All marine engineers understand how the engine affects the speed and reliability of that transport. When shipping cargo, goods must reach their intended location precisely so that it gets to suppliers and customers. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure efficient turbocharger operation on ships. Check out these tips to learn how to identify possible weak points with your boat’s turbocharger and what you can do to fix them.
Exhaust and Sump Oil Leakage
By operation, turbochargers handle extremely high-temperature gases that travel through the inlet from the engine out the exhaust pipes. Therefore, every step in this process must be secure and free from leakage. Otherwise, if exhaust leakage occurs, this could lead to fires or smoke from inside the engine room. Another part that could leak is the sump oil station. Separate sump oils could leak from the turbine side casing, which risks oil contacting hot spots on the engine. This could potentially lead to a fire. Cover all leaks to avoid these risks.
Off-Putting Sounds and Vibrations
Another way to ensure efficient turbocharger operation on ships is to identify any off-putting sounds or vibrations. Your senses are always one of the best reference points if something is off or broken. Pay attention to any sounds, like abnormal scratching or rotations, in the turbo’s machinery. This can indicate broken or loose parts from within. Similarly, howling noises mean the inlet passages are choked which can surge the turbocharger. Since turbos operate at intense speeds, keep an eye over any vibrations. There will be a natural vibration frequency with the turbo, given the amount of air and gases that pass through it. Still, abnormal vibrations could mean worn-out bearings, abnormal “K” value, or loose bolts.
Keep an Eye on the Parameters
Finally, always keep watch over the turbocharger parameters. Monitor the following points so that every piece works accordingly: the turbocharger’s speed, exhaust gas, inlet and outlet temperatures, cooling water temperatures, lube oil pressure and temperature, and differential air pressure on the compression side. These parameters are important factors in your turbocharger’s performance and efficiency.
Nevertheless, when it comes to finding the right OEM turbo for your ship, check out our selection at TurboTurbos. We’re proud to carry a wide selection of OEM turbos at reasonable prices that improve the performance and efficiency of your boat’s engine. It’s important to find the right turbo parts that fit your vehicle’s power demands, so call us today and we’ll help you find the right one for your vehicle.