Lv Petro DFT Hammerdown Fuel Conditioner Case Study

Lv Petro, Inc.™

Hammerdown®

Case Study:

U.S. Coast Guard

Summary of Tests:
Smoke Suppression, Hard Carbon Removal, Bacteria Control

Use and testing of DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" Diesel Fuel Conditioner has been conducted by the USCG since 1977. Initial testing began in the 7th Coast Guard District to combat bacteria problems, severe carboning and premature parts failures. After almost one year of positive results and "impressive" (10%) fuel savings, a 3 hour dynamometer test was conducted on a Cummins VT900 engine. This engine had been changed out from a 82' WPB due to "heavy carbon buildup and degradation of operating parameters." During the test, "horsepower started coming up." Inspection of the engine after the test revealed that the "extensive and hard carbon build-up was gone and what remained was relatively loose and easily removed with a pen knife or finger nail."

In 1980, a 1500 hour operational test on an 82' WPB (Cummins VT900 engines) confirmed earlier findings:

No hard carbon and clean combustion areas, exhaust and turbocharger
Improved fuel system and engine parts life
Reduced Maintenance
Improved fuel efficiency

Beginning in December, 1988, several of the new Island Class 110' cutters began conditioning their fuel with DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" to reduce exhaust smoke and to control bacteria/fungus growth in their fuel tanks. Since the vessels and engines (Paxman RP200M 16V main engines, and Caterpillar 3304 generators) were under full warranties when treatment began, USCG Headquarters, Naval Engineering, was informed of the use of DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" and the results achieved:

Reductions in exhaust smoke
When treatment was discontinued, the smoke problem reoccurred (see USCGC KEY LARGO Letter)
Removal of carbon from the injectors, turbochargers and exhausts
Fuel filter replacements decreased
Fuel tanks were found free of sludge and any indications of bacterial or fungal infestation

In April, the Paxman service technician supervised a short test on another 110' cutter. The results, after 89 hours of operation (87 at idle), verified the DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" removes hard carbon deposits from the injectors and reduces exhaust smoke.

In April 1990 and May 1992, at the engine manufacturer's recommended change out periods of 3000 hours, the main injectors on the USCGC CHINCOTEAGUE were replaced; they were found to be like new. The same was true for the generator. Similar results were reported by the other cutters.

Based on the observed lack of bacteria/fungus in the fuel tanks of these vessels, USCG Naval Engineering directed the USCG R & D Center to conduct a controlled test of DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" for approval as a biocide. Even though DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" contains no toxic materials, at 94.7% effective, it outperformed most of the leading toxic biocides, while performing as well as the leading toxic biocide approved for Coast Guard use in controlling and preventing bacteria and fungus growth.

To gain Coast Guard approval, DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" Diesel Fuel Conditioner had to meet the following requirements:

Perform successfully in a biocidal effectiveness test conducted by an independent testing facility.
Contain no prohibited or toxic materials that would pose a threat to the health or safety of personnel.
Contain no material, substance or ingredient that would be likely to cause damage to equipment.

DFT #1500 "Hammerdown" Diesel Fuel Conditioner was approved for use in all cutters as a biocide under fuel additive study GLP #1991-039.

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