Date: August 29, 2023 By: Daniel G. Teleoaca – Marine Chief Engineer When it comes to the complex machinery that powers maritime transport, every component plays a vital role. One such component that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for the smooth operation of a vessel is the stern tube lubricating oil system. This intricate…
Main, crank pin, and crosshead bearings usually wear out very slowly. Wear rates of up to 0.01 mm/10,000 hours are considered acceptable, but under normal conditions, wear rates will be lower. On the other hand, operating conditions that aren’t normal, like dirty lubricating oil, scratches on the journals, or spark erosion (for more information click…
A turning propeller is electrically insulated from the hull by the lubricating oil film in the bearings. Electrical potential is generated between the shaft and the hull and as a result the cathodic protection of the ship will not protect the propeller. Electrical potential can cause currents in the bearings resulting in pitting of the…