In: Mechanical Engineering
a)Write brief notes on how much air pressure is
required to start any marine diesel main engine; how many times
should the air reservoir be able to start. The conditions must be
clearly stated.
b) What are the main causes of over pressurizing an air reservoir
and what are the safety measures put in place?
c) What are the possible causes of an air compressor running for
long periods to fill air reservoir
on time?
A) the starting pressure should be provide enough speed to the piston during compression stroke for a quick combustion.
starting air pressure for both main and auxiliry engines should be between 25 to 42 bars.
the starting air reservoirs must provide 12 consecutive without replenishment and 6 consecutive for non- reversible engines.
B) poor pressure control on the machine
faulty pressure gauge
spring of discharge valve is malfunctioning
inter cooler air passege is chocked
second suction valve not closing properly
Safety measues
1. all component pipe, fitting,hoses must be rated for the maximum pressure of air compressor
2. relief valve automatically release air if tank pressure gets too high
3. shutoff valve should always in reach and visible
4. drain valves always kept away from moisture.
C) compressor requires constant maintenance and monitoring. compressor is an important machine in ship engine.
possible causes of an air compressor running for long periods to fill air reservoir on time>>
1. excessive vibration and noise
loose pulley, belt, cooler, flywheel
lack of oil in crankcase
piston hitting the valve plate
2. overheating of discharged air
damage in the head gasket
valves of 1st or 2nd stage leaking
decresed cooling water capacity
dirty or chocked intercooler tube
3.oil carry over in air
auto drain malfunctioning
oil water separator not working
4. low capacity compressor
leakage or fault in unloader
wrong setting of compressor
suction and discharge pipe leakage
5. milky oil in crank case
oil running hour is over
water leakage from jacket or cylinder liner.