Scribd
Upload
200 views2 pages

8 Ways To Monitor and Measure Marine Engine Performance

This document discusses 8 ways to monitor and measure the performance of marine engines, which are the main power sources on ships. These methods include measuring peak cylinder pressure mechanically or digitally, using indicator cards to analyze power and draw diagrams, monitoring engine parameters and control variables, comparing log book records over time, and observing exhaust emissions. Regular monitoring of performance allows issues to be identified and addressed early, improving efficiency, reliability and reducing operating costs and pollution.

Uploaded by

ammar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
200 views2 pages

8 Ways To Monitor and Measure Marine Engine Performance

This document discusses 8 ways to monitor and measure the performance of marine engines, which are the main power sources on ships. These methods include measuring peak cylinder pressure mechanically or digitally, using indicator cards to analyze power and draw diagrams, monitoring engine parameters and control variables, comparing log book records over time, and observing exhaust emissions. Regular monitoring of performance allows issues to be identified and addressed early, improving efficiency, reliability and reducing operating costs and pollution.

Uploaded by

ammar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

8 Ways to Monitor and Measure Marine Engine Performance

Marine engine on ships are used for 2 main purposes – for propelling the ship and
for generating electricity, which assists in powering the ship’s propulsion plant.

The efficiency of any machinery on board ship is directly related to its


performance. In order to get the best out of marine engines, it is very important
to monitor their performances and take measures to achieve an efficient
combustion.

Ensuring this will not only reduce generation of pollution from engines but also
the overall operating cost of the ship.

Following are ways to monitor and measure the performance of the engine:

1. Measure the Peak Pressure by Mechanical Peak Pressure Gauge: This method
is normally applied in 4 stroke generator engine where a peak pressure gauge is
used for individual cylinder and pressure generated during combustion is noted.
With the same gauge, the compression pressure of the cylinder is also measured
when the unit is not firing. The variation in the peak pressures generated is then
taken into account for drawing out faulty units, adjusting fuel racks and
overhauling combustion chamber parts in order to achieve efficient combustion.

2. Indicator Card Measurement: This is another mechanical method to measure


the performance of engine cylinders by applying indicator drum and plotting
graph on cards. Two types of cards are used for this purpose-power card and
draw card. With the help of these two diagrams, we can determine the
compression pressure, peak pressure and engine power.

3. Digital Pressure Monitoring by DPI: Digital pressure indicator is an electronic


mode to monitor the power and performance of the engine. With the help of DPI,
the variation in the cylinder performance can be plotted and interpreted in
graphical form and corrective action can be taken.

4. Intelligent Combustion Monitoring (ICM): The new generation engines are


continuously monitored by ICM, which measures the real time in-cylinder
pressure in all engine cylinders. This package offers a broad range of data
processing tools for evaluating performance and for helping to determine engine
malfunctions (extensive blow by, exhaust valve operation, fuel injection etc.).

5. Monitoring of Engine Control Parameters: The engine control parameters like


fuel injection timing, exhaust valve timing, variable turbocharger vane opening
angles, lambda control etc. are monitored and any variation is set to achieve the
best possible efficient combustion.

6. Engine Parameters: The engine parameters are the best source for finding out
any fault or variation in the engine performance. Variation in temperature,
pressure and power produced by each cylinder must be frequently monitored and
adjustment must be done accordingly to achieve efficient combustion.

7. Log Book Monitoring: This is the most basic but commonly ignored method for
monitoring engine performance. The log book record for engine room machinery
is kept onboard for years on ship. The log book of current month and of previous
months must be compared for recorded parameters, which will give the exact
variation of engine parameters. If the variation figure is more, engine controls,
parameters and parts to be adjusted/ overhauled.

8. Engine Emission: The marine engine releases exhaust smoke as waste product
after the combustion. The color and nature of the exhaust should be monitored
continuously and engineers must know which exhaust trunk discharge is
dedicated for which engine. The change in exhaust smoke is a prominent
indication of problem in the combustion chamber.

Advantages of Diesel Performance System

1) Efficient and reliable operation of the engine.


2) Helps in saving fuel and optimizing SFOC( Specific Fuel Oil Consumption.
3) Helps in predicting the necessary repairs and preventing engine failure.
4) Helps in reducing spare parts cost and increasing time between overhauls.

You might also like