Modern massive two-stroke marine engines with fixed pitch propellers that are directly connected must be reversed, that is, the engine’s rotational direction must be changed to drive the ship ahead and astern. This is generally necessary during ship maneuvering, such as berthing, passing through canals, lock gates, and anchoring, among other things. I have received…
This post is going to be short and concise as the sea water system is quite simple and easy to operate. Sea water is used onboard vessel mainly for cooling purpose, but also for fresh water production and adjusting vessel trim and its stability. The sea water intake is possible through a crossover main pipe…
Steering gear is the machinery used onboard to control the movement of the ship from port side (left side) to the starboard (right side) while the vessel is moving. The steering gear doesn’t produce any effect while the vessel is stationary. The steering gear provides a movement of the rudder in response to a signal…
This post is written on demand from one of my fellow engineer, as he requested a proper explanation of what exactly the common rail system is it and, its impact and how it works. The following explanation is based on the main marine engines manufacturer’s released information about their development and research on this subject….
Cylinder lubrication is load dependent and the system is designed to deliver a specified quantity of lube-oil in the cylinder liner, of which main purpose is to reduce corrosion and friction and to increase the sealing effect between piston ring and the cylinder liner. Because today’s cylinder oils have complex chemistry, the particular feed rate…
Crankshaft is the main element of the motor mechanism and it sums up the rotational motion of all cylinders and transmits it to the consumers, which in the case of marine engine systems can be a propeller or a generator. For this reason, from a mechanical point of view, it has the higher load and…
I believe that many of you have heard lately, at least once, about the autonomous or “unmanned” vessels and thinking on how this will affect your jobs, life and your future. As I could see and understand, everyone of us tend to deny and refuse to believe that this will ever happen or that will…
Heat exchangers onboard vessels can be of the shell and tube type, plate type and fin type. Their type and model are adequate for particular systems and operating conditions taking into account all relevant ambient conditions that may affect their performance. Shell and tube type heat exchangers are generally used onboard as heaters for fuel…
Regular engine performance test helps in evaluating the current condition of engine and optimizing engine performance. Performance test of engines will also help in identifying drop in its performance due to any deteriorating condition related to exhaust valve, fuel injector etc. If possible, the engine cylinder balance must be checked as often as possible. Measurements…
This post is about temporary repairing the cylinder liner in case of scoring which if is detected at an early stage and if appropriate countermeasures are taken, sudden severe wear (scuffing) , losing liner and piston rings, can be avoided and the reliability improved. Visual piston underside inspection is recommended to be carried out at…