Tips for Effective Shipboard Turbocharger Operation
30 Mar, 2023
AKG Marine is top Marine Turbochargers Supplier in India. The turbocharger is a crucial component of the ship's marine engine since it recycles exhaust gases to raise its overall efficiency. It comprises two parts: the blower side and the turbine side, both of which require equal care during routine maintenance procedures.
You would be expected to keep an eye on the operation of the turbochargers while keeping watch and performing maintenance as necessary if you were a marine engineer working on a ship.
Keep in mind the following tips by AKG Marine leading Marine Turbochargers Supplier when managing turbochargers in the ship's engine room are listed below.
1. Pay Careful Attention to Every Turbo Charger Parameter: Although it should go without saying, watch-keeping personnel frequently ignore or forget to check crucial metrics while taking rounds.
- The following things need to be examined when keeping an eye on the turbocharger:
- The turbocharge's speed.
- Temperatures of the exhaust gas's entrance and outflow.
- Water outlet and inlet temperatures are being cooled.
- Temperature and pressure of the turbocharger lubrication oil.
- Manometer with differential air pressure on the side of the compressor.
2. Listen for the sound of the turbocharger: One of the best ways to spot a mechanical issue is through sound. Any unusual scraping noise points to a problem with the turbocharger's rotating components. Moreover, the howling sound denotes a blocked air route or inlet, whichcauses the turbocharger to surge.
3.. Examine Vibration: Turbochargers are swiftly moving machinery Some of them actually reach speeds that are faster than any other ship machinery. Hence, they naturally vibrate at a certain frequency.
To transfer these vibrations to the structure of the ship, engine bracing is done close to the turbocharger. Stop the engine if the vibration starts to rise abnormally because it can be caused by foundation bolts that are missing, abnormal "K" values, or worn-out bearings.
4. Inspect for Exhaust Leaks: Turbochargers are able to handle gases with extremely high temperatures. The engine serves as the inlet, and the exhaust pipes are connected to the funnel at the output. These two points are joined by a distance piece and a flange. It is crucial to check that there are no exhaust leaks coming from these joints since they could cause a fire or create a smokey environment within the engine room.
5. Inspect for sump oil leaks: In turbochargers with separate oil sumps, continuously monitor the temperature and oil level. It has been claimed that on some ships, oil leaks from the turbine side casing and contacts hot patches on the engine's body as well as exhaust gas. Such occurrences caused an engine room fire.
6. Intake Filters: Maritime turbochargers are equipped with mesh filters to keep out dust, greasy, wet air, and other contaminants that could clog or harm the compressor turbine. While felt filters can be changed regularly, it is advised to place an additional felt filter over the turbocharger compressor to absorb greasy air mixture. The installed mesh filter needs to be chemically cleaned every two months or according to the operating times specified in the instructions.
7. Turbocharger Washing: In accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, the turbocharger's compressor and turbine sides should be cleaned often. To get rid of carbon, soot, and other exhaust deposits, the turbine and blower sides must be cleaned.
8. Soot Blow: If the exhaust channel after the turbocharger is dirty, it will harm the turbocharger's performance. It might cause the turbine blades to surge or perhaps break. Soot blowing the exhaust gas boiler tubes on a daily basis is advised.
9. Power Distribution: The exhaust gases created by the combustion process inside the engine cylinders are used to power the turbocharger. A power balance between all the cylinders is crucial because the engine has several cylinders. Fuel valve issues could cause one cylinder
to produce more power, which would cause the turbine side of the turbocharger to surge. To maintain even power distribution in the ship's engine, proper precautions must be followed.
10. Check Clearances: When the turbocharger is disassembled for overhauling, crucial clearances such as casing and blade tip clearances, the shaft's "K" value, which determines how the shaft should be aligned, and the proper operation of the labyrinth seal that is installed between the impeller and exhaust shield must be taken.
Conclusion
The aforementioned are a few of the key considerations when working with turbochargers in a ship's engine room. For buying best Marine Turbochargers contact AKG Marine, Leading Marine Turbochargers Supplier.