Machinery Spaces
Home || Diesel Engines ||Boilers||Feed Systems ||Steam Turbines ||Fuel Treatment ||Pumps ||Refrigeration ||

Starting air system for Marine diesel engine

Diesel engines are started by supplying compressed air into the cylinders in the appropriate sequence for the required direction. A supply of compressed air is stored in air reservoirs or 'bottles' ready for immediate use. Up to 12 starts are possible with the stored quantity of compressed air. The starting air system usually has interlocks to prevent starting if everything is not in order.

A starting air system is shown in Figure below. Compressed air is supplied by air compressors to the air receivers. The compressed air is then supplied by a large bore pipe to a remote operating non-return or automatic valve and then to the cylinder air start valve. Opening of the cylinder air start valve will admit compressed air into the cylinder.


ships machinery spaces
container ships machinery info
The opening of the cylinder valve and the remote operating valve is controlled by a pilot air system. The pilot air is drawn from the large pipe and passes to a pilot air control valve which is operated by the engine air start lever.
starting air system for diesel engine


When the air start lever is operated, a supply of pilot air enables the remote valve to open. Pilot air for the appropriate direction of operation is also supplied to an air distributor. This device is usually driven by the engine camshaft and supplies pilot air to the control cylinders of the cylinder air start valves. The pilot air is then supplied in the appropriate sequence for the direction of operation required. The cylinder air start valves are held closed by springs when not in use and opened by the pilot air enabling the compressed air direct from the receivers to enter the engine cylinder.

An interlock is shown in the remote operating valve line which stops the valve opening when the engine turning gear is engaged. The remote operating valve prevents the return of air which has been further compressed by the engine into the system.

Lubricating oil from the compressor will under normal operation pass along the air lines and deposit on them. In the event of a cylinder air starting valve leaking, hot gases would pass into the air pipes and ignite the lubricating oil. If starting air is supplied to the engine this would further feed the fire and could lead to an explosion in the pipelines. In order to prevent such an occurrence, cylinder starting valves should be properly maintained and the pipelines regularly drained. Also oil discharged from compressors should be kept to a minimum, by careful maintenance.

Air receiver

Fig: Air receivers onboard the 4444 TEU container vessel MSC FLORIDA designed and built by Gdynia Shipyard

In an attempt to reduce the effects of an explosion, flame traps, relief valves and bursting caps or discs are fitted to the pipelines. In addition an isolating non-return valve (the automatic valve) is fitted to the system. The loss of cooling water from an air compressor could lead to an overheated air discharge and possibly an explosion in the pipelines leading to the air reservoir. A high-temperature alarm or a fusible plug which will melt is used to guard against this possibility.


Starting Air System Precautions

Great care is to be exercised in the operation and maintenance of starting air systems. The hazard of compressed air and lubricating oil forming an explosive mixture must be avoided. Oil from any source must be excluded from the starting air system.

Air compressor, starting air reservoir blow down drains are to be operated at regular intervals, and if automatic, their function verified.

Periodic inspection of air starting system pipelines is to be carried out to ensure that no build up of oil is occurring. Highly flammable cleaning fluids must never be used in any part of the starting air system. Any residue of liquid or vapours could result in an explosion.

Routine duties must include the manual checking of the main air starting valve pipes for any increase in temperature, which would indicate leakage of combustion gasses into the system. It is particularly relevant during manoeuvring when the main air starting reservoirs are open to the system despite the existence of non-return valves and other devices.

It is absolutely essential that if an air starting valve is in any way suspect that immediate action is taken i.e. shutting the fuel off the unit in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, "gagging" the valve shut, and replacing the valve at the first opportunity.

Only in exceptional circumstances and according to the Master's authority is the main engine to be operated with leaking air starting system valves.

Air starting systems usually incorporate two or more air reservoirs. According to experience with the main engine plant, the Chief Engineer is to issue standing instructions regarding the air reservoirs which are to be online during manoeuvring.

Following manoeuvring and during full away passage conditions and dependent on the particular system i.e. connections with auxiliary engine air starting system etc., as many air reservoirs as possible are to be taken off line and their isolating and stop valves shut. The pressure in these reservoirs is to be maintained at the operating maximum.



Marine diesel engine related other useful articles:
  1. Four stroke cycle diesel engines operational guideline

  2. The four-stroke cycle is completed in four strokes of the piston, or two revolutions of the crankshaft. In order to operate this cycle the engine requires a mechanism to open and close the inlet and exhaust valves
    More .....

  3. Two stroke cycle diesel engines operational guideline

  4. The two-stroke cycle is completed in two strokes of the piston or one revolution of the crankshaft. In order to operate this cycle where each event is accomplished in a very short time, the engine requires a number of special arrangements.
    More .....

  5. Power measurement for marine diesel engine - The engine indicator

  6. There are two possible measurements of engine power: the indicated power and the shaft power. The indicated power is the power developed within the engine cylinder and can be measured by an engine indicator. The shaft power is the power available at the output shaft of the engine and can be measured using a torsionmeter or with a brake.
    More .....

  7. Supply of fresh air and removal of exhaust gases by a gas exchanger

  8. A basic part of the cycle of an internal combustion engine is the supply of fresh air and removal of exhaust gases. This is the gas exchange process. Scavenging is the removal of exhaust gases by blowing in fresh air.
    More .....

  9. The fuel oil system for a diesel engine

  10. The fuel oil system for a diesel engine can be considered in two parts—the fuel supply and the fuel injection systems. Fuel supply deals with the provision of fuel oil suitable for use by the injection system.
    More .....

  11. Lubricating oil system for a marine diesel engine - how it works

  12. The lubrication system of an engine provides a supply of lubricating oil to the various moving parts in the engine. Its main function is to enable the formation of a film of oil between the moving parts, which reduces friction and wear. The lubricating oil is also used as a cleaner and in some engines as a coolant.
    More .....

  13. Cooling of ships engine - how it works , requirement of fresh water & sea water cooling system

  14. Cooling of engines is achieved by circulating a cooling liquid around internal passages within the engine. The cooling liquid is thus heated up and is in turn cooled by a sea water circulated cooler. Without adequate cooling certain parts of the engine which are exposed to very high temperatures, as a result of burning fuel, would soon fail.
    More .....

  15. Starting air system for diesel engine - how it works

  16. Diesel engines are started by supplying compressed air into the cylinders in the appropriate sequence for the required direction. A supply of compressed air is stored in air reservoirs or 'bottles' ready for immediate use. Up to 12 starts are possible with the stored quantity of compressed air.
    More .....

  17. Governor-Function of governors controlling speed of marine diesel engine

  18. The principal control device on any engine is the governor. It governs or controls the engine speed at some fixed value while power output changes to meet demand. This is achieved by the governor automatically adjusting the engine fuel pump settings to meet the desired load at the set speed.
    More .....

  19. Cylinder relief valve of a marine diesel engine - operational guideline

  20. The cylinder relief valve is designed to relieve pressures in excess of 10% to 20% above normal. The operation of this device indicates a fault in the engine which should be discovered and corrected.
    More .....

  21. Explosion relief valve of a marine diesel engine

  22. As a practical safeguard against explosions which occur in a crankcase, explosion relief valves or doors are fitted. These valves serve to relieve excessive crankcase pressures and stop flames being emitted from the crankcase. They must also be self closing to stop the return of atmospheric air to the crankcase.
    More .....

  23. Turning gear operational guideline
    The turning gear or turning engine is a reversible electric motor which drives a worm gear which can be connected with the toothed flywheel to turn a large diesel. A slow-speed drive is thus provided to enable positioning of the engine parts for overhaul purposes.
    More .....

  24. Couplings, clutches and gearboxes of a marine diesel engine

  25. The principal control device on any engine is the governor. It governs or controls the engine speed at some fixed value while power output changes to meet demand. This is achieved by the governor automatically adjusting the engine fuel pump settings to meet the desired load at the set speed.
    More .....

  26. MAN B&W diesel engine - Basic principles and operational guideline

  27. It is one of the MC series introduced in 1982, and has a longer stroke and increased maximum pressure when compared with the earlier L-GF and L-GB designs.
    More .....

  28. Crankcase oil mist detector of a marine diesel engine

  29. It is one of the MC series introduced in 1982, and has a longer stroke and increased maximum pressure when compared with the earlier L-GF and L-GB designs.
    More .....

  30. Various Heat exchanger for running machinery on board cargo ships

  31. Shell and tube heat exchangers for engine cooling water and lubricating oil cooling have traditionally been circulated with sea water. The sea water is in contact with the inside of the tubes, tube plates and water boxes.
    More .....

  32. Guideline for Turbochargers safety and operational requirement

  33. Shell and tube heat exchangers for engine cooling water and lubricating oil cooling have traditionally been circulated with sea water. The sea water is in contact with the inside of the tubes, tube plates and water boxes.
    More .....

  34. Function of Piston & piston rings

  35. Piston forms the lower part of the combustion chamber. It seals the cylinder and transmits the gas pressure to the connecting rod. The Piston comprises of two pieces; the crown and the skirt.The crown of a piston is subject to mechanical and thermal stresses.
    More .....





Marine machineries - Useful tags

Marine diesel engines ||Steam generating plant ||Air conditioning system ||Compressed air ||Marine batteries ||Cargo refrigeration ||Centrifugal pump ||Various coolers ||Emergency power supply ||Exhaust gas heat exchangers ||Feed system ||Feed extraction pump || Flow measurement || Four stroke engines || Fuel injector || Fuel oil system || Fuel oil treatment ||Gearboxes || Governor || Marine incinerator || Lub oil filters || MAN B&W engine || Marine condensers || Oily water separator || Overspeed protection devices || Piston & piston rings || Crankshaft deflection || Marine pumps || Various refrigerants || Sewage treatment plant || Propellers || Power Plants || Starting air system || Steam turbines || Steering gear || Sulzer engine || Turbine gearing || Turbochargers || Two stroke engines || UMS operations || Drydocking & major repairs || Critical machinery || Deck machineries & cargo gears || Control and instrumentation ||Fire protection ||Engine room safety ||





Machinery Spaces.com is about working principles, construction and operation of all the machinery items in a ship intended primarily for engineers working on board and those who working ashore . For any remarks please Contact us

Copyright © 2010-2016 Machinery Spaces.com All rights reserved.
Terms and conditions of use
Read our privacy policy|| Home page||