Marine Diesel Engine Lubrication: A critical component to avoid main engine breakdowns——Laboratory Analysis

The actual oils used by marine diesel powered engines have been developed by lubrication manufacturers to take account from the harsh operating environment such as exposure to high temperatures, aggressive chemical substances, high pressures and contaminants. Many lubricant manufacturers provide laboratory testing services for their clients. As an incentive it is far from unusual for supply agreements to agree that a specific number of samples will be examined free of charge. To ensure that samples tend to be fully representative and constant, the sampling procedures accompanied by the vessel must be crystal clear, ship-specific and should incorporate the actual recommendations of the test lab.

After the samples have been analysed, the laboratory will provide a study listing the test criteria decided and showing the results every time. The report may also consist of details regarding the apparent current condition of the lubricating oil as well as any corrective action which may be required. However , for the factors outlined below, the test outcomes should not be accepted at encounter value.

Firstly, the laboratory’s primary task is to find out if the oil meets the particular lubricant manufacturer’s own requirements and to evaluate whether or not it really is still suitable for further utilize. A “red”, “yellow” and also “green” traffic light product is often employed to highlight any kind of problems. Although the lubricant manufacturer’s criteria will generally reveal the requirements of the engine producer, the test results should be in contrast to the limits specified in the motor manufacturer’s manual as there might be differences. In case of doubt typically the engine manufacturer should be approached for advice.

Secondly, often the laboratory has no knowledge of the particular working condition or overall performance of the engine, or the servicing that has been (or is due to be) carried out or of virtually any incidents that may have occurred.

Lastly, the report itself might have been generated automatically with minimum human input other than the made in response to “red” signals and perhaps an occasional remark when it comes to “yellow” indictors. The research laboratory may pay little focus on “green” indicators but they nevertheless need to be checked by organization superintendents and shipboard technicians in order to identify any growing trends or problems.

When the findings appear to be questionable or even inconsistent, further samples ought to be submitted to the laboratory with regard to testing.

If the engine maker recommends a particular schedule regarding changing the lubricating essential oil, the proposed intervals is never exceeded. Testing the old necessary oil is always worthwhile as the effects may indicate that the olive oil needs to be replaced more frequently. The quantity of time required to ship the actual samples to the laboratory along with receive the results should also be used into account.

In the absence of very clear instructions from the engine company as to how often oil examples should be drawn for screening, the lubricant manufacturer must be contacted for advice.

Regardless of the test results, during the powerplant warranty period it is especially important to ensure that the suggested intervals for exchanging the particular lubricating oil are firmly followed unless written authorization has been obtained from the serp manufacturer beforehand.

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