment objective, the unit should be located upstream of the filter concerned.
Typical FID Improver installation within the complete fuel system. Final positioning depends on the fuel circuit and treatment objectives.
Learn more about homogenization, cat fines and water separation in What Is a Fuel Homogenizer?
Illustration of how fuel atomization influences combustion time and completeness.
Why Fuel Condition Matters for Combustion
Fuel must be atomized, heated and mixed with air to burn effectively. A more uniform fuel condition supports this process and reduces the tendency for poorly burned material to leave the combustion chamber as soot or smoke.
Handling Fuel Variability and Biofuel Blends
Fuel Savings and Emission Reduction
Fuel batches and blends can differ in their physical behaviour. Agglomeration and uneven distribution of fuel components can cause difficulties with filtration, fuel supply and combustion.
Mechanical homogenization breaks down agglomerates and improves fuel consistency. Where these physical conditions are the cause of poor fuel handling, treatment can make previously difficult-to-use fuel usable again.
The FID Improver is suitable for HFO, VLSFO, ULSFO, MDO and biofuel blends. The treatment arrangement is selected for the actual fuel and operating conditions, including the location of any filter problems and the required flow.
Homogenization changes the physical distribution of fuel components; it does not change their chemical composition. Fuel testing and the observed operating problem help determine the treatment required.
IPCO Power reports the following HFO fuel-saving ranges for FID Improver applications:
Reported fuel savings on HFO
Four-stroke engines: Approximately 1–1.5%
Two-stroke engines: Approximately 2–2.5%
Results depend on fuel condition, engine type, load and installation arrangement. Performance should be compared at equivalent engine output, with homogenizer power consumption included when assessing the net saving.
Improved combustion also reduces soot and smoke formation. Lower fuel consumption reduces associated CO₂ emissions for comparable output.
Planning a FID Improver Installation
Can the FID Improver help reduce fuel filter fouling?
Yes. When fouling is caused by agglomerated fuel components, homogenization upstream of the filter can break down these agglomerates and improve fuel passage. The filter condition, fuel analysis and installation position help establish whether this is the appropriate treatment for the problem.
Can it help when changing fuel batches or blends?
Yes. The FID Improver can improve the physical consistency of fuel affected by agglomeration or uneven distribution of components. This can support filtration and combustion during fuel changes. Compatibility testing remains relevant when combining different fuels: physical conditioning and fuel compatibility describe different aspects of fuel behaviour.
What information is needed to select the unit and installation position?
We need the engine make and model, fuel types, operating temperature and pressure, and the actual flow at the proposed treatment point. A fuel-system drawing should show the heaters, filters, viscosity control and return lines.
For a circulation-loop installation, capacity is based on circulation flow rather than engine consumption alone. Tell us whether the main objective is combustion improvement, filter performance or both, so the position can be selected accordingly.
FID Improver Specifications
Treatment principle: High-shear mechanical homogenization
Housing: Aluminum 7075-T6 with proprietary hard-coat protection
Drive connection: Magnetic coupling; no mechanical seals
Homogenizing chamber: Self-lubricating
Standard capacity range: 1,500–30,000 l/h; higher capacities on request
Maximum pressure: 12 bar
Main power supply: 400 V at 50 Hz / 460 V at 60 Hz
Control-panel supply: 230 V at 50 Hz / 250 V at 60 Hz
Protection class: IP54
Connections: SAE flanges
Fuel applications: HFO, VLSFO, ULSFO, MDO and biofuel blends
Duty: Continuous operation
Discuss Your Engine Fuel System
Looking to improve combustion, reduce fuel consumption or address fuel-related filter fouling? Send us your engine details, fuel types and fuel-system drawing. We will help select the FID Improver capacity and installation position for your application.