Marine Diesel Insights

One of the rare events for a newly mounted diesel engine has happened. Customer came to us for an unconventional request. They wanted us to change the direction of rotation of two diesel engines. It was quite unusual. I won’t give the detail why they wanted to change it, but I will share how we did it. Engine specifications are 260 mm bore x 385 mm stroke. Rated output of the engines are 2560 kW. Direction of the rotation was clockwise. A new direction of rotation means a lot of part will be replaced. First step was to plan the parts that will be replaced. There are built in pumps that driven by the rotation of crankshaft or camshaft. All those movement transmitted via gears. These gears have helix angle according to the rotation. This means a lot of gear replacement will be occured. Starting of the engines are done by air starting motor. New direction means new air starting motor. Finally a new camshaft needed for opposite direction. We dismantled flywheels and replaced the flywheel g...

  Introduction The general principle in internal combustion engines is to convert the thermal energy generated by the combustion of fuel in a closed chamber into mechanical energy. Although different methods, cycles, fuels, and mechanisms are used the underlying principle of the mechanisms is similar. Diesel engines are commonly used in propulsion systems and power generation systems on ships. Extending the lifespan of diesel engines depends on paying attention to certain criteria during operation and maintenance. In this essay I would like to focus on the importance of cleanliness and highlight key points that I find significant. For further reading I recommend Nigel Calder’s book “Marine Diesel engines: Maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.” A 4 stroke diesel auxilary engine of a ship [1] We can say that “ cleanliness ” is the primary method for extending the lifespan of diesel engines. In diesel engines we can identify four main elements; air, water , fuel , and oil ....

  Introduction In diesel engines certain bolts are of utmost importance. To ensure that a bolt performs its function effectively it needs to be tightened to a predetermined torque within the elastic range. This torque value is provided by the manufacturer. In some cases tightening the bolt may require multiple steps. For instance in certain bolts after tightening they may need to be loosened and tightened again to achieve the desired tension and proper clamping force. In this article I will share some insight I’ve gained while I was trying to explore the reasons behind the “ tightening, loosening, and re-tightening ” steps provided in the tightening procedures by machine manufacturers. I am quoting a significant portion of the article from a comprehensive study conducted by A. Strozzi [1] and colleagues . In the other sections I have included the sources I used as much as possible. I have also tried to add some insights from my own experiences. Any mistakes made during the proces...

  Introduction The human utilization of circular motion dates back to around 3500 BC. Our journey starting with the wheel encompasses various fields such as transportation, electricity generation, machines, and robots, where we employ circular motion. One way to achieve circular motion is by harnessing the energy contained in fuel. By using the energy obtained from the combustion occurring inside the cylinder we can convert vertical motion sending an object -in our case pistons- up and down into circular motion using various designed shafts. Once we have a rotating object the rest is up to our imagination. Alternators, propellers, gears and more come into play as we transform this circular motion into different forms to serve our needs. Vertical and Circular Motion Today in obtaining this circular motion we have a critical component that has been used for a very long time. Pistons An example of the transition from vertical motion to circular motion can be seen in (1). Pis...

  Introduction Indeed, when the term “machine” is mentioned different types of machines may come to people’s minds. However for a seafarer when the term “machine” is mentioned it is highly likely that they will think of a diesel engine. In today’s diesel engines the component that serves as the cylinder’s cover and carries the valves and the seats on which these valves operate is called the “cylinder head”. It can also be referred to as the “cylinder cover” or simply “cover”. The cylinder head is located at the top of the cylinder in diesel engines. It can be considered as the upper part of the combustion chamber where the piston compresses the air. This is also the area where the issue of “head gasket failure” commonly occurs which is often heard by car owners and those familiar with the industry. The head gasket is located beneath the cylinder head and it can burn out or fail when it reaches the end of its lifespan or is exposed to temperatures higher than its designed operating ...