The Moatti 150 and 152 series represent the industry standard for automatic back-flushing filtration in marine and industrial fuel systems. Specifically engineered to handle the complexities of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), and Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (LSFO), these elements are the primary defense against fuel-borne contaminants that threaten engine integrity.
The Critical Role of Moatti 150/152 in Fuel Systems
In modern marine engines, fuel injection systems operate under extreme pressures. Even microscopic particles can cause catastrophic wear to fuel pumps and injector nozzles. Moatti 150/152 elements ensure that only “clean” fuel reaches these sensitive components.
- Removal of Catalytic Fines (Cat Fines): These highly abrasive aluminum and silicon particles are a byproduct of the fuel refining process. Moatti 150/152 elements are designed to capture these particles before they can score cylinder liners and piston rings.
- Asphaltene Management: Heavy fuels often contain asphaltenes that can clump together. The continuous back-flushing action of the 150/152 series prevents these clusters from blinding the filter mesh.
- Constant Pressure Maintenance: Unlike manual duplex filters that experience pressure drops as they clog, the automatic cleaning cycle of the Moatti 150/152 ensures a steady, uninterrupted flow of fuel to the engine.
Essential Applications
The versatility of the 150 and 152 series makes them suitable for various stages of the fuel treatment process:
1. Main Engine Fuel Supply (Feeder & Booster Modules)
Located between the day tank and the engine, these filters provide the final “polishing” of the fuel. They ensure that the fuel entering the high-pressure pumps meets the strict ISO 8217 cleanliness standards.
2. Auxiliary Engine Protection
Gensets are often more sensitive to fuel quality than the main engine. Installing Moatti 152 elements on auxiliary lines prevents unexpected power failures caused by fuel starvation or injector fouling.
3. Burner Fuel Filtration
For marine boilers and inert gas generators, these filters ensure a clean spray pattern at the burner tip, leading to better combustion efficiency and reduced soot buildup.
Technical Specifications & Design
- Disc Stack Construction: The 150/152 series utilizes a stack of stainless steel discs. This design provides a significantly larger filtration surface area compared to traditional candle filters of the same physical size.
- Micron Ratings: Typically available in 6µm, 10µm, 15µm, and 25µm ratings to meet the specific requirements of engine manufacturers like MAN Energy Solutions and Wärtsilä.
- Hydraulic Drive: The back-flushing mechanism is powered by the pressure of the fluid itself (or an external electric motor in specific 152 models), requiring no manual intervention during operation.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
To maintain optimal fuel oil protection, technical crews should monitor the following:
- Back-Flushing Frequency: A sudden increase in the frequency of the cleaning cycle often indicates a batch of poor-quality fuel or a high concentration of cat fines.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: During scheduled overhauls, the disc stacks should be cleaned using ultrasonic baths to remove deeply embedded particles that back-flushing cannot dislodge.
- Seal Integrity: Regular replacement of O-rings and chamber seals is vital to prevent fuel bypass, which would allow unfiltered fuel to reach the engine.
